Questions and Answers
What is an On-Scene Coordinator?
Not On-scene 'commander' and not always the IC. May direct response activities of federal agencies.
What are the SEVEN Hazwoper requirements for the Incident Commander?
Who has primary traffic investigative authority in California for incident command on highways?
CHP (California Highway Patrol).
What is DTSC's role in hazardous wastes?
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Health & Safety Code 101080.2 requires that exposed individuals be isolated.
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What does NOTAM stand for?
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Which two ICS positions are required by OSHA Hazwoper regulation?
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What are the responsibilities of the Hazmat Group?
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What must be used where skin absorption of a hazardous substance may result in immediate danger?
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The rule of thumb for short duration is to ______.
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When is evacuation recommended?
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What factors affect the effectiveness of a shelter?
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What is a pH of less than 7 classified as?
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What is a pH of greater than 7 classified as?
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Study Notes
On-Scene Coordinator
- Not the same as the Incident Commander (IC) and may lead federal agencies' response activities.
- Four main On-Scene Coordinators: EPA (inland), USCG (coastal), DoD (weapons, vessels), DOE (nuclear).
SEVEN Hazwoper Requirements for Incident Commander
- Identify hazardous substances or conditions present at the scene.
- Implement proper operations and assure personal protective equipment (PPE) is used.
- Enforce the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) among personnel.
- Limit on-site personnel and employ a buddy system for safety.
- Establish backup plans and ensure the presence of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
- Designate a "Safety Official" to oversee safety procedures.
- Implement decontamination (DECON) processes.
California Incident Command Authority
- Under Vehicle Code 2454, California Highway Patrol (CHP) holds primary command for traffic incidents.
Hazardous Wastes Management
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is the lead agency for the handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Health & Safety Code 101080.2
- Mandates isolation of individuals exposed to hazardous materials.
California Government Code 8657
- Ensures volunteers hold the same accountability and immunities as professional responders.
NOTAM
- Stands for Notice to Airmen, essential for flight operations during hazardous incidents.
OSHA Hazwoper Regulation
- Requires two key positions within the Incident Command System: Incident Commander and Safety Officer.
Hazmat Group Responsibilities
- Include management of exclusion zone entry, decontamination, sampling, and access control to hazardous areas.
Components of the Hazmat Group
- Key roles include Hazmat Group Supervisor, Entry Leader, Decon Leader, Site Access Control Leader, Assistant Safety Officer, Technical Specialist, and Safe Refuge Area Manager.
Hazmat Group Supervisor
- Directs operations and resources within the Hazmat Group, implementing phases of the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
Entry Leader
- Responsible for entry operations, carrying out mitigation actions, and directing rescue efforts in the exclusion zone.
Causes of Fatalities and Injuries in HM Incidents
- 90% of fatalities involve flammable materials while 9% involve toxic gases.
- 53% of injuries are related to corrosive materials.
Physical Properties of Substances
- Temperature and pressure significantly alter the physical properties of hazardous materials.
Normal Atmospheric Pressure
- Defined as 760 mm Hg, 1 ATM, or 15 psi.
Fully Encapsulated Suits
- Required when hazardous substances pose a significant risk of skin absorption that may lead to immediate life-threatening consequences.
Protective Actions
- Include evacuation, sheltering in place, and non-intervention strategies.
Shelter-in-Place
- Structures can provide temporary protection from contaminants, though not indefinitely.
Authorities for Protective Actions
- Governed by Emergency Services Act (GC §8634) allowing local authorities to issue protective orders.
Protective Action Time Factors
- Ensure timely detection, assessment, warning the public, and action implementation during hazardous events.
Implementation Time
- Influenced by factors such as population density, special populations, and transportation network capacity.
Rule of Thumb for Protective Actions
- Suggests short-duration scenarios invoke sheltering in place, while long-duration scenarios typically require evacuation.
Factors Influencing Protective Action Selection
- Involve considerations like material type, affected population, available responder resources, time constraints, current weather, and communication capabilities.
Evacuation Triggers
- Necessary when materials are likely to explode, detonate, or pose an overpressure risk.
In-Place Protection Guidelines
- Recommended when dealing with low volatility/pressure, high boiling points, or low toxicity substances.
Evacuation Recommendations
- Applied in cases of high volatility, low boiling points, high flammability, and gases or volatile liquids with significant toxicity.
Population Threat Assessment
- Protective actions depend on both the type of population at risk and the shelter conditions they are in.
Shelter Effectiveness Measurement
- Evaluated by air changes per hour (ACH), indicating the rate of air infiltration.
Weather Impact on Air Changes
- Higher winds and temperature differences elevate ACH, leading to potential contamination indoors.
Weather Effects on Hazard Management
- Light winds slow dispersal, while high winds facilitate faster infiltration; warmer temperatures may accelerate hazardous reactions.
Human Nature Considerations
- Ambiguous information leads to delayed decision-making among the public.
Traffic Control Behavioral Observations
- Individuals prefer familiar routes during evacuations, requiring clear communication for unconventional instructions.
Shelter Management Insights
- Only 10% to 20% of the population typically uses available shelters, and personal belongings, including pets, may accompany evacuees.
Management Challenges
- Expect individuals to occupy buildings despite evacuation orders; a perceived risk may prompt premature action.
Special Populations
- Require additional assistance for movement due to physical impairment or health concerns.
Challenges with Special Populations
- Include securing food supplies, managing staff shift changes, and transportation logistics for vulnerable individuals.
Incident Termination Criteria
- Occurs when uncontrolled releases pose significant risks to employees necessitating urgent action.
Post-Emergency Response Phase
- Immediate threats are stabilized while emergency responders remain on-site and clean-up efforts commence.
Clean-up Phase Definition
- Operations to ensure site safety for human and environmental health following a stabilized emergency threat.
Incident Termination Purpose and Reasons
- Marks the official conclusion of the emergency and transitions into the clean-up phase, prioritizing responder safety and legal requirements.
Incident Debriefing and Critique
- Aim to identify hazards, evaluate responses, and capture lessons learned for continuous improvement in future incidents.
pH Scale
- pH of less than 7 indicates acidity, while a pH greater than 7 represents alkalinity.
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