HAZ MATS: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
VOLUNTEERS CORNER
The 1980s have been called the decade of hazardous materials, and huge sums of money have been spent on the development of standards, programs, training materials, training, and equipment. The NFPA released standards 471, Recommended Practice for Responding to Hazardous Materials Incidents, and 472, Standard for Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents; OSHA’s “Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response” Final Rule (29 CFR 1910.120) has been adopted as federal legislation; state training programs for haz mats are becoming more numerous; and more departments are becoming involved in establishing community emergency plans and are integrating laws and standards into their own operating procedures for haz mats.
In spite of this, some fire departments still apply the same strategies and tactics to haz-mat incidents that they have been taught for structural firefighting. The training classes, text directives, and experiences of other fire departments seem not to apply. The attitude appears to be one of “It can’t happen here,” “Don’t tell me— I’ve been a firefighter for 20 years,” or “This new approved gear will protect us.” The inability to mentally switch from structural operations to those for hazardous materials is a real problem. It is in part the result of the training in structural tactics that is so well learned and so often used. But hazardous-material operations and structural firefighting are not the same.
One difference is that officers often underestimate the risks and dangers involved in hazardous-material incidents. Fire officers perform size-up, gathering facts and evaluating them in their decision making. They then decide how to proceed—with an aggressive offensive attack or a defensive surround-and-drown mode. However, they don’t expect the unexpected: They don’t consider the worst-case scenario and often do not take the proper safety precautions. As a result, the fire service has a poor record of injuries and deaths at hazardous-material incidents.
Incident commanders must attempt to learn all they can about the hazardous chemicals involved from the sources available. For many, this will only be the DOT’S Emergency Response Guidebook, which they may use to establish the chemical’s identity and then the initial action. This is not, however, an in-depth source book for specific chemicals. Others will have access to material safety data sheets. Some will have a variety of reference books with considerable specific data, such as the CHRIS manual, as resources. Accumulating data may take a phone call to Chemtrec. Whatever the source of technical data available, you must scrutinize it carefully—your life may depend on it.
What will this chemical do when it is exposed to heat, combined with an oxidizer, shocked by being knocked over by a master stream, or mixed with other known or unknown substances? Is it reactive with air or water? Is it toxic, explosive, unstable, corrosive, flammable, or radioactive, or will it polymerize? Consider all reactions that are probable, then check the improbable. Also consider the possibility that there may be more than one chemical involved (see “Unforeseen Dangers of Chemical Mixtures,” Fire Engineering, February 1990). If the chemical remains unknown it may be a “best action” to protect life and property until the proper level of expertise is on the scene.
You also must consider how serious the reaction will be. This can depend on numerous variables, and ascertaining the answer will be difficult. However, the quantity involved, how long the situation has been deteriorating, and whether container, room, or building is vented or unvented may give some clues. Your first reaction, even before you obtain additional information and initiate the decisionmaking process, is to isolate the area and deny entry. This will provide some protection and reduce added unnecessary exposure should there be a violent chemical reaction. Place other incoming apparatus in staging until you can develop a strategic plan. All along anticipate what could go wrong and how you can minimize injuries and possible deaths if it does.
You may need further information and a closer look at the incident. If so, send in a reconnaissance team of an officer and a firefighter. They should approach on foot, wear protection from the suspected hazards in the form of frill protective clothing or chemical suits and SCBA, and take all precautions so as not to worsen the incident. For example, if they suspect flammable gases, they should not carry in a radio that could serve as an ignition source if keyed. A backup team should stand by for the safety of the recon team, wearing the same level of protection and ready to immediately advance and assist.
Once he assembles all the pertinent facts, the incident commander can begin to look at the possible courses the incident will take. If time permits he should seek outside technical assistance from industry or regional hazardous-material teams. He should then choose the safest, most feasible course of action for the time frame and resources available.
Any course of action taken requires constant monitoring for progress (or lack of progress). An incident commander must be prepared to change the initial course if it is unsuccessful. Keep safety in mind when selecting a new tactical approach. Remember, taking no action may be a viable alternative if operations are too dangerous, if the proper resources are not available, or if the outcome is too unpredictable to proceed.
The fire service is being held more and more accountable for its decisions. The decision-making process can be made easier with detailed preincident plans and good standard operating procedures for haz-mat incidents. Base your decisions on a systematic analysis of the situation using all the risk assessment tools at your disposal, and remember to expect the unexpected!
