Traffic Control at Emergency Scenes

Page 5 – ETC Participants Guide Agenda Course Introduction Unit 1 Controlling Traffic at an Emergency Scene Unit 2 Equipment and Devices Unit 3 Setting Up the Traffic Control Zone Unit 4 Directing Traffic Tabletop Exercises Unit 5 Course Wrap-up Optional Practical Component Page 5 – ETC Participants Guide

Traffic Control at Emergency Scenes UNIT 1 Traffic Control at Emergency Scenes

Unit 1: Traffic Control at Emergency Scenes Objectives: Identify the risks of traffic at emergency scenes Identify the responsibilities and authority for traffic control Identify the principles for traffic control and apply them to emergency scenes Page 8 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 9 – ETC Participants Guide Risk Responders are at risk of being injured or killed while working at the scene of an incident. Motorists are at risk of secondary crashes. Page 9 – ETC Participants Guide

Roles and Responsibilities Multiple agencies are involved, each will have standard operating procedures Know who is in charge of what Ministry of Transportation has overall authority for anything that takes place on roads Peace Officers have authority to control traffic in emergencies Under WorkSafeBC traffic controllers at emergency scenes need to be trained Page 9 through 11 – ETC Participants Guide

Principles of Traffic Control Only stop, re-route or slow traffic when you need to. Avoid abrupt changes – give lots of advance warning. Limit the time that traffic controllers are on the road. Guide motorists in a clear and positive manner. Consider varying environmental conditions. Only use a person to control traffic when you can not control it adequate with devices. Make sure your traffic controllers are trained. When no longer needed, traffic control devices must be removed or covered. Page 12 – ETC Participants Guide

Professionalism Sense of responsibility for the safety of public and fellow workers Adequate training in safe emergency traffic-control practices Good physical condition, including sight, mobility and hearing Mental alertness and the ability to react in an emergency Courteous, but firm manner

Review Objectives For Unit 1 Any questions??

UNIT 2 Equipment and Devices

Unit 2: Equipment and Devices Identify recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) Identify traffic control equipment and devices Describe the maintenance of traffic control equipment and devices Page 14 – ETC Participants Guide

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Page 15 through 17 – ETC Participants Guide

Wear Your Gear Safety Boots Hard Hat Vest – even over your turnout gear Wrist and ankle cuffs

High Standards for Vests High Risk TCPs must wear safety apparel conforming to Class 3 garments meeting both the CSA Z96-02 standard and the WCB requirement. This is the definition of the highest standard however, the use of safety apparel will greatly increase the safety of all personnel on the road at an emergency scene and is encouraged.

Example of Class 3 Apparel………Minimum areas of high-visibility material coverage requirements → Full coverage of upper torso---(front, back, sides, and over the shoulders), plus bands encircling both arms and both legs. There are many other options for reto-reflective apparel to make you more conspicuous on the road at an emergency scene.

Use Arm and Wrist Bands to change Class 2 Vest into Class 3

Red Signaling Wand for Night Use

An inexpensive way to add reflectivity

Traffic Control Devices Page 18 through 20 – ETC Participants Guide

A Sign that is Approved for Some Uses

May be Used Under Peace Officer Authority

Cones Must Have White Retro-reflective Stripe

Night Visibility of Stripe

Cones can be flexible for storage

Review Objectives for Unit 2 Any questions??

Set Up the Traffic Control Zone Unit 3 Set Up the Traffic Control Zone

Unit 3: Set Up the Traffic Control Zone Objectives: Follow specific procedures to keep yourself safe Identify when to call for Traffic Control Persons Identify recommended zone layout Page 21 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 22 – ETC Participants Guide Personal Safety Don appropriate retroreflective vest and clothing Look before exiting the vehicle Exit and enter the vehicle on the downstream side Look before you step Page 22 – ETC Participants Guide

Personal Safety Cont’d Keep your eyes on the traffic Limit your exposure Reduce your profile

Page 22 – ETC Participants Guide Assess The Scene Make a plan Call TCPs if the scene will be in place for more than 2 hours Page 22 – ETC Participants Guide

Parts of a Traffic Control Zone 1. Advance Warning 2. Transition Area 3. Buffer Area 4. Work Area 5. Termination Area Page 23 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 24 – ETC Participants Guide Parts of a Traffic Control Zone Page 24 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 25 – ETC Participants Guide Buffer Space In emergencies, this is set up first Helps to make the incident scene safer for workers and victims Page 25 – ETC Participants Guide

Strategy and Tactics When possible use fire apparatus and police vehicles to initially redirect the flow of moving traffic. Any appropriate vehicle or equipment could be used as well. “block” Use fire apparatus and police vehicles to initially redirect the flow of moving traffic. Early on in a roadway incident it may not be possible to deploy traffic control devices in an effective manner. However response cannot be delayed until these devices are completely set up. Therefore, vehicles can be used, similarly to blocking position, to redirect the flow of traffic.

Strategy and Tactics Cont’d Assure first arriving emergency vehicle establishes an initial block to create a safe work area Assess the parking needs of EMS, later arriving apparatus and other highway responders Assure that all ambulances on-scene are placed within the protected work area

Strategy and Tactics Cont’d If applicable: Instruct the driver of the ambulance to “block to the right” or “block to the left” to position the rear patient loading area away from the closest lane of moving traffic. Assure that all patient loading into transporting EMS vehicles is done within a protected work zone.

Page 25 – ETC Participants Guide Blocking or Fend-off “Block” with first-arriving apparatus to protect the scene, patients, and emergency personnel. Block at least one additional lane Block so pump panel is “down stream” Block most critical or highest traffic volume direction first Consider requesting additional PD assistance Page 25 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 26 – ETC Participants Guide Blocking Considerations Positioning of apparatus Positioning of ambulances Buffer zone provided by the blocking units Will they provide enough protection? Point out the position of the EMS vehicle in this photo – If possible they should be positioned to provide maximum protection for personnel as they operate and load patients. The rule of thumb for blocking vehicles should be the “bigger the better” consider using truck companies or tankers. Discuss the dangers of rear mounted pumps. The operator is pretty much exposed at the rear of the apparatus no matter how the unit is positioned. Page 26 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 28 – ETC Participants Guide

Safety Considerations Driver/Operator issues The Driver may have to disembark to the traffic side, use caution and possibly a spotter In Block Left position the operator will be between traffic and the apparatus, consider Block Right or an additional blocking apparatus if hose line is needed These issues should be considered prior to arrival and as the apparatus arrives on scene. If a hoseline is needed consider the Block Right position

Safety Considerations Use the appropriate level of warning lights on the vehicle. Consider reducing the amount of lights or the use of blinding lights especially white flashing lights that can disorient traffic. Daytime running lights may be turned off by applying the emergency brake, if at all possible engage the brake to eliminate blindness. The operator should face traffic at all times if possible, so that they may observe oncoming traffic. The use of a “Safety Cone” or a cone placed just behind and to the traffic side of the vehicle should be considered. This provides a reference to oncoming traffic to avoid the operator as other traffic control measures are being deployed.

Page 29 – ETC Participants Guide Advance Warning Area In emergencies, this is set up next Tells motorists what to expect before they reach the work zone Gives enough time to adjust driving in response to the warning signs Page 29 – ETC Participants Guide

Advance Warning Devices Arrow boards, flares, cones, apparatus, police cars, signage Variable message signs, news media / traffic reports Page 29 – ETC Participants Guide

“Pink” Signs Standard symbols Reflective material (coral) One per direction of travel

Page 29 – ETC Participants Guide Transition Area Contains the tapers to close off the lane or lanes where the work is If closing multiple lanes, close them one at a time, separated by “tangents” Page 29 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 30 – ETC Participants Guide Laying Out Tapers 10 m 20 m 30 m 1m 2m 3m At 50 km/hr the taper ratio is 1:10 1m 2m 3m At 100 km/hr, the taper ratio is 1:30 Not to Scale Page 30 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 31 – ETC Participants Guide Tapers and Tangents Taper Tangent Taper Page 31 – ETC Participants Guide

Do not Place Tapers on Corners Page 32 – ETC Participants Guide

Staging of Other & Personal Vehicles Limit the Exposure Minimum Apparatus & Personnel Limit crews on scene to only those necessary Page 33 – ETC Participants Guide

Direct the Placement of Ambulances Assure ambulances park within shadow of larger apparatus as directed Direct ambulance to “block to the right” or “block to the left” to protect loading doors Place ambulance patient loading area facing away from closest lane of moving traffic All patient loading into Med Units is done from within a protected work zone

Page 34 – ETC Participants Guide Work Area Area of the roadway or shoulder where the work is being done (closed to vehicle traffic and pedestrians other than emergency services personnel) Page 34 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 34 – ETC Participants Guide Termination Area Provides a short distance beyond the Work Area for the traffic to return to its normal lane or lanes Page 34 – ETC Participants Guide

Incident Termination “Best Practices” Limit the time on scene Use two way radios to advise of conditions Take down cones and warning signs with caution Clear-up crews as soon as possible

Page 35 – ETC Participants Guide Shut Down the Roadway Not Popular with the public May be Necessary ! Plan for it in advance. Page 35 – ETC Participants Guide

Establish More Than Adequate Advance Warning Traffic cones at 10’ intervals Deploy minimum 5 cones upstream Cones only “Suggest” they don’t Block! Expand initial safe work zone

Best Practices Scene Lighting: Reduce emergency lights, Use “Blocking” mode, Sign Boards, Arrow Boards, Arrow Sticks Increase use of Amber lenses -(more apt to slow traffic) Provide scene illumination after dark Presence of Police vehicles shown to slow traffic

Freeway Incidents Establish initial block: minimum two lanes Ladder truck establishes upstream block two lanes plus paved shoulder or three driving lanes Place cones and/or cones illuminated by flares upstream of ladder truck apparatus last cone approximately 150 feet “upstream” of apparatus Establish ETC position monitor approaching traffic sound emergency signal as necessary Driver operator of ladder truck apparatus sound a series of long blasts on apparatus air horn as necessary Use police department vehicles for additional blocking Terminate incident aggressively

Open Roads Philosophy Safety always comes first Incident investigation is not compromised When these conditions are satisfied then: Clear the roadway of victims, vehicles, and debris Allow traffic to resume at maximum capacity given the circumstances/conditions Key points for the instructor to address on this slide: Safety = The safety of responders of responders, the safety and security of incident victims, and the general public. After safety and the accurate investigation of the incident are dealt with the top priority is to open the roadway by clearing vehicles, victims and debris from the travel lanes to allow traffic to resume at the maximum possible capacity under the circumstances. Source: NTIMC “Anatomy of a Traffic Incident”

Locate Devices Where They Can Be Seen Page 37 – ETC Participants Guide

Think Horizontally and Vertically Page 38 – ETC Participants Guide

Recent (spring 2008) emergency scene in another Canadian province Recent (spring 2008) emergency scene in another Canadian province. This fatal accident occurred just over the crest of a hill on this divided highway, initial crash was between the two small cars, driver of the car covered in blue tarp was killed. No advanced warning signs or traffic control were put out before the crest of the hill. Images used with permission.

Looking from the other direction, this is the final location of this tractor trailer unit that jackknifed because the driver could not stop in time as there was no warning of the scene over the hill.

The tractor- trailer hit this fire truck. There were no injuries to EMS.

Another view of damaged fire truck.

Now along comes a fertilizer truck and has the same problem – comes over the crest of the hill, slams on brakes and tips into centre median.

Night or Reduced Light Conditions Turn OFF vehicle headlights Turn OFF Opticom Provide overall scene lighting All personnel in PPE w/helmets Illuminate cones with flares Consider additional vehicle for additional upstream “Block” Page 40 – ETC Participants Guide

Strategy and Tactics At nighttime incidents, turn off all unnecessary sources of vision impairment to approaching vehicles including vehicle headlights and spotlights 200’ min Establish advance warning and adequate transition area traffic control measures upstream of incident to reduce travel speeds of approaching motorists At nighttime incidents turn off all sources of vision impairment to approaching vehicles including vehicle headlights and spotlights. Consider the effect on approaching traffic of all emergency lighting. The high intensity lights that are so effective for emergency warning can also be blinding and confusing to approaching traffic in darkness, especially white light.

Strategy and Tactics Cont’d Use signs and traffic cones and/or cones Illuminated by flares for sustained highway Incident traffic control and direction Assign personnel to monitor approaching traffic and activate an emergency signal if the actions of a motorist put responders at risk Section 6I-1 Warning and guide signs used for TTC traffic incident management situations may have a black legend and border on a fluorescent pink background (see Figure 6I-1). Section 6F.16 Position of Advance Warning Signs Guidance: Where highway conditions permit, warning signs should be placed in advance of the TTC zone at varying distances depending on roadway type, condition, and posted speed. Table 6C-1 contains information regarding the spacing of advance warning signs. Where a series of two or more advance warning signs is used, the closest sign to the TTC zone should be placed approximately 30 m (100 ft) for low-speed urban streets to 300 m (1,000 ft) or more for freeways and expressways. Support: Various conditions, such as limited sight distance or obstructions that might require a driver to reduce speed or stop, might require additional advance warning signs. Option: As an alternative to a specific distance on advance warning signs, the word AHEAD may be used. Support: At TTC zones on lightly-traveled roads, all of the advance warning signs prescribed for major construction might not be needed. Option: Utility work, maintenance, or minor construction can occur within the TTC zone limits of a major construction project, and additional warning signs may be needed. Guidance: Utility, maintenance, and minor construction signing and TTC should be coordinated with appropriate authorities so that road users are not confused or misled by the additional TTC devices.

Review Objectives for Unit 3 Any questions??

UNIT 4 Directing Traffic

Unit 4: Directing Traffic Objectives: Position yourself for maximum visibility Identify your escape routes Use standard hand signals to control traffic Minimize and manage driver anger Page 41 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 42 – ETC Participants Guide Be Conspicuous Stand where you can see and be seen by approaching drivers. Stand where the background will make you as conspicuous as possible. Draw attention to your position by using a cone situated near you. Page 42 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 42 – ETC Participants Guide Position Yourself In an area that provides the maximum visibility. Where you have a safe escape route. Page 42 – ETC Participants Guide

Page 42 – ETC Participants Guide Signaling Use standard signals to signal other ETCs or TCPs Use standard direction for traffic Use your paddle, or gloves if you do not have a paddle Page 42 – ETC Participants Guide

Be Confident Firm Clear Repetitive Correct

Dealing With Anger Remain calm Be respectful Give good directions Repeat your directions Briefly give verbal instructions Do not engage in altercation or discussion Call for help if you need it

Review Objectives for Unit 4 Any questions??

To be done in groups and presented to the class Table Top Exercises To be done in groups and presented to the class

UNIT 5 Course Wrap Up

Unit 5 - Course Wrap Up Bill C45 Summary Exam Evaluations

Bill C45 Criminal Code of Canada Highest Authority in Canada for Health & Safety Holds everyone accountable for their actions or failure of actions Everyone must do everything reasonable, that the reasonable person would do under similar circumstances Everything reasonable, would be the minimum of following the laws and standards set forth in regulations and acts

Bill C45 Criminal Code of Canada Criminal negligence causing injury could result in a sentence of 10 years in prison Criminal negligence causing death could result in a sentence of life in prison Every person can be held responsible, so follow the regulations and standards

Page 49 – ETC Participants Guide Key Points There is no substitute for training Multi-agency coordination and communication are a must Be conspicuous Find your escape route Limit your time, limit your exposure Give traffic plenty of warning Protect the scene with apparatus Page 49 – ETC Participants Guide

Time, Distance and Shielding Will Help Protect Responders Time – The more efficiently an incident can be safely resolved, the less exposure responders will have to the hazards of traffic Distance – The farther away from moving traffic responders can be, the safer they will be Blocking –Protects responders from vehicles that do not or cannot conform to the altered flow of traffic

Optional Practical Training Exercise (1) Classroom or Parking lot Exercise This Exercise will demonstrate: Proper positioning of a TCP Identifying Escape Routes Traffic Control Signals

Optional Practical Training Exercise (2) Roadway Training Exercise This Exercise will demonstrate: Proper positioning of a TCP Identifying Escape Routes Traffic Control Signals