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 Outcomes At 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 Emergency Clothing Cleaning Area. Dirty Area Hose Reel Suction Hose Drain (if used) Improvised Dam(if used) Hose Reel Clean Area Fullers Earth Brush& Shovel Plastic Bags

Full decontamination Clean Clothing BA Storage Area 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. Plastic Bags

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 incident Items 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.

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