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