Collapsed structure

Question 1

Key point summary

Answer 1

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Appliances and equipment may cause vibration and further collapse and, therefore, should be positioned well away from weakened buildings/structures.
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The incident commander should make sure that crews take no action until positive directions are given.
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On arrival the incident commander (IC) will make sure an initial survey and dynamic risk assessment (DRA) are carried out.
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All utilities should be isolated, wherever possible, before any rescue work proceeds. Personnel should be aware that some supplies might not have been isolated, therefore, should not cut water/gas pipes or electrical cables.
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Establish a restricted zone.
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The incident commander must appoint safety officers.
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An agreed evacuation signal and assembly point must be communicated to all personnel.
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The minimum amount of personnel necessary to carry out the task should be used in order not to expose crew members to unnecessary risks.
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Carry out primary surface search and rescue.
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Doors or windows should not be forced as they may be wedged in a position that is supporting a load.
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Consider specialist search and rescue equipment (USAR)

Question 2

The scale and causes of collapsed structure incidents can be varied. Incident commanders should consider these and instigate procedures as necessary. The following are examples of procedures that may be applicable

Answer 2

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Major Incident Procedure.
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Terrorist related incidents.
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Fires and incidents involving hazardous substances.
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Civil disturbances.
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Fires and incidents involving radioactive substances.

Question 3

Collapsed structure incidents will, by their nature, require investigation by the police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Answer 3

Consideration must therefore be given to preservation of evidence. It is important that close liaison is established and maintained with the police and other agencies throughout the incident.

Question 4

Operational procedures

Answer 4

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The incident commander should make sure that crews take no action until positive directions are given.
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All actions must contribute to the overall incident plan.
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The incident commander must appoint safety officers in accordance with the principles of Policy Number 238, to monitor the safety of crews and other personnel working. These officers should not be appointed any other tasks.
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An agreed evacuation signal and assembly point must be communicated to all personnel.
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Only the minimum amount of personnel necessary to carry out the task should be used in order not to expose crew members to unnecessary risks.
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Crews must be rotated at frequent intervals to avoid fatigue.
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An emergency team should remain ready for deployment throughout the time that crews are committed in case of further collapse. This emergency team should not be used for any other operation. If they are redeployed, a further emergency team should be assembled.
To assist the incident commander, the following should be noted:
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On arrival the incident commander (IC) will make sure an initial survey and dynamic risk assessment (DRA) are carried out. From this DRA, the IC will formulate a plan that will need to be flexible in operation and capable of adapting to changing circumstances. The aim of the plan should be to rescue casualties while maintaining the safety of personnel. Generally, rescue operations should be methodical and follow a pattern based on rescues that are easily achievable and moving onto those that are more complex.
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The plan should make sure that all actions are systematic, co-ordinated and based on updated information about the casualties and buildings. In all instances, casualty extrication must be conducted in an organised and safe manner.
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To assist the incident commander in the creation of a plan, the ‘Six Stages of Rescue’ provides a framework for the organisation of any collapsed structure incident. Whilst it is likely that there will not be a clear delineation between each stage and there will be times when stages overlap – the IC must ensure that each stage is undertaken and completed. This logical and progressive approach will mean that operational personnel will maximise effectiveness, particularly in the early stages of an incident.
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Progression through the stages will take a considerable time even at a small single dwelling collapse. The plan should take account of this and the resources required to achieve a safe and successful conclusion to the incident. Rescue operations are conducted under the following six stages:

Question 5

The 6 stages of rescue are

Answer 5

The Six Stages of Rescue
R
Reconnaissance and survey.
E
Elimination of utilities
P
Primary surface search and rescue
E
Exploration of voids and spaces
A
Access by selected debris removal
T
Terminate by general debris removal

Question 6

examples of collapse informative messages

wall collapse
scaffolding collapse
offices collapse

Answer 6

“From………….at ………….; wall collapsed on demolition site; two persons trapped under debris; tactical mode Oscar”.
“From………….at ………….; scaffolding collapsed into road, ten persons injured, tactical mode Oscar”
“From………… at…………; offices of 3 floors, 30 by 30 metres; partial collapse of 2nd and 3rd floors; five persons believed involved; shoring in progress at 2nd floor level; tactical mode Oscar”