Warm Zone Hazmat

cold zone

hazardous material

hot zone

safety zones

warm zone

1. hazardous materials are designated by a four-sided, diamond-shaped sign 2. a 4-digit UN number is often display that can be used to identify the hazardous material 3. color of the placard indicates what class of hazard is contained; a legend also commonly indicates whether the material is flammable, radioactive, explosive, or poisonous

1. internationally recognized diamond-shaped symbol, divided into four smaller diamonds 2. used at fixed facilities 3. identifies potential danger with the use of background colors and numbers 0-4 4. blue = health hazard; red - fire hazard; yellow = reactivity hazard; white - symbols that indicate additional info such as radioactivity, oxidation, need for PPE, and so on

have the name of the substance, classification, and 4-digit UN ID number; required to be in the cab of a motor vehicle, possession of train crew member in engine or caboose, in a holder on the bridge of a water vessel, or in the aircraft pilot's possession

1. smoking or self-igniting materials 2. extraordinary fire conditions 3. boiling or spattering of materials that have not been heated 4. wavy or unusually colored vapors over a container of liquid material 5. characteristically colored vapor clouds 6. frost near a container leak (indicative of liquid coolants) 7. unusual condition of containers, such as peeling or discoloration of finishes, unexpected deterioration, deformity, or the unexpected operation of pressure-relief valves

1. printed materials such as the Emergency Response Guidebook 2. CHEMTREC, a public service division of the Chemical Manufacturer's Association 3. Chemtel, Inc. 4. Poison Control Center

1. First Responder Awareness - for those likely to witness or discover a hazardous materials but not expected to take action other than call for proper resources and prevent others from entering scene (EMTs) 2. First Responder Operations - for those who initially respond to hazmat emergencies to protect people, property, and the environment and are trained in the use of specialized PPE to help stop emergency from spreading (Fire) 3. hazardous materials technician - for rescuers who actually plug, patch, or stop the release of a hazardous material 4. hazardous materials specialist - advanced knowledge and skills that provide command and support activities at the site of a hazmat emergency

first responder awareness

first responder operations

hazardous materials technician

hazardous materials specialist

1. protect the safety of all rescuers and patients 2. provide Pt care 3. decon clothing, equipment, and the vehicle

1. most essential part of hazmat rescue 2. prepare for the worst possible scenario 3. one command officer should be appointed and all made aware of who it is 4. clear chain of command from each rescuer to the command officer 5. established system of communications used throughout the emergency 6. receiving facilities s/b pre-designated and capable of handling large numbers of Pts, have surgical capacity, and established decon procedures

1. immediately establish incident command system and a command post 2. get following info: nature of the problem; ID of the hazardous material(s) involved; type and condition of containers; existing weather conditions; whether there is presence of fire; time that has elapsed since the emergency occurred; what has already been done by people at the scene; # of Pts; danger of victimizing more people 3. if a fire occurs, do not attempt to extinguish unless you are a trained firefighter because they often require special techniques

1. hot (contamination) zone: contamination actually present; personnel must wear appropriate PPE; # of rescuers limited to those absolutely necessary; bystanders never allowed 2. warm (control) zone: area surrounding hot zone; vital to preventing spread of contamination; personnel must wear appropriate PPE; lifesaving emergency care is performed 3. cold (safe) zone: normal triage, stabilization, and treatment performed; rescuers must shed contaminated gear before entering this zone

1. hot zone: hazard assessment, control of the release or hazard, and rescue performed by trained personnel wearing the appropriate PPE 2. warm zone: lifesaving emergency care, such as airway management and immobilization; initial decon efforts take place here 3. cold zone: continue emergency care (life threats managed in warm); triage Pts; perform necessary treatment and stabilize Pts prior to transport

1. time - less time spent near source means less exposure 2. distance - greater distance from source means less exposure 3. shielding - denser material between you and the source means less exposure (need for shielding can be reduced by changing the time and distance factors) 4. quantity - decreasing the amount of material in the area will decrease exposure

radiation sickness

radiation injury

radiation poisoning

1. amount and type of personal shielding you use 2. strength of radiation source 3. distance from the radiation source 4. type of radiation 5. how long you are exposed 6. how much of your body is exposed