Ohio Train Derailment Draws National Attention to the Challenges of Hazmat Emergency Response
Hazardous materials are an integral element of our society and quality of life. While the majority of hazmat incidents involve small releases that are typically handled at the local or regional level, the recent events in East Palestine, Ohio vividly illustrate the challenges associated with low-frequency, high-consequence scenarios that can overwhelm many communities, especially during the initial operational period.
Likewise, experience has shown that how emergency responders manage the smaller, day-to-day incident scenarios often establishes the framework for how they will initially respond to larger, high-consequence scenarios. One of the key elements of a successful response is the application and use of a risk-based response process which can expand as the scope and potential impact of the incident may grow.
Standardizing First Response Is Key
On-scene response operations at hazmat emergencies must be based on a structured and standardized system of protocols and procedures. Regardless of the nature of the incident, a standardized procedure will bring consistency to the tactical operations. If the situation may involve hazmats or WMD, standardized tactical response procedures will help minimize the risk of exposure to all responders.
The Eight Step Process outlined below is one of a number of tactical tools that have been developed throughout the emergency response community. It is also the underlying foundation of the textbook Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident, Fifth Edition.
Since it was originally published in 1985, this system has been widely used by a range of public, private and military private sector response organizations for the tactical management of hazmat emergencies. It also provides a structured system that can be used by law enforcement and special operations personnel at incidents involving hazardous substances and materials.
How the Eight Step Process Works
Experience has shown that the critical success factors in Hour 1 of a hazmat response will typically be: (1) the ability to establish command and control in a timely manner, (2) the ability of responders to recognize “clues” that indicate the incident may involve hazardous materials, and (3) the ability of responders to quickly gain control of the incident scene and separate bystanders from the problem.
Emergency responders’ ability to recognize and assess clues that hazmats are involved starts with the quantity and quality of information from Communications (or Dispatch).
What do responders need to know while en route? Basic considerations during the alerting, notification, and initial response phase include:
- Where is the incident? Is it at a target occupancy or target hazard event? Is there a pre-incident plan for the location?
- Based on available clues (e.g., container shapes, markings, placards), are hazmats involved? If it is not immediately clear, are hazmats manufactured, stored, or used at the location?
- Are there reports or physical clues of any unusual odors? Explosions? Smoke or vapor clouds? Hazardous materials?
- Are there any injuries or casualties? If so, are the reasons known or unknown?
- Are any initial responders down?
- Is there any suspicious activity in the area? Are Law Enforcement units also on scene?
These factors will help responders and the Incident Commander (IC) determine if they should follow “normal” or hazmat response protocols.
The Eight Step Process outlines the basic tactical functions that need to be evaluated and implemented at hazmat incidents. Like all SOPs, the Eight Step Process should be seen as a flexible guideline, not a rigid rule. Individual departments and agencies should decide what works best for them. It also integrates the critical elements of a risk-based response process at both a strategic (i.e., establishing incident objectives, mode of operations) and tactical level.
Eight basic tactical-level functions must be evaluated at emergencies that involve or may involve hazmats or WMD agents. They usually follow an implementation timeline at the incident:
- Site Management and Control
- Identify the Problem
- Hazard Assessment and Risk Evaluation
- Select Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
- Information Management and Resource Coordination
- Implement Response Objectives
- Decontamination (Decon) and Clean-Up Operations
- Terminate the Incident
The Eight Step Process offers several benefits. First, it recognizes that most incidents involving hazmats are minor and involve limited quantities of materials. Second, it builds on the action of first responding units and helps identify the roles and responsibilities of each level of response. Third, it is a flexible management system that expands as the scope and magnitude of the incident grows. Fourth, it provides a consistent management structure, no matter what hazard class of hazmats are involved.
While often viewed as a linear process, it also recognizes that there are tactical-level functions that may be implemented simultaneously or are ongoing throughout an incident. For example, Information Management and Resource Coordination is predicated upon having an incident command organization in place from the start to the termination of the incident.
A summary on the application and use of the Eight Step Process as a tactical hazmat procedure can be referenced in Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident, Fifth Edition, Chapter 4.
Public Safety Group has several products that relate to training for hazmat events, available in a variety of teaching formats.
Read More:
- Hazardous Materials: Awareness and Operations 4E: An Overview and Q&A with Rob Schnepp
- Look Inside: Hazardous Materials Chemistry, Third Edition
- Look Inside: Hazardous Materials Monitoring and Detection Devices, Third Edition
About the authors:
Greg Noll and Michael Hildebrand have 50 years of experience in hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction emergency planning, preparedness, and response for public safety and industry. They are both veterans of the U.S. Air Force Fire Protection community and Certified Safety Professionals, and they have served on the Technical Committee for Hazardous Materials Response Personnel (NFPA 470 and 472) for more than 30 years. They are recipients of the prestigious International Association of Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) Chief John M. Eversole Lifetime Achievement Award for their leadership and contributions to further enhance the hazardous materials emergency response profession. Both individuals have also been inducted into the National Fire Heritage Center's Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders (HLLL) for their contributions to the emergency response community.