I-I-07 Structural Collapse Incident Procedures 03/02/2020

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing a safety zone during a structural collapse incident?

To ensure a safe distance from potential hazards (correct)

To keep crowds away from the area

To allow for transportation of victims

To provide space for additional rescue teams

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a cause of structural collapse?

Material fatigue (correct)

Human Factors

Engineering Errors

Natural Occurrences

What is the first action to take upon arrival at a structural collapse scene according to the procedures outlined?

Perform a 360-degree safety survey and size-up (correct)

Begin rescue operations immediately

Establish communication with nearby hospitals

Assess the structural integrity of the building

What should be done to evaluate the risk of fire travel during the scene assessment?

Evaluate the possibility of fire travel in confined spaces Signup and view all the answers

How can the risk of secondary collapse be assessed during the scene preparation?

By determining the nature and extent of damage Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to obtain for operational awareness at a structural collapse site?

Blueprints or site sketches Signup and view all the answers

Which factor during the reconnaissance phase is critical for preventing further hazards?

Assessing the possibility of flooding Signup and view all the answers

What type of hazards should be noted during the assessment according to the outlined procedures?

Electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which team member role is essential to ensure safety during a rescue operation?

Incident Safety Officer Signup and view all the answers

What should be established first to ensure safe access to the incident site?

Perimeter with fire line tape Signup and view all the answers

Which item is NOT required for each entry team during a structural collapse rescue?

Explosive detection kit Signup and view all the answers

How should markings be made to indicate the location of each victim?

Using orange spray paint Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of personnel that should enter a void space on each team?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor in determining if a situation is a rescue or recovery operation?

The condition and position of the victims Signup and view all the answers

Which method is utilized for keeping track of personnel in emergency incidents?

Passport Accountability System Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the structural engineer believes the environment is unsafe during operations?

Evacuate all entry teams immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'Hailing System' during search operations?

To communicate without disturbing rubble Signup and view all the answers

Which type of victims are categorized as surface victims?

Victims on top of light debris or partly buried Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of equipment is essential for atmospheric monitoring during entry?

Atmospheric monitor Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to ensure effective ventilation during a rescue operation?

Continuously assess and modify techniques as needed Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT part of the criteria for selecting which victims to rescue first?

Presence of rescue equipment nearby Signup and view all the answers

When should rescue teams mark entry points with spray paint or chalk?

Periodically during their operations in the space Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for creating an inspection hole before breaching?

To ensure there are no hidden hazards Signup and view all the answers

When establishing secondary escape routes for rescuers, what should be considered?

All potential pathways into and out of the void Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum length a shore can be in relation to its width?

50 times its width Signup and view all the answers

During void exploration, what is crucial for maintaining accountability?

Maintaining ongoing communication about personnel positioning Signup and view all the answers

What should be primarily avoided when breaching walls, roofs, or floors?

Breach in load-bearing areas like columns and beams Signup and view all the answers

What type of systems are preferable for removing patients when clear from the space?

Mechanical advantage systems Signup and view all the answers

Why is cross-beam cribbing constructed with certain limitations?

To ensure stability based on cross grain conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential to check before installing shoring systems?

The base and ground conditions for stability Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of performing lock out/tag out procedures?

To prevent accidental activation of utilities during rescue operations Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary focus when removing general debris?

Prioritizing areas where victims may be located Signup and view all the answers

What should rescuers be aware of to reduce negative psychological effects?

The availability of CISM debriefings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of issuing portable radios to teams?

To ensure constant communication and coordination Signup and view all the answers

What general guideline should be followed for patient packaging?

Ensure C-spine control and use a stokes basket if possible Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if cutting timbers that support debris?

Use proper bracing and shore the area to minimize risk Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structural Collapse Operations Overview

Structural collapse incidents can result from engineering errors, fires/explosions, human factors, or natural occurrences.
A flexible plan is essential for stabilizing incidents and rescuing victims.
Operations require trained personnel, specialized tools, and techniques to minimize risks.

Scene Preparation and Reconnaissance

Technical Rescue Unit Officer-in-Charge (OIC) gathers information from first responders and structural engineers upon arrival.
Conduct a 360-degree safety survey; establish a safety zone twice the building's height.
Identify building occupancy, number of occupants, and victim locations.
Obtain site blueprints or sketches and evaluate structural damage and potential hazards.

Response and Entry Safety

Appropriate response teams are dispatched as per established policies.
A Technical Rescue Team (TRT) member must assume Incident Safety Officer (ISO) duties.
Establish treatment, triage, and rehabilitation areas to support injured individuals.
Ensure safe perimeter establishment and monitor atmospheric conditions before and during entry.

Equipment and Team Preparation

All personnel entering must be equipped with radios, protective gear, and atmospheric monitors.
Teams should include a paramedic and a backup for safety.
The Passport Accountability System tracks personnel presence and movements within the collapse zone.

Search and Rescue Operations

Mark victim locations with spray paint to prevent duplicated search efforts.
Search surface victims (50% found there); explore areas for the most accessible and distressed individuals first.
Maintain communication with rescuers, utilizing sound and tapping to locate buried victims.

Breaching and Shoring Techniques

Create inspection holes to avoid collapse risks before breaching walls or roofs.
Use emergency shoring to stabilize structures; consider load-bearing capacity when selecting materials.
Wood cribbing should support cross beams and include multiple layers for stability.

Patient Removal Protocols

Establish C-spine control and use stokes baskets for safe patient transfer.
Mechanical systems preferred for transporting patients, minimizing manual labor where possible.
Ensure decontamination of all entry personnel post-rescue.

General Debris Removal

Use heavy machinery for debris clearance after all survivors are recovered.
Prioritize search areas systematically during debris removal.

Safety Considerations

Mandate protective gear, ventilate areas, and implement utility lockout/tagout procedures.
Conduct regular safety analyses every 30 minutes to monitor collapse risks.
Ensure psychological support is available for rescuers, factoring in psychological stress during operations.

Termination of Operations

Conduct a roll call to ensure all personnel are accounted for.
Seal off access points post-operation to prevent unauthorized entry.
Complete necessary reports, including NFIRS and OSHA documents, following operational conclusion.

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Description

This quiz covers the critical aspects of structural collapse operations, focusing on incident stabilization and rescue methods. It highlights the need for trained personnel and specialized techniques to effectively manage various collapse scenarios. Test your knowledge on implementing flexible plans for effective mitigation in challenging situations.