Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following pieces of information is NOT crucial to gather upon arrival at the scene of a cave-in?
Which of the following pieces of information is NOT crucial to gather upon arrival at the scene of a cave-in?
- What is the victim’s condition?
- Is there more than one victim?
- How many rescuers are available? (correct)
- Have all workers been accounted for?
What is the correct distance for establishing the Hot Zone at a collapse site?
What is the correct distance for establishing the Hot Zone at a collapse site?
- 200 feet in diameter from the collapse
- 100 feet in diameter from the collapse (correct)
- 50 feet in diameter from the collapse
- 150 feet in diameter from the collapse
Which question should NOT be asked to the reporting party or witnesses upon arrival?
Which question should NOT be asked to the reporting party or witnesses upon arrival?
- What is the victim's condition?
- What was the weather like during the incident? (correct)
- What has been done so far?
- Have all workers been accounted for?
In which order should the zones be established at the scene of a collapse?
In which order should the zones be established at the scene of a collapse?
What percentage of fatalities from cave-ins are would-be rescuers?
What percentage of fatalities from cave-ins are would-be rescuers?
Which factor is NOT considered a primary hazard during trench rescue operations?
Which factor is NOT considered a primary hazard during trench rescue operations?
What is the maximum width of a trench measured at the bottom?
What is the maximum width of a trench measured at the bottom?
What should be the policy of TFD during trench incidents?
What should be the policy of TFD during trench incidents?
Which of these statements about trenchs is correct?
Which of these statements about trenchs is correct?
Who is responsible for requesting the TFD Rescue Task Force and Hazmat?
Who is responsible for requesting the TFD Rescue Task Force and Hazmat?
Which of the following describes the nature of trench rescue operations?
Which of the following describes the nature of trench rescue operations?
What is the number of serious injuries resulting from cave-ins is estimated annually?
What is the number of serious injuries resulting from cave-ins is estimated annually?
Why do cave ins and collapses generally occur?
Why do cave ins and collapses generally occur?
In general trenches depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench( measured at the bottom) is not greater than ___ feet
In general trenches depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench( measured at the bottom) is not greater than ___ feet
Excavation is a depression, hole, earth wall or trench man made or natrual of __ feet or greater in depth
Excavation is a depression, hole, earth wall or trench man made or natrual of __ feet or greater in depth
Flashcards
What is the Hot Zone?
What is the Hot Zone?
The immediate area surrounding a collapse, typically 100 feet in diameter, where the highest risk of secondary collapse exists.
What is the Warm Zone?
What is the Warm Zone?
The area around the Hot Zone where rescuers and support personnel operate. It should be established at a safe distance from the collapse.
What is the Crowd Control Line?
What is the Crowd Control Line?
The outermost zone at a collapse site, where spectators and non-essential personnel are kept at a safe distance.
What is a trench?
What is a trench?
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Why do cave-ins occur?
Why do cave-ins occur?
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What is the TFD policy during trench incidents?
What is the TFD policy during trench incidents?
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Who is responsible for requesting the TFD Rescue Task Force and Hazmat during a trench incident?
Who is responsible for requesting the TFD Rescue Task Force and Hazmat during a trench incident?
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What is the nature of trench rescue operations?
What is the nature of trench rescue operations?
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Why is trench rescue unique?
Why is trench rescue unique?
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How many serious injuries occur from cave-ins annually?
How many serious injuries occur from cave-ins annually?
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What is the maximum allowable width of a trench?
What is the maximum allowable width of a trench?
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What are shored trenches?
What are shored trenches?
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What is the most common cause of cave-ins?
What is the most common cause of cave-ins?
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Study Notes
Trench Rescue Overview
- Trench cave-ins in the U.S. cause 60 to 100 fatalities and about 5,000 serious injuries yearly. Approximately 60% of these fatalities are would-be rescuers.
- Fire department personnel face significant risks during trench rescue operations, necessitating advanced shoring, hand tools, earth-moving equipment, and specialized resources.
- The TFD prohibits personnel entry into trenches or excavations unless they are made safe with proper, approved techniques.
Key Hazards
- Primary hazards include the potential for additional collapses due to unstable soil conditions and inadequate shoring.
- Actions such as removing soil or debris, adding weight near trench edges, vibrations (e.g., vehicle movement), rain, or the passage of time can disrupt temporary soil stability and lead to further collapses.
- TFD companies are required to receive training to operate at an awareness level for trench incidents.
Response Protocols
- The TFD Rescue Task Force and Hazmat teams must be dispatched or requested for any incident involving personnel entering a trench or excavation.
Definitions
- Trench: A narrow excavation with depth greater than width; bottom width not exceeding 15 feet.
- Excavation: A depression, hole, earth wall, or trench of four feet or greater in depth, either man-made or natural.
Tactical Considerations
Assessment on Arrival
- Critical information to gather from witnesses includes:
- Accountability of all workers
- Number of victims
- Victim's condition and location
- Whether victims are fully or partially buried
- Time elapsed since the cave-in
- Actions taken thus far
- Nature of work being performed
- Job supervision and authority
Scene Control
- Establish three control zones:
- Hot Zone: 100 feet in diameter from the collapse site.
- Warm Zone: 100 feet beyond the Hot Zone.
- Crowd Control Line: 100 feet beyond the Warm Zone.
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