PLANNING AND SCENE MANAGEMENT

PLANNING

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title III) [also known as EPCRA, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act] requires communities to develop regional hazardous materials emergency plans. Pre-emergency planning is needed for all levels of hazmat response. When developing hazardous materials emergency plans, one should consider:

1. Hazard Analysis
2. Resource Identification

• Know what to expect.
• Set goals and priorities.
• Make decisions about resources and budgets.
• Identify level of commitment.

• What chemicals are manufactured, used, stored or moved through the community or work place? Where are they?
• How are the chemicals contained, transported and stored? In what quantity?
• How are the chemicals used?
• What routes of travel are used? What is the frequency of movement?
• What can these chemicals affect if there is an unintentional release?

SCENE MANAGEMENT

The first, and most important, duty of a First Responder is to notify emergency responders of the incident - usually this can be accomplished by calling 911.

When enroute to a hazardous materials incident, responders should consider:

• Wind direction and speed.
• If the hazardous substance has been identified.
• Any available pre-emergency plans.
• Additional resources needed.

The person first on the scene should make sure adequate resources are on the way to cope with the emergency. Such resources must be able to:

• Isolate the area.
• Stabilize the scene.
• Decontaminate.
• Treat and transport any victims.
• Protect property and environment.
• Evacuate the surrounding area.

Establish a Command System

A command system must be established immediately at the scene of an incident. Such a system assures the coordination of multiple responding agencies and provides for the safety of all. OSHA REQUIRES THAT A COMMAND SYSTEM BE ESTABLISHED AT ALL HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS.