
Control measure
Containment: Toxic materials
TRAINING SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and understanding
Control measure element | Learning outcome |
---|---|
Contain toxic materials |
Understand:
Refer to – Containment – Environmental training specification |
Practical application
Control measure element | Learning outcome |
---|---|
Contain toxic materials |
Demonstrate the ability to:
Refer to – Containment – Environmental training specification |
Control measure knowledge
Managing a release of a substance with toxic health hazards will be primarily determined by their physical form. The overall objective is to disrupt the spread and prevent access to areas where the concentration is high enough to cause harm. The physical form as well as quantity are key factors that determine where harmful concentrations will spread. The physical form will then dictate vulnerable routes of entry, for example, inhalation risk from gases and vapours. In circumstances where it is not possible to prevent spread, dispersal to low concentrations should be considered. This option must be weighed against the wider impact on public health and the environment.
Where there is a continuous release, a key priority will be to prevent further material from escaping, minimising the size of the release and therefore the size and duration of any hazard zone.
Solids
Key properties that will affect the way solids behave, and therefore their spread, include
- Size of particles
- Melting point
- Water reactivity and miscibility
Liquids
Key properties that affect the way liquids behave, and therefore spread, include:
- Vapour pressure (vapours may be given off in dangerous quantities)
- Water reactivity and miscibility
- Relative density
- Vapours
Key properties that affect the way vapours behave, and therefore spread, include:
- Vapour density
- Level of toxicity
- Solubility in water
To make a full assessment of substances and their properties, suitable equipment and advice may be required. For crews who operate in this area, key control measures are to prevent toxic substances from getting into the body, therefore appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and decontamination should be assessed.
See National Operational Guidance: Hazardous materials
Strategic actions
Consider their local risks and provide procedures and support arrangements for gas and vapour monitoring including equipment purchase, mobilising, use and maintenance
Provide suitable containment equipment to prevent the spread of hazardous materials
Tactical actions
Attempt to contain the spill or release of any toxic substances as close to the source as possible
Determine the potential spread of toxic substances
Protect emergency responders’ routes of entry based on the physical form of the toxic substance
Consider options to contain or disperse the spread of toxic materials in consultation with HMA
Consider options to contain or disperse the spread of toxic materials in consultation with a hazardous materials adviser (HMA)
Consider reducing vaporisation or gassing-off by covering or reducing the surface area of spills
Consider reducing vaporisation or gassing-off by absorbing spills with inert materials
Consider reducing vaporisation or gassing-off by reducing the temperature of bulk containers
Consider the potential reaction between the toxic material and containment material / water
Consider the potential reaction between the toxic material and containment material/water, in some cases producing heat and/or flammable/toxic gas
Prevent accidental mixing of different toxic materials as this can lead to reactions which may give off large amounts of heat and or gas
Consider using water spray or curtains to contain and control toxic vapours and gases
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