Spring Fire Department Guidelines Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Who is responsible for reviewing the guidelines annually for the Spring Fire Department?

  • Fire Chief or designee (correct)
  • Rescue/Extrication Officer
  • Incident Commander
  • Safety Officer

    • What is the primary external guideline that Spring Fire Department personnel must comply with regarding confined spaces?

  • NFPA 1983
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (correct)
  • NFPA 1670
  • NFPA 1858

    • What is a requirement for personnel entering a confined space according to the guidelines?

  • They must have completed a physical fitness test.
  • They must be properly trained and equipped. (correct)
  • They must always work in pairs.
  • They must have at least two years of experience.

    • What does the term 'Hot Zone' refer to in an incident?

    <p>An area around the incident, typically at least 100 feet in all directions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which title is given to the individual who manages all incident operations?

    <p>Incident Commander</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is benching in the context of trench incidents?

    <p>The series of steps to stabilize trench walls.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of the first arriving unit at an incident site?

    <p>Determine the nature of the incident</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Safety Officer during an incident response?

    <p>To oversee safety-related functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is contained within the Cold Zone during an incident?

    <p>Non-essential personnel and support functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What critical information should a confined space entry permit provide?

    <p>Hazards within the space and the number of victims</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is essential for ensuring safety in the hot zone?

    <p>Conducting air monitoring within the hot zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following should NOT be allowed in the hot zone?

    <p>Non-essential parties without proper clearance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be requested from North Comm if there are utility hazards present?

    <p>Dispatch of utility representatives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of conducting air gas monitoring in confined space responses?

    <p>To verify that the atmosphere is safe before entry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During a confined space response, what type of controls may be implemented to manage hazards?

    <p>Ventilation, lock out/tag out, and inerting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in securing a confined space incident site?

    <p>Establish boundaries around the hot zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of sloping the sides of a trench?

    <p>To reduce the risk of collapse</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a spoil pile?

    <p>Soil removed during excavation and piled along the trench wall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of trench collapse is most commonly caused by the spoil pile being too close to the edge?

    <p>Lip Slide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Recovery Mode indicate in the context of a rescue operation?

    <p>The potential is low for a viable, savable victim</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of protective device is a Trench Box or Shields?

    <p>A large metal box placed in the trench</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area is referred to as the Warm Zone?

    <p>Areas usually within 100 feet of the Hot Zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a Side Wall Shear collapse entail?

    <p>An entire wall of a trench shears away</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of safety guidelines during Rescue Mode?

    <p>Prioritizing the safety of rescuers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done immediately after a trench rescue incident is stabilized?

    <p>Ensure personnel accountability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is it safe for personnel to enter a trench?

    <p>After the trench is shored or stabilized</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first action the first arriving officer should take at a trench rescue scene?

    <p>Complete a scene size up and gather data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should ground pads be utilized during a trench rescue?

    <p>To distribute the weight of personnel at the trench ends</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action should be taken with the spoil pile at a trench rescue?

    <p>Move it back at least 2-4 ft from the trench edge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for installing trench shoring equipment?

    <p>Trained members of the Technical Rescue team</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should never occur before a trench is stabilized?

    <p>Patient access attempts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended method for excavation to access a victim in a trench?

    <p>Conducting hand excavation or using hand tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum permissible wind speed for deploying ladders or towers?

    <p>35 MPH</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done to metal hardware that has been dropped from a height exceeding three feet?

    <p>It must be tagged 'DROPPED' and removed from service.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the depth threshold above which rescuers should exercise extreme caution when entering a trench?

    <p>4 feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which command position is ultimately responsible for the scene during rescue operations?

    <p>Incident Commander</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What actions should be taken regarding civilians during an emergency situation?

    <p>They should be kept out of the hazard zone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be established before rescue operations begin?

    <p>An incident action plan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How often should there be a ladder for egress in a trench?

    <p>Every 25 feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Rescue/Extrication Officer at a rescue scene?

    <p>To command placements of shoring equipment and safety functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of the first arriving unit at a confined space incident?

    <p>Establish Incident Command and size-up the situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to manage hazards within the Hot Zone of an incident?

    <p>Remove ignition sources such as radios and cameras.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done immediately before attempting to remove a victim from a trench?

    <p>Dirt or debris must be removed from around the victim.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT included in the confined space entry permit?

    <p>Emergency contact names.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one action that should be taken during the size-up process of a confined space incident?

    <p>Assess the number of patients and their conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action is essential for ensuring safety when approaching a trench?

    <p>Approaching the trench from the ends.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of ground pads during a trench rescue?

    <p>They help to disperse the weight of personnel near the trench.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions is critical for ensuring safety before entering a confined space?

    <p>Conducting air monitoring within the confined space.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be established before any access occurs in a trench?

    <p>The trench must be shored appropriately.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should the Incident Commander primarily focus on when managing the scene of a confined space incident?

    <p>Determining the presence of hazardous materials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the purpose of ventilation in a confined space incident?

    <p>To reduce potential atmospheric hazards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended method for excavation to access a victim in a trench?

    <p>Excavation can be done by hand or with hand tools only.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of the first arriving officer at a trench rescue?

    <p>To conduct a scene size up and assess the situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the job site supervisor during a confined space response?

    <p>To remain at the command post and provide critical information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which personnel should install trench shoring equipment?

    <p>Trained members of the Technical Rescue team or mutual aid responders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important step after stabilizing a trench rescue incident?

    <p>Transfer all care to the responding EMS unit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of a Confined Space?

    <p>A space with limited egress that can pose air contamination risks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which material is used to construct a Rescue Rope for emergency rescues?

    <p>Static kernmantle rope</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a Fissure in relation to excavation sites?

    <p>A large crack indicative of unstable ground</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example is considered a confined space entry situation?

    <p>Entering a sewer system for maintenance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a Ground Pad during a trench rescue?

    <p>To disperse the weight of rescuers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if a worker's body breaks the imaginary plane of a confined space opening?

    <p>They should immediately exit the space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended length for a rescue rope used in emergencies?

    <p>300 or 400 feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes Excavation?

    <p>Any man-made cut or depression in the earth's surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it essential that only trained personnel enter a confined space?

    <p>Untrained personnel may increase safety risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily overseen by the Safety Officer during an incident?

    <p>Safety-related functions of the response.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of benching when dealing with trench incidents?

    <p>To stabilize trench walls and prevent collapse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the Cold Zone during an incident?

    <p>An area with non-essential personnel and resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which NFPA standard pertains to the operations and training for technical search and rescue incidents?

    <p>NFPA 1670</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key factor should be maintained when managing a confined space incident?

    <p>Minimize the personnel in the hot zone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the role of the Rescue/Extrication Officer?

    <p>They lead all rescue operations within the Hot Zone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a crucial condition for operating in a trench rescue scenario?

    <p>There must be a qualified person in charge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done after metal hardware has been dropped from a height exceeding three feet?

    <p>It should be tagged 'DROPPED' and turned in to the Quartermaster.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum depth a rescuer can enter a trench without proper safety measures?

    <p>4 feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a requirement for maintaining safety in trench rescue operations?

    <p>An incident action plan should be established with all onsite personnel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which command position is responsible for the placement of shoring equipment during rescue operations?

    <p>Rescue/Extrication Officer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be assessed by the first arriving officer at an incident site?

    <p>Immediate and potential hazards to personnel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a necessary action when an evacuation of victims from a rescue scene is complete?

    <p>Victims must undergo a medical evaluation and transport by EMS if needed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which safety measure is NOT mentioned for rescuer entry into deep trenches?

    <p>Use of helmets by rescue teams</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done with non-essential personnel during an emergency situation?

    <p>They must be kept out of the hazard zone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a confined space?

    <p>It has limited ingress and egress and can contain hazardous atmospheres.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material is a rescue rope primarily constructed from?

    <p>Static kernmantle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an example of a confined space?

    <p>Outdoor parking lots</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of a ground pad during a trench rescue?

    <p>To disperse the weight of rescuers at the trench lip</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of excavation in the context given?

    <p>Any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth's surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common risk associated with confined spaces?

    <p>Hazardous dust and gas accumulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What signifies a 'fissure' as described in the content?

    <p>A large crack indicative of unstable ground movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a confined space entry permit?

    <p>To outline necessary safety requirements and monitor atmospheric conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the guidelines for the Spring Fire Department regarding confined space incidents?

    <p>To establish protocols for response to confined space or trench incidents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which individual is tasked with overseeing safety functions during an incident?

    <p>Safety Officer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Cold Zone' refer to in the context of an emergency incident?

    <p>An area for non-essential personnel and resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How frequently must the guidelines for confined space incidents be reviewed for accuracy?

    <p>Annually by the Fire Chief or designee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the Rescue/Extrication Officer during confined space rescues?

    <p>To lead rescue efforts within the Hot Zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key guideline for personnel entering confined spaces?

    <p>All personnel must be involved in the entry procedure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum distance an area is typically designated as the Hot Zone during an incident?

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

    In what situation should personnel refrain from entering a confined space?

    <p>If they lack proper training or equipment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first action to be taken by first responders upon arrival at a rescue scene?

    <p>Determine if the response will be a rescue or recovery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which unit is responsible for executing the incident action plan during a rescue?

    <p>Rescue Firefighters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must the Incident Commander provide at the end of their scheduled workday?

    <p>A narrative report of the incident</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option best describes a critical consideration when establishing Scene Management?

    <p>Establishing the Incident Command System right away</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of Support Firefighters at the scene of an incident?

    <p>Controlling access and rehabilitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done before any entry occurs at a confined space incident?

    <p>Establish hot and cold zones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a victim survival profile before rescue operations?

    <p>To assess the risk/benefit of entry for the victim's situation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way should the initial brief provided by the Incident Commander be characterized?

    <p>Clear and factual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which task is NOT required before entry into a confined space or trench?

    <p>Setting up a public information officer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should the Incident Commander establish the Incident Command System?

    <p>As soon as they arrive on scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for monitoring the atmosphere prior to and during entry into a hazardous area?

    <p>A designated member as per the IC or Rescue/Extrication officer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What requirement must be met if a toxic or combustible atmosphere exists before entry?

    <p>Adequate ventilation must be initiated prior to entry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be created and discussed with all rescue teams before rescue operations commence?

    <p>An incident action plan</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding personnel entering the hot zone?

    <p>Names of all personnel entering and exiting must be recorded</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What item must be designated and established as parts of the incident operation?

    <p>A rehabilitation area for responders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which response team member is specifically trained to operate in hazardous atmospheres?

    <p>Technical Rescue Team members with Supplied Air Respirators training</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of establishing police lines at a confined space incident site?

    <p>To prevent unauthorized entry into the cold zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action should be taken to ensure effective communication during a confined space response?

    <p>Establish a command post for all communication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When assessing the scene of an incident, which of the following should NOT be included in the size-up process?

    <p>Exact location of the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of obtaining blueprints or maps of the confined space during a response?

    <p>To locate and assess entry points and potential hazards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be prioritized before allowing entry into the hot zone?

    <p>Conducting air gas monitoring within the confined space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions should be taken regarding ignition sources during confined space operations?

    <p>Remove all ignition sources including radios and phones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In managing hazards during a confined space response, which type of control is NOT typically utilized?

    <p>Purge lighting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is essential to consider when determining the patient condition during an incident response?

    <p>The time elapsed since the incident occurred</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Confined Space & Trench Rescue Operations

    • Spring Fire Department has established guidelines for confined space and trench rescue operations.
    • All personnel must adhere to these guidelines and follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
    • Proper training and equipment are required for entering confined spaces.
    • The Fire Chief or designee reviews the guidelines annually to ensure accuracy.

    Incident Commander Responsibilities

    • Responsible for incident management.
    • Determines if the situation is a rescue or recovery.
    • Assigns a Safety Officer and Rescue/Extrication Officer.
    • Keeps non-essential personnel out of the hazard zone.

    Safety Officer Responsibilities

    • Monitors safety related functions during the event.

    Rescue/Extrication Officer Responsibilities

    • In charge of rescue operations within the Hot Zone.
    • Responsible for placing shoring equipment, setting struts, excavation, raising, lowering, and safety functions.
    • Works in the Hot Zone from the start of rescue operations until completion.

    Confined Space Response Procedures

    • First arriving units establish Incident Command and assess the situation.
    • Determine the nature of the incident, number of patients, their condition, and severity of injuries.
    • Identify potential hazards such as traffic, downed wires, exposed utilities, and spectators.
    • Establish a hot zone around the site/work area and prevent entry by non-essential parties.
    • Locate the job site supervisor or company representative and request their presence at the command post.
    • Obtain the confined space entry permit from site management.
    • Determine the number of entry points and their locations.
    • Determine the number of patients, their location, and the time they entered the space.
    • Obtain blueprints, maps, or details of the site.
    • If a victim was exposed to hazardous materials, obtain the safety data sheet for relevant chemicals.
    • Ensure fire control measures are in place if needed.
    • Conduct air monitoring in the hot zone and confined space.
    • Remove or restrict all ignition sources within the hot zone.
    • Complete a confined space tactical worksheet (appendix).

    Trench Rescue Procedures

    • First arriving officers perform a scene size-up, determine the time of collapse, type of collapse, and number of victims.
    • Stabilize the surface area around the trench and gather information.
    • Approach the trench from the ends due to the risk of secondary collapse.
    • Do not enter a non-shored/stabilized trench.
    • Place ground pads along the edge of the trench to disperse the weight of personnel.
    • Use hand tools to move the spoil pile back at least 2-4 feet from the edge of the trench.
    • Keep non-essential personnel away from the trench edge.
    • Trench shoring equipment must be installed by trained personnel.
    • Access to the trench is prohibited until it is shored.
    • Excavation for victim access should be done manually, not with power equipment.
    • Patient care begins once the trench is shored and access is made.
    • Do not pull the victim out; remove dirt or debris before attempting removal.
    • Transfer care to responding EMS units upon victim extraction.

    General Safety Measures

    • Ladders/towers are not to be deployed in winds exceeding 35 MPH.
    • Metal hardware dropped over 3 feet must be removed from service, tagged "DROPPED", and turned in to the Quartermaster.
    • Rescuers and EMS personnel must use extreme caution when entering a trench over 4 feet deep.
    • They should not enter a trench deeper than 5 feet unless it is properly shored, shielded, sloped, or benched.
    • There must be a safe atmosphere and at least one ladder for egress every 25 feet in a trench deeper than 5 feet.

    Emergency Operations

    • First arriving officers conduct a scene size-up and gather information including the number of patients, their location, etc.
    • They assess immediate and potential hazards to SFD personnel and the need for additional resources.
    • All confined space and trench rescue operations follow department incident command procedures.
    • Operations should be conducted with as little risk to SFD personnel as possible.
    • Evacuated victims are removed in the safest manner possible and medically evaluated once on the ground.
    • If needed, Special Operations Team personnel from SFD or mutual aid companies should be used for critical command and operational positions.

    Spring Fire Department Confined Space and Trench Incident Response Guidelines

    • Purpose: Establish guidelines for Spring Fire Department personnel and equipment response to incidents involving a confined space or trench.
    • Scope: Applies to all Spring Fire Department personnel.
    • Responsibility: All Spring Fire Department personnel are responsible for knowing and complying with these guidelines.
    • Review: Fire Chief or designee reviews guidelines annually for accuracy.
    • References: NFPA standards (1670, 1858, 1983) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 for Confined Space Entry details.

    Incident Command Organization

    • Incident Commander: Responsible for managing all incident operations.
    • Safety Officer: Designated by the Incident Commander to oversee all safety-related functions during the event.
    • Rescue/Extrication Officer: A trained and qualified Rescue Team member responsible for all rescue operations within the Hot Zone.
    • Competent Person: An on-site person (supervisor, contractor, or worker) in-charge or familiar with all operations at the incident site.

    Definitions

    • Confined Space: Any space with limited egress, not designed for prolonged worker occupancy, where a dangerous atmosphere (oxygen deficiency or hazardous gases) can occur. Examples include basements, sewers, silos, and trenches.
    • Confined Space Entry: When any part of a member's body enters an enclosure with limited ingress or egress points and is not inhabitable.
    • Excavation: Any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface formed by the removal of earth.
    • Fissure: A crack in the earth symbolic of unstable ground.
    • Ground Pad: 2' x 4' sheet of 3/4" thick plywood used at the trench lip to disperse rescuer weight.

    Confined Space Incidents

    • First Arriving Unit: Establishes Incident Command and conducts a size-up. Determines the nature of the incident, number of patients, patient condition, and severity of injuries.
    • Hazard Identification: Identifies potential hazards (traffic, downed wires, utilities, spectators).
    • Hot Zone: A 100-foot radius around the incident site where only essential personnel (Technical Rescue Team, Hazardous Materials Responders) are allowed.
    • Cold Zone: Areas outside the hot zone (usually within 100 feet of the warm zone) where Command, Support, Resource, Rehab, and non-essential firefighters are located. News media and other non-essential personnel are staged outside the Cold Zone.
    • Confined Space Entry Permit: Assists responders in identifying hazards, number of victims, work being performed, atmospheric testing, and hazard control measures (ventilation, Lock Out/Tag Out, purging, inerting).
    • Air Monitoring: Conducts air monitoring within the hot zone and confined space. Provides ventilation as needed. Do not assume the atmosphere is safe until air monitoring is complete.
    • Ignition Sources: Remove or restrict all ignition sources (radios, telephones, cameras) from the hot zone until the atmosphere is deemed safe.

    Trench Rescue

    • First Arriving Officer: Completes a scene size-up and attempts to determine the time of collapse, type of collapse, and number of victims.
    • Stabilization: Stabilizing the surface area around the trench is a priority.
    • Trench Approach: Approach the trench from the ends.
    • Secondary Collapse: Secondary collapse is usually imminent, and personnel shall not enter a non-shored/stabilized trench.
    • Ground Pads: Place ground pads along the trench edge to disperse weight.
    • Spoil Pile: Use hand tools to move the spoil pile back 2-4 ft from the trench edge.
    • Shoring: Install trench shoring equipment by trained members of the Technical Rescue team or trained mutual aid responders.
    • Victim Access: Access to the trench does not occur before shoring is in place. Excavation for victim access should be done by hand or hand tools only. No power equipment should be used without the IC, Safety Officer, and Rescue/Extrication Officer's consent.
    • Patient Removal: The victim should not be pulled out. Dirt or debris must be removed from around the victim before removal.

    Termination of Incident

    • Personnel Accountability: Ensure personnel accountability.
    • Ladder/Tower Deployment: Ladders/towers are not to be deployed in winds exceeding 35 MPH.
    • Hardware Drops: Metal hardware drops over three feet require equipment to be removed from service, tagged "DROPPED," and turned in to the Quartermaster.
    • Trench Depth: Rescuers and EMS personnel must use caution entering trenches over 4 feet deep. They should not enter a trench over 5 feet deep unless it is properly shored, shielded, sloped, or benched. Also, there must be a safe atmosphere and at least one ladder for egress every 25 feet.

    Emergency Operations

    • First Arriving Officer: Perfroms a size-up of the incident. Gathers information (number of patients, location of patients). Assesses immediate and potential hazards to Spring Fire Department personnel. Assesses the need for additional resources. Determines if the situation is a rescue or recovery. Keeps non-essential personnel and civilians out of the hazard zone.
    • Command/Operations Positions: All confined space and trench rescue operations follow department incident command procedures, including Incident Commander, Safety Officer, Rescue/Extrication Officer, and Rescue trained members for rescue and safety team functions.
    • Operation Safety: Operations should be conducted with as little risk as possible to SFD personnel.
    • Special Operations Team: Special Operations Team personnel from SFD or mutual aid companies are used for critical command and operational positions.
    • Victim Evacuation: Evacuated victims shall be removed in the safest manner possible. Once on the ground or in a safe location, evacuated persons shall be medically evaluated and transported by EMS if necessary.

    Confined Space Incident Response

    • This procedure outlines guidelines for responding to confined space or trench incidents requiring entry by Spring Fire Department (SFD) personnel and equipment; applies to all SFD personnel.
    • Compliance with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.146 "Permit Required Confined Spaces for General Industry minimum standards") is the primary guideline for all SFD personnel.

    Key Roles and Responsibilities

    • Incident Commander: Manages all incident operations, provides a narrative report on incident details to the Deputy Chief of Operations.
    • Safety Officer: Oversees safety operations, designated by the Incident Commander.
    • Rescue/Extrication Officer: Trained and qualified Technical Rescue Team member responsible for rescue operations in the Hot Zone, can be the Technical Rescue Team Captain or a delegated competent person.
    • Rescue Firefighters: Members of the Technical Rescue Team responsible for executing the rescue plan under the direction of the Incident Commander and Rescue/Extrication Officer.
    • Support Firefighters: Members of responding apparatus not trained in Technical Rescue; assigned to support roles like access control, rehab, or tasks designated by the IC or Rescue/Extrication Officer.
    • Competent Person: A Supervisor, contractor, or worker familiar with all operations at the incident site.

    Confined Space Definitions

    • Confined Space: A space with limited means of egress, not designed for prolonged work occupancy, where a dangerous air contamination or oxygen deficiency can occur due to hazardous dust, mists, gases, or vapors not removed by natural ventilation.
    • Confined Space Entry: Entry occurs anytime any part of a member's body breaks the plane of the opening within an enclosure with limited ingress or egress points.
    • Excavation: Any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth's surface formed by removing earth.
    • Fissure: A large crack in the earth, horizontal or vertical, indicating unstable ground around an excavation.

    Incident Response Dispatch

    • First Responder and EMS Units:
      • Attempt to determine if it's a rescue or recovery.
      • Contact location management to determine victim(s) location and need for additional resources.
      • Notify North Comm for necessary equipment.
      • Establish Incident Command until arrival of a District Chief or higher rank chief officer.
      • Establish initial hot and cold zones.
    • Incident Commander:
      • Directs and coordinates all emergency services and outside agencies during the incident.
    • First Arriving Captain:
      • Directs their crew to ensure scene safety and preparation for the arrival of Technical Rescue personnel.

    Scene Management and Operations Considerations

    • Incident Command System: Established at the beginning of every confined space rescue incident.
    • Coordination and Consultation: The Incident Commander and Technical Rescue personnel consult with qualified persons, contractors, and safety engineers for the best decision-making to resolve the incident.
    • Victim Survival Profile: Completed before any rescue operations begin to determine the risk/benefit of entry.
    • Pre-Entry Tasks:
      • Incident command is established
      • A rescue/extrication officer is appointed
      • An entry team is established
      • A back up/RIT team is established
      • A Safety officer is appointed
      • An incident action plan is created and discussed with all rescue/standby teams.
    • Resource Pool: Fresh, trained, and equipped responders are available for relief and assisting those concluding the rescue.
    • Atmospheric Monitoring:
      • The IC or Rescue/Extrication officer designates a member to monitor the atmosphere before initial entry and continuously. This task may be completed by the Technical Rescue Team or HC Hazmat Personnel.
      • Monitoring is documented on the confined space tactical worksheet.
    • Toxic or Combustible Atmospheres:
      • No entry allowed until a toxic/combustible atmosphere is ruled out.
      • Proper ventilation must be initiated before entry if a toxic/combustible atmosphere exists.
      • Only Technical Rescue Team members trained in using Supplied Air Respirators (S.A.R.) are allowed into a confined space where a hazardous atmosphere could exist.
    • Rehabilitation Area: A designated rehabilitation area for personnel monitoring. HCESD 11 monitors medical and physical conditions of personnel in rehab.
    • Hot Zone Control: Access to the hot zone is strictly controlled. A designated responder records the names of personnel entering/exiting.
    • Law Enforcement: The IC requests law enforcement to establish police lines, maintain egress routes, direct traffic, and prevent unauthorized persons from entering the cold zone.

    Confined Space Response Actions

    • First Arriving Unit: Establishes Incident Command and sizes up the situation.
    • Incident Analysis: Determines the nature of the incident, reports findings to responding companies, attempts to determine patient(s) count, condition, and injury severity.
    • Hazard Identification: Identifies potential hazards (traffic, downed wires, exposed utilities, spectators). Requests North Comm to dispatch utility representatives.
    • Hot Zone Establishment: A hot zone is established around the site/work area; no entry for non-essential parties.
    • Site Supervisor Contact: Locates and secures the job site supervisor or company representative, requesting their presence at the command post.
    • Confined Space Entry Permit: Attempts to obtain the confined space entry permit from site management; the permit helps identify:
      • Hazards within the space.
      • The number of victims.
      • The supervisor or competent person on site.
      • The type of work being performed.
      • Atmospheric testing before and after work.
      • Hazard controls taken by the company (ventilation, lock out/tag out, purging, inerting).
    • Entry Point Analysis: Determines the number of entry points and locations.
    • Patient Information: Determines the number of patients, their location, and the time they entered the space.
    • Site Documentation: Attempts to obtain blueprints, maps, or related details of the site; if unavailable, a site representative is asked to sketch a diagram.
    • Hazard Material Information: If a victim potentially exposed to a hazardous material, obtains the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for relevant chemicals present.
    • Fire Control Measures: Ensures fire control measures are in place if needed.
    • Air Monitoring: Conduct air monitoring within the hot zone and confined space; provide ventilation within the hot zone as needed. Do not assume the atmosphere is safe until air gas monitoring has been conducted.
    • Ignition Source Restriction: Removes or restricts all ignition sources within the hot zone (radios, telephones, and cameras).

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    Spring Fire Department Confined Space & Trench Rescue Operations PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the essential guidelines and safety protocols of the Spring Fire Department. This quiz covers topics such as confined space entry requirements, incident command roles, and safety zones during emergency responses. Answer questions about responsibilities and safety measures critical to effective incident management.

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