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Section 3 General Operations

Article 1 Duties and Responsibilities

Incident Management UnitH.E.R.O.

Standard Operating Procedures

I. POLICY:

HERO personnel are charged with the responsibility of serving the motoring public of the state of Georgia by providing all necessary services within the scope of their

training and abilities to facilitate the smooth movement of traffic and materials over

the highways.

II. PROCEDURE:

A. Start of Shift -

1. All personnel are required to be at their required duty station, in uniform and prepared for work at the start of their assigned

shift.

a. Operators are required to punch into KRONOS no earlier than six (6) minutes prior to the beginning of their shift

and be in briefing at the commencement of their shift.

1) Members who punch in late three (3) times or more within a thirty (30) day period are subject to

disciplinary action for tardiness.

2. Personnel are to listen to all provided information in the briefing session, or thoroughly review the briefing e-mail material,

noting anything which pertains to specific assignments, sector and vehicle designations.

a. Members are to assure that they are fully aware of their assignments and responsibilities and ask questions

for clarification on any matter on which they are unclear.

3. AEDs and 800 radios will be checked out prior to leaving the building.

Written by: D. Green Approved by: SOP Committee Date: September 4, 2014





B. Pre-Trip:

Page 3.1-11. All necessary equipment and supplies on the assigned truck will be

checked and the pre-trip form or ALADS screens completed and submitted to your immediate supervisor.

a. Supplies necessary to bring the truck into Unit compliance will be requested from your immediate supervisor on the provided Supply Request Form.

2. If an employee is dispatched to a highway emergency prior to the end of briefing, they shall immediately leave briefing and do

an abbreviated pre-trip on their assigned truck.

a. An “abbreviated pre-trip” shall consist of assuring that the truck is safe for operation and that all emergency

equipment is functional, i.e.:

1) Tire pressure is within limits;2) All emergency lighting is operational;3) Headlight and brakes operate properly; and,4) Audio warning equipment (siren, air horn etc.) is

operational;5) Fluids.

C. Commencement of patrol:

1. Operators shall commence patrol no later than thirty (30) minutes after being released from briefing unless specific permission for additional time is granted by a supervisor.

a. On those days that Safety Briefings are held, briefings should not be longer than thirty (30) minutes. Operators will still have thirty (30) minutes to pre-trip their trucks and leave the lot after release from briefing.

D. Initiation of ALADS:Written by: D. Green Approved by: SOP Committee Date: September 4, 2014





1. ALADS shall be utilized as instructed.

2. ALADS backup..1-2

a. As of this writing it is necessary to complete the paper hard copy of the Pre-Trip form and the Incident

Management Unit (IMU) Daily Log to support the ALADS program.

1) These forms must be completed and submitted to your immediate supervisor by the end of each

shift.

E. Patrol:

1. Units will stop for all observed accidents, incidents, disabled vehicles on the shoulder or in the travel lanes while on sector or traveling to sector, unless responding to a dispatched incident.

a. When dispatched to a disabled vehicle on the shoulder, members shall proceed directly to that assignment and will not stop for any circumstance of equal or lesser importance.

1) Members shall stop and resolve any event in the travel lane, or left shoulder as a higher order of importance.

2) If any disabled motorist is passed while en route to a dispatched call for service, members will notify dispatch of the location and vehicle description of such vehicle and will return to assist that motorist when clear if no other Unit member has serviced their vehicle in the interim.

b. Operators will also safely remove any debris from the travel lanes which is of sufficient size to be a hazard or obstruction to any vehicle (especially motorcycles).

2. While on patrol, units should drive in the right travel lane at a speed no faster than the posted speed limit.






a. It may become necessary to drive in other travel lanes due to congestion, or while searching for potential traffic

blockage.

1) It may also be necessary to drive on the paved right

Page 3.1-3

or left roadway shoulder when searching for such blockages. Operators are cautioned to utilize due regard for the conditions of traffic, weather and other drivers while operating on the shoulders and not to exceed a speed which is reasonable and prudent for such conditions.

3. Operators shall maintain a close watch for any and all opportunities to assist motorists whether in the travel lane, shoulder or at any location within the boundaries of the highway.

a. Rendering assistance may require the operator to:

1. Change flat tires.2. Provide small quantities of fuel (1 to 2 gallons) per

vehicle.3) Jump start vehicles.4) Provide minor mechanical repairs.5) Provide cooling water (only when engine is running)6) Relocate stalled vehicles from potentially hazardous

locations to a safe area.7) Provide transportation to stranded motorists.8) Providing road and travel information.9) Administer first-aid at accident scenes & elsewhere.

10) Any other duties within the confines of your duties, responsibilities, training, knowledge and

abilities.

b. Leaving the shoulder after assisting motorist can be an extremely hazardous movement as the speed

disparity between your stopped vehicle and moving






freeway traffic is high and the acceleration capabilities of the HERO unit low.

1) The safest method is to wait until the vehicle in front of the HERO unit has left the scene, then

accelerate on the shoulder until the HERO truck is traveling a safe speed to merge onto the travel lanes.

Page 3.1-4(a) The appropriate turn indication shall always be

given prior to attempting to enter the travel lanes.

(b) The HERO vehicle’s emergency lights shall remain in operation until the truck is

reestablished in the desired travel lane.

c. Whenever traffic conditions exist which preclude a single operator from safely performing a task; whether it’s

removing debris from the roadway, pushing a vehicle, etc., such operator shall call for as many additional units as

required to safely complete the contact.

4. Abandoned vehicles.

a. Personnel are responsible for tagging abandoned and/or unattended vehicles left on the freeway system.

1) Vehicles abandoned on the shoulder, gore or any area where they do not create a traffic hazard

are to be inspected to assure that they are abandoned then, after completion tagged with the following:






Page 3.1-52) Vehicles abandoned in the travel lane, or in any

location where their presence constitutes a hazard to motoring traffic, shall be removed from such position.

a) Prior to the relocating of such vehicles a police officer shall be called to authorize such

relocation.

(1) It shall be the determination of the police officer whether such vehicle is removed by a tow truck, or relocated by the HERO unit.

(a) If relocated by the HERO unit such vehicle shall be

pulled in accordance with the precepts identified in this procedure.

5. Relocating disabled and abandoned vehicles.

a. State law (O.C.G.A. 32-6-2) provides that






“State or local law enforcement officers and the department (Department of Transportation) are further authorized,

with or without the consent of the owner, to remove or have removed any obstruction, cargo, or personal property which is abandoned, unattended, or damaged as a result of a vehicle accident which the department determines to be a threat to public health or safety or to mitigate traffic

congestion.”

b. Pushing vehicles.

1) Thoroughly advise the motorist in the vehicle to be pushed of exactly what you’re intending to do.

2) Tell the motorist that the power steering and power brake assists of their vehicle will not function without

Page 3.1-6the engine running so the vehicle will be difficult to steer and slow to brake.

3) Assure that the vehicle ignition switch is on and the gear shift in neutral prior to pushing the

vehicle.

4) Tell the driver exactly where you wish them to drive to, be very specific, use readily identifiable

landmarks (i.e. signs, pavement markings, etc.) so that the driver understands exactly where you want them to go.

5) Assure that the emergency brake is off and the foot brake on prior to pushing the vehicle.

(a) Advise the motorist to release the foot brake immediately upon feeling the vehicle

being pushed.






6) Advise them to leave the driver’s side window open so that you may communicate further

instructions with the PA system as necessary.

7) Assure that the motorist completely understands the provided instructions.

8) Stop any affected traffic.

(a) This can be accomplished by the initial operator if such operator feels that such

interdiction can be safely completed. Otherwise, a secondary HERO unit, police officer, firefighter or other competent assistance may be utilized.

9) Position the HERO vehicle against the vehicle to be pushed.

10) Stop traffic.

Page 3.1-711) Push the vehicle to the agreed upon location very

slowly, remaining cognizant of all potential traffic conflicts at all times.

12) Once you have commenced pushing the vehicle, give it a short “boost” then back away to allow

the vehicle to coast the remaining distance to the selected location of safety.

13) Do not attempt to push a vehicle around a turn or over a curb while the bumpers are connected.

14) Do not push any vehicle you cannot see around, i.e. box trucks, school buses, etc.

15) Do not push a vehicle with a spare tire mounted on the back, or one that is towing a trailer.






c. Pulling or dragging vehicles.

1) Pulling Class 3 through 8 vehicles should be accomplished with the driver of such vehicle

providing steering capabilities.

2) Class 1 and 2 vehicles should not be pulled with the drivers, or any other persons, in the vehicle

unless such person is another HERO operator under special circumstances, or with the permission of a supervisor

or manager.

3) When pulling a Class 1 or 2 vehicle the vehicle emergency brake must be on.

4) If such vehicle has an automatic transmission, that transmission shall be in the “Park” position with

the ignition switch in the “off” position.

5) If such vehicle has a manual transmission, that

Page 3.1-8transmission shall be in the “Reverse” position with

the ignition switch in the “off” position.

6) Whenever possible a Class 1 or 2 vehicle is to be pulled with the double “J” hooks, with the

hookspositioned on the “A” arm of the suspension, or some other positions on the frame.

(a) The J hooks shall never be hooked to the bumper, or any other potentially

breakable part of the motor vehicle.

(b) The J hooks are not to be utilized to pull any vehicle larger than a Class 1 or 2.






(c) These vehicles shall be towed in a position as close as possible to the rear of the HERO truck.

7) If necessary, the single J should be utilized between the chain of the double Js and the tow spindle

of the HERO truck.

8) If utilizing just the single J hook to pull a Class 1 or 2 vehicle, extreme care must be utilized to

assure that the vehicle does not come loose, or swing wide and strike any other object or vehicle.

9) When pulling any Class 3 through Class 8 vehicle, the “logging chain” shall be utilized.

10) The logging chain shall be hooked to the vehicle tow hooks at the front, or to any portion of the

vehicle frame, never to the bumper or any non-permanent

portion of the vehicle.

(a) Members shall be aware that installed after-

Page 3.1-9

market items (fiberglass air dams, etc.) may be damaged as the chain tightens.

11) When pulling, or dragging, any vehicle, from Class 1 to Class 8, extreme caution must be exercised

and the vehicle pulled very slowly.

12) As with pushing a vehicle (above) traffic control is extremely important and should be imposed

cautiously to assure safety.

13) During rush hour on Ga. 400, it is necessary to keep the bus lanes clear. This will often necessitate






pulling, or dragging an abandoned vehicle to a place of safety out of the bus lanes.

(a) No abandoned vehicle shall be pulled without first obtaining supervisory approval.

F. Accidents –

1. Operators are required to respond to all accidents whether on the shoulder or in the travel lane.

a. Exceptions are those accidents on the shoulder where a law enforcement vehicle is already present,

unless any of the vehicles are encroaching on a travel lane, disrupting traffic in any manner, or it appears that the officer requires your assistance.

2. Upon arrival at the scene of any accident, or incident,operators are to immediately assess the scene to determine

the need to perform first aid or to request assistance from other emergency response personnel, or additional HERO units.

a. If there are no injuries, and moving the vehicles from

Page 3.1-10the travel lane is within your immediate capabilities, traffic should be controlled while the involved vehicles are moved to a place of safety (usually right or left shoulder).

1) Vehicles should not be moved to the left shoulder unless such shoulder is extremely

wide and reasonably safe, or the right shoulder is very narrow.

2) Consideration should also be given to moving the vehicles off of the highway,

or to another location offering greater protection to all.






3. If there are such injuries, or the magnitude of the damage is such that the vehicle(s) cannot be readily moved from the

travel lanes, then traffic control shall be installed consistent with SOP 3.5 of this manual and maintained as needed.

4. If at any time in the judgment of the operator at the scene the vehicle(s) may be removed from the scene, but the

operator is precluded from accomplishing this by personnel from other emergency services agencies (police, fire, EMS), the operator will politely inform the reluctant person(s) that the roadway needs to be cleared immediately. If such person(s) persist in refusing to clear the roadway, said HERO operator is to obtain their identifying information (department, badge number, etc.) and notify their supervisor immediately.

a. It will then be incumbent upon the supervisor to either forward this information to management, or to contact

the person(s) directly and politely explain the need for quick clearance of the highways.

1) If this is unsuccessful, management shall contact the department in question and provide the identifying information of such person and discuss resolution to prevent future occurrences.

Page 3.1-11G. Emergency response –

1. Whenever advised by the Traffic Management Center (TMC) of a confirmed emergency circumstance, normally something in

the travel lanes, members are permitted to respond as an emergency vehicle pursuant to Georgia statutes.

a. A “confirmed” emergency event is one which has been sighted electronically (camera) by the TMC, or reported by a member of the GDOT, a Public Safety agency, or a member of any EMS entity.






2. Operating as an emergency vehicle requires that the vehicle be displaying both visual (red lights) and audible (siren)

warning devices at all times during such operation.

3. Emergency vehicles are allowed certain exemptions from traffic laws while operating with visual and audible warnings

` but are not excused from the requirement to drive at all times using due regard for the safety of others.

a. It is critical that all members understand that whatever the event to which you are dispatched, it has already

occurred and that before you can assist any person(s) involved you must first arrive safely.

b. Drivers must take the condition of themselves, their vehicle, the environment and the roadway into

consideration when operating an emergency vehicle and drive accordingly.

4. HERO members are not authorized to operate as an emergency vehicle on surface streets without the prior

permission of their supervisor, with the exception of turning around at freeway interchanges.

a. When approaching an interchange intersection, operators must utilize extreme caution and come to a complete stop

Page 3.1-12b. prior to entering such intersection and look in all directions

for clearance even if the traffic signal is green for your direction of travel.

1) When operating an emergency vehicle, members should assure that other vehicle

operators are aware of your presence and establish eye contact if possible prior to

entering the intersection.

b. Operators, upon approaching a red traffic signal must never “push” or force a vehicle into the intersection






against the red signal light. Operators are to stop, turn off all emergency equipment, and wait until the signal cycles to green prior to re-engaging lights and siren.

5. Whenever operating as an emergency vehicle, operators shall, as much as possible, travel in the number one (1)

travel lane. It must be remembered that Georgia statute 40- 6-74 requires that upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle displaying visual and audible warnings every civilian driver is required to “yield the right of way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle has passed.”

a. It is apparent that operators driving to the right of traffic risk having such traffic legitimately pull to the

right upon their approach and become involved in an accident which would be their fault. This is especially true when driving on the right shoulder as many civilian operators will pull to the right shoulder upon the approach of an emergency vehicle.

G. Communications:

Page 3.1-131. It is required of every operator/supervisor to remain in contact with

the Traffic Management Center (TMC) at all times while on duty and to remain alert to all radio and computer traffic.

2. While on any event exceeding 10 minutes, i.e. accident or disabledvehicle, the TMC shall be kept appraised of the estimated

completion time of the event.






3. Personnel shall remain completely professional at all times in their interactions with the TMC and shall refrain from sarcasm,

profanity or any other counterproductive speech or behavior.

4. Employees shall not dispatch other operators to any call or event, requests to other operators for service shall be managed by

the TMC center.

5, When dispatched to another zone, operators will utilize the following protocol:

a. Acknowledge the call and advise the dispatcher that you are changing radio channels (10-24) appropriate to the zone.

b. Notify TMC and supervisor that you are en route (10-76) from your location.

c. Inform the zone into which you’re dispatched that you are en route (10-76) to an incident (identify 10-41, 10-51 . . .) and your location.

d. Once the assignment is completed, notify TMC that you are clear (10-8) and return to your assigned sector.

e. When you’re in your assigned zone notify TMC and you are changing radio channels back to your originally assigned zone (i.e. 502 TMC 10-24 channel1). After changing channels advise TMC that you have returned to sector.

5. Members shall not utilize any personal electronic devices (cell phone, IPOD, GPS, etc.) while operating a HERO vehicle.

Page 3.1-14H. Other duties and requirements:

1. It is apparent that the myriad of duties and responsibilities of a HERO Operator cannot be detailed in this, or any other document they are too varied. As noted in SOP 1.1, “For those circumstance

that are not presently addressed in this manual, members are expected to utilize their knowledge, skills, training,






experience and common sense to make the best decision possible at that time.

It should not be necessary to elaborate here on the knowledge and skills provided in the Unit training academy, i. e.

pushing/dragging vehicles, overturning, etc., as that information is in your training notes.

Other duties and responsibilities such as providing training to new operators, maintaining an acceptable appearance and a

positive attitude are inherent in this and many other positions and included within the miscellaneous category of “other duties as required.”

Suffice it to say that all HERO personnel are required to be polite, professional and deserving of the title and position that they

hold as Highway Emergency Response Operators (H.E.R.O.).

Page 3.1-15


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