
Health hazards
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Approach hazardous material incidents at slow speed from upwind and higher-level ground where possible
When approaching the incident use visual and other incident indicators to inform situational awareness
Use weather information systems to identify impact of wind, rain and temperature on the incident
Gather incident information from a suitable safe distance based on hazard assessment
Identify clear avoidance routes to the scene of operations and confirm them to all personnel
Observe individuals for signs of exposure or contamination and check for consistency against identification
Consider Step 1-2-3 Plus: Safety Triggers for Emergency Personnel
Consider the potential for secondary devices and share any intelligence with other responder agencies
Recognise indicators that hazardous materials may be present in unexpected places (e.g. Drug labs, IEDs, ICE)
Gather information from available sources to gain accurate situational awareness and understanding
Question the responsible person, other responders and witnesses to understand incident factors and history
Ensure that a scene survey is carried out at the earliest opportunity
Access any operational or site specific risk information (SSRI) and confirm accuracy
Debrief personnel that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence and safety-related information
Maintain situational awareness and identify changes during the incident through active monitoring and regular briefings
Access any operational or site specific risk information (SSRI) and confirm accuracy
Access any available emergency response plan and implement appropriate predetermined actions
Identify and contact the responsible person to understand incident factors and history
Adopt a cautious approach to situational awareness where there are no immediate threats to life
Set up improvised wind monitoring devices to indicate current and changing conditions
Use waterproof chemical/substance information boards to retrieve information from the scene
Consider deliberate reconnaissance based on a joint understanding of risk
Use local knowledge to aid navigation to an incident
Ensure that tracks and pathways are suitable for fire service vehicles
Consider the least damaging routes to incidents and where possible, stay on marked paths and tracks
Consider Step 1-2-3 Plus: Safety Triggers for Emergency Personnel
Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
Establish the availability of pre-arranged evacuation strategies and policies
Consider pollution prevention information contained within site specific risk plans
Seek advice from landowners and other bodies on susceptible areas of the environment
Review situational awareness following an emergency evacuation or tactical withdrawal
Consider requesting the attendance of hazardous materials adviser (HMA)
Request appropriate specialist resources and equipment for hazardous material incidents
Consider requesting appropriate specialist advice
Consider requesting specialist resources for detection, identification and monitoring (DIM)
Request sufficient and appropriate additional resources
Consider requesting appropriate specialist advice
Consider requesting specialist resources from own or neighbouring fire and rescue services, or partner agencies
Inform and/or seek advice from environment agencies and/or sewage undertakers where necessary
Consider whether operational resources can be released from the incident
Regularly update the fire control room on the availability status of operational resources
Use specialist advisers to carry out hazard specific assessments and interpret information and advice
Request the appropriate emergency response for a confirmed or suspected CBRN or CBRN(e) event
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Consider the availability of pollution control equipment and/or pollution containment facilities on site
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Consider requesting appropriate facilities for the welfare of personnel
Consider the availability of pollution control equipment and/or pollution containment facilities on site
Make use of specialist fire and rescue service or on-site environmental protection equipment
Consider the appointment of a HMA (or equivalent) to oversee environmental protection activities
Determine whether people should be advised to evacuate, shelter in place or 'stay put'
Consider methods of communication to inform occupants of the evacuation strategy
Use signs, labels, markings, container types and detection equipment to identify substance
Assess the construction, condition and stressors acting on the ineffective containment systems
Identify the presence and effectiveness of secondary and tertiary containment (e.g. bund)
Ensure that personnel have access to the appropriate PPE
Identify additives that may treat or neutralise chemical hazards in liaison with a hazardous materials adviser (HMA)
When approaching the incident use visual and other incident indicators to inform situational awareness
Use signs, labels, markings and container types to identify the presence of toxic materials
Establish exclusion zones, inner and outer cordons based on level of risk from toxic material
Consider options to contain or disperse the spread of toxic materials in consultation with HMA
Consider the potential reaction between the toxic material and containment material / water
Consider reducing vaporisation or gassing-off by covering or reducing the surface area of spills
Consider absorbing spills with inert materials
Consider reducing vaporisation or gassing-off by reducing the temperature of bulk containers
Consider reducing vaporisation or gassing-off by covering or reducing the surface area of spills or absorbing spills with inert materials
Identify the presence of asbestos containing materials and assess the level of risk (High or Low Hazard)
Avoid disturbing or releasing asbestos materials wherever possible
Avoid committing responders into areas that may lead to contamination with asbestos if possible
If entering the hazard area follow HSE agreed method of working with asbestos-containing materials
Ensure that all personnel wear the type of RPE identified by service risk assessments, procedures and training
Use signs, labels, markings and container types to identify the presence of corrosive materials
Use detection equipment to identify and monitor any corrosive materials involved
Attempt to contain the spill or release of any corrosive substance as close to the source as possible
Attempt to neutralise any release or spill of corrosive materials based on specialist advice
Consider dilution and dispersal of corrosive materials as a last resort following consultation with relevant environmental agency
Use signs, labels, markings and container types to identify the presence of biological agents
Make contact with biological agent specialist staff to determine the controls that can be operated – and the effect of operating controls
Attempt to contain the spill or release of any biological agent as close to the source as possible
Use minimal water to attack a fire involving biological agents
Introduce decontamination additives for biological agents that provide a free-chlorine-based option
Use signs, labels, markings and container types to identify the presence of radioactive materials
Use detection equipment to identify and monitor levels of the radioactive materials involved
Establish, record, communicate and continually monitor the level of background radiation
Keep exposure to ionising radiation ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ (ALARP) in all cases
Employ the principles of time, distance and shielding
Ascertain if the packaging or shielding for the radiation source has been damaged
Attempt to contain the release of any radioactive materials as close to the source as possible
Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
Remove casualties from the immediate area to avoid further exposure
Remove the outer clothing of members of the public and issue disrobe packs if available
Remove the substance from skin using dry decontamination (or wet decontamination for caustic substances)
Establish interim decontamination using standard frontline equipment based on hazard assessment
Instigate the deployment of mass casualty decontamination resources as soon as the need is identified
Instigate emergency procedures if personnel or responders are accidentally contaminated or exposed
Liaise with multi-agency partners who are operating in the hot zone regarding decontamination
Provide disrobe assistants in suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to assist contaminated personnel
Seek advice from hazardous materials advisers (HMA) and scientific advisers regarding known decontamination additives and consider making them available to be used against commonly encountered materials
Contain all run-off from the decontamination process until disposal arrangements are agreed
Enforce hygiene measures and ensure personnel don't eat, drink, smoke or vape except in appropriate areas
Identify bodies of water, unstable ground and risks of falling from height in working environment
Consider the effect of weather conditions and time of day on the working environment
Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
Implement measures to maintain access and egress during the incident
Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
Provide lighting to illuminate hazards to personnel in poorly lit environments
Ensure that personnel have access to the appropriate PPE
Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
Manage their working environment and workload to mitigate the effects of stress and fatigue, and to optimise their personal resilience
Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling
Request additional or specialist resources to assist with manual handling tasks
Consider the task, individual capabilities, load and environment (TILE) when carrying out risk assessments for manual handling
Ensure personnel adopt the provided safe system of manual handling
Comply with service protocols when handling substances that are hazardous to health
Ensure personnel cover open wounds, cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
See The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR2012) summary for further information
See Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) (and NI) summary for further information
Consider applying operational discretion where the benefit of taking unusual, unorthodox or innovative action justifies the risk
Return to operational procedures when the objective has been achieved
Why? | Expectations? | Benefit vs Risk? |
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
Assess the need to conduct immediate life-saving actions at incidents involving hazardous materials
Consider firefighter decontamination arrangements prior to committing personnel to the hot zone
Use specialist advisers to carry out hazard specific assessments and interpret information and advice
Ensure all personnel wear PPE according to service risk assessment and procedures for HazMat incidents
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment, identify hazards, evaluate risk and implement safe systems of work
Declare the tactical mode and communicate to personnel at the incident ground and in the fire control room
Carry out and formally record analytical risk assessments at suitable intervals
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Consider a shelter-in-place strategy based on the number of people already exposed or potentially at risk
Obtain advice from the hazardous materials adviser (HMA) on the size of any downwind protection zone
Predict the likely hazard area using observation or modelling in liaison with specialist advisors
Attempt to contain the release or spill of a hazardous material using a Source – Pathway - Receptor model
Apply the firefighter safety maxim and safe person principles at incidents
Identify and communicate the hazard area and establish a safe working area as soon as is practicable
Use situational awareness to anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
Develop and communicate an incident plan to relevant personnel, including the fire control room
Regularly review and update incident plan in response to active monitoring of the situation against expected outcomes
Review the tactical mode following active monitoring and briefings with sector commanders
Periodically review the analytical risk assessment using situational awareness from active monitoring
Apply the joint decision model process to ensure effective joint decision-making at multi-agency incident
Identify the need to evacuate and develop a strategy in liaison with partner agencies
Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
Carry out an environmental risk assessment and monitor the impact of tactics on the identified risk
Commit crews to perform rescues based on the hazard assessment and joint understanding of risk (JUR)
Attempt to contain the release or spill of a hazardous material using a Source – Pathway - Receptor model
Consider dilution at incidents involving a release or spill of hazardous materials based on specialist advice
Consider joint working in hazard areas based on joint understanding of risk
Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
Gain access to premises causing minimal damage considering the urgency of the situation
Establish and resource a casualty care point
Determine whether people should be advised to evacuate, shelter in place or 'stay put'
When evacuation is necessary, identify the number of people affected and develop a plan
Contain all run-off from the decontamination process until disposal arrangements are agreed
Instigate and communicate hygiene arrangements, facilities and consider decontamination
Implement an appropriate protection plan when an identified nature conservation site is at risk
Share situational awareness and establish a joint understanding of risk with other agencies
Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
Establish and maintain an incident ground communication plan considering other agencies and remote resources
Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
Communicate the incident situation to other responders via fire control using the M\ETHANE message protocol
Provide a structured brief when handing over and taking over command
Communicate findings of analytical risk assessment to all personnel and other agencies
Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
Ensure effective liaison and communication with off-site commanders and co-ordination centres
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Communicate any change in the tactical mode of a sector of the incident to personnel at the incident ground and in the fire control room
Communicate objectives, priorities and tactics to be adopted in resolving the incident
Deliver clear, concise and timely briefings to crews, command support functions and other agencies
Regularly pass information to fire control regarding incident progress
Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
Ensure that all appropriate environmental agencies are informed of the incident when required
Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
Consult specialist advisers to assist with modelling potential hazard areas
Ensure that appropriate exclusion zones, inner and outer cordons are established and communicated at hazardous materials incidents
Predict any likely protection zone based on specialist advice, observation or modelling
Form their command structure in accordance with the priorities and demands of an incident
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
Control access to the inner cordon using methods proportionate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Appoint competent safety officers to monitor specific hazards or activities
Instigate a tactical withdrawal of personnel when the mode changes from offensive to defensive
Enforce hygiene measures and ensure personnel don't eat, drink, smoke or vape except in appropriate areas
Log decisions including the outcome of joint understanding, priorities and multi-agency response plan
Be prepared to adopt a leadership role at multi-agency incidents
Establish a scene access control point to log all people operating within the inner cordon when appropriate
Consider the use of command support systems and equipment where required
Monitor the performance of personnel and where necessary modify plans to available competences
Record the details of the transfer of command; this should be done at the incident ground and in the fire control room
Instigate a safety sector at large or complex incidents under the control of a safety sector commander
Implement exclusion zones if intolerable risks to safety are identified
Request police assistance to establish a traffic cordon or air exclusion zone if necessary
Request an air exclusion zone through the appropriate authority if required
Maintain effective command and control in an emergency situation
Carry out a roll call of personnel at the scene following an emergency evacuation of responders
Ensure that hazards, potential hazards and control measures are identified when handing over responsibility for health and safety to the responsible person
Implement service procedures for dealing with hazardous waste post incident
Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
Ensure that effective supervision of operational activity is maintained until the conclusion of the incident
Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary
Ensure that hazards, potential hazards and control measures are identified when handing over responsibility for health and safety to the responsible person
Consider taking appropriate steps to secure premises or vehicles after access or entry has been gained by force
Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
Hand over responsibility for any waste produced at the incident to a responsible person or party
Ensure that all records related to the exposure or potential exposure are completed as soon as possible
Follow service protocols for reporting concerns about the mental or physical well-being of themselves or other individuals
Carry out post-incident health monitoring
Consider whether operational resources can be released from the incident
Conduct an inventory check and record any defects or deficiencies
Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
Consider the condition and serviceability of PPE when assessing operational readiness for redeployment
Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
Gather relevant information for the incident recording system
When appropriate instigate a review of existing guidance following the use of operational discretion
Ensure differences in information are resolved and systems updated following the closure of an incident
Compile and secure all incident command paperwork (e.g. analytical risk assessment and decision logs)
Ensure that waste products created by the fire and rescue service are disposed of legally and responsibly
Follow service protocols for reporting concerns about the mental or physical well-being of themselves or other individuals
Firefighter Safety Maxim
"At every incident, the greater the potential benefit of fire and rescue actions, the greater the risk that is accepted by commanders and firefighters. Activities that present a high risk to safety are limited to those that have the potential to save life or to prevent rapid and significant escalation of the incident."
Generic initial cordon distance guidance Note: continuous risk assessment should be carried out to ensure that the cordon remains appropriate and proportionate to the risks identified by the incident commander |
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Incident type | Initial cordon distance (metres radius) |
Explosives –CBRN(E), terrorist (*Consider no fire and rescue service attendance or treat as 'exclusion' distances for fire and rescue service personnel, take guidance from police and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD)) |
100m for an activated device Unexploded devices: * 100m for a suitcase-sized device 200m for a car-sized device 400m for a lorry (or when size of device is not known) |
Chemicals being transported |
25m for solids 50m for liquids 100m for gases, vapours, particulates |
Radiation |
Outside buildings: 50m – unshielded or damaged potentially dangerous source 100m – major spill from a potentially dangerous source 300m – fire, explosion or fumes involving a potentially dangerous source 400m or more to protect against an explosion – suspected bomb (exploded or unexploded) Inside buildings: Affected and adjacent areas (including the floor above and below) – damage, loss of shielding or spill of a potentially dangerous source Entire building and outside distances detailed above – fire or other event that can spread a potentially dangerous source materials throughout the building (for example through the ventilation system |