Who is responsible for ensuring that all members of a unit have proper PPE?

The Company Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring that all members of their unit are equipped with proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This responsibility is integral to maintaining safety within the unit, especially during operations where exposure to hazards is a concern. The Company Officer's direct oversight of personnel means they are most familiar with their team's needs and the specific situations they may encounter.

By ensuring that each member uses the appropriate PPE, the Company Officer helps to mitigate risk and enhance the safety and effectiveness of the team. This includes performing checks, conducting training sessions on PPE use, and addressing any issues related to equipment availability or condition. Their leadership ensures compliance with safety protocols and reinforces a culture of safety within the fire service.

Other roles, while important, do not have the same direct responsibility for the PPE of individual firefighters. The Incident Commander oversees broader operational aspects; the Safety Officer focuses on overall safety at incidents, not specific to individual unit PPE; and a Staff Officer may have administrative functions without direct oversight of active crew safety. Thus, the Company Officer is best positioned to fulfill this critical responsibility.