DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE INCIDENT

TURNING OUT

In addition to the standard turn out procedure the OIC of the first responding appliance should consider the level of response according to the Initial Response Plan.

Initial Alarm Response

Special Fire Contingency:

• Large LPG/fuel tankers and rail cars 2nd Alarm
• Hazardous loads - semitrailers etc. 2nd Alarm

NOTES

• The CFS has an established operational aim to have the first responding brigade to be mobile to a Dangerous Substance Incident within 3 minutes of the alarm being raised.
• If the Brigade or Group becomes aware that a Brigade is not able to raise a crew to respond to an incident as above, then it must ensure the next nearest Brigade is responded. NB It is the Aldgate Brigade's policy that - 3 persons is a minimum crew.

ON ARRIVAL AT THE INCIDENT

• Position the Appliance Appropriately
• Upwind to avoid vapours, dust, mist, etc Also be cautious of wind changes.
• Uphill to avoid flowing liquids and/or to avoid heavy vapours moving downhill
• At least 25m from incident.
• Transmit a basic/brief SITREP to the Brigade, Group, Region 1 HQ or State HQ.
• Size Up the incident.

Points to consider..

• Can it be determined that Dangerous Substances are involved?
• What is the nature of the incident?
• Are there any casualties?
• Is there a fire or a threat of fire?

IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES MAY BE INVOLVED....

• Transmit a detailed SITREP (also further detailed SITREPs should be sent every 30 minutes thereafter).
• Nearest D.S. Brigade to be responded (Stirling)
• Evacuate immediate area firstly up to 50m, then 200m using tape etc. Ask for Police or other or other brigades to assist if needed.
• Eliminate all possible sources of ignition (ie smoking)

OPERATIONAL & SAFETY NOTE

• When attempting to identify the material
• The spill may be approached, (ONLY TO ASCERTAIN INFORMATION), if the crew has positive pressure B.A. and full Turnout Gear donned.
• DO NOT come in contact with the product, approach uphill/upwind.
• TAKE NOTICE of all exposed labels
• KEEP EXPOSURE TIME as short as possible! On exiting the contaminated zone B.A. operators and equipment are to remain in a separate area. (If in full sight of OIC one B.A. operator may be sent in with safety line attached. This is the only time a single B.A. operator may be used!).
• people on the scene (ie witnesses, driver etc) AND/OR Transport Manifest are also helpful in identifying the material.
• if in doubt about product or no B.A. available, assume material is dangerous, Hazchem code 4WE and...
• DO NOT ENTER AREA
• DO NOT come into contact with any part of the product
• DO NOT apply water - an explosion could occur
• AWAIT specialist equipment, personnel & advise

WHEN GIVING INFORMATION TO CFS STATE HEADQUARTERS

Use the Hazchem Action Guide in yellow D.S. folders which is in each appliance and include all possible information entailing...

• smells, vapours, fire at scene
• information from witnesses, passers by etc
• any exposures eg rivers, dams etc
• what the product is currently doing

IF A DANGEROUS SCOOP AND SCOOT RESCUE IS BEING CONSIDERED

• Should only be attempted at the discretion of the OIC who must consider...
• is the victim easily rescued or is he/she trapped
• is the victim covered in product
• is there one or more victims
• is the victim conscious, unconscious or dead.
• If in any doubt DO NOT ATTEMPT A RESCUE!
• MINIMUM protective clothing to be worn...
• Full Turnout Gear
• Positive Pressure B.A.
• PVC Gloves
• Also a lifeline must be used
• QUICKLY in and out.
• Isolate both victim and rescuer from other crew (downhill/downwind) strip all clothing, apply copious water spray if in contact with the product. Give assurances, first aid, keep warm and monitor till medical aid arrives.

OTHER RESOURCES TO CONSIDER AT A D.S. RESPONSE

• State Hazmat Brigade (Burnside)
• Police to assist in evacuation, area security etc
• Ambulance Service to be on stand-by at scene
• Other CFS brigades to assist with manpower ie evacuation etc

SPECIAL NOTES:

1) THE COMBATANT AUTHORITY

The Fire Service, will command and control the incident and be responsible to take all measures necessary to rescue persons at risk and control the hazard.

2) THE INCIDENT COMMANDER

The incident commander - is the most senior Fire Service Officer at the incident.

3) LEVEL OF AUTHORITY

The incident commander at the scene of a dangerous substance incident may take, or cause to be taken, any action that is, in his opinion, necessary or desirable for the protection of life or property not withstanding that that action may result in damage to, or destruction of, property or cause pecuniary loss to any person.

4) POLICE AUTHORITY

The Police Department will not make a decision as to the management of the incident involving the dangerous substance. This is the responsibility of the Senior S.A.M.F.S. or C.F.S. Officer at the scene having regard to the advice of the South Australian Health Commission or the representative of the relevant supporting agency.

5) POLICE ASSISTANCE

Close liaison will be maintained with the Police Field Co-ordinator. Requests by the Incident Commander for equipment, material or labour to assist will be made through the Police Field Co-ordinator.

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