Hazardous Materials Operational Plan PDF
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Los Angeles Fire Department
William R. Bamattre
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Summary
This document is an operational plan for handling hazardous materials incidents from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). It details sections on introduction, authorities and requirements, hazardous material incident command, and first responder operations.
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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OPERATIONAL PLAN Los Angeles Fire Department Section A Introduction Overview........................................................................
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OPERATIONAL PLAN Los Angeles Fire Department Section A Introduction Overview................................................................................................................................A-1 Authorities and Requirements................................................................................................A-2 Area Plan................................................................................................................................A-2 Hazardous Materials Operational Plan..................................................................................A-2 Regulatory References for Responders..................................................................................A-3 Responder Training Levels....................................................................................................A-3 Certified Unified Program Agency........................................................................................A-4 Technical Section Organization.............................................................................................A-5 CUPAIS Database..................................................................................................................A-5 Responder Information..........................................................................................................A-5 Technical Assistance..............................................................................................................A-6 Regulatory References for Unified Program.........................................................................A-6 Regulatory References for Haz Mat Programs......................................................................A-6 State Laws and Regulations...................................................................................................A-7 Local Laws and Regulations..................................................................................................A-8 Section B Hazardous Materials Incident Command Introduction............................................................................................................................B-1 Hazardous Materials Task Forces..........................................................................................B-1 Incident Strategies..................................................................................................................B-2 Strategy Elements..................................................................................................................B-2 Hazardous Materials Incident Response................................................................................B-2 Incident Command Organizational Chart..............................................................................B-3 Incident Commander..............................................................................................................B-4 Safety Officer.........................................................................................................................B-4 Assistant Safety Officer – Haz Mat.......................................................................................B-5 Technical Specialist...............................................................................................................B-7 Operations Section Chief.......................................................................................................B-8 Hazardous Materials Group...................................................................................................B-8 Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor.................................................................................B-8 Perimeter Control and Access Manager................................................................................B-9 Safe Refuge Area Manager....................................................................................................B-10 Safe Refuge Area...................................................................................................................B-10 Site Control Leader................................................................................................................B-11 Site Control Team..................................................................................................................B-11 Entry Team Leader................................................................................................................B-12 Entry Team.............................................................................................................................B-12 Primary Entry Team...............................................................................................................B-12 Backup Entry Team...............................................................................................................B-13 Monitor..................................................................................................................................B-13 Technical Support Team........................................................................................................B-14 Technical Support Team Leader............................................................................................B-14 Section B Hazardous Materials Incident Command (continued) Dresser...................................................................................................................................B-15 Technical Reference/Library.................................................................................................B-15 Technical Decon Manager.....................................................................................................B-16 Technical Decon Team..........................................................................................................B-16 Handler...................................................................................................................................B-16 Rinser.....................................................................................................................................B-17 Bagger....................................................................................................................................B-18 ALS Resources.......................................................................................................................B-19 Paramedic Engine Company..................................................................................................B-19 Paramedic Rescue Ambulance...............................................................................................B-19 Section C Hazardous Materials Incident Command System – Expanded Introduction............................................................................................................................C-1 Mass Decon Group Supervisor..............................................................................................C-2 Gross Decon Unit Leader......................................................................................................C-2 Secondary Decon Unit Leader...............................................................................................C-3 Monitoring Unit Leader.........................................................................................................C-3 Incident Command Expanded Organizational Chart.............................................................C-4 Incident Command Expanded – Mass Decon Organizational Chart.....................................C-5 Section D First Responder Operations Perimeters..............................................................................................................................D-1 Size-Up..................................................................................................................................D-2 Considerations En Route............................................................................................D-2 Initial Size-Up – On-Scene........................................................................................D-3 Size-Up to Hazardous Materials Task Force.............................................................D-5 First Responder Decontamination..........................................................................................D-7 Personal Protective Equipment..................................................................................D-8 Emergency Decontamination.....................................................................................D-8 Mass Decontamination Procedures............................................................................D-9 Secondary Decontamination Procedures....................................................................D-9 Decontamination Equipment......................................................................................D-11 Mass Decon Site Layout............................................................................................D-12 Rapid Extraction (Victim Rescue)........................................................................................D-13 Types of Extraction....................................................................................................D-13 Risk Assessment........................................................................................................D-14 Rapid Extraction Guidelines......................................................................................D-15 Security......................................................................................................................D-16 Personal Protective Equipment..................................................................................D-16 Radiation....................................................................................................................D-17 Rapid Extraction Risk and Benefit.............................................................................D-17 Section D First Responder Operations (continued) Evacuation.............................................................................................................................D-18 First Responder Work Area.......................................................................................D-18 Initial Isolation Distance............................................................................................D-18 Evacuation Distance...................................................................................................D-19 Evacuation Methods..................................................................................................D-19 Product Identification.............................................................................................................D-20 Identification and Hazard Assessment.......................................................................D-20 Recognition of Hazardous Materials.......................................................................... D-20 DOT System...............................................................................................................D-21 DOT Placard Background Color Table......................................................................D-21 DOT Hazard Class Table...........................................................................................D-22 United Nations Identification Numbers.....................................................................D-23 NFPA Diamond Placard............................................................................................D-24 Emergency Response Guidebook..............................................................................D-26 Using the Emergency Response Guidebook..............................................................D-27 Shipping Papers.........................................................................................................D-27 Shipping Paper Table.................................................................................................D-28 Fixed Facilities...........................................................................................................D-28 Material Safety Data Sheets.......................................................................................D-28 BP-8 Inventory...........................................................................................................D-29 CalARP Program.......................................................................................................D-29 High Hazard Facilities...............................................................................................D-29 Containment and Control of Hazardous Materials................................................................D-30 Methods of Containment............................................................................................D-30 First Responder Personal Protective Equipment....................................................................D-34 First Responder Resources.....................................................................................................D-39 Response Policy.....................................................................................................................D-40 Section E Hazardous Materials Task Force Operations Introduction............................................................................................................................E-1 Hazardous Materials Zone Descriptions................................................................................E-2 Pre-Entry................................................................................................................................E-3 Site Safety Plan......................................................................................................................E-3 Technical Support..................................................................................................................E-3 Technical Decon Team..........................................................................................................E-4 Entry – Operations in Exclusion Zone...................................................................................E-4 Exiting the Exclusion Zone....................................................................................................E-5 Technical Decontamination...................................................................................................E-6 Technical Decon Layout........................................................................................................E-8 Equipment and Capabilities...................................................................................................E-9 Equipment and Capabilities...................................................................................................E-9 Atmospheric Monitoring Equipment/Capabilities.................................................................E-9 Section F Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction Introduction............................................................................................................................F-1 Homeland Security Advisory System....................................................................................F-2 Threat Conditions and Associated Protective Measures........................................................F-3 Section G First Responder Operations – Terrorism Recognizing an Incident........................................................................................................G-1 Recognition of CBRNE Incidents..........................................................................................G-2 Chemical Warfare Agents......................................................................................................G-2 Biological Warfare Agents........................................................................................G-2 Radiological Devices.................................................................................................G-3 Nuclear Devices.........................................................................................................G-3 Explosives..................................................................................................................G-3 Secondary Devices.................................................................................................................G-3 Self-Protective Measures.......................................................................................................G-4 Incident Mitigation Actions...................................................................................................G-4 Section H Hazardous Materials Task Force – Terrorism Pre-Incident Information........................................................................................................H-1 First-In Hazardous Materials Task Force..............................................................................H-1 Second Hazardous Materials Task Force...............................................................................H-2 Third Hazardous Materials Task Force..................................................................................H-2 On-Scene Actions..................................................................................................................H-2 Hazardous Materials Task Force Terrorism Equipment........................................................H-4 Section I Allied Agencies Introduction............................................................................................................................I-1 Table of Allied Agencies.......................................................................................................I-1 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION A hazardous material is any substance or material capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property. Multiple factors determine if a material may be considered hazardous, including quantity, concentration, and physical or chemical characteristics. A hazardous material becomes a hazardous waste when it can no longer be used for the purpose it was originally intended. Because of the inherent danger to people and the environment, the transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials and waste are regulated. At the federal level, programs are created by legislation passed in Congress and managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In California, the California Code of Regulations (CCR) establishes the hazardous materials programs for our state. The Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) adopts portions of the CCR and, in some cases, provides more restrictive guidelines for hazardous materials regulation. Overview of Hazardous Materials Programs and Legislative Mandates The Department’s Hazardous Materials responsibility is divided between the Bureau of Emergency Services and the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Public Safety. The Bureau of Emergency Services is principally focused on response efforts including discovery, notification, evaluation and initiation of on-scene action, while the Bureau of Fire Prevention is involved in code enforcement and long-term preparedness measures which are implemented in coordination with local businesses. There are significant legislative requirements to be followed by the Department in the performance of hazardous materials response and code enforcement. Federal, state and local laws govern agencies performing these functions, and federal and state agencies oversee the Department’s implementation of these programs. In California, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) have primary state oversight for response efforts, while the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) is the primary state oversight agency for most hazardous materials programs mandated by the CCR. Cal/EPA manages the Unified Program (UP) that consolidates, coordinates, and makes consistent the administrative requirements, permits, inspections, enforcement activities, and fees for the following six programs: Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventories California Accident Prevention Program California Uniform Fire Code: Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Hazardous Materials Inventories Hazardous Waste Programs: Generator Programs and On-Site Hazardous Waste Treatment Activities Underground Tank Program Above Ground Petroleum Storage Act Requirements For Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans Authorities and Requirements: Applicable Codes, Regulations, and Laws City of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Master Plan and Procedures Hazardous Materials Area Plan Book 37 - Hazardous Materials Operational Plan (HMOP) The regulations governing hazardous materials response exist at the federal, state and local level and include requirements for response plans at each of these levels. The City’s primary emergency response plan is the City of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Master Plan and Procedures. This document is augmented by the City’s Hazardous Materials Area Plan (Area Plan) and the Department’s Hazardous Materials Operational Plan (HMOP). While these Plans coordinate the overall response capability of the City’s departments, each department maintains its own detailed procedures. The Fire Department’s HMOP and policy and procedures manuals (supplemented by training bulletins) delineate the responsibilities of Department personnel in the prevention, pre-planning and response to hazardous materials incidents. Area Plan The development of an Area Plan allows emergency response personnel the opportunity to conduct area-wide hazard analysis, identify and assess available resources, establish the roles of various agencies, and develop standard operating procedures and action plans. The laws and regulations that address Area Plan documents are found in California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Article 1, Sections 25503 and 25517.5, and the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Public Safety: Division 2, Office of Emergency Services. Article 3 of Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4, lists the minimum standards for Area Plans and includes the following sections: 2722 Procedures and Protocols for Emergency Rescue Personnel 2723 Pre-emergency Planning 2724 Notification and Coordination 2725 Training 2726 Public Safety and Information 2727 Supplies and Equipment 2728 Incident Critique and Follow-up Book 37 - Hazardous Materials Operational Plan Book 37 is a working document to be used by Department personnel as a reference and training tool, and is designed to be a preparedness document. First responders must read, understand, and exercise the information in this document prior to an emergency. This Plan contains procedures and protocols to be used as guidelines for approach, recognition, and evaluation of releases and threatened releases by Fire Department personnel. It also includes guidelines on monitoring and decontamination for emergency response personnel. Regulatory References For Responders The requirements for procedures and protocols for emergency response personnel are found in Article 3, Sections 2722 & 2723 of Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4. Training requirements are established in the California Code of Regulations, as follows: CCR Title 8, Section 5192 (q) Emergency Response to Hazardous Substances (6) Training: Training shall be based on the duties and function to be performed by each responder of an emergency response organization. The skill and knowledge levels required for all new responders shall be conveyed to them through training before they are permitted to take part in actual emergency operations on an incident. Employees who participate, or are expected to participate, in emergency response, shall be given training in accordance with subsections (A) through (E) in this section. (7) Refresher Training: Those employees who are trained in accordance with subsection (q) (6) of this section shall receive annual refresher training of sufficient content and duration to maintain their competencies, or shall demonstrate competency in those areas at least yearly. Other applicable laws and regulations include CCR Title 19, Sections 2510, 2520, and 2540, and OSHA Requirements under 29 CFR 1910.120. Responder Training Levels First Responder Operational: At the operational level, a first responder to hazardous materials (FRO) responds to an incident in a defensive fashion within existing resources and capabilities to contain the release from a safe distance, to keep it from spreading, and to prevent exposures to nearby persons, property or environment. Incident Commanders: The California Code of Regulations 5192 require Incident Commanders to: Assess all hazards If an inhalation hazard exists, ensure the use of SCBA Limit the number of personnel within Exclusion Zone Ensure backups and standby EMS unit Designate a knowledgeable safety officer who can stop unsafe acts Implement appropriate decontamination procedures Hazardous Materials Technician: At the federal level, 29 CFR 1910 (q) states: “Hazardous materials technicians are individuals who respond to releases or potential releases for the purpose of stopping the release. They assume a more aggressive role than a first responder at the operations level in that they will approach the point of release in order to plug, patch or otherwise stop the release of a hazardous substance.” Within the State of California, 160 hours of instruction are required for certification as a Hazardous Materials Technician. Hazardous Materials Technicians may complete an additional 80 hours of instruction to receive certification as a Hazardous Materials Specialist. Recommended Training Requirements Table: Title 19, §2520 Minimum Response Level specification Hrs. First Responder Operations (FRO) (b) (t) 16 Incident Commander (c) (t) 32 Environmental Monitoring (f) (t) 40 Instructor (h) (t) 32 Technician/Specialist (1A) Basic Chemistry (k) (t) 40 Technician/Specialist (1B) Applied Chemistry (l) (t) 40 Technician/Specialist (1C) Incident (m) (t) 40 Considerations Technician/Specialist (1D) Tactical Field (n) (t) 40 Operations Course Technician/Specialist (1F) Specialized Mitigation (p) (t) 40 Techniques Technician/Specialist (1G) Tactical Field (q) (t) 40 Operations Course Instructor, Technicial/Specialist (r) (t) 16 Refresher Training: 29 CFR 1910.120 (e)(8) states that all employees who are “exposed to hazardous substances, health hazards, or safety hazards….” in relation to hazardous sites shall “receive eight hours of refresher training annually….” CUPA Provisions To Provide Response Support The Fire Department, as the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), is responsible for implementing the regulations governing hazardous materials storage and inventory through state and local regulations. The Bureau of Fire Prevention and Public Safety’s Technical Section provides the regulatory oversight, inspection and data management functions of the Unified Program. The primary responsibilities of the Technical Section Units are: 1. Inspection of hazardous materials handlers 2. Inspection of underground tank facilities 3. Maintenance of hazardous materials information 4. Dissemination of hazardous materials information to response personnel 5. Technical support for response personnel Technical Section Organization The Technical Section Units performing Unified Program functions are: 1. Environmental Unit – Inspection and Plan Checking functions for Unified Program 2. Hazardous Materials Programs Unit – Administration and Data Management – Business Interface The Units report to the Commander of the Technical Section. CUPAIS Database The implementation of the Unified Program is a data-intensive effort with more than 400 data elements required by state law. In an effort to collect this information and to provide a user- friendly interface, the City’s Information Technology Agency has designed the CUPA Information System, CUPAIS. This application tracks and manages: 1. Business and inventory information 2. Inspection frequency and performance 3. Reports 4. Annual reporting requirements 5. Billing and payments Responder Information Fire Station Updates: BP-1 (business information) and BP-8 (material inventory) forms are provided to fire stations by the Data Management Unit when businesses update inventories. This provides information for inspection and pre-fire planning. Hazardous Materials Task Force Databases: The inventory information maintained in CUPAIS is routinely provided to the Hazardous Materials Task Forces for installation on Task Force computers. This information is provided in a user-friendly, searchable database format. The information can be retrieved by address, range of address, street name, business name, or chemical name. Battalion Chief Computer Installation: The CUPAIS database is also provided for installation on all laptop computers in Battalion Chief vehicles. Technical Assistance Technical assistance is available during normal working hours by calling the HazMat Programs Unit. The Unit’s technical staff, consisting of two chemical engineers and one industrial hygienist, has extensive experience in hazardous materials and can provide assistance to field personnel. Regulatory References For Unified Program Administrative Oversight: California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.11, Sections 25404-25404.8 California Code of Regulations, Title 27, Division 1, Subdivision 4, Chapter 1, Sections 15100-15620 Aboveground Storage Tank Program (SWRCB) California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.67, Sections 25270-25270.13 Business Plan Program (OES) California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Article 1, Sections 25500-25520 California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4, Sections 2620-2734 California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) Program (OES) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.5, Sections 2735-2785 Hazardous Materials Management Plan/Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement Program (OSFM) Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.11, Sections 25404.3(b) and 25404(c)(6) California Code of Regulations, Title 27, Division 2, Chapter 4.5, Sections 15160(b)(1), 15100(g)(1), 15100(b)(2), 15100(g)(3), 15330(a) Hazardous Waste Generator/Tiered Permitting Program (DTSC) California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.5, Sections 25100-25250 California Code of Regulations, Title 22 Underground Storage Tank Program (SWRCB) California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.7, Sections 25280 - 25299 California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 3, Chapter 16, Sections 2610-2729 Regulatory References Regulations governing the implementation of hazardous materials programs include, but are not limited to: Federal laws, regulations and executive branch orders: 1. Code of Federal Regulations Title 29 - Part 1910 (29 CFR 1910) - Occupational Safety And Health Standards a. Subpart H - Hazardous Materials b. Part 120 - Hazardous waste operations and emergency response 2. 40 CFR – Protection of Environment a. Part 110 – Criteria for reporting oil discharges b. Part 112.21 - Facility response training and drills/exercises. c. Part 116 – Criteria for reporting hazardous substances discharges d. Part 300 - National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan 3. 42 CFR §112(r) and §7601 - List of Regulated Substances and Thresholds for Accidental Release Prevention 4. 44 CFR - Emergency Management and Assistance - Parts 205 and 205.16, Part 206, Subpart L - Federal fire suppression regulations 5. 49 CFR - Transportation a. Part 172--Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Response Information, and Training Requirements b. Part 171 – incidents involving hazardous materials c. Part 191 – natural gas and other gases transported by pipeline d. Part 195 – liquids transported by pipeline 6. Public Law 93-288 - Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act federal government assistance in response to disasters and emergencies 7. Public Law 96-342 - Improved Civil Defense 1980 8. Federal Regulation 55.201 (f) §45003 – Registration of explosive materials 9. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) 10. National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan 11. Public Law 99-499 - Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986, Title III, Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) 12. Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) 13. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) 14. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) State laws and regulations: 1. California Code of Regulations (CCR) - Title 8. Industrial Relations \ Division 1. Department of Industrial Relations \ Chapter 3.2. California Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (CAL/OSHA) \ Subchapter 2. Regulations of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health 2. CCR - Title 8. Industrial Relations\ Division 1. Department of Industrial Relations \ Chapter 4. Division of Industrial Safety 3. CCR - Title 19. Public Safety 4. CCR - Title 22 Social Security \ Division 4.5. Environmental Health Standards for the Management of Hazardous Waste \ Chapter 10. Hazardous Waste Management System 5. CCR - Title 27. Environmental Protection; Division 1, Subdivision 4, Chapter 1. Unified Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials Management Regulatory Program 6. California Health and Safety Code (CHSC) Division 20. Miscellaneous Health and Safety Provisions a. Chapter 6.5. Hazardous Waste Control b. Chapter 6.65. Unified Agency Review of Hazardous Materials Release Sites §25260- 25268 c. Chapter 6.67. Aboveground Storage of Petroleum §25270-25270.13 d. Chapter 6.7. Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances §25280-25299.7 e. Chapter 6.75. Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Cleanup f. Chapter 6.95. Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory i. Article 1. Business and Area Plans §25500-25520 ii. Article 2. Hazardous Materials Management §25531-25543.3 iii. Article 3. Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 Implementation §25545 iv. Article 5. Hazardous Materials Use Reduction.... §25547-25547.2 7. California Health and Safety Code (CHSC) Division 10. Uniform Controlled Substances Act Chapter 1. General Provisions and Definitions §11000-11033 Local laws and regulations City of Los Angeles Fire Code: LAMC Chapter V, Article 7. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT COMMAND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT COMMAND The Department's overall responsibility at hazardous materials incidents is described in three main areas: 1. Assessment of the incident. 2. Notification of the proper agencies. 3. Emergency measures to minimize the effect of the hazardous condition on people, the environment, and property. The first responder who recognizes a hazardous material incident or incident involving weapons of mass destruction shall establish an initial isolation zone surrounding the incident. The safety of Fire Department personnel and civilians will be of primary concern. It is the Incident Commander's responsibility to secure the scene; and identify the material, quantity of material, threat of contamination, exposures, and contaminated individuals; and prevent the spread of contaminants. The Incident Commander shall request the appropriate Department resources and allied agencies to assist with the mitigation of the incident. It may be necessary to take immediate action to rescue or evacuate the area; however, this should be based on a hazard and risk assessment ensuring the safety of Fire Department personnel. Hazardous Materials Task Forces The Hazardous Materials Task Forces are the companies responsible for performing the tactical operations at a hazardous materials incident at the direction of the Incident Commander, which may include: Identification of the substance Hazard assessment Entry into the hazardous environment Containment of the hazard Decontamination procedures The Hazardous Materials Task Forces are able to provide technical assistance and specialized assessment equipment for the incident. Incident Strategies The management of a hazardous materials incident is legally a federal, state, county/city and private industry partnership. Each partner is specifically designated by statute to be responsible for prescribed responsibilities at a hazardous materials incident. The Fire Department's main responsibility centers on assessing the hazard, notifying the proper agency, and providing necessary interim measures to minimize the impact of a hazardous condition on people and the environment. The overall strategy utilized by this Department in a hazardous materials incident must provide a safe and cautious approach to incident stabilization. Personnel should not place themselves in a hazardous environment without proper protective clothing and equipment. Strategy Elements 1. Assess the incident – Recognize a potential problem 2. Identify the substance/product 3. Isolate 4. Rescue - if possible 5. Evacuate – if necessary 6. Contain/control the release 7. Identify responsible parties The immediate concerns of the incident are: To protect life and safety To reduce, diminish or lessen the danger or spread of a hazardous material To prevent the situation from becoming worse Hazardous Material Incident Response An LAFD assignment for a confirmed hazardous materials incident normally includes: One Battalion Chief One Hazardous Materials Task Force (includes Squad) One EMS Captain One Paramedic Rescue Ambulance One Paramedic Engine Company Hazardous Materials Incident Command System INCIDENT COMMANDER INFORMATION OFFICER SAFETY OFFICER ASSISTANT SAFETY OFFICER HAZ MAT * LIAISON OFFICER OPERATIONS STAGING AIR OPERATIONS GROUP EVACUATION GROUP FIRE DIVISION HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MEDICAL GROUP RAPID EXTRACTION GROUP GROUP SAFE REFUGE AREA PERIMETER CONTROL SITE CONTROL TEAM AND ACCESS ENTRY TEAM TECHNICAL SUPPORT TEAM TECHNICAL DECON TEAM PRIMARY ENTRY TEAM BACKUP ENTRY TEAM (RAPID INTERVENTION TEAM) * - Until the Assistant Safety Officer – Haz Mat position is established, the Technical Support Team Leader will perform these duties. B-3 Incident Commander The Incident Commander is responsible for all incident activities including the development and implementation of strategic decisions and for approving the ordering and releasing of resources: Duties: 1. Assesses incident situation 2. Conducts briefing with staff personnel and outside agencies 3. Activates appropriate elements of the Incident Command System 4. Approves and authorizes implementation of Incident Action Plan. 5. Coordinates staff activity. 6. Manages incident operations 7. Approves requests for additional resources and requests for release of resources. 8. Coordinates with outside agencies to ensure proper notifications and the extent of their involvement. 9. Authorizes release of information to news media. 10. Keeps necessary records. 11. Approves plan for demobilization. 12. Approves Site Safety Plan. Incident Action Briefing: 1. Describe the extent of the incident. 2. Actions already taken. 3. Review responsibilities and actions to be taken by each section/staff position. 4. Inform staff of other agency involvement. Safety Officer The Safety Officer is required by state and federal regulations, and is responsible for monitoring and assessing hazardous and unsafe situations and developing measures to ensure personnel safety. To accomplish this, the Safety Officer reports to the Incident Commander, and maintains awareness of active and developing situations and advises incident personnel accordingly. This includes safety messages in each incident action plan and safety briefing. This Officer investigates injuries and accidents to identify causes. Duties: 1. Identifies potentially unsafe or hazardous situations associated with the incident. 2. Participates in planning meetings and advises on safety matters. 3. Reviews appropriate incident plans. 4. Advises incident personnel in matters affecting personnel safety. 5. Coordinates with appropriate supervisory personnel to stop or prevent unsafe acts. 6. Investigates accidents/injuries that occur within the incident area. 7. Reviews the Medical Plan as prepared by the Medical Unit. 8. Coordinates activities with the Medical Unit, as appropriate. 9. Maintains liaison with representatives of governmental safety and health agencies. Assistant Safety Officer Haz Mat The Assistant Safety Officer Haz Mat reports to the Incident Safety Officer, and oversees the safety of Hazardous Materials Group personnel and operations. This position advises the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor on all aspects of health and safety and has the authority to stop or prevent unsafe operations. Due to the requirements established by 29 CFR 1910.120(q), the person occupying this position must possess a high level of expertise in hazardous materials operations, and shall normally be an officer assigned to the Hazardous Materials Task Force. This position shall be established at all hazardous materials incidents. Until this position is established, the Technical Support Team Leader will perform these duties. Duties: 1. Obtains briefing from Incident Safety Officer. 2. Obtains briefing from Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor. 3. Participates in planning meeting. 4. Responsible for scene safety. 5. Ensures that required emergency medical services and medical-related records for the Hazardous Materials Group personnel are maintained. 6. Coordinates and advises the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor on the following: A. Emergency procedures (i.e., egress, first-aid, rescue and evacuation) B. Personnel protection C. Safe-working techniques D. Extent of entry 7. Conducts safety briefing. 8. Coordinates with Technical Specialists (i.e., LA County FD Health/Haz Mat). 9. Develops on-site safety plan, including accident contingency plans. 10. Instructs response personnel on chemical hazards and safety procedures. 11. Reviews decontamination procedures with the Decontamination Manager and determines extent of decontamination procedures. 12. With the Site Access and Perimeter Control Manager, coordinates with the Medical Group to ensure that contaminants are not spread from the incident (i.e., rescue ambulance, helicopters, hospital emergency rooms). 13. Coordinates with the field observers of the Situation Unit to locate and identify any contaminated personnel or equipment that may have been removed from the scene improperly (i.e., before our arrival). 14. Coordinates with other agencies to ensure the protection of all personnel and equipment. 15. Has authority to alter, suspend, or terminate any activity that may be judged to be unsafe. Safety Briefing: The Safety Briefing shall include: 1. Primary Entry Team procedures. 2. The extent of the entry, i.e., depth and duration. 3. Emergency procedures for escape and for rescue of the Entry Team by the Backup Entry Team (acting as the Rapid Intervention Team for entry operations). 4. Backup Entry Team to be in same level of protection as Primary Entry Team and standby in Support Area outside of Perimeter Control Line, for rapid intervention. 5. The Buddy System will be used for all Entry Teams. Maximum separations in the Buddy System will vary and will be determined by the environment at the hazardous site. 6. Precautions about the spread of contaminants - do not sit or kneel on the ground, do not ground equipment, avoid obvious contaminants. 7. A Communications Plan with Site Control Team Leader, or Entry Team Leader. 8. Decontamination Process (Note: Overboot, gloves, and any other gross contaminants should be disposed of in containers inside the Hot Line). 9. Designated access routes that are to be followed. 10. Additional precautionary instructions, i.e., do not climb over unsafe or unstable obstacles, or do not climb into confined spaces. Technical Specialist The Technical Specialist for hazardous materials incidents is normally a Haz Mat Specialist II who responds from the Los Angeles County Fire Health/Haz Mat Division. In addition, other technical experts or representatives may be available to the Incident Commander, such as a representative of the concerned industry or business, Tox Center Representative, etc. Duties: 1. Check in at the Incident Command Post. 2. Obtain briefing from the Planning Section Chief. 3. Provide technical support to the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor. 4. Attend planning meetings as required. 5. Provide input on hazardous materials operations. 6. Determine the identity and nature of the hazardous materials. 7. Establish the criteria for cleanup and disposal of the hazardous materials. 8. Declare the site safe for re-entry by the public. 9. Monitor the environment. 10. Supervise the cleanup of the site. 11. Determine legal responsibility. 12. Approve funding for the cleanup. Operations Section Chief The Operations Chief, when implemented, is a member of the General Staff and is responsible for the management of all tactical operations directly applicable to the primary mission. The Operations Chief activates and supervises organization elements in accordance with the Incident Action Plan and directs its implementation. The Operations Chief also directs the preparation of subordinate operational plans, requests or releases resources through the Incident Commander, makes changes to the Incident Action Plan as necessary, and reports such to the Incident Commander. Duties: 1. Obtains briefing from Incident Commander. 2. Develops operations portion of Incident Action Plan. 3. Briefs and assigns incident resources in accordance with Incident Action Plan. 4. Supervises operations. 5. Determines need and requests additional resources through the Incident Commander. 6. Reviews suggested list of resources to be released and initiates recommendation for release of resources. 7. Assembles and disassembles Task Forces, Teams and personnel assigned to Operations. 8. Reports information about special activities, events, and occurrences to the Incident Commander. Hazardous Materials Group The Hazardous Materials Group is under Operations and is composed of the Safe Refuge, Site Control, Entry Team, Decontamination Team, Technical Support Team, and Perimeter Control and Access. Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor The Hazardous Material Group Supervisor is responsible for implementation of the operational portion of the Incident Action Plan related to Hazardous Materials Group operations, assignment of resources within the Group, and reporting on the progress of control operations and status of resources within the Group. The Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor must have a thorough knowledge of operational procedures, risk analysis, and safety considerations relating to hazardous materials incident management. Duties: 1. Obtains briefing from the Incident Commander/Operations Chief. 2. Ensures the development of Control Zones and Access Control Points. 3. Evaluates and recommends public protection action options to the Operations Chief/Incident Commander. 4. Coordinates with the Safe Refuge Area Manager. 5. Gathers and disseminates information on weather conditions. 6. Ensures that a Site Safety Plan is developed and implemented. 7. Conducts the Hazardous Materials Action Plan and Safety Briefing. 8. Ensures that recommended safe operational procedures and proper personal protective equipment are used. 9. Ensures that appropriate outside agencies are notified through the Incident Commander. 10. Participates in the development of the Incident Action Plan. Hazardous Materials Action Plan and Safety Briefing: The Hazardous Materials Action and Safety Briefing is conducted by the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor and contains, but is not limited to: 1. The extent of entry: The number of personnel and duration of entry. 2. General control objectives: The job to be performed, i.e., rescue, investigation, containment or neutralization. 3. Specific rescue plan (first-aid and decontamination of patients). 4. Specific rescue plan for Entry Team personnel. 5. Decontamination. Perimeter Control and Access Manager The officer assigned to this position may be from any company assigned to the incident, and is not necessarily a Hazardous Materials Technician. This officer controls the activities of the Perimeter Control and Access Team. Duties: 1. Obtains a briefing from Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor. 2. Organizes and supervises assigned personnel to control access to the hazardous site and to prevent the spread of contaminants. 3. Ensures that unprotected or unauthorized personnel do not enter beyond the Perimeter Control Line. 4. Requests LAPD and DOT resources through the Incident Commander, as needed to maintain security of Perimeter Control Line. 5. Ensures that injured or exposed individuals are decontaminated prior to departure from site. 6. Keeps records on persons entering and leaving the Perimeter Control Line. Safe Refuge Area Manager The Safe Refuge Area Manager is responsible for evaluating and prioritizing exposure victims for treatment, collecting information from the victims, and preventing the spread of contamination. Duties: 1. Obtains briefing from the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor or Site Control Leader. 2. Establishes the Safe Refuge Area within the Exclusion Zone adjacent to the Contamination Reduction Zone and the Exclusion Control Line. 3. Coordinates with the Site Control Leader and the Perimeter Control and Access Manager. 4. Assists the Site Control Leader by ensuring the victims are evaluated for contamination. 5. Manages the Safe Refuge Area for the holding and evaluation of victims who may have information about the incident, or if suspected of being contaminated. Safe Refuge Area The Safe Refuge Area is an area for the assembly of civilian personnel who were witnesses to the hazardous materials incident or who were on-site at the time of the spill. This assemblage of individuals will assist the Incident Commander in collecting intelligence information, help to reduce confusion at the incident, and provide for the separation of contaminated persons from the non-contaminated. The Safe Refuge Area should be located inside the Exclusion Zone, adjacent to the Exclusion Zone Control Line. Site Control Leader The Site Control Leader reports to the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor and implements the Incident Action Plan, determines the need for assistance on the assigned task, ensures that contaminants are controlled, and maintains records. Until this position is established, the initial Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor may perform these duties. Duties: 1. Obtains briefing from the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor. 2. Organizes and supervises personnel assigned to control access to the hazard site. 3. Oversees the placement of the Exclusion Control Line and the Contamination Control Line. 4. Ensures that appropriate action is taken to prevent the spread of contamination. 5. Establishes the Safe Refuge Area within the Contamination Reduction Zone and appoints a Safe Refuge Area Manager as needed. 6. Ensures that injured or exposed individuals are decontaminated prior to departure from the hazard site. 7. Tracks the movement of individuals through the Contamination Control Line to ensure that long-term observations are provided. Site Control Team The Site Control Team is normally composed of the Entry Team, Decontamination Team, and Technical Support Team, and reports to the Site Control Team Leader. The Site Control Team is responsible for completing the tactical assignments, performing rescues, identifying products, and reducing the spread of hazardous products. Duties: 1. Ensures that a "hot line", Perimeter Control Line, and access control points are properly identified and labeled. 2. Coordinates with Decontamination Manager to identify the Contamination Reduction Corridor (CRC) and Equipment Decontamination Station. 3. Maintains communications with Entry Team Leader and Technical Support Team on a radio frequency assigned exclusively to the Site Control Team. Entry Team Leader The Entry Team Leader is responsible for directing all operations of Entry Teams. Duties: 1. Confers with Technical Support to select the correct level of protection for the Exclusion Zone. 2. Ensures that Entry Team members have been examined and baseline vitals have been recorded. 3. Confirms that Entry Team members are properly suited and communication checks have been performed. 4. Ensures that associated equipment used by Entry Team is pre-tested and operation reviewed prior to entry. 5. Ensures that appropriate rescue equipment is in place prior to entry. 6. Maintains communications with members of Entry Teams and Technical Support Team. 7. Keeps time records on Entry Teams (assisted by Recorder). 8. Directs operation of Entry Teams in the Exclusion Zone. 9. Keeps Site Control Leader apprised of Entry Team operations. 10. Ensures that Technical Decontamination is operational prior to entry. Entry Team There are a minimum of two Entry Teams and a Monitor who report to the Entry Team Leader. Each Entry Team shall consist of two Hazardous Materials Technicians. Primary Entry Team Duties: 1. Dons appropriate protective equipment as recommended by Technical Support. 2. Attends pre-entry briefing. 3. Makes entry into Exclusion Zone. 4. Reports situation status to Entry Team Leader. 5. Performs reconnaissance of release/incident site and reports findings to Entry Team Leader. 6. Performs environmental monitoring. 7. Takes samples of released product(s). 8. Performs control or containment measures on active releases of product. 9. Performs rescue. 10. Other associated duties. 11. Attends post-entry debriefing. Backup Entry Team Duties: 1. Dons appropriate protective equipment as recommended by Technical Support. 2. Attends pre-entry briefing. 3. Remains in support area, partially suited up, ready to respond. 4. Principal mission is rapid intervention for rescue of primary Entry Team members. 5. Operates as a back-up team for primary Entry Team. 6. Performs additional entries into Exclusion Zone after primary Entry Team has exited. 7. Reports to Entry Team Leader. 8. Attends post-entry debriefing. As a matter of policy, a minimum of one Entry Team shall be designated as a backup, and shall remain in the support area to perform rapid intervention if needed. Monitor This member is suited up in the same level of protection as Entry Teams. Duties: 1. Attends pre-entry briefing. 2. Provides support for the Entry Team within the Exclusion Zone (provides additional equipment if needed). 3. Reports primary Entry Team’s status and situation to Entry Team Leader. 4. Maintains visual contact with Entry Team at all times. 5. Monitors safety of Entry Team from a suitable distance. 6. Initiates rescue of Entry Team member if necessary. 7. Assists Entry Team members with umbilical air hook-up prior to entering Contamination Reduction Corridor. 8. Provides gross decon for Entry Team members in Exclusion Zone if needed. 9. Ensures that equipment taken into Exclusion Zone is bagged and ready for decon. 10. Attends post-entry debriefing. Technical Support Team Technical Reference/Library and Dresser report to the Technical Support Leader. Two Hazardous Materials Technicians will normally fill Technical Reference/Library positions. Technical Support Team Leader Duties: 1. Supervises the activities of the Technical Support Team. 2. Trained to Hazardous Materials Technician level. 3. Serves as the Assistant Safety Officer Haz Mat, until relieved, and reports to the Safety Officer, and advises the Medical Group as needed. 4. Initiates the Site Safety Plan. 5. Establishes and maintains liaison with on-scene technical resources. 6. Maintains communications with Entry Team Leader, Decon Manager, and Site Control Leader. 7. Briefs allied agencies on strategy and tactics proposed for mitigation of the incident. 8. Creates and maintains appropriate records of all activities of the Hazardous Materials Task Force, including meetings with allied agencies and other resources, for archival purposes. Dresser Duties: 1. Obtains information from Library for entry suit selection. 2. Ensures vitals are taken and recorded prior to suit-up. 3. Ensures proper hydration of Entry Team members. 4. Assists members of Entry Team and Monitor with suit donning. 5. Obtains information from Library for proper selection of monitoring and sampling equipment, cameras, tools, etc. 6. Reviews operation of equipment with Entry Team members prior to entry. 7. Remains in support area to assist back-up team with donning of suits if needed. 8. Assists Entry Team with rehabilitation and ensures that post-entry vitals are recorded. Technical Reference/Library Duties: 1. Obtains information on hazardous materials using Squad computer and reference material. 2. Assists with identification of unknown materials by reference search. 3. Determines proper level of protection for Entry and Decon Teams. 4. Operates as communication center for Hazardous Materials Group, including fax and phones. 5. Determines decontamination solution. 6. Maintains records, including Entry Team activities and timing of Entry Teams while on air. 7. Maintains communication with Entry Team. 8. Assists with completing Site Safety Plan. 9. Monitors weather station. 10. Utilizes software to develop plume model to assist with Evacuation Plan. Technical Decon Manager Duties: 1. Obtains briefing from the Site Control Leader. 2. Establishes, organizes, and supervises the Contamination Reduction Corridor (CRC). 3. Coordinates with Perimeter and Access Control Manager for placement of CRC boundaries. 4. Coordinates with Technical Support Team, Assistant Safety Officer, County Health/Haz Mat Division, and other technical resources to select appropriate decontamination procedures. 5. Ensures that all personnel exiting the Exclusion Zone are properly decontaminated. 6. Ensures that contaminated equipment is appropriately decontaminated at the site or properly containerized and labeled for off-site decontamination or disposal. 7. Ensures the level of protection worn by the Decon Team is as established by Technical Support. 8. Ensures that umbilical air system is in place for Entry Team as they exit the Exclusion Zone. Technical Decon Team The Technical Decon Team reports to the Technical Decon Manager, and provides decontamination to all response personnel exiting the Exclusion Zone. Handler The Handler reports to the Technical Decon Manager and assists in the Technical Decon of Entry Team members. This member will the use a brush and decon solution to remove contaminants from Entry Team members. Duties: 1. Assists in layout of protective ground covering (salvage covers). 2. Assists in layout of pools and equipment. 3. Prepares decontamination solution as recommended by Technical Support. 4. Ensures air cart and hoses are in proper location and ready for use by Entry Teams. 5. Dons appropriate protective equipment as recommended by Technical Support. 6. Conducts safety check with Technical Decon Manager to ensure proper donning of equipment. 7. Meets Entry Team members at entry to CRC, ensures deposit of tools, equipment, and outer gloves in Exclusion Zone. 8. Evaluates and prioritizes Entry Team members for decontamination. 9. Provides direction to Entry Team members for decontamination procedures. 10. Assists Entry Team through the CRC, one member at a time, ensuring that all contaminants are removed. 11. When Entry Teams have completed Technical Decon, proceeds through decon process. Rinser The Rinser reports to the Technical Decon Manager. The Rinser will assist in the Technical Decon of Entry Team members. This member uses a long-handled wand with water to rinse decon solution and contaminants from Entry Team members. Duties: 1. Assists in layout of protective ground covering (salvage covers). 2. Assists in layout of Technical Decon pools and equipment. 3. Prepares decon solution as recommended by Technical Support. 4. Checks for proper water pressure from supply to avoid spreading contaminants outside the decon pools. 5. Places equipment in pools to assist Entry Team members with movement from one pool to the next (orange traffic markers). 6. Dons appropriate protective equipment as recommended by Technical Support. 7. Conducts safety check with Technical Decon Manager to ensure proper donning of equipment. 8. Assists Entry Team through the CRC, one member at a time, ensuring that all decon solution and contaminants are removed. 9. When Entry Teams have completed Technical Decon, proceeds through decon. Bagger The Bagger reports to the Technical Decontamination Manager. The Bagger will assist decontaminated Entry Team members in the removal of protective clothing. If necessary, the Bagger may be assisted by another Technical Decon Team member in clothing removal. Duties: 1. Assists in layout of protective ground covering (salvage covers). 2. Assists in layout of Technical Decon pools and equipment. 3. Prepares bags for containment of Entry Team’s protective equipment after Technical Decon is completed. 4. Dons appropriate protective equipment as recommended by Technical Support. 5. Conducts safety check with Technical Decon Manager to ensure proper donning of equipment. 6. Directs Entry Team members into plastic bag for suit removal. 7. Assists Entry Team members in removing their entry suits, ensuring that the inside of the entry suit is not touched. 8. Directs Entry Team member to Rehab for cool down, re-hydration, post-entry vitals and debriefing. 9. Secures entry suit in bag for evaluation of further decontamination measures. 10. When Entry Teams have completed Technical Decon, proceeds through decon process. ALS Resources Paramedic Engine Company The paramedic engine company reports to the Technical Support Team Leader and is responsible for medical care of the Hazardous Materials Task Force. The primary mission of the paramedic engine company is to monitor, support and provide medical treatment for the Primary and Backup Entry Teams and Technical Decon Team members in the Contamination Reduction Corridor. Duties: 1. Takes, records and evaluates pre-entry and post-entry vitals of Entry Team members. 2. Provides medical treatment for members of the Hazardous Materials Task Force. 3. Establishes contact with local medical facilities. 4. Engineer can assist with water supply to Technical Decon to relieve Hazardous Materials Task Force member. 5. Firefighter Paramedics may work in the CRC with proper protective equipment. Paramedic Rescue Ambulance The paramedic rescue ambulance reports to the Technical Support Team Leader and is responsible for transportation of Hazardous Materials Task Force members. These members will remain in the Support Zone. Duties: 1. Assists the paramedic engine company with pre-entry and post-entry vitals. 2. Transports injured Hazardous Materials Task Force members (if a member has been exposed to a hazardous material, Technical Decon will be completed prior to transport). HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT COMMAND EXPANDED HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM – EXPANDED Whether hazardous materials are accidentally or deliberately released, Incident Commanders may have the need to expand the command structure to accommodate the impact of a large number of exposure casualties. The expanded Incident Command System structure may also include a Law Branch. Among the duties of the Law Branch are law enforcement functions that may prove vital to the ability of Department units to complete their missions, such as: survey of operational areas for secondary devices and security; entry into Exclusion Zones by Bomb Squad and Hazardous Materials personnel to verify security status; supplying a security force to Perimeter Control Lines for crowd control and force protection; and other unique functions of enforcement and investigation. All responding Department fire suppression companies are trained and equipped to perform both gross and secondary decontamination of exposure victims, and first responders can initiate these tasks. The Hazardous Materials Task Force will provide advice on decontamination procedures (if required) and Hazardous Materials Technicians will provide chemical monitoring of individuals prior to transport. In order to organize and control companies devoted to decontamination, Incident Commanders may assign companies to a Mass Decon Group, and direct all companies engaged in those activities to report directly to that officer. In addition to Department resources, the Mass Decon Group will also coordinate the activities of outside agencies that are primarily engaged in providing decontamination to victims of an exposure, such as the Los Angeles County Fire Department Mass Casualty Mass Decon Strike Team with Metropolitan Incident ResourceVehicle (MIRV), or the Chemical/Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF). Department resources engaged in decontamination activities may be further sub-divided into functional units of Gross Decon and Secondary Decon, each under the direction of a Unit Leader, in order to maintain a reasonable span of control for the Mass Decon Group. Department policy requires all exposed patients to be completely decontaminated prior to transport. To verify that this has been accomplished, Hazardous Materials Task Force or other trained personnel must utilize monitoring equipment to scan every person exiting Secondary Decon, and people within the Safe Refuge Area(s). Within an expanded command structure, individual technicians will be assigned under a Monitoring Unit Leader, who reports directly to the Mass Decon Group Supervisor. Within the ICS structure that has been expanded to accommodate mass casualties, patients will move from Safe Refuge to Gross Decon, from Gross Decon to Secondary Decon, and then on to Medical Triage. Within this structure, the Safe Refuge Area Manager will report to the Mass Decon Group Supervisor. If a significant number of people require extraction from the Exclusion Zone, it may be necessary to assign Haz Mat Entry Teams to search the Exclusion Zone and retrieve non- ambulatory patients. Entry Teams will move patients from the Exclusion Zone directly to the appropriate decontamination area. Mass Decon Group Supervisor The Mass Decon Group Supervisor reports to Operations, or to the Hazardous Materials Branch at expanded incidents. This position is responsible for all operations directed at decontamination of large numbers of exposure victims, including Gross and Secondary Decontamination, and monitoring of decontaminated patients prior to transport. Duties: 1. Reports to and obtains briefing from Incident Commander/Operations or Hazardous Materials Branch. 2. Ensures that all patients are fully decontaminated prior to transport. 3. Ensures the establishment of Gross and Secondary Decon units. 4. Coordinates movement of contaminated patients with Safe Refuge Area Managers. 5. Ensures that all patients requiring transport are appropriately evaluated for decontamination, and establishes Monitoring Unit as needed. 6. Coordinates and directs the operations of outside agencies that are engaged in providing decontamination. 7. Coordinates the movement of decontaminated patients with Triage Unit for movement into treatment areas or transport. Gross Decon Unit Leader Duties: 1. Reports to and receives briefing from Mass Decon Group Supervisor. 2. Establishes and directs Department units engaged in Gross Decontamination activities. 3. Coordinates the movement of exposure casualties with the Safe Refuge Area Manager. 4. Coordinates the movement of symptomatic exposure casualties to Secondary Decon. 5. Coordinates with law enforcement personnel to ensure that contaminated victims are contained and provided with decontamination. 6. Provides for containment of the runoff from decontamination activities where possible. Secondary Decon Unit Leader Duties: 1. Reports to and receives briefing from Mass Decon Group Supervisor. 2. Establishes and directs Department units engaged in Secondary Decontamination activities. 3. Coordinates the movement of symptomatic patients with Gross Decon Unit Leader. 4. Coordinates the movement of symptomatic exposure casualties to triage with Triage Unit Leader. 5. Ensures that patients are evaluated for contamination prior to movement from Secondary Decon Unit. 6. Coordinates with Monitoring Unit Leader, if established. Monitoring Unit Leader The members of this Unit shall be Hazardous Materials Technicians trained in the use of monitoring meters and testing equipment. The principal activity performed by this Unit shall be to verify the decontamination status of exposure victims. Duties: 1. Reports to and receives briefing from Mass Decon Group Supervisor. 2. Coordinates with Technical Support Leader to select appropriate monitoring and testing equipment and procedures. 3. Directs the activities of Hazardous Materials Technicians engaged in monitoring patients for contamination. 4. Reports on the contamination status of patients to Secondary Decon Unit Leader. Incident Command System Hazardous Materials - Expanded Operations Hazardous Materials Group Mass Decon Group Site Control Team Safe Refuge Area Gross Decon Unit Entry Team(s) Technical Decon Team Secondary Decon Unit Technical Support Team Monitoring Team Perimeter Control Team Outside Agencies Performing Decon Incident Command System Hazardous Materials Branch - Expanded Operations Medical Branch Hazardous Materials Branch* Law Branch Hazardous Materials Group(s) Mass Decon Group(s) Outside Agencies Performing Decon Decon Unit A Decon Unit B Safe Refuge Area A Gross Decon Unit A Secondary Decon Unit A Monitoring Unit A * - A Hazardous Materials Branch may be established as needed to manage multiple functional groups. FIRST RESPONDER OPERATIONS FIRST RESPONDER OPERATIONS Perimeters Once the first responder has arrived on scene, one of the initial considerations must be to establish perimeters for the incident. These perimeters will designate the Initial Isolation Zone, evacuation boundaries and Safe Refuge Area(s) for holding civilians and Fire Department personnel who have been exposed to a hazardous product. The Initial Isolation Zone should be established using the recommendation of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), taking the following factors into consideration: Topography Material released Wind/weather The topography of the incident will dictate the location of the Initial Isolation Zone. It may not be possible to place a barrier completely around the isolation area. The location of the fire line tape designating the isolation area should be placed in an uphill or upwind location to ensure that initial actions are undertaken from a safe location. The physical and chemical properties of the material released will determine the size of the Isolation Zone. A product that is producing vapor will generally require a larger isolation area due to the ability of the product to travel either in the air or along the ground. Many products produce vapor that is not visible. However, a smaller isolation area may be possible for a liquid release, provided that the run-off is contained in a fixed area. In every case, the first responder should use the initial isolation distance recommended in the ERG as the minimum for establishing the isolation area. Upon arrival, the Hazardous Materials Task Force may either expand or reduce the Initial Isolation Zone to establish the Exclusion Zone. First responders should make every effort to contain all civilians who have been exposed to a hazardous material. A Safe Refuge Area should be established within the outer-most perimeter of the isolation area to contain those people who have been exposed. This will keep them isolated and facilitate further observation for possible decontamination, medical evaluation and treatment. Consideration should also be given to initial evacuation perimeters. The first responder must base the decision on the type of material, if known. Wind, weather and time of day will impact the decision: strong winds will carry product clouds farther, while time of day can be a determining factor in a material’s propensity to vaporize and travel. The ERG is the source for evacuation distances. First responders shall be familiar with the use of the ERG. Size-Up When responding to any hazardous materials incident, the first responder must give OCD a complete size-up. The initial size-up will contain en-route and on-scene components. Once on scene and more information has been gathered, a comprehensive size-up to the Hazardous Materials Task Force and Incident Commander should follow. Considerations En Route 1. What is the location of the hazardous materials incident? Do you have knowledge of the building or area? Does the type of business indicate the type of material involved? Have you pre-incident planned the building or been there on a previous response? Is this a large public assemblage, government building, or religious site? 2. Is the site heavily populated? Will there be a rescue or evacuation problem? 3. Is the site near a major street or freeway? Will traffic hinder your response to the incident? Will there be exposures or an evacuation problem? 4. What are the current weather conditions? Wind direction and speed Direction and travel of plume No wind/inversion layer, plume spreading out in 360-degree pattern Is it raining – will there be run-off problems? 5. What is the time of day? Occupancy load of affected area Traffic congestion 6. Is it a significant historical date? 9/11, 4/19 – Twin Towers, Waco 7. What is the best approach route? Uphill and upwind 8. What resources are responding? Anticipate need for additional resources Initial Size-Up – On-Scene 1. Address of incident: Confirm reported address; give approach instructions as needed 2. Describe the incident: Leak, spill, vapor cloud, etc. Quantity of product on ground or size of vapor cloud Container- size, shape, type, placard Rate of spill 3. Consider requesting any or all of the following resources: Hazardous materials response L.A. County Health Haz Mat Additional fire resources for evacuation, emergency decon, water supply, etc. Rescue Ambulances LAPD/CHP for possible evacuations DOT for traffic control Street maintenance/Caltrans/Tractor Company for sand, dirt for dikes or dams Emergency air/light Foam carriers USAR 4. Describe the local terrain: How will it affect direction of travel of spills and plumes? 5. Describe the microclimate on scene: Topography; buildings can affect wind direction and speed 6. Is there a rescue problem? Number and condition of victims (ambulatory vs non-ambulatory) How does location of victims impact your ability to perform rescue(s)? Inside or outside of building, location within a building. 7. Use the signs and symptoms of victims to determine the product ID: Think WMD. 8. Have you set up a perimeter? Location of Initial Isolation Zone1 (as described in the Emergency Response Guidebook), and Safe Refuge Area 9. Do you need to consider evacuations? Type of release Product ID Location Time of day, etc. Consider sheltering in place versus evacuation 1 Initial Isolation Zone – Emergency Response Guidebook, 2000 edition: “The ‘Initial Isolation Distance’ is a distance within which all persons should be considered for evacuation in all directions from the actual spill/leak source. It is a distance (radius) which defines a circle (Initial Isolation Zone) within which persons may be exposed to dangerous concentrations upwind of the source and may be exposed to life threatening concentrations downwind of the source.” Size-Up To Hazardous Materials Task Force Confirm ID of product using Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), Placards, 704, Janes Chem-Bio Handbook If product is not known, describe signs and symptoms of exposure victims. Describe location of all established perimeters and Safe Refuge Area. Is there a special rescue problem? Is there a need for emergency decon? Have you determined the need for evacuations? What actions have you taken to control and contain the incident/spill/leak etc? Describe all notifications that you have made Is there a responsible party on scene? While en route to a reported chemical investigation, a hazardous materials incident, a WMD incident, or any other incident with the potential for known or unknown agents, the Company Officer must evaluate a safe approach route. Several key points need to be addressed to ensure the safety of the first responder as well as that of other resources. The basic rules of hazardous materials response dictate an approach to an incident from upwind, uphill and upstream. This strategy will minimize the possibility of exposure to airborne products, smoke or vapor cloud, or run-off from the incident. Knowledge of the general weather and wind patterns in your geographical area will help you approach an incident from a safe upwind position. While a combination of terrain and/or wind may make it impossible to approach from directly upwind and uphill, first responding officers will need to find a suitable compromise to ensure their company’s safety. Once on scene, place a short length of fire line tape or other suitable material on the apparatus antennae and keep a close watch on wind direction. All apparatus should be placed for ease of egress in the event of a change in wind direction. First responders should relay safe approach instructions and weather conditions to OCD and incoming companies. These instructions should be specific, using street names to provide the most accurate description of approach routes. Consideration should be given to naming staging and command post locations. Stay flexible and be ready to move, as relocation may be necessary due to weather, a change in the dynamics of the incident, or by a determination made by the Incident Commander or the Hazardous Materials Task Force. At any incident it is wise to stop short and evaluate the scene before committing yourself or others. Binoculars provide the first responder with an opportunity to view the scene from a safe distance. First Responder Decontamination Decontamination is intended to limit the effect of hazardous materials on victims of exposure and prevent the spread of contaminants beyond the contaminated area. Rapid removal of the contaminant from the victim using water streams, i.e., hand lines or master stream appliances, is the single most important action associated with effective decontamination. Prior to initiating decontamination efforts, first responders should triage patients by attempting to separate symptomatic from asymptomatic patients. This assessment will serve to identify those people who need immediate decontamination. Victims who were closest to the point of release and report they were exposed, and have either serious medical symptoms or evidence of chemical agent on their clothing or skin should go through decontamination first. The next priority will be those who were not as close to the point of release and may not have evidence of chemical agent on their clothing or skin, but are symptomatic. People who are asymptomatic may not receive decontamination, and may be moved directly to a Safe Refuge Area where they will be monitored. Emergency decontamination (also referred to as Gross Decon) is the initial decontamination intended to rapidly remove as much contamination as possible. This process can be initiated by directing victims to remove their clothing down to their undergarments, and showering the victims utilizing the most expeditious process available. Mass Decontamination is the expansion of the Emergency Decontamination process to accommodate large numbers of contaminated people. Mass Decontamination is indicated when there are too many victims to be handled by a standard hazardous materials incident assignment. It may be necessary to establish multiple Mass Decontamination corridors. Secondary Decontamination, which follows Emergency Decon, is a process that includes scrubbing with soap or other solution and thorough rinsing. Technical Decontamination is the deliberate and precise cleansing using pools, special solutions, monitoring methods, and specially trained personnel. Technical Decontamination is intended for all emergency responders and is ideally performed in a separate area, away from the incident victims. Respiratory Decontamination involves moving the victim from the hazardous atmosphere, and may involve oxygen therapy. Personal Protective Equipment The best personal protective equipment for first responders engaged in decontamination is the Level B ensemble provided for every position on each fire suppression company and rescue ambulance. If in doubt about the appropriate level of protection, Incident Commanders may contact the Hazardous Materials Task Force for guidance. Emergency Decontamination 1. Don personal protective equipment. 2. Avoid direct contact with victims. 3. Establish hose lines or appliances to provide high-volume fog spray. 4. Encourage victims to remove outer garments. 5. Spray victims from top down. 6. Move ambulatory victims to Safe Refuge Area. If Emergency Decontamination involves large numbers of victims (Mass Decon), having patients remove their outer garments may not be achievable during this step. As soon as additional companies are available, multiple decontamination lanes should be established to process the patients as quickly as possible. While patients who refuse to remove clothing will be sprayed with their outer clothing on, they should be encouraged to disrobe for the following reasons: The spray may force chemical agents through the clothing onto the skin. Showering skin directly is more effective due to water pressure and dilution. Rinsing clothing will result in a higher concentration of the chemical agent within the showering area, thereby increasing the chance of contamination spread through personal contact and shower water runoff. Showering time will be incident-specific, but should be between one and three minutes per person. Under ideal conditions, decontamination operations will be established where: First responders will be upwind of the release. Runoff will not flow through operational zones. Patients will have the least distance to travel. Emergency vehicles will have sufficient access. Adjacent space will be available for treatment areas. Patients will be moved from Gross Decon to the Safe Refuge Area where they will be evaluated and prioritized for further decontamination. Patients requiring further decontamination will then be passed to Secondary Decontamination personnel. Where possible, provisions will be made for the privacy of the patients. First responders should use available means to provide protection from public view (such as parking structures). Consideration also needs to be given to protecting privacy from aerial viewing (such as from news helicopters or elevated locations). In addition, consideration should be given to separate male and female decontamination areas, and the need to keep families together. Mass Decontamination Procedures First-arriving companies can initiate Mass Decontamination by using fog and spray streams with: Ladder pipes Portable monitors Wagon batteries Discharge gates Hand lines Since the volume of water required for Mass Decontamination will exceed that carried in apparatus tanks, a continuous source of water must be established. If engine companies are positioned to form a corridor, they should be facing in opposite directions so that the panels are on the outside. All appliances should be supplied by low pressure, and nozzles adjusted to a wide fog pattern. If possible, engines should pump in volume to limit pressure. Secondary Decontamination Patients who have received emergency decontamination, or who remain or become symptomatic while in Safe Refuge, will receive Secondary Decontamination. All exposed victims will receive Secondary Decontamination prior to medical triage or transport. 1. If still clothed, instruct patient to remove outer clothing and to avoid removing garments over their head. Approximately 80% or more of the contaminants will be removed by removing clothing. 2. Provide a Haz Mat Triage Tag to each patient entering Secondary Decontamination. 3. Direct the patient to place their outer garments in the large plastic bag, and secure the bag. Tear off the long “Contaminated” tag and place it into the bag. 4. Direct the patient to place personal belongings in the clear plastic zip-lock bag, with identification facing outward. Tear off the personal property receipt from the Triage Tag and place it into the bag. The sealed bag will accompany the patient. 5. If patients are capable of assisting themselves, instruct them to use brushes and soap solution from the decon bucket to wash themselves, from top down. If patients are unable to do this without assistance, members of the Decontamination Team must complete this task. 6. After the patient has been covered with soap solution, rinse them thoroughly. 7. As patients exit the decontamination line, they must be surveyed for contaminants. Hazardous Materials Technicians will complete this task. 8. If the survey of a patient indicates contamination, direct them to return to the decontamination line. 9. If the patient is free of contamination, provide them with a disposable coverall. 10. As the patient exits decontamination, check the “Gross Decon” and “Secondary Decon” boxes. If the patient has signs or symptoms of exposure, note the patient status on the Triage Tag. 11. Coordinate the movement of patients with personnel assigned to triage. Decontamination Equipment 1. Decon Bucket Inventory (For Civilian Decon) Item Quantity Bucket, plastic, 5-gallon 1 Trash bag, 40”x48” 10 Ziplock bag, 10’x 12’x 2 mil 10 Foxtail counter brush 2 Disposable Post Decon Coveralls, XLG 10 Liquid dishwashing soap 1 HAZ MAT Triage Tag 10 2. Haz Mat Triage Tag This Tag is constructed of 100% synthetic paper and is completely waterproof. It accepts ballpoint pens when wet, and can be used during decon operations. 1. Give each civilian entering secondary decon a Haz Mat Triage Tag. 2. Tear off personal property receipt and place it into the clear ziplock bag containing the patient’s valuables and identification, etc. 3. Tear off the long contaminated tag and place it into the large trash bag containing the patient’s clothing. 4. After the patient has received Gross (Emergency) Decon and/or Secondary Decon, mark the appropriate box to indicate that it has been completed. 5. The remainder of the Triage Tag is to be used as a standard triage tag. Contamination Medical Reduction Zone Group Gross Decon Unit companies DECON MODEC Safe Monitoring Unit TENT TENT EVENT Refuge teams DECON Area Exclusion Secondary Zone Decon Unit (adjusted companies Isolation Zone) TENT TENT MASS DECON LAYOUT Technical Decon Unit Support Zone HAZMAT TASK FORCE Rapid Extraction One of the primary missions that first responders may need to accomplish is rescue of exposure victims. The objective of rescue at hazardous material incidents is to rapidly extract people from unsafe areas and deliver them for decontamination and treatment, while controlling the associated risks to firefighters. To differentiate victim rescue from rescue of first responders, the term used to describe actions directed at retrieving civilian exposure victims is “rapid extraction.” Incident Commanders may assemble units to perform extraction missions in Extraction Crews or Groups. Under ideal conditions, everyone in the area of a hazardous materials release would self-rescue, gather in a location upwind and uphill, and initiate self-decontamination. In the case of industrial accidents, responders may find that the initial reaction by trained people on the scene of the release may closely match the ideal. This will not be the case, however, where the release is committed intentionally or accidentally on an unsuspecting and unprepared population. In the event of such a criminal act, the need to perform extraction of victims is more likely. Types of Extraction Responders have a choice among different extraction methods, and should focus on using a method that minimizes risk but still allows the mission to be completed. Extractions can be categorized by who performs the rescue: self-rescue or bystander rescue, which represents the least risk to the responder; responder rescue, where the level of risk and potential benefit may be initially unknown; and technical rescue, such as that performed by U
