Hazardous Materials Incidents - Surviving the Initial Response

✍ Scribed by De Lisi, Steven M.

• Publisher: PennWell
• Year: 2006
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 272
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

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 foam

Steps to managing “routine” incidents to prevent them from becoming disasters

Limitations of federal hazardous materials regulations you need to know

Real-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