2 types of Aboveground Storage tanks.
Non Pressure tanks (atmospheric tanks), and Pressure tanks
Non Pressure storage tanks (atmospheric tanks) have a pressure up to?
0.5 psi
Low Pressure storage tanks have pressures between.
0.5 psi to 15 psi
High pressure storage tanks have pressures above.
15 psi
Bulk transport containers can be divided into 3 main categories determined by the mode of transportation.
Tank and other rail cars (railroad), Cargo tanks (highway), and Intermodal containers (highway, railroad, or marine vessel)
CBRNE
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive
What is the pressure of a High Pressure Cargo tank. MC331 (highway)
Above 100 psi
MC306-406 (highway)
No pressure petroleum tanker, Egg or eliptical shape back
MC 307 (highway)
Low pressure, Horse shoe shape back
MC312 (highway)
Ribbed outer shell for transferring heavy corrosives
Compressed gas tube trailer has a pressure between. (highway)
3000 psi - 5000 psi
2 types of Intermediate Bulk Containers. (IBC)
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC), and Rigid Intermediate Bulk Container (RIBC).Both are called "totes
Intermediate Bulk Containers are used to carry what? What is their capacity?
Liquids, fertilizers, solvents, and other chemicals. They may have capacities up to 400 gallons.
Ton containers
Tanks that have capacities of 2000 lbs and are typically stored on their sides due to convex of concave heads. They commonly contain chlorine.
Non Bulk packaging types
Bags, Carboys and Jerry Cans, Cylinders, Drums, and Dewar Flasks (cryogenic liquids)
Most Radioactive Materials are shipped in 4 basic types of containers/packaging.
Type A, Type B, Industrial, or Excepted.
What Radioactive Material is usually shipped in Type C containers?
High-activity materials like Plutonium
The 2 levels of training required for first responders in regard to hazardous materials.
Awareness Level and Operations Level
SAR
Supplied Air Respirators. An atmosphere supplying respirator in which the user gets air from a supply hose located out of the IDLH atmosphere.
Length of the air hose on the SAR.
up to 300ft.
APR
Air Purifying respirator. Contains an air purifying canister or cartridge that removes specific contaminants found in ambient air.
3 types of APR cartridges.
Particulate removing APR's, Vapor and gas removing APR's, and Combination particulate and vapor and gas removing APR's. No single canister protects against all chemical hazards.
PAPR
Powered Air Purifying Respirator. Uses a blower to pass contaminated air through a canister to remove the contaminants and supply purified air to the facepiece.
Particulate Removing Filters are divided in 9 classes, 3 categories of filter degradation, and three levels of filtration. What are the 3 filtration levels?
95%, 99%, and 99.97%
Escape Respirators are generally designed for how long a use?
15 min.
2 types of high temperature protective clothing.
Proximity suits and Fire entry suits
What is the temperature that fire entry suits protect to?
2000o F
2 types of Chemical Protective Clothing. (CPC)
Liquid splash protective clothing and Vapor protective clothing.
What are the U.S. EPA levels of protection?
Level A, Level B, Level C, and Level D.
What is Level A?
Level A provides the highest level of protection against vapors, gases, mists, and particles from the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin.
What is Level B?
Level B has the highest level of respiratory protection and less protection of the skin. This ensemble provides protection against splashes from hazardous chemicals.
What is Level C?
Level C is the same as Level B except that it has an Air Purifying Respiration device instead of SCBA. This ensemble provides protection against splashes from hazardous chemicals.
What is Level D?
Typical work uniforms or street clothes. No need for respiratory protection and minimal skin protection.
The NFPA standard for performance requirements for 3 classes or PPE ensembles that are used in situations involving chemical of biological terrorism agents.
NFPA 1994
Name the 3 NFPA 1994 classes.
Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
What is NFPA 1994 Class 1?
Ensemble that provides the highest degree of protection. They are designed to protect responders at these chemical and biological terrorism incidents. Whenever the identity of a vapor is unknown. When vapor protection is needed. Anytime liquid contact is expected and is not permitted because it poses a serious health risk.
What is NFPA 1994 Class 2?
To provide necessary sufficient vapor protection for the intended operation. When direct contact with liquids is likely. When victims are not ambulatory but are showing signs of exposure.
What is NFPA 1994 Class 3?
To provide necessary sufficient liquid protection for the intended operation necessary. When direct contact with liquid droplets is likely. When victims are impaired but ambulatory.
Heat Stroke
Heat illness caused by heat exposure, resulting in the body's failure of the heat regulating mechanism. High fever of 105o F-106o F, dry red hot skin, rapid strong pulse, deep breaths, and convulsions. May result in coma or death.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat illness caused by exposure to excessive heat. Weakness, cold clammy skin, heavy perspiration, rapid and shallow breathing, weak pulse, dizziness, and sometimes unconsciousness.
Heat Cramps
Heat illness resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Excessive sweating, muscle cramps in the abdomen and legs, faintness, dizziness, and exhaustion.
Heat Rash
Condition that develops from continuous exposure to heat and humid air. Aggravated by clothing that rubs the skin, reduces the individuals tolerance to heat.
MOPP
Mission Oriented Protective Posture. Ensembles used by the military to protect against chemical, biological, and radiological hazards.
6 different levels of MOPP
0-4 and Alpha
To prevent or reduce effects of heat exposure a person should drink.
7 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes.
Radiological Hazards
Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Neutron.
Alpha
Energetic, positively charged particles that lose energy when passed through matter. They are usually blocked by the outer dead layer of skin, and can be stopped completely by a sheet of paper. They are commonly emitted from uranium and radium.
Beta
Fast moving, positively or negatively charged electrons emitted from the nucleus during radioactive decay. Exposure from sources such as tritium, carbon-14, and strontium-90. Able to penetrate the skin and cause radiation damage, but causes more damage from being ingested or inhaled. Beta particles travel distances up to 20 ft. (6m) but can be stopped by a layer of clothing or 2-3 millimeters of aluminum.
Gamma
High energy photons. Often accompany the emission of alpha of beta particles from a nucleus. A naturally occurring source is potassium-40, industrial sources include cobalt-60, iridium-192, and cesium-137. They can pass easily through the human body or be absorbed by tissue. 2ft of concrete or 2in of lead can stop gamma rays.
Nuetron
Ultra high energy particles that have a physical mass like alpha or beta radiation but no electrical charge. They are highly penetrating and difficult to measure in the field and is usually estimated based on gamma measurements.
Radiation doses
Acute dose and Chronic dose.
Acute dose
Exposure to a large dose of radiation received in a short period of time.
Chronic dose
Small amounts of radiation received over a long period of time.
3 Radiation Protection Strategies
Time, Distance, and Shielding.
2 classes of Asphyxiants
Simple and Chemical.
Simple Asphyxiant
Gases that displace the oxygen necessary for breathing.
Chemical Asphyxiant
Substances that prohibit the body from using oxygen.
4 routes of entry for hazardous materials
Inhalation, Ingestion, Contact, and Absorption.
LD
Lethal Dose, Minimum amount of solid or liquid that when ingested, absorbed, or injected through the skin will cause death.
LD50
Median Lethal Dose, Statistically derived single dose of a substance that can be expected to cause death in 50% of animals when administered by the oral route.
LDLO, or LDL
Lethal Dose Low, Lowest administered dose of a material capable of killing a specified test species.
LC
Lethal Concentration, Minimum concentration of an inhaled substance in the gaseous state that will be fatal to the test group (usually within 1 to 4 hours).
LCLO or LCL
Lethal Concentration Low, Lowest Concentration of a gas or vapor capable of killing a specified species over a specified time.
TLV
Threshold Limit Value, Concentration of a given material in parts per million (ppm) that may be tolerated for an 8 hour exposure during a regular workweek without ill effects.
TLV/STEL
Threshold Limit Value / Short Term Exposure Limit, 15 min. exposure with a 60 min. break in between but not more than 4 times daily. This exposure can be tolerated without any ill effects.
TLV/C
Threshold Limit Value / Ceiling, Maximum concentration of a given material in parts per million (ppm) that should not be exceeded, even instantaneously.
Corrosive Material
Gaseous, liquid or solid material that can burn, irritate, or destroy human skin tissue and severely corrode steel.
Irritant / Irritating Material
Liquid or solid that upon contact with fire or exposure to air emits dangerous or intensely irritating fumes.
Convulsant
Poison that causes an exposed individual to have convulsions.
Carcinogen
Cancer producing substance.
Allergen
Material that can cause an allergic reaction of the skin or respiratory system.
Sensitizer
Chemicals that cause a substantial proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction after repeated exposure to the chemical.
4 Etiological / Biological Hazards
Viral Agents, Bacterial Agents, Rickettsias, and Biological Toxins.
Viral Agents
The simplest types of microorganisms that can only replicate themselves in the living cells of their hosts. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics.
Bacterial Agents
Microscopic single celled organisms. Most bacteria do not cause disease in people, but when they do, 2 different mechanisms are possible; invading the tissue or producing poisons (toxins).
Rickettsias
Specialized bacteria that live and multiply in the gastrointestinal tract of arthropod carriers (ticks and fleas). They are smaller than most bacteria but larger than viruses. Single celled organisms, like bacteria, with their own metabolisms, and are susceptible to broad spectrum antibiotics. Most are only spread by the bite an infected arthropods and not through human contact.
Biological Toxins
Poisons produced by living organisms. Some have been manufactured synthetically in laboratories for purposes of biological warfare.
2 most common Mechanical Hazards
Striking and Friction Exposures.
Striking
An injury as a result from direct contact with an object from an explosion caused by failure of a pressurized container, a bomb.
Friction
An injury from portions of the body rubbing against an abrasive surface, causing raw skin (abrasions), blisters, and burns.
4 hazards from an explosion
Blast Pressure Wave (Shock Wave), Shrapnel Fragmentation, Seismic Effect, and Incendiary Thermal Effect.
3 physical states of matter
Gas, Liquid, and Solid.
Vapor Pressure
The pressure exerted by a saturated vapor above (vapors released by a liquid) it's own liquid in a closed container.
Boiling Point
The temperature that which the vapor pressure of a liquid is equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure. It is the temperature at which a liquid changes to a gas at a given pressure.
BLEVE
Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion
Vapor Density
The weight of a given volume of pure vapor or gas compared to the weight of an equal volume of dry air at the same temperature and pressure. Vapor density less than 1 indicates a vapor lighter than air, while greater than 1 indicates a vapor heavier than air.
Solubility
Ability of a liquid or solid to mix with or dissolve in water.
Miscibility
The degree or readiness to which 2 or more gases or liquids are able to mix with or dissolve into each other.
Specific Gravity
The weight of a substance compared to the weight of an equal volume of water. Specific gravity less than 1 indicates a substance lighter than water and will float, while greater than 1 indicates a substance heavier than water and will sink.
Persistence
The ability of a chemical to remain in the environment.
Reactivity
The relative ability of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction with another material.
3 sides of the Reactivity Triangle
Oxidizing Agent, Reducing Agent, and Activation Energy.
Activation Energy
One side of the Reactivity Triangle. The energy to get a chemical reaction started.
Oxidizing Agent
One side of the Reactivity Triangle. Provides the oxygen necessary for the chemical reaction to take place. Examples: Oxygen, Organic Peroxides, and Alkyl Nitrates.
Reducing Agent
One side of the Reactivity Triangle. The fuel source for the reaction. It combines with the oxygen in such a way that energy is released. Examples: Heat, Shock, Radiation, and Light.
If it's got a bonnet on it.
The tank is pressurized.
The UN's 9 hazard classes
Class 1 ExplosivesClass 2 GasesClass 3 Flammable LiquidsClass 4 Flammable SolidsClass 5 Oxidizing substancesClass 6 Poisons or ToxinsClass 7 Radioactive materialsClass 8 Corrosive substancesClass 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances
Shipping paper name for Air and where
Air Bill, Cockpit with pilot.
Shipping paper name for Highway and where
Bill of Lading, Vehicle cab with driver.
Shipping paper name for Rail and where
Waybill/Consist, Engine with conductor.
Shipping paper name for Water and where
Dangerous Cargo Manifest, Bridge or pilot house with the captain or master.
The safest sense to use in detection of a hazard
Vision
Small spills
53 gallons (200L) or less
Large spills
53 gallons (200L) or more
Yellow section of the ERG
Chemical ID number
Orange section of the ERG
Guide, Go here if the chemical is on fire or not highlighted green.
Green section of the ERG
Inhalation Hazard and Water Reactivity. Go here if the chemical is highlighted in green and no fire.
4 ways to use the ERG
Placards, Container, Chemical name, and Chemical number.
pH scale for pure water or human blood (neutral)
7
pH scale 8-14
Bases
pH scale 6-0
Acids
NFPA 704 system
Standard system for the identification of the hazards of materials for emergency response on FIXED-STORAGE Facilities.
NFPA System for Fixed Storage Facilities
NFPA 704
4 colors of the NFPA 704 diamond shaped marker or sign
Red, Blue, Yellow, and White.
Red on the NFPA 704 sign
Flammability
Yellow on the NFPA 704 sign
Instability
Blue on the NFPA 704 sign
Health
White on the NFPA 704 sign
Special Hazards
NFPA 704 numeric rating system and what do they mean?
0-40 indicates a minimal hazard4 indicates a severe hazard
Meaning of the W with a line through it on the NFPA 704 sign
Indicates an unusual reactivity with water.
How often is the ERG updated?
every 4 years.
Olfactory Fatigue
Gradual inability of a person to detect odors after initial exposure. May be extremely rapid in cases involving Hydrogen Sulfide.
CGI
Combustible Gas Indicator - Used to detect the concentration of combustible gases and vapors in the air. They measure the percentage of LEL, percent of gas by volume. Set to sound alarm if concentrations of 10% or higher are found.
CAM
Chemical Agent Monitor - Utilize various technologies to specifically detect chemical warfare agents.
FID
Flame Ionization Detector - Utilize a hydrogen flame to which gaseous materials are exposed. These devices detect organic gases and vapors and are not safe to operate in hazardous (explosive) atmospheres.
PID
Photo-Ionization Detector - Uses an ultraviolet lamp to ionize samples of gaseous materials. They are used to detect the concentrations of many organic and some inorganic gases and vapors at the same time, and they make good general survey instruments. They are particularly useful when chemical hazards are unidentified or undetermined.
2, 3, and 4 Monitors
(CGI) Combustible Gas Indicators are often combined with other common gas sensors (those that detect oxygen, carbon monoxide, or hydrogen sulfide) to form monitors that can detect 2, 3, or 4 gases.
Biological Immunoassay Indicators
Indicate the presence of biological agents and toxins by detecting the presence of specific antibodies.
Infrared Spectroscopy Device
Uses Infrared spectroscopy technology to compare the infrared spectra of chemical samples against a library of known spectral signatures.
Raman Spectroscopy
Uses Light (typically a laser) to compare the spectra signature of chemical samples against a library of known spectral signatures.
Ion-mobility Spectrometers
Use a radioactive source to ionize samples in order to determine their spectra. These devices are currently used to detect chemical warfare agents and explosives.
Mass Spectrometer
Ionizes samples in order to determine their composition that is compared to a library of known compositions.
Specific Chemical Monitors
Fixed devices that sound an alarm when the presence of a certain chemical is detected. Most common is carbon monoxide monitors, but chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen cyanide are also available.
Indicator Papers and pH Meter
Change colors to indicate the presence of specific hazards such as oxidizers, hydrogen sulfide, and peroxides.
Detector Tubes
Detect a variety of gases and vapors. Are best used when the chemical is suspected as opposed to trying to identify a complete unknown.
Radiation Monitors
Detect levels of Alpha, Beta, or Gamma radiation by collecting and counting the number of ions present.
DNA Fluoroscopy Device
Has the ability to identify specific DNA sequences and identifying types of biological agents and toxins.
Surface Acoustical Wave Device
Utilizes surface acoustical wave technology to detect nerve agents, blister agents, blood agents, choking agents, and some Toxic Industrial Materials/Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIMs/TICs)
Personal Dosimeter
Worn to measure (sometimes identify) an individual's exposure to a particular radiation.
Most important thing to consider about Terrorist Attacks
A secondary Device.
Toxic Industrial Material/Toxic Industrial Chemical (TIM/TIC)
Industrial chemical that is toxic at certain concentration and is produced in quantities exceeding 30 tons per year at any one production facility. Readily available and could be used by terrorists to deliberately kill, injure, or incapacitate people.
SLUDGEM
Salivation (drooling)Lacrimation (tearing)UrinationDefecationGastrointestinal upsetEmesis (vomit)Miosis (pinpoint pupils)
Biological Attacks may take how long for symptoms?
Hours, or Days to develop.
Radiological Attacks are most likely in what form?
Dust or Powder.
Conventional Attacks
A terrorist attack that involves the use of explosive materials and incendiary devices.
The Percentage of illegal drug labs are Meth Labs?
80% - 90%
The most serious hazard of a Meth Lab.
Flammability
A Chemical by-product of a meth lab. Is also classified as a warfare choking agent.
Phosphine Gas
For every pound of meth produced, how many pounds of hazardous waste is produced?
6lbs
What bean is used to make Ricin?
Castor Bean
3 Priorities for all haz mat incidents.
1. Life Safety2. Incident Stabilization3. Property Conservation
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
29 CFR 1910.120
29 CFR 1910.120
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
4 common stages for problem solving and decision making
1. Information gather and analysis stage.2. Processing and planning stage.3. Implementation or output stage.4. Review or evaluation stage.
Mitigate
To cause to become less harsh or hostile. To alleviate.
Always approach an incident from.
Upwind, Uphill, Upstream.
NFPA Standard for Vapor Protective Ensembles
NFPA 1991
NFPA Standard for Liquid Splash Protective Ensembles
NFPA 1992
NFPA Standard for Open Circuit SCBA
NFPA 1981
RNIP
Recognize, Notify, Identify, Protect
Size of Placards
10 3/4 by 103/4
Cryogenics
Gases that are converted into liquids by being cooled below -1500F (-1010C)
Ionizing Radiation
Radiation that has sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms resulting in a chemical change in the atom.
Electron
Minute component of an atom that posses a negative charge.
Photon
Packet of electromagnetic energy.
Sorbent
Granular, porous filtering material used in vapor or gas removing respirators.
Systemic Effect
Something that affects an entire system rather than a single location or entity.
Dose
Quantity of a chemical material ingested or absorbed through skin contact for purposes of measuring toxicity.
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet - Form provided by the manufacturer of chemicals that contains information about chemical composition, physical and chemical properties, health and safety hazards, emergency response procedures, and waste disposal procedures.
Initial isolation Distance
Distance within which all persons are considered for evacuation in all directions from a hazardous materials incident.
Protective Action Distance
Downwind distance from a hazardous materials incident within which protective actions should be implemented.
Initial Isolation Zone
Circular zone (with a radius equivalent to the initial isolation distance) withing which persons may be exposed to dangerous concentrations upwind of the source and may be exposed to life-threatening concentrations downwind of the source.
Shelter in Place
Having occupants remain in a structure or vehicle in order to provide protection from a rapidly approaching hazard.
Exothermic
Chemical reaction between 2 or more materials that changes the materials and produces heat, flame, and toxic smoke.
Chemical Warfare Agent
Chemical substance that is intended for use in warfare or terrorist activities to kill, seriously injure, or seriously incapacitate people through its physiological effects.
RDD
Radiological Dispersal Device - Device that spreads radioactive contamination over the widest possible area by detonating conventional high explosives wrapped with radioactive material.
Choking Agent
Chemical warfare agent that attacks the lungs causing tissue damage.
IED
Improvised Explosive Device - device that is categorized by its container and the way it is initiated; usually homemade, constructed for a specific target, and contained in almost anything.
OSHA 1910.120
Awareness and Operations levels
NFPA 472
Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazard Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction
Dike
Temporary or permanent barriers that contain or direct the flow of liquids.
Hazard Assessment
Formal review of the hazards that are used to determine the appropriate level and type of personal and respiratory protection that must be worn. Hazard and risk assessment is a continuous and ongoing process.
Evacuation
Process of leaving or being removed from a potentially hazardous location.
Topography
Physical configuration of the land or terrain.
Incident Levels
Level 1, 2, and 3.
Incident Level 1
This type of incident is within the capabilities of the fire or emergency services organization or other first responders. A Level 1 incident is the least serious and the easiest to handle.
Incident Level 2
This type of incident is beyond the capabilities of the first responders on the scene and may be beyond the capabilities of the first response agency/organization having jurisdiction. This level require the services of a formal haz mat response team.
Incident Level 3
This type of incident requires resources from state/provincial agencies, federal agencies, and/or private industry in addition to unified command. This level is the most serious of all hazardous material incidents. A large-scale evacuation may be required.
Strategic Goals
Broad Statements of what must be done to resolve the incident. They are prioritized depending on available resources and the particulars of the incident.
Tactical Objectives
Specific Operations that must be done in order to accomplish those goals.
What is critical to the rapid, effective control of emergency operations?
Incident Action Plan (IAP)
What are 3 Strategic Modes of Operation?
Offensive, Defensive, and Non-intervention.
Offensive Strategic Mode of Operation
A strategy that includes actions to actively control the hazard.
Defensive Strategic Mode of Operation
A strategy that provides confinement of the hazard to a given are by performing defensive actions such as containing the hazard.
Non-intervention Strategic Mode of Operation
Isolates the area to protect the public and emergency responders, but allows the incident to run it's course on it's own.
Tactics are measurable in.
Time and Performance.
Information must be gathered and analyzed so that.
Necessary modifications may be made to improve the plan if necessary.
Confinement
The process of controlling the flow of a spill and capturing it at some specified location. Most defensive control options are related to confinement.
Containment
Act of stopping the further release of a material from it's container.
Radiation
Energy from a radioactive source emitted in the form of waves or particles.
2 Tactics Related to controlling chemical and radiological releases
Confinement and Containment.
If the IAP is effective
The IC should receive favorable progress reports from tactical and-or task supervisors and the incident should begin to stabilize.
IAP
Incident Action Plan
Isolation and scene control is one of the primary strategic goals at haz mat incidents and.
The most important means by which responders can ensure the safety of themselves and others.
Isolation Perimeter
The boundary established to prevent access by the public and unauthorized persons. It also includes preventing contaminated or potentially contaminated individuals from leaving the scene in order to stop the spread of hazardous materials. It can also be expanded or reduced as needed, and it is used to control both access and egress from the scene.
Hazard Control Zones
Provide for the scene control required at haz mat and terrorist incidents to protect responders from interference from unauthorized persons, help regulate movement of first responders within the zones, and minimize contamination. Referred to as Hot, Warm, and Cold Zones.
Hot Zone
(Also called Exclusion Zone) An area surrounding an incident that is potentially very dangerous either because it presents a threat in the form of a hazardous material or the effects thereof, or there are armed and dangerous individuals present (ex. hostage situation).
SWAT
Special Weapons And Tactics
USAR
Urban Search And Rescue
JHAT
Joint Hazard Assessment Team
Warm Zone
(Also called Contamination Reduction Zone or Corridor) An area adjoining the Hot zone and the Cold zone. It's used as a buffer between the hot and cold zones and is the place to Decontaminate personnel and equipment (The Decon Corridor) exiting the hot zone. PPE is normally required in this zone.
Cold Zone
(Also called Support Zone) An area that encompasses the warm zone and is used to carry out all logistical support functions of the incident. The multi-agency command post, staging area, donning/doffing area, back up teams, research teams, logistical support, criminal investigation teams, triage/treatment/rehabilitation, and transport areas are located in the cold zone.
Staging Area
Prearranged, temporary strategic location, away from the emergency scene, where units assemble and wait until they are assigned a position on the emergency scene and from which these resources must be able to respond within 3 minutes of being assigned.
Transportation Area
Location where accident casualties are held after receiving medical care or triage before being transported to medical facilities.
Decontamination Zone
Area located in the Warm Zone where contaminated clothing, people, and equipment can be cleaned or secured.
Area or Safe Refuge
Traditionally in the Warm Zone. Area to wait for evacuation and/or decon. Area where evacuated persons are directed to gather while potential emergencies are addressed, decisions are made, and mitigating activities are begun.
Rehabilitation Area
Safe location where emergency personnel can rest, sit, and lie down, have food and drink, and have medical conditions evaluated; located in the Cold Zone.
Triage-Treatment Area
Area where persons are brought for medical assessment and treatment/stabilization; located in the Cold Zone.
EOC
Emergency Operations Center - Disaster management center for government agencies.
Mutual Aid
Reciprocal assistance from one fire and emergency services agency to another during an emergency based upon a prearrangement between agencies involved.
Automatic Aid
Written agreement between 2 or more agencies to automatically dispatch predetermined resources to any fire or other emergency reported in the geographic area covered by the agreement.
Stabilization
Stage of an incident when the immediate problem or emergency has been controlled, contained, or extinguished.
NRP
National Response Plan - The process spelled out for all local, state, and federal emergency response plans that must comply with these provisions.
Order of Response to incidents
Local Authorities then State then the Federal Government.
What is the overall (catch-all) goal of ensuring safety of responders and the public?
Protection
The first priority at any incident
The Protection and Safety of emergency responders.
Critical element of a haz mat or terrorist incident.
Ensuring accountability of all personnel
One of the most important functions of NIMS-ICS
To provide a means of tracking all personnel and equipment assigned to the incident.
Accountability Systems are especially important for
Incidents where multiple agencies/organizations may be responding.
Preplan
Document, developed during the pre-incident planning, that contains the operational plan or set procedures for the safe and efficient handling of emergency situations at a given location.
Types of Accountability Systems
Fire Service Passport System, T-card Systems for wild land incidents as well as systems that utilize newer technologies such as GIS systems and GPS systems.
Buddy System
A system of organizing personnel into work groups in such a manner that each member has a buddy or partner, so that nobody is working alone.
The US&R signals and their meanings.
1 long blast (3 seconds long) - Cease Operations-All Quiet3 short blasts (1 second each) - Evacuate the Area1 long and 1 short blast - Resume Operations
Who ensures that safety briefings are conducted for personnel entering hazard zones?
The Safety Officer
Evacuation
To move all people from a threatened area to a safer place. To evacuate, there must be enough time to warn people, for them to get ready, and for them to leave. Evacuation is the best protective action to carry out. Evacuations can be an expensive, labor intensive operation.
Protection of the Public includes
Isolating the Area and denying entry, Conducting Rescues, Performing Mass Decontamination, and Providing Emergency Medical Care and First Aid. Additional measures include Evacuation, Sheltering in Place, and Protecting/Defending in Place.
Sheltering in Place
Direct people to quickly go inside a building and remain inside until danger passes. People inside the structure should close all doors, windows, and turn off all heating and air-conditioning systems.
Protecting/Defending in Place
An active (offensive) role or aggressive posture to physically protect those in harms way.
Decontamination
To remove hazardous materials from victims. It is impossible to remove all contaminants, it is done simply to reduce contamination to a level that is no longer harmful. Decontamination also provides victims with psychological reassurance.
The 3 basic principles of any Decontamination
1. Get it off2. Keep it off3. Contain it
The 3 types of Decontamination
Emergency DeconMass DeconTechnical Decon
Emergency Decontamination
Removing contamination on individuals in potentially life-threatening situations with or without the formal establishment of a decontamination corridor. The goal is to remove the threatening contaminant as quickly as possible - there is no regard for the environment or property.
Mass Decontamination
Conducting rapid decontamination of multiple people at one time. May be conducted with or without a formal decon corridor or line. Initiated when the number of victims and time constraints do not allow the establishment of an in-depth decontamination process.
Technical Decontamination
Using Chemical or physical methods to thoroughly remove contaminants from responders and their equipment. It may also be used on victims in non-life-threatening situations.
Minimum water pressure for a Mass Decon.
60psi
Standard household water pressure
between 60psi - 90psi.
2 groups to split patients into for decon
Ambulatory and Non-Ambulatory.
START
Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment/Transport
Ambulatory Victims
Victims who are able to understand directions, talk, and walk unassisted.
Non-Ambulatory Victims
Victims who are unconscious, unresponsive, or unable to move unassisted.