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.

THE END