Front line firefighters have another tool that provides a way to be heard and get unsafe situations resolved. SAFENET is a form, and process, that has been in demand by firefighters themselves. It is a method for prompt reporting and timely resolution of safety and health concerns encountered in wildland fire, all hazard operations, or other related work environments. The information provided on the form will also help collect important, safety-related data at the National Interagency Fire Center, to determine long-term trends and problem areas. The development of SAFENET was recommended in Phase III of the TriData Wildland Firefighter Safety Awareness Study. Here are some facts about SAFENET and how it works.
- Individuals who observe or who are involved in an unsafe situation shall initiate corrective actions if possible, and then report the occurrence using SAFENET. SAFENET reports should identify unsafe situations in wildland fire, all hazard operations, or other related work environments.
- SAFENETs should be submitted to the first line supervisor, whose responsibility it is to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
- SAFENETs may also be submitted directly to the SAFENET system via:
- Internet, through this website http://safenet.nifc.gov
- mail directly to: SAFENET, P.O. Box 16645, Boise, Idaho, 83715-9750.
- or SAFENET forms (Form PMS 405-2, NFES 2633) are no longer available in the cache system. However, you can still submit forms already in circulation or print forms from website and mail in.
- or by phone (1-888-670-3938).
- SAFENET was originally intended for wildland fire operations, but can be used to report on activities such as training, and all hazard events.
- Submitters are encouraged, but not required, to put your name on the report. You don't have to identify yourself to fill out a SAFENET, you can do it anonymously. All SAFENETs will be sanitized before posting to the web. See SAFENET Protocols for sanitizing process.
- There is no punishment or penalty for filing a SAFENET, nor is it mandatory.
- SAFENETs related to incidents that have on-going serious accident investigations will not be posted until formal investigation process is completed. These SAFENETs will be sent directly to the serious accident investigation team.
- SAFENETs that do not meet posting criteria (see SAFENET Protocols) will not be posted to the website.
SAFENET is not the only way to correct a safety-related concern; it does not replace accident reporting or any other official agency reporting method. It's simply an easy, quick way to report a safety concern. It's also a way for front line firefighters to be involved in the daily job of being safe and keeping others safe, by documenting and helping to resolve safety issues. |