SOP #8: Incidents Involving Asbestos

Question 1

What is ACM?

Answer 1

Asbestos containing material; most are not hazardous in their normal form.

Question 2

When ACM become flakey and crumbly it is know as:

Answer 2

Friable; in this state know to releasing fibers into the air

Question 3

Where can asbestos be found:

Answer 3

Boiler insulation
- Asbestos Siding
- Pipe insulation
- Electrical insulation
- Brakes on motor vehicles
- Fire curtains and fire blankets
- Ceiling tiles and floor tiles
- Sprayed insulation for ceilings, walls and structural members (fireproofing)
- Sprayed on soundproofing
- Asbestos-cement piping
- Mastics and felts used in roofing and flooring

Question 4

Accidental or defective fire alarm systems shall not be investigated by members when know that it is asbestos contaminated unless authorized by:

Answer 4

District Chief

Question 5

How can we minimize decontamination problems with portable radios at contaminated asbestos area?

Answer 5

placing portable radios in plastic bags or worn under clothing.

Question 6

At unregulated asbestos incidents what should be done?

Answer 6

Contact DEM

Question 7

What will be needed at an asbestos related incident from the time the contaminated area is entered until decontamination is completed?

Answer 7

SCBA for all entry team and backup team

Question 8

At any operations involving possible exposure to asbestos, who shall be notified?

Answer 8

Safety Operations Battalion

Question 9

Non-porous (does not allow liquid or air to pass through) hand tools, SCBA, rubber boots and helmets can be washed with?

Answer 9

water provided the water runoff can be properly contained.

Question 10

Non-porous (does not allow liquid or air to pass through) but sensitive equipment such as portable radios should be?

Answer 10

wiped with damp cloth

Question 11

What type of laundering service is required to prevent the release of asbestos fibers in to the water discharge?

Answer 11

Laundering service that has a suitable micro-filter

Question 12

Items that may have been exposed to asbestos such as turnout coat, bunker pants and gloves shall be?

Answer 12

Double bagged. Bags securely sealed and given to Safety Operations Battalion.

Question 13

What should be done with any item that can not be appropriately decontaminated from an asbestos related incident?

Answer 13

Turn over to appropriate disposal company after speaking with DEM or Department of health

Question 14

When under the control of an asbestos abatement contractor and an emergency operation, entry team members shall first enter?

Answer 14

the clean room and don full turnout gear and SCBA

Question 15

At an asbestos containing emergency, for patient removal the entry team must?

Answer 15

remove any gross contamination from the patient and themselves. Can use HEPA vacuum

Question 16

Where shall patients clothing be removed for a medical incident in an asbestos related incident?

Answer 16

Remove clothing while in the equipment room

Question 17

After handling an asbestos related incident, when shall SCBA face piece be removed?

Answer 17

After passing through the shower room and only after washing the surface of their turnout gear and SCBA.
Then take a full scrub shower focusing on face, neck, head and hair

Question 18

What should be done if station uniforms have been contaminated at an asbestos related incident?

Answer 18

removed and placed in asbestos waste bags or containers, members shall shower on scene with whatever resources are available.

Question 19

How shall decontamination be done at an asbestos related incident not under the control of an asbestos abatement contractor?

Answer 19

decon station setup up that can contain any water used for decon.
if not fog lines, via low velocity for applicators.
if unable to contain the water used to decon, decon should take place in adjacent or within the contaminated are to avoid spreading.

Question 20

After completing their assignment at an asbestos incident, entry team shall remove any gross contaminated gear within?

Answer 20

contaminated area.
proceed directly to decon station leaving SCBA on