asbestos Flashcards
asbestos key point summary
Observe any signs indicating the presence of asbestos.
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Operational Risk Database (ORD) via Mobile Data Transmitter (MDT).
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Local Information.
2
Set-up a minimum restricted zone/cordon of 25m around the incident – appliances placed upwind. Pay particular attention to weather and wind conditions when setting up restricted zone.
3
Press priority request to talk to be sent stating ‘Asbestos Reported’.
4
All further appliances to approach from upwind direction.
5
Minimum crews committed to incident.
6
Non-fire situations - all crews committed to area should don Gas Tight Suits (GTS).
7
Fire situations – IC to carry out Dynamic Risk Assessment (RA) to ensure safety of crews being committed into the incident. GTS should not be worn for firefighting.
8
Remember – Minimum cutting away, power tools should be avoided.
9
All asbestos containing materials should be kept damp to prevent fibres becoming airborne.
10
No eating, drinking or smoking allowed until after decontamination.
11
Hazardous materials and environmental protection officer (HMEPO)/scientific advisor (SA) to advise on decontamination of crews.
12
All contaminated fire gear to be double bagged in red soluble bags first and then polythene bags and labelled for specialist cleaning.
13
Asbestos Reporting Procedure – duty holders should be directed to www.london-fire.gov.uk\asbestos in order for them to report their asbestos containing materials and to have them placed on the ORD.
consider what Actions en-route
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Safe route of approach and siting of appliances/wind direction/weather conditions etc.
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Signs on exterior of premises.
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Setting up a minimum 25m restricted zone around the incident – greater if weather conditions and nature of the incident dictate.
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When setting up zones your attention is drawn to the suite of documents prepared by the incident management group. In particular attention should be paid to Policy Number 415 - Cordons.
actions on arrival
When it is known or suspected that asbestos is involved, a Press priority request to talk must be sent ‘Asbestos Reported’ – Additionally:
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Access Operational Risk Information on the MDT.
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Site appliances upwind of the incident – at least 25m away.
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Send an additional message detailing which approach roads additional appliances and brigade vehicles should take and the location of any rendezvous point. This should be from an upwind direction. Take note of any signage on the premises.
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Consider liaison with any on site specialist for assistance with asbestos risk assessment.
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Consider the requirement for additional resources (assistance message
If asbestos is known or reasonably suspected to be involved
all crews designated to enter the restricted zone should don Breathing Apparatus (BA) and GTS unless crews are designated for firefighting
when crews are coming out of restricted zone ic to ensure
The IC should ensure that steps are in place to carry out the decontamination of crews and safe removal of fire gear upon their withdrawal from the incident prior to committing crews – as specified in Policy Number 584 - Decontamination procedures for incidents involving hazardous substances with the exception of cement asbestos which is detailed in section 4A.
Operational procedures where asbestos is confirmed The risk to operational personnel from asbestos is
The risk to operational personnel from asbestos is from inhalation of the fibres. BA or respirators fitted with a P3 filter will, therefore, be sufficient protection of the respiratory system. However, asbestos fibres are likely to contaminate fire kit and can be extremely difficult to remove from areas such as the Velcro fastening so GTS should be worn in order to facilitate effective decontamination unless there are clear operationally imperative reasons not to do so.
