Hazmat Chapter 8
United States EPA established following levels of protective equipment to be used at incidents involving hazmats / WMD
Level A, Level B, level C, & Level D
MOPP
Level aAlpha is designed for use in situations upwind from any threat with little danger of exposure to hazardous vapors
Design & testing standards generally recognized two types of CPC
Liquid splash & vapor protective clothing
NFPA 1992 sets minimum standard criteria for this type of clothing.
Liquid splash protective clothing can be encapsulating or nonencapsulating
Vapor protective suit materials are tested for permeation resistance against the following chemicals
Look up page 404 there are 21 bullets
Level A components requirements are as follows
Look up page 409- 410
The elements of Level B are as follows components
Look up page 410 - 411
Level C elements components requirements are as follows
Look up page 411 - 412
Level D components requirements are as follows
Look up page 412
Methods to prevent effects of heat exposure include the following
Look up page 420 - 421
Class 3 ensembles
Low levels of vapor or liquid chemical or particulate hazards where the concentrations are below IDLH, permitting the use of CBRN complaint air purifying respirator APR or PAPR
Many manufacturers color-code their canisters and cartridges so it is easy to see what contaminant the canister or cartridge is designed to protect against
Manufacturers also provide info about contaminant concentration limitations
Following three categories of filter degradation indicate the use limitations of the filter
N - not resistant to oil R- resistant to oil P- used when oil or non oil lubricants are present
Vapor protective ensembles are made from a variety of special materials. No single combination of protective equipment and clothing is capable of protecting a person against all hazards.
NFPA 1991 requires, as a minimum, that the suit be certified to provide minimum protection from chemicals listed in Section 7.2.1
Operations level responders are generally
NOT allowed to operate in situations requiring Level A protection
Medical monitoring should be conducted before responders wearing chemicals flash or vapor protective clothing enter the warm and hot zones as well as after leaving these zones as directed by the authority having jurisdiction
Pre-entry & post-entry monitoring
Standards for protective clothing & equipment at hazmat/WMD incidents
Primary standards reference by the DHS regarding PPE to be used at incidents include the following 18 on page 394, 395, 396, + 397
Chemical degradation
Process occurs when characteristics of material are altered through contact with chemical substances.
Permeation
Process that occurs when a chemical passes through a fabric on a molecular level.
Penetration
Process that occurs when a hazardous material enters an opening or a puncture in a protective material.
Particulate removing filters
Protect the user from particulates including biological hazards in the air. These filters may be used with half or full face piece mask. Protection must be provided when full facepiece mask is not worn
Dust masks
Provide very limited protection and should not be used to protect against chemical hazards or small particles such as asbestos fibers
Level A
Provides highest level of protection against vapors, gases, mist, & particles for respiratory tract, eyes, & skin
Type 1 or level 1 body armor
Provides the least amount of protection
Vapor-protective suits are also primarily used as part of an EPA Level A protective ensemble,
Providing the greatest degree of protection against respiratory, eye, or skin damage from hazardous vapors, gases, particulates, sudden splash, immersions, or contact with hazmat
Level B
Requires a garment that includes an SCBA or a supplied air respirator & provides protection against flashes from hazardous chemicals. This is worn when the highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is needed. It provides liquid splash protection, but little or no protection against chemical vapors are gases to the skin. Level BCPC maybe encapsulating or nonencapsulating.
Neither encapsulating or non encapsulating liquid splash of protective clothing are
Resistant to heat or flame exposure, nor do they protect against projectiles or shrapnel
No single canister, filter, or cartridge protects against all chemical hazards.
Responders must know the hazards present in atmosphere in order to select appropriate canister, filter, or cartridge
Protective clothing may be labeled as
Reusable multi use for repeated use, limited use not disposable, or disposable for one time use
Considered penetration failures
Rips, tears, & cuts in protective materials - as well as unsealed seems, buttonholes, & zippers
In addition, chemicals can permeate
Rubber or neoprene in boots, gloves, need pads, and SCBA face pieces making any of them unsafe for use
NFPA 1994, standard on protective and symbols for first responders to CBRN terrorism incidents
Sets performance requirements for protective ensembles used in response to CBRN terrorism incidents
Encapsulating suit
Single, one-piece garments that protects against splashes or, in case of vapor protective encapsulating suits, also against vapors & gases. Boots and gloves are sometimes separate, or attached & replaceable.
Body armor has been divided by NIJ into six different categories
Spanning 4 levels based on the level of protection provided
NIOSH, OSHA, and the US Coast Guard recognize these levels
They can be used as the starting point for creation however each ensemble must be tailored to the specific situation in order to provide the most appropriate level of protection
Responders should know that APRs do not protect against oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched atmospheres,
They must not be used in situations where atmosphere is immediately dangerous to Life & health.
Most protective clothing is designed to be impermeable to moisture,
Thus limiting the transfer of heat from the body through natural evaporation. This can contribute to heat disorders in hot environments.
Similarly, many types of chemical protective clothing CPC offer little protection from fire.
Traditionally, body armor was not designed with chemical protection in mind
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can result in health problems as serious as
Trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia.
Mission - oriented protective posture
US military uses to protect against chemical, biological, and radiological. It consists of overgarment, mask, hood, over boots, and protective gloves. It provides six flexible levels of protection 0 - 4, plus alpha. Based on threat level, work rate for the mission, temperature & humidity. The higher level, the greater the protection and the lower the rate of work productivity and efficiency.
Powered air purifying respirator PAPR
Uses a blower to pass contaminated air through a canister or filter to remove the contaminants and supply the purified air to the full face piece.
A crucial factor to evaluate when working outside
Wind chill a combination of temperature & velocity
Responders who may be called upon to wear CPC must
be familiar with & comfortable going through their local procedures for tech decon
A written management program regarding selection & use of CPC is recommended. Regardless of the type of CPC worn at incident,
it must be decontaminated before storage or disposal.
CPC is designed to afford the wearer a known degree of protection from a
known type, concentration, & length of exposure to hazmat, but only if it is fitted properly and worn correctly. Improperly worn equipment can expose & endanger the wearer.
Level C protection Includes any of various types of APRs. Emergency response personnel would not use Level C protection unless
specific material is known, it has been measured, & this protection level is approved by the IC after all qualifying conditions for APRs & PAPRs have been met
The basic types of protective breathing equipment used by responders at hazmat / WMD incidents
• SCBA open / close • supplied air respirator (SAR) • air purifying respirators (APR) • powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs)
Liquid splash protective clothing must be tested for penetration resistance to the following chemicals listed in NFPA 1992 section 7.1.3
• acetone • ethyl acetate • 50% w/w sodium hydroxide • 93.1% w/w sulfuric acid • tetrahydrofuran • dimethylformamide • nitrobenzene
For Fire entry suits Several limitations to high temperature protective clothing are as follows for Fire entry suits
• contributes to heat stress by not allowing the body to release excess heat • is bulky • limits wearer's vision • limits wearer'smobility • limits communication • requires frequent and extensive training for efficient & safe use • is expensive to purchase • integrity of suit is designed for limited exposure time
Limitations to vapor protective suits are as follows
• does not protect the user against all chemical hazards • impaired mobility, vision, & communications • does not allow body heat to escape, so can contribute to heat stress, which may require the use of a cooling vest
To accomplish these goals, a comprehensive CPC management program includes the following elements
• hazard identification • medical monitoring • environmental • selection, care, testing, & maintenance • training
Take following precautions before using APRs
• know what chemicals / air contaminants are in the air. • know how much of chemicals / air contaminants are in the air. • ensure that oxygen level is between 19.5 and 23.5% • ensure that atmospheric hazards are below IDLH conditions.
Three primary limitations of an APR are as follows
• limited life of its filters & canisters • need for constant monitoring of contaminated atmosphere • need for normal oxygen content of atmosphere before use
Limitations to non encapsulating suits include the following
• protects against splashes & dust but not against gases & vapors. • does NOT provide full body coverage parts of head & neck are often exposed • traps body heat & contributes to heat stress
Disadvantages of SCBA
• weight of units • Limited air supply duration • change in profile that may hinder mobility because of configuration of harness assembly & location of air cylinder • Limited communications if facepiece is not equipped with a microphone or speaking diagram
Two primary limitations to fully encapsulating suits are
1 impairs worker mobility, vision, & communication. 2 traps body heat necessitating a cooling vest, particularly when SCBA is also worn
4 primary environmental conditions that cause cold related to stress are
1 low temperatures 2 hi / cool winds 3 dampness 4 cold water
Two basic objectives of any management program are
1 protecting the wearer from safety and health hazards 2 preventing injury to the wearer from incorrect use or malfunction of the CPC
As with all APR, PAPR should only be used in situations where atmospheric hazards are understood and at least ____ oxygen is present.
19.5%
Because of the potential for damage to the air supply hose, the EBSS provides enough air, usually blank, blank, or blank worth,
5, 10, or 15 minutes worth
Fire entry suits
Allow a person to work in total flame environments for short periods of time, provide short duration in close proximity protection at radiant heat temperature is as high is 2000°F. Each suit has a specific use & is NOT interchangeable. Fire entry suits are not designed to protect the war against chemical hazards
Class 2 ensembles
Are intended for used at terrorism incidents involving vapor or liquid chemical or particulate hazards where concentrations are at or above IDLH level requiring use of CBRN complaint SCBA
sar apparatus
Are not certified for firefighting operations because of potential damage to airline from heat, fire, or debris
supplied air respirator (SAR) or airline respirator
Atmosphere supplying respirator where the user does not carry the breathing air source. Apparatus used consist of a face piece, a belt or facepiece mounted regulator, the voice communication system, up to 300 feet of air supply hose, in emergency escape pack or EBSS emergency breathing support system, and a breathing air source either cylinders mounted on a card or a portable breathing air compressor.
Written management program
Includes policy statements, procedures, & guidelines
Advantages of using SCBA
Independence, maneuverability, & protection from toxic and/or asphyxiating atmospheres
Respiratory protection
Is a primary concern for first responders because inhalation is arguably the most significant route of entry for hazmat.
Type 3
Is the first level to utilize plates.
Chemical protective clothing
Is the purpose is to shield or isolate individuals from chemical, physical, and biological hazards that may be encountered during hazmat ops. CPC is made from a variety of different materials, none of which protects against all types of chemicals
When working in cold climates, considerations must be taken to protect responders from cold related disorders.
CPC is not designed to provide insulation against the cold
The rate at which a compound permeates CPC depends on factors such as
Chemical properties of compound, nature of protective barrier in CPC, & concentration of chemical on surface of CPC.
Structural firefighters protective clothing
Chemicals absorbed into the equipment can subject the wearer to repeated exposure or to a later reaction with another chemical.
Primary signs & symptoms of heat stroke are as follows
Confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, convulsions, lack of sweating, hot dry skin, & abnormally high body temp
Level D
Consists of typical work uniforms, street clothing, or coveralls. Firefighter structural protective clothing is also considered. It is not considered chemical protective clothing. it can be worn only when no atmospheric hazards exist
Air purifying respirators Apr
Contain an air purifying filter, canister, or cartridge that removes the specific contaminants found in ambient air as it passes through the air purifying element
Examples include
Cracking, brittleness, & other changes in structural characteristics of garment.
Liquid splash protective clothing
Designed to PROTECT USERS FROM CHEMICAL liquid splashes BUT NOT against chemical VAPORS or GASES.
Body armor
Designed to protect against ballistic threats
Vapor and gas removing filters
Designed to protect against specific vapors and gases.
Vapor protective clothing
Designed to protect the wearer against chemical vapors or gases and offers a greater level of protection. NFPA 1991 specifies requirements for a minimum level of protection for response personnel facing exposure to specified chemicals.
High temperature protective clothing
Designed to protect the world from short term exposure to high temperature in situations where heat levels exceed capabilities of standard fire fighting protective clothing
Level C
Differs from Level B in area of equipment needed for respiratory protection. Is composed of splash protecting garment & air purifying device.
Most common observations of material degradation are
Discoloration, swelling, loss of physical strength, or deterioration
Service life
Each piece of CPC has a specific service life over which the clothing is able to adequately protect the wear.
All emergency responders and organizations who routinely select and use CPC should
Establish a written chemical protective clothing / respiratory protection management program
Half face respirators will NOT protect against CBR materials that can be absorbed through the skin or eyes and therefore are not recommended for use at hazmat / WMD incidents except in very specific situations
Explosive attacks where the primary hazard is dust or particulates
Non encapsulating suit
Family consists of one piece coverall, but sometimes composed of individual pieces such as jacket, hood, pants, or bib overalls. Gaps between pant cuffs & boots & between gloves & sleeves are usually taped closed
Emergency responders must be concerned with safety when choosing and using protective clothing. For example,
Fumes and chemical vapors can penetrate firefighter turnout coats & pants, so protection they provide is not complete.
Other factors include
Garments degradation, permeation, & penetration abilities & its service life
Heatstroke conditions is caused by combination of highly variable factors, & its occurrence is difficult to predict
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency & requires immediate medical treatment & transport to a medical care facility.
Class 4 ensembles
Biological or radiological particulate hazards where concentrations are below IDLH levels permitting use of CBRN complaint APRs or PAPR ensembles are not tested for protection against chemical vapor or liquid permeability, gas tightness, or liquid integrity.
This check will measure specifically
Blood pressure, weight, respirations, pulse, core body temperature, & ECG electrocardiogram, a test that measures heart rhythm
Protective clothing
No single combination or ensemble of protective equipment even with respiratory protection, can protect against all hazards.
PAPR are not safe to wear in atmospheres where potential respiratory hazards are identified,
Nor should they be used during initial emergency operations before the atmospheric hazards have been confirmed.
Heat stroke
Occurs when body's system of temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels.
Individual cartridges and canisters are usually designed to protect against related groups of chemicals such as
Organic vapors or acid gases.
Because the facepiece supplied with air under a positive pressure,
PAPR offer a greater degree of safety than standard APR in case of leaks or for facial seals, and therefore may be of use at hazmat / WMD incidence for personal conducting decontamination Operations and long-term Operations. Air flow also makes PAPR more comfortable to wear for many people.
Based on which cartridge, canister, or filter is being used, these purifying elements are generally divided into the following three types
Particulate removing APRs Vapor & gas removing APRs Combination particle removing and vapor & gas removing APRs
The effectiveness of CPC can be reduced by 3 actions
Permeation, degradation, & penetration
Proximity suits
Permit close approach to fire for rescue, fire suppression, & property conservation activity such as an aircraft rescue or other firefighting operations involving flammable liquids
Type 4 provides
The greatest
Vapor protective ensembles must be worn with positive pressure SCBA or combination SCBA / SAR.
Vapor protective ensembles are components of class 1 & 2 to be used at chemical & biological hazmat / WMD incidents as specified in NFPA 1994.
The evaluation will check such things as
Vital signs, hydration, skin, mental status, & medical history.
Most types of PPE inhibit body's ability to disperse heat, which is magnified because an emergency responder is usually performing strenuous work while wearing the equipment
Wearing PPE usually increases responders risk of developing heat related disorders.
