SOG 26-27

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of this guide according to the text?

To outline the safety precautions to be observed when using multigas meters.

To provide guidelines on the use of multigas meters for fire rescue personnel.

To provide a standardized plan for maintenance, calibration, and air monitoring using multigas meters for hazmat operations level personnel. (correct)

To define the different types of multigas meters used by the department.

Which of the following is NOT a sensor type that can be detected by the multigas meters used by the department?

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Oxygen (O2)

Nitrogen (N2) (correct)

What is the purpose of the Fresh Air Setup (FAS) described in the text?

To perform a quick, weekly test to ensure the integrity of the sensors.

To test the sensors for proper calibration.

To automatically zero calibrate the instrument. (correct)

To test the meter's ability to detect combustible gases.

What is the purpose of the Bump Test?

To perform a quick, weekly test to ensure the integrity of the sensors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the alarm setting for the combustible sensor on all the multigas meters used by the department?

10% of the LEL Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following atmospheres may result in erroneous readings when using the multigas meter?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not use compressed air to clean the sensor holes on the multigas meter?

It may damage the sensors and cause erroneous readings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended course of action if the combustible sensor alarm sounds on the multigas meter?

Mark the area where the alarm began to sound and move away from the contaminated area immediately. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not use the multigas meter to test for combustible gases in atmospheres containing vapors from liquids with a high flash point?

It may result in erroneously low readings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) for personnel performing air monitoring procedures with the multigas meter?

Complete structural firefighting gear and a SCBA. Signup and view all the answers

What is the priority when removing the victim?

Immediately remove the victim Signup and view all the answers

What should the decontamination team do before the rescue team doffs their PPE?

Perform a gross decontamination on the rescue team Signup and view all the answers

Who has control and coordination of the incident on private property?

St.Johns County Fire Rescue Signup and view all the answers

What is the Incident Commander's responsibility beyond preserving life and property?

To contain the spilled material if possible Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of St.Johns County Fire Rescue regarding the cleanup of used absorbent materials?

They are not responsible for the cleanup of used absorbent materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum level of protective clothing that must be worn inside the operational perimeter?

Full protective clothing Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if air monitoring is not available during the incident?

Assume an IDLH atmosphere is present Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the responsible party involved in the spill?

Both a and b Signup and view all the answers

What is the key component that must be accomplished throughout all operations, including the evacuation process?

Overall safety Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel be alert for during the incident?

Symptoms of chemical poisoning and reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the procedures outlined in the text?

To establish procedures within the county to detect, estimate, assess and report the hazards resulting from any release of hazardous substances or materials. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for mitigation, preparedness, and response activities for hazardous materials incidents within St.Johns County?

St.Johns County Fire Rescue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration for all personnel when responding to hazardous materials incidents?

Personal safety as well as the safety of the general public. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text state about the comprehensiveness of the guide?

The guide only provides a general direction of dealing with such an event. Signup and view all the answers

What resources do responders have access to according to the text?

The Department maintains an advance hazardous materials response element with multiple outside resources to help Department responders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the supporting policies and guides mentioned in the text?

To provide additional procedures and guidance for responding to hazardous materials incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the initial size-up at a hazmat incident?

To identify the nature and severity of the immediate problem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recommended when approaching a hazmat incident?

Commit companies and personnel to potentially hazardous locations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing an operational perimeter at a hazmat incident?

To deny entry to bystanders/workers and direct personnel to appropriate areas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recommended for identifying the involved material(s) at a hazmat incident?

Enter the scene to make positive identification Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing a Safety Officer at a hazmat incident?

To ensure the safety of all response operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended resource for obtaining technical information at a hazmat incident?

The involved driver or plant manager Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for establishing Level 1 or Level 2 staging at a predetermined location prior to arrival of additional units?

To avoid committing units to a dangerous situation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended step when attempting to identify the involved material(s) at a hazmat incident?

Contact the local fire department for information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding transportation emergencies involving hazardous materials?

They are often more difficult than incidents at fixed locations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the text?

Identifying the involved materials is not necessary before taking action Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when identifying priorities at a hazmat incident?

The type and magnitude of life hazard involved Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following incidents would NOT require calling in Special Operations?

A liquid hazardous materials release of 20 gallons of petroleum products Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary focus of the initial action plan at a hazmat incident?

Protecting life and preventing unnecessary exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT recommended when responding to a hazmat incident?

Handling suspected hazardous materials before they have been inspected Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with tools and clothing used at a hazmat incident scene?

They should be segregated until checked for contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the "D.E.C.I.D.E" mnemonic?

To determine the steps in dealing with a hazmat incident Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a hazmat incident involves fire or material subject to blowing in the wind?

Conduct operations from an upwind position Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with victims who may have been exposed to hazardous materials?

Hold them in the warm zone for initial treatment and possible decontamination Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to contain and prevent the spread of hazardous materials?

Construct dikes and use collection agents to contain the materials Signup and view all the answers

What should be done in the event of a vehicle accident involving hazardous materials?

Detour all traffic around the accident scene Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after the Fresh Air Setup (FAS) is completed?

Allow the meter to run in fresh air for 30-60 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if there are doubts about the quality of the surrounding air before using the FAS feature?

Contact the Special Operations officer on duty Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a meter fails its bump test?

Contact the Special Operations officer on duty Signup and view all the answers

When should a calibration be performed?

On the first Monday of each month Signup and view all the answers

What is advised after a calibration is complete?

Allow the meter to run in fresh air for 30-60 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a meter fails its calibration?

Send the broken meter to Station 16 for repair Signup and view all the answers

What must be done before activating the Fresh Air Setup (FAS)?

Confirm you are in fresh, uncontaminated air Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if there is ever a question about your meter readings?

Contact the Special Operations Officer on duty Signup and view all the answers

What should NOT be done with bump gas bottles after testing?

Keep them stored with regulators attached Signup and view all the answers

When should a bump test typically be performed?

Each Monday Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action that should be taken if a hazardous material is spilled?

Prevent passage of vehicles and people through the area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four methods of handling hazardous materials spills or leaks?

Incineration Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following situations should a non-attack posture and immediate evacuation be adopted?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a point that must be addressed in an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for victim rescue?

Neutralization procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time that rescuers should spend in the hot zone during a victim rescue operation?

3 minutes or less Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the hand line during a victim rescue operation?

Use it to push the chemical or vapor cloud off the victim and away from the rescuers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for personnel assigned to decontamination during a victim rescue operation?

Wear Level A chemical protective clothing Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered by the Incident Commander before committing personnel to a victim rescue operation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should be the minimum number of personnel available for an immediate rescue during a victim rescue operation?

2 personnel in the hot zone, 2 personnel available for immediate rescue Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the chemical involved in a victim rescue operation is not identified and the appropriate PPE is not available?

Wait for the arrival of the Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason the meter should not be stored in an open air environment?

To ensure the meter is not exposed to damaging materials Signup and view all the answers

According to the procedure for logging meter care in RMS, which action should be selected when the meter needs to be taken out of service?

Out of Service Signup and view all the answers

When should the calibration gas for the meter be ordered?

When the bottle is 4-6 weeks from expiration or under 100 psi Signup and view all the answers

What should be sent with the meter when it is being sent to Station 16 for repair?

Charger, Cal gas, Regulator, and Calibration cap Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a supporting policy for the Standard Operating Guideline?

SOG Chapter - Decontamination for Structural Fires Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Standard Operating Guideline?

To provide a standard for responding to bomb and explosive emergencies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Initial Response and Safety

Consider safety hazards prior to arrival on scene based on information provided by Fire Rescue Communications
Ask for information about the incident, including weather factors (e.g. wind, approaching storms)
When parking, apparatus placement is crucial, considering wind, topography, and location of the situation

Size-Up

The objective of the size-up is to identify the nature and severity of the immediate problem and gather sufficient information to formulate a valid initial action plan
Hazmat incidents require a more cautious and deliberate size-up than most fire situations
Each apparatus has hazmat resource material to help identify and guide first responders

Pre-Commitment

Avoid premature commitment of companies and personnel to potentially hazardous locations
Proceed with caution in evaluating risks before formulating a plan, and keep uncommitted companies at a safe distance

Initial Action Plan

Make a careful size-up before deciding on a commitment
Consider the risk to personnel and take advantage of available protective equipment
Remember, a recovery is not a rescue!

Decision-Making

Don't assume anything! A wrong decision, while working with hazardous materials, can be worse than no decision
Establish an initial command and report on conditions
Call for Special Hazards Operations Team (SPECIAL OPERATIONS) and/or Battalion Chief

Operations

Establish an operational perimeter (hot, warm, and cold zones)
Deny entry to bystanders/workers
Direct personnel arriving to appropriate areas
Use a specified location as Level 1 staging for multiple units

Material Identification

Ensure the emergent evacuation of civilians in the immediate area is complete
Try to determine what hazardous material(s) is involved and how much, prior to taking action to stabilize the incident
Check placarding and/or labeling, resource materials, and contact persons directly related to the accident/incident

Command Post and Safety Officer

Establish a command post
In all hazardous material response operations, the establishment of a Safety Officer shall be accomplished
Obtain technical information from resources such as the DOT Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Guidebook and ChemTrec

Priorities and Objectives

Identify priorities based on the type and magnitude of life hazard involved, the type and quantity of hazardous material(s) involved, and potential harm without intervention
Use the "D.E.C.I.D.E" mnemonic to determine the steps in dealing with a hazmat incident
Establish objectives, keeping in mind the need to save lives, prevent unnecessary exposure, and protect the environment

General Incident Action Plan Procedures

Remember that any procedures carried out at a hazmat incident must be based on and compatible with the physical properties of the involved material(s)
Take all feasible steps necessary to protect or save human life, and safeguard property insofar as practical

Decontamination and Rescue

Isolate for further examination those persons who may have had contact with the material
Remove injured persons from the area with as little direct personal contact as possible
Hold them in the warm zone for initial treatment and possible decontamination
Remember to decontaminate rescuers and equipment to prevent cross-contamination

Coordination and Control

On incidents occurring in the county, St. Johns County Fire Rescue will have control and coordination of the incident
On incidents on private property, St. Johns County Fire Rescue will have control and coordination of the incident, making use of on-site employees as information resources
A command post should be established for all agencies working at a hazardous materials incident

Clean-up and Disposal

The Incident Commander's responsibility is to identify and contain the spilled material
Professional disposal companies and/or teams should be utilized for cleanup and disposal
Use of absorbent materials will normally be handled by the wrecker service, DOT, or professional disposal company

Safety and Health

All operations up to and including the evacuation process must be accomplished with the idea of overall safety as the key component
Personnel will wear the appropriate protective clothing
Be alert for the symptoms of chemical poisoning and reactions that could threaten the lives of firefighters and other involved personnel### Meter Care and Handling
Meters should not be stored in open air environments to prevent damage from cleaning products, silicone-based products, dirt, dust, etc.
Meters must be stored in protective pelican cases.

Logging Meter Care in RMS

Log in to RMS and select the "Vehicles and Equipment" tab.
Choose "Equipment" on the left-hand side and select "Meters" in the category search box.
Highlight the applicable meter and select the "Activities" tab.
Click the "New Action" button and choose one of the three options: "Bump", "Calibrate", or "Out of Service".
Fill in all applicable information, including employee ID, dates, etc.
Save the entry and return to the list for the next meter if applicable.

Charging and Maintenance

Clean equipment directly after use by wiping down with a damp cloth.
Do not use cleaning solvents or similar products on the meter.
If contaminated with hazardous materials, contact a Special Operations officer for proper decontamination procedures.
Except for weekly bump tests and monthly calibrations, all other maintenance issues will be conducted by a Special Operations officer.

Calibration Gas

Calibration gas should be ordered by emailing the Special Operations officer on duty when the bottle is 4-6 weeks from expiration or under 100psi.

Sending Meters for Repair

Notify the shift officers normally assigned to Station 16, Station 4, and Battalion 3 via email.
Send all equipment with the meter, including the charger, cal gas, regulator, and calibration cap.

Meter Procedures

Perform a bump test every Monday and log the results in RMS.
A calibration will be performed on the first Monday of every month and logged in RMS.
Always approach the suspected source with caution and at a slow pace.
Air monitoring should occur at various levels, as vapors may stay low or rise.
If there is a question about meter readings, contact the Special Operations officer on duty or request hazmat response.

Fresh Air Setup (FAS)

FAS is for automatic ZERO calibration of the instrument.
Refer to the specific meter's operations manual for meter-specific directions.
Warning: Do not activate FAS unless you are certain you are in fresh, uncontaminated air; otherwise, inaccurate readings can occur.

Bump Test and Calibration

Remove the regulator assembly after testing is complete, and do not store bump gas bottles with regulators attached.
Allow the meter to run in fresh air for 30-60 minutes after bump testing or calibration to assure the system is clear of bump or calibration gas.

Faulty Meters

If a meter fails its bump test or calibration, contact the Special Operations officer on duty.
Broken meters are to be sent to Station 16 for repair.
If a meter fails, it will be removed from service and deemed OOS even if only one of the sensors is malfunctioning.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the established procedures in St.Johns County to respond to hazardous materials incidents and report hazards from releases of hazardous substances. This quiz covers topics from SOP Chapter on Response to Terrorism, Special Operations Response, IMS Policies, and more.