Operating Procedures for Roadway Incidents Flashcards
refers to the act of merging several lanes of moving traffic into fewer moving lanes.
Taper (120’)
the area at a vehicle-related roadway incident shielded by the
block. This space is also commonly referred to as the work area, which is the prevalent termused in this manual.
Incident space
the distance between moving traffic and the personnel and
vehicles in the protected work area.
Buffer space (80 ft)
positioning a fire department apparatus at an angle to traffic lanes,
creating a physical barrier between upstream traffic and the work area.
Block
involves the roadway lanes where approaching motorists
change their speed and position to comply with traffic control measures established at an incidentscene.
Transition zone
also known as incident space and refers to the area at a vehicle-related
roadway incident shielded by the block.
work area
Emergency response to incidents on limited-access highways should include at least
One unit traveling in each direction
When units respond together in the same direction, they should remain
in single file
Vehicle operators should only use designated median strip crossovers marked “AUTHORIZEDVEHICLES ONLY” when
they can complete the turn without obstructing the flow of traffic in
either direction or when all traffic movement has stopped.
Taper distance
120’
Buffer space distance
80’
The primary objectives for any roadway incident
▪ Establish a safe operating area (i.e., work area) to prevent emergency worker injuries.
▪ Provide emergency care and transportation for the sick or injured.
▪ Establish a water supply.
▪ Protect the environment.
▪ Restore normal traffic flow.
▪ Keep as many traffic lanes open as possible.
▪ Preserve evidence for investigators.
▪ Use the Incident Command Systems to manage resources.
refers to the direction of traffic approaching the incident scene.
Upstream
The use of U-turn access points between Jersey barriers presents an extreme hazard and should occur only when necessary for
Immediate life saving measures
Inside travel lane
lane 1
Multiple EMS units on a roadway incident should position:
diagonally in the protected area for rapid egress
When exiting their apparatus, personnel should perform the following tasks:
- Don appropriate protective clothing or traffic vests.
- Ensure adjacent traffic has stopped or slowed.
- Exit on the work-area side of the apparatus, if possible.
- Ensure their travel path is clear of debris or other hazardous obstacles.
LCES acronym stands for
Lookouts
Communications
Escape Routes
Safety Zones
Emergency warning lights may be turned off when all three of the following conditions occur:
daylight hours,
all involved vehicles and emergency vehicles have been moved out of traffic lanes onto the highway shoulder,
traffic is congested and passing slowly.
When emergency warning lights are turned off, ________ must be activated
emergency flashers
The amount of time required for the human eye to recover from the effects of glare once lights passes through the eye
Glare recovery time
When the eye moves from light to dark, vision recovery takes ______ seconds
6
When moving from dark to light, vision recovery takes ______ seconds
3
At ____ mph, a vehicle travels approximately _____ ft per second
50mph, 75ft
After experiencing glare, a vehicle driver will travel _____ft in the____seconds it takes for them to fully regain their night vision
450ft, 6 seconds
Studies have show that at a distance of ______ car lengths, oncoming vehicle headlights complete blind the opposing driver.
2.5
Impact to the traveled roadway estimated to be less than 30 min with
no lane blockage or with minor lane blockage.
minor / level 1
Impact to the traveled roadway estimated to be 30 min to 2 hr with
lane blockages but not full roadway closure.
intermediate / level 2
Impact to the traveled roadway estimated to be more than 2 hr, OR
the roadway is closed in any single direction; significant area-wide
congestion is expected.
major / level 3
What allows agencies with jurisdictional authority or functional responsibility for the incident jointly provide management direction to an incident?
Unified command
What helps to watch for dangers and provide warnings on the roadway?
Assigning a lookout or spotter.
What should responders do to avoid distracted drivers?
Never turn your back to traffic. Face traffic and remain alert at all times.
Responder should have an ___ to get out of the way of our drivers?
escape plan
When can access/egress ramps be used in the opposite direction of travel?
When the officer can confirm that the oncoming traffic is stopped
When can crews cross over lanes of traffic on foot?
Only when the roadway is completely shut down
Who’s responsibility is proper spotting and placement of apparatus?
Driver and officer
As soon as the first unit arrives on scene, the officer shall advise the communication center of what?
The proper location using terms such as north, east, south, West directional references and noting whether an incident is prior to or after a landmark, such as an exit.
How close should the blocking engine be to the roadway incident?
Close enough to provide a hose line for protection but far enough to allow room for other units to operate.
How should the blocking engine be positioned on a Roadway Incident?
At an angle to lanes, with the pump panel toward the work area to protect pump operator in front wheels rotated away from the incident. Known as the ‘fend off’ position.
At intersections or incidents with two or more sides that need to be protected, how should blocking be prioritized?
For most critical to least critical.
How far should blocking apparatus be placed behind the first operating unit?
At least 50 feet to create a safe working area. Page 10
Channeling traffic around a curve, hill or ramp, where should the first cone/flare be placed?
Placed prior to the hill or curve.
As the human eye adapts to thedark, the color ______ blends into nighttime surroundings and becomes more difficult to see.
Red
What is the best combination of lights for maximum night visibility?
Red warning lights on.
Headlights off.
Fog lights off.
Pump panel lights on.
Spotlights on rear and front arms and directed to a traffic cone.
Traffic directional boards operating.
One minute of stopped traffic causes a _______ minute delay in travel?
4
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