Collapsed structures

Question 1

Two causes of collapse?

Answer 1

Natural and Human

Question 2

Two types of building?

Answer 2

Framed - greater resistance to collapse

           - localised collapse
           - Frame supports load

Unframed - Walls support load
- Extensive collapse

Question 3

3 types of collapse?

Answer 3

Internal collapse - pancake collapse

                           - Lean to collapse
                           - V collapse
                           - Tent collapse

External collapse - 90° collapse

                            - Curtain fall collapse
                            - Inward/Outward collapse

Total collapse - Floors and walls collapse

Question 4

Operational considerations at building collapse?

Answer 4

• Isolate utilities
• Position appliances away from structures
• Survey/DRA/Restricted zones
• Safety officers (No other tasks)
• Likely to be protracted
• Do not force doors/windows
• TIC/TPL (Trapped person locator)
• Agreed EVAC signal and assembly point
• Emergency teams briefed and in place.

Question 5

At a collapsed structures incident use R.E.P.E.A.T.

Answer 5

• Reconn and survey
• Elimination of utilities
• Primary surface Search and Rescue
• Explore void and spaces
• Access by selected debris removal
• Terminate by general debris removal

Question 6

What are NGO’s?

Answer 6

Non government organisations - offers of assistance should go through the OOD at RMC and referred to the duty AC