Scene survey: Transport incidents

Control Measure Knowledge

A comprehensive scene survey may include:

  • 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

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

Strategic Actions

Tactical Actions