SOG: Emergencies Involving Asbestos

Questions and Answers

What is the preferred type of suit for fire personnel involved in asbestos removal?

Heavy-duty rubber suits

Full-fabric suits with reinforced padding

Standard firefighting gear

Disposable Tyvek suits (Level B) (correct)

Which seasonal concern is associated with emergencies involving asbestos in the summer?

Increased risk of frostbite

Heat stress and cardiac concerns (correct)

Elevated carbon monoxide levels

Hypothermia from wet conditions

What is a common source of injuries when dealing with asbestos containment situations?

Surging air currents inside the containment

Toxic fumes from heated materials

Electric shock from equipment (correct)

Exposure to asbestos fibers

What type of respiratory protection is recommended for rescuers in asbestos emergencies?

Positive-pressure SCBA Signup and view all the answers

What potential hazard can arise from the use of heaters in winter containment situations?

Elevated carbon monoxide levels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a concern for emergency personnel during asbestos handling scenarios?

Power outages affecting equipment Signup and view all the answers

What environmental condition is often created inside containments during the asbestos removal process?

High humidity levels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical operational guideline for emergency services handling asbestos?

Minimize exposure by wetting materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using level B suits for personnel decontamination?

They reduce the time needed for decontamination due to their smooth fabric. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for the protective clothing after decontamination is conducted on-site?

It must be tested by an outside agency for asbestos fibers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods may be used for decontamination if shower facilities are poor or nonexistent?

Utilizing fire hoses while containing runoff. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Incident Command consider when making a suit determination?

The risk assessment and patient time sensitivity. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a thorough decontamination process of rescuers?

They must strip and shower while wearing respiratory protection. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ability to decontaminate porous materials questionable?

They tend to retain contaminants within their fibers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice for dismantling life support equipment during decontamination?

Dismantle unless sealed in a plastic bag exposing only the disposable parts. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cost-effective strategy regarding transportation during decontamination?

Utilizing backboards or metal scoop stretchers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for transporting a patient who requires decontamination?

Encapsulating the patient in blankets with only the face exposed Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters use in environments with airborne fibers?

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Signup and view all the answers

How should contractors handle removed asbestos materials?

Wrap them in polythene bags and label as asbestos Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the incident commander upon discovering asbestos bags?

To ensure proper site security and notify environmental agencies Signup and view all the answers

Which technique can improve the efficiency of air scrubbing in hazardous environments?

Employing soap concentrate mixed with a foam eductor Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if an asbestos spill dries out?

Keep the area misted to prevent airborne particles Signup and view all the answers

What should be prepared in ambulances before transporting a patient for decontamination?

Close vents and remove nonessential portable equipment Signup and view all the answers

Who should be responsible for handling asbestos spills?

A licensed contractor specifically trained for asbestos removal Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergencies Involving Asbestos

Hazards and Risks

Containment situations pose the greatest potential contact for emergency services personnel
Electric shock, slips, trips, and falls are common sources of injuries
Seasonal considerations include heat stress, cardiac concerns, and elevated carbon monoxide levels

Protective Equipment and Decontamination

Positive-pressure SCBA and Level B disposable Tyvek suits provide the highest level of respiratory protection
Suit determination is made by Incident Command based on risk assessment and patient time sensitivity
Thorough decontamination requires rescuers to strip and shower while wearing respiratory protection
Decontamination provisions are strictly regulated, and removal contractors must address decontamination requirements

Decontamination Procedures

Use fire hoses to decontaminate if shower facilities are not available, ensuring runoff is contained for later filtering
Gently scrub skin and hair with mild soap or detergent, and wash and rinse all surfaces completely
Dismantle life support equipment for complete decontamination, unless sealed in a plastic bag
Use backboards and/or metal scoop stretchers instead of transport equipment made of porous materials

Patient Treatment and Transportation

Medics should wear protective equipment during treatment and transportation to a prenotified facility
Prep ambulances by closing vents and removing nonessential portable equipment
Transport patients encapsulated in blankets, keeping their face exposed and continuously monitoring their condition

Spills of Asbestos Materials

Contractors place removed asbestos in double-wrapped leak-proof bags and transport to a secure site for burial
Fire department should treat asbestos spills as hazardous materials, ensuring proper site security and notifying local or state environmental agency
Licensed contractors should remove asbestos, keeping spills moist and the area above the spill misted to prevent entrainment into the atmosphere

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Description

This Standard Operating Guideline outlines procedures for the Hoffman Estates Fire Department to follow in case of emergencies involving asbestos. It is NIMS compliant and effective as of January 1, 2022.