Questions and Answers
What is the preferred type of suit for fire personnel involved in asbestos removal?
Which seasonal concern is associated with emergencies involving asbestos in the summer?
What is a common source of injuries when dealing with asbestos containment situations?
What type of respiratory protection is recommended for rescuers in asbestos emergencies?
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What potential hazard can arise from the use of heaters in winter containment situations?
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Which of the following is NOT a concern for emergency personnel during asbestos handling scenarios?
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What environmental condition is often created inside containments during the asbestos removal process?
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Which of the following is a critical operational guideline for emergency services handling asbestos?
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What is the primary advantage of using level B suits for personnel decontamination?
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What is a key requirement for the protective clothing after decontamination is conducted on-site?
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Which of the following methods may be used for decontamination if shower facilities are poor or nonexistent?
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What should the Incident Command consider when making a suit determination?
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What is required for a thorough decontamination process of rescuers?
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Why is the ability to decontaminate porous materials questionable?
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What is a recommended practice for dismantling life support equipment during decontamination?
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What is a cost-effective strategy regarding transportation during decontamination?
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What is the recommended method for transporting a patient who requires decontamination?
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What should firefighters use in environments with airborne fibers?
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How should contractors handle removed asbestos materials?
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What is the role of the incident commander upon discovering asbestos bags?
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Which technique can improve the efficiency of air scrubbing in hazardous environments?
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What action should be taken if an asbestos spill dries out?
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What should be prepared in ambulances before transporting a patient for decontamination?
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Who should be responsible for handling asbestos spills?
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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.