Service Delivery 4

Hazardous Materials

and

Decontamination

Aim

To make students aware of the initial actions to be taken at incidents involving hazardous materials and the procedures for decontamination.

Learning OutcomesAt the end of the session students will be able to:

• State the initial actions at chemical incidents

• Understand decontamination measures

• List the control measures necessary to prevent harm or injury.

Action on arrival

• Ensure a safe approach

• Approach from upwind and uphill

• Avoid any vapour clouds.

At all incidents, circumstances will vary

in relation to the type, nature and location

Some common factors are;

Risk assessment

• Are any rescues required to be carried out• Type of incident - fire or spillage• Position of the incident• The substance and its hazards• Firefighting media required and personal

protection• Stopping the spread of the incident• Obtaining specialist advise• Does the incident require further resources• Environment considerations.

Details required

• Name of the substance

• Emergency action code

• Maker’s name, address and telephone no.

• Quantity involved

• Fire or spillage, and location

• Form - liquid, solid or gas.

Information gathering

• If the UKTHIS or ADR plate cannot be easily read and the driver or other responsible person is not available it may be necessary to commit a crew to obtain the information required

• The supervisory officer will determine the appropriate level of protection to be worn.

Chemical protection suits

Two types;

• Standard

• Gastight.

Decontamination Primary purpose;

• To remove firefighters from any contaminated clothing or CPC safely

• Decontamination of equipment is a secondary consideration, which may be carried out at station

• Equipment includes CPC and firekit.

Environment

Important;

At every incident requiring the use of decontamination, the Environment Agency should be consulted at the first opportunity.

General

Decontamination may be Initial or Full depending on the incident and use and can be either;

• Wet: Using water with or without detergent, or

• Dry: Using fullers earth or vacuum cleaner.

Choice of method

This will be based;

• Nature of the contamination

• Degree of contamination

• Type of protective clothing worn

• Risk to the environment.

Decontamination zone

The following factors must be taken into account when siting the decontamination zone;

• Type of decontamination

• Weather conditions and wind direction

• The slope of the ground

• Location of drains (or their absence)

• Operational circumstances.

Decontamination zone

• Location of BA entry control

• Location of a pumping appliance

• Location of the incident.

Also to be considered;

Procedures• Contaminated wearers should emerge from the risk area with a minimum of 80 bar pressure remaining in the cylinder

• After reporting to the ECO personnel must proceed directly to the decontamination zone holding area

• The operations will determine the order for personnel to be decontaminated according to the cylinder contents.

Initial decontamination

EmergencyClothing

CleaningArea.

Dirty AreaHose Reel

Suction Hose

Drain (if used)

Improvised Dam(if used)

Hose Reel

Clean Area

Fullers Earth

Brush& Shovel

Plastic Bags

Full decontamination

CleanClothing

BA StorageArea

B.A.Control

Dirty Area

Hose

Suction Hose

Shower Unit (if used)

position over drain

Dam

(if used)

Hose Reel

• Assistant Director

Box for DSU’s

• Operators 1 & 2

Clean Area

Fullers Earth

Brush & Shovel

• Documentation Officer• Director.

PlasticBags

Portable decontamination shower

2000 to 1.

Dilution ratio:

Advantages of shower system

• Minimum number of operatives

• Easily set up, no time consuming labour

• Personnel are processed rapidly

• Portable, may be stowed on appliance.

Disadvantages of shower system

• Not suitable for fire kit only

• Require a substantial water supply

• Unsuitable for members of the public

• Cannot be used with non coverall

Disadvantages of shower system

• May overrun drains quickly

• Water authorities require consultation and may not agree, depending on substance.

• Produces aerosol and spray, which can spread contamination

Emergency decontamination

May be necessary where fire service personnel have;

• Inadequate protection or sustained damage to their CPC (including boots)

• Suffered injury

• A breathing apparatus emergency.

Emergency decontamination

• Members of the public or site personnel who are not protected or who have inadequate protection

Use the best method available depending on time constraints.

May also be used for;

Post incidentItems of uniform;

• Seal in a plastic bag

• Boots, reflective jackets and equipment wash thoroughly before leaving incident

• Items for disposal - Health and Safety Section

• Label all bags.

Post incident

• Equipment- wash with hot water and detergent and rinse with copious amounts of water- suitable PPE

• Only condemned following assessment by supervisory officer

• Personal hygiene

• Records: Accident book & F(A)32.

On return to station;

Health and safety considerations

• Site all personnel, appliances, equipment and control points upwind and in a safe clear area

• Wear full firefighting kit including chemical and gas suits, with BA if required

• If possible work in a well illuminated clear area

Health and safety considerations

• Avoid inhalation, ingestion and absorption of chemicals or vapour clouds

• Ensure equipment ich can create a spark, torches/radios, can be used inside the danger area

• Do not eat, drink or smoke during the incident

Health and safety considerations

• Anyone feeling unwell at the incident must report to the Incident Commander immediately.

Confirmation Assessments will be based on this lesson and the corresponding study note

Learning Outcomes

• State the initial actions at chemical incidents

• Understand decontamination measures

• List the control measures necessary to prevent harm or injury.

THE END