Other
Light Structural Collapse
This course is designed to provide first responders with an understanding of the NFPA 1670 Standard requirements for light structural collapse operations (“light” structures include those of wood frame and masonry construction, ie. most residential and light commercial buildings).
Various techniques and operations are taught with the emphasis on rescuer safety when dealing with collapses resulting from snow load, earthquake, flood, fire damage or other events.
The course includes instruction in structural assessment, emergency shoring and stabilization, and patient packaging and extrication. Classroom presentations and extensive hands-on practical sessions are all part of this intensive course. The course includes techniques utilized by the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces, but has been adapted for Canadian response organizations at the local and regional level. Successful candidates will be awarded an Operations-level certification.
Note: Heavy structural collapse training (required for concrete and steel structures) requires technician-level skills which are beyond the scope of this course.
Details
Duration: 4 days (32 hours)
Format: 1 day classroom & 3 days outdoors
Cost: $1395
Pre-requisites
- 18+ years of age (16-17 with parental permission)
- In good physical condition
- Operations-level training in technical rope and confined space is an asset but not required.
Required Equipment
- Helmet (hard hat)
- Leather-palmed gloves
- Steel-toed boots
- Safety glasses
- Ear protection
- Coveralls
Course Content
- Risk management
- PPE
- Site evaluation and size-up including identification of hazards
- Structural engineering systems
- Familiarization with basic structural collapse rescue tools
- Shoring tools & lumber
- Cutting tools (acetylene or petrogen torches)
- Rotary saw with a mix of blades or a universal blade for wood, medal & concrete
- Breaking tools (sledges etc.)
- Airbags (high pressure preferred, low pressure can be utilized if necessary)
- Shoring, breaking, breaching, burning, lifting and rigging techniques
- Applicable technical rope skills
- ICS as it pertains to structural collapse
- SOG’s for structural collapse
FAQ
Click here to read the FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Structural Collapse training.
Student Take-Aways
- FEMA’s Structural Collapse manual
- Itemized skill sheet (training record)
- Certificate of Completion
