CITY OF PITTSBURGH
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM
(excerpts)
65.1 PURPOSE
Hazardous materials, due to their complexity and capacity to do greater harm, require a special type of response. Critical information must be gathered and a number of tasks must be performed before an operating decision can be made. Then an operation must be undertaken that will accomplish a satisfactory objective in a manner that is safe to the responders, the public and the environment. Constant activity by a variety of individuals of different disciplines with these ends as a goal is required. A common sense approach then would be a guide to follow so steps are not overlooked in this high activity environment.
65.2 DEFINITION
Hazardous Materials Response Team is a group of trained personnel who respond to releases of hazardous materials for the purpose of control or stabilization of the incident.
65.3 LEVELS OF RESPONSE (RE: NFPA 471)
65.3.1 General
It is obvious that there will be degrees of severity to any Haz Mat incident. The response will also reflect the amount of personnel and equipment necessary to accomplish the mission. A general guide recommended in NFPA 471 is established for suggested stating level of response. The incident conditions as to product identification, container size, fire/explosion potential, leak severity, life safety, environmental impact and container integrity are listed along with parameters that suggest an incident starting level.
65.3.2 Level One
Product Identification - Placard not required, NFPA 704-0 or 1 for all categories, all Class 9 and ORM-D
Container Size - Small (i.e., pail, drum, cylinder [100 or 150 lb], 1 to 5 packages or bags)
Fire/Explosion (Potential) - Low
Leak Severity - No release or small release contained or confined with readily available resources.
Fire Safety - No life-threatening situation from materials involved.
Environmental Impact (Potential) - Minimal
Container Integrity - Not damaged
65.3.3 Level Two
Product Identification - DOT Placarded, NFPA 704-2 for any categories, EPA regulated waste, PCBs
Container Size - Medium (i.e., 1 ton cylinder, portable containers, nurse tanks, over 5 small packages)
Fire/Explosion (Potential) - Medium
Leak Severity - Release may not be controllable without special resources.
Fire Safety - Localized area, limited evacuation area
Environmental Impact (Potential) - Moderate
Container Integrity - Damaged but able to contain the contents to allow handling or transfer of product.
65.3.4 Level Three
Product Identification - Class 2, Division 2.3 - poisonous gases, Class 1, Division 1.1 and 1.2 explosives,
organic peroxide, flammable solid, materials dangerous when wet, chlorine, fluorine, anhydrous ammonia,
radioactive materials, NFPA-704 3 & 4 for any categories including special hazards, PCB with fire, DOT inhalation
hazard, EPA extremely hazardous substances and cryogenics
Container Size - Large (i.e., tank cars, tank trucks, stationary tanks, hopper cars/trucks, multiple medium containers)
Fire/Explosion (Potential) - High
Leak Severity - Release may not be controllable without special resources.
Fire Safety (Potential) - Large area, mass evacuation area Environmental Impact - Severe
Container Integrity - Damaged to the extent that failure is possible.
65.3.5 Equipment Response
65.3.5.1 Level 1
When this level is identified either by a unit in the field or from information received at EOC the following
personnel and equipment will respond:
Engine 37 with Foam 1
Truck 33 with Spill Truck
Rescue Unit available
Notification to 4020
EMS Supervisor in field
BC1
Unit 50
Unit 40
On duty Deputy
Unit 4020 and EMS Supervisor should closely monitor call and respond based on information generated. All
others should respond based on information and availability.
65.3.5.2 Level 2
When this level is identified either by a unit in the field or from information received at EOC the following personnel and equipment will respond:
Engine 37 with Foam 1
Truck 33 with Spill Truck
Rescue 1 or 2
Unit 4020
EMS Supervisor
Haz Mat Van
On Duty Deputy
Notification Unit 50
Unit 40
Bureau Chiefs
65.3.5.3 Level 3
When this level is identified either by a unit in the field or from information received at EOC the following
personnel and equipment will respond:
Engine 37 with Foam 1
Truck 33 with Spill Truck
Rescue 1 & 2
Unit 4020
EMS Supervisor and all on duty Haz Mat Team
member
Haz Mat Van
On Duty Deputy
Unit 50
Unit 40
EOC Mobile Command Post
Activate EOC and Bureau Chief's report
Deputy Mayor/Public Safety Director
65.3.5.4 Level 3+
On request from Incident Command, EOC will begin a call back of off shift Haz Mat Team members in numbers
requested from Haz Mat Team leader.
65.3.5.5 Communications
On every level of response Dispatch will instruct all responders including EMS & Police to switch to whatever Fire channel the call was originally dispatched on. When Incident Command is set up at the incident, Dispatch will secure a channel for the incident and all traffic will be switched to that channel.
65.4 SEQUENCE OF AUTHORITY
65.4.1 Incident Commander
The Incident Command System will be observed from the arrival of the first emergency unit on the scene. Command will be transferred to the next higher ranked person to arrive. Personnel arriving for Haz Mat Team assignments will only be assigned to positions their training will permit them to operate. The Haz Mat Team leader will be the highest ranked person trained to that level.
65.5 DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITY
65.5.1 General
Due to the complexity and the potential negative results of a hazardous material incident, it is critically important that areas of responsibility be assigned. Each individual must possess the knowledge and training required of that job.
65.6 INCIDENT COMMANDER
65.6.1 Definition
The person responsible for all decisions relating to the management of the incident.
65.6.1.1 On Scene Incident Commander
On large incidents the Incident Commander will be removed from the scene at the activated EOC. An on-scene Incident Commander will be in place having overall responsibility for the incident scene.
65.6.2 Duties
(a) Responsible for the direction and coordination of all aspects of the incident.
(b) Applies appropriate emergency operations plan
(c) Assimilates information from available sources and initiates an incident specific operational plan
(d) Oversees notification of appropriate agencies
(e) Directs resources, private, governmental and others
(f) Provide management overview, technical review, and logistical support
(g) Provides for information transfer to local elected officials and media
(h) Insures compliance of reporting requirements
(i) Conducts a critique of incident
65.6.3 Checklist
65.6.4 Required Reports
65.7 SAFETY OFFICER
65.7.1 Definition
An individual designated by the Haz Mat Team Commander who is knowledgeable in the operations of the Team and the requirements for safety in a hazardous materials incident.
65.7.2 General
H.M.R.T. Safety Officer coordinates with the Incident Safety Officer and reports to the HMRT Commander. This individual advises that HMRT Commander on all aspects of health and safety and has the authority to stop unsafe acts and operations for the safety of the Team. A HMRT Safety Officer shall be appointed at all hazardous material incidents. On multi-activity incidents, the HMRT Safety Officer will not act as Safety Officer for the overall incident.
65.7.3 Duties
(a) Coordinate with Incident Safety Officer.
(b) Obtain briefing from HMRT Commander
(c) Participate in preparation of, and implement safety plan
(d) Advise of deviations from the safety plan or dangerous situations
(e) Alter, suspend, or terminate any activity that is judged to be unsafe
(f) Ensure the protection of HMRT personnel from physical, environmental, and chemical hazards or exposures
(g) Ensure the provision of required medical service for personnel and coordinate with Medical Team Leader
(h) Fill out log, checklist, and reports.
65.7.4 Checklists
Appendix A
65.8 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RESPONSE TEAM COMMANDER
65.8.1 Definition
An individual member of HMRT that by virtue of his/her experience, training and rank is capable of assuming responsibility for the operation of the Team at incidents involving hazardous materials.
65.8.2 General
The HMRT Commander reports to the Incident commander or the on-scene Incident Commander. The HMRT Commander is responsible for the implementation of the phases of the incident operation plan dealing with HMRT objectives. The HMRT Commander is responsible for the assignment of resources within the HMRT, and the reporting on the progress and the status of resources. The HMRT Commander directs the overall operations of the HMRT.
65.8.3 Duties
* Obtain briefing from the Incident Commander
* Ensure development of control zones and access control points
* Evaluate and recommend public protection action options to the Incident Commander
* Assign Team leaders, conduct briefing and monitor progress
* Set up safety briefing with Team leaders
* Assist in development of the incident operations plan
* Ensure that the Unit log of the incident is maintained
65.8.4 Checklist
65.8.5 Required Reports
65.9 ENTRY TEAM LEADER
65.9.1 Definition
An individual member of HMRT that by virtue of his/her experience and training capable of assuming responsibility for the operation of the Entry Team at incidents where Team personnel must enter a hot zone.
65.9.2 General
The entry Team Leader reports to the HMRT Commander. The Entry Team Leader is responsible for the overall entry operations of the personnel within the hot zone. He/she must coordinate activities with the HMRT Commander to assure all activities of the incident are supporting Entry Team operations while they are in progress.
65.9.3 Duties
* Obtain briefing from HMRT Commander
* Assist in development of actions of Entry Team Operations Plan
* Select and assign Entry Team and support personnel
* Coordinate with Safety and Decontamination Leaders
* Supervise entry operations
* Maintain communications with Decontamination Leader
* Maintain communications with support personnel operating in technical reference
* Maintain control of the movement of people and equipment within the hot zone
* Maintain log
65.9.4 Checklist
65.9.5 Required Reports
65.10 MEDICAL TEAM LEADER
65.10.1 Definition
An individual member of HMRT that by virtue of his/her experience, and training is capable of assuming responsibility for the overall medical requirements and support of the hazardous material incident.
65.10.2 General
The Medical Team Leader reports to the HMRT Commander. The Medical Team Leader is responsible for the overall medical requirements of the HMRT. He must coordinate with the Entry Team Leader and the Decontamination Leader to assure the medical requirements of HMRT operations are met.
65.10.3 Duties
* Obtain briefing from HMRT Commander
* Assist in development of operational plan
* Coordinate with Entry Team Leader for medical checks of personnel performing operations
* Coordinate with Decontamination Leader for medical procedures on victims and HMRT personnel exiting the hot zone.
* Coordinate with medical support for triage and transport staging location.
* Provide for medical monitoring during rehab
* Advise HMRT Commander on medical condition of personnel during HMRT operations
* Coordinate transfer of any medical patients to triage
* Maintain log
65.10.4 Checklist
65.11 DECONTAMINATION LEADER
65.11.1 Definitions
An individual member of HMRT that by virtue of his/her experience and training is capable of assuming responsibility for
the operation of the decontamination procedures for the hazardous materials incident.
65.11.2 General
The Decon Leader reports to the HMRT Commander. The Decon Leader is responsible for the operations of the decontamination line and to provide decontamination as required by the Incident Operations Plan. He must coordinate with Safety, Entry and Medical Leaders to assure the decontamination requirements are met.
65.11.3 Duties
* Obtain briefing from the HMRT Commander
* Select personnel for Decon Team
* Establish contamination reduction corridor (decontamination line) based on Incident Operations Plan
* Identify contaminated people and equipment
* Supervise the operations of the decon line in the process of decontaminating people and equipment
* Maintain control of movement of people and equipment within the contamination reduction corridor
* Maintain communications and coordinate with Entry Leader
* Coordinate handling, storage and transfer of contaminates within the contamination reduction corridor
* Maintain log
65.13 INCIDENT OPERATIONS
65.13.1 General
It is recognized that hazardous material incidents are diverse in their nature, however certain basic functions would be inherent to all incidents. These should be initiated immediately on arrival, using a checklist to insure all eventualities are addressed. An Incident Command System shall be observed by the HMRT. The officer of the first unit arriving shall assume the responsibility of the HMRT Commander until command is passed to another HMRT member assuming responsibility.
65.13.2 Actions to be taken
The HMRT Commander will contact the Incident Commander and obtain a briefing. The HMRT Commander will not assume the incident command. If a situation arises where he/she must assume the incident command he/she must remove his or herself from HMRT operations for that incident. After receiving the briefing all facts must be verified, no assumptions will be made that chemical name is correct or size of leak or spill is accurate, etc.
Check actions being taken by First Responder companies and suggest to Incident Command any adjustments needed for overall safety and team operations, like not enough water on exposed tank, companies too close, wrong stream, dirt can be used for containment and diking, etc. Decide on how much and make a call for additional team resources and equipment. Update EOC on the incident. If it has not been done, make a suggestion to Incident Command to request a tactical channel. Position team command post and advise Incident Command.
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