GOG 10-42 Collapse Zones

Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Incident Commander regarding structural collapse?

To establish the exclusion zone only

To gather information about the potential for a collapse (correct)

To communicate with the media about the situation

To ensure that all firefighters remain active in fighting the fire

What is the definition of a collapse zone?

A designated area for equipment storage outside the fire scene

An area that could contain debris if a building collapses, at least 1 ½ times the building height (correct)

An area where firefighters cannot operate under any circumstances

A safe zone for civilians during an active firefighting operation

What must all personnel on-scene do concerning the established collapse zone?

Ignore the collapse zone if they feel it is unnecessary

Only report to the Incident Commander when they feel it is needed

Establish their own individual zones based on personal judgment

Adhere to the zones that have been established (correct)

When establishing an exclusion zone, what should be considered if the incident has gone defensive?

Moving the exclusion zone far enough away to protect firefighters from the collapse zone Signup and view all the answers

What type of information should the Incident Commander gather to assess possible structural collapse?

Visual cues, pre-fire building condition, and crew reports Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical action companies should take concerning buildings in disrepair?

Note them from pre-plans and inform dispatch and other shifts Signup and view all the answers

Who has the responsibility to enforce the established collapse zones?

All on-scene personnel, especially the officers Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance for a collapse zone around a building?

1 ½ times the height of the building Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action the Incident Commander (IC) should take upon arrival at a structure?

Conduct a 360 degree walk around the structure Signup and view all the answers

What should the IC include when asking for Emergency Traffic tones to be transmitted?

The geographical location of the exclusion zone and the reason for it Signup and view all the answers

How should an exclusion zone be marked?

With Fire Line Tape Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance for a collapse zone in relation to the building's height?

1 ½ times the building's height Signup and view all the answers

What does the IC need to ensure when declaring a change in strategy from offensive to defensive?

A PAR (Personal Accountability Report) is ordered Signup and view all the answers

When will the collapse zone be enforced until?

The incident is under control or declared safe Signup and view all the answers

Who may be assigned to monitor and enforce the exclusion zone?

A group or division supervisor in the area of concern Signup and view all the answers

Which feature does the IC need to be particularly cautious about during the initial assessment?

Unstable areas of the building Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Command and Structural Collapse Guidelines

The guidelines aim to outline procedures for identifying, developing, and enforcing collapse zones during incidents with potential structural collapse.
Responsibilities for monitoring structural integrity and safety fall primarily on the Incident Commander (IC) and all on-scene personnel.

Responsibilities of the Incident Commander (IC)

Gather information on potential collapse risks from the building's condition, construction type, level of involvement, and reports from crew leaders.
Continuously monitor the building from all sides for signs of instability.
Enforce the established collapse zone and ensure compliance among all personnel on site.

Definitions of Zones

Collapse Zone: Area surrounding a structure to contain debris in case of collapse, minimum of 1.5 times the building height.
Exclusion Zone: Specific area designated by the IC to prohibit activities to protect personnel; expanded during defensive operations.

Procedures for Establishing Zones

Companies should document and communicate the condition of buildings in disrepair to ensure safety awareness.
Upon arrival, the IC or designated safety officer should conduct a complete 360-degree evaluation of the structure, identifying unstable areas and potential hazards.
Should concerns arise, the IC must request Emergency Traffic tones from dispatch to communicate the exclusion zone's details to all necessary parties.
Exclusion zones must be marked with Fire Line Tape after establishment and communication.
If a collapse is deemed possible, the IC should establish a collapse zone and consider debris travel distance in determining its size.
When shifting from offensive to defensive strategy, a Personal Accountability Report (PAR) should be issued to confirm all personnel's evacuation, adjusting the collapse zone accordingly.
The established collapse zone remains enforced until the IC decides to alter it or the incident is resolved and transferred to another authority.

Importance of Communication

Clear communication of zones and hazards is vital for ensuring the safety of all personnel involved during an incident and protecting the public from potential dangers associated with structural collapses.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedures for recognizing, developing, and enforcing collapse zones in situations identified by the Incident Commander (IC). It outlines responsibilities and guidelines for KCFD members at incidents with potential structural collapse. Test your knowledge on these critical protocols.