III-C-10 Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan 11/14/2019

Hazardous Materials Incident Management

• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) is responsible for public safety during Haz Mat incidents through hazard stabilization and product control.
• Personnel are prohibited from performing cleanup operations; actions such as repositioning packages may occur under the Incident Commander's discretion.

Key Definitions

• Bulk Package: Container with liquid capacity >119 gallons, solid capacity >882 pounds, or compressed gas capacity >1,001 pounds.
• Hazardous Material (Haz Mat): Substances that can harm humans, property, or the environment.
• CBRNE: Refers to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive materials.
• NFPA 704: A color-coded marking system indicating health, flammability, reactivity, and special hazards, with a risk ranking from 0 (no risk) to 4 (highest risk).
• Non-Bulk Container: Container with capacities less than the thresholds for bulk packages.
• Reportable Quantity (RQ): Minimum quantity of a hazardous substance that requires notification if released.

Incident Command Structure

• The Incident Command System (ICS) will be utilized for all Haz Mat incidents.
• The first arriving unit must establish command and designate an Incident Safety Officer.

Personnel Roles and Responsibilities

• Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations (FRO): Trained to protect people and the environment defensively.
• Hazardous Materials Technician (HMT): Responds offensively to stabilize Haz Mat incidents.
• Hazardous Materials Medic (TOX): Manages medical needs of the Haz Mat team and provides support.
• Hazardous Materials Specialist (HMS): Manages the mitigation process and provides specialized assistance.
• Joint Hazards Assessment Team (JHAT): Operates as a multi-agency task force at WMD/CBRNE/Haz Mat incidents.

Incident Response Procedures

• Initial assessment should approach the incident from uphill and upwind.
• Establish incident command and conduct scene size-up to gather information and identify hazards.
• Isolate the area and deny access to non-essential personnel; utilize law enforcement for traffic control.
• Identify materials involved by examining clues such as occupancy type, container details, and markings.
• Create an isolation zone and begin response actions in accordance with the Emergency Response Guidebook.

Hazardous Materials Incident Classification

• Level I: Small containers with known Haz Mat; controlled by at least 6 trained HMTs.
• Level II: Medium containers with known or unknown Haz Mat; controlled by at least 11 trained HMTs.
• Level III: Large containers with confirmed hazardous materials; requires at least 18 trained HMTs.

Site Management Zones

• Hot Zone (Exclusion Zone): Area of maximum danger; access is restricted to trained personnel under monitored conditions.
• Warm Zone (Contamination Reduction Zone): Area surrounding the Hot Zone for support activities; decontamination corridor established.
• Cold Zone (Support Zone): Safe area for incident command operations; access is regulated.

Medical Surveillance Program

• The Occupational Health Office manages the medical surveillance program for Haz Mat responders.
• Pre-entry and post-entry evaluations are mandated for personnel entering the Hot Zone, including assessments of vital signs.

Emergency Decontamination and Treatment

• Victims must be isolated quickly to prevent spreading contamination; emergency decontamination may start in the Area of Safe Refuge.
• Medical treatment should follow guidelines in the Medical Operations Manual, addressing potential delayed symptoms.

Perimeter Survey Team (PST)

• Comprised of a minimum of two Hazardous Materials Technicians (HMTs) wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Conducts site characterization and primary surveys.
• Aims to identify materials involved, locate exposure hazards, evaluate risks, and assess mitigation options.

Air Monitoring and Hazard Detection

• Systematic use of air monitors to detect unknown hazardous materials.
• Unidentified potentially hazardous materials assessed for:
  • Radioactivity
  • Corrosiveness
  • Flammability
  • Oxygen concentration
  • Toxicity
• Additional detection methods may be used based on risks.

Hazard and Risk Assessment

• Assess the status of materials and their chemical properties.
• Evaluate conditions of hazardous materials containers.
• Analyze exposure hazards and recommend public protective actions.
• Compare available resources against problems faced.
• Estimate potential harm without intervention.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Levels

Level A

• Highest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection required.
• Used in IDLH environments, for skin exposure, and in poorly ventilated areas.
• Ensemble includes SCBA, NFPA 1991 Level A garment, and various resistant gloves and boots.
• Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial, with an annual pressure test required.

Level B

• Highest level of respiratory protection with lesser skin protection needed.
• Used in IDLH inhalation environments and oxygen deficient atmospheres, with splash exposure limited.
• Ensemble consists of SCBA, protective coveralls, gloves, and radio communication tools.
• Regular inspections and adherence to manufacturer recommendations are vital.

Level C

• Conditions known: non-IDLH atmosphere and known airborne substance concentrations with appropriate air purifying respirators.
• Ensemble includes full face respirators with suitable filters, protective coveralls, gloves, and boots.
• Focus on ensuring no IDLH atmosphere and contaminant concentrations are manageable.

Level D

• Minimal protection; focuses on nuisance contamination only, used in Cold Zones.
• Turnout gear offers limited fire protection but is not suitable for chemical spills.

Information Management and Coordination

• Specialized roles assigned for safe management of hazardous material incidents.
• Haz Mat Group Supervisor is key, responsible for implementing the Haz Mat Incident Action Plan (IAP).
• Must conduct hazard evaluations, request resources, and manage environmental monitoring.

Key Roles in Haz Mat Operations

Haz Mat Group Supervisor

• Oversees incident management and hazard evaluations.
• Responsible for safety plans and resource requests.

Assistant Safety Officer (Haz Mat)

• Focuses on personnel safety; can halt unsafe actions.
• Ensures medical monitoring and decontamination measures are in place.

Haz Mat Entry Team Leader

• Directs Hot Zone operations and maintains communication with the entry team.
• Supervises safety protocols and personnel accountability.

Haz Mat Science Team Leader

• Gathers and analyzes information; maintains clear lines of communication within the team.
• Identifies products involved in incidents and provides technical support.

Haz Mat Medical Team Leader

• Ensures health and safety of personnel; responsible for exposure monitoring.
• Coordinates with medical facilities and toxicologists for incident-related health risks.

Haz Mat Decon Team Leader

• Manages decontamination processes to prevent contamination spread.
• Ensures thorough decontamination of personnel and equipment from the Hot Zone.### Decontamination (Decon) Operations
• Establish a Decon Corridor using yellow tape, cones, or signs to ensure clear identification.
• Coordinate with the Science Team Leader for specific product details and decontamination strategies.
• Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Decon Team based on assessed risks.
• Maintain open communication between the Decon Team and Entry Team Leader during operations.
• Identify and supervise contamination operations, ensuring orderly movement within the Decon Corridor.
• Recognize contaminated individuals and equipment, applying suitable decontamination methods.
• Manage the transfer of contaminated patients to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for medical care.
• Ensure rehabilitation measures for Decon Team members to recover post-operation.
• Handle and store contaminants appropriately, documenting all activities in an Activity Log.

Hazardous Material Response Team (HMRT) Leadership

• The Haz Mat Resource Team Leader oversees personnel assigned to the Haz Mat Group.
• Complete a briefing upon check-in with the Haz Mat Group Supervisor and establish radio communication.
• Assess and communicate additional resource needs for effective hazard mitigation.
• Direct logistics for scene setup and vehicle staging, ensuring accurate equipment distribution and documentation.
• Set up entry communication equipment and prepare air monitoring tools, including performing fresh air calibration.
• Conduct pre-service equipment surveys and restock after incidents.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

• Incident Commander (IC) formulates the IAP based on initial assessments, focusing on the hazardous materials involved.
• Prioritize life safety for victims, allowing calculated risks to save lives under proper training and preparedness.
• Conduct primary search by the first entry team followed by a secondary search post-stabilization.

Public Protective Actions

• Implement isolation, evacuation, and shelter-in-place procedures based on incident severity and air monitoring assessments.
• Isolation removes individuals from hazardous areas, while evacuation safeguards the public from immediate threats.
• Shelter-in-place serves as a temporary protective measure for the public during sudden hazards.

Fire Control Tactics

• The IC must identify fuel properties to apply appropriate fire control measures during Haz Mat incidents.
• Extinguishment is preferred but may require a non-attack posture in cases of explosive materials.
• Controlled burning minimizes contamination from extinguishing efforts, necessitating environmental agency consultation.
• Vapor suppression reduces harmful vapors using specialized foam agents to mitigate emissions.

Spill Control & Containment

• Absorption and adsorption techniques utilize compatible materials to manage spills, with the absorbed materials classified as hazardous waste.
• Covering provides interim protection for various hazards while barriers such as dikes and dams contain liquid spills.
• Vapor dispersion and leak control tactics include neutralization, plugging, overpacking, venting, and product transfer for active containment measures.

Decontamination Procedures

• Decontamination is critical for preventing contamination spread from the incident scene.
• Levels of decontamination:
  • Level I provides gross decontamination during potential contamination situations.
  • Level II focuses on technical decontamination for confirmed Haz Mat incidents.
  • Level III applies to significant incidents requiring mass decontamination.
• Equipment decontamination occurs in the Warm Zone with solutions like soap and water or diluted bleach.

Incident Termination

• Complete and file necessary documentation, including Haz Mat Incident Reports and Safety Plans.
• Conduct a post-incident analysis to review hazards and response effectiveness.
• Occupancy Disposition informed by monitoring devices, categorizing exposure risks and public safety.

Equipment Maintenance and Repair Protocols

• Maintain regular inventory checks and equipment inspections to ensure Haz Mat safety and readiness.
• Annual checks for radiological equipment calibration and pressure testing for Level A suits are essential.

Cost Recovery Investigation

• Miami-Dade County employs a cost recovery policy to manage expenses from Haz Mat responses.
• Training is provided for HMB personnel to ensure accurate billing and collection processes.

Staff Call-Out Procedures

• The Haz Mat Battalion Chief coordinates staff for various programs and MOUs, maintaining an updated contact list for call-outs.

This quiz focuses on the responsibilities and protocols of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) during hazardous materials incidents. Participants will learn about hazard stabilization, product control, and the decision-making process of the Incident Commander. Understanding these principles is crucial for effective public safety management.