Special Operations and Technical Rescue Safety
Domain 10 covers special operations and technical rescue safety. The exam tests whether the ISO can integrate into rescue, hazardous materials, confined space, trench, rope, water, and collapse operations without becoming the rescue technician.
Core rules
- NFPA 1670 defines operational levels for technical rescue; NFPA 1006 defines rescue technician qualifications. Use the incident command system and a written or verbal safety plan.
- Establish control zones, entry control, backup teams, atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, lockout/tagout, shoring, load calculations, and rescue versus recovery criteria. Confirm rescue teams are trained and equipped for the specific discipline.
- The ISO verifies that a backup team is ready before entry, that communications work, and that medical and evacuation plans are in place. For trench and collapse, monitor secondary collapse indicators continuously.
- The ISO advises the IC and can suspend unsafe operations. Technical specialists provide tactics; the ISO provides safety oversight.
Worked example
At a trench rescue, a worker is buried to the waist in sandy soil. The ISO confirms shoring and sloping plans, atmospheric monitoring, a backup rescue team, and a clear rescue-versus-recovery decision. When a sidewall cracks, the ISO suspends entry and orders evacuation until stabilization is reassessed.
Traps
Confusing rescue mode with recovery mode; entering without backup; no atmospheric monitoring; letting technical specialists bypass safety; failing to update the plan as the trench changes.