HAZMATS Flashcards
What is the definition of a hazardous material (HAZMATS)?
Any item or agents which have the potential to cause harm to humans, animals or the environment, either by its shelf or interaction with other factors.
What is the responsibility of the brigade at HAZMATS?
To control any spillages or release of HAZMATS to mitigate harm to humans and the environment. Any non-emergency situations are the responsibility of the owner or occupier.
What does COMAH stand for and what should be done on route?
Control of major accident hazards. The ic must interrogate the MDT to obtain the appropriate tactical plan.
What is the minimum cordon for a HAZMATS incident?
25m
Which can be increased or decreased and may not be applicable to small spillages with in a building.
When siting of the appliance at a hazmat incident, what three things should be considered?
- wind direction
- gradients of ground (uphill)
- nature of hazmat (obtained from the caller)
Can GTS suits be worn in a fire situation?
No
At the initial attendance and while the IC is gathering information at a hazmat incident, which tactical mode should be adopted?
Defensive
Give a brief discretion of
- hot zone
- warm zone
- cold zone
- hot zone - this is the contaminated area, where the initial release occurs
- warm zone - uncontaminated area by initial release, which may become contaminated by moving persons or vehicles
- cold zone - uncontaminated area where key operational command positions
Give brief description of
- inner cordon
- outer cordon
- inner cordon - surrounds both hot and warm zones. Potentially hazardous activities
- outer cordon - all zones and restricted by police
The Hughes shower should be requested for bulk GTS is to be used in rapid succession. But what is bulk GTS defined as?
10 or move GTS wears
At bulk GTS incidents should wears wait until a Hughes shower is in attendance before getting to work?
No. Because FRU’s can provide all levels of FF decontamination
What is the max recommended GTS wearing time?
GTS wear is max 20 mins, which should include time for decontamination
What level of hazmat incident if persons are required to be rescued?
Level 2
Can LAS hart team be deployed to a hazard area for clinical assessment/treatment?
Yes and the IC will be responsible for
- permitting LAS HART to enter the incident
- including Them in the ECO board
- providing an emergency team for them
Who will be mobilised if a hazardous material is involved in fire?
HMEPO as any additional attendance to assist the IC
What does the ‘E’ in the emergency action code mean?
This doesn’t imply evacuation. It means that there is a public safety hazard and that an evacuation should be considered
Who could advise the IC when and the end of the incident that it safe for the public to return to their property?
SA/HMEPO
Firefighter decontamination will become part of the incident waste and should be disposed of by who?
Owner/occupier. If there is no responsible person the OSU should be order for removal
At what size of spills should the EA be informed?
25 litres. This may be difficult to determine so it is always prudent to inform EA if you are unsure
Why should at larger incidents of mercury spillage (perhaps from a barometer rather than a thermometer) should the IC request a HMEPO before requesting additional resources?
As often the complexity of recovery rather than the quantities involved will dictate the resources requirement
Does ordering additional resources to a level 3 hazmat incident make it a level 4?
No. Level 4 is a specific attendance agreed prior to the mobilisation of any resources
What is the APP code?
Used to give extra guidance on the level of PPE with an EAC
Levels A or B (B is higher level)
Policy has changed for acid attacks C3. Who is be mobilised?
1 x PL (wm)
1 x P
1 x HMEPO
1 x RRT
This is so the nearest appliance is mobilised to give immediate and constant supply of water. Min 20 or until medical assistance arrives
Describe the hazard zone?
The area that contains hazard to which a risk assessment should be applied. Other agency may refer to it as evacuation zone and an area where they would seek to encourage all members of public to leave.
Where is the decontamination zone?
Out side the inner zone which becomes contaminated by the managed and controlled movement of people who require decontamination
What is the PDA of level 2 hazmat ?
2 pumping appliances
And FRU (for decontamination)
HMEPO and monitoring officer to advise
Level 3
Additional 2 pumping appliances FRU for DIM Scientific support unit The monitoring officer from level 2 (SM) who should take charge Group manager for monitoring
If additional is required this does not make it a level 4
Level 4 incidents are what?
Defined as incident attracting special mobilising criteria and not necessary large attendance. PDA determined by brigade with advice from the duty ILO and HMEPO
Where and how do you get a Hughes shower?
They are on IRU and not any PDA! Apart from mass decontamination.
When requested come with a support pump
Does deployment of DIM crews and equipment make it a confirmed hazmat incident?
No. That decision rests with the IC
But appropriate Decon should be in place before crews are committed
If the hazmat is unknown can the IC commit a crew with out GTS but in BA and full PPE to make a rescue?
After DRA and for saveable life. If the time donning GTS would result in loss of live.
Should stay under air until get advice from HMEPO/SA
If hazardous material is being carried by smoke. What can be used?
Hazard manager software provided by MET officer and avail on command Unit
If hazardous material are being released/Carried by smoke who should be informed?
Public health England
At hazmats when considering evacuation the build or area
Can the public remain in a place of safety?
3
- indoors with doors and windows closed
- with ventilation shut down
- with naked flame extinguished when appropriate
What is level 2 hazmat defined as and what is the PDA?
Hazard are limited and decon be achieved with either dam and brush or safe or undress
Can include explosive hazards
Refrigerant leak domestic
Domestic cleaning products
PDA
1 PL 1 P 1 FRU (for decon) 1 OSU (on request only) 1 HMEPO 1 SM (monitoring officer) Command unit
For railways 1 PL secondary location
Level 3 hazmat incident are defined as?
What’s the PDA?
Large hazmat incident where additional resources are required to deal with the incident or decontaminate using the Hughes shower
PDA
Level 2 plus
1 PL
1 P
1 FRU (dim)
Group manager to monitor SM)
CBRN ( specific incident )
Scientific unit (on request)
Hughes shower IRU (on request)
What does CBRN stand for?
Chemical
Biological
Radiological (wires, timers etc)
Nuclear
