jim page, 2007 chapter 3: initial actions mina handbook

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007

Chapter 3: Initial Actions

MINA Handbook


Initial Actions

• Fire/Rescue Efforts

• Mishap Scene Control

– On Base

– Off Base – local jurisdiction

• Who Gets to the Scene First?

– Local Authorities

– Coroner/Medical Examiner

– Citizens

– Press--AFI 91-204 & AFI 35-102

• Protection, Custody, Removal of Evidence

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007 Getting the Investigatorto the Scene

• Arrive Safely

• Immediate Priorities after Getting There

1. Observe the Scene & Evaluate the Situation

2. Care for the Injured

3. Protect others from Injury & Property from Further Damage

• Assess the Site for Investigation

• Coordinate Change of Control at Site

• Begin to Document the Scene


The Single Investigator• Normally for Class C Mishaps or Lower

– But most Class A and B Ground are tackled by a single investigator

• If Class A, should be appointed on orders to open doors• Single Investigator does the work of a Board!• The Investigation Plan is Critical

– Need to think about your response well before a mishap occurs

• The Report/Message is Critical– It’s what the rest of the Air Force sees when you are done

• The Trap of Tunnel Vision

Big Event or Little, It Is Not an Easy Task!


Human and Non-Human Witnessesare Waiting to Talk to You!!!

• People• Position – human and non-human things• Parts – hardware connect with mishap• Paper – Licenses, certifications, training records, inspections,

evaluations, equipment records, tech orders, medical records, etc.

For Fire• Pattern• Propagation

Your task is to Sort Out and Correlate!!

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007 Prepare to Get Informationfrom the Scene

• Who?

- People involved, witnesses

- Supervisors, other workers, expert witnesses

- Names, addresses, phone numbers

• What?

- What happened, equipment, materials, chemicals

- Check for defects, ask

- Sequence

• Where?

- Exact location

- Photographs, drawings

- Note exits, ventilation, lighting, vehicle paths

• When?

- Time, shift, weather

• How?

- Sequence, cause, initial impressions

• Why?

Don’t ask if it is SIGNIFICANT or not until you have gathered all evidence


We Have Met the Enemy and It Is Us

During the Preliminary Walk Through

Keep Your Hands in Your Pockets!!!!

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007 Environmental Hazards atThe Accident Site


The Problem

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS


Toxicity vs. Hazard

• TOXICITY - Capacity of Material to do harm

• HAZARD - Possibility that exposure will cause injury in a specific situation


Environmental Hazard

The various environmental factors or

stresses that may cause sickness,

impaired health, or significant

discomfort or inefficiency


Chemical Hazards

Excessive airborne concentrations of mists, vapors, gases, dusts or fumes

The primary danger is inhalation or absorption through theskin


Chemical Hazards

• METALS

– Beryllium - Most toxic metal - dust from brakes, grinding, etc…

– Cadmium & Aluminum not a problem

• LIQUIDS

– Hydrazine, Jet Fuel, Hydraulic Fluids

• GASES & FUMES FROM FIRE, DUSTS

• EXPLOSIVES


Physical Hazards

Excessive levels of electromagnetic or ionizing radiation’s, noise, or extremes of temperature and pressure


Physical Hazards

• COMPOSITES

– Irritation or physical injury (not like asbestos)

• RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

– Depleted Uranium

– Americium

• PRESSURES - EXPLOSION

• HEAT - COLD


Biological Hazards

Mists, molds, fungi, and

bacteriological hazards

Indigenous plants and animals


Biological Hazards

• Critters

• Heat, Cold, Humidity, Dehydration, Sunburn

• Latrines and Pollution

• Biohazards


Ergonomic Hazards

Stresses imposed by awkward positions or by lifting or moving heavy objects


Ergonomic hazards

• Lifting and Reaching

– Heavy awkward pieces

– Unstable surfaces

• Visibility

– Darkness, fog, etc…

• Sharp Corners, etc…


Main Environmental Hazards toThe Investigator

• Ingestion or absorption of toxics or pathogens.

• Physical injury from sharp objects or shrapnel

• Physical injury from improper lifting or movement


Investigator’s Initial Site Assessment

• What are the terrain features in the vicinity?• Any ground scars, skid marks associated with the mishap?• Any Hazardous Materials involved?• Which way was the mishap object or person moving?• Do a quick inventory of parts and their distribution• Look for things that belong/don’t belong• What is the configuration of the equipment, assembly, parts?• Was there a fire?• Was there an emergency release?• Did the emergency response change the scene?


Establish Priorities

• Preservation of Perishable Evidence

• Ground Scars, Skid Marks, Grass

• Fluids -- Oil, Fuel, Hydraulic Fluid, Chemicals

• Human Remains or Fluids -- who decides when to remove?

• Photography

• Impound Records and Communications

• Documents/Personal Effects

• Wreckage Removal/Recovery


Handling Evidence

The objective is to preserve evidence for the investigation

• Take Charge! You are the investigator.• Be diplomatic in your dealings with people and organizations.• Security Forces can help you with collection and preservation of

evidence.• Use photography and diagramming/sketches to provide proof of

where you found key parts and pieces.• Prioritize your work at gathering evidence.• Damaged or fire involved evidence?• On-site examination or send to lab?

Jim Page, 2007Jim Page, 2007 Document ControlKeep Track of Everything

• Have a filing system– Organize by weapon system, utilities, organization

• Make working copies– Originals NEVER leave the file

• Log evidence in and out– Track where things go– Have a suspense for follow-up

• Keep records of Report Section Status– Working Draft Due– Corrections– Printing status, etc.