Hazardous Materials Incidents - Surviving the Initial Response

Description

First responders who arrive on the scene of a hazardous materials incident may be assigned to an engine, ladder truck, rescue, or ambulance with very little sophisticated HAZMAT equipment. Despite these limitations, their actions during the initial response will often set the stage for the success or failure of the entire event. Many incidents start out as minor “routine” events that suddenly escalate when something goes terribly wrong! First responders, despite their best intentions, can quickly become part of any hazardous materials problem. The results can be first responders who are killed or seriously injured, or those who suffer devastating illnesses years after exposure to a hazardous material. This book shares the author’s years of experiences in a practical, easy-to-read manner. Even if you have hours of training on hazardous materials response, this book will provide every reader with:Practical advice based on the real-life experiences of first responders A one-stop source on topics such as atmospheric monitors and class B foamSteps to managing “routine” incidents to prevent them from becoming disastersLimitations of federal hazardous materials regulations you need to knowReal-world examples of first responders who won (or lost) the battle with hazardous materials Content: Front Matter • Table of Contents 1. Beyond the Rule of Thumb 2. What is a Hazardous Material? 3. The Role of First Responders 4. Planning for a Hazardous Materials Incident 5. How Not to Become Part of the Problem 6. Who First Responders Should Call to Get Help 7. Documents First Responders Can Use for Effective Decision Making 8. Identifying the Material 9. Characteristics of Containers 10. Evaluating the Environment 11. Defensive Actions for First Responders 12. Highway Transportation Incidents 13. Railroad Transportation Incidents 14. Fixed Facility Incidents 15. "Routine" Hazardous Materials Incidents 16. Understanding Atmospheric Monitors 17. Understanding Class B Foam 18. Managing the Initial Phase of a Hazardous Materials Incident 19. Is the Incident a Crime Scene? 20. Cleanup, Recovery, Reimbursement, and Scene Restoration Appendices Index