Introduction
Hazardous materials usually known as hazmat first responders are exclusively educated and specialized to deal with crisis circumstances linking materials that include poisonous gases, compounds and explosives. They are obligated by law to adhere to response procedures that are inscribed and established under FEMA1 and SHSP2, in conjunction with local and state bureaus. They ought to pursue routine laws when securing such an incident that involves hazardous materials. They are five laws to be followed. They include recognizing the harmful material, protecting the health and safety of the community and the first responders, securing the contaminated area, taking control of the circumstances, and providing medical care to any injured party.
In this situation after realizing the leakage, it is proper to proceed by trying to recognize the perilous substance. When assessing an emergency condition, a one ought to initially recognize the kind of dangerous substance in question. A number of hazardous substances generate a smell, fire or vapor cloud, whereas others that are similarly as detrimental may well be unscented and intricate to identify. Usually the type of the perilous material will establish the kind of paraphernalia, safety measures and approach to employ. In this situation, a vapor cloud has been observed and an unidentified drum has been punctured. According to EPA3 guidelines, there are some questions that ought to be answered before doing anything. They include Does it meet the regulatory definition of a "solid waste"? In this situation is yes, thus confirming it as a hazardous compound. Does it have a specific set of properties? The substance is actually forming a vapor cloud thus it is thermal.
Now that we know are dealing with a hazardous compound with thermal capabilities, it is prudent to protect health and safety. As a priority, I ought to safeguard the health and protection of the community and myself. I must take action to decrease or eradicate the lasting jeopardy to life and property from the hazardous material effect. In other words, as a first responder I ought to dress in hazmat personal protection garments when managing the thermal hazardous chemicals as well as the probability of poisonous gas generated due to the vapor cloud. I ought to ensure that people and eyewitness ought to also be removed from the vicinity to shield them from possible damage.
The third step will be to secure the quarter of exposure. This ought to be done to that region to control the dangerous substance. This action may consist of redirecting the hazardous material to stop it from mixing with the substance within the drum labeled flammable, as well as mounting barricades to avert the break out of the hazardous substance especially as it relates to gas produced, via closing air channels and closing discharge valves to restrain the substance. This is a very crucial step as well as dangerous and I would take extreme caution in doing so.
The fourth step would be to control the situation. This basically involves controlling the circumstances by extinguish fire that may be brewing due to the formation of the vapor cloud. It could as well entail controlling onlookers and reducing the chances of any living thing being exposed to the hazardous material. This also includes making sure the two substances do not mix and ensuring for appropriate discarding or decontamination of the substance. In case the substance is an acid, then the best way is to use a base to neutralize or vice versa.
The final step would involve providing medical care. In some circumstances, first responders usually offer crisis medical care. However, one requires assessing and nursing sufferers of dangerous chemical contact or guiding them to other crisis workers on the site. Therefore it is necessary to have information to individuals who have been exposed to the chemical for treatment
References
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)
The Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA)
