Title: Traffic Control for Emergency Responders
1Traffic Control for Emergency Responders
- Connecticut Fire Academy
- www.ct.gov/cfpc
- October 2005
2Traffic Control for Emergency Responders
- Unit 1 Selection process to becoming a Fire
Police Officer and required training. - Unit 2 Procedures for Dealing with the Public
and Press - Unit 3 Radio/Communication Guidelines
3Traffic Control for Emergency Responders
- Unit 4 Traffic and Crowd Control Procedures
- Unit 5 Traffic Control Procedures (zones)
- Unit 6 Practical Skills Evolution
4Introduction
- Fire Police Officers (FPO)
- You are charged with a vast responsibility when
an emergency, disaster, or catastrophe strikes
your community.
5Introduction
- It is most incumbent that you be prepared
to cope with any emergency that arises by being
well informed and knowledgeable of your job and
responsibilities - What you can do, what you can not do,
what authority you do have, what happens if you
exceed your authority, and the laws that apply to
the fire service.
6NIOSH Describes Traffic Hazards to Fire Fighters
While Working Along Roadways
- The number of firefighters struck and killed
- by motor vehicles has dramatically increased
- within recent years.
- 5-year period between 1995 and 1999
- 17 firefighters were struck and killed
- 89 increase LODD deaths over the previous 5-year
period - (1990 and 1994)
- 9 firefighters were struck and killed by motor
vehicles - NFPA 2000. Cont.
7NIOSH Describes Traffic Hazards to Fire Fighters
While Working Along Roadways
- Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention
Program - NIOSH investigated two separate incidents
- Firefighters who were struck and killed while
providing emergency services along roadways
during 1999 (NIOSH 1999, 2000). - Data demonstrate that hazards to the fire service
are not limited to structural or wildland fires. -
- NFPA 2000. Cont.
8NIOSH Describes Traffic Hazards to Fire Fighters
While Working Along Roadways
- Motorists are accustomed to
- Clear, unobstructed roadway
- May not recognize and avoid closed lanes or
emergency workers on or near the roadway. - In some cases, conditions can reduce a
motorist's ability to see and avoid firefighters
and apparatus. -
- NFPA 2000. Cont.
9NIOSH Describes Traffic Hazards to Fire Fighters
While Working Along Roadways
- Examples include
- Weather,
- Time of day,
- Scene lighting
- (i.e., area lighting and optical warning devices)
- Traffic Speed and Volume
- Road configuration
- (i.e., hills, curves, and other obstructions that
limit visibility)
10NIOSH Describes Traffic Hazards to Fire Fighters
While Working Along Roadways
- Hazards Not Limited to the Fire Service
- Other emergency service providers
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Paramedics
- Vehicle Recovery Personnel
- Also exposed to these hazards.
11Unit 1
- The Selection Process
- and Required Training
12Selection Process
- No state limit on how many members
- Municipalities can limit membership
- Numbers can reflect
- a. Community size
- b. Number of full time law enforcement officers
- c. Fire Police Officers available for Emergency
Duty
13Selection Process
- Applicants must meet departments requirements
- No applicant shall be appointed if under
18-years of age - Shall complete and pass departments annual
physical health requirements to be covered by
most workers compensation insurance policies - Basic understanding of Motor Vehicle Statues
14Selection Process
- Free from any felony convictions.
- Must maintain a Valid Connecticut drivers
license. - Should be free from any disabilities that will
restrict the free and unimpeded movement of the
fire police officer while performing his or her
duties.
15Selection Process
- Good conduct
- You are probably the first contact between the
emergency scene and the general public. - Good mental attitude.
16Selection Process
- Good physical condition.
- 1. Mobile
- 2. Good hearing
- 3. Good sight
- 4. Mentally alert
- 5. React in an emergency
- 6. Agile
- 7. Good Posture
- 8. Stamina (Long Duration)
17Required Training
- Shall receive training in the following areas
- 1. Connecticuts General Statutes
- (Fire Ground and the AHJ)
- 2. Use of warning devices.
- 3. Traffic control.
- 4. Personal protective equipment.
- 5. HazMat Awareness ( Pre-Req.)
- 6. Communications
18Required Training (Statutes)
- Your function in the community is so vital, the
state of Connecticut has, by statute, established
the requirements for fire police. - The State of Connecticut has established laws
that will assist you in your job duties.
19Required Training- Section 7-313aFire Police
Revised
- See Attachment
- State Statutes
20Required Training- Section 7-313a
- Such powers and duties shall include
- 1. Traffic control and regulation
- 2. Fire drills or fires while the fire
department is on scene - 3. Fire department functions
- 4. With any other adjoining fire
department
21 Required Training- Section 7-313a
- Each fire police officer shall while in the
performance of duty wear the following - 1. Wear a badge in plain view.
- 2. Wear a white helmet with the words
Fire Police in red letters on the
front. - 3. Wear a traffic vest, orange or lime green
reflective raincoat or outer clothing. - 4. A flash light with red wand capable of
projecting - clear light for the purpose of illumination
at night. - 5. All equipment provided by the appointing
- municipality.
22Section 14-223a Striking anOfficer with a Motor
Vehicle
- See Attachment
- State Statutes
23Section 7-313b Authority of the Fire Officer and
the removal of persons
- Fire Officer in charge of directing fire ground
operations shall have the authority to remove any
person - Any building or place in the vicinity of such
fire or emergency for the purpose of protecting
such person from injury. - Fines for not leaving are not more than fifty
dollars or imprisoned for seven days or both.
24Section 7-313e The Fire Officer during Emergency
- Not withstanding any provision in the general
statutes or municipal ordinance to the contrary. - The Fire Chief or the Fire Officer in charge.
- AHJ - Authority having jurisdiction.
- Responding to or operating at a fire , service
call or other emergencies.
25Section 7-313e The Fire Officer during Emergency
- Have the authority to
- Control and direct emergency activities.
- Order any person to leave any building in the
vicinity of such fire for the purpose of
protecting such person from injury. - Blockade any public highway, street, or private
right of way temporarily while at such scene.
26Section 7-313e The Fire Officer during Emergency
- Have the authority to
- At any time of the day or night enter any
building, including a private dwelling, or upon
any premises where a fire is in progress or near
the scene of any fire.
27Section 3-314a Benefits
- Death Benefit.
- Disability coverage.
- Workers compensation.
- Taxes relief, in some communities enabled by
State Statute.
28Section 14-96qFlashing Lights
- See Attachment
- State Statutes
29Section 14-96q(b)Red Light
- See Attachment
- State Statutes
30Section 14-96q(c)Flashing Lights
- 14-96q(c) This subsection refers to use by
members of the fire police on a stationary
vehicle as a warning signal during traffic
directing operations. - 14-96q(d) Use of lamps and flashing lights
except as authorized by this section shall be an
infraction.
31Section 14-283e Approaching Emergency Vehicles
- See Attachment
- State Statutes
32Section 14-296b Followingor Parking Near Fire
Apparatus
- See Attachment
- State Statutes
33Fire Police Authority
- Your authority has limits,
- Dont Forget to stay within them!
34Unit 2
- Procedures for Dealing with the Public and the
Press
35Procedures for the Public
- FPO organizations must preplan and adopt
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Standard Operating Guidelines
- These SOPs/SOGs should be
- In writing
- Reviewed and Updated as required (annually)
- Develop procedures on a regional basis
- See Appendix for sample SOPs
36General ProceduresSOPs / SOGs
- Procedures should address
- - Traffic Patterns - Electrical Hazards
- - Use of warning Devices - Motor Vehicle
Accidents - - Structure Fires - General Safety of the
- Hydrated Areas Public - - Non-Hydrated Areas
- - HazMat Incident
37Procedures for the Public
- You are the first Emergency Responder many
people meet - So the impression that you leave, will be a
lasting one.
38Procedures for the Press
- Procedure can not supercede the Law
- Must address F.O.I.
- Should address identification of the press
- Free lancers are not granted access
- Must address the AHJs roll
- Must address the safety factor
- Is the area safe?
39Unit 3
- Radio Communication
- Guidelines
40RADIO/COMMUNICATIONS
- Fire Police Officers, Must Know
- Incident Command System
- How they Fit into the system.
- Required Training (NIMS)
- Contact your Department Training Officer
41RADIO/COMMUNICATIONS
- Fire Police Officers, Must
- Have the ability to Communicate orally
- Be able to interpret verbal
- Be able to interpret written instructions.
42RADIO/COMMUNICATIONS
- Radio
- Important means of communicating
- When directing traffic
- Coordinating efforts with the IC
- Members of your FPO organization
- Mutual aid
43RADIO/COMMUNICATIONS
- Currently the state is licensed for one low band
frequency (33.42 limited to 5 watts) - Low band radios are becoming obsolete
- Being replaced by higher frequency radios.
44RADIO/COMMUNICATIONS
- FPO Organizations should look into
- Multi-channel radios that have the
- Ability to operate on low power channels
- Talk to the IC without interfering with fire
ground communications. - FPO should
- Meet with their chiefs
- Mutual aid companies
- Develop an area wide system.
45RADIO/COMMUNICATIONS
- Proper Radio Operations
- Use only when necessary
(not a CB or cell-phone) - Assure you are on designated frequency
- 1st Identify the unit being called
- 2nd Identify the unit that is calling
- 3rd Keep messages brief and to the point
46RADIO/COMMUNICATIONS
- When using the radio talk calmly and clearly
- DO NOT YELL/SCREAM
- Prior to transmitting assure the air is clear
- If reporting vital information use the phonetic
alphabet ie Avenue A A as in Alpha etc. - If your department can afford it
cell-phones could be an alternative
to radios
47Unit 4Traffic Control
48Warning Devices
- Flares
- Cones
- Signs
- Flash lights/Traffic wands
- Flashing or revolving lights
49Warning Devices
- Road Flares
- Used for short periods of time
- Available in
- 15 minute sizes
- 30 minute sizes
- 30 minutes is preferable
-
50Warning Devices
- Road Flares Hazards.
- 1. Greatest danger is when lighting.
- 2. Flammable or Combustible liquids.
- 3. Flammable Gases.
- 4. Molten material can fly from flares.
- 5. Electronic Road Flares are an Alternative.
51Warning Devices
- Placement of Road Flares
- Positioning Dictated by the situation
- Highway Itself
- Weather
- Traffic Speed Limits
- Reaction time of the motor vehicle driver
52Warning Devices
- Cones Should Be
- Orange in color
- Reflexive stripe
- 28 in height
- Heavy enough not to blow over
- Placement Cones
- Same as road flares
- Cones / Any Warning Device
- Never Turn Your
- Back to Traffic.
53Warning Devices
- Signage
- not used to direct traffic, only for warning
motorist of up coming problems. - NFPA 1500
- DOT MUTCD
- (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
- Accident Ahead Warning Signs
- Deployed prior to mitigating the incident,
- Part of risk management for responder safety
-
54Warning Devices
- Signage Hand-held
- Combination stop/slow
- Minimum 18 in diameter with 10 handle
- Road signage
- Used at long term incidents
- usually supplied by local highway or state DOT
55Warning Devices
- Flash lights/Traffic wands
- Flash Light w/Red Wand
- capable of projecting a clear light for the
purpose of illumination at night. - Traffic wand w/Red LED
- (light diodes)
- Gain attention of oncoming traffic.
56Warning Devices
- Rotating or flashing vehicle lights
- Blue lights Responding
- Red light as a Warning Signal during Emergency as
long as vehicle is stationary - Amber flashing lights must be permitted by CT DMV
- All lights must be permitted
57Traffic Control
- Directing Traffic Tell people
- How
- When
- Where they can move
- You Actually Tell Them
- How to Move
- Your most important Job
- Let drivers and pedestrians
- know what you want them to do
58Traffic Control
- Primary Function
- Move Traffic
- Move Pedestrians
- Safely through and Around Emergency Zones
- While Protecting
- Emergency Workers
- Equipment
59Traffic Control
- FPO Responsibility
- FPO Job is dangerous
- No control over drivers actions
- Take every precaution to make incident scene safe
60Traffic Control
- 2002 Statistics
- Nationwide 1,180 work zone deaths
- In 2003 6 FF/FPO were killed while directing
traffic
61Traffic Control
- Scene Safety
- Secondary Incidents
- Yourself
- Emergency Workers
- Pedestrians
- Motoring Public
- Equipment
62Traffic Control
- Qualifications
- Ability to ID existing or potential problems
- Site Dangers
- React Quickly and Decisively
- Greatest number of contacts with the public
63Traffic Control
- Sense of Responsibility
- Properly Trained in Traffic Control
- Good Physical Condition
- Mobile
- Good Sight/Mentally Alert
- React In an Emergency
- Courteous but Firm
- Properly Dressed
64Traffic Control
- Dealing with the Public
- Act with Authority
- Authoritative Stature
- Courteous
- Do Not act uncertain,rude,or uncaring
- Answer all questions accurately
- but briefly
- If more detailed info is needed have motorist
pull to safe area
65Traffic Control
- Road Rage a Growing Concern
- You are the First Contact
- They Will Vent, it is not Personal
- Remember your Responsibility
- Traffic Control
- Remain Firm but Courteous
- If situation Escalates
- Call Incident Commander or Police
66Traffic Control
- Code Of Conduct
- Your actions speak louder than words
- DO NOT Sit/Mingle with civilians
- DO NOT turn your back to traffic
- DO NOT leave your post without permission
67Traffic Control
- Paddle and Hand Signals
- Hand signaling devices
- STOP/SLOW paddles and lights,
- used to control traffic through emergency zones
- STOP/SLOW paddle
- Positive Guidance,
- Primary Signaling Device
- 18 across with handle.
68Traffic Control
- Hand Signal Procedures
- Be Consistent
- Accentuated
- To Stop Traffic Face Traffic
- Stop paddle
- stationary fully extended away from the body
- free hand raised to traffic with palm toward
approaching traffic
69Traffic Control
- Direct traffic to proceed
- Face traffic
- Slow paddle stationary
- Fully extended away from body
- Motion with free hand for traffic to proceed.
70Traffic Control
- To Alert or Slow Traffic
- Face Traffic,
- Slow paddle stationary
- Fully extended away from body,
- Motion with free hand palm down
- Motion up and down repeatedly
- Indicating traffic to slow down
71Traffic Control
- One FPO operation
- 2-way low volume roads
- short lane closures
- adequate sight lines
- dead-end streets
72(No Transcript)
73Traffic Control
- Two or more FPO operations.
- 1 FPO in closed lane
- 1 FPO in the open lane
- 1 FPO to be coordinator or lead FPO
- To initially STOP traffic.
- Stand on shoulder of road
- Facing traffic with the STOP side of the paddle
facing traffic
74Traffic Control
- Arm fully extended
- Palm exposed to traffic,
- Once vehicles have fully stopped
- Move towards the centerline,
- STOP paddle still facing traffic
- always remember-check over your shoulder, dont
turn your back on traffic - Watch the open lane for traffic.
75Traffic Control
- Signal your partner that traffic is stopped
- Signals should not be mistaken
(SOPs / SOGs would eliminate any
confusion) - Partner then move back to the shoulder of the
road - STOP side of paddle still exposed to traffic
- Once on the shoulder of the road check over your
shoulder then release traffic, - Display the SLOW side of the paddle,
- Swing free arm in a horizontal arc
- Maintain control of the traffic.
76Traffic Control
- If traffic is picking up speed
- Raise and lower your free hand palm
down, - Telling traffic to SLOW DOWN.
- If FPO are out of sight of each other
- an additional FPO may be required.
- Radios may negate this problem.
77Traffic Control
- Night Operations
- Most Important VISIBILITY
- Attempt to set up in well lit areas if possible
- PPE must be reflective
- PPE should be visible at a distance of 1000
- Lightwands/ Flares/ Cones/Warning Lights
78Personal Protective Equipment
- All PPE should meet or exceed
- ANSI / ISEA 107-1999
- standard for high-visibility safety apparel
- see student handout for details
- Per this Standard
- 3 classes of protective gear based on traffic
speed
79Personal Protective Equipment
- Class 1
- Speeds not exceeding 25 mph
80Personal Protective Equipment
- Class 2
- Speeds above 25 mph
- not exceeding 50 mph
81Personal Protective Equipment
- Class 3
- Traffic Speeds above 50 mph
82PPE Continued
- This new standard is being adopted by
construction workers, and all emergency crews. - This standard will allow you to be seen at
distances of over 1000.
83PPE Continued
- Helmet/Reflective cap
- Flashlight/Light wand
- Reflective gloves
- Cold weather gear
- Footwear
- Foul weather reflective gear
84Crowd Control
- Barrier tape
- Signs
- Bullhorn
85Unit 5
86TRAFFIC CONTROL ZONES
- WARNING!! No FPO should step onto the surface of
a Limited Access Highway or Divided Highway prior
to the Fire Dept Initiating proper traffic
CONTROL ZONES for the protection of all emergency
workers from a secondary accident.
87TRAFFIC CONTROL ZONES
88Four Parts of a Traffic Control Zone
- A Temporary Traffic Control Zone is an area of a
highway where temporary traffic controls are
imposed by authorized officials in response to a
road user incident, natural disaster, or special
event. - A Temporary Traffic Control Zone is typically
marked by signs, cones, flares, and/or emergency
response vehicles. It extends from the first
warning sign or rotating/strobe light on a
vehicle to the last temporary traffic control
device. The four parts of a Traffic Control
Zone, as shown in Figure 1, are - Advance Warning Area The first area a driver
encounters when approaching the incident. This
is the area in which drivers are told what to
expect. The advance warning may consist of
signs, flashing lights, or combination of all
three. - Transition Area Whenever a lane or portion of
the highway is closed, travel path shifted, or
both, traffic must be channel from its normal
path to a new path. Tapers are used to
accomplished this in the transition area. - Activity Area
- Incident Space- The area of the highway that is
closed to traffic. - Buffer Space- The area that provides recovery
space for errant vehicles approaching the
incident area. - Termination Area The area used to return
traffic to its normal traffic path.
89DIAGRAM OF A TRAFFIC CONTROL ZONE
Figure 1
90ADVANCE WARNING AREA
91Table 3- Establishing Flagger Station and Sign
Location Using Your Pace
92Two Lane Roadway Off Road Incident
93MULTI LANE ROADWAY- SINGLE LANE CLOSURE
94INTERSECTION INCIDENT IN CENTER OF INTERSECTION
95INTERSECTION INCIDENT ON AN APPROACH
96TRAFFIC CONTROL - REMOVAL
97CHECKLIST
98RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
99PRACTICAL EVOLUTIONS
- All Students Will Dress in Their PPE and Bring
Associated Equipment Into Classroom for
Inspection - Refer to Figure 1
- Traffic Control Zone
100Connecticut Fire AcademyWindsor Locks, CT