HomeMy WebLinkAbout203.006 - Identification and Management of Life Hazard Zones
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
STANDARDIZED DOCUMENTS
203.006 IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF LIFE
SAFETY HAZARD ZONES
EFFECTIVE: APRIL 2016
Current Revision Date: 4/21/21 Next Revision Date: 4/21/23
Author’s Name/Rank: Brad Driscoll, Battalion Chief Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Evelyn Yin-Zepeda,
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for the identification and
management of immediate life-threatening conditions at the scene of an incident
where on-scene emergency personnel and other responders do not have the
capabilities, tools, or training to immediately mitigate.
APPLICATION
To clearly identify a Life Hazard Zone ensuring emergency personnel and other
responders do not enter.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
A minimum of three horizontal strands of barrier tape, which state “DO NOT ENTER”
or “DO NOT CROSS” should be used to prevent emergency personnel and other
responders from entering. The tape should be 3-inch wide red and white barrier
striped or chevron tape and carried on all apparatus and staff vehicles responding to
emergencies. If red and white tape is unavailable, any tape which states “DO NOT
ENTER” or “DO NOT CROSS,” securely fixed to stationary supports and in sufficient
locations to isolate the hazard, will be suitable.
Section 203.006
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PROCESS
Standard for Identification of a Life Hazard Zone:
Deploy barrier tape in the following manner to prevent entry and identify the hazard
zone:
The critical element in this guideline is the tape which is configured in
three horizontal strands approximately 18 to 24 inches apart and
securely affixed to stationary supports to establish the Life Hazard Zone.
o The establishment of the Life Hazard Zone barrier should be of
sufficient size to provide complete isolation, distance, and
protection from the hazard.
o Stationary supports should be capable of supporting the barrier
tape throughout the incident.
The use of illumination is recommended to enhance nighttime visibility
and further identify the Life Hazard Zone (i.e., cones with lights, glow
sticks securely attached to the tape, etc.)
Established Life Hazard Zone:
Three horizontal strands of red and white striped or chevron barrier tape
or tape marked “DO NOT ENTER” or “DO NOT CROSS” is ONLY to be
used for Life Hazard identification. When incident personnel see the
three-strand configuration of tape, it is recognized as the standard for
isolating a Life Hazard Zone and incident personnel will not enter.
Section 203.006
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To prevent personnel from entering a Life Hazard Zone, ensure:
Sufficient identification measures are taken to provide a visible barrier to
approaching personnel.
Maintain the Life Hazard Zone for the duration of the incident or hazard.
Approval from the incident commander is required prior to the removal of
the Life Hazard Zone barriers.
The Life Hazard Zone identification measures are intended to provide a
visual cue to all incident personnel. Life Hazard Lookouts should be
considered to ensure a physical barrier between personnel and the Life
Hazard Zone through effective communications and notifications.
The incident commander is responsible for ensuring all personnel are
notified of the Life Hazard Zone.
Section 203.006
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INFORMATION
Safety Considerations Related to Life Hazard Zones:
Personnel will not breach, alter, or remove any Life Hazard Zone
identification measures until the hazard has been abated and the
incident commander has granted approval.
All personnel have a responsibility to be aware of Life Hazards and
make proper notifications when they are encountered.
The incident commander or Incident Safety Officer (ISO) should consider
appointing an Assistant Safety Officer (ASO) to oversee the Life Hazard
Zones and directly supervise Life Hazard Lookouts.
DEFINITIONS
Life Hazard: The existence of a situation or condition which would likely
cause serious injury or death to exposed persons (i.e., downed power
lines, structure collapse, holes, pits or trenches, and confined space.)
Life Hazard Zone: An area within the incident perimeter which has been
identified as life threatening and hazardous to emergency responders.
This area should be isolated through the use of barriers, which clearly
identify the area has hazards and prevents access by incident
personnel.
Life Hazard Lookout: A person assigned to safely observe a Life Hazard
Zone. The Life Hazard Lookout will isolate, monitor, and deny entry to
any responders or resources until the life hazard is mitigated and the
incident commander approves the release of the life hazard.
CROSS-REFERENCES
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Section 203.004, Rapid Intervention Crew
Section 203.006
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