Under what condition are members allowed to work in or near collapse zones?

The correct answer is based on the critical safety standards that govern operations in potentially hazardous environments such as collapse zones. In these zones, the risk of structural collapse poses a significant danger to personnel. Therefore, members are explicitly prohibited from entering or working in these areas without the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The use of SCBA is essential as it provides protection against inhalation of toxic smoke, fumes, or dust generated during a collapse, thereby ensuring the safety and health of the responders.

The requirement for SCBA in collapse zones is grounded in the need to mitigate the risks associated with these potentially volatile scenarios. While other protective measures and equipment might be necessary, without SCBA, personnel would be exposed to life-threatening conditions, which is why the policy strictly enforces the use of this protective gear as a prerequisite for safety. This ensures that all responding members are adequately protected against harmful atmospheric conditions in the event of a structural failure.