First responder chemical response awareness

P bar Y Safety Consultants

FIRST RESPONDERChemical Response Awareness

Awareness Level Training

Train to go home alive!


First Responder OperationResponders at the operations level are individuals who

respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release. They are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without actually trying to stop the release. Their function is to contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from

spreading, and prevent exposures.


THE FIRST RESPONDER SHOULD PROTECT THEMSELVES FIRST!

Isolation / Protection Isolate the area by prohibiting accessMove un-injured & un-contaminated people

outside of the release areaIsolate anyone contaminated


First on Scene

First Responders (FRA) on the scene must:

• Establish command/control (scene management) • Detect the presence of hazardous materials • Begin identification of hazards • Evacuation • Decontamination/personnel protection • Isolate incident/identify zones of activity • Contain incident without risking exposure • Seek additional appropriate resources.


Thinking WAY OUTSIDE THE BOXEssential attitudes for responders "first on the scene," who have been trained at the awareness level: • Hazardous materials incidents are not like routine calls.

• Every responder must be realistic about their capabilities and limitations.

• The primary responsibility of every first responder is to promote safety for all.

• Coordinate and cooperate with all agencies responding to hazardous materials incidents.

Hazardous materials emergencies are different. These: • May pollute the environment. • May pose health risk to public. • May pose health risk to responders. • May require specialized clothing. • May require specialized cleanup.


Simplified Definition

Any substance or material, solid, liquid or gas, that when released to the environment is capable of

causing damage, injury, illness or death.


Hazardous Materials Incidents

These incidents are unique because they require specialized protective measures not normally

available to first responders AND they demand a different operational approach!


Think as we are arriving not arriving and thinking because it maybe too late

Pre-emergency planning is needed for all levels of hazmat response. When developing hazardous materials emergency plans, one should consider:

• Hazard Analysis • Resource Identification • Hazard analysis helps you: • Know what to expect. • Set goals and priorities. • Make decisions about resources and budgets. • Identify level of commitment. • Resource identification includes the following: • What chemicals are manufactured, used, stored or moved through the community or work

place? Where are they? • How are the chemicals contained, transported and stored? In what quantity? • How are the chemicals used? • What routes of travel are used? What is the frequency of movement? • What can these chemicals affect if there is an unintentional release?


Response GoalsResponse Goals

Recognition

Isolation

Protection

Notification


Think THINK AGAINWhen enroute to a hazardous materials incident, responders should consider: • Wind direction and speed. • If the hazardous substance has been identified. • Any available pre-emergency plans. • Additional resources needed. The person first on the scene should make sure adequate resources are on the way to cope with the emergency. Such resources must be able to: • Isolate the area. • Stabilize the scene. • Decontaminate. • Treat and transport any victims. • Protect property and environment. • Evacuate the surrounding area.


Operational-Level Rescue Actions

• Conducting searches during reconnaissance or defensive activities

• Conducting searches on the edge of the hot zone• Directing victims to the decontamination area• Assisting with decontamination while not coming into

contact with the hazardous material itself• Assisting with the identification of victims• Giving instructions to a large number of people for mass

decontamination


Approaching the Scene Safely

• Identify and evaluate problem locations and hazardous occupancies during emergency response planning.

• Include remote observation/assessment steps in the emergency plan.

• Always approach the scene from uphill, upwind, and upstream if at all possible.


Approaching the Scene Safely

• Use binoculars, a spotting scope, a camera lens, or a sight scope for observation.

• Report any unusual conditions to the telecommunications/dispatch center.

• Use the assessment location as a temporary staging area if reconnaissance teams must approach on foot.


Incident Priorities

• Life safety

• Incident stabilization

• Protection of property and the environment


Assessments to MakeBefore Taking Action

• Risk to rescuers• Ability of rescuers to protect themselves• Probability of rescue• Difficulty of rescue• Capabilities and resources of on-scene forces• Possibilities of explosions or sudden material

releases• Available escape routes and safe havens• Constraints of time and distance


Canadian Agencies Regulating Hazardous Materials

• Transport Canada (TC)• Environment Canada• Health Canada• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission


Products Most OftenInvolved in Haz Mat Incidents

• Flammable/combustible liquids• Corrosives• Anhydrous ammonia• Chlorine


Hazardous Materials States

• Hazardous materials may be:– Elements– Compounds – Mixtures

• May be found in gaseous, liquid, or solid states or a combination of these states


Hazardous Materials States


Hazardous Materials Hazards

• May present a direct threat to health or pose physical hazards

• Hazards range from insignificant to catastrophic

• Exposure may be acute or chronic• Health effects can be acute or chronic


Hazardous Materials Behavior

• Behavior of hazardous material — A material’s physical state, flammability, boiling point, chemical reactivity, and other properties – Affect how it behaves– Determine harm– Influence effects of hazardous material


Potential Ignition Sources at Haz Mat Scenes

• Open flames• Static electricity• Existing pilot lights• Electrical sources

• Internal combustion engines• Heated surfaces• Cutting and welding operations


Potential Ignition Sources at Haz Mat Scenes

• Radiant heat• Heat caused by friction or chemical reactions• Cigarettes• Cameras• Road flares


Potential Ignition Sources in Explosive Atmospheres

• Opening or closing a switch or electrical circuit• Turning on a flashlight• Operating a radio• Activating a cell phone


Thermal Hazards — Cold Temperatures

• Cryogenic and liquefied gases– Freeze burns and cold injuries

• Anhydrous ammonia – Cold injuries– Vapors are toxic and may catch fire


Asphyxiation Hazards

• Asphyxiants affect the oxygenation of the body and lead to suffocation– Simple asphyxiants — Gases that displace the

oxygen necessary for breathing– Chemical asphyxiants — Substances that prohibit

the body from using oxygen


Emergency Response GuidebookEmergency Response Guidebook

• The ERG is a responder’s tool for success.• Every emergency vehicle should have an ERG.• Purpose:

– An aid for identification of the material involved.

– Outlines basic initial actions.– Recommends protective action areas.– Serves as an initial incident safety plan.– National and international emergency

contact phone numbers.


Know this book alwaysThis guidebook was developed for use by firefighters, police, and emergency services personnel. It provides information on numbered guide sheets for initial actions at a hazardous materials incident. Proper guide numbers are selected by using: • The four-digit ID number on the placard, orange label or on shipping papers. • The proper shipping name of a material. • A placard or part of a placard. • The DOT Guidebook is divided into three main parts:

Yellow pages.............................List materials in numerical order.Blue pages...............................List materials in alphabetic order.Orange Top pages.........................Emergency guides.Green Top pages ........Evacuation/Isolation Distances for the first 30 minutes if not fire.


Shipping Papers

• Rail– Way Bill– Consist

• Highway– Bill of Lading– Freight Bill– Manifest

• Air– Air Bill


Maintain regional emergency response equipment and facilities lists

Develop SOP’s for facility and emergency personnelIdentify facilities

and transportation routes

Develop timely detection and notification procedures

Maintainevacuation plans

Provide training

Test and exercise hazmat plans

Designate community and facility coordinators

LEPC


Six Basic Indications to RecognitionSix Basic Indications to Recognition

1 - Occupancy and location

2 - Container shape and size

3 - Placards and labels

4 - Shipping papers/facility

documents

5 - Markings and colors

6 - Human senses


Indication #1 - Occupancy and LocationIndication #1 - Occupancy and Location

• Specific occupancy or general area

• Fixed facilities• Five modes of hazardous

materials transportation– Rail, air, marine, highway and

pipeline

• Drug lab considerations


Indication #1 – Illegal OperationsIllegal Operations (Drug Labs)• Chemical hazards vary• Booby traps• Labs can be found anywhere

Some Indications to the presence of a drug lab:• Unusual traffic• Chemical odors• Fortified• Occupants smoke outside


Indication #2 - Container Shape and SizeIndication #2 - Container Shape and Size

• Classifications– Portable, fixed or transportation– Refer to the Rail and Road Identification Chart in the ERG

• Pressure– Non-pressurized, low or high pressure

• Vapor Pressure and Storage– The higher the pressure, the greater the potential for catastrophic

failure– BLEVE


Name the new hazards and know the risks


DOT Placard Color Codes

Explosive Oxidizer Flammable

Health Hazard Water Reacative Nonflammable Gas


Indication #3 - Placards and LabelsIndication #3 - Placards and Labels

• Placards and their limitations– Not always required– 1000 pound rule

• Placards and labels used for transport are based upon DOT Hazard Class– Refer to the ERG Table of Placards

• Nine Hazard Classes– Subdivided into divisions– Refer to the ERG Hazard

Classification System


Hazard Class 1 - ExplosivesHazard Class 1 - Explosives

Six Subdivisions1.1 - Mass explosion hazard

1.2 - Projectile hazard

1.3 - Fire, minor blast or projectile

1.4 - Minor explosion

1.5 - Very insensitive explosives

1.6 - Extremely insensitive


Hazard Class 2 - GasesHazard Class 2 - Gases

• Pressurized or liquefied• Product and container present

hazards• Three Subdivisions

2.1 - Flammable gases

2.2 - Non-Flammable, Non-Poisonous

2.3 - Poisonous Gases


Hazard Class 3 - Flammable/Combustible Liquids

Hazard Class 3 - Flammable/Combustible Liquids

• Flammable Liquids can be ignited at room temperature

• Combustible Liquids require some degree of pre-heating to ignite

• Number 1 rule - eliminate ignition sources


All compressed gases and containersTHINK

• PRINCIPLE HAZARDS: – Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) – Explosion – Asphyxiation – Corrosiveness – Frost bite – Reactivity – Oxidizers – Large expansion


Hazard Class 4 - Flammable SolidsHazard Class 4 - Flammable Solids

Three Subdivisions4.1 - Flammable Solids

4.2 - Spontaneously Combustible

4.3 - Dangerous When Wet


Hazard Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

Hazard Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

• Oxidizers release oxygen to enhance or intensify the burn

• With strong fuels, oxidizers can create conditions which can lead to violent combustion

• Many Organic Peroxides are very unstable


Hazard Class 6 - Toxic and Infectious Substances

Hazard Class 6 - Toxic and Infectious Substances

• Poisonous to human– Can include severely irritating

substances– “Tear Gas”, Hydrocyanic acid,

Carbon Tetrachloride

• Infectious Substances– Potential to cause diseases in humans– Anthrax, human blood and many

body fluids


Hazard Class 7 - Radioactive MaterialsHazard Class 7 - Radioactive Materials

• Ionizing radiation hazard• Exposure does not always

result in contamination• Safety Rules:

Time, Distance and Shielding

• Shipped in specialized containers


Hazard Class 8 - CorrosivesHazard Class 8 - Corrosives

Materials which cause destruction to human skin tissue or a liquid that has a severe

corrosion rate on steel.


Hazard Class 9 - Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

Hazard Class 9 - Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

• ORM A - Dry Ice• ORM B - Quick Lime, Metallic

mercury• ORM C - Asphalt, Battery parts• ORM D - Consumer commodities• ORM E - Hazardous substances

and hazardous wastes


Pesticide LabelsPesticide Labels

• Product name• Active ingredients• Signal word

– Caution– Warning– Danger (Poison)

• Precautionary statements


Facility DocumentsFacility Documents

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)– Required for hazardous substances which are

stored, manufactured, or used in the work place– Provides a variety of information such as product

identification, physical/chemical properties, fire data, health data, reactivity data, etc.

• Other facility documents– Emergency Response Plans (ERP)– Emergency Action Plans (EAP)


Indication #5 - Markings and ColorsIndication #5 - Markings and Colors

• Container colors are not always standardized

• DOT identification numbers


Indication #5 - NFPA 704 DiamondIndication #5 - NFPA 704 Diamond


NFPA 704

• Health — Blue– 4 — Severe hazard– 3 — Serious hazard– 2 — Moderate hazard– 1 — Slight hazard– 0 — Minimal hazard


NFPA 704

• Flammability — Red– 4 — Flammable gases, volatile liquids, pyrophoric

materials– 3 — Ignites at ambient temperatures– 2 — Ignites when moderately heated– 1 — Must be preheated to burn– 0 — Will not burn


NFPA 704

• Instability — Yellow– 4 — Capable of detonation or explosive

decomposition at ambient conditions– 3 — Capable of detonation or explosive

decomposition with strong initiating source– 2 — Violent chemical change possible at elevated

temperature and pressure– 1 — Normally stable, but becomes unstable if

heated– 0 — Normally stable


Indication #6 - Human SensesIndication #6 - Human Senses

TASTE

TOUCH

SMELL

SIGHT

SOUND

RISK LEVEL

High

Low


Steps for Proper Use of the ERGSteps for Proper Use of the ERG

• Recognize & Identify Hazardous Materials– Name– Four digit ID number– Placard description

• Look up the guide page number• Take basic protective actions according to the

guide page• Initiate isolation and evacuation according to

protective action distances


Basic Protective Actions

Precautions to protect yourself and others in a hazardous materials incident:

– Approach an incident from upwind and uphill– Upwind always takes priority– If you cannot approach from upwind stay further

away– Use binoculars to identify labeling– Look for all hazards– Relay hazards and safety information to others


Control Zones

Incident

Decontamination

Entry Corridor

HOT WARM COLD

SafeRefuge

WIND

Command area,Support functions


Hazard Control Zones


Hot Zone

• An area surrounding an incident that has been contaminated or has the potential to become contaminated by a released material

• Generally the same as the isolation distance and could include the protective action zone


Warm Zone

• An area abutting the hot zone and extending to the cold zone

• Considered safe for workers to enter without special protective clothing (until decontamination starts) unless they are assigned a task requiring increased protection

• Used as a buffer between the hot and cold zones and the place to decontaminate personnel and equipment exiting the hot zone


Cold Zone

• Encompasses the warm zone and is used to carry out all other support functions of the incident or haz mat operations

• Workers in the cold zone are not required to wear personal protective clothing


Properties ofHazardous Materials

• LEL/LFL (Lower explosive limit/Lower flammable limit) — The lowest concentration that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source is present

• UEL/UFL (Upper explosive limit/Upper flammable limit) — The highest concentration that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source is present


AIR MONITORING

• What is a normal Atmosphere?– Oxygen: 20.8%– Carbon Monoxide: 0 PPM– LEL: 0%– H2S: 0 PPM

• When is the Atmosphere not normal?


Decontamination Corridor


Decontamination

• Emergency Decontamination Procedure– Wet– Strip– Flush– Cover

WET

STRIP

FLUSH

COVER


Decontamination for Contaminated First Responders

• Contaminated clothing and equipment must be bagged and tagged


Protective Action OptionsProtective Action Options

• Shelter in-place– Short duration incidents– Greater hazard to attempt

to move– Impractical to evacuate

• Evacuation– Potential for massive fire or

explosion– Long duration incidents


Incident Command System (ICS)

• Initiate ICS, it assists to identify those authorized to enter the scene

• The senior response official implements ICS

• Review the ICS specified in the ERP and SOGs

• Requires appointment of a safety officer


Routes and Extent of Exposure

• Inhalation• Ingestion• Injection• Absorption (dermal contact)

Children and elderly are of special concern.


Preventing Contamination

Prevent Direct Contamination• Avoid direct contact with the product, its gases,

vapors or smoke from any fire

Prevent Secondary Contamination• Do not allow anyone or anything to leave the area

without being evaluated for decontamination needs

• This evaluation needs to be performed by qualified individuals and properly protected personnel


Proper Guide Page UseProper Guide Page Use


Table of Protective Action DistancesTable of Protective Action Distances


Recognition

• The First Responder must be able to recognize a hazardous materials incident.

RESPONDERS SHOULD NOT RUSH IN! IF YOU ARE HURT OR KILLED

YOU CAN NOT HELP ANYONE.


Be Aware of any of the Following:• Vapor clouds• Smoke• Injured Persons• Environmental Damage• Evidence of explosive devices• Booby traps• Surrounding populations• Dispersion pathways• Suspicious persons around the scene


Potential Ignition Sources

• Traffic and Emergency Vehicles• Open Flames• Flares• Lightening, or Static Discharges• Electrical Sources, Downed Power Lines• Flashlights and Two-Way Radios• Exothermic Chemical Reactions (Heat Producing)

Incident Command System

INCIDENTCOMMANDER

OPERATIONS PLANNING LOGISTICS

PUBLICINFORMATION

OFFICER

SAFETY OFFICER

LIAISONOFFICER

FINANCE &ADMINISTRATION


Potential OutcomesTRACEM

• Thermal (Fire and/or Explosion)• Radiological• Chemical exposure• Asphyxiation (Oxygen Deficiency)• Etiological (Biological Hazards)• Mechanical


Thermal (Fire and/or Explosion)

• Heat from a fire or the heat released by a chemical reaction

• Extreme cold, such as liquefied gas or cryogenic liquids


RadiologicalRadiological

Alpha - Most damaging, but least penetratingHazard – InternalShielding – Paper, dead layer of skin, travels 1 to 2 cm in air

+ +

Beta - Small particle; low penetrationHazard - Primarily external, but also internalShielding - Plastic, safety glasses, travels several feet in air

- -


• Neutron - Highly penetrating• Hazard - External - most external dose due to

gamma• Shielding – plastic, water N

Gamma / X - Highly penetratingHazard - External - most external dose due to gammaShielding - Lead, steel, concrete, thick layers of water

Radiological (cont.)Radiological (cont.)


Characteristics of RadiationCharacteristics of Radiation

Example of the penetrating power of the various types of ionizing radiation


Asphyxiation

• Oxygen Deficiency• Chemical Reaction

THE RELEASE OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS (I.E. NITROGEN) CAN DEPLETE THE OXYGEN LEVEL BELOW SURVIVAL LIMITS.


Chemical

• Toxic or poisonous effects• Destructive effects from the exposure of the

chemical on human tissue


Etiological

• Bacteria• Viruses

Bacillus anthracis


Mechanical

• Debris• Excessive percussion (Noise)


Routes of exposure

• Inhalation• Ingestion• Absorption• Injection


Inhalation

• Nose• Throat• Trachea• Lungs


Ingestion

• Mouth• Throat• Esophagus• Stomach• Intestines


Absorption

• Eyes• Skin


Injection

• Needles• Projectiles• Shards• Nails


Exposure to Hazards

• Acute• Chronic

• Both types of exposures can have acute (immediate) and/or chronic (long term) effects.


Terrorist Events

• Intentional release• Secondary devices• Inflict mass casualties


Emergency DeconIf a rescue is attempted and is successful • the victim and the rescuer should be flushed

with copious amounts of water• Strip their outer level of clothing • await hazardous materials operations level

responders to arrive

THE RESCUER NOW BECOMES A VICTIM BECAUSE OF UNKNOWN HAZARD EXPOSURE!!!


Transportation Sources

RailAir

MarinePipelineHighway


Rail

• Active or Abandoned• List of telephone numbers for immediate

contact


Pipeline

• Natural Gas• Crude Oil• Gasoline• Diesel• Heating Oil


Highway

Responders are more likely to have a hazardous incident related to highway transportation

than with any other mode..


DOT/MC 306Non-pressure Tank


DOT/MC 307Low Pressure Chemical Tank


MC-312Corrosive Liquid Tank


MC-331High Pressure Tank


MC-338Cryogenic Liquid Tank


Compressed Gas/Tube Trailer


Dry Bulk Cargo Tanker


Inter-Modal Containers


Railroad Tank CarsPressure


Railroad Tank CarsNon-pressure


Railroad Tank CarsOther


Railroad Tanks CarsOthers (cont.)


Storage Containers


Storage Containers (cont.)


Storage Containers (cont.)


Drums



RESPONDERS SHOULD ALWAYS BE OBSERVANT OF SECONDARY DEVICES IF DRUGS OR TERROISM IS

CONSIDERED IN ANYWAY


Confinement• Controlling the product that has already been released

from its container• Function — Minimizes the amount of contact the product

makes with people, property, and the environment• Tactics

– Absorption– Adsorption– Blanketing/covering– Dam, dike, diversion, and retention– Vapor suppression


Confinement


Absorption

• A physical and/or chemical event occurring during contact between materials that have an attraction for each other

• One material is retained in the other• Procedure — The absorbent is spread directly

onto the hazardous material or in a location where the material is expected to flowNote: After use, absorbents must be treated and disposed of as hazardous materials because they retain the properties of the materials they absorb


Adsorption and Blanketing/Covering

• Adsorption — The molecules of the hazardous material physically adhere to the material

• Blanketing/covering — Covering the surface of the spill to prevent dispersion of materials


Damming, Diking,Diversion, and Retention

• A way to control the flow of liquid hazardous materials away from the point of discharge

• Can be made by using earthen materials or materials carried on response vehicles

• Procedure — Construct curbs that direct or divert the flow away from gutters, drains, storm sewers, flood-control channels, and outfallsNote: Any construction materials that contact the spilled material must be properly disposed of.


Vapor Suppression

• The action taken to reduce the emission of vapors at a haz mat spill

• Spills of flammable and combustible liquids may require fire-fighting foams.


Using Foams• Application methods

– All fire-fighting foams (except fluoroprotein types) should not be plunged directly into the spill, but applied onto the ground at the edge of the spill and rolled gently onto the material.

– Rainfall method — Spraying foam into the air over the target area in a fog pattern

• Considerations– Water destroys and washes away foam blankets; do not use

water streams in conjunction with the application of foam.– A material must be below its boiling point; foam cannot seal

vapors of boiling liquids.


Other Spill-Control Tactics

• Ventilation — Controlling the movement of air by natural or mechanical means

• Vapor dispersion– The action taken to direct or influence the course

of airborne hazardous materials– Procedure: Using pressurized streams of water

from handlines or unmanned master streams; streams create turbulence, which increases the rate of mixing with air and reduces the concentration of the hazardous material


Other Spill-Control Tactics• Dispersion — The breaking up or dispersing of a

hazardous material that has spilled on a solid or liquid surface

• Dilution– The application of water to a water-soluble material to

reduce the hazard– Is not typically used for spill control, but during

decontamination operations– May be used when very small amounts of corrosive

materials are involved


Other Spill-Control Tactics

• Dissolution — The process of dissolving a gas in water

• Neutralization — The process of raising or lowering the pH of corrosive materials to render them netural


Bulk Spill Clean-up Materials


Mercury Clean-up Kit & Chemical Specific Neutralizing Agents


Spill Response Kits Available


REMEMBER CHEMICALS ABSORB

Presentations & Public Speaking

First responder chemical response awareness