First Responder
Basic SAR Training
Module 3: Safety
May 2011
First Responder Basic SAR Training
Module Objective
Upon completion of this module, participants
will understand and recognize hazards
associated with disaster operations and
methods of hazard mitigation.
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Enabling Objectives
Successful participants will;
• Recognize hazards associated with
operating at or near a disaster site
• Understand hazard mitigation strategies
and appropriate personal protective
equipment
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Unit 1
Hazards
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Terminal Objective
Upon completion of this unit, participants will be
able to understand and recognize the hazards
associated with operating at or near a disaster site.
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Enabling Objectives
Successful participants will:
• Recognize the physical hazards of the
disaster site
• Understand the chemical / atmospheric
hazards present
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Damaged Infrastructure
• Transportation corridors
– Compromised traffic signals
• Utilities
– Electrical hazards
– Waste water release
– Gas leaks
• Levees or dams
– Rapid flooding
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Engulfment / Entrapment
• Engulfment
– Open pit
– Septic system
– Underground storage tank
• Entrapment
– Additional collapse
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Slip / Trip / Fall
• Uneven and wet surfaces increase the risk
• May be working at elevations, fall could be
fatal
• Sharp objects in scattered debris
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Energy Release
• Unexpected release of electricity
• Unexpected start up of machinery
• Restoration of power grid without notifying
responders
• Release of steam, hydraulic fluid, or gas
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Temperature Extremes
• Temperature and humidity extremes
hazardous to responders and survivors
• High temperature/high humidity
– Heat stress and heat cramps
– Heat exhaustion
– Heat stroke
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Other Hazards
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High noise
Low light
Loose and displaced animals
Poisonous spiders and snakes
Animal predators
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Chemical Contamination
• Inhalation
• Ingestion
– Lack of personal hygiene
• Injection
• Absorption
– Direct contact with liquid or gas
– Contact with sweat then absorbed through
skin
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Asphyxiating Atmospheres
• Interfere with body’s ability to absorb
enough oxygen to sustain life
• May displace oxygen in confined space
• May interfere with body’s ability to utilize
available oxygen
– Carbon monoxide
– Hydrogen sulfide
• If suspect leave area, contact HazMat
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Flammable Atmosphere
• Chemicals in industry and home
• May not be able to smell flammable liquids
• Heavier than air, may be concentrated
around your feet
• Should suspect presence when entering
partial collapse
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Toxic Atmosphere
• Chemicals in industry and home
• May not be toxic until containers broken
during disaster and contents mixed
• If in doubt, have HazMat identify potential
hazards before entering area
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Summary
Understanding hazards and looking for and
recognizing them allows disaster responders
to avoid hazards and protect themselves
from the effects of the hazards.
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Unit 2
Hazard Mitigation / PPE
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Terminal Objective
Upon completion of this unit, participants will be
able to understand various hazard mitigation
strategies and the appropriate personal protective
equipment needed for operating at or near a
disaster site.
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Enabling Objectives
Successful participants will understand hazard
mitigation strategies and the use and limitations of
personal protective equipment including:
• Avoidance measures to reduce the risk of exposure and
injury
• Engineering controls as a hazard mitigation strategy to
ensure safe operation
• Personal protective equipment necessary to protect from
the existing and predictable hazards of disaster
operation
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Hazard Avoidance Strategies
• Awareness and recognition of the risk
• Maintain safe operating distance from
hazard
• Mark hazard to alert other responders
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Engineering Control
• Disconnecting electricity, turning off
machinery, shutting of gas valve
– Tagged to alert others
• Shoring and building stabilization
• Positive or negative pressure ventilation
• Remove hazard
– Minimize trip hazards
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Personal Protective Equipment
• Last line of defense
• Equipment
– Gloves
– Proper footwear
– Eye protection
– Helmets
– Hearing protection
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Respiratory Protection
• Approved respirators necessary at times
• N95 particulate air respirator
– often sufficient against most dust particles in
air
– Must be replaced regularly
– Does not filter out toxic vapors
• Air purifying respirators necessary in toxic
atmospheres
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Skin Contact Protection
• Long-sleeved, durable outer wear
– Protects against cuts, scratches
• Military Mission Oriented Protective Posture
(MOPP)
– Based on known or suspected hazards
– Defines the level of protective garments worn
– Higher the number, greater the level of protection
• Causes more physiologic stress to the body
– Risk of wearing chemical protective clothing may be
greater than the chemical hazard risk
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
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First Responder Basic SAR Training
Summary
• SAR responders must be capable of recognizing
existing and predictable hazards in the area
• PPE must be worn if avoidance and engineering
controls are not adequate
• Respiratory protection may be needed based on
the respiratory hazards
• Appropriate protective equipment must be worn
if contaminants can be absorbed or can
penetrate the skin
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