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GRA 1.1emergency response
and arrival at the scene
Fire and Rescue Service Operational Guidance
6013 GRA TPAGES V1_1.indd 2 3/8/09 09:11:21
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428782 GRA 1.1_POD / sig2 / plateA
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene36
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1
Emergency response and arrival at the scene
August 2009
London: TSO
This document was archived on 30 March 2020
Archived
Published with the permission of the Department for Communities and Local Government on behalf of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
© Crown Copyright 2008
ISBN 978 011 754008 8
Copyright in the typographical arrangement and design rests with the Crown.
This is a value added publication which falls outside the scope of the HMSO Class Licence.
Applications for reproduction should be made to HMSO, The Licensing Division, St Clements House, 2-16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ.
Fax 01603 723000 or email: [email protected]
Published by TSO (The Stationery Office) and available from:
Onlinewww.tsoshop.co.uk
Mail, Telephone, Fax & E-mailTSOPO Box 29, Norwich, NR3 1GNTelephone orders/General enquiries: 0870 600 5522Fax orders: 0870 600 5533E-mail: [email protected]: 0870 240 3701
TSO@Blackwell and other Accredited Agents
Customers can also order publications from:TSO Ireland16 Arthur Street, Belfast BT1 4GDTel 028 9023 8451 Fax 028 9023 5401
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Contents
SECTION 1
Initial response 5
Scope 5
Significant hazards and risk 5
Initial alert 6
Travelling to the station 7
Access to and around the station 7
Mounting and dismounting the appliance 8
Emerging into traffic 8
Key control measures 9
Technical references
Summary 1 of GRA 1.1 Initial response 11
SECTION 2
Turning out and proceeding to an incident 17Scope 17
Significant hazards and risks 17
Road conditions 18
Other road users including pedestrians 18
Insecure or poor stowage 18
Not using seat belts 18
Vehicle design, condition and maintenance 19
Driver competence 19
Weather conditions 19
Excessive use of speed 19
Key control measures 19
Driver training and continuation training 19
Use of Fire and Rescue Service vehicles 19
Traffic control systems 20
Fire and Rescue Service policy 20
Technical references 20
Summary 2 of GRA 1.1 Turning out and proceeding to an accident 21
The Generic Risk Assessments in this series only apply to England.This document was archived on 30 March 2020
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SECTION 3
Arriving and getting to work 26
Scope 26
Significant hazards and risks 26
The operational imperative 26
The presence of fire appliances/vehicles and pedestrians/other vehicles 27
The uncontrolled situation 27
Manual handling of equipment 27
Remote locations 27
Slips, trips and falls 27
Violence and aggression 27
Noise 27
Key control measures 28
Dynamic management of risk 28
Vehicle positioning 28
Incident command system 28
Standard operating procedures, risk assessments and pre-planning 28
Cordon control 29
Manual handling 29
Dealing with violence and aggression 29
Slips and trips 29
Noise 30
Technical references 30
Summary 3 of GRA 1.1 Arriving and getting to work 31
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 5
Section 1
Initial response
ScopeThis section of the generic risk assessment (GRA) examines the hazards, risks and controls that relate to Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) staff and others who may be affected during the period in which they receive an emergency call and begin to respond to the emergency call.
As with all GRAs, this assessment provides a starting point for Fire and Rescue Services to conduct their own assessments within the context of local conditions and existing organisational arrangements.
Significant hazards and risksThere are five key activities that have the potential to cause harm during this initial response phase:
initial alert•
travelling to the workplace•
access to and around the workplace•
mounting the appliance•
emerging into traffic.•
The risks to personnel will vary dependant upon their location on receipt of the initial alert.
Initial alert
ON CALL PERSONNELThis group of personnel are normally alerted by personal pager, radio or telephone. The speed of initial reaction will depend on a number of local factors such as the number of alerts received, their role, the time of call and the disposition of the individual.
The potential for injury to personnel who, immediately prior to responding, are engaged in work, leisure, social or domestic activities arises from:
the initial reaction of the individual to the alert•
distraction from current activity, e.g. this may occur during FRS activity but also •during secondary employment, leisure or domestic activities
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene6
the sudden transition from rest to response•
rapid movement.•
PERSONNEL ON “OUT” DUTIES OR OTHER OFF STATION ACTIVITIESThis group of personnel are normally alerted by personal pager, radio or telephone and some of the circumstances detailed above may be similar.
This group will normally be involved in off station activities such as standby duties, home fire safety visits, school visits, community events, off station training, inspections or returning to home station. They will not normally be dressed in firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE).
The speed of initial reaction will be influenced by unfamiliar surroundings, distance from the appliance, the surrounding environment and terrain and the unpredictable reaction of members of the public, workers, school children and householders.
The potential for injury to this group arises from:
the sudden transition from rest to response•
rapid movement•
slip and trip hazards and falls from height•
ensuring any equipment in use at the time is not left in an unsafe condition•
replacing equipment onto vehicles with pressure of response and failing to •observe safe systems of work
the initial reaction of members of the public, workers, school children and •householders to the response of FRS staff
lack of familiarity with the surroundings.•
PERSONNEL AT THEIR STATIONThis group of personnel are normally alerted by an audible signal. The potential for injury to this group arises from:
the initial reaction of the individual to the alarm•
the sudden transition from rest to response•
slip and trip hazards and falls from height•
replacing equipment onto vehicles with pressure of response and failing to •observe safe systems of work
lack of familiarity with the surroundings by standby crews•
the initial reaction of contractors, visitors and non operational FRS staff•
rapid movement around the workplace or station.•
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 7
Travelling to the stationOn-call personnel travel from remote locations to their workplace using a variety of methods such as car, cycle, motor cycle and on foot. Serious injuries and fatalities have occurred involving personnel travelling in such circumstances. The risk of a road traffic collision is increased due to the perception of urgency by personnel and by other factors such as adverse weather conditions and time of day.
The potential for injury to this group arises from:
failure to obey road traffic regulations•
failure to observe and consider other vehicles due to the perceived urgency of •response.
Access to and around the stationOn receipt of alert, personnel will arrive at the station within a few minutes of each other. Personnel who arrive earlier are exposed to a risk of being struck by the vehicles of other responders who arrive later. There is a possibility of members of the public, including children, and contractors being in the grounds of the workplace when personnel arrive.
Weather conditions such as rain, snow and ice may increase risks on station grounds.
Internal and external routes through the workplace may present hazards to all personnel.
The risk of slips trips and falls may be present due to:
the levels of fatigue of personnel•
the perceived urgency of the call•
poor illumination of thoroughfares•
the suitability of footwear worn at the time of the turnout•
the design, condition and maintenance of the premises, e.g. pole drops, stairs, •floor surfaces, presence of snow, ice, oil. dust and water
the position of firefighting PPE•
the standard of housekeeping.•
The presence and concentration of exhaust fumes may pose a hazard, however modern vehicle design, cleaner fuel and/or extraction systems has reduced the risk.
Mounting and dismounting the applianceThere are many occasions where personnel have suffered both short and long term injuries whilst mounting and dismounting FRS vehicles prior to turning out. Contributory factors could include:
the urgency of the call•
cab design ergonomics•
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene8
poor vehicle maintenance and inspection•
poor illumination•
the position and height of the steps•
the size of the steps•
door design (size and position)•
door opening (catches handles and locks)•
ground or floor conditions•
dressing/rigging •
storage of personal protective equipment•
the method of accessing the steps when accessing the appliance•
contamination of steps, e.g. mud, water•
starting the appliance, noise and fumes.•
Emerging into trafficOnce the crew has boarded the appliance, the vehicle will emerge into traffic from the workplace/station. On-call personnel use officially sanctioned vehicles and will emerge into traffic from a variety of locations. The risk of FRS vehicles striking the appliance bay doors, other road users or pedestrians (members of staff or the public) on exit could be affected by:
weather conditions, e.g. rain, fog, snow and ice•
levels of fatigue of personnel•
the perceived urgency of the call, e.g. persons reported•
the initial position of the appliance•
trailing leads from battery maintenance systems•
other personnel responding to station•
drivers failing to be aware of the timing of self closing appliance bay doors•
the degree to which appliance bay doors are maintained•
lack of pedestrian control measures •
lack of traffic control measures•
design and layout of the site, e.g. trees, shrubs or walls obscuring the driver’s •view.
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 9
Key control measuresFire and Rescue Services should consider how they control the hazards and risks described above. Key measures are described below.
Fire and Rescue Services should assess the levels of noise achieved from audible signals against the requirements of the Noise at Work Regulations.
Policies and guidance for those personnel who respond from off workplace locations should be in place. To ensure availability and acceptable standards of readiness it is important that personnel on all duty systems, understand the requirements of such policies, e.g. working time and rest periods1. For employees who are not whole time employed, the requirements of their other employer should be understood, e.g. turning off equipment prior to leaving the workplace.
It is important that personnel responding to their workplace/station in private vehicles or motor cycles comply with all road traffic regulations, including speed limits.
Where appliances remain on call whilst they are off station to undertake visits, training and inspections, crews should:
brief owners/occupiers•
take note of any hazards they may face when returning to the appliance•
consider delaying turnout to reduce pressure on crews when returning •equipment to the appliance.
Where a crew is standing by at another station, they should familiarise themselves with the layout of the premises and take note of any temporary hazards.
Policies that reduce the number of occasions when an emergency call is initiated (e.g. prevention work, graduated response arrangements) will reduce the overall risk to personnel from turning out.
FRSs will need to assess the suitability and condition of internal and external travel routes. This includes illumination, the organisation of traffic and pedestrian routes within workplaces and the condition of floor surfaces, ensuring safe access and egress at all times. Snow and ice gritting procedures should be in place.
During the hours of darkness, automatic lights normally illuminate fire stations to assist operational staff to respond.
FRSs should assess the levels of illumination along pedestrian routes to ensure safe access and egress.
FRSs should ensure that there are adequate procedures in place so that the station is in a clean and safe condition at all times. This is of particular importance in appliance bays where leakage of fuel and water, or dust accumulation may occur.
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene10
Policies and procedures should be in place to ensure workplace risks are minimised. These include housekeeping standards, snow and ice clearing arrangements, speed limit signs and traffic and pedestrian separation.
The suitability of automatic appliance bay doors, including their fitting, use and maintenance, should be assessed.
Assessments should be undertaken to ensure vehicles can emerge safely onto the highway, which may include crossing pedestrian routes. Control measures may include:
traffic light controls•
yellow box junctions•
traffic warning signs•
pedestrian warning signs•
design and layout of the site to ensure unhindered turnout•
emergency fire appliance driver training•
driver training for all other responding officers•
audible and visual warning systems on responding vehicles.•
Technical references 1 Working Time Regulations
Relevant Working Joint Council Conditions for Personnel
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 11
Se
ctio
n 1
Sum
mar
y 1
of G
RA
1.1
In
itia
l res
po
nse
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
1.1
Bei
ng a
lert
ed to
an
emer
genc
y ca
ll on
st
atio
n
Noi
se
Hea
ring
dam
age
over
a
num
ber
of y
ears
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
C
ontr
acto
rs
Vis
itors
Oth
er F
RS
sta
ff
Noi
se le
vels
sho
uld
be m
easu
red
as p
art o
f no
ise
surv
eys
Pro
blem
s w
ith in
divi
dual
sou
nder
s sh
ould
be
inve
stig
ated
Con
trac
tors
/vis
itors
sho
uld
be w
arne
d of
the
haza
rd
Pha
sed
incr
ease
in s
ound
and
leve
ls o
f illu
min
atio
n
1.2
Bei
ng a
lert
ed to
an
em
erge
ncy
call
whi
lst o
n ca
ll
Men
tal a
nd p
hysi
cal s
tate
of
indi
vidu
al. T
rans
ition
from
rest
to
actio
n pa
rtic
ular
ly a
t nig
ht
Nea
rby
haza
rds,
e.g
. slip
s, tr
ips,
st
ruck
aga
inst
Ris
k of
slip
s an
d tr
ips
or
strik
ing
agai
nst o
bjec
tsW
hole
tim
e
Ret
aine
d, V
olun
teer
s
Flex
ible
dut
y of
ficer
s
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d re
spon
d in
a ti
mel
y m
anne
r, w
alk
bris
kly
not r
un
Per
sonn
el w
ill be
aw
are
of lo
cal h
azar
ds
Acc
ount
sho
uld
be ta
ken
of p
reva
iling
wea
ther
con
ditio
ns, e
.g. i
ce, s
now
, fog
, su
nshi
ne
Sui
tabl
e fo
otw
ear
Per
sonn
el to
mai
ntai
n go
od fi
tnes
s le
vels
. M
edic
al fi
tnes
s as
sess
men
ts
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene12
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
1.3
Res
pond
ing
initi
ally
to th
e al
ert
whi
lst o
n st
atio
n
Men
tal a
nd p
hysi
cal s
tate
of
indi
vidu
al.
Tran
sitio
n fro
m re
st to
act
ion
part
icul
arly
at n
ight
Nea
rby
haza
rds,
e.g
. slip
s, tr
ips,
st
ruck
aga
inst
Use
of p
ole
drop
Ris
k of
slip
s an
d tr
ips
and
strik
ing
agai
nst
obje
cts
Ris
k of
fall
(pol
e dr
op)
lead
ing
to s
erio
us in
jury
or
fata
lity
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
, C
ontr
acto
rs
Vis
itors
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d re
spon
d in
a ti
mel
y m
anne
r, w
alk
bris
kly
not r
un
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d be
aw
are
of th
e ha
zard
s
Goo
d st
anda
rds
of h
ouse
keep
ing
are
prom
oted
on
wor
kpla
ces
to m
inim
ise
slip
and
tr
ip/s
truc
k ag
ains
t haz
ards
Vis
itors
/con
trac
tors
pol
icie
s to
incl
ude
info
rmat
ion
on th
e ris
ks fr
om p
erso
nnel
re
spon
ding
to th
e in
itial
turn
out
mes
sage
an
d ac
tion
to ta
ke a
t thi
s tim
e
All
oper
atio
nal p
erso
nnel
sho
uld
be p
rovi
ded
with
info
rmat
ion/
inst
ruct
ion/
trai
ning
on
the
use
of p
ole
drop
s
Vis
itors
/con
trac
tors
mus
t not
use
pol
e dr
ops.
Th
ey s
houl
d be
sec
ure
and
appr
opria
te
sign
age
shou
ld b
e in
pla
ce re
stric
ting
thei
r us
e to
trai
ned
pers
onne
l
Goo
d lig
htin
g
Sui
tabl
e fo
ot w
ear
Per
sonn
el to
mai
ntai
n go
od fi
tnes
s le
vels
Med
ical
ass
essm
ents
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 13
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
1.4
Trav
ellin
g to
the
stat
ion
to re
spon
d in
the
appl
ianc
e
Roa
d, w
eath
er a
nd p
avem
ent
cond
ition
s
Per
cept
ion
of u
rgen
cy
Con
ditio
n of
veh
icle
/cyc
le
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
n
Slip
, trip
or
fall
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Oth
er ro
ad u
sers
Ped
estr
ians
Alc
ohol
Pol
icy
Mob
ile P
hone
Pol
icy
Do
not a
cces
s pa
gers
whi
lst d
rivin
g.
Per
sonn
el to
obe
y ro
ad tr
affic
regu
latio
ns,
incl
udin
g po
sted
spe
ed li
mits
Hel
met
s w
orn
for
cycl
ists
/mot
or c
yclis
ts
1.5
Arr
ivin
g at
the
stat
ion
and
prep
arin
g to
re
spon
d in
the
appl
ianc
e
Arr
ival
of p
erso
nnel
at s
ame/
sim
ilar
time
Adv
erse
wea
ther
Hou
se k
eepi
ng o
n st
atio
n
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
n
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Vis
itors
Con
trac
tors
Per
sonn
el a
re fa
milia
r w
ith th
e la
yout
of t
he
site
and
are
aw
are
of a
cces
s an
d eg
ress
ro
utes
Saf
ety
sign
age
– sp
eed
limits
, giv
e w
ay.
Traf
fic s
yste
ms,
e.g
. one
way
, par
king
sy
stem
s, b
arrie
rs
Vehi
cle/
pede
stria
n se
greg
atio
n w
here
po
ssib
le.
Cor
don
and
sign
are
as w
here
wor
k is
taki
ng p
lace
Grit
ting
polic
y
1.6
Sup
port
sta
ff re
spon
ding
to th
e al
ert
Men
tal a
nd p
hysi
cal s
tate
of
indi
vidu
al.
Nea
rby
haza
rds,
e.g
. sl
ips
and
trip
s, s
truc
k ag
ains
t
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Str
ikin
g ag
ains
t obj
ects
Sup
port
sta
ff,
e.g.
pho
togr
aphe
rs,
wor
ksho
ps
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d re
spon
d in
a ti
mel
y m
anne
r. Th
ey s
houl
d be
aw
are
of th
e ha
zard
s
Sui
tabl
e fo
otw
ear
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene14
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
1.7
Cre
ws
resp
ondi
ng
to a
lert
s w
hils
t un
dert
akin
g tr
aini
ng a
ctiv
ity
Nea
rby
haza
rds,
e.g
. slip
s an
d tr
ips,
str
uck
agai
nst
Man
ual h
andl
ing
equi
pmen
t bac
k in
to v
ehic
le
Rus
hing
and
not
sec
urin
g th
e ve
hicl
e
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Str
ikin
g ag
ains
t obj
ects
Man
ual h
andl
ing
inju
ry
Obj
ects
fallin
g fro
m th
e ve
hicl
e le
adin
g to
road
tr
affic
col
lisio
n
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
, R
etai
ned
Mem
bers
of t
he
publ
ic
Oth
er ro
ad u
sers
App
lianc
e to
be
re-s
tow
ed c
orre
ctly
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d re
spon
d in
a ti
mel
y m
anne
r
Per
sonn
el w
ill be
aw
are
of h
azar
ds
Man
ual h
andl
ing
trai
ning
1.8
Cre
ws
stan
ding
by
at s
tatio
n ot
her
than
at
hom
e st
atio
n an
d re
spon
ding
to
aler
ts
Men
tal a
nd p
hysi
cal s
tate
of
indi
vidu
als
Tran
sitio
n fro
m re
st to
act
ion,
pa
rtic
ular
ly a
t nig
ht
Nea
rby
haza
rds
e.g.
slip
s, s
truc
k ag
ains
t
Mov
emen
t aro
und
unfa
milia
r lo
catio
n
Use
of p
ole
drop
Man
ual h
andl
ing
equi
pmen
t int
o ve
hicl
e
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Str
ikin
g ag
ains
t obj
ects
Man
ual h
andl
ing
Fall
from
pol
e dr
op
lead
ing
to s
erio
us in
jury
or
fata
lity
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
i Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Con
trac
tors
Vis
itors
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d re
spon
d in
a ti
mel
y m
anne
r, w
alk
bris
kly
not r
un
Be
awar
e of
loca
l haz
ards
Fam
iliaris
e th
emse
lves
with
layo
ut o
f bui
ldin
g at
ear
liest
opp
ortu
nity
Avo
id th
e us
e of
pol
e dr
op if
not
trai
ned
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 15
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
1.9
Cre
ws
invo
lved
in
off
stat
ion
activ
ities
, 7.2
.(d)
and
Inte
l vis
its
and
resp
ondi
ng to
al
erts
Men
tal a
nd p
hysi
cal s
tate
of
indi
vidu
als
Tran
sitio
n fro
m re
st to
act
ion
Nea
rby
haza
rds
e.g.
slip
s, s
truc
k ag
ains
t
Mov
emen
t aro
und
unfa
milia
r lo
catio
n
Loca
l veh
icle
mov
emen
t (fo
rk li
fts,
deliv
ery
vehi
cles
, oth
er v
ehic
les)
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Str
ikin
g ag
ains
t obj
ects
Bei
ng s
truc
k by
mov
ing
vehi
cle
resu
lting
in
fata
lity
or s
erio
us in
jury
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
n
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
i Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Ow
ners
/Occ
upie
rs
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d re
spon
d in
a ti
mel
y m
anne
r, w
alk
bris
kly
not r
un
Be
awar
e of
loca
l haz
ards
Fam
iliaris
e th
emse
lves
with
layo
ut o
f bui
ldin
g at
ear
liest
opp
ortu
nity
Arr
ange
men
ts in
pla
ce o
n pr
oced
ures
to b
e ad
opte
d in
the
even
t of a
n al
ert
1.10
Cre
ws
invo
lved
in
off
stat
ion
activ
ities
, hom
e fir
e sa
fety
che
cks
Men
tal a
nd p
hysi
cal s
tate
of
indi
vidu
als
Tran
sitio
n fro
m re
st to
act
ion
Nea
rby
haza
rds
e.g.
slip
s, s
truc
k ag
ains
t
Mov
emen
t aro
und
unfa
milia
r lo
catio
n
Att
acks
from
pet
s
Loca
l tra
ffic
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Str
ikin
g ag
ains
t obj
ects
Bei
ng s
truc
k by
mov
ing
vehi
cle
resu
lting
in
fata
lity
or s
erio
us in
jury
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
n
Ani
mal
bite
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
i Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Ow
ners
/Occ
upie
rs
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d re
spon
d in
a ti
mel
y m
anne
r, w
alk
bris
kly
not r
un
Be
awar
e of
loca
l haz
ards
Fam
iliaris
e th
emse
lves
with
layo
ut o
f bui
ldin
g at
ear
liest
opp
ortu
nity
Arr
ange
men
ts in
pla
ce fo
r po
tent
ially
da
nger
ous
pets
to b
e se
cure
d pr
ior
to a
nd
durin
g th
e vi
sit
Arr
ange
men
ts in
pla
ce fo
r pr
oced
ures
to b
e ad
opte
d in
the
even
t of a
n al
ert a
nd re
cove
ry
of a
ny e
quip
men
t whi
ch n
eeds
to b
e le
ft be
hind
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene16
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
1.11
Cre
ws
invo
lved
in
off
stat
ion
activ
ities
, sch
ool
visi
ts a
nd
resp
ondi
ng to
in
itial
ale
rt
Men
tal a
nd p
hysi
cal s
tate
of
indi
vidu
als
Tran
sitio
n fro
m re
st to
act
ion
Nea
rby
haza
rds
e.g.
slip
s, s
truc
k ag
ains
t
Mov
emen
t aro
und
unfa
milia
r lo
catio
n
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Str
ikin
g ag
ains
t obj
ects
Bei
ng s
truc
k by
mov
ing
vehi
cle
resu
lting
in
fata
lity
or s
erio
us in
jury
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
n
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
i Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Ow
ners
/Occ
upie
rs
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d re
spon
d in
a ti
mel
y m
anne
r, w
alk
bris
kly
not r
un
Be
awar
e of
loca
l haz
ards
Fam
iliaris
e th
emse
lves
with
layo
ut o
f bui
ldin
g at
ear
liest
opp
ortu
nity
Arr
ange
men
ts in
pla
ce fo
r pr
oced
ures
to b
e ad
opte
d in
the
even
t of a
n al
ert a
nd re
cove
ry
of a
ny e
quip
men
t whi
ch n
eeds
to b
e le
ft be
hind
1.12
Cre
ws
invo
lved
in
off
stat
ion
activ
ities
, fet
es o
r ot
her p
ublic
eve
nts
and
resp
ondi
ng to
in
itial
ale
rt
Men
tal a
nd p
hysi
cal s
tate
of
indi
vidu
als
Tran
sitio
n fro
m re
st to
act
ion
Nea
rby
haza
rds
e.g.
slip
s, s
truc
k ag
ains
t
Mov
emen
t aro
und
unfa
milia
r lo
catio
n
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Str
ikin
g ag
ains
t obj
ects
Bei
ng s
truc
k by
mov
ing
vehi
cle
resu
lting
in
fata
lity
or s
erio
us in
jury
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
n
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
i Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Ow
ners
/Occ
upie
rs
Per
sonn
el s
houl
d re
spon
d in
a ti
mel
y m
anne
r, w
alk
bris
kly
not r
un
Be
awar
e of
loca
l haz
ards
Fam
iliaris
e th
emse
lves
with
layo
ut o
f bui
ldin
g at
ear
liest
opp
ortu
nity
Exp
lan
ato
ry K
ey
Des
crip
tion
Ref
eren
ce n
umbe
r fo
r th
e ris
k
Task
– th
e sp
ecifi
c ac
tivity
bei
ng c
arrie
d ou
t
Haz
ard
– H
azar
d pr
esen
t giv
ing
rise
to th
e ris
k
Ris
k –
the
chan
ce, h
igh
or lo
w, t
hat s
omeb
ody
coul
d be
har
med
by
thes
e an
d ot
her
haza
rds,
toge
ther
with
an
indi
catio
n of
how
ser
ious
Per
sons
at r
isk
– th
is s
houl
d de
tail
eith
er e
mpl
oyee
, and
/ o
r m
embe
r of
pub
lic
Con
trol
mea
sure
s –
That
cou
ld b
e us
ed b
y th
e S
ervi
ce to
redu
ce th
e ris
k
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 17
Section 2
Turning out and proceeding to an incident
ScopeThis section of the generic risk assessment examines the hazards, risks and controls that relate to Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) staff and others who may be affected when they turn out and proceed to an incident.
As with all generic risk assessments, this assessment provides a starting point for Fire and Rescue Services to conduct their own assessments within the context of local conditions and existing organisational arrangements.
Significant hazards and risksSignificant hazards associated with turning out and proceeding to an incident can be classified into the following categories:
road conditions•
other road users and pedestrians•
insecure or poor stowage•
not using seat belts•
vehicle design, condition and maintenance (this would include driving an •unfamiliar vehicle)
driver competence•
driver fitness, e.g. affected by alcohol, drugs or medication•
weather conditions•
excessive use of speed due to perceived urgency.•
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene18
Road conditionsEmergency vehicles will travel on many different road types from a farm track to a motorway, all of which presents specific risks. Hazards are presented by:
road obstructions•
congestion•
parked cars•
traffic calming measures•
road works •
poorly illuminated or maintained surfaces. •
These hazards will have an effect on both the traction of the vehicle and the driver’s visibility.
If FRSs determine a need to use vehicles off road, they should complete a FRS specific risk assessment.
Other road users including pedestriansFRS personnel are at risk from other road users who may not be aware of the presence of emergency vehicles, or who may act inappropriately. These risks are increased when other drivers may be using a mobile phone or have the radio turned up and so on.
In the past, injuries to personnel have occurred as a result of collisions with other vehicles and/or emergency avoidance measures. This risk is increased when appliances/vehicles have a poor degree of conspicuousness.
Insecure or poor stowageIncidents have occurred when appliance doors have opened inadvertently en-route. There is a risk of vehicle doors becoming unlatched whilst the vehicle is in motion. The likelihood of this arising may be affected by factors such as the design and build quality of the latching assembly, maintenance procedures and the suitability and position of the door release mechanism.
There is a risk of personnel being injured by equipment which falls as a result of either badly designed stowage space, or careless or inappropriate securing. This risk may also affect pedestrians and other road users where equipment falls from fire and rescue service vehicles whilst en route due to badly designed stowage or inappropriate or poor securing.
Not using seat beltsThere is a risk to personnel en-route to an incident when not wearing seat belts. This risk arises when personnel dress and don breathing apparatus en route.
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 19
Vehicle design, condition and maintenanceA key factor in ensuring the safety of personnel whilst proceeding to an incident is the design and condition of the vehicle. Safety can be compromised by poor vehicle design and maintenance, e.g. poor braking performance, tyre wear and damage and inappropriate tyre pressures. FRSs should ensure that vehicles are manufactured to the appropriate standard.
Driver competenceDrivers of emergency fire appliances and other vehicles are subject to stress and are often required to operate under more difficult circumstances than those encountered by other drivers.
Weather conditionsAdverse weather conditions can increase the risk of a collision and injury when travelling in a vehicle to an incident.
Excessive use of speedExcessive speed can be a factor in road traffic collisions and appliances.
Key control measuresFRSs should consider how they control the hazards and risks described above. Key measures are described below.
Driver training and continuation trainingDriver assessment and EFAD training is an essential requirement in ensuring that drivers have appropriate skills and proficiency for the task expected of them.
Refresher training must be an integral part of a FRSs continuation training policy.
Some personnel, although qualified to do so, may not be suitable to drive emergency response vehicles.
All drivers should satisfy relevant medical requirements.
Use of Fire and Rescue Service vehiclesFRSs will need to consider geographic features, the classes of road and the traffic conditions in which vehicles operate.
FRSs need to ensure that door locks are fit for purpose and maintained in efficient working order. This includes door alarms, central locking systems and panel indicators.
The conspicuousness of fire appliances should be given a high priority. This should include lighting and livery.
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene20
Audible and visual warning systems should be designed to effectively warn other road users of the presence of an emergency vehicle.
FRSs should ensure that procedures are in place to ensure that FRS vehicles are inspected prior to response. This may take the form of a daily safety check.
FRSs should have procedures in place which ensure that personnel are not at risk from loose or unsecured equipment within the crew cab or compartment or stowed on appliances or vehicles. The crew cab should be kept clear and uncluttered. Equipment should be stored securely and appropriately in lockers and vehicles.
The vision of the driver should not be compromised by the poor sighting of equipment or loose objects.
Traffic control systemsThese fall into two groups; those sited at the workplace and designed to facilitate the safe egress of appliances and FRS vehicles, e.g. Wig Wag lights and yellow boxed junctions. Other systems operate on local traffic lights or pre-selected frequently used emergency routines, e.g. EVADE and GREENWAVE.
Such systems which operate on local traffic lights or on a number of pre-selected, frequently used, emergency routes, are more fully described in Fire Service Circulars.1
Fire and Rescue Service policyFRSs should have a driving ‘blue light’ policy including guidance on:
responding speeds/progressive driving•
dressing policy to reduce the risk to personnel (dressing and donning breathing •apparatus en route should be risk assessed)
wearing a seat belt and donning breathing apparatus en-route to an incident•
alcohol, drugs and medication•
mobile phone and pager use•
mobile data terminals and satellite navigation.•
Technical references 1 Emergency Vehicle Automatic Detection Equipment (EVADE) Fire Service Circular, 2/1987
Home Office’ 1987 and Scottish Fire Service Circular, 2/1987
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 21
Se
ctio
n 2
Sum
mar
y 2
of G
RA
1.1
Tu
rnin
g o
ut
and
pro
ceed
ing
to
an
inci
den
t (a
nd
ret
urn
fro
m in
cid
ent)
Ref
. N
o.Ta
skH
azar
dR
isk
Per
sons
at r
isk
Con
trol
Mea
sure
s
2.1
Dre
ssin
g at
the
wor
kpla
ceN
ear
by h
azar
ds e
.g. s
lips
and
trip
s, s
trik
ing
agai
nst o
bjec
ts,
dies
el fu
mes
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Str
ikin
g ag
ains
t obj
ects
Long
term
exp
osur
e to
di
esel
fum
es
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Volu
ntee
rs
Ret
aine
d
Goo
d ho
usek
eepi
ng
Sui
tabl
e fo
ot w
ear
Wel
l ser
vice
d ve
hicl
es
Vehi
cle
star
t up
proc
edur
es in
pla
ce
Die
sel f
umes
sam
pled
/sur
veye
d
Cat
alyt
ic re
gene
ratio
n tr
aps
fitte
d w
here
po
ssib
le
Cle
aner
fuel
use
d
Goo
d lig
htin
g
Com
pete
nt c
rew
s
2.2
Get
ting
onto
the
appl
ianc
eA
cces
sing
app
lianc
e st
eps
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
resu
lting
in
fall
from
veh
icle
. Thi
s co
uld
resu
lt in
a fr
actu
re
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Volu
ntee
rs
Ret
aine
d
App
lianc
e de
sign
– p
ositi
on/h
eigh
t of s
teps
, si
ze o
f ste
ps, d
oor
open
ing
Goo
d lig
htin
g
Han
d gr
ips
Sui
tabl
e fo
otw
ear
Com
pete
nt c
rew
s
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene22
Ref
. N
o.Ta
skH
azar
dR
isk
Per
sons
at r
isk
Con
trol
Mea
sure
s
2.3
Leav
ing
the
appl
ianc
e ba
yC
onta
ct w
ith a
pplia
nce
bay
door
Con
tact
ing
char
ging
reel
cab
le
Inju
ry to
per
sonn
el
(str
uck
agai
nst,
stru
ck
by o
bjec
ts o
r ve
hicl
e)
Dam
age
to a
pplia
nce
and
appl
ianc
e ba
y
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Volu
ntee
rs
Ret
aine
d
Wel
l des
igne
d ap
plia
nce
bay
door
s
Saf
ety
strip
s/de
faul
t sen
sors
on
auto
mat
ic
door
s op
erat
iona
l
Driv
er tr
aini
ng
Dry
slip
free
app
lianc
e ba
y
Cha
rgin
g re
el c
able
to b
e re
mov
ed a
nd
retr
acte
d pr
ior
to m
ount
ing
appl
ianc
e
2.4
Em
ergi
ng in
to
traf
ficW
eath
er/r
oad
cond
ition
sR
oad
traf
fic c
ollis
ion
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Vo
lunt
eers
Ret
aine
d
Ped
estr
ians
Oth
er ro
ad u
sers
Driv
er tr
aini
ng
Traf
fic li
ght c
ontr
ol/w
ig w
ag li
ghts
/box
ju
nctio
ns/g
reen
wav
e/tr
affic
war
ning
sig
ns
Use
of v
isua
l and
aud
ible
war
ning
s
Sui
tabl
e fo
otw
ear
for
driv
er
Hig
h vi
sibi
lity
cons
picu
ousn
ess
mar
king
s fo
r ap
plia
nce
Acc
ount
to b
e ta
ken
of w
eath
er c
ondi
tions
an
d vi
sibi
lity
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 23
Ref
. N
o.Ta
skH
azar
dR
isk
Per
sons
at r
isk
Con
trol
Mea
sure
s
2.5
Res
pond
ing
to
inci
dent
on
Fire
A
pplia
nce
Wea
ther
/roa
d co
nditi
ons
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
nW
hole
tim
e
Day
cre
wed
Volu
ntee
rs
Ret
aine
d
Ped
estr
ians
Oth
er ro
ad u
sers
Blu
e lig
ht p
olic
y –
urge
ncy
of c
all,
spee
d of
re
spon
se
Alc
ohol
pol
icy
Dru
g po
licy
Mob
ile p
hone
pol
icy
Driv
er tr
aini
ng
Sea
t bel
t wor
n
Con
trol
led
use
of b
ull h
orn,
aud
ible
and
vis
ual
war
ning
dev
ices
Loca
l top
ogra
phic
al k
now
ledg
e
Mob
ilisin
g po
licy
– nu
mbe
r of
app
lianc
es
mob
ilised
Driv
ers
to s
top
at re
d tr
affic
ligh
ts a
nd
proc
eed
caut
ious
ly
Vehi
cle
desi
gn re
fere
nce
rollo
ver
Hig
h co
nspi
cuou
snes
s
Vehi
cle
mai
nten
ance
Saf
e st
owag
e of
equ
ipm
ent
23
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene24
Ref
. N
o.Ta
skH
azar
dR
isk
Per
sons
at r
isk
Con
trol
Mea
sure
s
2.6
Res
pond
ing
to
inci
dent
in o
ther
ve
hicl
e
Wea
ther
/roa
d co
nditi
ons
Use
of m
obile
pho
ne/p
ager
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
nFl
exib
le d
uty
offic
ers
Ped
estr
ians
Oth
er ro
ad u
sers
Blu
e lig
ht p
olic
y –
urge
ncy
of c
all,
spee
d of
re
spon
se
Alc
ohol
pol
icy
Dru
g po
licy
Mob
ile p
hone
/pag
er p
olic
y
Sea
t bel
t wor
n
Driv
er tr
aini
ng
Driv
ers
to s
top
at re
d tr
affic
ligh
ts a
nd
proc
eed
caut
ious
ly
Sat
ellit
e na
viga
tion
Vehi
cle
mai
nten
ance
2.7
Res
pond
ing
in fi
re
appl
ianc
eD
ress
ing
en ro
ute
Str
ikin
g ag
ains
t peo
ple
and
obje
cts
Fallin
g fro
m th
e ve
hicl
e re
sulti
ng in
fata
lity
or
serio
us in
jury
Who
le ti
me
day
crew
ed
Volu
ntee
rs
Ret
aine
d
Dre
ssin
g po
licy
Con
side
r dr
essi
ng p
rior
to tu
rnin
g ou
t or
if al
erte
d w
hen
mob
ile, a
pplia
nce
to s
top
safe
ly
to a
llow
cre
w to
dre
ss
Cre
w c
ab d
esig
n
Equ
ipm
ent s
tow
age
2.8
Ope
ratin
g of
f roa
dTu
rnin
g ov
er
Get
ting
stuc
k
Ser
ious
inju
ryW
hole
tim
e
Day
cre
wed
Volu
ntee
rs
Ret
aine
d
Vehi
cle
type
and
sui
tabi
lity
Off
road
pol
icy
Topo
grap
hica
l kno
wle
dge
Onl
y of
f roa
d ve
hicl
es to
go
off r
oad
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 25
Ref
. N
o.Ta
skH
azar
dR
isk
Per
sons
at r
isk
Con
trol
Mea
sure
s
2.9
Res
pond
ing
– fir
e ap
plia
nce
and
othe
r ve
hicl
es
Noi
seH
earin
g da
mag
e ov
er a
nu
mbe
r of
yea
rsW
hole
tim
e
Day
cre
wed
Vo
lunt
eers
Ret
aine
d
Ped
estr
ians
Oth
er ro
ad u
sers
Noi
se le
vels
ass
esse
d
Bul
l hor
n us
e m
inim
ised
Con
trol
led
use
of a
udib
le a
nd v
isua
l war
ning
s
2.10
Res
pond
ing
with
sa
tellit
e na
viga
tion
oper
atin
g
Mis
use
of s
atel
lite
navi
gatio
n R
oad
traf
fic c
ollis
ion
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Ped
estr
ians
Oth
er ro
ad u
sers
App
ropr
iate
sat
ellit
e na
viga
tion
polic
y an
d gu
idan
ce
2.11
Sup
port
sta
ff re
spon
ding
Sen
se o
f urg
ency
.
Not
obe
ying
road
traf
fic
regu
latio
ns
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
nS
uppo
rt s
taff,
e.g
. ph
otog
raph
ers
wor
ksho
ps
Adh
ere
to p
oste
d sp
eed
limits
Driv
er a
sses
smen
t
Sea
t bel
t wor
n
Sat
ellit
e na
viga
tion
Mob
ile p
hone
pol
icy
Alc
ohol
pol
icy
Dru
g po
licy
Exp
lan
ato
ry K
ey
Des
crip
tion
Ref
eren
ce n
umbe
r fo
r th
e ris
k
Task
– th
e sp
ecifi
c ac
tivity
bei
ng c
arrie
d ou
t
Haz
ard
– H
azar
d pr
esen
t giv
ing
rise
to th
e ris
k
Ris
k –
the
chan
ce, h
igh
or lo
w, t
hat s
omeb
ody
coul
d be
har
med
by
thes
e an
d ot
her
haza
rds,
toge
ther
with
an
indi
catio
n of
how
ser
ious
Per
sons
at r
isk
– th
is s
houl
d de
tail
eith
er e
mpl
oyee
, and
/ o
r m
embe
r of
pub
lic
Con
trol
mea
sure
s –
That
cou
ld b
e us
ed b
y th
e S
ervi
ce to
redu
ce th
e ris
k
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene26
Section 3
Arriving and getting to work
ScopeThis section of the generic risk assessment examines the hazards, risks and controls that relate to Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) staff and others who may be affected when they arrive at an incident and get to work. Other generic risk assessments examine the hazards, risks and controls of particular incident types.
As with all generic risk assessments, this assessment provides a starting point for Fire and Rescue Services to conduct their own assessments within the context of local conditions and existing organisational arrangements.
Significant hazards and risksHazards and risks will include:
the smoke plume/hazardous materials release•
the operational imperative•
the presence of fire appliances/vehicles and pedestrians/other vehicles•
the uncontrolled situation•
manual handling of equipment•
remote locations•
slips trips and falls•
violence and aggression•
noise.•
This is not an exhaustive list but is an example of common hazards and risks faced upon arrival and getting to work at many incidents.
The smoke plume/hazardous materials releaseWhen proceeding to large fires or incidents involving hazardous materials, appliances must approach upwind to avoid contact with harmful gasses/vapour clouds or smoke.
The operational imperativeOn the arrival of crews, there will be an expectation of action. Crews should be aware of the pressure to act, particularly when large crowds are at the scene of a serious incident.
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 27
The presence of fire appliances/vehicles and pedestrians/other vehiclesWhen attending incidents, fire appliances may encounter other emergency services, pedestrians (possibly crowds of people), casualties and other vehicles leading to the potential for a collision.
The uncontrolled situationWhen arriving at an operational incident, the Incident Commander will face an uncontrolled situation with several hazards and risks, incomplete information and an expectation to act.
Manual handling of equipmentThe initial phase of any incident is when operational equipment is liable to be handled with urgency. This combined with the range of environmental conditions likely to be encountered (e.g. inclement weather, uneven ground surfaces and lighting) may increase manual handling risks.
Remote locationsThere are a number of operational difficulties associated with getting to work in remote locations, for example:
suitability of responding vehicle•
communications•
difficult terrain with slip, trip and fall hazards•
extended distances from appliance to the scene of operations•
extended distances from the scene of operations to water supplies•
a potential delay is setting up and complying with safe systems of work•
extended attendance times (initial and reinforcement).•
Slips, trips and fallsAt the majority of incidents, the risk of slips and trips will be present, e.g. uneven surfaces, poor surfaces.
Slips and trips when dismounting the appliance are an ever present hazard.
Violence and aggressionThere is a potential for violence and aggression towards FRS personnel at incidents.
NoiseThe incident ground can be noisy due to pumping operations, the use of powered equipment and processes undertaken at the site of the incident which may be outside the control of the FRS.
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene28
Key control measuresFRSs should consider how they control the hazards and risks described above. Key measures are described below.
Dynamic management of riskThe Incident Commander must assess the hazards and risks of the incident and identify the operational requirement and system of work to be used. They must take account of any risk information available to them.
Personnel must assess the risks on the incident ground and implement appropriate control measures to reduce risks. The Incident Commander will determine the operational mode to be deployed. This assessment is not a one off task but a dynamic process. This process will operate within the incident command system (see above).
Central guidance has been provided to FRSs within the document, entitled Dynamic Management of Risk at Operational Incidents1, which provides a framework and guidance on risk assessment at incidents.
Vehicle positioningEffective arrangements need to be in place to allow all FRS appliances and vehicles to be positioned on the incident ground in a way that optimises their safe use and minimises risks. These measures will include:
protection and visibility on roadways•
parking away from hazardous areas•
leaving access for specialist appliances and other emergency vehicles•
dismounting on the non traffic side or safe side •
slow speed manoeuvring policies.•
Incident command systemIt is vital that early command and control is established. FRSs should refer to and comply with the Incident Command System as detailed in Fire and Rescue Service Manual Volume 2 – Fire Service Operations, Incident Command2.
Standard operating procedures, risk assessments and pre-planningFRSs should have standard operating procedures and risk assessments in place for the full range of incident types they may face, including arrangements with other FRSs and partner agencies.
FRSs should collate information on the risks in their area and make site specific risk information available to all relevant personnel prior to and upon arrival at incidents. This will include information from inspections, site visits and fire safety visits.
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 29
Cordon controlFRSs, in conjunction with the Police, will need to ensure that suitable measures are in place to establish effective cordons at the incident.
Manual handlingFRSs will need to ensure that appliances and vehicle stowage has been designed to minimise the risk of manual handling injury. Personnel should have received manual handling training (including refresher training when appropriate) and will need to assess the task, individual, load and environment when undertaking manual handling tasks and act appropriately. Sufficient resources should be available to allow safe systems of work to be implemented.
Dealing with violence and aggression FRSs should assess the likelihood of acts of violence against personnel at incidents and provide appropriate guidance to personnel.
The nature and degree of risk is affected by the local and national social, economic and political environment. FRSs need to consider implementing specific control measures that could include:
working and liaison with Police and other emergency workers•
working and liaison with community leaders•
the provision of information to personnel•
vehicle design to protect the occupants and equipment•
withdrawal of crews•
CCTV.•
It is important that FRSs maintain records of such attacks and analyse patterns and trends. Such information must be reported to the Department for Communities and Local Government and relevant stakeholders in accordance with Fire Service Circular 22/20063.
Further detailed information is available from the HSE and in Fire Service Circular 14/2007.4
Slip and tripsDrivers should try to position appliances and vehicles to minimise risks when dismounting, e.g. kerbs, grass banks, gullies and uneven surfaces.
Personnel should mount and dismount the appliance correctly (dismount backwards, use all steps and handles).
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene30
Vehicle design must consider the need to illuminate the scene to allow safe mounting and dismounting of the appliance and removal and re-stowing of equipment at the scene of operations.
NoiseFRSs should assess the levels of noise achieved from pumping operations and use of powered equipment against the requirements of the Noise at Work Regulations. Noise reduction measures should be implemented where reasonably practicable. Hearing protection should be provided where the assessment indicated this is required.
Technical references 1 Dynamic Management of Risk at Operational Incidents
2 Fire and Rescue Service Manual Volume 2 – Fire Service Operations. Incident Command
3 Fire Service Circular 22/2006
4 Fire Service Circular 14/2007 Tackling Violence at Work: Good Practice Guidance Document for Fire and Rescue Services
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 31
Se
ctio
n 3
Sum
mar
y 3
of G
RA
1.1
A
rriv
ing
an
d g
etti
ng t
o w
ork
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
3.1
Arr
ivin
g at
the
inci
dent
Par
king
the
vehi
cle
Roa
d tr
affic
col
lisio
nW
hole
tim
e
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Sup
port
sta
ff
Pub
lic
Vehi
cle
posi
tioni
ng
Driv
er tr
aini
ng
Con
spic
uous
ness
Slo
w s
peed
man
oeuv
ring/
appr
oach
pol
icy
Cre
w b
riefin
g
3.2
Dis
mou
ntin
g th
e ap
plia
nces
Dis
mou
ntin
g ap
plia
nce
step
s an
d sl
ippi
ng o
r tr
ippi
ng
Traf
fic
Inju
ry to
per
sonn
el –
po
ssib
le fr
actu
re
Bei
ng k
nock
ed d
own
by a
noth
er v
ehic
le
lead
ing
to fa
talit
y or
se
rious
inju
ry
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Pub
lic
Fire
fight
ers
dism
ount
bac
kwar
ds u
sing
all
appl
ianc
e st
eps.
Dis
mou
nt n
on tr
affic
sid
e or
sa
fe s
ide
Be
awar
e of
und
erfo
ot c
ondi
tions
Sui
tabl
e pa
rkin
g po
sitio
n/ve
hicl
e po
sitio
ning
App
lianc
e/ve
hicl
e pr
otec
tion
on ro
adw
ay
Han
d gr
ips
to b
e us
ed
Sui
tabl
e fo
otw
ear
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene32
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
3.3
Arr
ivin
g at
inci
dent
Pub
lic p
rese
nce.
Pre
ssur
e fro
m
publ
ic to
act
Mak
ing
a de
cisi
on th
at
puts
per
sonn
el o
r th
e pu
blic
at i
ncre
ased
ris
k
Act
ing
with
out c
ontr
ol
mea
sure
s in
pla
ce
Ser
ious
inju
ry o
r fa
talit
y
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
publ
ic
Aud
ible
and
vis
ual w
arni
ng s
yste
ms
Cor
don
proc
edur
es
Info
rmat
ion
to p
ublic
Pol
ice
pres
ence
Inci
dent
com
man
d sy
stem
3.4
Unc
ontr
olle
d si
tuat
ion.
Thi
s va
ries
from
in
cide
nt to
inci
dent
Vario
us d
epen
ding
on
inci
dent
Fata
lity
or s
erio
us in
jury
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Sup
port
sta
ff
Dyn
amic
man
agem
ent o
f ris
k
Inci
dent
com
man
d sy
stem
Sta
ndar
d op
erat
ing
proc
edur
es
Ris
k in
form
atio
n
Liai
son
with
oth
er a
genc
ies
Rad
io c
omm
unic
atio
ns
Wat
er s
uppl
ies
Cor
dons
3.5
Get
ting
to
wor
k –
hand
ling
equi
pmen
t
Man
ual h
andl
ing
Man
ual h
andl
ing
inju
ry
– th
is c
ould
resu
lt in
si
gnifi
cant
tim
e of
f wor
k
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Man
ual h
andl
ing
trai
ning
Team
wor
k
Equ
ipm
ent d
esig
n an
d se
lect
ion
Goo
d st
owag
e
Ass
essm
ent o
f the
task
, ind
ivid
ual c
apab
ility,
lo
ad a
nd e
nviro
nmen
t
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Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 33
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
3.6
Get
ting
to
wor
k –
gene
ral
envi
ronm
ent
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
(Une
ven
surfa
ces,
po
thol
es, d
ebris
, em
bank
men
ts,
oils
, wat
er, t
imbe
r, ic
e, h
ose,
tim
ber,
mis
sing
, man
hole
cov
ers,
et
c.)
Sha
rps
Gla
ss a
nd s
harp
edg
es
Slip
, trip
or
fall
resu
lting
in
ser
ious
inju
ry
Nee
dle
stic
k in
jury
and
ex
posu
re to
infe
ctio
n
Cut
s
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Sup
port
sta
ff
Ligh
ting
Goo
d la
yout
of h
ose
Sui
tabl
e fo
otw
ear
Gui
danc
e to
per
sonn
el
Cor
dons
Saf
ety
offic
ers
Sha
rps
polic
y
Ant
i-tet
anus
3.7
Get
ting
to w
ork
– re
mot
e lo
catio
nsLi
mite
d ac
cess
and
egr
ess
Lim
ited
wat
er s
uppl
ies
Und
etec
ted
acci
dent
s an
d ill
heal
th
Slip
trip
or
fall
resu
lting
in
ser
ious
inju
ryW
hole
tim
e
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Sup
port
sta
ff
Inci
dent
com
man
d sy
stem
Ris
k in
form
atio
n
No
lone
wor
king
Com
mun
icat
ion
faci
litie
s
Est
ablis
h an
d co
ntro
l acc
ess
and
egre
ss
Ren
dezv
ous
poin
ts
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene34
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
3.8
Arr
ival
at s
cene
an
d ge
ttin
g to
w
ork
– su
ppor
t st
aff
Par
king
the
vehi
cle
Slip
s an
d tr
ips
Traf
fic
Man
ual h
andl
ing
Slip
, trip
or
fall
resu
lting
in
ser
ious
inju
ry
Exp
osur
e to
haz
ardo
us
cond
ition
s of
inci
dent
re
sulti
ng in
ser
ious
in
jury
Sup
port
sta
ff,
e.g.
pho
togr
aphe
rs
wor
ksho
ps
Rep
ortin
g to
con
trol
poi
nt
Saf
ety
brie
fing
PP
E
Sui
tabl
e fo
otw
ear
Sup
ervi
sion
Man
ual h
andl
ing
trai
ning
Saf
e sy
stem
s of
wor
k fo
r sp
ecifi
c ac
tivity
C
omm
unic
atio
n fa
cilit
ies
Aw
aren
ess
of o
pera
tiona
l sys
tem
s
3.9
Dea
ling
with
in
cide
ntV
iole
nce
and
aggr
essi
on a
gain
st
crew
s
Ser
ious
inju
ry to
pe
rson
nel
Who
le ti
me
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Sup
port
sta
ff
Pro
cedu
re fo
r re
ques
ting
urge
nt a
ssis
tanc
e of
Pol
ice
and
Pol
ice
back
-up
Trai
ning
of p
erso
nnel
in d
ealin
g w
ith
thre
aten
ing
situ
atio
ns/a
nger
man
agem
ent
PP
E
Pro
tect
ive
safe
ty g
lass
in c
ase
ston
es e
tc
strik
e ap
plia
nce
win
dow
s
Vio
lenc
e an
d ag
gres
sion
pol
icy
With
draw
al o
f cre
ws/
pers
onne
l
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Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene 35
Ref
. N
o.
Task
Haz
ard
Ris
kP
erso
ns a
t ri
skC
ont
rol M
easu
res
3.10
Get
ting
to w
ork
– pu
mpi
ng a
nd u
se
of e
quip
men
t
Noi
seH
earin
g da
mag
e W
hole
tim
e
Day
cre
wed
Ret
aine
d
Volu
ntee
rs
Flex
ible
Dut
y O
ffice
rs
Sup
port
sta
ff
Noi
se a
sses
smen
ts a
nd n
oise
redu
ctio
n m
easu
res
Hea
ring
prot
ectio
n
Exp
lan
ato
ry K
ey
Des
crip
tion
Ref
eren
ce n
umbe
r fo
r th
e ris
k
Task
– th
e sp
ecifi
c ac
tivity
bei
ng c
arrie
d ou
t
Haz
ard
– H
azar
d pr
esen
t giv
ing
rise
to th
e ris
k
Ris
k –
the
chan
ce, h
igh
or lo
w, t
hat s
omeb
ody
coul
d be
har
med
by
thes
e an
d ot
her
haza
rds,
toge
ther
with
an
indi
catio
n of
how
ser
ious
Per
sons
at r
isk
– th
is s
houl
d de
tail
eith
er e
mpl
oyee
, and
/ o
r m
embe
r of
pub
lic
Con
trol
mea
sure
s –
That
cou
ld b
e us
ed b
y th
e S
ervi
ce to
redu
ce th
e ris
k
This document was archived on 30 March 2020
Archived
Generic Risk Assessment 1.1 – Emergency response and arrival at the scene36
This document was archived on 30 March 2020
Archived
