If you are reading smoke, what part(s) of the ISO read-risk model are you operating in?

When reading smoke, you are primarily engaged in Step 1 of the ISO read-risk model, which involves the recognition and assessment of potential hazards in an environment. This step is focused on gathering observations and identifying indicators that may signal the presence of fire or other risks. Smoke characteristics such as color, volume, and movement provide crucial data that inform your situational awareness and risk assessment.

Step 1 is about understanding what you are facing; therefore, interpreting smoke is a key component in determining possible fire behavior and risks. By analyzing the smoke's attributes, you can make informed decisions regarding safety measures and the approach to an incident.

By contrast, Step 2 involves evaluating the potential impact of the identified hazards, which requires additional analysis beyond just observing smoke. This is why reading smoke primarily aligns with Step 1 in the ISO model, as you are in the initial phase of risk identification rather than assessing the consequences of the hazards.