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Roadside Safety SOP
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Roadside Safety SOP

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal when establishing a work zone at a vehicle-related incident?

  • To minimize the number of fire department personnel on the scene
  • To ensure responder safety and protect them from traffic (correct)
  • To create a transition zone for the traffic flow
  • To authorize the first-arriving apparatus to leave the scene quickly

    • What is a recommended action when dealing with nighttime incidents?

  • Use bright flashing lights on all emergency vehicles
  • Increase the use of vehicle headlights to enhance visibility
  • Encourage approaching motorists to slow down without signage
  • Reduce all sources of vision impairment for approaching motorists (correct)

    • What must be considered for the placement of warning devices upstream of an incident?

  • Topography features such as curves and hills (correct)
  • The average speed limit of the road
  • The expected time for traffic to clear the area
  • The number of emergency personnel on the scene

    • Once blocking occurs at an incident scene, what is the correct practice regarding vehicle placement?

    <p>Establish a new work zone if parking is necessary in adjacent lanes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the appropriate use of traffic safety vests during active firefighting?

    <p>They are not to be worn by anyone wearing a SCBA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'protected work zone' refer to in the context of roadway incidents?

    <p>The physical area for emergency personnel shielded from traffic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tactic is vital in traffic control measures upstream of an incident scene?

    <p>Establishing advance warning to reduce approaching motorists' speed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When responding to an incident, what should be the initial placement of the first-arriving apparatus?

    <p>Block one additional traffic lane more than that obstructed by the crashed vehicle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of ensuring a blocking apparatus remains on scene?

    <p>To prevent upstream traffic from interfering.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which definition describes the procedure for advising motorists of upcoming traffic control measures?

    <p>Advance Warning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct angle for positioning an apparatus when blocking to the right?

    <p>30 degrees away from the protected area.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the space between emergency responders and moving traffic?

    <p>Buffer Zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of safety vest is recommended for high-risk situations to ensure visibility?

    <p>Class II Safety Vest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should the blocking apparatus be cleared from the incident scene?

    <p>Only after all fire apparatus and ambulances downstream have departed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Incident Commander in relation to roadside safety?

    <p>To ensure all safety measures are in place for responders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of using a blocking apparatus positioned at an appropriate angle?

    <p>To guide traffic away from the hazardous work zone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of deploying cones at 25-foot intervals upstream of the blocking apparatus?

    <p>To provide adequate advance warning to drivers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should blocking apparatus and safety precautions be utilized after a minor motor vehicle accident?

    <p>When there are injuries reported or if any vehicle is not drivable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should EMS units be positioned for optimal safety during incident response?

    <p>Within the protected work zone, with the rear patient loading door away from traffic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with drivable vehicles involved in a minor motor vehicle accident on a freeway?

    <p>Relocate them to a designated Accident Investigation Site</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be the last cone's placement for adequate warning on higher-speed roadways?

    <p>Approximately 250 feet upstream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is essential for maintaining responder safety and effectiveness at the crash scene?

    <p>Ensuring situational awareness is constantly maintained</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT recommended for managing traffic control at a crash scene?

    <p>Turning front wheels of vehicles facing the incident</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of positioning the first arriving fire apparatus upstream of the EMS unit?

    <p>To create a protective barrier for emergency responders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a shadow in the context of a roadway incident?

    <p>To shield the work zone from traffic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes a transition zone?

    <p>The lanes where motorists adjust their speed and position</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be the initial action when establishing a protected work zone?

    <p>Establish command and position first-arriving apparatus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should advance warning and traffic control measures be set up?

    <p>Upstream of the incident to reduce the speeds of approaching motorists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important consideration for nighttime incidents?

    <p>To reduce vision impairment for approaching motorists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during the lane taper process?

    <p>Multiple lanes merge into fewer lanes of traffic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to consider the topography of the area for warning device placement?

    <p>To effectively alert approaching motorists about changes in the roadway</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be avoided once blocking occurs at an incident scene?

    <p>Parking additional vehicles in adjacent lanes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Advance Warning notification procedure?

    <p>To advise motorists to adjust their driving behavior in response to emergency traffic control measures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does blocking to the left entail?

    <p>Steering the driver to the left at a 30-degree angle away from the protected area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended safety equipment for personnel in high-risk situations for visibility?

    <p>ANSI 107-1999 Class 2 Vests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of deploying cones at 25-foot intervals upstream of the blocking apparatus?

    <p>To provide advance warning to drivers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'Buffer Zone' in the context of roadside safety?

    <p>The distance or space between personnel and nearby moving traffic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should EMS units be positioned during an incident response for optimal safety?

    <p>Within the protected work zone and angled away from traffic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should the Incident Commander ensure regarding the blocking apparatus at an incident scene?

    <p>It should remain until all related emergency vehicles have left the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to position a fire department apparatus at an angle while blocking traffic?

    <p>To create a physical barrier that forces traffic away from the work zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of warning devices should be used on higher speed roadways when cones are deployed?

    <p>Flares or additional cones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When must the blocking apparatus remain at the incident scene?

    <p>Until all fire apparatus or ambulances downstream have left the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done after confirming that occupants of a drivable vehicle have no injuries?

    <p>Move the vehicle to a designated Accident Investigation Site</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended distance for the furthest traffic cone upstream of the blocking apparatus?

    <p>100 feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of a Class II Safety Vest as defined in the policy?

    <p>To increase the chance of being seen at distances of 1,280 feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be maintained at all times during an incident response?

    <p>Situational awareness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of blocking apparatus when responding to an incident?

    <p>To create a safe working environment for personnel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action should be taken if one vehicle involved in a crash is not drivable?

    <p>Utilize blocking apparatus and all safety precautions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should personnel ensure regarding responding fire apparatus for blocking purposes?

    <p>They should not cancel units dispatched for blocking while in an area of danger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the protocol when an additional blocking company is needed at an incident?

    <p>Dispatch should send the closest unit to provide further blocking upstream.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement reflects the nature of the guidelines for roadside safety?

    <p>Officers have discretion to adapt guidelines to different scenarios in the field.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of automatically dispatching an Engine and Ladder to vehicle-related incidents?

    <p>To provide necessary blocking for incidents on high-speed roadways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should happen when prior correspondence conflicts with the established order?

    <p>The current guidelines will remain in effect despite prior communications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should the Incident Commander do regarding unnecessary emergency lighting?

    <p>Ensure all unnecessary emergency lighting is turned OFF.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary responsibility of the Incident Commander at a roadway incident?

    <p>Assess the environment for safety and call for additional blocking units if required.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should responding crew members exit the fire apparatus on the shadow side?

    <p>To avoid exposure to oncoming traffic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action is required if crew members cannot exit into the protected area?

    <p>Look upstream and use extreme caution before exiting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of a liaison with the SAPD during an incident?

    <p>To assess if additional lane closures are required.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended use of safety vests for personnel not involved in firefighting?

    <p>Ensure all non-involved workers are wearing their safety vests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Incident Commander's responsibility regarding the placement of non-blocking fire department units?

    <p>They should be placed within the protected work zone (shadow).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should happen when blocking units are no longer needed at the scene?

    <p>Clear blocking units as soon as possible and coordinate with SAPD.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Roadside Safety SOG #2402

    • This document outlines safety procedures for firefighters and emergency medical personnel working in or near moving traffic.
    • The document aims to provide a safer environment for personnel by establishing a protected work zone and employing specific traffic control measures.

    Definitions

    • Downstream: The direction traffic is moving away from the incident scene.
    • Upstream: The direction traffic is traveling from as it approaches the incident scene.
    • High Volume or High Speed Roadway: Any roadway with multiple lanes and speeds exceeding 50 mph.
    • Lane Taper: The merging of several lanes of moving traffic into fewer lanes.
    • Shadow: The protected work zone shielded by blocking apparatus and emergency vehicles.
    • Protected Work Zone: The physical area on a roadway where emergency personnel perform tasks related to vehicle-related incidents (fire, EMS, rescue).
    • Transition Zone: The lanes of a roadway where approaching motorists adjust their speed and position to comply with traffic control measures.

    General Concepts

    • Responder safety is the paramount priority.
    • Traffic Safety Vest Use: Worn except when firefighters are actively wearing SCBA.
    • Minimize vision impairment for approaching motorists at night by reducing unnecessary lighting.
    • Establish advanced warning and traffic control measures upstream of the incident to reduce approaching motorist speeds.
    • Parking Restrictions: After blocking, additional vehicles should not be parked in adjacent lanes, across active lanes, or on opposite sides of a highway unless a new work zone is established.

    Establishing a Protected Work Zone

    • Command: Establish command at the incident scene.
    • First Arriving Apparatus Placement:
      • Position apparatus to create a protected work zone.
      • Block at least one lane beyond the obstruction caused by the crashed vehicle(s).
    • Blocking Apparatus Positioning:
      • Angle apparatus to "block to the left" or "block to the right" creating a physical barrier between the crash scene and approaching traffic.
      • Turn front wheels away from the incident.
      • If equipped, operate rear directional arrow sequencing lights in the appropriate direction.
    • Cone Placement:
      • On slower moving roadways, deploy cones at 25-foot intervals upstream of the blocking apparatus, with the furthest cone at least 100 feet upstream.
      • On high-speed roadways, use flares or additional cones, with the furthest cone approximately 250 feet upstream.
    • EMS Unit Position:
      • Position EMS units within the protected work zone, behind the crash vehicle, with the patient loading door angled away from traffic lanes.
      • If the EMS unit is first on scene, it should position as a blocking vehicle, with the patient loading door angled away from traffic.
    • Minor Motor Vehicle Accidents on High-Speed Roadways:
      • If all occupants have no injuries, safely move all drivable vehicles away from the freeway to a designated Accident Investigation Site minimizing traffic interference.
      • Notify SAPD about the designated Accident Investigation Site.
      • If injuries are reported or at least one vehicle is not drivable, implement blocking apparatus and all safety precautions.
      • Maintain situational awareness.
      • Keep personnel, equipment, and patients within the "shadow" created by the blocking apparatus at all times.

    Roadside Safety SOP Policy #2402

    • The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) has a policy to ensure responder safety when working near moving traffic.
    • The policy applies to all responders, including firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other emergency personnel who work near roadways.
    • SAFD policy emphasizes protecting personnel from vehicles when working at accidents, fires, hazardous material incidents and medical calls.
    • The Incident Commander is responsible for ensuring blocking apparatus stays on scene until all vehicles working downstream are cleared and leaving the incident site.

    Roadside Safety Terminology

    • Advance Warning: Notifying approaching motorists of upcoming emergency control measures.
    • Block: Positioning a fire apparatus at an angle to create a barrier between oncoming traffic and responders.
    • Block to the Left/Right: Positioning an apparatus at a 30-degree angle to the traffic flow to encourage drivers to navigate around the apparatus in a safe direction.
    • Buffer Zone: The space between personnel and moving traffic.
    • Class II Safety Vest: High visibility vests for emergency personnel working in high-risk situations.
    • Downstream/Upstream: Downstream is the direction of traffic movement away from the incident, while upstream is the direction of traffic approach.
    • High Volume or High Speed Roadway: A roadway with multiple lanes and speeds exceeding 50 mph.
    • Lane Taper: Merging traffic lanes to reduce the number of moving lanes.
    • Shadow: The protected work zone shielded by blocking apparatus and other emergency vehicles from oncoming traffic.
    • Protected Work Zone: The physical area of a roadway where emergency personnel perform tasks.
    • Transition Zone: The lanes where approaching motorists adjust their speed and position according to traffic control measures.

    General Concepts Regarding Roadside Safety

    • Responder safety is paramount.
    • Scene size-up and the implementation of appropriate tactics to protect responders from traffic is crucial.
    • At night scenes, reduce all sources of vision impairment for approaching drivers, including headlights, wigwags, and unnecessary lighting.
    • Wear traffic safety vests at all times except when actively fighting fires and wearing a SCBA.
    • Upstream traffic control measures, such as cones and flares, are essential for slowing approaching vehicles, considering topography to enhance warning effectiveness.
    • Park additional vehicles only in designated areas creating new work zones with additional blocking vehicles.

    Establishing a Protected Work Zone

    • Establish Command.
    • Position the first apparatus to create a safe work zone, shielding patients and responders from traffic.
    • Ensure the initial apparatus blocks at least one additional lane beyond the obstruction of the accident vehicle(s).
    • Use the "block to the left" or "block to the right" technique to create a barrier between the crash scene and oncoming traffic.
    • Front wheels of the blocking apparatus should face away from the incident.
    • Utilize rear directional arrow sequencing lights if equipped.
    • Deploy cones at 25-foot intervals upstream, with the furthest cone at least 100 feet upstream for slower traffic, and 250 feet upstream for high-speed roadways.
    • Large apparatus positioning ensures a safe parking zone for EMS units and other fire vehicles, keeping personnel, equipment, and patients within the "shadow."

    Specific Guidelines for Incidents on High Speed Roadways

    • After rapid assessment and confirmation of no injuries, move all drivable vehicles away from the freeway to a designated Accident Investigation Site, minimizing highway traffic interference.
    • Notify SAPD of the designated Accident Investigation Site for vehicle relocation.
    • If injuries are reported or a vehicle is undrivable, utilize blocking apparatus and safety precautions to ensure a safe work environment.

    EMS Unit Positioning

    • Position EMS units within the protected work zone, angling the rear patient loading door away from traffic lanes as much as possible.
    • If EMS is first on scene, position the unit as a blocking vehicle, angled away from traffic.
    • The first arriving fire apparatus should block upstream of the EMS unit, placing it within the protected zone.
    • EMS units shall not cancel or release responding fire apparatus designated for blocking as long as they are in a dangerous area.
    • Two or more sides of the incident require protection at intersections or if the event is near the middle lane of the roadway.

    Individual Roles and Responsibilities

    • Incident Commander

      • Assesses the environment and requests additional blocking units if needed.
      • Transfers command to company officer or Battalion Chief.
      • Ensures all unnecessary emergency lighting is turned off.
      • Ensures directional arrow light (if equipped) is functioning correctly.
      • Ensures all workers not involved in firefighting wear their safety vests.
      • Designates a crewmember for deploying traffic warning devices.
      • Liaises with SAPD to assess lane closure needs and traffic flow direction.
      • Serves as Scene Safety Officer until delegated.
      • Continuously assesses traffic, access, fire control, and extrication situations.
      • Ensures all non-blocking fire department units are within the protected work zone.
      • Coordinates with SAPD for demobilization, ensuring no SAFD units remain after blocking units leave.

    • Responding Crews

      • Don appropriate PPE before exiting fire vehicles.
      • Exit apparatus from the protected "shadow" side, away from moving traffic whenever possible.
      • Remain vigilant about moving traffic and alert fellow firefighters when walking around apparatus.

    • Communication Personnel

      • Dispatch an engine and a ladder to all road-related incidents on high-volume or high-speed roadways.
      • Do not cancel or release responding fire apparatus designated for blocking as long as they are in a dangerous area.
      • Squads should not be dispatched alone to provide blocking for roadside emergencies.
      • If the Incident Commander needs additional blocking, dispatch the closest Engine or Ladder unit.

    Policy Revision and Conflicts

    • These guidelines provide guidance but allow for company officer discretion.
    • The guidelines remain subject to revisions to maintain efficiency and effective emergency vehicle placement at traffic incidents.
    • In case of conflicts with prior correspondence, these guidelines supersede.

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    Related Documents

    SAFD Roadside Safety SOG #2402 PDF

    Description

    This quiz focuses on the safety procedures outlined in SOG #2402 for firefighters and emergency medical personnel working in traffic environments. It covers essential definitions and strategies to create protected work zones and ensure the safety of personnel near high-speed roadways.

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