FEATURED GUIDELINES
POLICY AND TECHNIQUES
DFS produced the following matrix describing the minimum expected risk level of each of the five crash scene hazard categories. The CraSH Matrix is intended to serve as a quick-reference and simple starting point for crash scene hazard management. At the same time, investigators remain free to modify the risk levels when necessary based on specific crash site circumstances. DFS has rewritten the chapter on Crash Scene Hazard Management (previously entitled “Blood Borne Pathogens”) in its Airworthiness Investigation Manual. The new approach is being taught on the CAF Flight Safety course for aircraft accident investigators and the medical course for Aviation Medicine providers.
The first practical application of the CraSH Matrix occurred in November 2016 as a result of a CF188 Hornet crash in an unpopulated area near Cold Lake, Alberta, where the pilot sustained fatal injuries. Based on reported conditions, the accident investigation team used the CraSH Matrix while enroute to the crash scene to pre-assess the hazards. The resulting assessment indicated a probable high risk level due to the type and quantity of physical hazards and required the investigators to adopt the wearing of full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Upon arrival, it was determined that conditions were not as initially reported and the physical risk was downgraded to a medium level. This re-assessment resulted in the investigators having to wear less PPE thereby increasing their maneuverability and efficiency and easing the level of difficulty in conducting their on-scene investigation. As the investigation progressed, the level of risk had to be adjusted due to environmental hazards (e.g. changing weather), physical hazards (e.g. unexploded ordnance), and psychological hazards (e.g. human remains).
Overall, awareness of hazards, their associated risks and the application of control measures was simplified and enhanced by using the CraSH Matrix. As a practical tool, the CraSH Matrix allowed the team to keep up with changes in risk levels, anticipate and modify plans, and successfully complete the on-scene investigation. In addition, the CraSH Matrix served as a vital tool when handing over responsibility of the crash scene to the Aircraft Recovery and Salvage Team. Crash Scene Hazard Management for this case also included the first-ever follow-up medical screening for all 109 personnel who worked on the crash site, a process that was well-received by personnel and their supervisors. Screening took place for potential injuries from all five hazard categories in the CraSH Matrix, with particular attention to potential psychological injuries.
The second practical application of the CraSH Matrix occurred due to an engine failure of a CT156 Harvard II trainer in January 2017, which forced both occupants to carry out an ejection and caused the aircraft to crash in a farmer’s field. Again, the aircraft accident investigators used the CraSH Matrix tool to pre-assess the expected risks and, as a result of the analysis, made the decision to wear minimal PPE. Deteriorating weather forced a re-assessment of the hazards and associated risks, resulting in a change of control measures to enhance PPE, modify the recovery plan and ultimately resulted in the move of the wreckage to an indoor location.
In both cases, the CraSH Matrix allowed the accident investigation teams to pre-brief and safely prepare their crews on the anticipated hazards and associated risks of the crash scenes, then allowed for rapid yet comprehensive re-assessments of the crash scenes upon their arrival. The matrix proved to be an excellent tool for briefing off-site supervisors on local conditions and increased the effectiveness of the crash scene handover to new personnel arriving on-site.
DFS will continue to use the CraSH Matrix when investigating accidents; however, its use has highlighted areas that need to be strengthened and updated particularly in the application of controls measures.
The first area that underwent review was the rationalization of appropriate PPE. DFS’ current process involves the provision of items to CAF flight safety units located across Canada. The challenge is to align the standardized equipment with the actual requirements of the crash scene and requires an understanding of the environment in which the equipment is to be used and knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the equipment. This matter is discussed in greater detail in the Personal Protective Equipment for Flight Safety Investigators section of this page.
The provision of PPE does not mean that every crash site will require the investigator to wear all the items for proper protection. Rather the crash scene investigators need to know and understand the hazards to which they are being exposed and then they need to be able to pick the appropriate protective items from a menu of available resources. Understanding that flight safety investigators have limited time to deal with the intricacies of PPE at the time of an accident, DFS personnel have refined the selection of available PPE to better protect against known hazards and have developed a PPE poster to compliment the CraSH Matrix tool.
Another area for review is the need to develop education and training products that complement the updated approach to Crash Scene Hazard Management. For instance, the effective use of a PPE pocket-card relies on flight safety investigators understanding the hazards that they might encounter at a crash scene and knowing the limitations and capabilities of their equipment. To promote this understanding and knowledge, DFS has developed short training videos available on this page. The intent of these videos is to provide accurate, standardized, current and accessible information to flight safety personnel so that they can easily educate themselves at the time and place that is convenient to them.