Health hazards

Include all incident actions

Incident information

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)
All incident information:
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
Confirm and communicate the involvement, number and severity of any casualties (persons or animals)
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Debrief crews that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence and safety-related information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
Further incident information
- 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
- All incident information:
- Use local knowledge, topography and map reading skills 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
- Ascertain 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

Resource information

Consider requesting the attendance of hazardous materials adviser (HMA)
Request appropriate specialist resources and equipment for hazardous material incidents
Consider requesting the attendance of a competent person, subject matter expert or tactical adviser
Consider requesting specialist resources for detection, identification and monitoring (DIM)
All incident information:
Request sufficient resources to implement initial actions, the incident plan and support contingency plan
Consider requesting the attendance of a competent person, subject matter expert or tactical adviser
Consider resources that may be available from neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies
Inform and/or seek advice from environment agencies and/or sewage undertakers where necessary
Consider whether appliances, personnel, equipment and other resources can be released from the incident
Regularly update fire control on the availability status of appliances and other resources
Further resource information
- 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
- All incident information:
- Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
- Consider requesting facilities for the welfare of crews deployed at protracted incidents
- 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

Risk information

People
- Determine whether people should be advised to evacuate, shelter in place or 'stay put'
- Identify the evacuation strategy and potential routes from SSRI, responsible person and building plans
- Consider occupants that need assistance to evacuate (e.g. disabilities, medical needs, refuge areas)
- Consider methods of communication to inform occupants of the evacuation strategy
Release or spill of hazardous material
- 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
Toxic health hazards
- 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
Asbestos
- 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
Corrosive materials
- 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
Biological agents
- 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
Radiation
- 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
Contaminated or exposed members of the public
- 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
Contaminated or exposed of responders
- 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
All incident information:
Working environment
- 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
Weather conditions
- Monitor personnel for signs and symptoms of fatigue, dehydration, heat or cold stress
- Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
- Consider relief and welfare arrangements to reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on themselves and others
- Instigate appropriate medical interventions if personnel show signs and symptoms of physiological stress
Noise
- Consider isolating sources of noise
- Keep the number of people exposed to the hazard at a minimum and reduce time of exposure through personnel rotation
- Ensure personnel wear appropriate hearing protectors
Heavy and bulky objects
- Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling risk
- 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
Moving vehicles
- Be vigilant and co-operate with service procedures relating to vehicle movements
- Position appliances to fend-off vehicles and use warning signs, lights and cones
- Apply safety measures to minimise the risk of collisions
Animals
- Avoid, contain or control animals if necessary
- Request support with managing animals from owners, keepers, police, vets or welfare organisations
Hazardous materials
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
- Remove unaffected chemicals from the hazard area if safe to do so
- Comply with service protocols when handling substances that are hazardous to health
- Ensure open wounds, cuts and grazes are covered by a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
- Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Body fluids
- Avoid contact with body fluids where possible
- Isolate or cover body fluids following casualty removal
- Wear body fluid gloves and cover broken skin with waterproof dressing
- Instigate decontamination procedures following exposure of personnel and equipment to body fluids
Distressing or traumatic scenes
- Minimise number of personnel exposed to traumatic scenes where possible
- Consider seeking the assistance of other agencies when dealing with traumatic incidents
- Erect screens to restrict the view of traumatic scenes
Violence and aggression
- Consider adopting defensive tactics if people are displaying unpredictable, aggressive, violent or illegal behaviour
- Request police support at incidents involving violence and aggression towards crews

Powers, policies and procedures

Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
All incident information:
Consider the legal exemptions in relation to environmental protection i.e.
- A discharge is made in an emergency to avoid danger to human health
- All reasonably practicable steps were taken to minimise pollution
- The relevant environment agency is informed of the incident as soon as possible
Enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises:
- if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
- if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
- for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
- NB Does not apply to Crown property (including ministry of defence) and diplomatic or consular premises
- NB The Master of the ship (or delegated officer) of a merchant vessel must give permission to board
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Further powers, policies and procedures
- 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 the legal exemptions in relation to environmental protection i.e.
  - A discharge is made in an emergency to avoid danger to human health
  - All reasonably practicable steps were taken to minimise pollution
  - The relevant environment agency is informed of the incident as soon as possible
- All incident information:
- Close a highway, stop and regulate traffic:
  - if a road traffic accident has occurred
  - for the purpose of rescuing people or protecting them from serious harm
  - if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
  - for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
- Consider applying operational discretion where outcomes would justify unusual, unorthodox or innovative action
- Outcomes which would justify applying operational discretion include:
  - Saving human life
  - Taking decisive action to prevent an incident escalating
  - Incidents where taking no action may lead others to put themselves in danger
- Return to operational procedures when the objective has been achieved

Why?

Expectations?

Benefit vs Risk?

Objectives

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
All incident information:
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
Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
Further objectives
- Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- All incident information:
- Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
- Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
- Protect Critical National Infrastructure and/or local critical infrastructure

Tactical priorities

Assess the need to conduct immediate life-saving actions at incidents involving hazardous materials
Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and instigate a triage process
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
All incident information:
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment, identify hazards, evaluate risk and implement safe systems of work
Declare the tactical mode and communicate to all personnel and fire control
Carry out and formally record analytical risk assessments at suitable intervals
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Further tactical priorities
- 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
- All incident information:
- 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
- Anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
- Develop and communicate an incident plan considering contingencies arrangements
- Consider the competence of individuals and teams when allocating tasks
- 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
- Use the Joint Decision Model to co-ordinate an effective response at multi-agency incidents
- 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

Operational tactics

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
All incident information:
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
Further objectives
- Contain all run-off from the decontamination process until disposal arrangements are agreed
- All incident information:
- Consider the potential effects of incident development when positioning appliances
- Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and instigate a triage process
- Instigate and communicate hygiene arrangements, facilities and consider decontamination
- Implement an appropriate protection plan when an identified nature conservation site is at risk

Communication

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
Consider joint working in hazard zones, ensuring that systems of work and emergency procedures are understood by all parties before entry
All incident information:
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
Further communication - H6.0
- 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
- Inform sewerage undertakers if discharge is to foul the water sewerage system
- All incident information:
- 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 all personnel
- 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
- Ensure all personnel are aware of the incident command structure and communication strategy
- Establish a media liaison point and brief a nominated media liaison officer
- Use plain English to communicate information where a lack of common understanding exists
- 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

Control

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
All incident information:
Establish an incident command structure appropriate to the likely size and complexity of the 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
Further control
- 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
- All incident information:
- 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 competencies
- 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

Incident closure and handover

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
All incident information:
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
Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
Consider community recovery protocols and arrange appropriate assistance prior to leaving the incident
Further incident closure and handover
- 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 post incident health surveillance and monitoring
- Carry out post-incident health monitoring
- All incident information:
- Consider whether appliances, personnel, equipment and other 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
- Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
- Record and share significant findings from incident debriefs
- 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 post incident health surveillance and monitoring

Additional information

All incident information:
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."

Decision Control Process

Joint Decision Model

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
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

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

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

Incident information

Further incident information

Resource information

Further resource information

Risk information

People

Release or spill of hazardous material

Toxic health hazards

Asbestos

Corrosive materials

Biological agents

Radiation

Contaminated or exposed members of the public

Contaminated or exposed of responders

Working environment

Weather conditions

Noise

Heavy and bulky objects

Moving vehicles

Animals

Hazardous materials

Body fluids

Distressing or traumatic scenes

Violence and aggression

Powers, policies and procedures

Further powers, policies and procedures

Objectives

Further objectives

Tactical priorities

Further tactical priorities

Operational tactics

Further objectives

Communication

Further communication - H6.0

Control

Further control

Incident closure and handover

Further incident closure and handover

Additional information