standard operating procedure college station fire department

DEPARTMENTAL POLICY
COLLEGE STATION FIRE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: Leave of Absence POLICY: 100.6.20
CATEGORY: Trading of Work Time PAGE: 1 of 1
APPROVED BY:
Chief, Fire Department DATE: 09/01
Trade Time
A trade or trading time is defined as any exchange of time within one shift between two members
of the department.
Trades can be taken for the purpose of enhancement of education, community service, and
personal matters. The number of trades per individual or per shift will be at the discretion of the
Shift Officers. However, no shift trades will allow an employee to work more than 48 hours
consecutively. If a shift employee works 48 hours consecutively, they must be off for a minimum of
24 hours before being eligible for additional trades. This policy may be waved for General Alarms,
Haz Mat Responses, or other emergency call-back situations.
The Fire Department will not be responsible for any controversy on trades or pay back time
between personnel.
A "Trade Sign-Up Book" is located in the Lieutenants Office at each fire station. This book is to
be filled out and the trade approved by the Company Officer.
The "Trade Sign-Up Book" is to be filled out at the fire station which the trade will take place.
Any employee who assumes a tour of duty for another also undertakes all responsibilities for that
tour of duty. Trades shall be between individuals of equal capabilities as determined by the
Station Officer.
Failure to report for a trade will be considered absence without leave and will result in
disciplinary action.
Trade time does not effect the FLSA twenty one (21) day cycle pertaining to mandatory overtime.
Under extreme circumstances a trade may be approved verbally over the phone by the Station
Officer. Both of the employees involved in the trade must make contact with the Station Officer
prior to the trade being approved. The trade must be entered into the trade sign up book as soon
as possible.
rev:4/94;3/99;re#’d 11/02