Which of the following are not laws unless the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has adopted them?

The correct answer is that codes and standards are not laws unless adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Codes and standards serve as established guidelines for best practices, safety regulations, and operational performance metrics in various fields, including fire rescue and emergency services. However, their enforcement as legal requirements is contingent upon their adoption by the AHJ, which has the authority to implement and enforce specific regulations within their jurisdiction.

When codes and standards are adopted by the AHJ, they effectively become part of the legal framework that must be followed. Without this formal adoption, they remain as recommendations rather than enforceable laws. This distinction is crucial for understanding the regulatory landscape within which fire departments operate.

Policies, guidelines, and principles represent different forms of direction or advice that may not necessarily be codified into law. Policies might dictate organizational behavior but do not hold the same legal authority as adopted codes and standards. Guidelines serve as recommendations for best practices, while principles are foundational ideas that guide actions but lack enforceability. Understanding this hierarchy helps clarify the legal and operational responsibilities of fire service professionals.