Collapsed structures

Question 1

What are the two classes that buildings may be divided into?

Answer 1

Framed and Unframed.

Question 2

What are the four types of internal collapse?

Answer 2

• Pancake
• Lean-to collapse
• V collapse
• Tent collapse.

Question 3

What are the four types of external collapse?

Answer 3

• 90 angle collapse
• Curtain fall collapse
• Inward/outward collapse
• Total collapse

Question 4

Who could you ask to attend for advice on structural integrity of the building?

Answer 4

Dangerous Structures Engineer via LOC (London operations centre).

Question 5

Who else could you ask to attend for advice and to help develop an operational plan?

Answer 5

UA (USAR Advisor).

Question 6

What is important to set up to deal with the potentially large numbers of emergency vehicles?

Answer 6

An RVP.

Question 7

Why is it important that appliances are positioned well away from weakened buildings/structures?

Answer 7

As vibrations from appliances and equipment may cause further collapse.

Question 8

What are the 5 USAR modules?

Answer 8

Module 1: Structural collapse
Module 2: Major transport
Module 3: Breaching and Breaking
Module 4: Multi purpose vehicle (MPV)
Module 5: Timber

Question 9

What will USAR teams be able to assist with?

Answer 9

• Mapping and planning the incident.
• Technical searches, visual, seismic and audio.
• Breaching and breaking.
• Shoring unsafe structures.
• Lifting and moving. (Heavy loads/obstructions).

Question 10

What is importantly carried out on arrival by the IC?

Answer 10

A Dynamic Risk Assessment.

Question 11

What are the six stages of rescue?

Answer 11

R Reconnaissance and survey.
E Elimination of utilities.
P Primary surface search and rescue.
E Exploration of voids and spaces.
A Access by selected debris removal.
T Terminate by general debris removal.

Question 12

What piece of equipment found on PL’s is useful at this type of incident?

Answer 12

TIC (Thermal image camera).

Question 13

What should be used to identify areas that have already been searched and those that could potentially contain casualties?

Answer 13

Cordon tape.

Question 14

What should be done approximately every hour to help locate casualties?

Answer 14

All work should be shut down for a few minutes to listen for calls for help or other noises made by casualties such as tapping or knocking.

Question 15

What does NGO stand for?

Answer 15

Non-Government Organisation.