Scene survey: Transport incidents

• Visual indications en route and on arrival
• A survey of the exterior of any transport-related buildings or modes of transport
• Observations from thermal imaging
• Accessing the transport network
• Surveying surrounding areas
• Aerial assessment

In addition to the information that should be gathered at all incidents when carrying out a scene survey, information that may be relevant to a transport incident includes:

• The location and number of people who were using the transport network
• The location and number of people who were in the modes of transport
• The type and number of modes of transport involved, including:
  • Their stability and integrity
  • Whether they contain passengers or freight
  • The type of freight
  • The type of fuel
• The location and status of access and egress routes
• The location and status of evacuation routes and refuges

• The presence of renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic panels

Aerial assessment

Fire and rescue services should consider making arrangements with organisations that can assist with carrying out scene surveys, including:

• National Police Air Service (NPAS)
• Police Scotland Air Support Unit (PSASU)
• Police Service of Northern Ireland Air Support Unit (PSNI ASU)
• Drone operators

Air

For aircraft or aerodrome incidents, additional information for a scene survey may include:

• The type and number of aircraft involved – passenger or freight
• Whether the aircraft engines, propellers or rotor blades are still functioning
• The location of evacuation steps or slides
• If the aircraft or aerodrome incident has affected the integrity of any structures, such as:
  • Aerodrome buildings
  • Roads
  • Utilities

Rail

For rail incidents, additional information for a scene survey may include:

• The type and number of rail vehicles – passenger or freight
• Identifying the type of line – single or bidirectional
• Determining if the line is electrified by either overhead line equipment (OLE) or conductor rail equipment (CRE)
• If the overhead line equipment (OLE), or associated equipment, is involved in the incident
• Access points, escape routes, ventilation systems, pressurised escape areas or intervention shafts in tunnels
• If the rail incident has affected the integrity of any structures, such as:
  • Stations
  • Platforms
  • Tunnels
  • Bridges
  • Roads
  • Level crossings
  • Utilities

Road

For road incidents, additional information for a scene survey may include:

• The type and number of road vehicles involved – passenger or freight
• If the road incident has affected the integrity of any structures, such as:
  • Roads
  • Bridges and gantries
  • Crash barriers
  • Street furniture – signs, traffic lights, bollards
  • Utilities

Waterways

For waterways incidents, additional information for a scene survey may include:

• The type and number of vessels involved – passenger or freight
• If the waterways incident has affected the integrity of any structures, such as:
  • Harbour facilities
  • Bridges
  • Piers or jetties
  • Locks
  • Utilities