Hazmat Chapter 3: Managing the incident

Every incident requires an IAP. The IAP consists of:

incident priorities, strategies, and tactics, along with resource requirements.

What is the Hazmat entry function responsible for?

Responsible for all entry, backup, and rescue team operations within the hot zone.

Lines of authority

These are clearly defined and include the delegation of authority and responsibility as appropriate. However, ultimate responsibility always rests with the IC.

What does the Public information officer do?

To be the point of contact for media/and other organizations seeking information directly from the incident.

Division of labor

Work is assigned based on the functions to be performed, the equipment available, and the training and capabilities of personnel.

Why is system dependent better than people dependent?

A system-dependent organization delivers a consistent level of quality and service, no matter the personnel or location.

Military Assets in the Hazmat response community

• Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (WMD CST) • Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) • Homeland Response Force (HRF)

An information "black hole" where questions flow to the operations section, but nothing comes out. Ways to avoid, this problem include:

Assigning a communications aide or field observer to the operations section chief. Creating procedures that require the delivery of updates and status reports at timely intervals.

Assisting agencies and cooperating agencies

Assisting agencies are organizations that provide personnel, services, and other resources to the agency with direct responsibility for incident management and provide tactical resources. Cooperating agencies provide assistance other than direct operational or support functions or resources to the incident management effort.

Span of control

For most emergency service applications, a span of control of 5 people (range of 3 to 7) is recommended. The actual span of control should be based on the tasks to be performed, the associated danger or difficulty, and the level of delegated authority.

What does the Liaison officer do?

The LOFR serves as a coordination point between the IC and any assisting or coordinating agencies that have responded to the incident but are not part of unified command or represented at the ICP. In many respects, liaison can often become the IC's "political officer" who may need to run interference for the IC.

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

The NIMS is the baseline incident management system created under HSPD-5.

Sections

The organizational level with functional responsibility for primary functions of emergency incident operations. Only activated when their respective functions are specifically needed for the incident.

The ICS organizational structure develops in a modular fashion based on the size and nature of the incident.

The specific ICS organizational structure will be based on the management needs of the incident.

In any situation that could immediately cause or has caused injuries to emergency response personnel, what term should be used?

The term emergency traffic should precede the radio transmission. This will be given priority over all other radio traffic. If an emergency traffic message is issued by the communications center, it may be preceded by a radio alert tone.

Planning section

Typically seen as the information management and research and development (R&D) arm of the ICS process. It conducts assessments and identifies the future needs. It then develops the plans needed to support the response.

The most effective way to ensure a consolidated plan of action is implemented is to:

have the senior representative of each major player at the ICP and/or EOC at all times.

The development of the emergency response program should be based on an organizational philosophy that incorporates the following elements (6):

• A hazard and risk analysis process that serves as the foundation for assessing likely threats and determining operational capability. • The development of SOPs that outline key tactical-level functions and tasks • Training all personnel in the scope, application, and implementation of the SOPs • The execution of the SOPs on the emergency scene • Post-incident review and critique of their operational effectiveness • Revision and updating of SOPs on a regular basis

What should the ROE look like? At a minimum, they should include the following:

• Clarify the relationship between the IC and the HMRT. • Clearly identify what objectives, tasks, or areas are the responsibility of the hazmat group or HMRT • Clarify that command understands that if the HMRTs ask for support personnel and resources, they need it. • Be prepared for those situations where the local IC rejects the HMRT's recommendations and pursues tactical options that pose unacceptable risks to hazmat responders.

What is the hazmat site control function responsible for?

• Create hazard control zones, create and monitor exit routes at the incident site, and make sure contaminants are not being spread. • Monitor the movement of all personnel and equipment between the hazard control zones. • Manage the safe refuge area, if established.

Decision making

• Decisions must be open-ended and allow for expansion or reversal. • Recognize the difference between assumptions and facts. • Maintain a flexible approach to decision making. • Shift to a management role after initiating action.

The ICS is built on basic management concepts, including the following (5):

• Division of labor • Lines of authority • Unity of command • Span of control • Establishment of both line and staff functions

What is an incident?

It is a circumstance or event that needs emergency response personnel action to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to property/natural resources. An incident interrupts normal operating procedure, has limited (specific) and definable characteristics, and has the potential to quickly create a crisis.

Establishment of both line and staff functions

Line functions are directly associated with the implementation of incident operations to "make the problem gol away." (Tactics). Staff functions support incident operations (Strategy).

Logistics section

Logistics provides all incident support needs. This includes facilities, services, and materials. Must be proactive and understand future needs.

the hazardous materials group supervisor (1) develops the tactical options to complete the hazmat portion of the IAP and (2) is responsible for making sure the following tasks are completed (5):

• Establish and monitor hazard control zones. • Conduct site monitoring to determine the presence and concentration of contaminants. • Develop and implement a site safety plan for hazmat group operations. • Establish tactical objectives for the hazardous materials entry team within the limits of the team's training and equipment limits. • Coordinate all hot zone operations with the operations section chief or IC to make sure tactical objectives are being met.

A consolidated action plan is used to ensure the following (3):

• Everyone works together toward a common emergency response goal: protecting life safety, the environment, and property. • Individual response agendas are coordinated so personnel and equipment are used effectively and in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. • Everyone works safely at the scene of the emergency.

Tips when working with technical specialists

• Individuals who are specialists in a narrow, specific technical area may not understand the broad, multidisciplinary nature of emergency response. • Before relying on their recommendations, verify their level of expertise and job classification by asking, specific questions. Ask questions that you already know the answer to evaluate their knowledge. • Consult at least 3 reference sources when making a decision, especially during major incidents.

What are the 6 major components within NIMS?

• Preparedness • Communications and information management • Resource management • Command and management • Supporting technologies • Ongoing management and maintenance

What is the hazmat information function responsible for?

• Responsible for gathering, compiling, coordinating, and sharing all data and information relative to the incident. • this date is used for assessing hazards and evaluating risks, evaluating public protective options, selecting PPE, and developing the IAP.

What is a crisis?

An unplanned event that can exceed the level of available resources and has the potential to greatly impact an organization's operability, credibility, and reputation, or pose a significant environmental, economic, or legal liability.

The ROE lay out the structure for engaging the enemy. This includes the following (4):

Chain of command Decision-making authority Accountability Responsibility

Operations section

Delivers the required tactical level "services" in the field to make the problem go away.

Communications personnel

Dispatch. The central communications function for emergency services. commonly referred to as the public safety answering point (PSAP) in the public sector.

Divisions and Groups

Divisions are responsible for operations within a defined geographic area. Groups are responsible for a specified functional assignment at an incident.

Unity of Command

Every person reports to only one supervisor. This creates a proper chain of command, eliminates confusion and freelancing, and helps with personnel and organizational accountability.

Staging area

Staging becomes an element within the operations section. The staging area manager reports to the operations section chief. They must account for all incoming emergency response units, dispatch resources to the emergency scene at the request of the IC, and request additional emergency resources as needed

What authority does the Safety officer have?

Has the authority to terminate any unsafe actions or operations and is function based required by OSHA 1910.120

Secondary support functions and tasks that may be assigned to the hazardous materials group include (2):

Hazmat medical function Hazmat resource function

Primary functions and tasks assigned to the hazardous materials group include the following (5):

Hazmat safety function Hazmat entry function Hazmat Decon function Hazmat site control function Hazmat information function

What is ICS?

ICS is an organized system of roles, responsibilities, and procedures for the command and control of emergency operations. It is a procedure-driven, all-risk system based on the same everyday business and organizational management principles that govern organizations on a daily basis.

Predesignated incident facilities (3)

Incident command post Emergency operations center Staging area

ICS command staff

People appointment by and directly reporting to the IC Includes the Safety officer, liaison officer, public information officer.

Support personnel

Personnel skilled in the operation of certain equipment. Examples of equipment include cranes and hoisting equipment. Within OSHA 1910.120, these people are called skilled support personnel.

Remember, initial observations often underestimate the significance of a problem. Keep in mind the PACE model for planning:

Primary plan, an Alternate plan, a Contingency plan, and an Emergency plan.

Technical specialists

Provide specific expertise to the IC. Product or container specialists. CHEMTREC and the LEPC are examples of resources.

Admin/finance section

Responsible for all costs and financial actions of the incident. There can also be tasks associated with managing an intelligence and incident investigation (I&I). Functions of the I&I include: • Collection, sharing, and analysis of intelligence and information • Investigations that identify the cause and origin of the incident

What is the hazardous materials group responsible for?

Responsible for all tactical hazmat operations that happen in the hot and warm zones of an incident. Tactical operations outside of these hazard control zones (e.g., public protective actions) are not the responsibility of the hazardous materials group.

What is the Hazmat resource function responsible for?

Responsible for control and tracking of all supplies and equipment used by the hazardous materials group during an emergency, including documenting the use of expendable supplies and materials.

What is the Hazmat Decon function responsible for?

Responsible for the research and development of the decontamination plan, set-up, and operation of a decontamination area that can handle all potential exposures. If necessary, will include the coordination of a safe refuge area.

Difference between the ICP and EOC when both are operating at the same time?

The ICP is primarily focused on tactical control issues regarding the on-scene response. The EOC deals with both strategic and external world issues and coordinates all logistical and resource support for on-scene operations.

The development of incident objectives and the related strategies and tactics to defeat the enemy must be based on what?

The assessment of incident potential

ICS general staff

The general staff represents and is responsible for the functional aspects of the ICS structure. Section chiefs responsible for the broad response functions of operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration.

Branch

The organizational level having functional or geographic responsibility for major segments of incident operations. Between the section and division/ group levels.