Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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4.16 Traffic Crash Investigation: At -Scene Stabilization Activities
4.16.2 Injuries, Fire Hazards and Hazardous Materials at Crash Scenes (Issued: 6/25/07)
A. Officers arriving at injury crashes shall provide basic first aid and emergency life support
pending the arrival of and relief by EMS/fire department personnel. Officers shall carry
out this responsibility with due regard for safety and in compliance with bloodborne
pathogen and exposure control protocols.
B. Officers arriv ing at crashes where a fire or fire hazard exists shall summon fire
department assistance. Officers may use fire suppression equipment in the patrol vehicles
(extinguishers) if such equipment is appropriate to the nature of the fire (flammable,
electrical or chemical). Officers shall take steps to secure the fire hazard area and to
protect lives and property, including restricting access to the area, detouring traffic and/or
moving property at risk.
C. Officers arriving at a crash involving a vehicle suspe cted of containing hazardous
materials shall immediately request EMS/fire department assistance and shall cordon off
the area.
1. Approach with Caution ‒ Approach from upwind and uphill, staying away from
spills, wet areas, smoke or vapor clouds, and park vehicles facing away from the
incident. Look for signs of damage to life or the environment.
2. Identify the Hazard ‒ Obtain information from 9 -1-1 Dispatch; survey the scene
from a distance, using binoculars, to identify placards, labels, license num bers, the
phone number of transporter, etc.; talk to the driver and obtain any available
shipping papers, Material Safety Data Sheets, etc.
3. Secure the Scene ‒ Flag the perimeter or use personnel and vehicles to
temporarily mark boundaries. Isolate cont aminated persons/vehicles; stop traffic,
deny entry and evacuate or shelter in place. Minimum safety perimeter for
citizens is 1,000 feet.
4. Obtain Help ‒ Seek technical help and expertise on the hazardous materials
involved.
D. Officers shall identify t he type of vehicle involved, check the vehicle’s Hazardous
Materials insignia, if any, to identify the nature of the materials involved and report the
type of hazard (e.g., leak, spill, fire, fumes).
E. The Watch Commander shall be notified and will be re sponsible to provide supervision
as needed. Following assessment of the incident, the on -duty lieutenant will be notified.
F. Officers at the accident scene shall ensure that only properly trained and equipped
personnel attempt to enter the contaminated a rea or area where hazardous materials may
be.
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
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