Road Traffic Accident Procedures (3)
Service Delivery 2
RTA (3)
Scene Safety.
Scene safety
• All incidents carry an inherent element of risk, the negation or mitigation of that risk is the responsibility not only of the incident commander but every member of the crew
• By having a knowledge of the correct procedures to be implemented, scene safety can be established and maintained quickly and effectively.
Personal safety
• When attending an RTA, it is essential that the correct P.P.E. is utilised and maintained for the duration of the incident
• The temptation to remove gloves, goggles or helmets to aid access or speed up tasks should be resisted.
Personal protective equipment
• Full firefighting kit
• Hi - Viz jacket
• Eye protection (visor not sufficient)
• Appropriate gloves
• Hearing protection.
P.P.E.
Operational procedures
• A slow and controlled approach
• Positioning of appliance (fend off)
• Start point of cones and signs
• Commencement of scene assessment.
On approach to the incident a number of procedures will be implemented by the driver and the incident commander, including;
Signs and cones• Traffic cones and accident signs used
to protect scene, warn other road users and designate the incident area
• Procedure for coning off on a motorway can differ from that adopted for other types of road, it is however the standard upon which all other methods are based.
Signs and cones.
HARD SHOULDER
LANE 1
LANE 2
LANE 3
CONES 100m per lane involved
100m
Signs and cones
• Always face on-coming traffic
• Carry cones on right arm, place with left hand
• Place first cone, 8 steps backwards then 1½ steps to the left.
When placing cones the following should be adhered to;
Signs and cones.
POLICE
ACCIDENT
Signs and cones
• If only one sign is carried it should be placed 900m before the incident
• If this is not feasible the minimum distance should be 400m
• Additional cones and signs are generally carried by police vehicles.
Signs and cones
• On roads other than motorways positioning will depend on road layout, weather conditions, traffic speed and road conditions
• Effectiveness of signs, day or night, can be increased by the use of blue flashing lights.
Firefighting
• At all RTA incidents provision must be made at the earliest opportunity to provide fire fighting media
• High pressure hose reels are quick to lay out but the use of 45mm hose and control branch is preferable
• Increased volume of water is better suited to a rapid knock down.
Electrical systems
• If possible electrical systems on vehicles should be isolated by disconnecting both terminals of the battery
• Before disconnecting the battery any electrical systems that may aid extrication should be utilised (windows, sunroof or seat adjustment).
General safety considerations
• Always dismount from the safe side
• Always work within the cones
• Be aware of moving emergency vehicles on the hard shoulder
• Maintain alertness for the full duration of the incident.
THE END
Top Related