HAZMATS (PN 796) Flashcards
What constitutes a Level 1 Incident?
Incident which poses no significant Hazard and can be resolved with 1 pump (code 7)
What is CHEMDATA and where is it found?
A Hazardous Materials database available through the MDT or via control
What does EAC stand for?
Emergency Action Code
There are 3 elements to an EAC what are they?
1) Extinguishing Media
2) Personal Protection
3) Public Safety Hazard
There are 3 decontamination ‘Codes’
what are they?
Code 1 - Wet Decontamination
Code 2 - Wet Decontamination (minor)
Code 3 - Dry Decontamination
In London services have adopted what universal casualty identification system (used as part of initial RA)?
STEP 1-2-3 +
How is a Level 2 Hazmat incident defined?
Incident where Hazard is limited and the Decontamination required is Code 2 or below (washing boots with a bucket and brush)
Do ‘Level 4’ hazmat incidents attract the largest mobilisations?
Not necessarily they are incidents which ‘attract special mobilising criteria and not necessarily large attendances’
How is a ‘Level 3’ Incident defined?
‘Incidents where Code 1 (Wet) or Code 3 (safe undress) Decon is required’ but not Mass Decontamination
There are 3 Incident types listed in the Hazmat note under Level 1 attendances, ‘Natural Gas leak or actuation of a carbon monoxide detector’ is one what are the other two?
‘Fuel spill up to 100 litres’ (including motor and cooking oils) and a ‘Mercury Spill’
Following STEP123+ protocol what actions should be taken when ‘there is 1 casualty and no logical explanation’?
‘Treat as normal’
Following STEP123+ protocol what actions should be taken when ‘there are 2 casualties and no logical explanation’?
‘Approach with caution, think before responding, consider all options’
Following STEP123+ protocol what actions should be taken when ‘there are 3 casualties and no logical explanation’?
‘Hold back do not approach the immediate scene’ IC then completes a Risk Assessment before crews committed as a HAZMATS response
What does COMAH stand for?
Control Of Major Accident Hazards
On arrival what is the minimum cordon radius?
25 Metres
At HAZMAT incidents it is the responsibility of LFB to do what?
‘To control any spillage or release to mitigate harm to the public and the environment.
Who has responsibility for ‘any controlled or non-emergency situation’?
The ‘owners or occupiers’
There are 4 listed categories of HAZMAT materials, what are they?
1) Chemical
2) Physical
3) Radioactive
4) Biological
In a built up area beware of placing to much emphasis on wind direction as turbulence caused by buildings can cause confusion. When quoting wind directions what word must always be included?
FROM
Consider the use of FireMet available via control
What tactical mode must the IC adopt during the information gathering phase?
Defensive
Once a Mercury spill has been swept up and double bagged whose ‘hazardous materials recovery process’ may be considered for disposal?
The LA (Local Authority)
There are 7 considerations listed in the note that an IC’s Risk Assessment should determine at a Hazmat Incident, can you list 5?
1) Life Risk
2) Threat to Environment
3) Is LFB intervention appropriate
4) HAZMAT involved
5) Safe System of Work and PPE
6) Resources Required
7) Specialist Advice required
What is the LFB mobilisation for a Level 2 Hazmat Incident?
2 pumps
1 FRU
HMEPO
Can an IC commence operations with a Level 2 attendance at a Level 3 Incident?
Yes as the initial FRU can support all FF decon Codes
The use of what type of equipment should be considered when the HAZMAT’s are unidentified?
DIM
What does DIM stand for?
Detection Identification and Monitoring
What does SA stand for?
Scientific Advisor
What might the context (ie domestic or commercial) of a HAZMAT incident indicate to the IC?
The likely ‘Quantities’ of Hazmats
At a HAZMATS incident what must be in place before crews are committed?
The appropriate level of Firefighter and equipment decontamination
What does SSU stand for?
Scientific Support Unit
What does RRT stand for?
Rapid Response Team
In addition to providing the name of the HAZMAT phonetically and CHEMDATA details the IC should do what?
Request the EAC (if not available on CHEMDATA) and Decontamination Code from the Scientific Advisors via Brigade Control
What 2 exceptional situations are listed where the IC might deem it necessary to commit crews prior to receiving specialist advice?
1) To save life
2) Urgent action to prevent escalating catastrophic conditions
If crews have been committed prior to specialist advice being given they should remain ‘under air’ until ‘Advice is received’ or what?
Code 3 safe undress should be followed
Can BA and Firegear be sufficient when committing crews prior to HAZMAT specialist advice being received?
Only when the risk/benefit analysis deems it necessary in any other circumstances GTS must be considered
There are 5 elements to the HMEPOs role at a HAZMATs Incident, can you name 4?
1) Advise the IC
2) Assist the IC to determine:
EAC/Decon Code/PPE
3) Manage RRT if deployed
4) Liaise with SA and experts
5) Evaluate and filter all input for IC to avoid ambiguous or conflicting advice
If ‘Persons’ are involved the incident must be made a minimum of what level?
Level 2
What does HART stand for?
Hazardous Area Response Team
What ‘hygiene’ consideration is mentioned in the note?
Personnel are not to eat or drink at the scene of a HAZMATs incident without seeking specialist advice
When considering evacuation at a HAZMATs incident if it is decided that members of the public can remain in a place of safety what advice should they be given? (3)
- Stay indoors with doors and windows shut
- Shut down Ventilation/Air Con Systems
- Extinguish naked flames
When a person refuses to leave a property during an evacuation the IC should do what?
Pass their details to the Police
The IC may terminate the LFB’s involvement at a HAZMATs incident if?
No public health hazard exists
Is the LFB responsible for recovery of HAZMAT waste?
No but responsibility must be ‘clearly transferred’ to a responsible person before leaving
Who might the HMEPO liaise with to assist in the resolution of an incident? (4)
Police
Local Authority
Health Protection Agency
Environment Agency
What must never be transported on LFB vehicles?
Hazardous Waste
