Highway Incident Safety

1. Highway Incident Safety �North Team��North Team�

2. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Introduction Objectives: To increase awareness regarding highway scene safety and the methods available to control those safety hazards, in general. To advise how this information is applicable to Titusville Fire & Emergency Services Department [http://www.titusville.com/depts/fire/] With minor editing, this presentation could be modified for any other department. Titusville references would be removed and the new department�s references inserted.With minor editing, this presentation could be modified for any other department. Titusville references would be removed and the new department�s references inserted.

3. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Each day, any FD has the potential to run on a highway or be involved with a MVC, or MCI. Scene & responder safety is the number 1 priority.Each day, any FD has the potential to run on a highway or be involved with a MVC, or MCI. Scene & responder safety is the number 1 priority.

4. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Run Data Each year Titusville Fire & Emergency Services runs (xxx) calls, (yy%) for MVC or mutual aid on major highway. Any call can expose personnel to a traffic hazard. Data not available as of 6/8/04. Could be obtained. Could be modified to fit any department.Data not available as of 6/8/04. Could be obtained. Could be modified to fit any department.

5. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 National Statistics Intended that that Instructor look up the latest annual deaths associated with highway incidents and discuss them briefly. Since firm data was not easily found, the screen is blank at this point. SLIDE CAN ALSO BE SKIPPED.Intended that that Instructor look up the latest annual deaths associated with highway incidents and discuss them briefly. Since firm data was not easily found, the screen is blank at this point. SLIDE CAN ALSO BE SKIPPED.

6. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Case Studies Handout: Traffic Hazards to Fire Fighters While Working Along Roadways [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001.143] (2) Cases with recommendations Instructor: Hand out document. Discuss at length. It has too many good items to reproduce into these slides.Instructor: Hand out document. Discuss at length. It has too many good items to reproduce into these slides.

7. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Unknown actual incident. Apparatus allegedly parked on highway protecting a scene and hit by tractor & trailer.Unknown actual incident. Apparatus allegedly parked on highway protecting a scene and hit by tractor & trailer.

8. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 State Statutes Florida�s Move Over Law (Section 316.126, F.S.) On interstate highways or other highways with two or more lanes: On a two-lane roadway: Information for responders about what is �supposed� to happen, but likely does not. Move Over Law (Section 316.126, F.S.) On interstate highways or other highways with two or more lanes: When approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a roadway with their emergency lights activated, drivers are required to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle, On a two-lane roadway: When approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked with their emergency lights activated, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. Information for responders about what is �supposed� to happen, but likely does not. Move Over Law (Section 316.126, F.S.) On interstate highways or other highways with two or more lanes: When approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a roadway with their emergency lights activated, drivers are required to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle, On a two-lane roadway: When approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked with their emergency lights activated, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.

9. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 National Standards / Recommendations NFPA 1451 �Standard for a Fire Service Vehicle Operations Training Program� 2002 Edition� 8.1.4.1 Fire service vehicles shall be utilized as a shield from oncoming traffic wherever possible.� 8.1.4.2 Where acting as a shield, fire service vehicle warning lights shall remain on, and fluorescent and retroreflective warning devices such as traffic cones, illuminated warning devices such as highway flares, or other warning devices shall be used to warn oncoming traffic of the emergency operations and the hazards to members operating at the incident.� Though the slide has perhaps too much information, the point to make is that there are national consensus standards on the subject. No need to read entire slide. In addition, the use of a spotter is strongly encouraged whenever working near traffic. Though the slide has perhaps too much information, the point to make is that there are national consensus standards on the subject. No need to read entire slide. In addition, the use of a spotter is strongly encouraged whenever working near traffic.

10. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 National Standards / Recommendations NFPA 1500 �Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program� 2002 Edition� 8.4.25 When members are operating at an emergency incident and their assignment places them in potential conflict with motor vehicle traffic, they shall wear a garment with fluorescent and retro-reflective material.� 8.4.26 Apparatus shall be utilized as a shield from oncoming traffic wherever possible.� Wear Class 2 or 3 vests. Drivers should set apparatus steering/wheels in consideration of being hit at high speed. Turn the apparatus away from the scene. Though the slide has perhaps too much information, the point to make is that there are national consensus standards on the subject. No need to read entire slide. Wear Class 2 or 3 vests. Drivers should set apparatus steering/wheels in consideration of being hit at high speed. Turn the apparatus away from the scene. Though the slide has perhaps too much information, the point to make is that there are national consensus standards on the subject. No need to read entire slide.

11. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 National Standards / Recommendations NFPA 1500 �Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program� 2002 Edition� (cont) 8.4.27*��When acting as a shield, apparatus warning lights shall remain on, if appropriate. Fluorescent and retro-reflective warning devices such as traffic cones (with DOT-approved retro-reflective collars) and DOT-approved retro-reflective signs stating �Emergency Scene� (with adjustable directional arrows) and illuminated warning devices such as highway flares and/or other appropriate warning devices shall be used to warn oncoming traffic of the emergency operations and the hazards to members operating at the incident.� Another NFPA reference. Can move thru this slide quickly. Though the slide has perhaps too much information, the point to make is that there are national consensus standards on the subject. No need to read entire slide. Another NFPA reference. Can move thru this slide quickly. Though the slide has perhaps too much information, the point to make is that there are national consensus standards on the subject. No need to read entire slide.

12. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Typical DOT Recommendations Proper cone placement is generally impractical for Fire Service implementation on an emergency scene. Too many cones needed Storage issues Need lots of cones to move traffic properly, especially @ high speeds.Need lots of cones to move traffic properly, especially @ high speeds.

13. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Cone Placement Spacing = MPH is feet.Spacing = MPH is feet.

14. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Web LinksFor Highway Work Zone Information For more information, go to: http://www.odot.state.or.us/traffic/pdf/work_zone/tcshstwz(98revised).pdf www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/muts/muts.htm www.mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003/pdf-index.htm Site links for more information. Can move thru this slide quickly. This is intended for use when entire PPT file is handed out.Site links for more information. Can move thru this slide quickly. This is intended for use when entire PPT file is handed out.

15. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 DEPARTMENT POLICY/GUIDELINES Titusville Fire & Emergency Services Department Guidelines Vehicle Accident Response Safe Vehicle Placement/Traffic Personnel Safety Vests Three(3) actual Titusville department guidelines. Can be edited specific to any department.Three(3) actual Titusville department guidelines. Can be edited specific to any department.

16. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 DEPARTMENT POLICY/GUIDELINES Vehicle Accident Response Officer shall consider traffic & crowd control, survey scene, establish Command, establish �action circle�, ensure PPE. Engine Co: Place apparatus to protect responders from traffic and do not impede traffic, when possible. Scene Coordination: IC shall coordinate with law enforcement about traffic flow & scene safety. Vehicle Accident ResponseVehicle Accident Response

17. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 DEPARTMENT POLICY/GUIDELINES Safe Vehicle Placement/Traffic Never trust the traffic. Wear PPE & reflective vests. Reduce motorist vision impairment Use cones. Safe Vehicle Placement/TrafficSafe Vehicle Placement/Traffic

18. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 DEPARTMENT POLICY/GUIDELINES Safe Vehicle Placement/Traffic (cont) At night � headlights off & reduce emergency lights to minimum (yellow & emergency flashers) Apparatus placement 45 degrees away from curb, when possible. Safe Vehicle Placement/Traffic (cont) Safe Vehicle Placement/Traffic (cont)

19. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 DEPARTMENT POLICY/GUIDELINES Personnel Safety Vests Shall always be worn where vehicle traffic is anticipated or when personal visibility is compromised. Shall be worn under turnout coat for MVC or other non-fire event. Personnel Safety VestsPersonnel Safety Vests

20. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 General Recommendations for Highway Incident Safety There Is No Substitute For Training Multi-Agency Coordination and Communications Are A Must Identify Areas of Known High Incident Rates Limit Your Exposure�Limit Your Time Give Traffic Plenty of Warning Highway Incident Safety Recommendations � There Is No Substitute For Training: Incorporate proper equipment/apparatus placement and scene safety procedures into all training exercises. Provide feedback to all participants on proper and improper actions � Multi-Agency Coordination and Communications Are A Must: A Unified Incident Command Is Essential. All agencies that you routinely deal with should agree upon and practice with a common Incident Command System. � Identify Areas of Known High Incident Rates: Be prepared and establish pre-incident plans for areas in your district that have high traffic incidents and/or where you routinely respond to other locations where you have to park or stage along busy roadways. Establish standard operating guidelines (SOG�s) and routinely enforce them. SOG�s should include, but not limited to response routes, apparatus and personnel placement, traffic diversion routes and site hazards. � Limit Your Exposure�Limit Your Time: Do your job properly but do it with the minimum amount of equipment, personnel and lane restrictions necessary without jeopardizing the operation or personnel safety. Don�t linger. Once you�ve finished wrap up and get off of the roadway as soon as possible. � Give Traffic Plenty of Warning: Utilize signage, cones, flaggers, vehicles, anything to bring attention to your presence. Leave plenty of space as well. The speed and volume of the traffic as well as sight conditions will dictate how much space and warning is adequate. Highway Incident Safety Recommendations � There Is No Substitute For Training: Incorporate proper equipment/apparatus placement and scene safety procedures into all training exercises. Provide feedback to all participants on proper and improper actions � Multi-Agency Coordination and Communications Are A Must: A Unified Incident Command Is Essential. All agencies that you routinely deal with should agree upon and practice with a common Incident Command System. � Identify Areas of Known High Incident Rates: Be prepared and establish pre-incident plans for areas in your district that have high traffic incidents and/or where you routinely respond to other locations where you have to park or stage along busy roadways. Establish standard operating guidelines (SOG�s) and routinely enforce them. SOG�s should include, but not limited to response routes, apparatus and personnel placement, traffic diversion routes and site hazards. � Limit Your Exposure�Limit Your Time: Do your job properly but do it with the minimum amount of equipment, personnel and lane restrictions necessary without jeopardizing the operation or personnel safety. Don�t linger. Once you�ve finished wrap up and get off of the roadway as soon as possible. � Give Traffic Plenty of Warning: Utilize signage, cones, flaggers, vehicles, anything to bring attention to your presence. Leave plenty of space as well. The speed and volume of the traffic as well as sight conditions will dictate how much space and warning is adequate.

21. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 General Recommendations for Highway Incident Safety Protect the Scene With Apparatus Always Work Away From The Traffic Be Prepared To Shut Down The Roadway Be Seen and Not Hurt: Wear Proper PPE Maintain Accountability � Protect the Scene With Apparatus: Proper placement of larger vehicles between moving traffic and your operation is key to providing a safety barrier for your personnel � Always Work Away From The Traffic: Keep personnel away from moving traffic. When possible do not use apparatus for blocking that will be heavily used during the operation. In other words don�t use the rescue truck to block if personnel will be pulling equipment out of compartments on the traffic side of the vehicle. � Be Prepared To Shut Down The Roadway: If safety warrants it and there is no other way to provide a reasonable level of protection, don�t hesitate to completely shut down the roadway. Always attempt to do this in conjunction with law enforcement. Keep the closure time to a minimum, keeping in mind you are creating other hazards by stopping or re-directing traffic, particularly on major roadways and interstates. � Be Seen and Not Hurt: Keep the scene well lit so that you may be seen. However be aware that some of your scene lighting if improperly directed could reduce visibility of oncoming traffic. Turn off apparatus headlights and scene lighting that interferes with the passing vehicle operators ability to see. � Dress For The Occasion: Be sure that all personnel have the appropriate protective clothing on at all times, including highly visible colors and reflective material. � Accountability Matters: As with any emergency, knowing where your personnel are and what they are doing is important. Highway incidents are no different, except for one possible exception. Sometimes too many people on the scene will create additional exposure to injury. If too many people are just simply spectators and not actively involved in the incident, consider creating a staging area off of the roadway or releasing un-necessary personnel and equipment. � Protect the Scene With Apparatus: Proper placement of larger vehicles between moving traffic and your operation is key to providing a safety barrier for your personnel � Always Work Away From The Traffic: Keep personnel away from moving traffic. When possible do not use apparatus for blocking that will be heavily used during the operation. In other words don�t use the rescue truck to block if personnel will be pulling equipment out of compartments on the traffic side of the vehicle. � Be Prepared To Shut Down The Roadway: If safety warrants it and there is no other way to provide a reasonable level of protection, don�t hesitate to completely shut down the roadway. Always attempt to do this in conjunction with law enforcement. Keep the closure time to a minimum, keeping in mind you are creating other hazards by stopping or re-directing traffic, particularly on major roadways and interstates. � Be Seen and Not Hurt: Keep the scene well lit so that you may be seen. However be aware that some of your scene lighting if improperly directed could reduce visibility of oncoming traffic. Turn off apparatus headlights and scene lighting that interferes with the passing vehicle operators ability to see. � Dress For The Occasion: Be sure that all personnel have the appropriate protective clothing on at all times, including highly visible colors and reflective material. � Accountability Matters: As with any emergency, knowing where your personnel are and what they are doing is important. Highway incidents are no different, except for one possible exception. Sometimes too many people on the scene will create additional exposure to injury. If too many people are just simply spectators and not actively involved in the incident, consider creating a staging area off of the roadway or releasing un-necessary personnel and equipment.

22. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Safety Checklist Handout: Traffic Control Safety Checklist/Worksheet [VFIS document C10:213 (Rev. 4/03)] Sample SOP Source: http://www.respondersafety.com/sops.html If the presentation is made for another department, this handout will be worthy of discussion. It could easily become part of SOP/SOG. No need to re-invent the wheel. Sample SOP from http://www.respondersafety.com/sops.html provided also. If the presentation is made for another department, this handout will be worthy of discussion. It could easily become part of SOP/SOG. No need to re-invent the wheel. Sample SOP from http://www.respondersafety.com/sops.html provided also.

23. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Summary Increased awareness regarding highway scene safety. Methods available to control safety hazards. Provided information about local, state, federal and fire service guidelines regarding highway incident safety. Titusville Fire & Emergency Services Department guidelines validated. Intended to be broader that just any department SOPs. Information from various sources used to present a wide view of the safety considerations. Can be modified to fit any fire department.Intended to be broader that just any department SOPs. Information from various sources used to present a wide view of the safety considerations. Can be modified to fit any fire department.

24. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 Bibliography National Fire Protection Association National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001.143 VFIS Insurance [http://www.vfis.com/] www.respondersafety.com Oregon Department of Transportation SourcesSources

25. Rev 0 - 6/15/04 BCC Course Design Team Members Neil Frey, Brevard County Fire Rescue�� sapperinfl@aol.com Randy Hoog, Canaveral Fire Rescue�� r_hoog@code3cowboys.com Emily Hux, Hux Racing�� huxeric@hotmail.com Jack Lively, Brevard County Fire Rescue� jml127@aol.com Al Studt, Canaveral Fire Rescue�� astudt@ccvfd.org� June 15, 2004 �North Team� A �South Team� did a similar presentation specific to Palm Bay FD.�North Team� A �South Team� did a similar presentation specific to Palm Bay FD.