Personal Safety at Incident Sites A Maintenance Viewpoint CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

On the way…  Gather as many facts as you can -Via two-way radio, cell phone, etc.  Be observant -What might you see from a distance?  Watch for traffic backups -Try not to get caught in a queue that could delay your response; be familiar with alternate ways “in”  Call the TMC and report any adverse traffic conditions you may encounter -Information can be placed on CHIN, sent to the media as SigAlerts, television media, etc.

Upon your arrival  Think safety first, clearance second -Your personal safety is paramount -Exit your vehicle only if it is safe to do so  Whether you’re the first or the 50 th -park in an area where you will not create a hazard to yourself or others  Be aware of your surroundings -Any traffic considerations? Full closure? Hazmat? Environmental concerns? -Wind/weather affecting fumes, etc.? -Downhill vs uphill?

Personal Safety  Continually face traffic, if possible -Your best defense against errant vehicles  Wear your appropriate PPE -Hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility garments, proper footwear, reflective gear at night  Stand clear of moving equipment -Find a safe location out of harm’s way  Act as a lookout for yourself and others -Everyone should be alert and ready to warn others of impending danger

Other Responders  Be careful while working around other agencies, tow operators, etc. -Their safety procedures may differ -Equipment may not have back alarms or other safety devices we take for granted -Some walk to the beat of a different drummer…  Fire Departments/Hazmat Contractors -May not be familiar with freeway/highway ops -May park/drive inappropriately in the incident zone -Have hoses and other tools that may create tripping hazards, etc. especially in the dark

Minimizing hazmats  Attempt to contain known materials, if possible -within limits of training and abilities using materials readily at hand - do not attempt if it cannot be accomplished in a safe manner

During the Event  Work with those in charge -CHP is the Incident Command on State Routes -CT Mtce Supv/Supt usually in charge of traffic controls, cleanup, and salvage (if directed by CHP)  Stay out of the way -For your safety and theirs, observe from a safe distance  Communicate with others -The local TMC -Caltrans Public Information Office/CHP PIO on-scene

“The highway is open”  If you’re still on-scene… -Need to have yourself and your vehicle in a safe area  Be aware of conflict in traffic speeds -Impatient drivers will be speeding; others will drive more cautiously due to residual dust, flying debris, etc. -Creates a dangerous condition for those who remain  Notify TMC/others of status -Call in your 10-98s, etc.  Exit the scene safely -Make sure you can reenter the flow of traffic in a safe manner

Afterwards…  Critique yourselves and others -Note what went well and opportunities for improvement  Get together and discuss -Multi-disciplinary effort; involve as many responding agencies as you can -Any major issues? Minor? Personal safety?  Document for future responders -Written records/reports are most always helpful

Questions? Len Nelson California Department of Transportation Division of Maintenance Office of Maintenance Equipment and Training Linda Simpson California Department of Transportation Division of Maintenance Office of Maintenance Equipment and Training