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Tactical Use of Air Monitors

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ObjectivesDescribe the use of a risk-based responseIdentify the method that can be used to

characterize an unidentified material.Describe how detection devices respond to

common materials.Identify the role of detection devices in

isolation and evacuationIdentify sampling strategies for a variety of

chemical hazards

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IntroductionTactical use of air monitors is not easy.

There are a number of factors to consider

Occupancy and LocationType of material and state of matterSpill locationWeatherTask to complete

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IntroductionOne of the best ways to learning how to

effectively use air monitors is to use them on every call.

 It is good habit to carry monitors on calls

that do not involve hazardous materials, so you can learn what they do or do not react to.

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Risk-Based ResponseRBR for responder safety, quick

assessment, identification, and mitigation

Improved air monitoring skills will sharpen decisions about:

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Isolation and evacuation distances Severity of the event

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Risk-Based ResponseAir monitors are dumb devices

Humans need to be smart and interpret results

Responders must trust instruments Instruments must be calibrated Responder must interpret readings Properly calibrated instrument does not lie

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Risk-Based ResponseResponder can

characterize hazard. Monitors help

responder classify materials into four basic categories: Flammable (fire) Corrosive Toxic Radioactive

Once a chemical has been identified, responders can protect themselves HAZMAT teams

should avoid term “unknown” as it doesn’t apply

Invariably, something is always known about a chemical

Using the state of matter can reveal some risk factors

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Risk-Based ResponseRisk category, chemical and physical

properties and the task determine the best level of PPE.

PPE can present risk to responders Level A ensemble does not offer the best or

highest level of protection No one chemical suit is appropriate for all

chemical situations Level A ensemble presents safety concerns

related to heat stress, limited visibility, mobility, and communication

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Risk-Based ResponseThere are specific

situations where a Level A ensemble is appropriate Choose appropriate

protective clothing based on the risk

As determined by the detection devices

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Risk-Based ResponseNeed a minimum of four different

technologies:

pH paper – corrosives LEL sensor – flammables

Photoionization detector – toxics

Radiation monitor – radiation 10

Basic Characterization

Hazmat teams should identify top ten chemicals they deal with and determine. Appropriate

monitorsAppropriate PPE Basic StrategiesAction plan for

quick action

Top Ten AmmoniaSulfur DioxideChlorineHydrochloric AcidPropaneSodium HydroxideSulfuric AcidGasolineFlammable LiquidsCombustible Liquids

1111

$499

$595

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Meter ResponseUnderstand how chemicals may affect the

range of air monitors needed to classify an unidentified material. It must by classify into one of the four risk categories.

 Corrosive Risk Easiest to determine   Determine pH Multi range ph paper

Red=Acid/ Blue=Base

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Meter ResponseIf paper changes above or away from the spill

you have a high vapor pressure material.Most common acids,

Hydrochloric AcidHydrofluoric AcidAcidic AcidOleum

Many acids have low vapor pressure and the paper needs to be dipped into the liquid.

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Meter Response

Fire Risk

LEL sensor is used to determine if there is anything flammable present.If a sensor reads 1

than the material is a flammable gas emitting flammable vapors

Toxic RiskA Photoionization

detector identifies potentially toxic materials.

The higher the reading the more likely the material is also flammable 

Most flammables are toxic before they become flammable.

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Risk Based ResponseWhat happens when a truckload of chemicals

overturns and mix together?

Not a major concern unless there is a reaction.

 This usually occurs prior to the arrival to

responders.

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Risk Based ResponseProper air monitoring takes all of the GRAY

out of HAZMAT response

Makes it black and whiteIf the book says evacuate 7 milesIf the air monitor says 7 feetWhich is more accurate

Risk Based ResponseUsing RBR it really

does not matter what the mixture is, when chemical mix they still present the four basic risks.

 Fire, Corrosive, Toxic, Radiation.

Choose the proper PPE for the risk

Determine isolation and evacuation distances

Determine the severity of the incident.

Use of RBR does not rely on knowing the exact makeup of the material. Only the significant

hazards.17

Role of Monitors in Isolation

and Evacuations.Monitors allow for

the Incident Commander to make immediate decisions regarding isolation and evacuations.

Method provides for real time, accurate, and scientifically backed decision.

Most references and computer models are very conservative.

May require that large area be isolated.

 Detection devices

can determine the exact area that is hazardous and what is safe. 18

Detection of Unidentified materials and sampling

Flow charts are providing in text to guide you through the process of characterizing an unidentified material.It is impossible to 100

percent identify a material in the field.

RBR and sampling strategies. Can help place a

material into a category

Place material into a chemical family.

Examples of Flow chartsUnidentified SolidUnidentified Liquid Suspecting

hydrocarbonUnidentified Liquid

with Corrosive characteristics

Unidentified Gas with Corrosive characteristics

Unidentified Fire and/or Toxic material that is a Liquid or Gas.

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SummaryRisk-Based response benefits responders and

the community.

 Using RBR allows for a safe and quick

response to a chemical emergency.

Concept of risk assessment is an important one for all emergency responders.