Safety

The Safety Officer (SE) is primarily responsible for the health and safety of all participants, including
go/no-go authority over activities with regards to issues of safety.

The Safety Officer reports to the Encampment Commander, and also serves as the direct report in the chain
of command for the Health Services Officer.

The SE reviews activities, inspects facilities, equipment, and personnel, and monitors the entire encampment to
insure compliance with CAP safety regulations and Cadet Protection Policies, as well as  keeping a constant vigil
over the encampment to provide a safe, nurturing, growth environment for all participants.

This includes:

    Execution of cadet bag checks for contraband and secure storage of items found.
    Cadet / senior member hydration, fatigue, and proper dress for weather.
    Facility safety, evacuation, and hazard avoidance.
    Appropriateness of activities for safety and related regulations.
    Common sense "safety valve" to entire encampment.

A Safety Officer's situation is unique because he has a responsibility above the specific activity in that
he is protecting both the participants and the corporation.  In most cases, issues raised by the SE
will be corrected or mitigated immediately, however in the rare case of a disagreement between the
Encampment Commander and the Safety Officer, the SE has the responsibility to report his concerns
directly to the Wing Commander for direction and mitigation.  This requires a member who is
knowledgeable in the program, sure of his abilities, and strong in his convictions.  With proper planning,
few if any issues should come up during the activities which are not legitimate unforeseen or emergency
events, but regardless, the SE needs to work as a partner with the Commander to insure all parties
are protected and safe.

In addition to his general safety duties, the SE will serve as the direct report commander for the Health Services Officer
and his staff,  insuring the HSO is providing necessary services as per the direction of the Commander and
addressing any needs or concerns the HSO staff may have during the activity.

Those interested in serving as Safety Officer should have a strong working knowledge of the Cadet Program,
CAP Safety polices, and related regulations.  Previous encampment or emergency services experience is
preferred, though consideration may be given for members with Safety Officer ES ratings or the Safety Officer
specialty track.

The majority of the participation occurs during the encampment, however some participation in the
planning process may be required, especially with consideration to the safety and compliance of planned
activities.   RST is required, and the SE should be be available for the entire encampment,  preferably for the entirety of both Fridays.