The Tupelo Fire Department responds to a variety of incidents all of which potentially could involve hazardous materials. Due to this potential the Tupelo Fire Department is establishing the following Emergency Operating Guidelines to assist in the decision making process when responding to a known or unknown hazardous materials incident.

In the event of an incident involving a hazardous or toxic material where there exists a danger to the health and safety of emergency response personnel or the general public, because of fire, explosion, radioactivity, toxic release, or chemical reaction, the senior Fire Department representative (Incident Commander) will implement the emergency response procedures as outlined in these guidelines.

Any hazardous materials incident represents a potentially dangerous situation. Chemicals that are combustible, explosive, corrosive, toxic, or reactive, along with biological and radioactive materials can affect the general public or the environment as well as the emergency responder. Response activities needed at each incident are unique. There are similarities between incidents, one being the protection of the health and safety of the responders.

The intent of these guidelines are to provide the functions needed to control and mitigate a hazardous materials incident. It also describes the lines of authority, responsibility and communication between and among various responders. It defines the interface of the Fire Department with other agencies. It also specifies the authority of each responder in directing specific operations.

It is the intent of this document to provide guidance to Fire Department responders in areas related to response, site control, entry, and mitigation of hazardous materials incidents. This guidance is not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of each of the subjects discussed. Formal training in these areas will complement this document. Specific training will provide more information for the technical, administrative, and management oriented skills needed to accomplish our mission. This document provides guidance to develop more specific procedures.

The priority of the instructions in this document is as follows:

1. Life Safety and health risks to the public and the emergency responders are the most important concern.

2. The Fire Department must stabilize the incident scene and prevent further escalation of the incident with minimum personal risk.

3. The Fire Department's response efforts should be directed toward protecting property and minimizing or lessening the impact of the event on the environment.

It is the responsibility of each member of the Department to be familiar with these guidelines and to act accordingly with the scope of training and line of authority as indicated.

There are three levels of hazardous materials incident classification. The basis used to establish the concept of classifying hazardous materials incidents into levels are:

*Level of technical expertise required to abate the incident.
*Extent of Local, State, and Federal Government, and Private Industry involvement required to assist in abating the hazard.
*Extent of evacuation of civilians
*Extent of injuries and/or deaths related to the hazardous materials incident.
*Extent and involvement of decontamination procedures.

Spills, leaks, ruptures, and/or fires involving hazardous materials which can be contained, extinguished, and/or abated utilizing equipment, supplies, and resources immediately available to the fire responders of the fire department; and

The incident can properly be handled by fire department personnel whose qualifications are limited to and do not exceed the scope of training as specified by NFPA 472, First Responder Operations.

Hazardous materials incidents which do not require the evacuation of civilians beyond the incident scene isolation.

Level II Incidents

Any Fire Department Officer can upgrade a Level I incident to a Level II incident.

A hazardous material incident which can only be identified, tested, sampled, contained, extinguished, and/or abated utilizing the expertise and resources of the Tupelo Fire Department Special Operations Team; a hazardous materials incident which requires the use of any kind of specialized protective gear, tools, equipment or knowledge beyond the normal scope of a first responder; and/or

Hazardous materials incident which requires the evacuation of civilians; and/or

Fires involving hazardous materials that are permitted to burn for a controlled period of time, or are allowed to consume themselves; and/or

The incident can only be properly handled by fire department personnel whose qualifications meet or exceed the scope of training as specified in NFPA 742, Hazardous Materials Technician.

Level III Incident

Any Fire Department Officer can upgrade a Level I or Level II incident to a Level III incident.

Actual or threat of spills, leaks, or ruptures which can or must be contained and/or abated by utilizing the highly specialized equipment and supplies available to environmental and industrial response personnel. Such equipment, techniques, and qualified personnel are in excess of or are in addition to those available from the on-scene hazardous materials response team; and/or

Fires involving hazardous materials that are allowed to burn due to the ineffectiveness or dangers of the use of any kind of extinguishing agent, or the unavailability of the proper extinguishing agent; and/or there is a real threat of large container failure; and/or an explosion, detonation, BLEVE or container failure has already occurred; and/or

Hazardous materials incident which require evacuation of civilians from a large geographical area, or evacuation has extended across jurisdictional boundaries; and/or there are serious civilian injuries and/or deaths as a result of the hazardous materials incident; and/or

Hazardous materials incidents which require the decontamination of equipment, personnel, or civilians.

The hazardous materials incident has become one of a multi-agency involvement.

The following table is presented for guidance in determining the levels. The highest for any single condition will determine the incident level.
 

Condition	Level I Incident	Level II Incident	Level III Incident
Product	No DOT placard required   ORM, A,B,C,D   Can require up to Full Structural Firefighting PPE	DOT placard PCB's/No Fire   EPA regulated Waste   Any Unidentified Substance   Can require up to Level B Chemical PPE and/or Specialized High Temperature PPE	Poison A, Explosive 1.1, 1.2, 1.3   Organic Peroxides   Flammable Solids (water reactive) Chlorine,Flourine, Anhydrous Ammonia Radioactives, PCB's On Fire   Requires up to Level A Chemical PPE or both Level A and Specialized High Temperature PPE
NFPA #704	0 or 1 all categories	2 for any category	3 or 4 for any category including special hazards
Container Size*	Small	Medium	Large
Container Integrity	Stressed or Minor Damaged	Damaged but serviceable for handling or transfer of product	Damaged, Catastrophic rupter possible
Leak Severity	No or small release contained or confined with available resources	Not controllable without special resources or "Reportable Quantities"	May not be controllable even with special resources
Life Safety	No Life Hazard	Local Area, Limited Evacuation	Large Area, Mass Evacuation
Impact on Environment	Minimal	Moderate	Severe

*Small= pail, drum, package bag.
Medium= one ton containers, portable containers, nurse tanks, multiple packages.
Large=tank cars/trucks, stationary tanks, hopper cars, multiple medium containers.

The incident commander shall be the designated fire department officer responsible for all operations directed toward the containment and mitigation of the hazards at the scene of a hazardous materials incident. Upon arrival, the Incident Commander shall secure and maintain immediate control until the situation has been corrected or abated.

The Tupelo Fire Department shall accept and provide the position of Incident Commander for the scene of all hazardous materials incidents within the City of Tupelo in accordance with the "Memorandum of Understanding for Hazardous Materials Incidents" as signed by the Police Department and Fire Department. The Tupelo Fire Department shall coordinate and direct within its jurisdiction and responsibility to include, but not be limited to: rescue and first aid, product identification, scene stabilization and management, agency notification, scene isolation, personnel protection, safety, decontamination, evacuation, and enforcement of all applicable regulations, laws, and fire department procedures.

A Team Leader of the Tupelo Fire Department Special Operations Unit shall report to and function through the on-scene Incident Commander. A Team Leader shall not assume nor be given the responsibility of incident command of any hazardous materials incident. Only when first on the scene shall a Team Leader serve as Incident Commander. Immediately upon arrival of the next Fire Department Company, the Team Leader shall pass command of the incident to that fire officer.

The Incident Commander shall employ overall management and coordination of the hazardous materials incident. The Incident Commander shall be responsible for the identification of incident resources and needs, the procurement of these resources, and the coordination of the resources so as to abate the incident and protect life, property, and the environment.

The Incident Commander shall not be responsible for the detailed direction of technical or specialized procedures, but shall oversee that these procedures are followed and implemented when suggested. Incident Command decisions are to be made with assistance of expert and technical advisors and specialists, never to exclude the Team Leaders of the Special Operations Unit.

The Incident Commander shall coordinate and control all tasks and functions with the senior on-scene Police Department representative, who has been designated as Police Department Incident Commander.

Using the guidelines established and working closely with the Police Department Incident Commander, the Incident Commander will mange the command and control of all mitigation tasks and functions.

All mitigation and tactical operations will be managed by the Fire Department.

Specific tactical objectives will be carried out by Group/Sector Supervisors.

Other needs will be met by staffing ICS positions as required.

A Safety Officer will be designated by the Incident Commander. The incident level, size, duration, or other factors may require that a Safety Sector be established. The Safety Officer shall have the authority to stop temporarily any operations which is deemed to be potentially hazardous to emergency workers. Any "stop work order" should be immediately communicated to the Operations Chief.

A Level II incident may and a Level III incident require the activation of the Tupelo Emergency Management Team (TEMTeam) in order to provide for effective operations of a multiple agency response by City Departments. The activation of the TEMTeam will also provide for the appropriate City Officials to be notified in order to conduct certain emergency functions and/or involve multiple city resources.

For major or large scale incidents a unified command may be necessary, utilizing the TEMTeam Plan.

Hazard Assessment

Early recognition of incident hazards and potential risk is essential. The initial responsibility for assessment of incident hazards lie with first responding units.

Responding units will gather and communicate to the Incident Commander pertinent information regarding the presence or release of hazardous materials or chemicals.

Each member should be alert to the signs, evidence, and indications of the presence of hazardous substances during fires and emergencies and report such information to the next higher level of command.

* Persons reporting emergencies will usually describe the kind of incident creating a hazardous condition. They generally are unable to accurately describe a hazardous materials incident.

Since accurate information about the incident or site might not be available when responding, special attention should be focused on the possibility of exposure in the following circumstances:

A. Transportation accidents.
B. Industrial accidents.
C. Leaks, spills, or suspicious odors.
D. Medical emergencies involving chemical inhalation.
E. Explosions.
F. Structural collapses.

* On-site information gathering must be limited to that which can be obtained within the limits of each responder's level of training and protective equipment. It is not in the best interest of the public or the responders to become part of the emergency problem instead of the solution.

First responders should gather, evaluate, and report information prior to entering into or undertaking activities that would place them in a contaminated environment.

* The following are environments that must be evaluated before any commitment of personnel for any reason:

A. Large containers or tanks that must be entered.
B. Confined spaces (manholes, trenches, etc.) that must be entered.
C. Potentially explosive or flammable situations indicated by gas generation or gas release or over pressurization of containers (BLEVE).
D. Presence of extremely hazardous materials such as cyanide, phosgene, or radioactive materials.
E. Visible vapor clouds.
F. Areas where biological indicators such as "Unconscious persons", dead animals or vegetation are located.

An incident generally involves the escape of normally controlled substances and response activities involve actions to minimize and prevent these discharges. Site Control is preventing or reducing the exposure of any person and the transfer of hazardous substances (contaminants) from the site by civilians, department members and equipment. Site control involves two major activities:

A. Physical arrangements and control of site work areas.
B. The removal of contaminants from people and equipment.

A. Establishing physical barriers to exclude the public and unnecessary personnel.
B. Establishing checkpoints with limited access to and from the site, or areas within the site.
C. Minimizing personnel and equipment on-site consistent with effective operations.
D. Establishing containment zones.
E. Undertaking decontamination procedures.
F. Conducting operations in a manner to reduce possibility of contamination.

Decontamination (DECON) is the process of making personnel, equipment and supplies safe by reducing present levels of poisonous or otherwise harmful substances. This process is one of the most important steps in ensuring personal safety at a hazardous materials emergency. The extent of its success depends on the ability of the IC to maintain control of personnel at the site.

The detail of decontamination operations required at an incident depends on the safety and health hazards of the contaminants. An uncontaminated light oil, for example, that presents a minimal hazard can be partially decontaminated by flushing it from protective clothing. In contrast, a poisonous material will require a careful and detailed course of action.

Teams from the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) are available to assist in medical treatment, and monitor the response personnel and others exposed to hazardous materials.

A Fire Department Medical Officer shall be designated at all Level 2 or greater incidents and will function in accordance with Dept. policy.

* Structural firefighting gear is designed to protect firefighters from heat and flame.

Hazardous materials can contaminate protective clothing, respiratory equipment, tools, vehicles, and other equipment used at an emergency scene.

First responders should avoid leaks, spills, and obvious sources of hazards, as well as indirect contact with potentially contaminated areas. Full firefighting gear and SCBA will be used at all times as a minimum of protection against exposure. Safe work practices WILL MINIMIZE exposure and contamination.

* The use of chemical protective clothing and equipment requires specific skills acquired through training.

This type of special clothing may only protect against one chemical, yet be readily penetrated by other chemicals for which it was not designed. It offers little or no thermal protection in case of fire. No one suit offers protection from all hazardous materials.

* The level of special protection required in each zone at an incident will be determined by the Officer in charge of the Hazardous Materials Group based on information available.

* The levels of protection available include:

A. Level A - highest level of protection to the responder.
B. Level B - high level of protection to the respiratory tract but a lower level of skin protection than level A.
Level A and B protective equipment is only available for use by members of the Hazardous Materials Unit.
C. Level C - does not require maximum skin or respiratory protection. This level presupposes that the types of air contaminants have been identified, concentrations measured, and the atmosphere is not oxygen deficient.
D. Level D - provides minimal protection and is used to guard against nuisance contamination only.

In most situations emergency personnel can protect the public by isolating and denying entry to contaminated areas. Initial rescue actions should concentrate on removing able-bodied persons from immediate danger. Involvement in complicated rescue problems or situations should be evaluated before being attempted.

When the probability is high that the victim cannot be saved or is already dead, rescue should not be attempted if it will place the rescuer at unnecessary risk. The danger of exposure to unknown chemicals or a potential explosion may make the risk unacceptable.

The following should be considered in attempting a rescue during a hazardous materials emergency:

A. Has the presence of a victim been confirmed visually or by other credible sources?
B. Is the person conscious or responsive?
C. How long has the victim been trapped or exposed? Is he/she viable?
D. Is the leaking material pooling or vaporizing in the area of the victim?
E. What are the properties of the material involved? What is the concentration of the material around the victim?
F. What special equipment is available to assist in this effort?

Consideration of these questions will help in weighing the likelihood of a successful rescue against the overall risk to the rescuer.

There are essentially two ways to protect the public from the effects of hazardous material discharges into the environment.

A. Evacuation: involves moving threatened persons to shelter in another area.
B. Sheltering in place: involves giving instructions to people to remain where they are until the danger passes.

* Evacuation is best considered when:

A. There is an immediate danger of fire or explosion.
B. The potential for discharge is great, it has not taken place, and there is time available to relocate the people.
C. The discharge has taken place but people are sufficiently protected to permit time for evacuation.
D. People not yet in the path of a release will be threatened by changing conditions.

* The decision to shelter in place is appropriate when the hazardous material will not affect the structure or its occupants or the hazard will pass a structure with little infiltration.

* Sheltering in place is the alternative when:

A. Pre-planning has identified options for problem areas such as hospitals, jails, nursing homes, public assemblies, etc.
B. Evacuation cannot be properly managed with the manpower, resources, and facilities presently available.
C. The hazardous material displays the following characteristics:

1. Low to moderate toxicity;
2. Totally released and dissipating;
3. Small quantity solid or liquid leak;
4. A migrating vapor of low toxicity and quantity and people are safer indoors than outside; and
5. Release can be rapidly controlled at the source.

Private corporations, outside agencies, and other city agencies maintain specialized equipment and services that may be placed at the disposal of the Fire Department for use at these incidents. A catalogue of these services and equipment should be maintained. Calls for the use of these services or cooperation of these agencies shall be transmitted to the Dispatcher by the IC. Approval will come from the Chief of Department or their designee.

Liability, costs to the provider, and the availability of certain types of equipment preclude irregular or other informal arrangements.

The IC will designate the exact location to which the special equipment will respond.

Initial notification of a potential hazardous materials incident will be included in the dispatch message transmitted to the appropriate response units by the dispatch center. All responding companies shall proceed with caution to avoid entering a hazardous area.

As soon as possible, the Company Officer assuming command shall give a brief description of the nature of the incident, identifying the hazard perimeter, possibly identifying a staging area. The intent is to provide other response personnel of the potential danger and limit unnecessary exposure to personnel and equipment. The dispatcher should notify all responding agencies of the precautions to take enroute to the scene.

More specific information should be relayed to the dispatcher in the form of progress reports as this information becomes available.

The following notifications should be made by the Lee County Communication Center in the event of a Level II or Level III incident:

a. Tupelo Police Department
b. North Mississippi Medical Center Ambulance Service
c. Lee County Civil Defense
d. Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
e. Tupelo Emergency Management Team
f. Tupelo Fire Department Special Operation Unit
g. Other agencies which may be requested

a. Assistant Chief or Duty Chief
b. Chief of the Department
c. Division Chief of Training/Safety
d. Tupelo Fire Department Special Operation Unit

In all instances the Incident Commander may call for additional units, special units, staff members, or any part of the response protocol as appropriate or needed.
 

This EOG is intended to provide basic guidelines for Emergency Response personnel for the Tupelo Fire Department. The Fire Department shall operate as a functional support group under other comprehensive contingency plans developed by the City, County, and State.

The response of emergency response agencies of local government is the first line of defense in responding to hazardous materials emergencies. The initial actions of the first arriving fire department commander shall be defensive in nature as soon as the incident is determined to be a potential hazardous material emergency.

The first response unit of the Fire Department will be managed by the senior ranking officer on the initial alarm, who will be the Incident Commander. Responsibility for command will be transferred to succeeding commanders using the established lines of authority within the Incident Command structure.

The Incident Commander on the first alarm will implement the actions necessary to implement the guidelines for hazardous materials response and assume responsibility for all command and command staff functions necessary to manage the initial response.

First responders at this level have been trained to implement limited offensive and defensive control measures for common hazardous materials involving limited quantities of certain materials. They will be capable of performing the following procedures:

a. Implementing an action plan to include; recognition and identification, isolation, notification, protection, and establish an initial command post.
b. Notify dispatcher of the need for additional resources. Communicate essential information about the incident to other responders through the dispatcher.
c. Initiate evacuation, if appropriate.
d. Initiate basic offensive functions for containment and confinement within the limits of the resources and protective equipment capabilities available on site.
e. Understand and comply with "decon" procedures.

1) Recognition and Identification
2) Notification
3) Isolation
4) Protection
Note: The situation and immediate conditions dictate the priority in which these actions are conducted.

Recognition and Identification

The Company Commander should evaluate the scene during his/her initial size up to determine if a hazardous materials incident exists.

The Company Commander shall utilize the Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guide, placards, shipping papers, or other visual information (container types, etc.) to identify the material involved, when possible. The Company Commander must remember that the level of protection provided by personal protective equipment on engine companies is limited.

The Company Commander should begin to gather information including:

weather information
shipping papers
identification numbers
state of the material involved; liquid, gas, solid
geographic information
plant personnel, driver, carrier

Notification

The Company Commanders on scene report and subsequent size up reports should contain precautionary information for other responding agencies. The Company Commander should remember that other agencies will be responding ( Police, EMS). These agencies should be advised of the situation as soon as possible to prevent endangerment of other response personnel.

The Company Commander shall initiate the following initial notification process.

Immediately notify the following Fire Department Personnel

Assistant Chief on Duty
Chief of the Department
Division Chief of Training/Safety
Special Operations Team

Police Department (Evacuation, Traffic Control, Crowd Control)
Public Services (Equipment, Operators, Diking Materials)
Natchez Trace Rangers (Traffic Control, Evacuation, near parkway)

Tupelo Emergency Management Team (TEMTeam)
Tupelo/Lee County Emergency Management Agency
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
Department of Environmental Quality
North Mississippi Medical Center Emergency Room/Medical Control
Tupelo Airport Authority Fire/Rescue
Mississippi Highway Patrol
Lee County Sheriff's Office

The Company Commander shall begin the process of isolating the area depending on the severity of the incident. The Company Commander should consult the DOT/ERG for initial actions regarding isolation zones and perimeters.

The Company Commander shall establish a SAFETY PERIMETER and deny entry, when applicable, to non-essential personnel.

The Company Commander shall start the evacuation process where necessary based on information gathered at the scene.

Protection

The Company Commander shall initiate the Incident Command System by assuming command, designating command identification, and beginning initial response functions.

The Incident Commander shall take necessary steps to protect emergency responders and the public.

The Incident Commander shall initiate actions to prevent contamination of personnel and equipment by denying entry, establishing safety zones, and isolating the area.

The initial actions of the Incident Commander should remain defensive in nature unless operationally trained personnel are on the scene and the initial information gathered leads the Incident Commander to believe that minor offensive actions may mitigate the situation or prevent further problems. The Incident Commander must remember that the maximum level of protection available to initial responders is Level C Protection. This shall be a major consideration in developing an offensive action plan during the initial response.

Stage equipment and personnel up wind and up hill.

Establish SAFETY PERIMETER.

Avoid personnel coming in contact with vapor(s) or liquid(s).

Evaluate need for evacuation-wind speed and direction

Control ignition sources

Rescue injured only if prudent

Know risk to rescue personnel

Can you do anything for downed victims

Quarantine exposed victims and personnel treatment area

The Fire Department Operations Chief will manage the operation of the Hazardous Material Group under ICS guidelines.

Fire Department personnel who respond to releases or potential releases for the purpose of stopping or controlling them assume a more aggressive role than a first responder at the operational level, in that they will approach the point of the release. These duties require a more directed or specific knowledge of the various substances they may be called upon to contain. Their training includes knowledge of procedures for the use of specialized chemical protective clothing, survey equipment, and special procedures for containing a chemical hazard and decontamination. These personnel should only be persons who have receive additional training over and above the first responder operations level.

Members of the Haz Mat Group will be divided into teams. The purpose of the team concept is to provide for the safety and accountability of all the members. No person involved in the mitigation activities of these teams is to work alone.

Specific functions of the Haz Mat Group

A. Analysis

1. Verify, identify, or classify hazardous materials and determine their concentration.
2. Collect and interpret hazard and response information.
3. Estimate damage to containment system.

B. Planning

1. Select appropriate PPE for incident activities
2. Develop decontamination procedures
3. Develop plan of action consistent with the SOG and within the capabilities of
personnel, PPE, and equipment available.

C. Operations

1. Carry out planned activities under the direction of the IC as per the SOG.

A Special Operations Unit Team Leader or other designated member of the department with sufficient training to function as group supervisor for the severity of the incident. He/She will coordinate the following activities as directed by and report to the IC or a level of supervision assigned by the IC.

A. Obtains briefing from the Incident Commander.
B. Confirms the development of Control Zones and Access Control Points and the placement of appropriate control lines.
C. Ensures that a Site Safety Plan is developed and implemented.
D. Participates in the development of the Incident Action Plan; develops the Hazardous Materials portion of the Incident Action Plan.
E. Evaluates and recommends evacuation, sheltering, and decontamination options to the Incident Commander.
F. Conducts safety meetings with the Hazardous Materials Group members. The Haz Mat Supervisor is responsible for site safety and operations inside the area bounded by the Contamination Control Line including the Exclusion Area or "Hot Zone."
G. Ensures that the proper Personal Protective Equipment is selected and used.
H. Ensures that current weather date and future weather predictions are obtained.
I. Supervises the activities of and maintains communications with:

1. Haz Mat Group Team Members
2. Incident Commander or next higher level of supervision, if a position has been staffed.

J. Establishes environmental monitoring of the hazard site for contaminants.
K. Ensures that appropriate agencies are notified through the Incident Commander.
L. Terminates operations.

The Entry Team consist of a minimum of two members assigned to the Haz Mat Group. One member will be designated the Team Leader. The Team Leader will, on orders from the Haz Mat Group Supervisor, perform the following functions:

A. Obtain a briefing from the Haz Mat Group Supervisor.
B. Supervise entry operations
C. Recommend actions to mitigate the situation with the Exclusion Zone.
D. Carry out actions, as directed by the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor, to mitigate the hazardous materials release or threatened release.
E. Maintain communications and coordinate operations with:

1. Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor.
2. Decontamination Team Leader.

3. Resource Technician/ Hazardous Materials Reference.
4. Back up Team.
F. Maintain control of the movement of people and equipment within the Exclusion Zone, including contaminated victims.
G. Direct rescue operations, as needed, in the Exclusion Zone.
H. Terminate operations

The Backup Team consists of a minimum of two members assigned to the Haz Mat Group. One member will be designated the Team Leader. The Team Leader will, on orders from the Haz Mat Group Supervisor, perform the following functions:

A. Obtain a briefing from the Haz Mat Group Supervisor.
B. Assist Entry Team in site survey and product identification.
C. Carry out actions, as directed by the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor.
D. Ensure all equipment is prepared for use according to action plan.
E. Maintain visual contact with Entry Team whenever possible.
F. In proper PPE, act as a backup Entry Team from safe area. Be prepared to rescue the Entry Team.
G. Complete operations in Exclusion Zone should Entry Team fail to complete assignment.
H. Maintain communications and coordinate operations with:

1. Entry Team Leader
2. Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor.
3. Decontamination Team Leader.
4. Resource Technician/ Hazardous Materials Reference.

I. Furnish additional equipment or supplies to the Entry Team as needed. Replace used equipment.
J. Terminate operations

The Decon Team consist of a minimum of two members assigned to the Haz Mat Group. One member will be designated the Team Leader. The Team Leader will, on orders from the Haz Mat Group Supervisor, perform the following functions:

A. Obtain a briefing from the Haz Mat Group Supervisor.
B. Manage the Control Zones and Access Control Points and the placement of appropriate control lines
C. Ensure that appropriate action is taken to prevent the spread of contaminants.
D. Set up Decon Area. Implement decontamination process of Haz Mat Team.
E. Decon, as possible, all equipment used.
F. Maintain communications and coordinate operations with:

1. Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor.
2. Entry Team Leader.
3. Resource Technician/ Hazardous Materials Reference.
4. Back up Team.

G. Overpack exposed equipment for further decontamination or disposal.
H. Ensure that all equipment is placed back in service.
I. Terminate operations

A member will be designated as resource technician to provide technical information and assistance to the Haz Mat Group using various reference sources such as computer data bases, technical library, CHEMTREC, and phone contact with facility representatives.

The Resource Technician may proved product identification using test kits and/or any other means of identifying unknown materials.

The Resource Technician will, on orders from the Haz Mat Group Supervisor, perform the following functions:

A. Obtain a briefing from the Haz Mat Group Supervisor.
B. Provides support to the Haz Mat Group Supervisor.
1. Monitor SCBA use time for suit operations.
2. Determines personal protective equipment compatibility to hazardous material.
C. Maintain communications and coordinate operations with:

1. Entry Team Leader.
2. Hazardous Material Group Supervisor.
3. Backup Team Leader.
4. Decon Team Leader.

D. Provide technical information management with public and private agencies. Interpret environmental monitoring information.
E. Provide analysis of hazardous materials samples.
F. Document operations and notifications; eg., document serial numbers of chemical protective suits worn by members.
G. Provide technical information of the incident for documentation.
H. Determine proper decon requirements
I. Complete all necessary reports and forms and terminate operations.

General Procedures

1. Always consider the possibility that hazardous materials may possess multiple hazards.

2. Use full structural firefighting clothing and SCBA as minimum protection from unnecessary exposure to contaminants.

3. Each member should be alert to the signs, evidence and indications of the presence of hazardous substances during fires and emergencies and report such information to the next higher level of command.

4. If and when necessary, members may be divided into teams, each team should be equipped with at least one radio The Officer of the unit will designate team members and radio contact person.

5. Mark all work zones and access points with barricade tape, flagging, or traffic cones.

6. Access to the site should remain free of unnecessary equipment and apparatus to facilitate other types of emergency access to and egress from the site.

7. Persons entering or leaving a work zone must check in/out at the access control point.

8. Access and means of egress must be secured and protected for the safety of persons in work zones. Doors, stairways and ladders should be secured. Ramps, ditches, and excavations should be made as secure as possible in the event that rapid escape is required from the site.

9. No eating, drinking, or smoking is allowed in any contaminated area.

10. Implement decontamination based on an analysis of the hazards and risks involved.
 

Works Zones

The method of reducing the potential for transfer of contamination is to delineate work areas within the incident site based upon expected or known levels of contamination. Within the areas assigned, personnel will utilize appropriate personal protective equipment. Movement between areas is controlled at checkpoints. Three contiguous areas will be established.

1. Exclusion Zone (contaminated)-HOT ZONE

2. Contamination Reduction Area-WARM ZONE

3. Support Area (non-contaminated)-COLD ZONE

Exclusion Area--Hot Zone

The Exclusion Area is the innermost area and is considered contaminated or "hot". Within the Exclusion Area, prescribed levels of protection must be worn by all entering personnel. A check point must be established at the periphery of the Exclusion Area to control the flow of personnel and equipment between contiguous areas and to insure that the procedures established to enter and exit the areas are followed.

The Exclusion Area boundary would be established initially based on the type of released/spilled materials, initial instrument readings, and a safe distance from any potential exposure.

Subsequently, the boundary may be readjusted based on additional observation and/or measurements. The area should be physically secured by barrier tape into well defined boundaries.

In the event that the public or any emergency responder has been exposed prior to recognition of a hazardous substance, those persons exposed should be isolated to avoid spreading any contamination and so that proper medical treatment and monitoring can be arranged.

Those not exposed must be kept out of the contaminated area.

Unless otherwise demonstrated, everything leaving the Exclusion Area should be considered contaminated and appropriate methods established for decontamination should be implemented.

Contamination Reduction Area--Warm Zone

Between the Exclusion Area and the Support Area is the Contamination Reduction Area. The purpose of this zone is to provide an area to prevent or reduce the transfer of contaminants which may have been picked up by personnel or equipment returning from the Exclusion Area. All decontamination activities occur in this area.

The boundary between the Support Area and the Contamination Reduction Area is the "Contamination Control Line". This boundary separates the possibly contaminated area from the clean zone. Entry into the Contamination Reduction Area from the clean area will be through an access control point. Personnel entering at this location will be wearing the prescribed level of protection for working in the Contamination Reduction Area. Exiting the Contamination Reduction Area to clean area requires the removal of any suspected or known contaminated protective clothing and/or equipment and that appropriate decontamination procedures be followed.

At the boundary between the Contamination Reduction Area and the Exclusion Zone is the "Hot Line" and access control station. entrance into the Exclusion Area requires the wearing of the prescribed chemical protective clothing which may be different than the equipment requirements for working in the Contamination Reduction Area.

At a point close to the "Hot Line"' a personnel and/or equipment decontamination station is established for those exiting the Exclusion Area. Unless otherwise demonstrated, everything leaving the Exclusion Area should be considered contaminated and appropriate methods established for decontamination should be implemented.

Support Area--Cold Zone

The Support Area is the outermost area of the site and is considered a non-contaminated or "clean area". It is designated as a controlled area for authorized support personnel and the location for support equipment (Command Post, Equipment etc.). Since normal firefighting clothing is appropriate within this zone, potentially contaminated personnel clothing, equipment, etc., are not permitted.

Area Dimensions

Considerable judgement is needed to assure safe working distances for each area balanced against practical work considerations. During long-term operations zones may be adjusted.

The following criteria are to be considered in determining the area dimensions:

1. Physical and topographical barriers;
2. Weather conditions;
3. Monitoring measurements;
4. Explosion/exposure potential;
5. Physical chemical, toxicological, etc., characteristics of the contaminant(s); and
6. Clean up activities.

The use of a three-zone system of area designation, access control points and exacting decontamination procedures provides a reasonable assurance against the translocation of contaminating substance. This control system is based on a "worst case" situation. Less stringent site control and decontamination procedures than described may be utilized based upon more accurate information on the types of contaminants involved and the contaminating hazards present. This information can be obtained through air monitoring, instrument survey, etc., and technical data concerning the characteristics and behavior of material present. Site control requirements can be modified within the limits of safety for specific situations once more reliable data has been analyzed.
 

TYPICAL ZONE CONFIGURATION

NOTE: AREA DIMENSIONS NOT TO SCALE. DISTANCES BETWEEN POINTS MAY VARY.

COMMAND POST AND ACCESS POINT PLACEMENT SHOULD TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION AND TOPOGRAPHY.

Decontamination Procedures

As part of the system to prevent or reduce the physical transfer of contaminants by people and/or equipment from the site, procedures will be instituted for decontamination anything leaving the Exclusion Area and Contamination Reduction Area. These procedures include the decontamination of personnel, protective equipment, monitoring equipment, clean-up equipment, etc.

In the event that the public or any emergency responder has been exposed prior to recognition of a hazardous substance, those persons exposed should be isolated to avoid spreading the contamination and so that proper medical treatment and monitoring can be arranged.

Those not exposed must be kept out of the contaminated area.

The following steps have been designed to deal with personnel decontamination in worst case incidents. In some situations it will not be necessary to go through the entire procedure. The decision to implement all or part of the decontamination process should be based on a field analysis of the hazards and risks of the hazardous materials involved.

Step 1: An "entry point" will be established and marked in order to guide contaminated personnel into the Decon Area.
Step 2: Protective clothing will be removed and isolated.
Contaminated coats, helmets, etc. should be placed in plastic bags to isolate contaminants. Bagged clothing should be sealed and placed in recovery drums for further analysis and for transportation to another location for laundering or disposal.
Step 3: Members enter the personal Decon line. EMS personnel will supervise the decon procedures. All personal effects and work clothing are removed and placed in bags and drums.
Step 4: In almost all cases, members will shower for a period determined by the type of substance involved. The exceptions occur when the substance involved is one made more active by water.
Step 5: After showering, members are issued towels and clothing to enable them to proceed to the designated areas.
Step 6: EMS personnel examine members, taking a medical history, checking vital signs, and follow up on any physical complaints. This should be conducted on the clean side or Support Zone.
Step 7: Any members that require further evaluation or treatment will be transported by EMS.
Step 8: Decon Operations will terminate, collecting all waste water for analysis.
 

TYPICAL DECON LINE LAYOUT
 
 

These activities are specific to hazardous material incidents and are in addition to the usual requirements of each position. This does not restrict the IC from staffing other ICS positions or from specifying additional duties that might be required by the incident. ANY FUNCTIONS NOT DELEGATED REMAIN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INCIDENT COMMANDER.

Safety-reports directly to the Incident Commander

A safety officer will be delegated by the Incident Commander. The Safety Chief will monitor the activities and conditions in the Support Zone. He/she shall confirm that all exposed members participate in the decontamination process. The Safety Chief will record the name, identification number, rank, and unit number of all members decontaminated with a description of the decontamination procedures employed. A copy of this report will be forwarded as soon as practical to the administrative offices.

The Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor is responsible for site safety and operations inside the area bounded by the Contamination Control Line including the Exclusion Area or "Hot Zone".

Information- reports directly to the Incident Commander

Firefighter should not make any statements to anyone outside the Fire Department chain of command about the character or nature of a hazardous materials incident. Inquiries should be directed to the Incident Commander or Information Officer, if the position has been staffed.

Information to the public will be released in conjunction with the Mayor's Office as per the TEMTeam Plan.

Liaison- reports directly to the Incident Commander

This is a senior Fire Department Officer who is the contact point for representatives of assisting and cooperating agencies. The Liaison has the authority given be the IC to commit Fire Department resources to specific incident activities and support functions.

The Liaison assists the IC in assisting Technical Specialists to appropriate functions within ICS.

Operations Chief-reports directly to the Incident Commander

The Operations Chief directs, coordinates, and controls all tactical activities and functions necessary to carry out the objectives of Command. Reports directly to the Fire Department IC.

A. Responsibilities of the Operation Chief

1. Directs the management of all Fire Dept. on-scene tactical efforts needed to gain control of the incident.
2. Works directly with the Fire Dept. IC and Police Dept. IC developing both primary and alternative strategies.
3. Determines operational necessities and requests additional support when required.
4. Establishes Sectors and Groups as determined by operational needs.
5. Assigns objectives to Sector and Group Supervisors.
6. Reports changing conditions to the IC.
7. Supervises the Staging Area Manager.

Technical Specialists (Assigned to Operations)

May be assigned by Command or Liaison Officer to advise or assist in the tactical activities under the direction of the Operations Chief.

Planning Chief - reports directly to the Incident Commander

A. Gathers, evaluates, disseminates information for the development of alternative strategies.
B. Maintains records of incident activities for analysis and review, tracks current resource and situation status.
C. Establishes and maintains communications network.

This function will include preparation and maintenance of a Command and Control Chart as part of the overall site safety plan.

A. The Chart should identify the topographic features of the site, prevailing wind direction, drainage, location of buildings, physical barriers, tanks, etc. This information is helpful in:

1. Planning activities.
2. Assigning personnel.
3. Identifying access routes, evacuation routes, and any problem areas.
4. Identifying areas at the site that require the use of personal protective equipment.
5. As a visual aid during briefing of on-site emergency personnel.

B. The Chart should be updated throughout the course of the operation and should reflect:

1. Changes in site activities;
2. Hazards not previously identified;
3. Weather conditions; and
4. Activities of other agencies on site.

A. May be assigned by Command or Liaison Officer in an advisory capacity from various parties and agencies with interest or jurisdiction. These might include representatives of the material owner/shipper, chemists, field monitoring personnel from other agencies, code and regulation enforcement officials, members of City agencies with expertise or resource capability of a unique nature.
They will supply technical information, data interpretation, sample analysis, forecasts, etc.
B. Persons assigned at this level generally do not have decision making authority for their particular agency unless specifically authorized. They act in an advisory capacity for incident planning.
C. Information gathered will be used by Command and Operations Chief for the development and execution of various incident activities.

A. The IC will designate a member to keep a Log. The Log should be retained by the Fire Dept. IC.
Records of these incidents are always important, but especially when the incident results in personal injury, property damage, or damage to the environment.
B. Certain events require more complex documentation. These incidents include but are not limited to:

1. Prolonged multi-agency operation.
2. Multiple changes at the Command level.
3. Major events involving several jurisdictions, private corporations, public utilities, etc.
4. Events involving high risk operations.
5. Multiple injuries or mass exposure.
6. Extensive isolation or evacuation of the public or public areas.
7. Isolation or contamination of environmentally sensitive areas or facilities.

C. Transcripts of this information can be taken from video tapes, photographs, and sound recordings made during the event or from notes kept in a bound log book (not looseleaf). Log books are carried in each Command Chief's car and in the Field Communications Unit.
D. All information should be recorded objectively. Each person making an entry should date and sign the document. The number of persons recording the information should be kept to a minimum.
E. Entries should be made in a timely way to insure accuracy and thoroughness. Neatness and legibility are essential.
F. The following information should be recorded:

1. Chronological history of the event.
2. Facts about the incident and when they became available including names, descriptions, source, quantity, and cause of release, if known.
3. Names and assignments of key personnel and resources.
4. Actions, decisions, orders and directions given: by whom, to whom, and when.
5. Actions taken: who did what, when, where, and how.
6. Possible exposure of personnel.
7. Records of all injuries and illnesses during, or as a result of, the emergency.

A. Logistics is the procurement, distribution, maintenance of facilities, services, materials and personnel to support the incident.
B. The Service and Support functions would include the following responsibilities:

1. Service
a. Fire Department Medical Officer:

1. Determine a site for medical facilities.
2. Assist in setting up and recording the transportation of the injured.
3. Provide medical treatment for Fire Dept. personnel.

b. Facilities

1. Assist in the operation of the Command Post, rest and rehabilitation areas and secondary staging for apparatus. Procuring shelter facilities for personnel.

2. Support
a. Mask Service

Supply air cylinders or air lines.
NOTE: POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED CYLINDERS MUST NOT BE EXCHANGED.

b. Special Units (Supplies)

1. Order and supply specialized extinguishing agents (CO2 , Foam, Dry Powder, etc.)
2. Order and supply diking, absorbent, or neutralizing materials.
3. Facilitate specialized tools or heavy duty equipment (shoring, cranes, etc.), pumps, etc.

c. Fleet Maintenance

1. Repair and refueling of vehicles at extended operations.
2. Supply vehicles for transportation.

C. Liability, costs to the provider, and the availability of certain types of equipment preclude irregular or informal arrangements for the procurement of equipment and supplies.

As part of the response system, various agencies will be notified and will respond based on the specific nature of the incident. It is essential that each responder be familiar with Tupelo's broader plan for response to a hazardous materials emergency since each agency has a specific role in the total response.

The following agency resources are available and will respond as needed and according to the TEMTeam Response Plan. Their duties include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

A. Office of Emergency Management ; Tupelo/Lee County Civil Defense

* Coordinate all County and State agency activities.
* Coordinate evacuation, if necessary.
* Consult with Dept. of Environmental Protection Response Team and Poison Control Center to evaluate the extent of the hazard.
* Staff and support Emergency Operation Center (EOC).
* Contact and maintain liaison with MS State Office of Emergency Management.

* Establish Communications capability between the site and the EOC.
* Establish and maintain overall site security.
* Coordinate all on site personnel.
* Direct activities of Police Dept. Operations Unit.
* Coordinate and select Emergency Response Routes.

* Control traffic and emergency vehicle access in site vicinity.
* Crowd control and evacuation, if appropriate.
* Provide central information and notification center for all City agencies.

* Dispatch response Team to provide technical personnel and equipment.
* Sample and analyze substances and the environment.
* Gather information, provide technical guidance to IC.
* Obtain financial approval for and arrange private sector containment, control, cleanup, and disposal of hazardous materials, where necessary.

* Maintain supply materials for containment and confinement operations.
* Cleanup and disposal of materials (except liquids) rendered harmless as determined by DEQ and Health Dept.
* Facilitate and control traffic flow in area.

* Provide technical information on materials hazards.
* Assess effects to public health.
* Provide informational/precautionary press statements concerning public health.
* Endure proper mitigation and disposal of radioactive and etiological agents.

* On-site medical services
* Assist in Fire Department decontamination

* Exclusive authority for public information and warnings.

Cleanup Operations

Incident scene activities include removing the hazardous material, all contaminated debris (including dirt, water, containers, vehicles, tools, and equipment) and returning the scene to as near normal as it existed prior to the incident.

Cleanup operations are not a Fire Department function. However, assuring that this cleanup takes place is a responsibility of the Fire Department. The Fire Department will cooperate with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in arranging cleanup activities. The Senior representative of DEQ will arrange for authorization to obtain financial approval for and arrange private sector containment, control, cleanup, and disposal of hazardous materials, where necessary.

In some cases, the Hazardous Materials Group will take samples of materials for testing. These samples will be picked up by DEQ to be tested and analyzed. Under no circumstances is any Fire Department unit, including the Hazardous Materials Unit, to transport these samples or any hazardous material, even if properly contained, to any Fire Department location or facility or other location or agency.

If operations are concluded and DEQ has not arrived at the scene, these samples will remain at the scene for pickup by DEQ. The Fire Dept. IC should request priority response and be prepared to give all particulars regarding the need for Police assistance.

Arrangements for the collection, transportation, cleaning, and temporary replacement of exposed or contaminated Fire Department equipment shall be the responsibility of the Special Operations Decon Officer at the scene.

Prior to leaving the scene, the IC shall review the particulars of the incident to make a preliminary determination regarding compliance with fire prevention regulations and directives. Non-compliance should be addressed through violation orders, summons, vacate orders, etc. If necessary, consult the Bureau of Fire Prevention for assistance.

Additionally, within ten (10) days from the completion of the post incident review, the IC shall notify the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention of any violation or suspected violation of statutes or regulations that he or she became aware of during the course of the response to the hazardous material incident or during the post incident review process.

Specific incident termination instructions will be listed in the incident checklist.

Post Incident Procedures

1. Incident Analysis

A. The Incident Commander's responsibility following each hazardous materials operation includes a review of actions taken. Corrective actions should be taken at the lowest possible level. Recommendations regarding procedures or the elements of the response plan should be forwarded through the chain of command with endorsements to the Chief of the Department.

B. Prior to leaving the scene, the IC shall review the particulars of the incident to make a preliminary determination regarding compliance with fire prevention regulations and directives. Non-compliance should be addressed through violation orders, summonses, vacate orders, etc. If necessary, consult the Bureau of Fire Prevention for assistance.

C. As standard part of this Emergency Response Plan the Fire Dept. will review all hazardous materials incidents in order to:

1. Identify and correct any deficiencies in procedures that need to be addressed in revised operations, safety, or training programs.
2. Identify trends, patterns, and deficiencies in procedures that need to be addressed in revised operations, safety, or training programs.
3. Develop a database to establish profiles for decisions, re: tools & equipment, training, budgeting, operations, hazard prevention legislation, etc.
4. Identify incidents where the Fire Dept. may seek cost recovery or that may qualify for reimbursement under EPA regulations.
5. Document efforts of proactive intervention to reduce losses.

1. Citywide response record.
2. Exposure reports; medical reports indicating hazmat exposure.
3. Any incident involving "Decon".
4. Level 2 and 3 incidents.

1. Bureau of Operations
2. Division of Training/Safety

G. A formal critique may be ordered by the Chief of Department.

2. Critique Outline

When a formal critique is ordered, the IC for the particular incident shall prepare a narrative report addressed to the Chief of Department, containing at least the following information. Include copies of the incident log to reduce preparation time.

1. Identifying information including the date, location.
2. Description of conditions found and actions taken by the first responding units.
3. Description of conditions found and actions taken by the Chief Officer to arrive.
4. Describe hazard identification and site control measures taken and results.
5. Describe the personal protective equipment and special chemical protective equipment used by each group of responders at the incident. Describe decision made re: changes in these levels of protection.
6. A timeline describing the notification, change of command, and arrival of special units, outside agencies, etc.
7. Describe the ICS organizational structure developed. (Include positions staffed. Command post, sectors/groups, control zones, etc.)
8. A description of the key phases of the incident including sufficient detail to explain changes in incident activities or other significant events during the life of the incident. Include description of alternative plans considered, if any.
9. Description of decon procedures.
10. Description of problems encountered and lessons learned.