SOP Standard Operating Procedure RTC Persons Trapped Large Vehicle Aide Memoire Flowchart Introduction Actions Significant Hazards Control Measures References Incident Review Incident Conclusion Document overview This SOP is for incidents involving the rescue of persons from road traffic collisions' where large or heavy goods vehicles are involved. Ref No: R09 PTL 01 Lead FRS: Buckinghamshire Date of Issue: Version No: Review date: Protective Marking:
En Route Aide Memoire High visibility clothing, eye protection, disposable gloves. Slow, cautious approach. Initial Actions Fend off & dismount safe side. Make road scene safe. Identify if hazardous materials are involved. Liaise with other services (if in attendance). Locate casualties and assess check sleeping compartment if present. Formulate tactical and extrication plan. Consider resources in attendance, en route and further resources required. Brief crew. Appoint safety observer. Make incident scene safe (firefighting media, illumination) Establish equipment and debris dumps. Vehicle stabilisation. Make vehicles safe. Establish inner and outer cordons. Commence space creation and extrication. Risk Information Primary Hazards Moving traffic. Fire ignition risk. Fuel and other vehicle fluids. Unstable loads High pressure airlines Hazardous materials Sharp edges and glass. Biohazards (body fluids). FRS equipment usage. In car safety features (airbags/srs etc). Polymer composites. Alternative fuel / power. Dual/additional batteries Gas strut dampers, hydraulic rams. Working at height Key Control Measures Cones, signs, warning lights Safety observer. Escort public to safety. Hose-reel (charged and tested) Portable fire fighting media. Eliminate ignition sources. Vehicle data information if possible. Isolate fuels and power. Electrical gloves (if appropriate). Avoid fuel lines and HV power cables. Battery isolation. Inner and outer cordons. Soft and hard protection Do not cut struts / rams. Respiratory protection. Blocks and chocks in coordination with winches, FRS airbags/cushions. Hearing protection (as necessary). Treat vehicle safety systems as live. SRS restraint harnesses (if Page 2 of 17
Incident Information Location of incident and surrounding risks. Time of day considerations. Weather considerations. Effect on national and local infrastructure Resources Information Additional resources for multiple vehicles. Specialist teams for stabilisation Hazardous materials involvement and make-up. Crew rotation for protracted extrications. possible). Limit access to driver s compartment. Contain / absorb leaks. As Incident Develops Inform all responders of risks. Contain / absorb spillages. Preserve scene for subsequent investigation. Decontamination and bagging procedures. Page 3 of 17
Flowchart Enter Title En-route Brief Vehicle fend off Dismount appliance on safe side On Arrival Slow down, use cautious approach. Crew Safety Brief Appropriate PPE / RPE including: Eye protection Hi-Viz jackets Disposable gloves Make scene safe (if police / HATO not in attendance): Position Cones & Signs Provide firefighting equipment Illuminate scene Implement Fast Roads procedures if appropriate Consider: Police / HATO for traffic management Establish early liaison with other agencies when in attendance Appoint safety officer Implement Hazmat procedures if appropriate Consult with police / HATO before isolating battery Effect on national / local infrastructure Initiate ICS Carry out DRA Formulate Tactical / Extrication plan Establish location & condition of casualties Establish Inner / Outer cordons Establish equipment & debris dump Vehicle / load stabilisation Make vehicle safe Perform extrication Consider resources: In attendance En route More required? Significant Hazards: Moving traffic Fire ignition risk Fuel & other vehicle fluids Unstable loads Sharp edges and glass Biohazards (body fluids) FRS equipment usage (hydraulic equipment, FRS airbags winches, cables) In-vehicle safety features (arbags, SRS, etc) Polymer composites Alternative fuel / power Dual / additional batteries Gas strut dampers, hydraulic rams Pressurised systems Musculoskeletal exposure Arduous working conditions Slips trips and falls Poor visibility Physical or verbal abuse. Contain / absorb any spillage Scene preservation / IRS details / Critical Incident Debriefing Leave incident in safe condition - Ensure duty of care left with relevant authority Page 4 of 17
Supporting Information 1 Introduction 1.1 This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) applies to all fire service operations, which involve personnel attending the incident type RTC Persons Trapped Large Vehicles. 1.2 The purpose of this SOP is to identify and evaluate for risks specifically inherent to this type of incident. 2 Initial Actions Actions on Arrival 2.1 Ensure firefighting PPE including eye protection, disposable gloves and high visibility clothing is worn. 2.2 If the Fire Service arrives first, a warning sign e.g. Police Accident should be placed 900 metres before the incident. If due to lack of personnel, this is not achievable then a sign should be positioned 300 metres before the incident. 2.3 Appliances should be used to make the road scene safe by positioning in a fend off and making use of lights and conspicuity markings. 2.4 It is preferable to leave the hard shoulder open at a motorway incident to allow the emergency services access into the scene. Where an incident occurs on the hard shoulder, both the hard shoulder and Lane 1 should be coned off and protected by fire appliances in the Fend Off position. 2.5 Crews must where possible dismount on the safe side away from traffic. 2.6 Implement further road scene safety if Police/HATO are not in attendance. 2.7 Liaise with other services (if in attendance). 2.8 Provide hose-reel to cover the risk area, charged and tested. Portable firefighting media should additionally be provided and placed by the hosereel ready for use if required. 2.9 Eliminate ignition sources within the risk area where possible. 2.10 In poor visibility, appliance fixed and portable lighting should be used to illuminate the working area. Lighting is to be placed so as not to dazzle other road users. 2.11 Establish location of casualties. Undertake casualty assessment including gender, age, level of consciousness and any pre existing medical conditions. Check sleeping compartment in cab. Page 5 of 17
2.12 Formulate tactical and extrication plan (including a plan B). 2.13 Consider resources in attendance, en route and what further resources may be required. 2.14 Brief crew. 2.15 Establish and equipment dump and debris dump. 2.16 Undertake vehicle / load stabilisation chocks and blocks, lines, strops, winch and or FRS airbags/cushions. 2.17 Make vehicle safe if necessary disconnect battery. Liaise with Police where possible. Where possible, disconnect batteries so that if connections can be reinstated. 2.18 Remember, even though the power is isolated certain safety devices if not deployed should be treated as live. Crews and others in attendance should be made aware. If available, restraint harnesses should be secured to steering wheels to reduce the risk of injury. Access to the driver s compartment should be limited to minimal essential entry only. 2.19 Create an outer cordon and inner cordon. Where possible, maintain a 2 metre clear zone within the inner cordon. 2.20 Perform extrication(s). 2.21 Appoint a dedicated safety observer to evaluate the potential risk associated with the type of road, oncoming traffic, stationary traffic, weather conditions and time of day. 2.22 Soft and hard protection to cover exposed glass edges or sharp metal/polymer composite edges. 2.23 If winches are being used, the cable should have a protective sheet placed over it to minimise damage if the cable snaps. 2.24 If ground anchor pins are being used to secure a portable winch, try to identify possible presence of utility pipes and cables. 2.25 When using winches, airbags or cushions ensure crews pack as they jack. 2.26 When undertaking glass removal, personnel should wear respiratory protection. 2.27 To assist with reducing risks associated with working at height when working on vehicle cabs, ladders should be footed and when available replaced with working platforms. 2.28 To avoid stress, fatigue and injury when using hydraulic rescue equipment, try to rotate users and use correct manual handling techniques. Page 6 of 17
2.29 Spilled vehicle fuels such as petrol, diesel, oil etc., remaining on the road surface following a collision may need to be absorbed or contained to prevent entry to drains, gulley s or nearby open water surfaces. 2.30 Absorbent materials carried in the Environment Agency Grab pack can be used. Alternatively this task can be passed to other such vehicle recovery agents, Local Authority, HATO or the Police. 2.31 Inform Control of spillage, including an estimate of litres involved. The Environment Agency is to be informed if more than 25 litres is spilled. Incident Information 2.32 Identify exact location of incident. 2.33 Consider surrounding risks. 2.34 Consider effects of time of day or weather conditions into tactical plan. Resource Information 2.35 Consider use of specialist teams for stabilisation (USAR) 2.36 Liaise with other services and agencies in attendance. 2.37 Police should control members of the public in vicinity. 2.38 Consider request to update traffic matrix signs via Police / HATO. 2.39 Instigate hazardous materials procedures if involvement suspected and liaise with HMEPA. Significant Hazards and Control Measures Moving Traffic. Risk of impact injuries from vehicles passing risk area whilst working on or near road. Fire ignition risk. Ignition of fuel vapours during FRS work. Fend-off. Warning lights (portable and vehicle). High visibility clothing. Safe-side dismounting. Dedicated safety observer. Cones and signs if Police/HATO not in attendance. Escort public to safety. Consider use of matrix signs via Police/HATO Hose-reel: tested, charged and covering risk area. Portable firefighting media. Eliminate ignition sources in risk area. Stop/prevent leaks. Page 7 of 17
Fuel and other vehicle fluids may be flammable, slippery underfoot or harmful to the environment. Sharp edges and glass (shattered, smashes or cut) leading to cuts and respiratory injury. Biohazards due to the presence of body fluids. FRS Equipment Usage Potential hazards associated with the use of FRS airbags/cushions, portable and or vehicle mounted winches (i.e. unstable load), cable needling, cable snapping, cable hook not properly secured or sudden unexpected movement, use of hydraulic rescue equipment (i.e. manual handling, incorrect use, hands too close to cutting tips), injury, fatigue and high pressure oil injection injury, noise induced hearing loss. In vehicle safety features such as vehicle airbags, pre-tensioners and other SRS systems that have not deployed are liable to activate even after battery isolation. Polymer composites can contain products that can be an irritant and sensitizer. Injury and ill health can arise from contact and inhalation of glass particles, free fibres and toxic gases that Absorb flammable leaks. If possible disconnect batteries so they can be reconnected later. Consider breathing apparatus. Hose-reel Portable firefighting media. Contain leaks. Cordon areas. Winding windows down where possible. Soft and hard protection. Respiratory protection for glass removal. Use of water or film/tape in cutting areas. Inform all agencies / responders of risk. Disposable gloves. Eye protection. Decontamination and bagging procedures. Two meter clear zone within inner cordon where possible. Use of blocks and chocks in co-ordination with FRS winches, airbags/cushions. Protective sheets over winch cables. Attempt to identify utility services if using ground anchors. Hearing protection if appropriate. Battery isolation. Treat as live even when battery isolated. Inform all agencies / responders of risk. Continuing DRA during space creation activities. Monitor manual handling activities. Use of restraint harnesses if possible. Limit access to driver s compartment to minimal essential entry only. Do not improvise safety measures. Respiratory protection. Soft and hard protection. Cordons. Inform all agencies / responders of risk. Page 8 of 17
are released in fire. Alternative fuels and power Potential leak / ignition hazards or compromised high voltage electrics. Crash sensors often isolate power supplies. Power units have chemicals such as sodium and sulphur based in packs as well as separate traditional lead acid batteries for vehicle systems. Isolate fuels and power where possible. Seek vehicle risk information if possible. Ascertain fuel type Ascertain and avoid tank locations. Ascertain and avoid power pack / high voltage cable locations. Contain leaks. Compressed air seats may fail resulting in uncontrolled movement High pressure air systems may fail or the hoses may be damaged during extrication Dual / additional batteries and capacitors can be fitted to vehicles to power various additional systems. They can provide a source of ignition even though the main battery has been disconnected. It is also possible that additional batteries could rearm restraint systems to become live again. Gas strut dampers and hydraulic rams Gas struts are filled with an inert gas and emerge as a projectile if forced, or they are accidentally cut. Cutting hydraulic rams / hoses on vehicles with tail lifts and etc. can lead to sudden collapse. Falls from height / objects falling from height while gaining access Musculoskeletal injury due to trying to gain access to vehicle. Adjust seat position if necessary then isolate Isolation Drain tank / reservoir Hearing protection Eye protection Isolation Do not cut. Soft and hard protection. Use of Working at height platform or LOBO system Lessen loads where possible e.g. removing tailgates before roof removal. Additional space creation to facilitate Page 9 of 17
Arduous working conditions Protracted incidents with significant physical exertion by crew members can lead to exhaustion and possible increased likelihood of injury. Slips, trips and falls due to uneven or slippery road surfaces. Poor visibility due to weather conditions or time of day. Physical attack or verbal abuse from injured trapped casualties, family members or members of the public. manual handling operations. Follow principles of TILE (task, individual, load, environment). Rotate crews as appropriate. Request additional resources / equipment as appropriate. Scene lighting (do not dazzle other road users). Absorb/contain/cordon-off fluid spills. Cordons as appropriate. Use of appliance and portable lighting. Do not dazzle other road users. FRS violence and aggression procedures. Police assistance. Page 10 of 17
3 As Incident Develops Actions 3.1 Review tactical plan. 3.2 Inform all responders of risks. 3.3 Contain / absorb spillages. 3.4 Preserve scene for subsequent investigation. 3.5 Decontamination and bagging procedures. Considerations 3.6 Rotation of crews where fatigue is relevant factor. 4 Closing Stages 4.1 Inform all personnel as and when road is reopened to traffic. 4.2 Inform Police of relevant FRS acts such as isolating batteries or moving switches. 4.3 Gather vehicle and casualty details for IRS 4.4 Ensure identified hazards are handed over to relevant agency / contractor. 4.5 Hot debrief 4.6 Referrals for critical incident debriefing. 4.7 Post incident recording of any hazardous materials exposure. Page 11 of 17
5 Relevant References This document is potentially linked to the following operational procedures documents: Document Name Status 6 Additional Information Page 12 of 17
Incident Review: Incident Specific Generic Notes Safe working area: road and vehicle Key Control Measures Spans of Control. Adequate resources. Risk Assessment. En Route Operational Considerations On Arrival Fend off Cautious approach. Space for special appliances. Fast roads procedures Incident Information Time of day Weather Effect on national / local infrastructure Resources Information Specialist teams Crew rotation Confirm what s happening. Dynamic or static? Extent of incident. Immediate risks. Confirm location. Wind direction Terrain Access /egress routes RVP /marshalling areas. STEPS protocol. SSRI / Plans. On-site knowledge. MDT ops guidance. Current resources Agencies on scene. Agencies required. Future FRS needs. Hazard & Safety Information Page 13 of 17
Incident Review: Incident Specific Generic Notes Hazardous materials. Sharp edges / glass Additional batteries FRS equipment hazards Vehicle systems Pressurised systems Unstable loads Prioritise Objectives Road scene safety Vehicle scene safety Environmental protection Consider risk versus benefit Fire / smoke. Fire load/rapid fire spread. Gas (toxic, flammable, asphyxiant). Biohazards. Collapse. Water. Falls from height. Objects falling from height. Cylinders. Asbestos. Confined spaces. Dust (explosion, irritant) Electricity. Access / egress. Animals. Violence. Environmental. Impact (machinery, vehicles). Pressurised systems. Arduous working conditions. Manual handling. Visibility. Ground conditions. Temperature (hot, cold) Noise, vibration. Clear, Defined. Cordon control. Firefighting. Search. Rescue. Secure water supply. Protect environment. Protect property. Protect surrounding. Prevent escalation. Firebreak. Scene preservation. Damage limitation. Salvage. Crew welfare. Security of property. Tactical Plan Page 14 of 17
Incident Review: Incident Specific Generic Notes Communicate Control Achievable. Acceptable risk levels. Address conflicting priorities. Allocation of tasks. Safe systems of work. Identified stages. Defined control measures. Plan resourced. Complements other agency plans. Plan B identified. Flexibility. Relevant, Accurate, Timely Tactical mode. Tactical plan. Risk information. Messages, CHALETS. Other agencies. Radio channels. Brief senior personnel. Correct medium. Confirmation of receipt. Regular updates. Clear briefing Sectors (ops and functions) Command support Spans of control. Clear lines of communication/control. Review plan, objectives, progress. Adjust resources / requirements as necessary. Mentoring (as appropriate) Page 15 of 17
Equipment Inventory check. Clean / decontaminate equipment. Hygiene Personal cleaning. PPE cleaning / bagging. Further cleaning on return. Debrief Hot debrief. Other agencies. SSRI information Records Decision logs, contemporaneous notes. Paperwork from incident. Incident recording system. Performance monitoring records. Structured debriefing. Photographs procedures. Safety events. Equipment usage recording Handover Handover to responsible person / authority. Incident handover form, if applicable. Welfare Post incident welfare. Critical incident debriefing. Occupational health referral. Incident Conclusion Page 16 of 17
7 Technical References 7.1 Fire and Rescue Service Act 2004 7.2 Guidance to Policing Motorways (motorway manual) Centrex 2006 7.3 GRA 1.1 Emergency response and arrival at the scene 7.4 GRA 4.1 Incidents Involving Transport Systems Roads Document Control Document Control Enter Code_01_SOP_Enter Title Version Date Author Role Status Changes Page 17 of 17