Date of
Issue: 10/14/2009
Effective Date:
10/14/2009
Issued by: Ronald
W. Richards, Fire Chief
Rnnald
W. Richards
Large
Area Searches
S.O.G. 500-09-3
I. PURPOSE
To provide a standard
operating guideline for the response to large or complex structures where
large area search procedures are warranted.
II. SCOPE
All fire department
personnel.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES
Officers are responsible
to insure that large area search procedures are initiated in large and
complex structures. Firefighters assigned to a company are required to
follow the procedures outline below.
IV. BACKROUND
Operations in large
or complex structures present challenges for fire department due to the
size of the structure. These structures will require a strong command presence,
additional personnel and apparatus in comparison to a residential fire
response. Firefighter safety cannot be compromised.
V. PROCEDURES
1. Responses to
fire or fire alarms in large/complex structures, whether multi-story or
large square footage properties will require large area search guidelines
are followed. This system gives the search team a greater bearing on the
distance traveled, whether entering or exiting the questioned area.
2. There are three
different types of searches used. They are:
• Quick deployment
searches: Used in medium size square footage occupancy which generally
do not require air monitoring.
• Team search rope
Level 1 operations: A level 1 search is used in occupancies that pose a
larger square footage where a more organized approach is required due to
air consumption concerns.
• Team search rope
Level 2 operations: A level 2 search is used in occupancies that pose extremely
large square footage area whose floor layout may be unusual, undivided
or confined. This level of search requires the utilization of an anchor
position
3. The search team
leader secures the rope to a fixed, stationary object at the entry point
to the IDLH atmosphere. The primary equipment for a large area search includes
the large area search rope bag. The bag contains a minimum of 200 feet
of rope, knotted every 25 feet.
Every 25 feet an
additional knot is added (ex. 50 feet two knots, 75 feet three knots, etc.).
Search ropes a minimum of 15 feet in length are provided to each firefighter
are used to connect to the large area search rope as it is deployed.
A directional knot is located before the distance knot(s) on the way in
and after the distance knots on the way out. The engine company and ladder
company have large area search rope bags on each piece of apparatus.
Tactical worksheets
(attachment 1) on clipboards have a stop watch and grease pencil attached.
They are stored in the cab of each respective piece of apparatus.
4. All members
involved should be on separate radio frequency for this operation. The
search team leader will identify the frequency to be used after consulting
with the incident commander.
5. A floodlight,
flash light, or strobe light will be in place at the entrance opening when
utilizing team search rope.
6. All members
bring appropriate equipment to complete the search including forcible entry
tools, hand lights, door chocks and radios.
7. The search team
leader monitors the number of firefighters entering, records their names.
On level 1and 2 searches, he documents and monitors entry/on-air
times. For a 30 minute cylinder (2216 psi) the submerge time is 10 minutes,
10 minutes to exit with a 10 minute safety factor.
8. The search team
officer will radio each knot distance traveled in all Level 1 and 2 searches.
9. The Search Team
Leader documents the radioed information and advises the Search Team how
long they are in the IDLH atmosphere.
10. In Level 2 searches,
establish an ANCHOR position.
• Proceed down the
rope first
• Stop at each 25
ft. interval
• Allow members
to search off his position and then return
• Radio to the Search
Team Leader each knot interval
• Controls and coordinates
interior
11. With any change
in direction, the rope must be secured to an anchor point. Changes in direction
are reported to the Search Team Leader. (See diagram A)
12. Prior to recall
time, the rope and bag must be secured.
13. The search team
leader must insure relief /rescue teams are available in all level 1 and
2 searches.
14. If the search
rope is completely deployed and the search is not complete, a second team
with a rope bag will enter the IDLH atmosphere, remaining in contact with
the first rope to the furthest point deployed. The search will continue
from that point.
15. If any quarter
life air alarm activates during the search, ALL members of the team will
discontinue the large area search proceed to the entry point.
VI. SUPERSEDED GUIDELINE
This guideline supersedes
the guideline, 500-97-5, issued in 1997 on similar subject matter.
Attachment
1
Search
Rope Team Tactical Worksheet (Sample)
|
Name
|
Radio
|
Cyl.
capacity
|
Time
in
|
Return
Time |
Time
out
|
| Smith |
L43 OFF |
30 |
1:21 |
10:10 |
17:43 |
| Jones |
L43 Irons |
30 |
1:21 |
10:10 |
17:43 |
| Davis |
L43 OSV |
30 |
1:21 |
10:10 |
17:43 |
| Reilly |
L43 Utility |
30 |
1:21 |
10:10 |
17:43 |
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Progress Reports
Diagram
Distance
Team Time
43L
1 knot @ 25’
1:45
2 knots @ 50’
2:22
3 knots @ 75’
3:21
4 knots @ 100’
4:11
5 knots @ 125’
5:01
6 knots @ 150’
6:09
7 knots @ 175’
7:21
8 knots @ 200’
8:33
9 knots @ 225’
8 knots @ 250’
