Implementing a Response

Question 1

Describe how to contact the proper authorities.

Answer 1

1) Call for additional resources (HM technicians & technical specialists.)
2) Decontamination personnel & equipment.
3) CHEMTREC, NRC, Local & state environmental agencies, and EPC

Question 2

Describe how to plan an initial response.

Answer 2

1) Approach from upwind & preferable uphill.
2) Know the material involved & obtain as much info. As possible.
3) The characteristics of the affected area.

Question 3

Describe how to estimate the size and scope of a HM/WMD incident.

Answer 3

1) ERG
2) Pre-incident Plan

Estimate of size & scope can be determined by information available at the scene.

Question 4

Describe how to identify a resource for determining the size of an endangered area.

Answer 4

1) ERG

2) Pre-incident Plan

Question 5

Describe resources available for determining the concentrations of the released HM.

Answer 5

o MSDS
o pH Strips
o Gas monitors

Question 6

Identify considerations for determining the locations of the incident Command Post (ICP).

Answer 6

The ICP must be located upwind & upgrade from the spill or leak in the cold zone.

Question 7

HM Incident Level 1

Answer 7

• Lowest level of threat
• Small amount of HM involved
• Can usually be handled by the local fire department
• Fire fighters must wear turnout gear and SCBA

Example: a small gasoline spill from a motor vehicle accident.

Question 8

HM Incident Level 2

Answer 8

• A HM team is needed at this level
• Fire fighters only support the HM team
• Additional PPE required will specialized and carried only by the HM team.
• Civilian evacuations may be required.
• Decontamination may need to be performed.

Example: a gasoline tanker has overturned in a tunnel and is spilling gasoline onto the highway.

Question 9

HM Incident Level 3

Answer 9

• The highest level of threat
• Large-scale evacuations may be needed
• Federal agencies will be called

Example: a ship in a highly populated harbor catches fire and begins to release chlorine vapors from its cargo area.

Question 10

Backup Entry Team (rapid intervention team)

Answer 10

A dedicated team of fully qualified and equipped responders who are ready to enter the hot zone at a moment’s notice to rescue any member of the hot zone entry team.

Question 11

Decontamination team

Answer 11

The team responsible for reducing and preventing the spread of contaminants from persons and equipment used at a HM incident. Members of this team establish the decontamination corridor and conduct all phases of decontamination.

Question 12

HM Branch

Answer 12

A unit consisting of some or all of the following positions:

• 2nd Safety Officer
• hot zone entry team,
• decontamination team,
• backup entry team
• HM information research team.

Question 13

Defensive Objectives

Answer 13

Actions that do not involve the actual stopping of the leak or release of a HM, or contact of responders with the material, these include preventing further injury and controlling of containing the spread of the HM.

Question 14

HM information research team

Answer 14

A dedicated team of responders who serve as an information gathering and referral point for the incident commander as well as the HM Officer.

Question 15

HM Officer

Answer 15

Those assuming command of a HM incident at or beyond the operations level. Must have at least operations level training and additional training specific to commanding a HM incident.

Question 16

HM Safety Officer

Answer 16

A second safety officer dedicated to the safety needs of the HM branch.

Question 17

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Answer 17

A form, provided by manufacturers and compounders (blenders) of chemicals, containing information about:

• chemical composition
• physical and chemical properties
• health and safety hazards
• emergency response
• waste disposal of the material.

Question 18

Hot Zone Entry TEAM

Answer 18

The team of fire fighters assigned to the entry into the designated hot zone.

Question 19

An important early notification to make is the request for additional response personnel, such as

Answer 19

support personnel, trained technicians, and technical specialists.

Question 20

Possible defensive actions include

Answer 20

stopping the release with a shut-off; 
absorbing / adsorbing, 
diking, damming, diverting,
diluting escaped material
suppressing dispersing vapor.

Question 21

The approach to the incident should be from

Answer 21

upwind, and from a direction that ensures that the released liquids or vapors flow away from responders.

Question 22

The type of PPE required depends on

Answer 22

the material involved and the nature of the incident. Structural firefighting PPE provides no protections against most HMs.

Question 23

In a HM Incident, HM branch develops under the

Answer 23

Operations section in the ICS. This branch includes a 2nd Safety Officer and a number of specialized operational teams dedicated to HMs.