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Drill of the Week: Setting Up Safe Operational Zones
By Forest Reeder
The establishment of safety or operational zones at hazmat incidents and technical rescue events is a long accepted practice. The fireground could also benefit from the safety zone concept as well. There are many accepted definitions for who and what can enter each zone, many tying back to the IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) principle. At a structure fire, the interior of a structure is considered IDLH when a fire is uncontained, unventilated, and producing heat and smoke. At a defensive fire, working in the collapse zone could be considered IDLH also. Using these principles, determine what persons and activities could take place in each zone of operation. Additionally, determine what levels of PPE are required and what equipment is located within each zone. Consider multiple types and locations for each type of incident. RIT staging loca-tions, rehab, apparatus locations, safety monitoring in the zones should all be considered in your discussion. Review your de-partment SOG's for resource information.
Download the drill as a PDF HERE
