Law Number

WAC 118-04-200

Summary Title

Emergency Worker Responsibilities

Summary

An Emergency Worker must report to the appropriate on-scene official and must certify to this official that they are mentally and physically fit for any assigned duties, are of all responsibilities, and will comply with them. These responsibilities include: a duty to provide notice if they are on a drug that could impair functionality, an obligation to refrain from being under the influence of alcohol while participating in events or missions, and a requirement that they possess a valid operator’s license, not use a private vehicle unless explicitly permitted, and obey all traffic laws if they are tasked to operate a vehicle. They can be held legally responsible for failure to obey these responsibilities.

Full Title

Personal responsibilities of emergency workers

Full Text

(1) Emergency workers shall be responsible to certify to the authorized officials registering them and using their services that they are aware of and will comply with all applicable responsibilities and requirements set forth in these rules. (a) Emergency workers have the responsibility to notify the on-scene authorized official if they have been using any medical prescription or other drug that has the potential to render them impaired, unfit, or unable to carry out their emergency assignment. (b) Participation by emergency workers in any mission, training event, or other authorized activity while under the influence of or while using narcotics or any illegal controlled substance is prohibited. (c) Participation by emergency workers in any mission, training event, or other authorized activity while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. (d) Emergency workers participating in any mission, training event, or other authorized activity shall possess a valid operator's license if they are assigned to operate vehicles, vessels, or aircraft during the mission unless specifically directed otherwise by an authorized official in accordance with RCW 38.52.180. All emergency workers driving vehicles to or from a mission must possess a valid driver's license and required insurance. (e) Use of private vehicles, vessels, boats, or aircraft by emergency workers in any mission, training event, or other authorized activity without liability insurance required by chapter 46.29 RCW is prohibited unless specifically directed otherwise by an authorized official in accordance with RCW 38.52.180. (f) Emergency workers shall adhere to all applicable traffic regulations during any mission, training event, or other authorized activity. This provision does not apply to individuals who have completed the emergency vehicle operator course or the emergency vehicle accident prevention course and who are duly authorized under state law to use special driving skills and equipment and who do so at the direction of an authorized official. (2) Emergency workers have the responsibility to comply with all other requirements as determined by the authorized official using their services. (3) When reporting to the scene, emergency workers have the responsibility to inform the on-scene authorized official whether they are mentally and physically fit for their assigned duties. Emergency workers reporting as not fit for currently assigned duties may request a less demanding assignment that is appropriate to their current capabilities. (4) Emergency workers have the responsibility to check in with the appropriate on-scene official and to complete all required recordkeeping and reporting.

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