WSDOT Incident Response Program
Standard Operating Guidelines
2005
Working Draft – 8/1/05
Executive Summary
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Incident Response Program (IR) is a unique state program. It is one of the few formal statewide incident response programs in the nation. It is a comprehensive program, actively partnering with other state and local agencies, and private industry to detect, verify, and remove traffic incidents as quickly and safely as possible. The WSDOT IR Program demonstrates that strong intergovernmental partnerships and mutual commitments can result in huge public economic and safety benefits.
The foundation of this partnership is found within the “Joint Operations Policy Statement (JOPS)”, signed by the Secretary of WSDOT and the Chief of the Washington State Patrol is a clear, mutually shared vision along with leadership’s commitment and agencies coordination, for all incidents to be cleared within 90 minutes.
The Incident Response Program is unique in how it has expanded. All expansions have occurred in small steps from 1963 (four trucks on the floating bridges) until the 2002 expansion. In 2002, through innovative leadership, WSDOT was authorized to expand the IR program from a regional project to a statewide core function. Expansion included mobilizing existing Incident Response Team (IRT) equipment from a 24/7 “call-out” mode to a “roving” mode during peak traffic periods, adding 19 new vehicles, while maintaining and expanding its 24/7 call-out capability.
With “roving” peak period IR services, the time it takes to clear incidents are reduced, thereby reducing “incident-caused” congestion. Data shows that disabled vehicles on an urban highway segment were, on average, cleared in 10 minutes, 7 minutes faster than without the expanded IR. The incident response program has responded to an average of over 3600 incidents per month, since the 2002 expansion.
The motoring public is giving rave reviews of WSDOT’s Incident Response Program:
“This (he) is a good use of my tax dollars”,
“The service was a life saver for me, my car stopped in a very dangerous spot”,
“I hope we continue this service, (the WS DOT person) was so polite, helpful in my distress and got here within 5 minutes of my breakdown” are some of the many thousand comments from assisted motorist.
The WSDOT Incident Response Program, whose mission “Clearing Roads / Helping Drivers”, is an excellent approach to improving highway safety and relief of traffic congestion. It is a program that could be adopted by any state.
John Conrad
Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Regional Operations
Table of Contents
Introduction Page 4
Work Prohibitions Page 5
IR Operations Page 5
Definitions Page 6
Operator Expectations Page 7
Guidelines Page 8
Personal Protective Equipment Page 10
Operations Page 10
Response Priority Page 11
Communications Page 11
Incident Command System Page 12
Hazardous Material Incidents Page 12
Incident Response Duties Page 12
Re-location Page 15
Emergency Lighting Use Page 16
Fatalities or Felony Incidents Page 17
Interacting with the Media Page 17
Incident Response Debriefing Page 18
APPENDIX
A. Acronyms Page 19
B. Future Training Requirements Page 25
C. Minimum Recommended Equipment List Page 26
D. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Page 28
E. WSDOT Incident Review / Debriefing Forms Page 31
F. Check Ride Report Page 33
G. Traffic Management Center Visit Checklist Page 44
H. WSP Communications Checklist Page 45
I. Motor Vehicle Fluids guidance Page 47
Introduction
MISSION:
The mission of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is to “keep people and business moving by operating and improving the state transportation systems vital to our taxpayers and communities”
Responding to incidents are multi-agency events. Fire departments and law enforcement agencies have responded to emergencies for years, twenty-four hours a day. The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Incident Response Team (IRT) has become an integral partner with these traditional emergency responders, providing around-the-clock responses to traffic-related incidents such as vehicle collisions, structure fires along major highways, airplane accidents and even bomb threats on state ferries.
The main function of the Incident Response Team is “Clearing Roads – Helping Drivers” to restore the normal flow of traffic as safely and quickly as possible. Removing vehicles and debris that block the roadway can be a major step in opening lanes of traffic and relieving congestion.
The longer an incident exists, the higher the probability of congestion, which increases the possibility of secondary collisions, will occur. It is important to clear incidents as quickly and as safely as possible.
Work Prohibitions
The following items are prohibited. :
· Accept any gratuities (tips, money, or compensation of any kind) during operations.
· Soliciting membership in any commercial business organization, or association, including vehicle repair, or service associations.
· Recommending any towing service or repair shops.
· Complete services as a private towing service.
· Commit traffic violations.
Incident Response Operations
The following operations are required duties for all incident response personnel. Clear the traveled lanes as quickly and safely as possible. Our goal is to clear all incidents within 90 minutes or less.
IR members have the authority to clear obstructions to open the roadway as soon as possible (RCW 47.32.130 says that the state is empowered to deem any object on the state highway dangerous to travel and remove it. RCW 46.55.910 also says the department of transportation may remove vehicles that are traffic hazards from bridges and mountain passes without prior authorization). However, the main concern is to work for the greater good of the motoring public, and this goal outweighs any damages to private property that could be incurred. The new “steer-it, clear-it” law, (RCW 46.52.020 (2) (b)) now protects the responders from liability claims in operating within their capabilities to open roads as quickly and safely as possible.
(Appendix D, page 28)
Definitions:
Abandoned - Any vehicle without a driver or passenger located within the State right-of-way.
Blocking - Anything in the normal travel portion of the highway including the fog line.
Debris - Material such as, but not limited to, metal, 4”x4”x12” wood, garbage cans, furniture, etc.)
Disabled Any vehicle with a driver or passenger located within the state right of way.
Incident - An emergency road user occurrence, natural disaster, or special event.
Injury - Whenever a person request first-aid, has apparent injury(s), or complains of injury(s).
Lane Identification - The traveled portion of the highway starting at the right fog line and counting to the left. (Example; 1, 2, 3, 4, HOV)
Non-injury Whenever there is no complaint of, or apparent injury to a person.
Owner's Request - A vehicle operator requests a specific service.
Traffic Control - When you use of advance warning signs, arrow boards, traffic cones, variable message signs, or set up transitions for short-term closures.
Operator Expectations
1) All employees shall report to their assigned duty station prepared to start work at the required start time.
2) + All state owned equipment and supplies will be used for official business only. (Vehicles, telephones, computers, etc.)
3) Perform all duties in the safest manner possible.
4) Complete assigned task as quickly and safely as possible.
5) + [(]Report to work during a major disaster only after your family is safe.
6) Minimize traffic disruptions during your operations.
7) Operators shall express a positive, helpful, cooperative attitude.
8) Communicate on a number of two-way radio systems in a brief, concise, and professionally manner. (WSP & WSDOT)
9) DO NOT MOVE or assist any vehicle that has a driver that is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or impaired. Notify WSP communications immediately for assistance. (Location, color, make, model, license, type of driving concerns) (Refer to WSP Communications procedure examples)
10) Operators shall transport, make arrangements to transport, or make other appropriate arrangements of all occupants of a disabled to a safe area. Under no circumstances are any occupants to be left unsafe or unprotected. Arrangements may include assistance from the WSP, WSDOT, or a
communication request for taxi service (paid by the customer).
Guidelines
Vehicle / Equipment
The following inspections are required to be completed daily by the driver prior to operations.
Vehicle Inspection: (IRL, IRV, Tow)
The vehicle shall be maintained in a clean and organized manner. The vehicle shall be fueled at the end of each shift.
No vehicle shall be allowed into operation with defective equipment. All drivers are required to complete a daily walk around form (state form 503-001) for the vehicle they are operating before their first shift. All deficiencies shall be rectified immediately, prior to operation of the vehicle. (Appendix C, page 26)
1) Vehicle – (Daily)
a. All lights for proper operation
b. Windshield wiper blades and operation of wipers
c. Fire extinguisher
d. Tire pressures
e. Brakes
f. Fluids (Oil level, Water level, Fuel level, Power steering, Brake fluid level)
2) Tow only– (Daily)
a. Winch cables in good working condition
b. Vehicle service completed regularly
c. All tow devices lubricated regularly
d. Recovery chains
e. Tow chains
f. Dollies (Tire pressure, overall condition, etc.)
g. Hydraulics (Wheel Lift, Sling, etc.)
3) Equipment– (Daily)
a. Flares (minimum 1 case)
b. Radio equipment operations (Turned on and operational)
c. Gas can full of gas
d. Traffic cones (clean)
e. Collision ahead sign in good condition
f. Cellular telephone (Turned on and operational)
g. Tire changing tools
h. Pen and paper
i. Green washable marker
j. Absorbent pads & booms
k. Flashlight batteries charged or extra batteries
l. Extra fluids (Water, etc.)
m. Floor dry filled
n. Computer (Battery charged / power cord)
o. Camera (35 mm / Digital)
p. Rechargeable air bottle or compressor
4) Equipment – (Weekly)
a. Waterless hand cleaner
b. Rags
c. Small tool box
d. 4” x 4” x 16” block
e. 6”x 6” x16” block
f. Eye wash solution
g. Bio kit with protective breather
h. Latex gloves
i. Leather gloves
j. Cotton gloves
k. Chemical resistant gloves
l. Plug-n-dike
m. Garbage bags
n. Jumper cables / jump packs
o. Public address system
5) Equipment – (Monthly)
a. 6 – 8 ton hydraulic jack
b. 50’ rope
c. Round point shovel
d. Square point shovel
e. Broom
f. 20’ recovery chain
g. 20’ – 30’ tow strap
h. First-Aid kit
i. Fire extinguisher
j. Pry bar
k. Sign stands
l. Signs
m. 100’ roll of plastic
n. Binoculars
o. Reference materials
p. Backpack blower
q. Fuel transfer system
r. Exterior lighting system
s. Fusee dispenser
t. Generator
u. Spot light
v. Wheel chocks
w. Jack stands
x. Full width push bumper (Teflon covered)
Personal Protective Equipment
a. Reasonably Clean Coveralls (White) or Department standards
b. Gloves
c. Hard hat
d. Reflective traffic vest in good condition and clean
e. Leather boots / shoes
f. Eye and ear protection
g. Rain gear per Department Standards
h. Name plate with the present operator’s first name shall be displayed on the front of the traffic vest
IRT has a couple of different operational functions. One is the daily roving and one is a call-out function.
Operations
a. Inspect your vehicle prior to operations, and repair all deficiencies immediately, prior to operation of the vehicle. Complete walk around form everyday prior to operations. (See vehicle inspection section, page 8)
b. Communicate with both the WSP and WSDOT communication centers at the start of shift and as required during your daily operations. Be continuously roving during your scheduled time on your designated highway segment.
c. Locate and handle incidents as quickly and safely as possible according to the guidelines / policies.
d. Respond to all calls and requests from WSP communications or WSDOT, affecting your area of responsibility, as safely and quickly as possible. You may respond to incidents outside your area of responsibility with permission from your supervisor.
e. Relocate incidents as necessary to a safe location. Re-location may include pushing vehicles. (See re-location section, page 15)
f. +[+] Provide traffic control when needed at collisions and incidents. Call for additional traffic control resources when warranted. (See MUTCD part IV and regional guidelines)
g. Record all daily incidents and upload all reports into WITS database daily.
Response Priority
The responsibility for service shall follow the following priority.
1) Injury collisions blocking the travel portion of the highway.
2) Non-injury collisions blocking the travel portion of the highway.
3) Disabled blocking the travel portion of the highway.
4) Abandoned blocking the travel portion of the highway.
5) Emergency traffic control operations.
6) Debris blocking one or more travel lanes of traffic, only if it safe to remove.
7) Collisions not blocking the travel portion of the highway.
8) Disabled NOT blocking the travel portion of the highway.
9) Abandoned NOT blocking the travel portion of the highway, and is a hazard to the traveling public.
Communications
WSP Communications is the primary dispatching agency for the WSDOT IRT. WSP Communications trainers will provide the WSP Basic Mobile Communications Procedures training.
WSDOT will also provide training on operation of their 800 MGHZ system, including when to communicate with the Traffic Management Centers (TMC) and what type of information is needed.
Incident Command System (ICS)
The incident Command system (ICS) is used to manage an emergency incident or a non-emergency event. It can be used equally well for both small and large situations. The five functional blocks for an ICS are, Incident Command, Finance, Logistics, Operations, and Planning. (IFLOP)
Hazardous Material Incidents
Incidents involving hazardous materials often involve special procedures and involve special safety concerns because of the severity of the situation. The first priority is safety, always wear proper personal protective equipment and never go beyond your level of training.
Guidelines located in Appendix (I) outline steps that can be taken by early responders to motor vehicle crashes to reduce the confusion and subsequent delays in reopening roadways when spilled vehicle fluids are involved.
These guidelines were developed to clarify the goals, objectives and processes for clearing the highway of spilled motor vehicle fluids resulting from crashes and other vehicle incidents. Spilled vehicle fluids are generally petroleum products, and most commonly are crankcase engine oil or diesel fuel, but they may also include transmission, hydraulic, or other fluids.
Incident Response Duties
a. Have a clear mind; be well rested, alert of traffic conditions and aware of your surroundings.
b. Operators shall drive in a careful and prudent manner. They shall obey all laws of the state. Operators shall at all times set a proper example to other persons by their vehicle operation.
c. Do not rove from the HOV lane at anytime, unless it is the safest manner to respond to an incident.
d. Locate and respond to incidents far enough ahead to react and position yourself safely.
§ Utilize warning devices as approaching to provide advance warning. Utilizing your vehicle for the maximum visibility and protection. (30 – 40 feet behind the vehicle or as conditions require with a slight canter if possible) When in the travel lane, position your vehicle for the maximum protection for you and the disabled. (I.e. left portion of the lane, block full lane, etc.) (Angled slightly away from your contact location)