Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS)

| 2.4 | State the appropriate types of fire extinguishers relevant to the work.QCF641. 3.7 | 2.5 | Describe how and when the different types of fire extinguishers, relevant to the given occupation, are used in accordance with legislation and official guidance.QCF641. 3.7 & 3.8

In order to mitigate exposure to harmful substances, first responders are trained to be familiar with hazardous substance identification systems. These two systems are the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 704 system, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) HAZMAT identification system (Weekly reading; Unit 2: Hazardous Materials Identification Systems). Deadly threats exist in the aftermath of any terrorist attacks, so first responders should be aware of these systems, and the dangers they will face.

Local protective measure planning equips first responders with the knowledge needed to organize efficient response results in the event of an emergency. Structured open dialogue between local emergency jurisdictions enables responders to delegate the appropriate individuals and equipment resources to the impacted local areas requiring the most aid following a terror event. By establishing a streamlined communication framework, local emergency responders can collaborate their efforts and resources to promote collective well-being. When a local emergency plan specifies what responders and resources belong where and at what time, response overlap and shortages can be avoided. Unionized response action established prior to a terrorist incident, serves to mitigate the risks, hazards and threat of injury or harm the people and property of the US face when a terrorism event occurs. Furthermore, a structured local emergency operations plan for a hazardous materials incident involving a terrorist is imperative to public health and safety, as the blueprint outlines protective measures the public can follow to minimize their exposure to dangerous substances. The people of a community affected by a terror event can be warned and notified of the event’s associated dangerous materials, which threaten their well-being, through a variety of methods such as warning sirens or horns, emergency alert systems, automated

National Response Plan Howard L. Hayes Saint Leo University Abstract Why is it necessary for our country to have an effective emergency plan in place? Why does it matter how the country responds to emergencies when every part of our country, including cities and states, face emergency situations on a

Application of deconfliction concepts. A basic expectation of citizens in developed countries is that their governmental agencies employed in the event of massive emergency situations or natural disasters are able to respond rapidly and effectively. The policy stance for building capacity to manage massive destruction threats and their aftermath rests on three pillars: Establish a common language (definitions), delineate and deconflict interagency functioning (plans, roles, and responsibilities), and establish a clearly defined and streamlined response channel. Not surprisingly, interagency response capabilities are not always sufficiently efficient or effective. The national experience with regard to Hurricane Katrina illustrates the difficulty of proving swift, comprehensive responses.

There are several recognizable and common types of technological hazards that first responders have to respond to on a daily basis. They are structural fires, transportation accidents, infrastructure failures, dam failures, hazardous material incidents, and nuclear accidents [7]. Each of these follows the common theme of being a product of the environment that was created by man and considered accidents. Terrorism hazards are sometimes referred to as intentional hazards. They are planned and orchestrated to created destruction. As previously discussed CNRBE covers this area. Other more specific hazards in this category are conventional explosives and secondary devise and chemical agents. These have had the largest link to terrorism hazards so far. The difficulty on predicting what chemical agents will be used decreases the success of trained first responders because the number of potential combination of

Mass Casualty Decontamination Saving lives, and mitigating suffering is the cornerstone for mass casualty decontamination (MCD). Imagine if you will, a nuclear chemical plant suddenly erupts within the United States. As a result, desecration to infrastructure and loss of lives. Additionally, there are thousands of people who are contaminated with the fallout radiation particles. MCD is not an ingrained skill; rather it 's a developed technique that is highly valued and its practical application is critical to the sustainment of human lives. MCD is a challenging concept with numerous steps to produce the desired ending result. At the forefront, are lane schematics and problematic areas that will hinder MCD.

Terrorist events are surprise attacks involving the use of violence to harm purposely civilians to gain political or religious power, or to instill fear in a population. Based on a variety of reports on terrorist events, the response to most terrorist events can include civil disorders, public disruption, and devastation to infrastructure as well as the death of citizens. Devastation can depend on how well the area is trained in dealing with disasters and the type of terrorist event that is carried out. This essay will talk about using the current response of an area with little duty principle equipped with a non-permanent crisis supervision principal to address any terrorist events that occur.

As the Disaster Coordinator for the city I am responsible for ensuring the public safety and welfare of the citizens within the city's jurisdiction. This requires me to have a full understanding on my role and responsibilities for managing disaster response and employing resources in order to save lives, protect property, the environment. Additionally I’m tasked to preserve the less tangible but equally important social, economic and political structures. My first reaction was to alert the regional Joint Terrorism Task Force to prepare them for possible activation. Next it is vital to gain situational awareness and develop a Common Operating Picture (COP). This COP is the who, what, where, when and how as it relates to the incident. Situational awareness starts at the incident site and includes continuous monitoring of reporting channels to gain

Know the Smells and Warning Bells of WMD: In the article “Know the Smells and Warning Bells of WMD”, the author, John Linstrom’s principal point is that the fire departments should better prepare to respond to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Historically, explosive or WMD incidents were handled

The transition of duty service, which happened less than a week after home made bombs burst in New York and New Jersey, injuring 29 people, underscores the vital role the Hazardous Devices School (HDS) plays in the state’s national security. Local bomb technologies who received their training at the HDS

The specific threat to terrorism is Conventional Weapons & Explosives which is very common to the technological hazards. Extraordinary alert ought to be utilized if the blast appears to do little harm. A little hazardous gadget may be utilized to scatter compound, natural or even radioactive specialists. Another reason for a little gadget may be to bring huge quantities of specialists on call, who is then subjected to a bigger optional gadget. Another quick issue for responders and casualties is the potential for asbestos introduction. More seasoned structures may contain asbestos as protection, funnel covers, siding or material, flooring, glues, floor or roof tile and divider boards. Any blast or fall may precipitate this asbestos to end up airborne in dangerous

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and regulations promulgated under that Act • Department of Homeland Security (Drexel University Safety & Health, 2001) Hazardous materials releases can occur in any location and time. The potential of a release is dependent on the volume, distribution, and use of the hazardous substances within a particular area. Hazard identification, planning, and response preparedness is an ongoing process and must be addressed through a cooperative partnership between the public and private sectors (Washoe County LEPC, 2006).

3. “Hazardous materials” are “any chemical substance or material that can pose a threat to the health, safety and property of an individual.” (Emergency Medical Response, 2011, p.613) Common hazmat items found in Portland are chlorine, ammonia, sulfuric acid, paraffin wax, potassium chloride, and oil.

In a major disaster, key government officials may become incapacitated. The Mayor, Governor, or even the President might be missing. Similarly, government departments might become disabled or even be destroyed. Therefore, a system has been devised for these contingencies. This address the issue of how to continue to