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RHOES  
#1 Posted : 22 February 2011 16:04:14(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
RHOES

Hi all, Does anyone have any procedural guidance or can they refer me to such, in relation to entering property that has been damaged by fire, explosion etc? Prior to repair work being undertaken it would be necessary for a suitably qualified structural engineer to undertake a survey. Can anyone advise on: Other relevant disciplines that may need to be involved Procedures/guidance relevant to the entry of such a property Recognised competency requirements of surveyors/engineers involved in such work Any other relevant information welcome Thanks in advance Richard
B.Bruce  
#2 Posted : 22 February 2011 16:35:27(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
B.Bruce

I may be stating the obvious here:- Gas network isolated - included any LPG pipework running to or from the building. Electricity isolated at the main incoming supply network. Water isolated, again at the main water mains for that building. Asbestos register for the building will need to be reviewed BEFORE the structural engineer can enter. If none is available, I think I am right in saying any building prior to 1980 can be considered to have ACM's, although someone may want to correct me on that. The Institute of Structural Engineers may be able to help/advise on finding a qualified engineer. http://www.istructe.org/Pages/default.aspx Hope this helps
B.Bruce  
#3 Posted : 22 February 2011 16:36:51(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
B.Bruce

P.S. Depending on the use of the building consider spilled chemicals or other hazardous materials. Also, any compressed gas system running from or to the building.
Jane Blunt  
#4 Posted : 22 February 2011 16:41:34(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Jane Blunt

Fire can leave some pretty noxious deposits behind, dioxins, HF etc. Don't let people just dive in and fish stuff out or try to clean it up themselves.
RHOES  
#5 Posted : 22 February 2011 19:45:06(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
RHOES

Thanks for the responses, some good points. However my uncertainty is largely related to the approach to take to safeguard persons entering such a building from structural collapse. The structural integrity needs to be surveyed but those conducting such surveys are effectively stepping into the unknown. I would be interested to hear from anyone with experience of developing control measures for such a situation. Regards Richard
oldblueflame  
#6 Posted : 22 February 2011 22:38:47(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
oldblueflame

I would suggest the approach taken by fire fighters where they use the "safe person concept" in that they cannot control the environment then they must be trained to be safe in that environment and have the skills necessary to be safe in it. Firstly no one should be alone, be aware of the signs of collapse, SSOW, full PPE including RPE, all information on building before entry,(history of fire/damage from fire service if appropriate) emergency procedures, first aid, competence of person to operate in that type of environment, decontamination even if it means just bagging up gear after exit, and the most important one its OK to say no (if its to dangerous or looks like it could be don't go in)
oldblueflame  
#7 Posted : 22 February 2011 22:45:52(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
oldblueflame

I forgot to add that fire fighters are supposed to be trained to work in this dynamic environment as they call it so they are trained to carry out dynamic risk assessments on everything they come across which would mean how to check stairs before climbing/descending and climbing and descending them how to walk across a suspect floor (BA shuffle) how to open doors
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