9.1 HAZMAT

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Questions and Answers

What should law enforcement units assist citizens with during a HAZMAT incident involving toxic or irritant vapors?

Shutting down ventilation systems (correct)

Shutting down electrical systems

Providing medical assistance

Evacuating by boat

Which zones are established by Hazmat personnel during a hazardous materials incident?

Danger, Risk, Safe Zone

Critical, Non-Critical, Periphery Zone

Immediate, Secondary, Remote Zone

Hot, Warm, Cold Zone (correct)

What is the primary method of action for Operations Level personnel when dealing with HAZMAT incidents?

Ignoring established safety protocols

Engaging in offensive tactics

Using Level A PPE to enter Hot Zones

Performing actions in a defensive manner (correct)

Why should Operations Level workers avoid entering the Warm zone without direct supervision?

They may encounter unknown hazardous substances Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the containment options available to Operations Level personnel at HAZMAT incidents?

Applying Class B Foams Signup and view all the answers

When should face-to-face communications be preferred during a HAZMAT incident?

For some hazardous materials incidents Signup and view all the answers

What communication standard is used during HAZMAT incidents?

Blue Card hazard zone standard communication forms Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Command in relation to civilian safety during an incident?

Overseeing the safety of all potentially endangered citizens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the action plan in a hazardous materials incident?

To ensure the safety of fire department personnel Signup and view all the answers

Which zone is established around the immediate danger from hazardous conditions?

Limited Access Zone Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a particular resource needed for control is unavailable?

Select a different method or adopt a 'holding action' Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the perimeter established around a hazardous area?

To restrict entry and ensure safety Signup and view all the answers

What should be done regarding personnel movement in the Limited Access Zone?

Control access and monitor entry/exit of personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the Evacuation Zone associated with in a hazardous material incident?

A larger area with lesser risk surrounding the Limited Access Zone Signup and view all the answers

Why is establishing a Limited Access Zone critical during an incident?

It provides a controlled environment for personnel safety. Signup and view all the answers

How should accountability of personnel entering and leaving the Limited Access Zone be managed?

By collecting and returning accountability tags Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Standard Operating Guidelines for Hazardous Materials situations?

To outline a strategic plan for handling Hazardous Materials incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What type of incidents are included in the scope of Hazardous Materials incidents?

A wide variety of situations including fires, spills, and chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What foundational requirement is emphasized for dealing with hazardous materials incidents?

Full protective clothing and SCBA. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the first arriving unit at a hazardous materials incident?

To respond defensively and assess the situation upwind. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Blue Card command system ensure during a HAZMAT incident?

Compliance with OSHA 1910.120 command requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Why are safety precautions necessary at every event involving hazardous materials?

Every incident presents potential exposure to hazards. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the way incidents should be approached according to the guidelines?

Responders should assess the situation at a safe distance. Signup and view all the answers

How does the command system for a NIMS Type 4 and 5 HAZMAT incident differ from standard structure fire commands?

The same core functions are utilized but with a different focus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective when evaluating a hazardous materials incident?

To identify the type of materials involved and the associated hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider in assessing a hazardous area?

Type of vehicles involved Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the Initial Radio Report (IRR) for a HAZMAT incident?

A snapshot of the incident's hazards and command position overview Signup and view all the answers

Who should be consulted for additional information at a hazardous materials incident?

Plant management and the responsible party Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between a structural fire and a HAZMAT Initial Radio Report (IRR)?

HAZMAT IRR includes problem description information such as event trigger Signup and view all the answers

After the initial size-up, what does Command primarily focus on?

Formulating an action plan to deal with the situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of looking for labels and markers during a hazardous materials evaluation?

They help identify hazardous materials and potential risks Signup and view all the answers

Which report provides more accurate and detailed information following a HAZMAT incident?

The Follow-up report Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern during emergency decontamination procedures?

Preventing the loss of life or severe injury to site personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before treating victims in an emergency decontamination situation?

Perform decontamination to prevent cross contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action for people undergoing emergency decontamination?

Remove all clothing before going to treatment areas Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a heat-related illness developing during a hot zone entry, what should a member do?

Remove protective clothing to reduce heat stress Signup and view all the answers

Who should determine if a hazardous product release requires notification of the State Police?

The first arriving officer IC-1 at the scene Signup and view all the answers

What must the first arriving officer include in their command page notification?

The location and size of the spill or release Signup and view all the answers

What should operations level teams focus on during a hazardous materials incident?

Defensive operations only and protecting the area Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to refer to the ERG, Chemtrec, or technical response teams during an incident?

They offer the best course of action for handling hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue Standard Operating Guidelines

Purpose: To outline a basic philosophy and strategic plan for Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) incidents
Scope: Covers a wide range of situations involving hazardous materials, including fires, spills, transportation accidents, chemical reactions, meth labs, and explosions
General Guidelines:
- All incidents potentially involve exposure to hazardous materials, even ordinary fire situations, requiring appropriate precautions
- Full protective clothing (including SCBA) and special protective clothing are crucial for every HAZMAT incident
- The use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is essential

HAZMAT Incident Command System

Command System:
- NIMS Type 4 and 5 HAZMAT incidents use the same Blue Card command system as other incidents.
- The Incident Commander (IC) must have HAZMAT Operations level training for OSHA 1910.120 compliance
- The 8 Functions of Command are applied differently for HAZMAT compared to structural fires, with a focus on managing HAZMAT entry.

HAZMAT First Response

First Arriving Unit:
- The first arriving company and Battalion Commander respond to the scene upwind and defensively (Cold zone).
- All other companies stage at Level 2 staging location designated by the first arriving unit or dispatch.
- Prior to entering the scene, evaluation by a Hazardous Materials Technician Team member is recommended for safety.
Incident Assessment:
- Immediately identify a hazardous area based on potential danger, considering factors such as materials involved, time of day, wind and weather, location, and risk to unprotected personnel.
- Evacuate or rescue people in critical danger, prioritizing rescuer safety.
- Determine the type of materials involved and the hazards presented as the primary objective.
- Identify labels, markers, DOT numbers, NFPA placards, shipping papers, and any other available information.
- Refer to pre-fire plans and solicit information from on-site personnel, plant management, and responsible parties.
- Utilize reference materials carried on equipment, and contact Fire Control for additional resources, such as state agencies, fire department specialists, manufacturers, etc.

HAZMAT Initial Radio Report

Important Note: The Initial Radio Report (IRR) is not considered an affidavit of absolute accuracy, merely a quick snapshot of the incident's hazards.
Focus: The IRR must provide a "word picture" of the incident's hazards that the IC can see from their command position upon arrival.
Content for Follow-Up Report:
- Results of a 360-degree assessment (if performed)
- Information on the size, location, and identity of the material(s) involved
- Accountability location
- Any immediate safety concerns

HAZMAT Action Plan

Key Elements:
- Must ensure safety of all fire department personnel.
- Must include evacuation of the endangered area if necessary.
- Must address control of the situation.
- Must identify the hazardous material (if possible).
- Must include contacting additional resources to mitigate the incident.
Containment and Control:
- Most hazardous materials are intended to be safely contained for handling and use.
- The emergency situation typically arises when the material escapes its container or protective system, creating an external hazard.
- Identify the hazard control method in the action plan.
- Identify the resources needed to execute hazard control.
- Select a method based on available resources or adopt a "holding action" until necessary equipment or supplies are available.
- Avoid premature deployment of personnel and equipment or experimenting with techniques.

Control of Hazardous Area

Initial Zones:
- Limited Access Zone:
  - This zone encompasses the area where personnel are potentially in immediate danger from the hazardous condition.
  - It is the area where the Hot/Warm/Cold zones are established by Command and controlled by the Fire Department.
  - Access to this zone is strictly controlled, allowing only personnel with proper protective equipment and an assigned activity to enter.
  - Companies remain intact in designated staging areas until assigned.
  - Personnel monitor entry and exit points within this zone.
  - Limited Access Zones should be geographically described to all units and identified by yellow fire line tape.
- Evacuation Zone:
  - This zone is the larger area surrounding the Limited Access Zone, where the degree of risk to personnel is lower.
  - All civilians are evacuated from this zone.
  - Law enforcement enforces zone limits based on distances and directions established by Command.
  - In cases involving toxic or irritant vapors carried downwind, a shelter-in-place strategy may be more effective, with windows and doors closed to prevent contact with the material.

Control of Hazardous Area Continued

Hot/Warm/Cold Zones:
- Once the Hazardous Materials Sector is established, Hazmat personnel define and establish the Hot/Warm/Cold Zones which remain in effect for the duration of the incident.

HAZMAT Operations Level

Defensive Actions:
- All Operations Level activities are performed defensively.
- Operations Level personnel never enter a HAZMAT IDLH hazard zone (Hot Zone) requiring Level A or B PPE.
Offensive Actions (Limited Circumstances):
- In cases where all known hazards are identified, Operations Level personnel may take offensive actions to contain/control the release, such as those involving CO, CO2, or fuel spills.
Warm Zone Access:
- Operations Level workers must be under the direct supervision of a Technician Level operator when entering the Warm Zone.
Limited Capabilities:
- Operations Level response is limited due to the smaller amounts of HAZMAT PPE, equipment, and resources on their apparatus.
- Control/containment options are limited to defensive actions, such as:
  - Applying Class B Foams
  - Damming
  - Diking
  - Plugging (depending on the product)
  - Limited ability to shut off control/supply valves (as recommended by the ERG)

HAZMAT Communications

Face-to-Face Preferred:
- Face-to-face communication is preferred in some HAZMAT incident situations.
Radio Communication:
- Use separate radio channels for subsequent HAZMAT teams/Branches.
Mirroring the Blue Card System:
- All HAZMAT incident communications mirror the standard Blue Card hazard zone methods.
- Adapt the system using plain English and HAZMAT-specific terminology.
- The order model is used for all communications.

HAZMAT Emergency Decontamination

Purpose:
- Establish emergency decontamination procedures in addition to routine ones.
- Prioritize the prevention of loss of life or severe injury to site personnel.
Immediate Action:
- Decontaminate individuals exposed to extremely toxic or corrosive materials immediately to prevent severe injury or loss of life.

HAZMAT Emergency Decontamination Guidelines

Prioritize Decontamination:
- Decontamination should be performed before treatment of victims to prevent cross-contamination of EMS workers.
Protection of Personnel:
- Adequately protect medical personnel and ensure the proper disposal of contaminated clothing and equipment.
Emergency Decontamination Technique:
- Typically involves using a fire stream to rinse contaminants off.
Clothing Removal:
- Individuals undergoing emergency decontamination should remove all clothing prior to treatment.
Privacy Considerations:
- Attempt to protect the privacy of victims by hanging tarps in the decontamination corridor.
Heat-Related Illness:
- In case of heat-related illness, remove protective clothing promptly to reduce heat stress.

HAZMAT Notifications

State Police and AFD:
- The first arriving IC-1 officer must determine if a product release or spill (50 gallons or more) requires notification of the State Police for an ERO.
- The first arriving officer should also determine if the spill or release cannot be mitigated at the Operations level and notify AFD to request the Hazmat team.
- Both notifications are requested through Dispatch.
Battalion Commander Communication:
- Battalion Commanders must send a command page through IAmResponding® App stating:
  - Location
  - Product (if known)
  - Size
  - Incident Commander
  - Who has been notified and requested
  - Evacuations or shelter-in-place status
  - Needs

HAZMAT Specific Procedures

Infinite Combinations
- Due to the infinite combinations of hazardous materials and environmental factors, always refer to the ERG, Chemtrec, subject matter experts, or a technical level response team for the best course of action.
Defensive Operations:
- Operations-level teams always remain defensive.

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Description

Explore the essential guidelines for managing HAZMAT incidents outlined by Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue. This quiz covers the strategic approach, command systems, and necessary protective measures required during hazardous materials situations. Test your knowledge on the protocols and considerations crucial for effective incident management.