What should be done if deficiencies are found in accountability equipment?

• A. Report deficiencies.
• B. Ignore them.
• C. Replace without reporting.
• D. Document and proceed.

Answer: (A)

Deficiencies in accountability equipment must be reported to ensure gear is inspected, tagged out of service, and repaired or replaced before it’s used. Reporting creates a formal record so maintenance can be scheduled and the crew’s accounting devices (PPE, radios, SCBA, etc.) remain reliable. This prevents deploying with faulty gear or losing track of equipment, which could jeopardize both safety and accountability.

By reporting, you also typically tag the item as out of service and notify the appropriate supervisor, so it can be removed from circulation until fixed. Ignoring the issue, replacing without reporting, or proceeding with known issues would risk malfunction during use and undermine the unit’s safety procedures.