This cordon is established in order to protect those responding to the incident, but not directly involved in the rescue work, from danger. Personnel allowed into this area are normally those from the Fire Brigade and they are responsible for maintaining this cordon if the area within it is a fireground and keeping record of who goes in and out of it.

When the rescue phase is complete the responsibility is handed over to the Police, who wish to maintain this cordon as the area within is considered a Scene of Crime requiring investigation. The police Cordon Access Control System is then used to monitor access and egress of the area.

The area is then documented by Scenes of crime officers known as SOCO's under the instruction of the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO). It is the responsibility of the Police to protect any property found in the area, so it is removed and stored in a safe area.