Detection and Monitoring in Emergencies
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Questions and Answers

Which feature is NOT considered when evaluating detection and monitoring equipment?

  • Calibration cost
  • Portability
  • User feedback (correct)
  • Explosion-proof design
  • What does the detection limit refer to in monitoring equipment?

  • The maximum amount of material that can be detected
  • The threshold of interference in measurements
  • The smallest quantity of material identified with confidence (correct)
  • The time taken for a device to generate data
  • Which statement best describes selectivity in detection and monitoring instruments?

  • The response time of the instrument to produce data
  • The design of the instrument to withstand hazardous environments
  • The ability to measure all chemicals present accurately
  • The capacity to detect and measure a specific chemical or group (correct)
  • Which aspect is crucial for ensuring the usability of equipment in hazardous environments?

    <p>Meet explosion-proof and intrinsic safety standards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by the saturation limit concerning detection instruments?

    <p>The point at which adding more solute does not increase dissolved levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of ongoing monitoring in emergency response?

    <p>To confirm previous measurements of hazard presence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does instrument response time depend upon?

    <p>The sensitivity of the instrument and external factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about monitoring equipment is incorrect?

    <p>All certified devices lack specific safety labels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might occur as a result of interference in instrumentation?

    <p>False readings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor can affect the accuracy of instrument readings?

    <p>Interference from other compounds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action should be considered when the action level is reached for known chemicals?

    <p>Removal of unnecessary personnel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT a consideration when conducting individual monitoring?

    <p>Authorization levels of on-site personnel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the function of amplification in a detection device?

    <p>It enhances small electronic signals to the readout.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does reliability in a measuring instrument primarily ensure?

    <p>Consistent accuracy in readings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between individual monitoring and area monitoring?

    <p>Area monitoring evaluates specific work zones, individual monitoring assesses individual exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When should more conservative action levels be implemented?

    <p>When the chemical product is unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of a bump test in calibration?

    <p>To ensure alerts work at recommended levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best represents the concept of relative response or correction factors in instruments?

    <p>They convert instrument readings to true concentrations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding vapor density during monitoring?

    <p>Most chemicals have a vapor density greater than one</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors can influence the time it takes for an instrument to provide a reading after drawing in an air sample?

    <p>The type of test and the sensitivity of the instrument</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible outcome of high LEL action levels for known chemicals?

    <p>Possibility of different levels of action responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of filters in instrumentation?

    <p>To prevent cross-sensitivities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'specificity' refer to in the context of instrument measurement?

    <p>The precision in measuring a particular analyte</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common feature of passive monitoring instruments?

    <p>They rely on ambient air movements to gather samples</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors must a technician consider when selecting sampling locations during an outdoor monitoring operation?

    <p>Wind direction and speed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary objective of area monitoring in hazardous situations?

    <p>To determine the presence and concentration of products</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which piece of equipment is NOT typically used to measure air concentrations at a hazardous scene?

    <p>Thermal imaging cameras</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When working in confined spaces, which characteristic is NOT accurate?

    <p>They provide favorable ventilation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of cargo container monitoring, what should technicians be cautious about?

    <p>Unknown conditions of the materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step that technicians must take before sending samples to a laboratory?

    <p>Conduct field screens to identify hazards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is critical when conducting field screening for explosives?

    <p>Ventilation in the work area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should technicians look for as indicators of potential shock-sensitive explosives during field screenings?

    <p>Crystalized materials around caps</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method is used to test for the flammability of materials in the field screening process?

    <p>Utilizing a combustible gas meter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the sampling plan, which step must be taken before entering the exclusion zone?

    <p>Prepare containers for sampling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the assistant play during the sampling process?

    <p>Handles only clean equipment and provides it to the sampler</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of detector is specifically used to measure volatility in organic compounds?

    <p>Flame ionization detector (FID)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is necessary for physical evidence to be admissible in court?

    <p>Continuous change of possession documented in an evidence log</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which chemical is used to test for oxidizers in field sampling?

    <p>Potassium iodide (KI) paper</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During field screening, which type of radiation is not typically tested?

    <p>Delta</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical aspect of preparing samples according to the sampling plan?

    <p>Securing tamperproof tape on the overpack</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Detection and Monitoring

    • Detection and monitoring instruments aid in emergency response to chemical releases by providing information for safe and risk-based actions.
    • Monitoring is a continuous process using a combination of instruments, as no single instrument can identify or quantify all compounds.
    • Detection and monitoring equipment helps to estimate concentrations of known products, identify unknown products, identify hazards, evaluate health and safety effects, and assess exposures.

    Evaluating Detection and Monitoring Features

    • Safety and user-friendliness are important considerations for field use.
    • Key evaluation aspects include:
      • Portability and durability
      • Cost (initial, maintenance, calibration, sensor replacement, updates, training)
      • Ease of operation (especially while wearing PPE)
      • Usability in hazardous environments (explosion-proof, intrinsically safe, purged)

    Technology Considerations

    • Instruments must read, interpret, and communicate data accurately in hazardous materials situations.
    • Factors to consider:
      • Instrument response time:
        • Time to generate data (seconds to minutes)
        • Influenced by test type, wait time, sensitivity, and interference.
      • Sensitivity:
        • Accuracy of measuring concentration changes
        • Detection limit (smallest quantity identified within a confidence level)
        • Saturation limit (concentration where adding more solute does not increase dissolved solute levels)
      • Selectivity:
        • Ability to detect and measure specific chemicals or groups of similar chemicals
        • Depends on interfering compounds
        • Interference affects accuracy
      • Specificity:
        • Comparison of antigen and antibody relationship
      • Operating range:
        • Accurate concentration measure by the instrument
      • Amplification:
        • Increases small electronic signals from the detector to the readout, without affecting sensitivity
      • Accuracy:
        • Relationship between actual value and instrument reading
      • Reliability:
        • Consistently accurate readings

    Instrument Response

    • The elapsed time between sample intake and analysis provided to the user.
    • Time depends on test type, dead time for analysis, and instrument sensitivity
    • Some instruments are passive, relying on air movements for sampling.
    • Others use pumps and draw tubes.

    Calibration

    • Standardizing a measuring instrument before and after each use, and at regular intervals.
    • Checked against calibration gas.
    • Bump Test (Calibration Test): ensures alerts function correctly at recommended test levels for hazard detection, comparing to the actual gas quantity.
    • Performed before entering the hazard area, not for resetting calibration but to determine correct settings.

    Relative Response/Correction Factors

    • Each instrument responds to vapors/gases as if detecting its calibration gas, potentially resulting in readings higher or lower than the actual concentration.
    • Correction factors/relative response curves convert instrument readings to true concentrations if the vapor/gas can be identified.

    Cross-Sensitivities and Interference

    • Interferences can reduce sensitivity or cause false readings.
    • Cross-sensitivities occur in various instruments.
    • Filters can sometimes be used to prevent these issues.

    Action Levels

    • Triggers for specific actions based on known or unknown chemical releases.
    • When action levels are reached, it may trigger:
      • Removal of unprotected personnel
      • Additional monitoring
      • PPE adjustments
      • Evacuation
    • Action levels for Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) depend on whether the product is known or unknown:
      • Known products may have higher LEL action levels.
      • Unknown products require a more conservative approach.
    • Multiple action levels may be established for response.
    • Technicians re-evaluate the situation and take action based on changing readings.

    Individual Monitoring and Area Monitoring

    • Two main methods for determining exposure to chemical hazards:
      • Individual Monitoring: Emergency responder carries an instrument for evaluation.
      • Area Monitoring: Team effort, sampling the area systematically.
    • Individual Monitoring:
      • Conducted with handheld equipment.
      • Factors influencing results and safety:
        • Location of the area
        • Proximity of the product
        • Oxygen concentrations
        • Specific instrument response
      • Risk-based approach
      • Monitoring locations based on environmental conditions and hazard knowledge
      • Vapor density considerations for interior or confined space monitoring
      • Most chemicals have higher than one vapor density
      • Wind direction and speed considerations for outdoor monitoring
    • Area Monitoring:
      • Objective is to determine presence and concentration of products in an area.
      • Incident Commander may request an average exposure potential for a defined area/zone.
      • Portable equipment, or fixed equipment for long-term incidents.
      • Instruments include photoionization detectors, oxygen sensors, explosivity meters, and chemical sensors for air concentration measurements.

    Confined Spaces

    • Spaces not intended for continuous occupation, with limited entry/exit openings, unfavorable ventilation, and potential for hazardous atmospheres.
    • Testing for hazards before entering is mandatory.

    Cargo Containers

    • Potential for unknown materials being transported.
    • Extreme care is necessary due to unknown conditions.
    • Monitoring through open vents should be attempted.

    Sampling Techniques

    • Technicians may need to collect contaminant samples for:
      • Medical treatment support
      • Mitigation efforts
      • Decontamination determination
    • Incidents with criminal aspects may involve evidence collection through sampling.

    Sample Collection

    • Type of material and quantity determine sampling method and equipment.
    • Safety samples collected per AHJ requirements may be used as evidence.

    Field Screening Samples

    • Field screens eliminate specific hazards before lab analysis.
    • Ensure safety for packing, transporting, and lab testing.
    • Consider potential for explosives.
    • Check for crystals around caps/containers as indicators of potential shock-sensitive explosives/reactive chemicals.
    • Field screening requires a well-ventilated work area.
    • Leave enough material for lab testing for evidence purposes.
    • Minimum field screening tests include:
      • Corrosivity: pH paper
      • Explosivity: Bomb squad checks
      • Flammability: Combustible gas meter
      • Oxidizer: Potassium iodide (KI) paper
      • Radioactivity: Alpha, beta, gamma radiation checks
      • Volatility: Photoionization detector (PID), Flame ionization detector (FID) for volatile organic compounds

    Sampling Plans

    • Include protocols for:
      • Sample and evidence protection
      • Field screening samples
      • Labeling and packaging
      • Sample/evidence decontamination
    • Minimum of two individuals recommended:
      • Sampler: Takes samples and handles equipment
      • Assistant: Handles clean equipment and provides it to the sampler
    • Law enforcement, lab, and transport operator responsible for safe packaging and transportation of evidence.

    Chain of Custody for Sampling

    • Continuous documentation of physical evidence possession for court admissibility.
    • Evidence log documenting each possession change from discovery to court presentation.

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    Related Documents

    Detection and Monitoring PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the principles and technologies of detection and monitoring instruments used in emergency responses to chemical releases. It discusses the importance of equipment characteristics such as portability, durability, and safety features as well as the comprehensive evaluation process for selecting appropriate monitoring tools.

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