NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Rescue Incidents

Abstract: This standard identifies and establishes levels of training for safely and effectively conducting operations at structural collapse incidents.

The requirements of this standard apply to organizations that provide primary response to structural collapse incidents.

The purpose of this standard is to assist the authority having jurisdiction in assessing a structural collapse hazard within the response area, to identify the level of operational capability, and to establish training and safety criteria. The performance objectives of this standard shall be permitted to be achieved in a variety of ways.

This standard was developed to define levels of preparation and operational capability that should be achieved by any authority having jurisdiction that has responsibility for search and rescue operations at structural collapse incidents. These defined levels provide an outline for a system to manage an incident efficiently and effectively in order to maximize personnel safety, the successful rescue of victims, and the eventual termination of the event.

The system should be followed to increase the capabilities of the authority having jurisdiction to deal successfully with even the most complex incident. The system progresses from the simple basic operational level to the light and medium operational levels, and finally to the complex heavy operational level. It should be understood that, as the system expands, the requirements for training, operational skills, management ability, and types and amounts of equipment also expand.

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The NFPA Library at (617) 984-7445 or e-mail library@nfpa.org