FIRST RESPONDERS AWARENESS LEVEL TRAINING

Introduction to Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Emergency Response

Objectives Recognize differences between hazardous materials (hazmat) and normal suppression operations. Identify the major responsibilities of a first responder in a hazmat incident. Describe the purpose of the course and recognize the value of training.

Hazardous Materials (Hazmat)

Any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) capable of causing harm to people, property, and the environment.

Hazardous Wastes (Haz Wastes) PD 1185 The Fire Code of the Philippines RA 6969 - Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990 RA 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 1999

Hazmat Incidents
Not the same as fire suppression or other normal emergency operations Nature of the hazard requires different protective equipment, operational approaches, skills, and attitudes To safely respond, you have to be trained and mentally prepared

Hazmat Incidents

Hazmat Incidents Elements Volume of hazardous materials The human factor Events will happen!

Hazmat Incidents Local government is the first line of defense Primary resource available to local government is well trained and motivated first responders.

Hazmat Incidents General Response Hazmat incidents are different from other emergencies. Must respond: 1. Safely, 2. Slowly, 3. Methodically.

Mechanisms of Harm T.E.A.M. C.P.R.

Thermal Etiological Asphyxiation Mechanical Chemical Psychological Radiological

First Responder Individual who arrives first on the scene of a hazmat incident with the responsibility to act. For our purposes, first responders are emergency response personnel, NOT members of the public, who may arrive on the scene first.
Fire service, police, EMS, public works, and industry personnel

First Responders Responsibilities

Recognition and
Identification

Isolation
Protection Notification

First Responders Responsibilities

Recognition and
Identification

Recognize the presence of hazmat. Identify the material, if possible. Gather information.

Isolation
Protection Notification

Set perimeters/zones. Deny entry. Evacuate. Initiate the ICS. Protect responders/public Initiate decontamination. Initiate defensive actions only.

Notify the proper authorities Call for assistance. Provide updates

First Responder -- Awareness Individuals who are likely to witness or discover a hazmat release Primary function: notify proper authorities and to initiate an appropriate response. May also establish isolation areas.

First Responder -- Awareness Includes all police officers may include emergency medical personnel as well as private sector employees.

First Responder -- Operations A person who responds to protect life, property, and the environment and is trained to act in a defensive fashion without trying to actually stop the release. Keep the release from spreading and to prevent exposures.

First Responder -- Operations Includes all firefighters May include emergency medical personnel, police officers, and private sector employees.

Hazardous Materials Technician A person who responds releases or potential releases for the purpose of stopping the release.

Hazardous Materials Specialist A person who responds and provides support to Hazardous Materials Technicians. Tank Car Specialist Tank Truck Specialist Product Specialist

On-Scene Incident Commander A person who will assume control of the incident scene. Must be trained to at least the First Responder Operations level.

REMEMBER! Safely and competently respond within appropriate level, resources, and capabilities