Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 8.2
Levels of training for personnel
Awareness (29 CFR
1910.120(q)(6)(i))
At a minimum all responding staff should be trained at the haz-mat
awareness level and WMD awareness level. First responders at
the awareness level are individuals who are likely to witness or
discover a hazardous substance release and who have been trained
to initiate an emergency response sequence by notifying the
proper authorities of the release. They would take no further
action beyond notifying the authorities of the release.
Operations (29 CFR
1910.120(q)(6)(ii))
First responders at the operations level are individuals who respond
to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of
the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby
persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the
release. They are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without
actually trying to stop the release. Their function is to contain the
release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent
exposures.
Technician (29 CFR
1910.120(q)(6)(iii))
Hazardous materials technicians are individuals who respond to
releases or potential releases for the purpose of stopping the
release. They assume a more aggressive role than a first responder
at the operations level in that they will approach the point of
release to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release of a hazardous
substance.
Specialist (29 CFR
1910.120(q)(6)(iv))
Hazardous materials specialists are individuals who respond with and
provide support to hazardous materials technicians. Their duties
parallel those of the hazardous materials technician, however,
those duties require a more directed or specific knowledge of the
various substances they may be called upon to contain. The
hazardous materials specialist would also act as the site liason
with Federal, state, local, and other government authorities in
regards to site activities.
Incident Commander
(29 CFR
1910.120(q)(6)(v))
Incident commanders, who will assume control of the incident scene
beyond the first responder awareness level, shall receive at least
24 hours of training equal to the first responder operations level
and in addition have competency in the following areas:
Know and be able to implement the employer's incident
command system.
Know how to implement the employer's emergency response
plan.
Know and understand the hazards and risks associated with
employees working in chemical protective clothing.
Know how to implement the local emergency response plan.
Know of the state emergency response plan and of the
Federal Regional Response Team.
Know and understand the importance of decontamination
procedures.
dangerous environments. A leader's response to a
crisis can define his career (e.g., former FEMA
Director Michael Brown during Hurricaine Katrina
in 2005). A good lesson for EMS leaders and
elected leaders is to remember that one of the
most important roles of a leader is to lead during
times of crisis (One of the most important roles
of any leader is crisis manager). This includes
the ability to make decisions in the heat of
battle.
