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.D. The process begins with a preliminary review of the following incidents:
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.E. Consolidated reports and descriptions of these incidents will be reviewed on a monthly basis by:
2. Exposure reports; medical reports indicating hazmat exposure.
3. Any incident involving "Decon".
4. Level 2 and 3 incidents.
1. Bureau of OperationsF. Findings and recommendations, if any, from any individual review will be forwarded through the chain of command to the Chief of Department for consideration.
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.