What defines the boundary between the responders working and moving traffic in the Incident Space?

The use of traffic cones is fundamental for defining the boundary between responders who are working at an incident site and the moving traffic in the incident space. Traffic cones are specifically designed to be highly visible and portable, making them effective at providing a clear demarcation for both responders and oncoming vehicles.

By placing traffic cones strategically, responders can create a safe operational area, alert drivers to the presence of an incident, and direct traffic around the hazard. This helps to minimize the risk of secondary accidents and ensures that both responders and the public remain safe while operations are underway. Cones can be used flexibly and adjusted as the situation changes, further enhancing their utility in managing traffic around incidents.

While road signs, flashing lights, and road barriers may contribute to roadway safety, they serve different purposes. Road signs provide information but do not necessarily create a physical boundary. Flashing lights can indicate a presence or warning, but they do not physically obstruct traffic. Road barriers are more rigid and are often used for different types of traffic control and can limit access rather than simply demarcating the working area. Thus, traffic cones are the most effective and appropriate tool for establishing clear boundaries in the incident space.