Operational Case Study Backdraft at Marston Road, Stafford

Transcription

1 CP No. OCSXXX Fire & Rescue Service Operational Guidance Operational Case Study Backdraft at Marston Road, Stafford Author Role [Click here] to add Name FRS Ref No. [Click here] to add FRS Ref. Originating FRS - Add Service Introduction This Case study provides an overview of events that took place at Marston Road, Stafford in September It also recognises the potential for serious injury or death of firefighters attending this incident. The occupier had been alerted to the fire by the activation of the smoke alarms fitted within the property. Large volumes of grey smoke were present on the ground floor and the occupier and his son evacuated through the rear of the property. Property Before the Incident Change in external signs After the request for more resources had been requested, a significant change in the conditions outside was observed, both OIC and the tactical advisor (SM level) attending the incident agreed the BA crews should be evacuated. As this request was about to be passed to the Entry Control Officer (ECO) a loud noise was heard and a backdraught occurred resulting in a partial collapse of the front of the house. BA Emergency Procedures were being initiated when twenty seconds after the back draft had occurred one of the BA teams emerged from the front door followed quickly by their colleges in the second BA team. FRS CCTV Footage of the Backdraft Occurring Initial Observations and Information Gathering On arrival, light smoke could be seen emerging from the property. The Officer in Charge (OIC) spoke with the occupier, and ascertained There was no one inside the property A dog was inside the premise The occupier was unable to give any clear indication of what might be on fire or where the fire might be located. Two competent BA crews entered the property with two hose reel jets and a thermal imaging camera. A covering jet, supplemented from a nearby hydrant was also provided. Twenty minutes after the initial attendance had arrived there was clear evidence to suggest that the fire could spread. Recognising this the OIC made pumps four. After the backdraft occurred it was established that there was a basement to the property. This information had not been passed to the OIC and the BA crews were unaware of the presence of a basement during the course of their wear. The basement was used by the occupier as a workshop and storage area and contained: Tin of paint Thinners Cloths Helium cylinder A number of domestic appliances Dehumidifier Property Post Backdraft Page 1

2 CP No. OCSXXX mitigate the risks to themselves and others, however the outcome was unexpected. This case study and the Staffordshire presentation have been produced to help reduce the risk and serious injury from events like this occurring in the future by raising awareness, and promoting knowledge and understanding. Learning Outcomes The Role of PPE All crew members were using and wearing their PPE correctly. As a result there were only two minor injuries. The ICP PPE and the fire helmets worn by the crews prevented any serious burns or injuries from the explosion. Inside the Building The BA Crew had realised that conditions had changed and were exiting the property when the backdraught happened. The Entry Control Operator In addition, the ECO had already operated the Merlin Board evacuation in an attempt to withdraw the BA crews. Safety Crew The safety crew that were positioned on safety jets were just about to go in and rescue the two BA crews when they emerged. Those in charge of the incident praised all the crews for instinctively knowing what to do and putting standard and then emergency procedures in place. Fire Control Operators were also commended for their actions on the day. Information Gathering before and during entry (the importance of using the tools and information available such as thermal imaging cameras, local knowledge). Information Exchange (between the BA crews, the BA ECO and the OIC) Information Interpretation (Soft Floor what does that mean) Training for real Training There is a need to re-enphasise the requirement for individuals to understand the processes involved in undertaking and maintaining their own dynamic risk assessment when they enter the risk area. This is especially important when the circumstances or environmental conditions have changed beyond the original brief from the Incident Commander. Where this occurs BA wearers should carry out an individual risk assessment which will inform and influence their risk perception and any subsequent decisions. They must communicate any changes in conditions to the IC and where the need arises exit the risk area to clarify any actions beyond the original brief. Further Information Staffordshire FRS Marston Road Incident Presentation DCLG FRAs Health, Safety and Welfare Framework for Operational Environment ( appendix 4) Conclusion The crews that attended this incident did so with the best intentions and did everything they could to Page 2

3 Operational Case Study add title Administration Section and Author Support This section of the document will not be published and is intended to provide support to the author and assist in the administration and workflow of the document. For assistance in writing this document please contact the FRS Operational Guidance Department. Document Control This section is used to monitor and track the changes to the document Document Control & Workflow Document Title Version Date Author Document Status Changes V0.1 Initial Draft Author Bibliography This should contain a list of documents and information sources used as reference to formulate this document Bibliography Document Notes Link if appropriate [Click here] to add an entry [Click here] to add an entry Author/Administrator s Tagging Recommendations This contains words or phrases, which personnel may use to search for information. This information will be embedded, but will not be visible in the final published document. [Click here] to add text for the above Authors/Administrator s Recommendations for Documents to be Rescinded / Amended The author/administrator should populate this section with the details of any documents, which should be rescinded or amended on the publication of this document. Rescinded / Amended Recommendations Doc Ref No. Document Title Reasons for recommendation to be considered at approval [Click here] to add a document reference number [Click here] the name of the document [Click here] to add the parent subject Page 3

4 Operational Case Study add title Author Glossary The Author Glossary should contain words, terms or abbreviations that the author recommends should be added to the Part 4 of the Operational Document Frame Work (Glossary of terms). Glossary Recommendations Word, Term or Abbreviation Definition Related subject [Click here] to add an entry [Click here] to add an understandable definition [Click here] to add the parent subject Page 4

5 Operational Case Study add tittle Authors Support This section will be deleted during the authorisation phase of the document workflow process Formatting Information This section contains information designed to help the author format documents. Symbols Throughout documents standard symbols should be used to highlight important facts to readers. These symbol and text boxes can be cut and pasted into the document from here by the author. Hazards or important information Consider document and then [Click here] to add Important safety and procedure actions advocated in this document for personnel and Incident Commanders (IC) to undertake during the course of an incident. document and then [Click here] to add addition information for consideration. This symbol highlights addition information for consideration. Environmental Considerations document and then [Click here] to add Key environmental protection actions and considerations to for personnel to carry out in the interests of reducing environmental risk. Further Reading document and then [Click here] to add details on where to obtain further information. Risk Assessment Information for Further Reading Personal should be aware of the following Generic Risk Assessments (GRAs), when using this type of equipment: GRA No. [Click here] to add an H & S GRA No. Title [Click here] to add the H & S GRA Title Legal or legislative considerations document and then [Click here] to add Legislation information that must be complied within the course of an incident. In most cases it will be the IC s responsibility to ensure compliance. [Click here] to add an H & S GRA No. [Click here] to add the H & S GRA Title Page 5

6 Fonts The Table below contains the fonts to be used when writing the document Operational Case Study add tittle Operational Documentation Fonts Example Style Application/ Use / Numbers FB5X - Part 1 Arial 20 Black Operational Article Title Section Title Arial 11 Red Section title Paragraph Title Arial 10 Bold, Black, Highlighted paragraph title Main text Arial 10 The main sections of text used Lists Formats Any information that requires a list should be formatted according to the content. However introductory plain text does not normally have to be numbered or bulleted. Bulleted list Plain list (Arial 10 red) (Spacing 3 pts above only) (2 spaces)text Sub-list (Arial 10 black) (spacing 3 pts above only) (2 spaces)text Defined sequence of tasks numbered (Arial 11 black) (Spacing 3 pts above only) 1.(2 spaces)text 2.(2 spaces)text 3.(2 spaces)text Tables An example of the tables to be used [Click here] to add the table name Font Arial 10 Header and Footer Document Information Headers (Arial 11 italic black) From page two onwards, top right corner to include Document Type abbreviation and sequential number i.e. E01 = Equipment document number 1) Footer (Arial 11 italic black) Page Numbers From page 2 onwards, bottom right corner. Page(1 Space)Number of page in numerals only Version Information From page 1 onwards, bottom left corner. Version 1.0 (Month and year of publishing) Appendices Headers (Arial 11 italic black) From first page onwards, top right corner to include Document Type and document title. Footer (Arial 11 italic black) First page onwards, bottom right corner. (From page 1) Page(1 Space) Number in numerals and the Appendix reference in Capital letters starting with A Appendix Version Information First page onwards, Bottom left corner. Version 1.0 (Month and year of publishing) Figures An example of the boxes to be used when adding drawings, picture or diagrams Example Pictures Box (Arial 11) Page 6