G-HAZB HazMat Incidents- Awareness Level Part 1

Study Notes

TFS personnel should approach cautiously, secure the scene, identify the hazard (if possible), assess the situation, request additional assistance, and determine whether or not entry can be made safely when responding to hazardous materials incidents. Respond appropriately and avoid exposure.

Approach cautiously from upwind, and stage responding vehicles upwind and away from vapour clouds.
Secure the scene by isolating and denying entry into the area, and keeping interested or concerned citizens and media out of the hazard area.
Identify the hazards using available resources, including placards, labels, U.N/I.D numbers, container types, and knowledgeable persons on-site.
Consider the following factors when assessing the situation:
- Is there a fire, a spill, or a leak?
- Are there any casualties?
- What are the weather conditions?
- What is the terrain like?
- Who/what is at risk: people, the environment, or property?
- What actions should be taken: Is an evacuation necessary? Is diking necessary? What resources (human and equipment) are required and are readily available?
- What has been done prior to your arrival?
- What can you do based on your training and equipment, and do you need help?

Request the attendance of a Heavy Hazmat Unit and proper resources (police) to control traffic/people and to provide medical aid (paramedics) if required.
After doing a risk/benefit analysis, determine whether or not entry can be made safely, considering factors such as:
- Is PPE appropriate for anticipated task (entry, rescue)?
- Product characteristics (solid, liquid, gas)?
- Viability of victim(s)?

Establish command in accordance with Incident Management System.
Establish a Command Post and lines of communication.
Identify and assign tasks and responsibilities.
Rescue casualties where possible and evacuate if necessary.
Maintain site control.
Continually reassess the situation and modify the response accordingly.
The first duty is to consider the safety of people in the immediate area, including responders.

Do not walk into or touch spilled material.
Avoid inhalation of fumes, smoke, and vapors, even if no dangerous goods are known to be involved.
Do not assume that gases or vapors are harmless because of lack of a smell — odorless gases or vapors may be harmful.

Avoid taking offensive corrective action at a hazardous materials incident until the chemical can be identified and the hazards are known.

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