January 19, 2010
EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURE
# 1.4.2
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE
SCOPE: The response of Adair Rural Fire and Rescue personnel to a Hazardous Materials incident.
PURPOSE:
To provide a general framework for operating at and managing a HazMat incident.
This policy does not address the specific tactics or control measures for specific
incidents. Fixed-site facilities shall be pre-planned to provide detailed specific
actions for operations during HazMat incidents at those facilities.
PROCEDURE:
A.
First Arriving Unit: Shall establish Command and begin a size-up immediately. The
Emergency Response Guidebook (most current version) will perform the initial risk
assessment. Utilizing binoculars carried on the apparatus determine the type of material
involved, the associated hazards involved, and the appropriate action prior to committing
personnel and equipment. If the incident is at a Fixed Site refer to the Pre-Plan prior to
taking action. The first-in unit must consciously avoid committing itself to a dangerous
situation by commencing operations prior to conducting a size-up.
When approaching the scene, slow down or stop the apparatus in order to assess any visible
activity taking place, or attempts to halt the apparatus progress into the scene by other
response personnel or private citizens. Evaluate effects of wind, topography, and location of
the incident. Immediately transmit the results of the size-up. All other units shall stage until
instructed to take specific action. The staging area(s) must be a safe location outside the
endangered areas, taking into consideration wind, spill flow, explosion potential, and similar
factors related to the incident. Staged apparatus may also be utilized to restrict access into the
endangered areas. Two thousand five hundred (2,500) feet is a general rule-of-thumb for
staging area(s) distance until definitive information is made available to COMMAND.
B.
Size-Up: Command must make a careful size-up BEFORE deciding on a commitment. It
may be appropriate to take immediate action to make a rescue or evacuate an area, but
this should be done only after consideration of the risk to Fire Department Personnel, and if
appropriately trained individual are available with appropriate equipment.
The objective of the size-up is to identify the nature and severity of the immediate
problem to gather sufficient information to formulate a valid action plan. A
HAZMAT INCIDENT REQUIRES A MORE CAUTIOUS AND DELIBERATE
SIZE-UP THAN MOST FORE SITUATIONS.
Avoid premature commitment of personnel and equipment into potentially hazardous
locations. Proceed with caution in evaluating risks before formulating a plan and keep
uncommitted personnel and equipment at a safe distance. If the incident is at a Fixed Site
refer to the Pre-Plan for detailed operational instructions, if available.
EOG # 1.4.2 Hazardous Materials
2
Identify and establish the HOT ZONE, and COLD ZONE based on potential danger, as
recommended in the Reference Manuals and taking into account materials involved, time of
day, wind and weather conditions, locations of the incident, topography, and the degree of
risk to unprotected personnel. The hot zone and the area between the hot zone and cold
zone (the warm zone) is considered the IMMEDIATE DANGER AREA, the outer
boundary of the cold zone is the boundary in which the public is held back. Emergency
response personnel not in the proper level of protective clothing and breathing apparatus
are to be excluded from operating in the Hot and/or Warm zone.
Take immediate action to evacuate and/or rescue persons in the HOT ZONE and Warm
zone, if this can be done without undue risk to Department personnel. Consider
immediate GROSE DECON of persons removed from the Hot zone.
The major problem in most incidents will be to accurately identify the type of materials
involved. Identify the type of materials involved by visual observations, direct
communications with persons knowledgeable as to materials involved (truck driver, facility
personnel), or written materials such as shipping papers, MSDS, Fixed Site Pre-Plans; and
the hazards presented before formulating a plan of action. Utilize reference materials carried
on apparatus and have dispatch contact other sources for assistance in sizing up the problem.
C.
Protective Clothing and Devices: Personnel authorized to enter the Warm and/or Hot
zones and assigned to the responsibility for controlling access into these areas shall wear
appropriate protective clothing including SCBA. Fire Department Personnel will be
allowed entry into the HOT ZONE only after it has been determined that structural
protective clothing (level D) and SCBA provides adequate protection from the materials
involved in the incident. Personnel entering the Warm Zone will carry a FOUR GAS
monitor to assist in establishing a HOT ZONE outer boundary.
D.
Access to the Warm and HOT ZONES: Command shall limit the emergency response
personnel entering and WARM and HOT ZONE to those properly trained and who are
wearing the appropriate protective clothing dependant on the type of material(s) involved in
the incident and the overall assessment of the situation and need for entry.
Command will also limit the number of emergency response personnel at the emergency site
to those who are actively performing emergency operations, all other personnel will remain
at the Staging Area(s).
E.
Action Plan: Based on initial size-up and the information available, Command will
formulate an action plan to deal with the incident. Establish a Fixed Command Post in the
Cold Zone. If personnel on scene have been or are likely to become contaminated in course
of actions a Decon Officer should be assigned and preparations made for decontamination.
If the incident cannot be mitigated with OPERATIONAL level personnel, request that the
Hazardous Materials Response Team 5 be dispatched to the scene.
Most Hazardous Materials are intended to be maintained in a safe condition for handling and
use through confinement in a container or protective system. The emergency is usually
related to the material escaping from the protective container or system and creating a hazard
to the exterior. The strategic plan must include a method to get the hazardous material
back into a safe container, dispose of it (not the responsibility of the Fire Department),
EOG # 1.4.2 Hazardous Materials
3
neutralize it, or allow it to dissipate safely. The specific action plan must identify the
method of hazard control and identify the resources available or required to accomplish this
goal utilizing only personnel trained to the level required to perform the specific action. It
may be necessary to select one method over another due to the unavailability of a particular
resource or to adopt a "Holding Action" to wait for qualified personnel (HazMat team),
needed equipment or supplies.
The Action Plan must provide for:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
F.
Safety of citizens
Safety of Fire Fighters and other personnel
Evacuation of Hot Zone and the Warm Zone if required.
Protection of the environment.
Protection of property.
Control of the situation by qualified personnel.
Stabilization of the Hazardous Material(s) by qualified personnel.
Disposal or removal of the Hazardous Material(s) by qualified personnel.
Establishing and Control of Hot Zone, Warm Zone and Cold Zone: A Haz Mat incident
may have control zones associated with the scene. They will be established and controlled
by Command depending on the specific incident.
The IMMEDIATE DANGER AREA is the Hot Zone and the Warm Zone is the area in
which personnel are potentially in immediate danger from the hazardous condition. This is
"ESTABLISHED BY COMMAND AND CONTROLLED BY THE FIRE
DEPARTMENT". Access is to this area will be RIGIDLY controlled and only personnel
with proper protective equipment and an assigned activity will enter the IMMEDIATE
DANGER AREA. All companies will remain intact in designated staging areas until
assigned. Personnel will be assigned by Command to monitor entry and exit of personnel in
Hot and Warm Zone areas. The Hot Zone and Warm Zone shall be geographically
described to all responding units if possible.
Responsibility for control of personnel in the Hot and Warm Zone includes not only Fire
Personnel, but any others who may TRY to enter these areas (police, press, employees, tow
truck drivers, public, etc.). Command is responsible for all personnel operating within the
Hot and Warm Zones. Command may delegate the responsibility for control of the areas to
Law Enforcement personnel.
G.
Evacuation Zone: The Evacuation Zone and Cold Zone (in some cases may be combined)
are the larger area surrounding the Hot Zone and Warm Zone in which a lesser degree of risk
to personnel exists. All civilians should be removed from the inside of the Hot and Warm
Zones ( rule of thumb: 1,000 feet from the limit of the Hot Zone). Additional limits
(distances from the outside of the Warm Zone for the Evacuation) may be established and
enforced by Law Enforcement Personnel based upon distances and directions established by
Command. The area to be evacuated depends upon the nature and amount of the material
and type of risk it presents to unprotected personnel (Toxic, Explosive).
In some cases, it is necessary to completely evacuate a radius around an incident scene for a
certain distance. In other cases it may be advisable to evacuate a path downwind where toxic
EOG # 1.4.2 Hazardous Materials
4
or flammable vapors may be carried. This can also include the controlling of ignition
sources in cases of flammable vapors.
At MINOR INCIDENTS (leaking drum on the street) a HOT ZONE OF 100 feet in all
directions (no wind) would be considered adequate until known information indicates a
greater distance. The Outer Perimeter (cold zone) would be 1000 feet.
At MAJOR INCIDENTS (leaking fuel tanker with risk of fire or explosion) a HOT ZONE
of 500 and an outer perimeter (cold zone) of 1,000 feet.
At MAJOR INCIDENTS where threat of explosion (propane tanker with flame
impingement in progress) a HOT ZONE of ONE-HALF MILE may be the appropriate
decision.
In all cases, the responsibility for safety of ALL potentially endangered citizens rests with
Command.
H.
Use of Non-Fire Department Personnel: In some cases it may be advantageous to use
Non-Fire Department personnel to evaluate hazards and perform certain functions for which
they would have particular experience or knowledge. Police Departments are more suited to
this task.
When such personnel are required to be outfitted with SCBA, chemical suits, or other
protective equipment, Command must first be assured that they are properly trained in
the use and limitations of such equipment. Qualified/Certified response personnel with the
necessary protective equipment must closely monitor and/or accompany such personnel. The
decision to allow Non-Fire Department personnel to enter the Hot Zone will be made by
Command.
I.
General Factors to Consider: Due to the wide variety of situations Fire Department
personnel may encounter in dealing with hazardous materials, the following considerations
will not attempt to provide specific guidelines on any one individual chemical or situation
and are not listed in any priority. Refer to REFERENCE MANUALS and specific Pre-Plans
for Fixed-Site incidents.
It is imperative that the first arriving Fire Department unit determine what hazardous
material(s) is(are) involved, and quantity, prior to taking action to stabilize the incident.
Entering the scene to make positive identification may be a considerable risk. The danger of
explosions, leaking gas and poisoning may be great.
Premature action before determining the product involved may severely compound the
problem.
Transportation emergencies are often more difficult than those at fixed locations. The
materials involved may be unknown, warning signs may not be visible, or may be obscured
by smoke and debris, the driver may be killed or missing. D.O.T. hazardous materials
marking systems are inadequate because some hazardous materials in quantities less than
1,000 pounds do not require a placard and thereby combinations of some products involved
only a "Dangerous" label may be showing. Sometimes only the most evident hazard is
identified, while additional hazards are not labeled.
EOG # 1.4.2 Hazardous Materials
5
The following items are significant considerations at any HAZMAT incident; however,
Command must utilize only personnel qualified to accomplish the required tasks and
consider the risk involved in each action undertaken:
1.
COOLING CONTAINERS
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.
REMOVE UNINVOLVED MATERIALS
a.
b.
c.
3.
Direct running liquid away from exposures.
Control run off from materials.
Use sand, dirt, or containment booms.
REMOVE IGNITION SOURCES
a.
b.
7.
Dilute water-soluble liquids.
Flush corrosives to reduce danger.
Use spray stream to absorb vapor.
Use water with caution on some materials and control runoff.
CONSTRUCT DAMS, DIKES OR CHANNELS
a.
b.
c.
6.
Close valves.
Place plug in openings.
Place containers in upright position.
Use water spray to approach leak.
APPLY DILUTING SPRAY OR NEUTRALIZING AGENT
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
Move individual containers.
Move tank cars of tankers away from flame.
Cool containers before moving.
STOP THE LEAK
a.
b.
c.
d.
4.
Use adequate water supply, if appropriate.
Apply heavy streams to vapor space.
Use unmanned streams.
Use natural barriers to protect personnel.
See attachment Tank Fire Decision Algorithm.
Start down wind.
Eliminate all source of heat, spark, friction, or flame.
REFERENCE EMERGENCY ACTION GUIDE IN APPENDIX
8. CALL FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WHEN NEED IS ANTICIPATED. THE
INAPPROPRIATE OR UNTIMELY ACTION BY "COMMAND" IN THE FIRST
FEW MINUTES OF AN INCIDENT IMPACTS THE OUTCOME MORE THAN ANY
OTHER SINGLE FACTOR.
EOG # 1.4.2 Hazardous Materials
J.
6
Reference Information: All personnel must become familiar with, and utilize the
"Hazardous Materials Reference Books" carried in all response apparatus.
Do not hesitate to use department personnel with advanced training as a resource for initial
guidance on dealing with the problem and possible team activation. It may be necessary and
prudent to assign individual with advanced training to a HazMat group to deal with that
aspect of the incident, or request activation of HAZMAT 5 thru dispatch or by contacting
CFD or AFD.
Other personnel and/or organizations may be helpful during HAZMAT incidents. These
include:
K.
1.
Fire Service personnel with particular experience or knowledge.
2.
Commercial chemical experts with experience in handling and disposing of most
common chemicals.
3.
Pesticide consultants and disposal teams with equipment to clean-up agricultural
chemical spills.
4.
Personnel from State and Federal regulatory agencies. These personnel should be
contacted for incidents involving transportation of Hazardous Materials.
5.
Tank truck companies with de-fueling capabilities.
6.
Radioactive and Military weapons emergency contacts.
7.
Oregon Poison Control Center (225-8968).
Decontamination (Decon) Procedure: Command shall appoint a Decontamination Officer
if appropriate, preferably a HAZMAT team member (if HAZMAT team has been activated
the HAZMAT Team Leader will be responsible for this). The Decontamination Officer shall
direct the decontamination process and do the following as required:
1.
Be directly responsible to Command.
2.
Coordinate with the on-scene Medical Officer the decon of all persons prior to medical
treatment and transportation.
3.
Insure that all vehicles and equipment are "clean" prior to being placed back in-service.
4.
Coordinate with Command the establishment of:
a.
b.
An entrance/exit control point at the decon area.
A safe/clean area.
The Decontamination procedure will be influenced by the products involved and their
properties and the level of contamination.
EOG # 1.4.2 Hazardous Materials
7
Decon is one of the MOST IMPORTANT steps in the successful handling of a HAZMAT
incident and MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED, CONSULT WITH A DEPARTMENT
HAZMAT TEAM MEMBER.
DECON is to be performed when any of the following conditions are present:
1.
2.
3.
4.
There is OBVIOUS contamination by KNOWN hazardous substance.
There is SUSPECTED contamination by KNOWN hazardous substance.
There is EVEN A LIKELIHOOD of EXPOSURE to DEADLY substances.
When there is a need not to spread contamination under any condition.
Any of the above conditions should alert you to the possible need for the HAZMAT team.
Technical Assistance regarding HEALTH INFORMATION, HEALTH GUIDANCE, and
REFERRALS can be obtained through Oregon Poison Control Center (225-8968).
When VICTIMS are transported to Medical Centers (following field DECON) notify the
facility IN ADVANCE to prepare to receive patients that MAY BE CONTAMINATED.
When the SPECIFIC DECON procedure is NOT KNOWN or materials needed are not
available, UTILIZE FIELD DECON PROCEDURES.
M.
Decon levels:
LEVEL 1: Lowest level, used when there is a POSSIBLE contamination (least likely) but no
one is SURE it has occurred.
LEVEL 2: When contamination of CLOTHING can be seen or is known to have occurred
but the SKIN has NOT been exposed or has NOT been IRRITATED by the Chemical.
LEVEL 3: Used when SKIN has been IN CONTACT and has been IRRITATED by the
chemical.
N.
Field Decon Procedures: Assign a DECON Officer (member of the HazMat Response
Team should be used) who will:
1.
Establish a DECON CORRIDOR, UPWIND and establish and mark the corridor and
decon area.
2.
Identify and OBTAIN equipment required for the DECON function.
3.
Supervise the DECON operation. Be in a position to OBSERVE the HOT ZONE and
the DECON CORRIDOR/AREA.
4.
Provide for CONTAINMENT of water used in the DECON procedure (unless a lifeand-death situation exists).
Any incident prompting DECON should alert you to the fact that at a minimum you should
be considering calling back department HAZMAT team members and/or request activation
of HAZMAT 5.
EOG # 1.4.2 Hazardous Materials
O.
P.
8
Decon Criteria:
1.
Should be on level ground, UPWIND, UPGRADE, and UPSTREAM from the HOT
ZONE.
2.
A minimum of 100 feet from the HOT ZONE to the DECON AREA in MINOR
incidents. 500 feet in MAJOR INCIDENTS.
3.
Operations trained personnel may set-up or assist with set-up and decontamination of
personnel, as described in the appendix of this E.O.P.
Highway Accidents Involving Fuel Leaks:
During operations at highway accidents where leaking fuel systems or vehicle fuel tanks are
encountered, COMMAND may authorize personnel to plug, seal or otherwise control the
leak utilizing the techniques taught during Department training sessions. Personnel involved
in this operation shall utilize the required protective clothing and charged hose lines. If the
leak cannot be controlled, personnel in appropriate protective clothing shall utilize water
lines to protect emergency medical personnel during the removal of the accident victim(s)
from the area of the fuel hazard and then contain the fuel leak
Q.
Operations During Structural Firefighting When Hazardous Materials are Observed:
When personnel encounter Hazardous Materials during normal structural firefighting, they
shall immediately inform COMMAND of the presence of the materials and follow his
instructions.
When COMMAND becomes aware of the potential of Hazardous Materials being involved
in normal structural firefighting operations he shall take the appropriate actions to protect
personnel as detailed in this S.O.P. It is a known fact that most residential properties contain
minimal amount of materials that can be classified as hazardous materials (gasoline,
pesticides, paints, etc.) Under normal conditions it is not appropriate to abandon firefighting
operations under these conditions, however personnel shall be made aware of the area of the
structure that contains these materials and take appropriate actions to minimize the risk of
injury or contamination. Following control of the incident COMMAND shall evaluate the
potential exposure to personnel and take the appropriate actions as detailed in this S.O.P.
R.
Clandestine Drug Labs:
Clandestine drug labs present a substantial hazard to fire personnel. Due to the fact that such
operations are illegal the operators attempt to camouflage their operations. Labs can be
encountered in any type of structure in any location. Operations at Clandestine drug labs are
to be considered as HAZMAT Incidents and the procedures detailed in this S.O.P. shall be
followed. It is considered appropriate to pull back to a defensive operation when a
Clandestine Drug Lab operation is determined to be involved in a structural fire situation.
Warning signs indicating the potential for a Clandestine Drug Lab operation include:
Unoccupied or individuals leaving the scene upon arrival, victims indicating exposure to
chemicals, chemical containers (marked or unmarked) inside or outside the structure,
chemical lab glassware inside the structure, unusual smells (cat urine), unusual exhaust fan
installations, darkened or covered windows, run-down condition of the property, signs
EOG # 1.4.2 Hazardous Materials
9
restricting access to the property, unusual security systems or efforts to block access, isolated
or unusual locations for structures, and information from Law Enforcement agencies.
S.
Safety:
COMMAND shall act as SAFETY OFFICER at known HAZMAT incidents until that
responsibility is delegated.
Always consider the possibility of MULTIPLE HAZARD CATEGORIES in each hazard
class. Because of the multiple hazard categories in each class of hazardous materials it
becomes necessary to utilize a cautionary approach at all times until the material is identified.
Approach all hazardous material incidents from UPWIND, UPGRADE, and UP STREAM,
positioning vehicles and apparatus HEADED AWAY from the incident scene.
In a HazMat incident you may have to delay attending to the injured in order to save the lives
of many others.
First operational priority is to ISOLATE the HAZARD AREA and DENY ENTRY. ONLY
those emergency personnel IN THE PROPER LEVEL OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
AND POSITIVE PRESSURE SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS WHO
ARE ACTIVELY PERFORMING EMERGENCY OPERATIONS are to operate WITHIN
the inner perimeter.
MINIMUM safety perimeter for CITIZENS is 1,000 feet beyond the inner perimeter
boundaries when operating in OPEN areas.
To avoid INHALATION HAZARDS, self-contained positive pressure breathing apparatus
MUST be properly worn, used and maintained. Never EAT, SMOKE, or DRINK AT or
AROUND HAZMAT incident scenes until you DECONTAMINATE and wash your hands,
face, and hair thoroughly.
Consult protective clothing COMPATIBILITY data to ensure available protective clothing is
COMPATIBLE with the hazardous material(s) involved in the incident.
T.
Termination, Post Incident Debriefing, Critique and Follow-up:
COMMAND will insure that all personnel involved in the incident are debriefed as soon as
practical, prior to leaving the scene if possible, to insure that they are aware of the potential
for health problems, the availability of medical surveillance and critical incident stress
assistance and the method to seek such aid or assistance.
The Department will hold a post-incident critique for all Department personnel and other
agencies involved in the incident in a timely manner following termination of the incident.
Debriefing activities should concentrate on funneling accurate information to the people who
have a "need to know".
The Debriefing should accomplish the following:
EOG # 1.4.2 Hazardous Materials
U.
10
1.
Inform responders exactly what hazardous materials were involved and the
accompanying signs and symptoms of exposure.
2.
Provide information for personnel exposure records.
3.
Identify equipment damaged and unsafe conditions requiring immediate attention or to
be isolated for further evaluation.
4.
Assign information gathering responsibilities for a post-incident analysis and critique.
5.
Summarize the activities performed by each section, including topics for follow-up.
6.
Reinforce the positive aspects of the response.
Records and Reports:
COMMAND will maintain field notes and submit a written report following each HAZMAT
incident. The record should contain the following information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Dispatch Report
COMMAND action report
Type of material(s) involved
Nature of incident
Injuries, exposure, potential exposure to the public and/or emergency personnel
Resource personnel utilized
Names of all personnel who responded to the incident
Other agencies or organizations involved in the incident
Records and reports shall be maintained for a minimum of thirty (30) years. Employees shall
have access to all records and reports with the exception of criminal investigative reports.
--------------------------------------------------Chuck Harris, Fire Chief
Revision History
April 2001