Module Objective

2. Module Objective Upon completion of this module, participants will understand and recognize hazards associated with disaster operations and methods of hazard mitigation.

3. Enabling Objectives Successful participants will; • Recognize hazards associated with operating at or near a disaster site • Understand hazard mitigation strategies and appropriate personal protective equipment

4. Unit 1 Hazards

5. Terminal Objective Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to understand and recognize the hazards associated with operating at or near a disaster site.

6. Enabling Objectives Successful participants will: • Recognize the physical hazards of the disaster site • Understand the chemical / atmospheric hazards present

7. Damaged Infrastructure • Transportation corridors • Compromised traffic signals • Utilities • Electrical hazards • Waste water release • Gas leaks • Levees or dams • Rapid flooding

8. Engulfment / Entrapment • Engulfment • Open pit • Septic system • Underground storage tank • Entrapment • Additional collapse

9. Slip / Trip / Fall • Uneven and wet surfaces increase the risk • May be working at elevations, fall could be fatal • Sharp objects in scattered debris

10. Energy Release • Unexpected release of electricity • Unexpected start up of machinery • Restoration of power grid without notifying responders • Release of steam, hydraulic fluid, or gas

11. Temperature Extremes • Temperature and humidity extremes hazardous to responders and survivors • High temperature/high humidity • Heat stress and heat cramps • Heat exhaustion • Heat stroke

12. Other Hazards • High noise • Low light • Loose and displaced animals • Poisonous spiders and snakes • Animal predators

13. Chemical Contamination • Inhalation • Ingestion • Lack of personal hygiene • Injection • Absorption • Direct contact with liquid or gas • Contact with sweat then absorbed through skin

14. Asphyxiating Atmospheres • Interfere with body’s ability to absorb enough oxygen to sustain life • May displace oxygen in confined space • May interfere with body’s ability to utilize available oxygen • Carbon monoxide • Hydrogen sulfide • If suspect leave area, contact HazMat

15. Flammable Atmosphere • Chemicals in industry and home • May not be able to smell flammable liquids • Heavier than air, may be concentrated around your feet • Should suspect presence when entering partial collapse

16. Toxic Atmosphere • Chemicals in industry and home • May not be toxic until containers broken during disaster and contents mixed • If in doubt, have HazMat identify potential hazards before entering area

17. Summary Understanding hazards and looking for and recognizing them allows disaster responders to avoid hazards and protect themselves from the effects of the hazards.

18. Unit 2 Hazard Mitigation / PPE

19. Terminal Objective Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to understand various hazard mitigation strategies and the appropriate personal protective equipment needed for operating at or near a disaster site.

20. Enabling Objectives Successful participants will understand hazard mitigation strategies and the use and limitations of personal protective equipment including: • Avoidance measures to reduce the risk of exposure and injury • Engineering controls as a hazard mitigation strategy to ensure safe operation • Personal protective equipment necessary to protect from the existing and predictable hazards of disaster operation

21. Hazard Avoidance Strategies • Awareness and recognition of the risk • Maintain safe operating distance from hazard • Mark hazard to alert other responders

22. Engineering Control • Disconnecting electricity, turning off machinery, shutting of gas valve • Tagged to alert others • Shoring and building stabilization • Positive or negative pressure ventilation • Remove hazard • Minimize trip hazards

23. Personal Protective Equipment • Last line of defense • Equipment • Gloves • Proper footwear • Eye protection • Helmets • Hearing protection

24. Respiratory Protection • Approved respirators necessary at times • N95 particulate air respirator • often sufficient against most dust particles in air • Must be replaced regularly • Does not filter out toxic vapors • Air purifying respirators necessary in toxic atmospheres

25. Skin Contact Protection • Long-sleeved, durable outer wear • Protects against cuts, scratches • Military Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) • Based on known or suspected hazards • Defines the level of protective garments worn • Higher the number, greater the level of protection • Causes more physiologic stress to the body • Risk of wearing chemical protective clothing may be greater than the chemical hazard risk

27. Summary • SAR responders must be capable of recognizing existing and predictable hazards in the area • PPE must be worn if avoidance and engineering controls are not adequate • Respiratory protection may be needed based on the respiratory hazards • Appropriate protective equipment must be worn if contaminants can be absorbed or can penetrate the skin