Firefighter Decon: Policy 584 14.02.17 Flashcards
What are the hazards associated with FF decon?
- Loss of air supply. If BA, 2nd set procedure may need to be implemented.
- Dehydration due to GTS.
- Comms.
- Cross contamination. If to person not in CPC then emergency decon/medical advice.
- Environment run off not container in bags/dam.
- Slips, trips and falls.
What pre-planning can control risk?
- Visits and knowing risks on own ground.
* Info recorded on ORD and accessed via MDT.
When gathering info relevant to decon what must personnel consider?
- Size, both of premises and amount of stored Hazmats.
- Suitable areas for decon.
- Any on site facilities for decon.
En route considerations if decon may be subsequently required?
- MDT
- Positioning of appliances.
- Hazard Zone.
- Wind direction.
- Drainage.
- Water Supplies.
What is default cordon set up unless pre-planning dictates otherwise?
25m cordon and upwind and uphill siting of resources.
Name the 3 zones and their descriptions at a HAZMAT incident:
- Hot Zone - Contaminated area where initial release occurs or disperses to. Immediate and high risk. Inner cordon.
- Warm Zone - Uncontaminated by initial release but may become contaminated you movement. Inside Inner cordon but lower risk.
- Cold Zone - Uncontaminated. Between Inner and outer cordon. Ops command and other co-ordination area. Cross service decision if MOP need to be removed.
Describe the inner and outer cordon:
Inner - where hazardous activity may occur. Includes and Hot and Warm zones. Min numbers and controls access to immediate scene of ops.
Outer - controlled area where unathourised access not permitted. Hot warm and cold zones and established and maintained by the police.
Describe the hazard zone:
An area containing a hazard in which risk assessments and control measures must be applied. Not necessarily an exclusion zone and is both hot and warm zones. Other agencies sometimes refer to it as the ‘evac zone’ as all MOP encourage to leave or possibly shelter-in-place.
What is the decon zone?
Area containing FB (possibly other agencies) decon staff, structures and equip. Outside inner cordon and initially Uncontaminated but becomes contaminated by controlled movement of those contaminated.
Who advises on location of decon zone?
HMEPO if in attendance or FRU appliance commander in charge of area (they become decon director).
When should the decon zone be set up?
Before crews committed to the hot zone unless for firefighter emergency decon.
Where should decon zone be set up?
In cold zone on the border of the warm zone. Once set up the warm zone is extended to encompass this area.
Who can enter and operate inside decon zone and who determines this?
Once opened only those with appropriate level of PPE. This is designated by IC on advice of HMEPO/SA.
Prior to establishing the decon zone the IC and HMEPO will need to consider:
- Type and scale of decon.
- Weather/wind.
- Drainage.
- Gradient.
- Vehicle access.
Who carries out decon and emergency decon?
Decon - is FRU crew mobilised for that purpose.
Emergency Decon - personnel in attendance.
What are the roles designated for the FRU decon crew?
Commander is Decon director and FFs make up Dirty Operative, Clean operative and Decon support.
Who decides on appropriate level of decon and PPE?
HMEPO/SA
How do they decide on appropriate additive and what is an additional safety measure if in any doubt?
Depends on material Involved. Soda ash for acids and presept bleach tablets for biological agents. If any question regarding reaction then tested against a small amount of contaminant prior.
When should emergency decon take place?
If a FF becomes contaminated and incident and it wasn’t anticipated and correct procedure not set up. Refer to Aide memoir in decon director’s notes, and in ECB pouch and personal issue important codes and hazard symbols card.
If no info about contamination what is default level of PPE for decon operatives?
GTS.
Once info about contaminant known who decides on level of PPE and what is this usually?
HMEPO/SA/DD.
Normally LTS, chem boots, BA face mask with particulate filter.
What is it important note regarding gloves when at a HAZMAT related incident for decon?
Always use Neoprene Gauntlet gloves not FF gloves.
During emergency decon some materials may be washed to drain. In this case what needs to be done?
If HMEPO/SA believe it poses a pollution hazard then the Environmental Agency (EA) and local water undertakes must be informed via control.
How is water contained during wet decon for a small number of wearers? How is this disposed of?
Over a dam. HMEPO/SA in consultation with EA will agree method of disposal.
