Structural collapse awareness hmm
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This document provides guidance on structural collapse management and rescue operations. It outlines procedures for various phases including pre-disaster avoidance of unengineered construction, in-disaster response, and post-disaster relief. Details are given on size-up, search and rescue stages, locating and extracting victims, safety considerations, hazards, and the roles of concerned authorities like the army, fire brigade, and NGOs in Bangladesh. Case studies from the 2005 Savar building collapse are also described.
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Structural collapse awareness hmm
- 1. Some measures for Structural Collapse Management Composed by H.M.A. Mahzuz Assistant Professor (PhD Fellow), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh. E-mail: mahzuz_211@ yahoo.com
- 2. Pre-Disaster Phase Avoid un-engineered construction
- 3. In During -Disaster Phase What????
- 4. Organizations operating at the awareness level for structural collapse incidents shall implement procedures for the following: (1) Recognizing the need for structural collapse search and rescue (2) Identifying the resources necessary to conduct structural collapse search and rescue operations (3) Initiating the emergency response system for structural collapse incidents (4) Initiating site control and scene management (5) Recognizing the general hazards associated with structural collapse incidents, including the recognition of applicable construction types and categories and the expected behaviors of components and materials in a structural collapse
- 5. (6) Identifying the types of collapse patterns and potential victim locations (7) Recognizing the potential for secondary collapse (8) Conducting visual and verbal searches at structural collapse incidents, while using approved methods for the specific type of collapse (9) Recognizing and implementing a search and rescue/search assessment marking system, building marking system (structure/hazard evaluation), victim location marking system, and structure marking system (structure identification within a geographic area). (10) Removing readily accessible victims from structural collapse incidents (11) Identifying and establishing a collapse safety zone (12) Conducting reconnaissance (recon) of the structure(s) and surrounding area.
- 6. Organizations operating at the awareness level for confined space search and rescue incidents shall implement procedures for the following: (1) Recognizing the need for confined space search and rescue (2) Initiating contact and establishing communications with victims where possible (3) Recognizing and identifying the hazards associated with non-entry confined space emergencies (4) Recognizing confined spaces (5) Performing a non-entry retrieval (6) Implementing the emergency response system for confined space emergencies (7) Implementing site control and scene management (8) Arrangement for preliminary medication facility on-spot (if-needed).
- 7. Trench Rescue (a) Employees that directly engage in trench rescue operations shall be under the direct supervision of person(s) with adequate training in trench and excavation hazard recognition, equipment use and operational techniques. (b) Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system except when: (i) Excavations are made entirely in stable rock; or (ii) Excavations are less than four feet (1.22 meters) in depth and (iii) Examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of further collapse.
- 8. Definitions Awareness Level Actions taken by the responders at the Awareness Level are defensive in nature and should pose no risk, or a low level of risk to the responder. This level represents the minimum capability of organizations that provide response to technical rescue incidents. Operational Level Actions taken at the Operational Level are of limited offensive nature and generally at a low or moderate risk to the responder. This level represents the capability of organizations to respond to technical rescue incidents and to identify hazards, use equipment, and apply limited techniques to support and participate in technical rescue incidents.
- 9. Technical Level Actions taken by the responders are offensive in nature and may pose a high level of risk. This level represents the capability of organizations to respond to technical rescue incidents, to identify hazards, use equipment, and apply advanced techniques specified to coordinate, perform, and supervise technical rescue incidents.
- 10. Survival Times (according to Pasco Fire Department, USA) 1 hour 95% 1 Day 81% 2 Day 37% 3 Day 34% 4 Day 19% 5 Day 7%
- 11. Figure: LA Fire Department “Pyramid of Life”
- 12. Pyramid of Life”
- 14. Building Construction Awareness Level = Knowledge of: • Collapse characteristics. • Warning signs of secondary collapse. IN LIGHT FRAMED STRUCTURES • Recognize how type of construction relates to resources needed for rescue operation.
- 15. Building Construction • Usually residential homes and apartments • Highly susceptible to fires • Complete Collapses occur frequently Look for badly cracked walls, leaning walls, offset of structure from foundation, or leaning first story. Light Frame Building Collapse
- 16. Building Construction Heavy Wall (URM) Building Collapse • Usually one to six stories high, residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional • Principle weakness in lateral strength • Partial collapse is most common Look for loose/broken parapet walls, connections between walls and floor, unsupported and partially collapsed floors
- 17. Building Construction Heavy Floor Building Collapse • Residential, commercial, industrial • Concrete frames up to 12 stories • Includes concrete highway bridges • Weakness is poor column reinforcement, and connection between floor and column • May fail partially or completely, and potential laterally
- 18. Building Construction Heavy Wall/Tilt-Up/Reinforced Masonry Building Collapse • Usually one to five stories • Industrial/Commercial • Weakness is between walls and floors or roofs. Walls fall away from floor/roof. Look for connection of walls and roofs/floors, and connection between beams and columns
- 19. Light Wood Framed Construction
- 20. Light Metal Framed Construction
- 21. Void Spaces Survival zones & Search areas
- 22. Structural Collapse Size - Up 6 Sided Approach Four Sides Above Below
- 23. Structural Collapse Rescue Size-up • Treat Walking Wounded, DO NOT allow them to re-enter the building • Check immediate area for victims trapped by surface debris • Interview occupants for last know location of victims • DO NOT park in the Secondary Collapse Zone!! What is considered a safe distance from the structure?
- 24. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations • Stage I • Stage II
- 25. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations Stage I Size Up and Recon • Depending on the event can last a few minutes to several hours • Find out how big the problem really is • Organized Survey of the damaged area • What resources are available • What can we do about the problem
- 26. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations Stage I Size Up and Recon Prioritize the Problems The first priority is YOUR safety The second priority is the safety of your crew The third priority is other people The fourth priority is property conservation
- 27. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations Stage I Size Up and Recon Establish Incident Command • Designate a command post. • Ensure that the CP is located outside of the secondary collapse zone • Remain available by staying in the command post
- 28. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations Stage I Size Up and Recon Rescue and Remove Surface Victims • 50% of all survivors are surface victims – injured but not trapped – Deal with them first • Remove them from the hazards • Keep people from entering structures, allow structures time to settle • Organize spontaneous rescue teams and direct them where they will do the most good
- 29. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations Stage II • Begins when rescue teams arrive and ICS (Incident Command System) has been established • Use the information gathered to search the likely survival places • Use location methods, searching outside by voice, listening devices, dogs, TICs ( thermal imagers from Channel), and fiber optics
- 30. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations Stage II • Search the voids as a last resort • Enter those voids that have the highest likelihood of survivors • Shore as you go • Monitor for hazards • 30% of all survivors in Structural Collapse are involved in non-structural entrapment
- 31. Be aware of -FAST VOIDS • Fire Suppression • Additional Collapse Potential • Structure Type and Condition • Trapped Victim Rescue • Void Types & Location • Occupancy Type & Hazards • Immediate Utility Shutdown • Day or Night • Situation – Cause of Collapse
- 32. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations • Stage III • Stage IV
- 33. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations Stage III • Begins after all surface victims are removed and cared for and those in voids can be removed without major debris removal • Selective debris removal using heavy equipment, trained rescue teams working with private contractors • Removal of entombed victims
- 34. Stages of Collapse Rescue Operations Stage IV • Usually begins 5-6 days after the event • Probability of further survivors is minimal, and private contractors will usually finish clean up
- 35. Types of Search Physical Canine Technical
- 36. Locating Survivors and Victims Hailing procedures. Search and Listen! Thermal Imaging Search Camera Confined Space Equipment Search Dogs
- 37. Search Team Tools and Equipment Tools for Search Team • Lineman’s Pliers. • Tin Snips • Utility Knife. • Marking Chalk and Lumber Crayons. • Spray Paint. • Flashlight and Chemical Light sticks.
- 38. Recommended Marking Systems Marking systems have been adopted by the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, USA to conspicuously denote information relating to the status of the structure, status of the search, hazards in a building and status of the victims. By utilizing these marking standards, arriving FEMA or other state structural collapse rescue resources will be able to understand what has been search already and not have to repeat search operations.
- 40. Search Markings
- 41. 3-30-03 2120 T-82 LPG X E-82 3-30-03 Search Marking
- 42. Structural Triage Marking 4-1-03 0545 E-83 LPG
- 43. Safety Work with Special Operations (Technical Rescue & Hazardous Materials) Team Leaders. Obtain Safety Briefings before working • Barricade Tape use • Collapse Zone • Monitor Structure • Know Warning signals • Know your Personal Limitations • Personal Protective Equipment • Rehydration & Rehab • CISD (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing)
- 44. Hazards Structural Instability • Weakened Floors, walls, roofs, beams and columns • Free standing walls • Spalling of Concrete structure, masonry • Shifting of debris from aftershocks, vibrations or secondary collapse • Attached buildings can be an exposure, or weakened by collapse
- 45. Hazards Overhead Hazards • Loosened debris and unstable building structures overhead • Low Hanging power lines • Building contents that are unstable and displaced • Failing slings or cables while lifting materials
- 46. Sharp Debris • Broken Glass • Jagged Metal • Nails • Wood Splinters • Rough Masonry
- 47. Slip, Trip, Fall • Fluids • Water, Ice, Snow • Sewage • Unsure Footing • Improper Footwear • Sink holes/ground depression by earth movement • Downed Power lines • Open Manhole covers
- 48. Below - Grade • Atmospheric changes due to ruptured fuel, gas lines or presence of hazardous chemicals • Floods • May have caused collapse • From ruptures water/sewage lines • From ground water • Elevation differences can cause difficult access and egress
- 49. Utilities • Electrical • Fuel/Gas • Water • Steam • Sewage
- 50. Hazardous Materials • Commercial Establishments • Hazardous Household Chemicals • Ammonia • Bleach • Household Cleaners • Solvents • Etc. • Garage
- 51. • Fire, Smoke, Explosion • Heavy Vibrations • Inhalation Hazards • Power Tools • Noise • Scene Control
- 52. Safety Considerations Scene Approach • Be Aware of Secondary Explosive Devices • Be Aware of Collapse area and Secondary collapse area • Establish Safe Zones • Be Aware of probable Hazardous Materials • Utilities • Fire Danger
- 53. Establish safe areas and hazard zones Monitor building movement Before searching voids: • Survey • Stabilize • Search Awareness for Stress Factors • Personnel • Scene Rehab Enforce Safety
- 54. Safety Personal Protective Equipment • Full PPE including: • Eye Protection • Knee Pads • Radio • Lights • Hand Light • Helmet Light • Chemical Light
- 55. Safety Respiratory Protection Level will depend on atmospheric hazards • Cartridge Filter • SCBA • Supplied Air
- 56. Communications Maintain voice contact with rescuers Communicate needs to team leaders ALL rescuers should have a portable radio Have pre-determined hand signals
- 57. On-Site Emergency Signaling Procedures Emergency Signaling is used to alert on scene response personnel of: • Structural Instability • Secondary Devices/Explosions • Possible victim location • Hazardous Material Leaks • Other hazards that require immediate action (withdrawal, abandonment and evacuation, etc.) • Radio Announcement & portable Air Horn or Bull Horn Alert Systems are most common. Vehicle mounted air horns can also be used, if they can be heard inside of collapsed structure and around work area. • Accountability Systems will be used (Passports, PAR, and Roll- Calls).
- 58. Structural Collapse Concerns • Majority of victims will have injuries from falling debris • Most visible surface victims will have minimal entrapment. • Victims may have vision and breathing difficulties from dust exposure and impaction. • Blast injuries may be present (hearing!). • Entrapped victims will need Technical Rescue Teams. 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake Cars crushed by collapsing brick facade near Fifth and Townsend Streets. At this locality, five people were killed while leaving from work. [C.E. Meyer, U.S. Geological Survey]
- 59. Extended Operations Night Operations Rotating Shifts Environmental Exposure
- 60. Collapses and Crime Scene Operations Coordination with Local Law Enforcement (PPD, FCSO, WSP), Federal agencies (ATF, FBI, etc), and Medical Examiner (Coroner). Evidence Preservation
- 61. Post-Disaster Phase • Proper medication • Relief
- 62. Concerned Authorities in BD • Armed Force • Fire brigade • Red Cross • Pourashavas • Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief • Etc.
- 63. Rescue Operation in Savar by Bangladesh Army RESCUE OPERATION IN BUILDING COLLAPSE INCIDENT IN PALASHBARI, SAVAR 1. Introduction . On 11 Apr 2005 at 0100 hours a nine stored building “Spectrum Sweater Industries Limited” located at Palashbari, Savar collapsed resulting several death and injury. About 175 personnel were working on night 10/11 Apr 2005. Only few lucky survivors could escape death before the final collapse of the building. Apart from Army many other Government and private organisation and NGOs were involved in rescue operation. 2. Date of Troops Deployment. 11 Apr 2005. 3. Deployed Formation. Engineer Brigade and Savar Area. 4. Manpower. Approximately 570 personnel including 27 Officers which comprised of mainly engineer personnel. 5. Equipment Used. Compressor, Electric Vibrator, Electric Cutter, crane, excavator, dozers etc 6. Casualties. Dead – 61 and survivors – 84. 7. Task Performed by Army. Rescuing force jointly started making cavity holes at the selected locations at the centre of the collapsed building with an aim to allow oxygen and light to enter the bottom layers for other floors. Task performed by Army in coordination with other civil organisations are as follows: a. Securing the entire area. b. Search and rescue of dead bodies without damaging them. c. Search and rescuing injured personnel. d. Providing med attention to injured personnel. e. Clearing of debris of the building. 8. Date of Withdrawn. 19 Apr 2005.
- 64. Thank you
Editor's Notes
- Light Frame Construction Materials used for construction are generally lightweight and provide a high degree of structural flexibility to applied forces such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. These structures are typically constructed with a skeletal structural frame system of wood or light gage steel components, which provide support to the floor or roof assemblies. Examples of this construction type are wood frame structures used for residential, multiple low rise occupancies and light commercial occupancies up to four stories in height. Light gage steel frame buildings include commercial business and light manufacturing occupancies and facilities. Heavy Wall Construction Materials used for construction are generally heavy and utilize an interdependent structural or monolithic system. These types of materials and their assemblies tend to make the structural system inherently rigid. This construction type usually built without a skeletal frame. It utilizes a heavy wall support and assembly system to provide for the floors and roof assemblies. Occupancies utilizing tilt-up concrete construction are typically one to three stories in height and consist of multiple monolithic concrete wall panel assemblies. They also use an interdependent girder, column, and beam system for providing lateral wall support of floor and roof assemblies. Occupancies typically include commercial, mercantile and industrial. Other examples of this type of construction include reinforced and unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings typically of low-rise construction, one to six stories in height, of any occupancy. Heavy Floor Construction Structures of this type are built utilizing cast-in-place concrete construction consisting of flat slab panel, waffle or two-way concrete slab assemblies. Pre-tensioned or post-tensioned reinforcing steel rebar or cable systems are common components for structural integrity. The vertical supports include integrated concrete columns, concrete enclosed or steel frame, which carry the load of all floor and roof assemblies. This type includes heavy timber construction that may use steel rods for reinforcing. Examples of this type of construction include offices, schools, apartments, hospitals, parking structure and multi-purpose facilities. Common heights vary from single story to high rise structures. Pre-Cast Construction Structures of this type are built utilizing modular pre-cast concrete components that include floors, walls, columns and other sub-components that are field connected upon placement on site. Individual concrete components utilize imbedded steel reinforcing rods and welded wire mesh for structural integrity and may have either steel beam, column or concrete framing systems utilized for the overall structural assembly and building enclosure. These structures rely on single or multi-point connections for floor and wall enclosure assembly and are a safety and operational concern during collapse operations. Examples of this type of construction include commercial, mercantile, office, and multi-use or multi-function structures including parking structures and large occupancy facilities.
- Light Frame Construction Materials used for construction are generally lightweight and provide a high degree of structural flexibility to applied forces such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. These structures are typically constructed with a skeletal structural frame system of wood or light gage steel components, which provide support to the floor or roof assemblies. Examples of this construction type are wood frame structures used for residential, multiple low rise occupancies and light commercial occupancies up to four stories in height. Light gage steel frame buildings include commercial business and light manufacturing occupancies and facilities.
- Heavy Wall Construction (Unreinforced Masonry) (URM) Materials used for construction are generally heavy and utilize an interdependent structural or monolithic system. These types of materials and their assemblies tend to make the structural system inherently rigid. This construction type usually built without a skeletal frame. It utilizes a heavy wall support and assembly system to provide for the floors and roof assemblies. Occupancies utilizing tilt-up concrete construction are typically one to three stories in height and consist of multiple monolithic concrete wall panel assemblies. They also use an interdependent girder, column, and beam system for providing lateral wall support of floor and roof assemblies. Occupancies typically include commercial, mercantile and industrial. Other examples of this type of construction include reinforced and unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings typically of low-rise construction, one to six stories in height, of any occupancy.
- Heavy Floor Construction Structures of this type are built utilizing cast-in-place concrete construction consisting of flat slab panel, waffle or two-way concrete slab assemblies. Pre-tensioned or post-tensioned reinforcing steel rebar or cable systems are common components for structural integrity. The vertical supports include integrated concrete columns, concrete enclosed or steel frame, which carry the load of all floor and roof assemblies. This type includes heavy timber construction that may use steel rods for reinforcing. Examples of this type of construction include offices, schools, apartments, hospitals, parking structure and multi-purpose facilities. Common heights vary from single story to high rise structures.
- Heavy Wall/Tilt-Up/Reinforced Masonry Construction Structures of this type are usually built utilizing modular pre-cast concrete components that include floors, walls, columns and other sub-components that are field connected upon placement on site. Individual concrete components utilize imbedded steel reinforcing rods and welded wire mesh for structural integrity and may have either steel beam, column or concrete framing systems utilized for the overall structural assembly and building enclosure. These structures rely on single or multi-point connections for floor and wall enclosure assembly and are a safety and operational concern during collapse operations. Examples of this type of construction include commercial, mercantile, office, and multi-use or multi-function structures including parking structures and large occupancy facilities.
- Light framed construction (wood and metal) are the most common. Engine and Truck Companies are responsible for initial actions at these structures (NFPA Standard). Identification of SAR needs and collapse potential in Heavy Wall, Heavy Floor, and Pre-Cast construction are the responsibility of Operations level Truck Company Firefighters and the Technical Rescue Team (NFPA Standard). Initial Structural Size-up: Check conditions of road or ground for stability before parking apparatus. Check for hazards from overhead utilities. Do not park apparatus in collapse zone (commonly 1 ½ times the remaining height of the building away from the structure, evaluate and use your judgment). Check all sides of structure for stability and other hazards. Report conditions to all incoming units and advise of access and staging.
- Lean-to A lean-to is formed when one or more of the supporting walls or floor joists breaks or separates at one end, causing one end of the floor(s) to rest on the lower floor(s). Potential areas where victims might be located are under the suspended floor and on top of the floor at the lowest level. V-Shape A "V" is formed when heavy loads cause the floor(s) to collapse near the center. Potential areas where victims might be located are under the two suspended floor pieces and on top of the floor in the middle of the V. A-Frame Pancake A pancake is formed when the bearing wall(s) or column(s) fails completely and an upper floor(s) drops onto a lower floor(s), causing it to collapse in a similar manner. Potential areas where victims might be located are under floors and in voids formed by building contents and debris wedged between the floors. Cantilever A cantilever is formed when one end of the floor(s) hangs free because one or more walls have failed and the other end of the floor(s) is still attached to the wall(s). Potential areas where victims might be located are on top of or under the floors.
- Follow the three S’s: Survey … Stabilize … Search Survey: Check area for stability and Secure all utilities. Use air-monitoring devices prior to and during search operations. Stabilize: Ventilate as needed. Cribbing and Shoring. Control or divert water Continue to monitor for signs of shifting and collapse. Search: Have coordinated Search operation. Poor placement of Search teams and added weight can cause secondary collapse. Use Search Marking system. 60% of all Confined Space (void space) deaths are to Rescuer’s! 135 Rescuers died in the Mexico City Earthquake. 65 of them Drowned!
- Search Methods: Search from perimeter of debris pile and collapsed structure Do not walk on unstable debris, secondary collapse may be the result! Direct all ambulatory patients to a safe triage or treatment area. Search area in a systematic manner. Hailing Procedures: Position Rescuers around area to be searched. Rescue Team Leader calls for silence and all work in area to stop. Start calling out or tapping on some object, one at a time. Pause and each rescuer listens for response and try to get a “fix” on location. Any sound heard should be verified by at least one other Rescuer. Continue procedure in a systematic rotation (clockwise, etc)
- Four stages of Rescue Stage I Size up and Recon Size up entire area assigned to you. Assess Structure/Hazards Secure Utilities if safely done Mark Structure Draw diagram of area surveyed Identify entrapped victims (Utilize Search Marking System) Provide information to appropriate Team Leader/Supervisor (ICS Designate) Rescue and remove surface victims. During the size up (walk-around) if possible. From exterior of structure only. From on top of and under exterior debris piles. Scene organization and management Establish/Expand the ICS as needed. Request equipment and resources (you may know you will not get them soon, but request must be made as soon as possible!). Identify Triage areas/Casualty Collection Point(s). Identify staging area(s). Stage II Search likely survival places After completing stage 1 Determined by type of structure, time of day, and information from survivors, neighbors, relatives, etc. Locating methods Hailing systems Listening, Thermal sensing and fiber optic devices. Trained Search and Rescue dogs Search the Voids Identify type of void Identify hazards Search in void spaces and in debris piles at lower end of spaces.
- Four stages of Rescue Stage I Size up and Recon Size up entire area assigned to you. Assess Structure/Hazards Secure Utilities if safely done Mark Structure Draw diagram of area surveyed Identify entrapped victims (Utilize Search Marking System) Provide information to appropriate Team Leader/Supervisor (ICS Designate) Rescue and remove surface victims. During the size up (walk-around) if possible. From exterior of structure only. From on top of and under exterior debris piles. Scene organization and management Establish/Expand the ICS as needed. Request equipment and resources (you may know you will not get them soon, but request must be made as soon as possible!). Identify Triage areas/Casualty Collection Point(s). Identify staging area(s). Stage II Search likely survival places After completing stage 1 Determined by type of structure, time of day, and information from survivors, neighbors, relatives, etc. Locating methods Hailing systems Listening, Thermal sensing and fiber optic devices. Trained Search and Rescue dogs Search the Voids Identify type of void Identify hazards Search in void spaces and in debris piles at lower end of spaces.
- Four stages of Rescue Stage I Prioritization allows you to determine which problems to solve first
- Four stages of Rescue Stage I
- Stage II Search likely survival places After completing stage 1 Determined by type of structure, time of day, and information from survivors, neighbors, relatives, etc. Locating methods Hailing systems Listening, Thermal sensing and fiber optic devices. Trained Search and Rescue dogs Search the Voids Identify type of void Identify hazards Search in void spaces and in debris piles at lower end of spaces.
- Stage II Search likely survival places After completing stage 1 Determined by type of structure, time of day, and information from survivors, neighbors, relatives, etc. Locating methods Hailing systems Listening, Thermal sensing and fiber optic devices. Trained Search and Rescue dogs Search the Voids Identify type of void Identify hazards Search in void spaces and in debris piles at lower end of spaces.
- Fast Voids is an acronym for items that should be addressed before entering any void in a building collapse. The following is an explanation of this check list of procedures. F=Fire Suppression – Small fire can become big fires in a very short time. Remember, smoke kills A=Additional collapse potential – Is building or its components moving? What about loose/hanging debris S=Structure Type & Condition – Is it old, new, maintained, under construction, or demolition? T= Trapped victim rescue – Regarding the trapped victim: is it confirmed/unconfirmed? Are the crushed, impaled, pinned, dead or alive? V= Void Types & Locations – You need to size-up the location and number of voids O= Occupancy type/hazards – Examples include a private dwelling vs. commercial, nursing home, etc. I= Immediate utilities shutdown – Who Should handle this? D= Day or night – based on occupancy type, this may give an indication of number of potential victims. S= Situation – Cause of collapse – gas explosion, terrorist attack, etc.
- Stage III Selected debris removal Develop a systematic plan for removing selected portions of debris Keep number of rescue team members inside structure to a minimum Remove debris from top and work towards the bottom Mark debris piles that have been removed to prevent future movement Stage IV General Debris Removal Probability of finding live victims is highly unlikely Structure and debris are systematically removed with heavy equipment without regard to preference to any particular location of victims Rubble removed from the structure must be inspected for bodies and body parts Any bodies or body parts found must be taken to a predetermined location and identified
- Stage III Selected debris removal Develop a systematic plan for removing selected portions of debris Keep number of rescue team members inside structure to a minimum Remove debris from top and work towards the bottom Mark debris piles that have been removed to prevent future movement
- Stage IV General Debris Removal Probability of finding live victims is highly unlikely Structure and debris are systematically removed with heavy equipment without regard to preference to any particular location of victims Rubble removed from the structure must be inspected for bodies and body parts Any bodies or body parts found must be taken to a predetermined location and identified
- Use all three for the most complete search
- TIC’s (Thermal Imaging Cameras are invaluable when search collapsed structures. When dust and insulation cover all areas, TIC’s can assist in locating victims. Advanced search cameras are available from the Technical Rescue Team. Specific Confined Space equipment may also be useful in void space rescue operations. Search Dogs: It must be verified that the search dogs are of the correct type for the operation. USAR Search dogs, Wilderness Search Dogs, Cadaver Dogs, Bomb & Drug Dogs all have unique training and limitations. Search Dogs are requested through Dispatch or the EOC. Search Dogs are very useful, but USAR Search Dogs have an extended response time to our area.
- Many tools on Engines, Trucks and Medic units can be utilized for initial search and rescue operations. The majority of victims are injured from falling debris and if trapped, they can be rescued by removal of surface debris. Victims trapped by heavy debris and/or structural members require Structural Collapse Rescue Technicians. These personnel are available on the Technical Rescue Team. Remember to use marking systems. Report, or at a minimum (during communication failure) mark, any victmis found and their condition.
- As with the Structural/Hazard Marking system, orange spry paint should be used for marking. Lumber crayons or chalk should be used for additional information. A large distinct marking will be made outside of the “Main Entrance” of each structure to be searched. This marking will be completed in two steps. First, a large (approximately 2 foot) single slash “ \ ” shall be made. Add the date/time in the top quadrant and the crew identifier in the left quadrant. After the search has been completed, a second slash “ / ” will be added to form a “ X “. Specific information will be added to all four quadrants as needed. The right quadrant is for any significant hazards found. The bottom quadrant is for the number of live or dead victims, still in the structure. Use a small x in the bottom quadrant if no victims are in the structure. While searching inside the structure, use the same marking system room to room. Paint, Crayon or Chalk may be used. The only information added while inside the structure is any victims and hazards. Completed secondary Searches are displayed as a circle drawn around the original search marking. NOTE: Check on a single slash mark at the entrance to a structure, confirm the time and check on search/rescue crew. Aftershocks and secondary explosions may have compromised the interior crew.
- The identity and location of individual structures is crucial at incidents involving several structures or large areas of damage. Remark street names at intersections in a visible location. Paint house numbers outside structure (in a visible location) if available. Structure hazards identified during initial size up activities and throughout the incident should be noted. This Structure/Hazard Mark should be made on the outside of all normal entry points. Orange spray paint seems to be the most easily seen color on most backgrounds. Line marking or downward spray cans apply the best paint marks. Lumber crayons or lumber chalk should be used to mark additional information inside the search mark itself. Make a large (2'X2') square box with orange spray paint on the outside of the main structure (at a location easily seen from the street or access point). Put the Date, Time, Hazardous Material, and Team/Company identifier outside the box on the right hand side (use lumber crayon or chalk to write this). Empty Box = Structure is accessible and safe for search and rescue operations Single Slash = Structure is significantly damaged. Some areas are relatively safe, but other areas may need cribbing, shoring, or removal of falling and collapse hazards. X Mark in Box = Structure is not safe for search and rescue operations. May be subject to sudden additional collapse. Remote search operations may proceed at significant risk. If rescue operations are undertaken, safe haven areas and rapid evacuation routes should be created An Arrow “ “ indicates the location of the functional entrance to the building. NOTE: Aftershocks, secondary explosions and other factors may affect the structure. Re-evaluate and paint updated markings on structure as needed. Cross out old markings.
- Basic safety Considerations Structural Collapse and US&R Operations can expose the Rescuer to multiple hazards: Aftershocks, secondary explosions and continued extreme weather Shifting and falling debris Electrical shock Fire and explosions Hazardous materials and atmospheres Water and sewage Heat and cold exposure Biohazards Noise exposure Physical and emotional critical incident stress.
- Don’t rely on only one person for lighting – Always have a backup light source
- Coordinate rescue efforts with other teams so that one team doesn’t place other team in danger Keep team leaders advised of progress Communications is especially important during night operations
- On-Site Emergency Signaling Procedures: Effective emergency signaling procedures are essential for the safe operation of rescue personnel operating at a disaster site. These signals must be clear and universally understood by all personnel involved in the operation. Air horns or other appropriate hailing devices shall be used to sound the appropriate signals as follows: Cease Operation/All Quiet: 1 Long Blast (3 seconds) verbal announcement = “Quiet!” Evacuate the Area: 3 short blasts (1 second each) verbal announcement = “Out, Out, Out” Resume Operations: 1 Long and 1 Short Blast verbal announcement = “O-Kay” Following an Evacuation order, the Incident Commander will initiate a roll call by Division, beginning with the division most at risk. Each Division Supervisor will account for their assigned personnel, and advise the Incident Commander. If anyone is not accounted for, the evacuation signal will be repeated. Note: Rapid Intervention Teams will be in a safe location and be ready to respond to the Division most at risk.
- Follow MCI Protocols as needed. Multiple Triage and Treatment areas may be in use during Disasters. Coordinate location and designation of these sites within the Incident Command System.
- Extended operations are common during major emergencies and disasters. Proper illumination during low light conditions can increase efficiency of search and rescue operations and reduce the chance of injury. Use all available light sources and request lighting equipment through the Incident Command System. It is not uncommon to have 12 hour work periods and be without outside assistance for at least 72 hours during disasters. Be prepared for disasters with a personal “72 hour” kit for yourself at work and at home for your family. Chances of personal injury due to environmental exposure, fatigue and critical incident stress are increased during these types of events. Rehab should be ongoing and monitored within crews. Signs of fatigue and/or stress should be identified and treated immediately to reduce the chance of long term injury or disability.
- Many major emergency scenes are “crime scenes”. Coordination with appropriate Law Enforcement agencies will ensure operations will consider: Evidence preservation and procedures. Decon with evidence collection. Proper documentation of personal accounts and assignments during incident.