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CHAGRIN / SOUTHEAST REGIONALHAZARDOUS MATERIALS

RESPONSE TEAM

Standard Operating Procedures Version 3.0 July 1, 2001

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Confidential

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Not For Public Release

CHAGRIN/SE HAZ-MAT RESPONSE TEAM - STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Page 1 Version 3.0 = Revised 07/01/2001

1) INTENT AND PURPOSE

a) The following procedures are guidelines that should be used by all personnel of the Chagrin/Southeast Regional Hazardous Material Team.

b) The intent of creating these Standard Operating Procedures is to develop a

uniform approach and method to tasks and situations which may be encountered by members of the team.

c) These procedures are not expected to encompass every situation that will be

encountered. At times, good judgement or common sense may dictate a course of action contrary to these guidelines. Of course when personnel deviate from these SOP's they will be expected to be able to justify their actions.



2) PERSONNEL POLICIES

a) These personnel management policies were developed by the CHAGRIN/SE Regional Hazardous Materials Committee for the purpose of establishing minimum criteria for team members.

b) Team Organization

1) The HMRT shall consist of not more than forty-five regular team

members, which shall include a minimum of six team leaders, appointed by the Committee. The team leaders shall act as HAZ-MAT Control Officers at incidents, if present.

2) The Hazardous Material Committee shall appoint one of the team

members to the position of Team Coordinator. The Team Coordinator shall:

a) coordinate and supervise all team activities, including team

meetings and training sessions

b) attend Hazardous Material Committee meetings and act as liaison between the committee and the team members

c) attend meetings of county, state and regional haz-mat related organizations and act as liaison with these organizations and the Hazardous Materials Committee.

d) implement and insure compliance with these Standard Operating Procedures and other directives of the Hazardous Materials Committee.

e) act as an ex-officio member of all sub- committees

f) supervise the activities of the HCO's and coordinate the HCO scheduling

3) In addition, the Hazardous Material Committee may appoint support

personnel and advisory personnel, who will be known as "technical advisors". These individuals are not active members of the team, but will assist with training and to act as advisors during incidents. Technical advisors shall not engage in entry, decon or site mitigation activities and their role is specifically limited to acting as an advisor to the HCO when requested.



c) Membership Requirements

1) Persons seeking active membership on the HMRT shall meet the following minimum requirements for consideration:

a) All regular team members shall be members of a fire

department which is a participating community in the CHAGRIN/SE Council of Governments.

b) All candidates seeking appointment as regular team members

must be nominated by the Fire Chief of their fire department on the appropriate HMRT application form.

c) No nomination shall be considered unless the candidate shall

have already completed their probationary period on the fire department and shall have voluntarily requested to be a member of the HMRT.

d) All candidates seeking appointment as regular team members

shall have successfully completed the following training courses prior to appointment:

(1) Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness Course

- Ohio Fire Academy Outreach Program or equivalent

(2) Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations Course - Ohio Fire Academy Outreach Program or equivalent

2) Candidates who meet these qualifications may request an application

from the Chairman of the Personnel Sub-Committee of the Haz-Mat Executive Board. The completed application shall be returned to the Chairman of the Personnel Sub-Committee for consideration by the committee.

3) When an opening becomes available on the team, all candidates

meeting the above qualifications shall be considered by Personnel Sub-Committee.

4) After considering the candidates qualifications and personal interviews,

the Personnel Sub-Committee shall recommend specific candidates for the vacant position to the Hazardous Materials Committee.



5) The Hazardous Materials Committee may then appoint a candidate or candidates to fill the vacant position(s) by majority vote.

6) Newly appointed candidates shall be appointed as probationary

members for a period of one year during which time they must successfully complete all their required training.

7) Probationary members who fail to complete the required training, or

upon the recommendation of the Haz-Mat Coordinator or a member of the Hazardous Materials Committee, may be removed from the team without cause by a majority vote of the Hazardous Materials Committee.

8) Members who have completed their probationary period may only be

removed with cause by a majority vote of the Hazardous Materials Committee.

d) Medical Surveillance

1) All newly appointed team members shall successfully complete a

medical surveillance physical examination by an approved physician. Approved physicians are those who have completed a Medical Surveillance agreement with the Haz-Mat Team.

2) No team member shall participate in any incidents or practical training

evolutions until they have successfully completed this examination, and the approved Physician's Certificate has been received by the HMRT Coordinator.

3) Physical exams shall be paid for by the member’s fire department. The

exam shall be in compliance with NIOSH/OSHA/EPA Guidelines and shall be repeated not less that every twenty- four months, or after any significant exposure, or retirement from the team.

4) Failure to complete the physical examination with the 24 month period

will result in suspension from the team until the physician's certificate has been received by the HMRT Coordinator. If a suspension for lack of successful completion of the physical examination shall remain uncorrected for a period of 60 days, the member shall be retired from the team. Members may appeal the suspension or termination to the Haz-Mat Committee for consideration of extraordinary circumstances.



e) Technical Advisors

1) Persons seeking positions as technical advisors to the HMRT shall meet the following minimum requirements for consideration:

2) Shall have a specific area of expertise which could be of potential

benefit to the team in a training capacity or at an incident.

3) All candidates seeking appointment as technical advisors shall be nominated by the Fire Chief of a community which is a member in good standing of the Chagrin/Southeast Council of Governments. Such nomination shall be made on the appropriate HMRT application form. All candidates shall submit documentation of their training and level of competence in the specific subject areas which may be of benefit to the HMRT.

4) When a candidate is nominated and has submitted his resume and

training documentation, his application will be reviewed by the Personnel Sub-Committee.

5) After reviewing the candidate's qualifications the Personnel

Sub-Committee may elect to conduct a personal interview with the candidate.

6) If the Personnel Sub-Committee determines that the candidate is

qualified and would be beneficial to the team, they may recommend appointment of the candidate as a Technical Advisor.

7) The Hazardous Materials Committee shall then vote to accept or reject

the motion for appointment of the candidate as a Technical Advisor to the team, by majority vote.

f) Identification Cards

1) A photo identification card shall be issued to each member of the Hazardous Materials Response Team. The cards shall be valid for 24 months from date of issue.

2) The photo identification card shall remain the property of the

Hazardous Materials Response Team and shall be surrendered upon termination or any other request of the Hazmat Team Coordinator or Hazardous Materials Committee.



3) TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

a) New Members

1) Each regular member must complete the following courses within one year from the date of appointment to the HMRT:

a) Incident Command System

Ohio Fire Academy Outreach Program Note: The ICS replaces "Preparing for Incident Command"

and "Commanding the Initial Response" as team requirements. These courses are also still acceptable.

b) Basic Confined Space Rescue Operations

Cleveland State University or equivalent

c) Hazardous Materials Technician Course Ohio Fire Academy Program or equivalent

2) In addition to the above requirements, each new member shall

complete a minimum of four hours training in the CHAGRIN/SE HMRT Orientation Course. This course shall include:

a) Tools and equipment b) HMRT Vehicles c) HMRT SOP's and Organizational Structure d) Resource/Reference Materials e) Personnel Protective Equipment

b) Refresher Training

1) All regular team members shall maintain certification as Hazardous Material Technicians, and must attend at least twenty-four hours of approved hazmat training per year to remain active on the team, which shall include at least three HMRT monthly training sessions during each six month review period.

2) Technical advisors must attend at least three HMRT training sessions

per year in order to remain associated with the HMRT.

3) Training programs must be approved by the Training Sub-Committee of the Chagrin/Southeast Council of Governments to be considered part of the required hours.



4) Monthly training sessions will be planned and scheduled by the

Training Sub-Committee at least three months in advance. The schedule shall be distributed to HMRT members so they may plan, in advance, to attend.

5) The monthly training sessions are intended to act as refresher classes

and to introduce new concepts, SOP's and equipment.

6) Monthly training sessions will be scheduled to last approximately 2-3 hours per session, and will be offered at least once per month.

7) Training records shall be maintained by the Training Sub-Committee.

Any member who has not attended at least three monthly training sessions in six months, or has not attended 24 hours of approved training during a calendar year will be placed on probationary status for a period of six months.

8) Members on probationary status who remain deficient in their training

attendance after six months shall be removed from the team.

9) If extenuating circumstances, such as active military service, injury or such, prevent completion of the requirements, the member may appeal to the Haz-Mat Executive Board in writing for an extension.

c) Evaluation Of Equivalent Training

1) Persons wishing to have training evaluated for "equivalency" with required courses shall submit a written request to the Chairman of the Training Sub-Committee. The request should include specific information about the course, such as copies of certificates, course outlines and any other related documentation.

2) Equivalency decisions will be made by the Training Sub-Committee

and shall be based on course content and compliance with the training objectives outlined for Hazardous Material Technicians in NFPA 471, 472 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.

3) The final decision as to what constitutes an equivalent course shall rest

solely with the Training Sub-Committee of the Hazardous Materials Committee.



d) Training for Haz-Mat Control Officers

1) In addition to the regular membership training requirements, HCO's

must complete the IAFF Incident Command for Hazardous Materials Incidents Course or Haz-Mat Branch Officer Training Program or equivalent, prior to appointment.



4) TEAM ACTIVATION AND RESPONSE

a) When a hazardous material incident is reported, the appropriate first responder is the local fire department with suppression responsibility for the jurisdiction.

b) The role of the CHAGRIN/SE Regional Hazardous Material Response Team

(HMRT) is to assist the local fire department when assistance is requested.

c) All hazardous material related calls shall initially be directed to the local fire department, and any request for assistance or response of the HMRT must come from the local fire department.

d) The local fire department should respond to the incident, assess the situation

and then the local incident commander (IC) should:

1) Handle the situation with the local resources; or

2) Determine that the incident is of a less critical nature, and request to consult with the scheduled HAZMAT CONTROL OFFICER of the HMRT for telephone advice; or

3) Request the response of an HMRT vehicle or specific equipment

directly from the fire department which houses the equipment for use at the incident without calling for the HMRT; or

4) Request the response of the HMRT and equipment to the scene or

staging area, for evaluation and potential intervention by the HMRT.

e) All requests for consultation with the HAZMAT CONTROL OFFICER, or requests for response of the HMRT, shall be initiated through the HMRT Central Dispatch Center.

f) Solon Fire & Rescue Dispatch shall be the designated HMRT Central Dispatch

Center. The Dispatch Center may be contacted by calling 440-248-1212 twenty-four hours a day.

g) When requesting assistance, the local IC shall contact the HMRT Central

Dispatch Center and advise:

1) Nature of the incident 2) Name of department requesting assistance 3) Location of the incident 4) Location of the staging area



5) Level of assistance requested (Consultation or response of HMRT) 6) Callback telephone number

h) The HMRT Central Dispatch will then contact the appropriate team members

by radio and/or telephone for response to the request. i) If a HMRT response is requested, members who respond shall report to the

designated staging area. If possible they should bring their turnout gear, a change of work clothes and an SCBA with extra cylinder.

j) After dispatching the personnel, the HMRT Dispatcher will contact the

following agencies to verify receipt of the page and response of the equipment:

1) Solon Fire Department 440-248-1212 HMRT Equipment Truck

2) Chagrin Falls Fire Department 440-247-7373 SCBA Cascade System Truck

3) Maple Heights Fire Department 216-662-1212 Command Post Vehicle

4) Garfield Hts Fire Department 216-475-1212 Haz-Mat Trailer

5) Oakwood Fire Department 440-232-1035 6) Scene Support Vehicle

k) If only a consultation is requested, the HMRT Dispatcher will contact the

HAZMAT CONTROL OFFICER (HCO) scheduled for that shift. The HCO will consult with the local IC at the scene by telephone and determine the level of assistance required.

l) Any HMRT Vehicle and/or specific pieces of equipment or supplies may be

borrowed or used for an incident, or any other activity, when the response of the team is not required, with the following conditions:

1) The on-duty HCO shall be notified of the request by the Fire Chief or

his designee of the member community making the request.

2) This request for use of the equipment and/vehicles must be made each time the equipment is used and may only be used by personnel familiar with its safe use and operation.



3) The borrowing community shall be accountable for all vehicles and equipment used, and shall notify the HCO when the equipment is returned of the materials which were used, consumed or damaged at the incident.

4) The HCO shall contact the fire department housing the haz-mat

equipment which is needed and make the request. The fire department housing the equipment may bring the vehicle and/or equipment to the scene for use by the incident community and the IC shall make arrangements for the return of the firefighter to his station, or other arrangements for conveyance of the vehicle and/or equipment may be mutually agreed upon.



5) COMMAND STRUCTURE AT HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENTS

a) The Incident Command System shall be established and utilized by the local fire department and the Hazardous Material Response Team (HMRT) at all hazardous material incidents.

b) Whenever the HMRT is called to an incident, the HAZMAT CONTROL

OFFICER (HCO) shall report to the local incident commander (IC) for a briefing on the incident. All communications with the team will be through the chain of command, starting with the HCO.

c) The HMRT will not "take-over" the incident but rather will serve as a separate

sector of the incident, under the control of the IC.

d) The function of the HMRT is to support the efforts of the local IC. The team will provide equipment and trained personnel to assist the local IC with hazard identification and risk analysis, and then to recommend specific strategic and tactical alternatives for his consideration.

e) If the local IC does not wish to follow the recommendations of the HCO, he

may suggest an alternative plan. If the HCO feels that the alternative plan is not consistent with the SOP's of the HMRT, or if the HCO feels the alternative plan would jeopardize the health and safety of emergency personnel or the public, the HCO should diplomatically advise the local IC of his feelings.

f) In the rare case where the difference cannot be resolved, the HCO has the

authority to remove the HMRT to an area of safety until the HMRT is released from the scene by the local IC.

g) If such a withdrawal is ordered the HCO will provide a complete report of the

circumstances of the withdrawal to the Haz-Mat Committee for its review and consideration.



6) COMMAND POSITIONS OF THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT

a) INCIDENT COMMANDER (COMMAND)

1) Local Fire Chief, or his designate, of the community in which the incident occurs. IC has the ultimate responsibility for all activities at the incident.

2) If the incident has multiple locations, the IC may designate a "Scene

Commander" for each location, while maintaining command of all locations from a centralized command post. In this case, the Scene Commander would assume the normal command functions of the IC at each site.

b) EMS CONTROL OFFICER (EMS CONTROL)

1) Appointed by IC when mass casualties or potential for mass casualties

exists.

2) Acts as EMS Sector officer and is responsible for all emergency medical care and treatment of emergency responders and the public, except the members of the HMRT.

3) Appoints and supervises the Triage Officer, Treatment Officer, and

Transport Officer.

c) FIRE CONTROL OFFICER (FIRE CONTROL)

1) Appointed by IC when a fire problem or potential fire problem exists.

2) Acts as Fire Suppression Sector Officer and is responsible for all water supply, hose stream and fire suppression operations.

3) Appoints and supervises the Water Supply Officer and Fire

Suppression Sector Officers.

d) LAW ENFORCEMENT LIAISON OFFICER (POLICE)

1) Appointed by IC, and is usually Police Chief, or his designate.

2) Coordinates and/or supervises the law enforcement activities in the vicinity of the incident. Responsible for maintaining the perimeter around the incident site, maintaining an emergency response corridor



for access of emergency vehicles to the incident site, and carrying out the evacuations as ordered by the IC.

3) Appoints and supervises the Evacuation Coordinator, and the Perimeter

Control Officer.



7) COMMAND POSITIONS OF THE HAZ-MAT SECTOR (HMRT)

a) HAZ-MAT CONTROL OFFICER (HAZMAT CONTROL)

1) Reports directly to the IC and acts as the HMRT leader. Responsible for all activities of the HMRT.

2) Appoints the Research Officer, Entry Officer, Decon Officer, Support

Officer and Medical Officer.

3) Supervises the provision of equipment and trained personnel to the IC.

4) Oversees the hazard identification and risk analysis, and prepares specific tactical and strategic alternatives for consideration by the IC.

b) HAZ-MAT RESEARCH OFFICER (RESEARCH)

1) Responsible for preparing a risk analysis of the incident for use by

HAZMAT CONTROL.

2) Supervises and coordinates documentation of all incident data and collection of specific information on the hazard. RESEARCH reports directly to HAZMAT CONTROL

3) Gathers and retains possession of all available documents such as

shipping papers and MSDS sheets.

4) Establishes contact with Chemtrec, manufacturers, shippers and other sources of information for hazard identification and risk analysis.

5) All information resources, such as reference books, computer

databases, etc. remain under his direct supervision and physical control. c) HAZ-MAT ENTRY OFFICER (ENTRY)

1) Responsible for coordinating and supervising entry operations and all

operations in the hot zone.

2) Responsible for designating the hot and warm zones in consultation with the HM Safety Officer and the HCO.

3) Supervises all activities of the entry team, back-up team, suit tenders

and hazard control.



4) Reports directly to HAZMAT CONTROL.

d) HAZ-MAT DECONTAMINATION OFFICER (DECON)

1) Supervises and coordinates all activities related to decontamination of personnel, victims and equipment, including decontamination of all victims prior to medical care by EMS Sector.

2) Establishes an isolation area for personnel and equipment, provides

complete decontamination, and then supervises the release of personnel to the MEDICAL Officer for normal or emergency medical evaluation and care.

3) DECON reports directly to HAZMAT CONTROL.

e) HAZ-MAT SUPPORT OFFICER (SUPPORT)

1) Maintains the HMRT equipment in a state of readiness at the incident.

2) Provides equipment and supplies to the HMRT as requested by ENTRY and DECON.

3) Responsible for requesting additional resources as required, such as

breathing air, cylinders, AFFF, etc. via mutual aid, and from outside agencies, through the HCO.

4) Maintains detailed records of equipment and supplies used at the

incident for later invoicing of the generator of the spill.


f) HAZ-MAT MEDICAL/REHAB OFFICER (MEDICAL)

1) Supervises the emergency medical care of the HMRT at the incident and maintains a paramedic unit at the scene for the exclusive use of the HMRT personnel.

2) Obtains information from RESEARCH on toxic hazards and prepares a

contingency for treatment of exposed HMRT personnel.

3) Provides all pre-entry, post-decon and post incident medical screening



of all members who work in chemical or thermal protective equipment including Entry Team, Back-up Team and Decon Team personnel.

4) Sets up and area and supervises the rehabilitation of haz-mat team

personnel, including medical monitoring, providing a secure shelter from the elements and insuring adequate hydration.


g) HAZ-MAT SAFETY OFFICER (SAFETY)

1) Observes all aspects of the HAZ-MAT SECTOR from a safety perspective. Monitors compliance with HMRT SOP's and accepted safe practices.

2) Shall act as advisor to the HCO, be present during briefings and assist

in development of plans.

3) Shall have authority to order any unsafe activities to cease while the activity is reviewed with the personnel or officer who is directing the activity.

4) Shall be in communication with and shall coordinate activities with the Overall Incident Safety Officer.

5) Shall complete and submit to the HCO a completed, site-specific Safety

Plan.

6) Shall review, consult and assist the Entry Officer with the designation of appropriate hot and warm zones.

7) Reports directly to HAZ-MAT CONTROL.



8) HAZARD CONTROL

a) The first step toward gaining control of any hazardous materials incident is to isolate the people from the problem. The establishment of hazard zones will help reduce exposure to response personnel and the public, as well as reducing the spread of contamination.

b) HAZARD ZONES TERMINOLOGY

1) Hot Zone

a) The area immediately surrounding a hazardous materials

incident, which extends far enough to prevent adverse effects from hazardous materials releases to personnel outside of the zone. This area is considered immediately dangerous to life, and requires complete, appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

b) Entry requires approval by the Entry Officer. Complete

back-up, rescue and decontamination teams must be in place at the perimeter before operations begin.

2) Warm Zone

a) The area of forward control for haz-mat operations, outside the

hot zone. This area is restricted to operations and support personnel essential to hands-on work being performed in the hot zone. The warm zone also contains the decontamination area.

b) This area includes control points for the access corridor and

thus assists in reducing the spread of contamination.

c) Entry into the warm zone requires the approval of the HCO.

3) Cold Zone

a) An area outside of the warm zone which is free of contamination for those emergency responders and other agencies directly involved in the operation which includes the local IC, Command Post, Staging Area, EMS operations, Haz-Mat EMS Officer and representatives from other appropriate agencies. No personal protective equipment is required in this area, unless designated by the IC.



b) This area may also be referred to as the Support Zone.

c) Entry into the cold zone requires the approval of the local IC or

his designate.

c) ESTABLISHMENT OF HAZARD ZONES

1) Establishment of safety or hazard zones should be initiated by first responders prior to the arrival of the HMRT. As a minimum, first responders should:

(1) Assume command

(2) Limit access to the area of the hazard

(3) Call for assistance

(4) Attempt to identify the hazard from a safe distance

(5) Begin evacuation, if indicated

2) The HCO or Entry Officer may re-define the zones at any time. This

may be necessary due to changing conditions, or a requirement for more room for HMRT operations.

3) When possible the zones should be designated by physical barriers

such as rope, cones and barrier tape. Access points should be tightly controlled to prevent the spread of contamination.



9) HOT ZONE SAFETY PROCEDURES

a) The health and safety of the response personnel are major considerations in all response operations. Each tactical and strategic objective must include an on- going analysis of the hazards involved and incorporate procedures for preventing or minimizing the risk to response personnel.

b) Members of the entry team and back-up team must be adequately trained and

thoroughly briefed on anticipated hazards, equipment to be worn, safety practices to be followed, emergency procedures, and communications prior to entry into the hot zone.

c) No personnel shall enter the hot zone without authorization of the Entry

Officer.

d) All personnel entering the hot zone must utilize the buddy system. As a minimum, two members are assigned to the entry team and two other members, suitably equipped, are required as safety backup.

e) The smallest number of personnel which can effectively accomplish the task

should be utilized in hot zone operations. This will minimize risk of exposure and reduce contamination. Equipment should be minimized as well.

f) Whenever possible, visual contact should be maintained between members of

the entry team, the Entry Officer and the back-up team. When this is not possible, a reliable communications system must be established prior to hot zone entry.

g) Entry team members should remain close together in order to assist each other

during emergencies.

h) Communications using radios, hand signals, signs or other means must be established prior to hot zone entry. The emergency hand signals SOP and audible emergency warning SOP shall be reviewed with entry and back-up team members prior to hot zone entry.

i) Entry team personnel will not be sent into the hot zone until an suitable

decontamination area has been established. All entry personnel will be briefed on entrance and exit locations, and an emergency escape route must be designated.

j) The Entry Officer shall insure that sufficient SCBA air remains to allow the

entry team to safely exit the hazardous environment and for completion of



decon procedures.

k) Entry team personnel should practice unfamiliar operations in a safe area prior to doing the actual procedure in the hot zone.

l) Any equipment brought over the Hot Line is to remain there until operations

are concluded. A "tool-drop" area shall be designated in the Hot Zone and all "contaminated" tools and equipment shall be deposited on it, for later reuse, decontamination or proper disposal.

m) No team shall make entry unless a back-up team wearing the appropriate level

of personal protective equipment is ready to go on air and perform a rescue at all times during the entry team operation.

n) No team shall make entry unless an ALS equipped EMS unit, with ALS

personnel and transport capabilities, is available at the scene at all times during the entry operation.

o) Personnel selected for the entry and back-up team shall be members of the

HMRT, they should be thoroughly trained in the use of the personal protective equipment which has been selected for the incident.

p) Medical Screening Prior to use of Chemical Protective Clothing

1) All personnel selected for work in chemical or thermal protective clothing, including the entry, back-up and decon teams shall be screened by the Haz-Mat Medical Officer prior operations. Screening shall include:

a) Time of examination b) Resting Pulse Rate c) Resting Respiratory Rate d) Resting Blood Pressure e) Oral Body Temperature f) Body Weight g) Insure adequate hydration with water or Gatorade.

2) The following guidelines shall be used by the Entry Officer, Medical

Officer and Safety Officer in making decisions about the medical suitability of team members to work in chemical or thermal protective equipment in order to work on the entry, back-up or decon team.

a) Any member who has any of the following conditions during

medical screening shall not be permitted to serve on an entry or



back-up team, and should not perform "suit-work":

(1) Pulse Rate Greater than 100

(2) Blood Pressure Systolic less than 100 Systolic greater than 150 Diastolic greater than 100

(3) Respiratory Rate Less than 12 or Greater than 28

(4) Oral Temperature Equal to or greater than 100 degrees F

(5) Skin Rashes or open wounds

(6) Lung Sounds Wheezing/rales

(7) ECG Abnormal Arrhythmia

(8) General Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea

within past 24 hours

(9) Medications Any taken in past 24 hrs

(10) Alcohol Any in past 12 hours

(11) Hydration Inability to prehydrate with 8-16 oz of water

q) RECORDKEEPING PROCEDURES

1) SUIT/SCBA ENTRY FLOWCHART

a) The Entry Officer, or his designate, shall keep a written record of all personnel who enter the hot zone. This record, called the Suit/SCBA Entry Flowchart, shall include:

(1) Name of each suited team member (2) Initial SCBA cylinder contents of each member (3) Time each member begins breathing cylinder air (4) Time each member enters into hot zone (5) Time each member exits from hot zone (6) Time each member is off cylinder air



(7) Time each member has completed decontamination

2) PERSONNEL EXPOSURE REPORT

a) The Entry Officer, or his designate, shall complete a Personnel Exposure Report for each member who enters the hot zone, and/or is exposed to substances where a potential exists for inhalation, absorption, or ingestion of the substance, even if they have no symptoms. This report shall include:

(1) Name of employee (2) Date of exposure (3) Location of incident (4) Chemical exposed to, if known (5) Activity at time of exposure (6) PPE being used (7) Type of exposure

b) The Entry Officer shall submit this report to the HCO of the

incident at the completion of the incident. The HCO shall submit this report to the HMRT Coordinator with the completed incident report.

c) The HMRT Coordinator shall distribute a copy of this report to

each of the following:

(1) The employee (2) The HMRT Medical Director (3) The Haz-Mat Team Coordinator (4) The employee's HMRT personnel file

3) COMPLETED INCIDENT REPORT

a) The HCO, or his designate, shall keep a written record of each

incident and/or telephone consultation to which the team member's respond or assist. Upon completion of the incident, the HCO shall prepare an Haz-Mat Incident Report. This report shall include:

(1) Location of Incident (2) Date of Incident (3) Time of operation started (4) Time of completion of operation (5) Identification of materials, if known



(6) A narrative of the incident listing the specific objectives attempted, type of action Taken and the specific results of the actions taken

(7) Copies of Checklist Reports from (8) HMRT sector officer at the incident (9) The Suit/SCBA Entry Flowchart (10) The Personnel Exposure Reports (11) A List of Supplies and Equipment Used k) An ICS

Assignment Flowchart (12) The Site Safety Plan

b) This Compiled HMRT Incident Report and Narrative shall be submitted to the Haz-Mat Team Coordinator as soon as possible after completion.

c) A copy of this Compiled HMRT Incident Report and Narrative

shall be submitted to the Fire Chief of the incident community by the HMRT Coordinator as soon as possible after completion.

10) EMERGENCY SIGNALS

a) HAND SIGNALS

1) Hand signals can be used as a back-up form of communications in the event of a failure of radio communications equipment.

2) The following hand signals should be universally recognized by HMRT

members.

a) OUT OF AIR / PROBLEM WITH SCBA Hands Gripping Throat.

b) LEAVE AREA IMMEDIATELY Grasp Partners Wrist or Waist

c) NEED ASSISTANCE / GET HELP Hands on Top of Head

d) OK / I'M ALRIGHT Thumbs up

e) NO / NEGATIVE



Thumbs down

b) AUDIBLE EMERGENCY SIGNALS

1) Unless otherwise designated the haz-mat truck air horns shall be used with long repeated intermittant blasts to indicate an emergency in the hot-zone and for personnel in the hot-zone to report to decon or an area of refuge in the hot- zone to be accounted for and pending communication from the Entry Officer or Safety Officer.

2) In the event that the haz-mat truck air horns are not sufficient, or

appropriate, for a specific incident or operation, the Safety Officer may establish that some other device or signal shall be used for the duration of the incident or operation. Such designation shall be communicated to all members entering the hot zone and the Entry Officer.

c) RADIO EMERGENCY SIGNAL - MAYDAY

1) When a member of the entry team is trapped or needs immediate

assistance due to a life- threatening danger, he may use his radio to summon assistance in the following manner:

2) On the Entry Team operating frequency for the incident, should key his

radio and call "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY". If possible, the location and nature of the problem should also be reported.

a) Example: "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday!...This is Entry Team One, my partner is out of air and I'll be bringing

him out to decon. Send in the back-up team to assist."

3) The term "MAYDAY" is utilized for this procedure as it is universally recognized as a distress signal and is not commonly used for any other fireground operations.

4) On hearing the MAYDAY Call, all other personnel on the frequency

shall maintain radio silence unless directed otherwise by the ENTRY OFFICER. If the Entry Officer fails to acknowledge the Mayday call, any member hearing such a call shall immediately report it to the ENTRY OFFICER.

5) On hearing the Mayday call, the Entry Officer should attempt to

determine the nature of the emergency, the personnel involved and their location. The Entry Officer should consider calling for additional



resources as may be needed to perform rescue and stabilize the situation. This may vary with the circumstances.

6) Only the HCO, with guidance from the HM Safety Officer and the

Entry Officer, may give the "ALL CLEAR" order to resume normal operations following a MAYDAY CALL.



11) COMMAND POST OPERATIONS

a) The Incident Commander (IC) should promptly establish a Command Post (CP) for all incidents involving hazardous materials.

b) It is recognized that the first-in apparatus may not establish a formal CP, but

the acting IC will still be responsible for all command post functions until relieved. As the incident progresses and additional resources become available, a formal CP shall be established.

c) The CP should be located upwind in the Cold Zone, in an area which can be

secured from bystanders and the media. When the CP is established, the local dispatch center shall be notified of the location and proper entry routes.

d) The IC, or his designate, shall log the time of arrival, name and title of

personnel who report to the CP. All personnel logging in shall be advised of the command procedures to be followed for the incident.

e) All responding support agencies will report to the CP to receive assignments

from the IC. Supervisory personnel from these agencies shall insure that their assignments are carried out and shall provide progress reports to the IC.

f) The following personnel should staff the CP:

a) Fire Department OIC b) The Haz-Mat Control Officer c) Police Department OIC (if requested by IC) d) Rep from Plant/Carrier/Manufacturer e) Rep from Ohio EPA (if requested by IC) f) PIO (if requested by IC) g) Service Dept Supervisor (if requested byIC) h) Rep from Red Cross (if requested by IC) i) Medical Advisor (if requested by IC)

g) An effort should be made to keep stand-by personnel and spectators away from

the CP, as it adds to confusion. Police personnel may be needed to maintain a perimeter.



12) STAGING AREA OPERATIONS

a) At all incidents where the HMRT is called, a staging area shall be established. The staging area is a location for incoming personnel and equipment to report and standby while awaiting assignment.

b) The staging area should be designated in an upwind area in the cold zone. The

area selected should not be too close to the scene in case the situation unexpectedly increases in intensity.

c) All units dispatched to this incident should be directed to report to the staging

area. They should also be advised of the staging area location and the appropriate entry route.

d) The Staging Officer shall log in and out all apparatus and personnel in the

staging area. The Staging Officer shall keep an up-to-date list of what resources are available in the staging area for assignment.

e) Personnel should remain with their equipment in the staging area and not "go

up and take a look around". Personnel accountability is essential at haz-mat incidents as it assures that companies can be assigned tasks as units and helps reduce free- lancing.

f) Apparatus in the staging area shall be positioned so as to permit a rapid

evacuation/relocation in the event that the incident unexpectedly escalates.



13) PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

a) To select the required level of personal protective equipment at a hazardous material incident, an attempt must be made to identify the material involved and the hazards associated with that material. Proper identification is the foundation upon which all subsequent decision making is based.

b) The selection of personal protective equipment for the entry, back-up, rescue

and decon teams shall be determined by the Haz-Mat Entry Officer, after consultation with the Research Officer. Factors to consider in selecting the appropriate level of personal protective equipment include:

a) Physical state of the material

b) Degree of exposure (concentration)

c) Known routes of entry into the body

d) Level of toxicity

e) Current and potential field conditions

c) It is important to note that there is no material that provides satisfactory protection from all chemicals. Protective clothing material must be compatible with the chemical substances involved, consistent with manufacturers' instructions.

d) When the exact material involved in an incident cannot not be identified, the

decisions should be based on the side of caution, and additional levels of protection and precautions should be considered. These considerations should take into account, all available information about the incident.

e) All unprotected personnel shall remain upwind and out of the potential

dispersion area.



14) DECONTAMINATION

a) Decontamination is the process of removing potentially harmful contaminants from exposed individuals and equipment in order to obtain fulfill the following goals:

1) Reduce the spread of contamination from the hot zone to other areas;

and

2) Prevent harmful effects to individuals due to contact with contaminated materials.

b) If unsure as to contamination, the DECON Officer will always assume

contamination has occurred and implement a thorough, technically sound decontamination procedure until it is determined to be unnecessary.

c) Initial decontamination procedures should be upgraded or downgraded as

additional information is obtained concerning the type of hazardous materials involved, the degree of hazard, and the probability of exposure of response personnel.

d) The Decontamination Officer shall designate the Decon Area in the Warm

Zone and shall direct the other members of the Decon Team to set-up.

e) The Decon Area should be located at or near the Hot Line, so as to reduce contamination of the warm zone. Special care should be taken to avoid areas near sewers, ponds, streams and hills.

f) All persons leaving the Hot Zone shall go through the Decon Area.

g) The Decon Team shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment with

SCBA, and at no time shall they be more than one level of protection below the entry team.

h) Since each chemical substance is different and each field situation requires

variations in form, it is impossible to outline a precise decon procedure which is applicable to all situations. There are however, two basic formats which may be modified as needed.

i) Technical Decontamination

1) This is the standard method of decontaminating technical equipment

and chemical protective clothing. It is performed after the arrival of the



haz-mat team, and after the decon area has been set-up. This system usually involves dilution with an appropriate scrubbing solution. Technical decon is performed by Haz-Mat Technicians. It may also be used to decontaminate victims, if it has already been set-up when the victim becomes contaminated.

2) Before personal protective equipment is removed it should be

decontaminated. During doffing of personal protective equipment, the clothing should be removed in a manner such that the outside surfaces do not touch or make contact with the wearer.

3) Personnel wearing disposable personal protective equipment should go

through the decontamination process and the disposable protective equipment should be disposed of in accordance with established procedures.

4) Outer clothing should be decontaminated prior to removal. The outer

articles of clothing, after removal, should be placed in plastic bags for later additional decontamination, cleaning, and/or inspection. In some cases they may have to be overpacked into containers for proper disposal.

5) Water or other solutions used for washing or rinsing should be

contained, as it may have to be collected, containerized and/or analyzed prior to disposal.

6) Use of decontaminating solutions which contain chemicals to alter or

change contaminants to less hazardous materials should only be used after consultation with persons experienced and familiar with the hazards involved. The use of detergent- water washing solutions is more prevalent, but its effectiveness against certain contaminants may be low. It is less risky however than using the chemical solutions.



TECHNICAL DECON AREA LAYOUT

HOT ZONE

COLD ZONE Wind Direction

Contaminated Equipment

Drop

1st Pool Gross Decon

Scrub and Rinse

2nd Pool Gross Decon

Scrub and Rinse

Ambulatory Side

Non-Ambulatory Side

Cut Off

Contaminated Clothing

Wash

& Rinse Table

Dry & Transfer

to Cot

PPE Removal

and Redressing

Medical Surveillance,

EMS & Rehab

Hot Zone

Access Corridor



j) Emergency Decontamination

1) This method provides primary, immediate decontamination of exposed

citizens and/or response personnel to reduce injuries, prevent long-term medical complications, and to allow for emergency medical support. It is generally performed on unprotected victims by first responders prior to the arrival of the haz-mat team, or by haz-mat team members prior to the set-up of the decon area.

2) First responders performing emergency decon should donn full

firefighter protective clothing, including SCBA’s, hoods and gloves. 3) When making a decision about whether rescue and/or emergency decon

can be safely performed by first responders without specialized chemical protective clothing, responders should consider the route of exposure, the hazards associated with the chemical, the physical state of the release, the toxicity of the material, and the patient’s condition.

4) If rescue is considered, rescuers should approach from uphill and

upwind. They should avoid vapor clouds and stay out of the product, if possible.

5) Personnel should avoid contact with the contaminated victim, if

possible. If rescue is required to move the victim to the improvised decon area, or if the victim is unable to disrobe without assistance, then personnel should minimize exposure and contact time to that which is necessary to accomplish the task.

6) The objective is to remove as much of the contaminate as possible with

a water fog stream, or decon shower, or other improvised water source if available.

7) If a fire hose line is used, it should be with a wide fog pattern, with the

nozzle barely cracked open to reduce volume and back-splashing. The pump pressure should be set at idle, or if operating directly off a hydrant, it should be gated down to reduce volume and pressure.

8) Contaminated area should be flushed with copious amounts of water

for at least 15-20 minutes. If eyes are contaminated, additional efforts should be made to flush the eyes with non-pressurized clean water or saline.

9) Victims who have been grossly decontaminated using this emergency



decon technique should still be considered contaminated, and should be transported to a hospital for secondary decon and evaluation.

10) Rescuers performing emergency rescue and decon will also require

decontamination.

11) EMS personnel in the ambulance with the patient should require only normal isolation procedures, including gloves, impervious clothing protection, and eye protection. HEPA respirators may be of benefit in some cases.

12) During transportation, the ambulance should have the ventilation fan

operating in the patient care area. In addition, windows and fresh air intakes may be opened to enhance ventilation.

13) Hospitals should be notified as early as possible of the impending

arrival of haz-mat patients. This report should include the name of the hazardous material, as well as the normal medical report.

14) EMS personnel who transport a hazardous materials patient will also

require secondary decontamination following transfer of patient care. This secondary decon may include clothing isolation and a shower to remove any contaminants



EMERGENCY DECON AREA LAYOUT HOT ZONE

COLD ZONE

Grassy Area (If No Plastic Available)

Have Victim Disrobe If Possible

FF’s in Full Structural

FFPE Including SCBA

Pumper with

Backup Crew

Low Pressure

Fog Stream

EMS Unit

for treatment and transport of decontaminated patient


Page 1-1 Version 3.0 = Revised 07/01/2001

ADDENDUM #1 PURPOSE: TO PROVIDE PREPLANNED STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES

FOR HAZ-MAT TEAM RESPONSE TO OVERTURNED FLAMMABLE LIQUID TANK TRUCKS, AND TO PROVIDE A REFERENCE TO INCIDENT COMMANDERS SUPERVISING THE SAFETY OF OFF-LOADING OPERATIONS OF OTHER AGENCIES.

1) Primary response strategies and objectives should be directed towards:

a) Isolating the area; b) Identifying the product; c) Controlling, containing, and/or confining the release; d) Safely off-loading the product. e) Uprighting the overturned tanker.

2) ISOLATION AND CONFINEMENT

a) In non-fire situations where the cargo tank has been stressed and/or breached, primary response objectives will be directed toward controlling all ignition sources and to confine the spill/release to a limited area. Attention must be given to the following site safety procedures:

b) Personnel

Only a minimum number of properly protected personnel should be allowed to work in the immediate hazard area even after the spill is foamed down and the spill is confined.

c) Vapors

Remember that flammable liquid vapors can travel far beyond the actual location of the liquid product as well as accumulate in low-lying areas.

d) Foam

1) If the product has been identified, and is not water reactive, a foam blanket of AFFF should be applied to suppress flammable vapors.

2) The foam blanket should be re-applied as necessary throughout the

course of the incident. Since a visible foam blanket on the spill does not insure adequate vapor suppression, the area should be regularly monitored with a combustible gas indicator (CGI) to confirm the effectiveness of the foam blanket. 3)This monitoring shall be conducted from the perimeter of the spill and without disturbing or entering the



foam blanket. Foam should be re- applied when the flammable vapors approach 20% of the LEL.

e) Vehicle electrical systems

1) If the truck is still running when response personnel arrive on the scene

or if the electrical system is still "hot", the electrical system can be shut down by using the battery disconnect switch. Recognize, however, that normally there will be a time lapse between the time the accident occurred and the time response personnel arrived on the scene and set up their operations.

2) If an attempt is made to shut down the electrical system, the area shall

be checked with a combustible gas indicator (CGI) to determine the presence of flammable vapors.

3) When disconnecting or cutting the battery, the ground cable shall be

disconnected first. Remember that some trucks utilize positive ground systems.

4) CAUTION: DO NOT ARBITRARILY CUT THE BATTERY

CABLES OR SHUT DOWN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WITHOUT FIRST MONITORING THE AREA TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF FLAMMABLE VAPORS.

3) ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

a) Product removal operations cannot commence until after the incident site is stabilized. Specific site safety considerations which shall be addressed are in this phase of this incident and include:

b) Backup Crews

Insure that backup crews with the minimum of 1 1/2" foam handlines and at least two 20-30lb. dry chemical fire extinguishers are in place to protect all personnel involved in the off-loading and uprighting operation. Potassium bicarbonate (Purple-K) dry chemical fire extinguishers are preferred.



c) Emergency Signals Always have an escape signal and path for personnel working in the

immediate hazard area. The HCO and Safety Officer shall designate the escape signal and path.

d) Rehabilitation

Insure that all personnel remain alert. Both public safety and petroleum industry response personnel may sometimes become sloppy, less-attentive, and may attempt shortcuts as the emergency extends over several hours. Frequent relief of personnel can usually minimize this problem. Entry Officers should be especially aware of this.

4) PRODUCT REMOVAL SIZEUP

a) Several factors should be evaluated during the tank truck survey to determine the safest method of off-loading.

1) The pitch and position of the tanker; 2) The location of the baffle holes (ie. only 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock vs.

3,6,9, and 12 o'clock). 3) Products being transported - flammable vs combustible liquids. 4) Available resources and equipment for product transfer and vehicle

uprighting.

5) BONDING AND GROUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

a) The generation and accumulation of static electrical charges during the transfer operation must also be considered. The tank truck must be bonded and grounded before product removal and transfer operations begin. Grounding equipment is carried on the Haz-Mat trailer.

b) Consider the following points:

1) The pump-off vehicle and all pump-off appliances such as hose

couplings, downspouts, and recover pans and tubes shall be bonded by connecting a bonding cable from the overturned tank truck to the appliance. In all appliance bonding operations, the first connection will always start at the overturned unit.

2) Bonding cables must be placed on a clean, grease- free, paint-free

surface. Because of the increased metal-to-metal surface contact, cables with C-clamps are preferable to cables with alligator-clip



connections.

3) Rubber hoses with built-in wire will not necessarily provide bonding protection as the wire within the hose may become broken, or the wire may not be properly tied to the coupling.

4) Plastic buckets can pick up static charges and should not be allowed for

use as retention basins in an emergency situation.

5) Grounding cable should initially be connected to the tank truck, then moved outward away from the overturned vehicle. The final connection can then be made to the grounding rod.

6) METHODS OF REMOVAL

a) While there are five primary methods for product removal from an overturned tank truck, the technique of removal via a drilled hole is generally viewed as the fastest, safest and most common and preferred method of removing the flammable liquid from an overturned aluminum cargo tank truck. Whenever possible, it shall be the method used.

b) Other techniques which are not addressed in detail in this SOP, but which may

be selected for use by an experienced clean-up contractor include:

1) Removal via unloading lines; 2) Removal via vapor recovery lines; 3) Removal via internal valves; and 4) Removal via dome cover and dome funnel.

7) CONDITIONS FOR REMOVAL VIA DRILLED HOLE

a) Drilling and transfer of product should normally be conducted by an agent of the trucking company or licensed clean-up contractor. The Haz-Mat Team may be requested by the Incident Commander to monitor the safety of this operation throughout the set-up and transfer.

b) Removal of product by the Hazardous Material Response Team itself should

only be considered when no contractors are available to perform the operation, or when the Haz- Mat Team's involvement in the removal is deemed necessary by extraordinary circumstances. These circumstances shall be jointly determined by the Incident Commander and Hazardous Material Control Officer, with safety being the determining factor.



8) PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL VIA DRILLED HOLE

a) The tank truck can be lying on either side, as well as with the wheels up. It requires a 2" to 4" hole saw powered by air or water, to drill through the tank shell. The air source should be capable of generating at least 100 lbs. per square inch of pressure. A typical air drill requires 4 cubic feet per minute of air when operating at a pressure of 90 PSI.

b) Each compartment requires a separate hole with the hole being drilled in line

with dome covers to avoid striking tank bulkheads and the compartment baffles. The holes shall be drilled at the highest point of the overturned tank.

c) A hose line shall be used for cooling the metal surface, lubricating the drill bit,

and washing away metal shavings. d) All personnel involved in the grounding, drilling and removal process

(including outside contractors) shall wear full personal protective equipment, including flame retardant thermal and/or flash protection, positive pressure SCBA, hood, gloves and boots.

e) Firefighting foam (AFFF) should be kept off the top of the overturned tank

truck as much as possible as it creates an extremely slippery surface and a physical safety hazard for the individual performing the cutting operation.

f) Once the hole is drilled through the tank shell, a bonded pick-up tube is

inserted into the respective compartment and product is pumped off. Approximately 1/2 to 1" of product will remain in the tank compartment unless a vacuum truck is used for the transfer operation. After the product is removed, a tapered wooden plug is driven into the hole and the aluminum plug is saved for welding back into the tank when it's returned to service.

g) Product transfer considerations should include whether or not the pump and

associated hoses are compatible with the product involved, that the energy source and sparking potential of the transfer pump have been considered, and that all equipment and appliances have been bonded and grounded properly.

h) No cargo tank vehicle shall be uprighted unless the product has been removed.

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