Safety at Specialized Incidents 7-1 Chapter 7

Learning Objectives Describe the safety issues related to hazardous materials incident response. Describe the safety issues relating to technical rescue operations. Explain safe procedures to be used during helicopter landing zone operations. Cont. 7-2

Learning Objectives List specific safety issues relating to operations at civil disturbances. List specific safety concerns when responding to terrorism events. List specific safety concerns when responding to natural disasters. 7-3

Introduction Responding to special incidents safely Local conditions and the services that a particular department provides dictate what safety measures and procedures must be in place Life Safety Initiatives 3, 4, 5, and 6 apply to specialized incidents 7-4

Hazardous Materials Levels of training –First Responder Awareness –First Responder Operational –Hazardous Materials Technician –Hazardous Materials Specialist –On-Scene Incident Commander Cont. 7-5

Hazardous Materials Initial response and arrival RAID –Recognize –Approach –Identify –Decide Cont. 7-6

Hazardous Materials Resources for identifying hazardous substances –Occupancy and location –Placards and labels –Shipping papers –NFPA 704 system placard –Material safety data sheets Cont. 7-7

Hazardous Materials Resources for identifying hazardous substances (cont.) –Employees and occupants –ChemTrec –Reference books –Symbols –Monitoring equipment 7-8

Technical Rescues NFPA 1670 –Standard that addresses technical rescue operations Each incident requires a great deal of expertise Specialized equipment Must be managed with IMS and Safety Officer in place Rehabilitation is of prime concern during incidents Cont. 7-9

Technical Rescues General safety issues –Environmental conditions –Stability –Available air supply –Resources –Safe atmosphere Cont. 7-10

Technical Rescues General safety issues (cont.) –Rehabilitation of responders –Backup teams similarly trained and equipped –Logistics, food, rest, etc. for long term operations Remember risk vs. gain Responders’ safety must not be compromised 7-11

Helicopter Operations Landing zone –Zone will differ with jurisdiction and between day and night operations Crowd control –Onlookers –In most cases a police function Approaching the aircraft –Never approach the aircraft without permission from the pilot 7-12

Landing Zone Example 7-13

Approaching the Aircraft 7-14

Civil Disturbances Need for coordination and cooperation with local law enforcement Personnel may minimize some risks –Prioritize incidents according to potential risks –Police protection –Additional PPE Consider need for body armor or masks 7-15

Terrorism Events Pre-event planning necessary Terrorist acts –Chemical –Biological –Radiological –Nuclear –Explosive Be especially cautious about air quality Be prepared for decontamination 7-16

Natural Disasters Risk assessment is essential for local departments Will likely be working with other agencies Cooperation necessary Priorities –Incident management –Accountability –Rehabilitation 7-17

Summary Incidents may require specialized responses and training Produce unique safety concerns Hazmat training is based on five levels of response Technical rescue is a specialized area of response Emergency responders may be required to provide ground support for helicopter operations Cont. 7-18

Summary Civil disturbances require close coordination with law enforcement Terrorism events also require the close coordination between law enforcement and the emergency responders Natural disasters pose general hazards and risk that must be considered in the safety and health program 7-19