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.

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