Control measure

Cordon control: Unstable structures

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This control measure should be read in conjunction with Cordon controls

Control measure knowledge

Strategic actions

Fire and rescue services should:

Make arrangements with other agencies to establish the type and level of response they can provide if specialist advice is required
Ensure personnel are aware of the specialist advice available

Tactical actions

Incident commanders should:

Evaluate and monitor the potential footprint of collapse and debris
Consider seeking specialist advice when defining the hazard area for a potential collapse

TRAINING SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and understanding

Control measure element	Learning outcome
Cordon control: Unstable structures	Understand:  The importance of establishing cordons in the early stages of an incident when a structure may be unstable  The factors that will influence cordon distance for structures with potential for partial or structural collapse How to identify portal or rigid frame construction The hazards associated with portal or rigid frame construction The additional considerations when establishing safe cordons for unstable structures Who can provide specialist advice and assistance regarding cordons at incidents involving unstable structures

Control measure element

Learning outcome

Cordon control: Unstable structures

Understand: 

The importance of establishing cordons in the early stages of an incident when a structure may be unstable 
The factors that will influence cordon distance for structures with potential for partial or structural collapse
How to identify portal or rigid frame construction
The hazards associated with portal or rigid frame construction
The additional considerations when establishing safe cordons for unstable structures
Who can provide specialist advice and assistance regarding cordons at incidents involving unstable structures

NOS knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:
You need to know and understand: 2920
K Hazards and risks of the workplace affecting people and the environment in relation to fire and rescue operational incidents K How to make and apply decisions based on the assessment of risk in relation to fire and rescue operational incidents K How to apply practices that maximise the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others during fire and rescue operational incidents K Sources and availability of information K Roles, responsibilities and limits of authority of self, others and other agencies in relation to fire and rescue operational incidents K Building features and facilities that can cause risk to firefighters when responding to incidents K How different building construction and design can affect fire development
Health & Safety
K 1 Hazards and risks of the workplace affecting people and the environment in relation to fire and rescue operational incidents K 2 How to make and apply decisions based on the assessment of risk in relation to fire and rescue operational incidents K 3 How to apply practices that maximise the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others during fire and rescue operational incidents
Organisational
K 6 Sources and availability of information
Personal and Interpersonal
K 11 Roles, responsibilities and limits of authority of self, others and other agencies in relation to fire and rescue operational incidents
Technical
K 20 Building features and facilities that can cause risk to firefighters when responding to incidents K 21 How different building construction and design can affect fire development
You need to know and understand: 2201
K The risks associated with working at heights K The organisation's policies and procedures for preparing for, and working at height
Working at height in fire and rescue
K 2 The risks associated with working at heights K 6 The organisation's policies and procedures for preparing for, and working at height

Practical application

Control measure element	Learning outcome
Cordon control: Unstable structures	Demonstrate the ability to:  Gather relevant information to enable the evaluation and monitoring of the potential footprint of collapse and debris Identify the appropriate cordon distance for buildings with potential for partial or structural collapse Establish cordons safely, considering potential collapse of structures or equipment  Seek and act upon specialist advice regarding cordons for unstable structure Refer to Establish appropriate cordon controls – Incident command training specification

Control measure element

Learning outcome

Cordon control: Unstable structures

Demonstrate the ability to: 

Gather relevant information to enable the evaluation and monitoring of the potential footprint of collapse and debris
Identify the appropriate cordon distance for buildings with potential for partial or structural collapse
Establish cordons safely, considering potential collapse of structures or equipment 
Seek and act upon specialist advice regarding cordons for unstable structure

Refer to Establish appropriate cordon controls – Incident command training specification

NOS performance criteria

You must be able to:
Respond to fire and rescue incidents
P 2 Establish key factors about fire and rescue incidents and inform others in line with your organisation’s procedures, including: 2.1 Extent 2.2 Nature 2.3 Location P 3 Establish risks affecting fire and rescue incidents in line with your organisation’s risk assessment procedures P 5 Operate within appropriate risk control measures in line with your organisation's procedures P 6 Use resources, equipment and personal protective equipment at fire and rescue incidents in line with their limitations, safety and operating instructions
Respond to fire and rescue incidents 2889
P Operate within appropriate risk control measures in line with your organisation's procedures P Use resources, equipment and personal protective equipment at fire and rescue incidents in line with their limitations, safety and operating instructions P Operate in a safe manner within your agreed level of responsibility and expertise P Work with others in ways that: 11.1 Encourages cooperation 11.2 Supports common understanding 11.3 Promotes a positive image of your organisation
For the whole standard
P 10 Operate in a safe manner within your agreed level of responsibility and expertise P 11 Work with others in ways that: 11.1 Encourages cooperation 11.2 Supports common understanding 11.3 Promotes a positive image of your organisation
You must be able to: 2192
P Assess the risks associated when working at height, taking into account the potential dangers of falling, the stability of working platform and the nature of the incident P Take precautions to address risks identified according to operating procedures
Working at height in fire and rescue
P 2 Assess the risks associated when working at height, taking into account the potential dangers of falling, the stability of working platform and the nature of the incident P 3 Take precautions to address risks identified according to operating procedures

Hazard
Unstable or collapsed structure
Control measure
Assess and monitor structural stability

Subsurface, height, structures and confined spaces

Control measure

Cordon control: Unstable structures

Control measure

Cordon control: Unstable structures

Control measure knowledge

Strategic actions

Tactical actions

TRAINING SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and understanding

NOS knowledge and understanding

Practical application

NOS performance criteria