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Assess and secure the roadside situation

URN: IMIRR03
Business Sectors (Suites): Roadside Assistance,Vehicle Fitting,Vehicle Recovery
Developed by: IMI
Approved on: 2023

Overview

This standard is about securing and making an initial assessment of the roadside situation (breakdown scenes and incident sites) and vehicle in order to make decisions for further action. It also includes providing information to, and seeking information and guidance from casualty vehicle driver and relevant specialist authorities where hazardous substances or situations may be involved.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

P1 identify and wear suitable personal protective equipment throughout all roadside assessment and security activities 
P2 secure and protect the breakdown scene or incident site to comply with legal and environmental requirements, current industry codes of practice, prevailing weather conditions and the roadside situation 
P3 secure the immediate safety of the driver and passengers effectively 
P4 carry out a risk assessment to include:

P4.1 identification of vehicle type
P4.2 the existence of any hazardous and potentially hazardous substances
P4.3 any real and potential fire risks
P4.4 the prevailing weather conditions
P4.5 the roadside situation
P4.6 the need for any specialist assistance
P5 continue to assess the situation throughout – a dynamic risk assessment
P6 provide accurate information, where necessary, promptly and clearly to all relevant authorities and or your organisation covering: 

P6.1 the customer’s personal/medical requirements 
P6.2 the prevailing weather conditions 
P6.3 the location and roadside situation 
P6.4 the nature of the incident 
P6.5 real and potential hazards 
P7 seek assistance and guidance promptly from the relevant authorities when you believe that hazardous substances are present 
P8 ensure your initial assessment of the vehicle establishes: 

P8.1 the nature and extent of any vehicle damage and/or breakdown 
P8.2 the feasibility of roadside repair 
P9 make justifiable decisions for a course of action based upon the information gained from your initial assessment of the situation 
P10 ensure your records are accurate and complete and promptly passed to the relevant person(s)

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

Legislative and organisational requirements and procedures
K1 the legal requirements and industry codes of practice governing site protection and recovery operations 
K2 the range of services and resources available within your organisation 
K3 your organisation's operating, reporting and recording procedures 
K4 how to complete records and the importance of doing so 
K5 the referral process for incidents relating to alternative fuel vehicles
K6 the importance of adhering to a robust, documented handover procedure

Assessing and securing the site
K7 the difference between a risk assessment and a dynamic risk assessment 
K8 how to carry out a risk assessment and a dynamic risk assessment
K9 the difference in requirements for securing and protecting a breakdown scene or incident site 
K10 the sources of specialist advice and guidance 
K11 how the results of your dynamic risk assessment will affect the course of action
K12   the circumstances in which to call for specialist assistance 
K12 how to take steps to secure the safety of yourself and others 
K13 why it's important to consider how the incident/breakdown site affects the safety of other road users
K14 how to use communication technology effectively 
K15 how to communicate with customers and relevant authorities 
K16 how to make an initial assessment of the extent of vehicle damage and or faults 
K17 how to identify vehicle type, e.g. EV, LPG etc.
K18 how to identify vehicles carrying hazardous substances 
K19 how to interpret the results of your initial assessment and make justifiable decisions for a course of action 
K20 the possible consequences of inaccurate roadside assessment 
K21 the importance of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

This section contains examples and explanations of some of the terms used but does not form part of the standard.

Alternative fuel
This is defined as any type of fuel that may be used to power an internal combustion engine (for example, LPG, bio ethanol etc. and hydrogen fuel cell systems), or electric vehicles, to include:
o Hybrid (HEV) - to include mild/micro hybrid vehicles where the voltage is considered dangerous.
o Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
o Extended Range Electric Vehicle (ER-EV) or Range Extended Electric Vehicle (RE-EV)
o Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or Pure Electric Vehicle (PEV)
o Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

Relevant Authorities
Specialist assistance, for example National Highways, Environment Agency, emergency services, recovery services

*Roadside situation *
Can be off a live carriageway (driveway, car park), or on a live carriageway, including smart motorways and emergency refuge areas


Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

IMI

Original URN

RR03

Relevant Occupations

Engineering, Roadside Assistance Senior Technician, Roadside Assistance Technician, Specialist Tyre Fitting Operations (Automotive), Vehicle Recovery Operator, Vehicle Recovery Technical Operator, Vehicle Trades

SOC Code

5231

Keywords

Assess; secure; roadside; situation; hazardous; incident; accident; scene; site; risk; assessment;