What authority does the ISO have when response activities involve dangerous conditions?

The authority of the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) is critical in maintaining safety during emergency response activities, especially when dangerous conditions are present. The correct choice highlights that the ISO is empowered to alter, suspend, or terminate activities if they pose an immediate threat to life or safety. This authority is essential for minimizing risk and ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the response.

In situations where hazardous conditions arise, the ISO can evaluate the situation and make the necessary decisions to protect responders and civilians alike. This might include halting operations that are deemed unsafe, rearranging how tasks are approached, or implementing additional safety measures. The ISO’s primary role is to monitor safety and risk management, making it imperative that they have the authority to take decisive action when necessary to prevent harm.

The other choices reflect actions that could exacerbate dangerous situations or compromise safety protocols. For instance, assigning responders from other jurisdictions without proper assessment might lead to safety oversights. Ordering an evacuation should be based on careful calculations and assessments, not taken lightly or without consideration of the implications. Sending responders into a hot zone without appropriate briefings undermines operational safety, as responders need to be fully aware of the risks they may face. The ISO's ability to alter, suspend, or terminate