Quick Checklist For Investigators: Physical Items
Quick Checklist For Investigators: Physical Items
Quick Checklist For Investigators: Physical Items
Physical Items
Photographic Equipment 35mm camera Digital camera Video camera Film and batteries for cameras Measurement Tools Tape measures o 100 feet o 10 feet 6 inch steel ruler Inside calipers Outside calipers Documentation Aids Dictaphone Notebooks Clipboard Pens and pencils Laptop computer Evidence Marking Aids Paint pens Grease pens Permanent markers Tags with wire or plastic connectors Orange flagging tape Evidence tag stickers Tweezers Forceps Sample bottles
Personal Protective Equipment Hard hat Safety goggles Steel toed shoes Fire retardant coveralls Gloves Hearing protection Other Cell phones Electric circuit tester Multi-purpose tool (pliers, knife, screwdriver, etc.) Compass Magnet Duct tape Mirror Small pocket mirror CCPS Incident Investigation book Sticky notes Sticky flags Flashlights Magnifying glass Barricade tape
Action Reminders
Controlling the incident is first priority. Until Incident Command has extinguished fires, evacuated injured personnel, completed a headcount, and contained spills/stopped releases, the control of the incident is first priority. Secure the scene. As soon as possible, protect the scene of the incident from disturbances. Work through operations, maintenance, and emergency response personnel to ensure the scene is not disturbed. Establish a system to limit and control entry into the area. Time sensitive evidence is a high priority. Gathering evidence that might deteriorate with time should be a high priority. o Many electronic systems record data from operating units and then delete that data after a specified period of time, often 24 hours or less. o Some evidence such as char patterns, surface fractures, or volatile chemicals spills can degrade as a result of weather conditions (rain, wind, or sunlight) Establish roles and expectations for the investigation team. Roles and expectations need to be defined early so that there are no misunderstandings. o Is the incident investigation team also the primary point of contact with outside agencies such as OSHA, EPA, and CSB? o What expectations do local management and corporate management have for the investigation team for timing, interim reports, final reports, and defining requirements for startup of units or equipment? o What resources are available and just as important, what resources are not available? Interviews need to be done promptly. Memories fade with time and are influenced by discussions with other witnesses. Interviewing techniques are important. o Plan the interview. Do not do it haphazardly. o Interview one person at time and in a private comfortable setting. Use only one or two interviewers. o Set the interviewee at ease. One method is by asking questions about activities prior to the incident. o Be sensitive to the interviewees emotional state. o Do not express opinions. o Do not lead the interviewee. Ask questions that allow the interviewee to describe the incident in their own words. Questions should be neutral, unbiased, and nonleading. o Do not interrupt the interviewee. o Use a plot plan to better understand the location of interviewee the location of people and activities the interviewee saw movement of the interviewee o Ask what the interviewee saw, heard, felt, and smelt before, during, and after the incident. o Ask about timing/sequence of events to help develop the timeline. o At the end of the interview, ask for opinions about the cause of the incident or if the interviewee has anything to add that was not already covered.