
Rescue from depth
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Identify the location of suitable access and egress routes before committing crews to a confined space
Carry out testing and monitoring of the atmosphere and use the results to inform the incident plan
Gather information from available sources to gain accurate situational awareness and understanding
Question the responsible person, other responders and witnesses to understand incident factors and history
Ensure that a scene survey is carried out at the earliest opportunity
Access any operational or site specific risk information (SSRI) and confirm accuracy
Debrief personnel that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence and safety-related information
Maintain situational awareness and identify changes during the incident through active monitoring and regular briefings
Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
Consider using the facilities available in the infrastructure control room to monitor the incident
Use local knowledge to aid navigation to an incident
Ensure that tracks and pathways are suitable for fire service vehicles
Consider the least damaging routes to incidents and where possible, stay on marked paths and tracks
Consider Step 1-2-3 Plus: Safety Triggers for Emergency Personnel
Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
Establish the availability of pre-arranged evacuation strategies and policies
Consider pollution prevention information contained within site specific risk plans
Seek advice from landowners and other bodies on susceptible areas of the environment
Review situational awareness following an emergency evacuation or tactical withdrawal
Request adequate resources to enable effective search and timely extrication of casualties
Request technical rescue teams to attend incidents involving confined space or work at height
Confirm that required agencies have been requested or notified (e.g. Police, Ambulance, environmental agencies)
Request expert advice or assistance based on the extent and urgency of the underground structure incident
Consider using a range of thermal imaging resources such as aerial appliances, drones and helicopters
Consider requesting specialist advice or assistance for atmospheric monitoring
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Consider requesting appropriate facilities for the welfare of personnel
Consider the availability of pollution control equipment and/or pollution containment facilities on site
Make use of specialist fire and rescue service or on-site environmental protection equipment
Consider the appointment of a HMA (or equivalent) to oversee environmental protection activities
Request medical support at rescue incidents as soon as a need is identified
Implement measures to maintain access and egress during the incident
Carry out testing and monitoring of the atmosphere and use the results to inform the incident plan
Isolate the confined space from the ingress of gas, liquids or flowing materials
Ensure that all personnel wear the type of RPE identified by service risk assessments, procedures and training
Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
Carry out testing and monitoring of the atmosphere and use the results to inform the incident plan
Reduce the risk of fumes and gases from disturbed residual sludge and deposits in a confined space
Ensure that all personnel wear the type of RPE identified by service risk assessments, procedures and training
Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
Identify the potential for liquids to enter confined spaces, including surface water
Liaise with the owner or occupier, on-site engineers or maintenance engineers regarding power systems
Consider isolating the power supplies, considering the impact on any critical systems
Identify any sources of renewable energy generation such as photovoltaic panels or wind power
Ensure that PPE is worn in accordance with service risk assessment for live utilities
Identify bodies of water, unstable ground and risks of falling from height in working environment
Consider the effect of weather conditions and time of day on the working environment
Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
Implement measures to maintain access and egress during the incident
Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
Provide lighting to illuminate hazards to personnel in poorly lit environments
Ensure that personnel have access to the appropriate PPE
Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
Manage their working environment and workload to mitigate the effects of stress and fatigue, and to optimise their personal resilience
Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling
Request additional or specialist resources to assist with manual handling tasks
Consider the task, individual capabilities, load and environment (TILE) when carrying out risk assessments for manual handling
Ensure personnel adopt the provided safe system of manual handling
Comply with service protocols when handling substances that are hazardous to health
Ensure personnel cover open wounds, cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Consider applying operational discretion where the benefit of taking unusual, unorthodox or innovative action justifies the risk
Return to operational procedures when the objective has been achieved
Ensure that no person shall enter a confined space unless it is not reasonably practicable to achieve without such entry
Why? | Expectations? | Benefit vs Risk? |
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Implement a co-ordinated search plan, define parameters and sub-divide the area where necessary
Consider benefits to casualty of immediate extrication or medical attention in-situ
Develop a plan based on Locate, Access, Stabilise, Transport (LAST) principles
Co-ordinate the evacuation, ventilation, fixed installation and intervention strategies simultaneously
Develop a plan based on Locate, Access, Stabilise, Transport (LAST) principles
Apply the firefighter safety maxim and safe person principles at incidents
Identify and communicate the hazard area and establish a safe working area as soon as is practicable
Use situational awareness to anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
Develop and communicate an incident plan to relevant personnel, including the fire control room
Regularly review and update incident plan in response to active monitoring of the situation against expected outcomes
Review the tactical mode following active monitoring and briefings with sector commanders
Periodically review the analytical risk assessment using situational awareness from active monitoring
Apply the joint decision model process to ensure effective joint decision-making at multi-agency incident
Identify the need to evacuate and develop a strategy in liaison with partner agencies
Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
Carry out an environmental risk assessment and monitor the impact of tactics on the identified risk
Carry out testing and monitoring of the atmosphere and use the results to inform the incident plan
Deploy an appropriate team size into confined or restricted areas for search and rescue task
Establish and maintain contact with the casualty
Consider the need for immediate rescue or a means of securing the casualty
Instigate and communicate hygiene arrangements, facilities and consider decontamination
Implement an appropriate protection plan when an identified nature conservation site is at risk
Conduct regular communication checks to ensure equipment continues to function
Implement fallback procedures should there be a failure in the communications equipment
Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
Liaise and work with on-site staff or the contractor's specialist teams where they are available
Ensure communication systems are effective in subsurface and tunnel environments
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Communicate any change in the tactical mode of a sector of the incident to personnel at the incident ground and in the fire control room
Communicate objectives, priorities and tactics to be adopted in resolving the incident
Deliver clear, concise and timely briefings to crews, command support functions and other agencies
Regularly pass information to fire control regarding incident progress
Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
Ensure that all appropriate environmental agencies are informed of the incident when required
Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
Follow service protocols for reporting concerns about the mental or physical well-being of themselves or other individuals
Consider whether operational resources can be released from the incident
Conduct an inventory check and record any defects or deficiencies
Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
Consider the condition and serviceability of PPE when assessing operational readiness for redeployment
Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
Gather relevant information for the incident recording system
When appropriate instigate a review of existing guidance following the use of operational discretion
Ensure differences in information are resolved and systems updated following the closure of an incident
Compile and secure all incident command paperwork (e.g. analytical risk assessment and decision logs)
Ensure that waste products created by the fire and rescue service are disposed of legally and responsibly
Follow service protocols for reporting concerns about the mental or physical well-being of themselves or other individuals
Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary
CONFINED SPACE
While at least one of the five specified risks must be present or reasonably foreseeable for a space to be classified as confined, there are other associated hazards that may be encountered when working in confined spaces. See flow chart below: