
Control measure
Controlled burning: Biological agents
TRAINING SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and understanding
Control measure element | Learning outcome |
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Controlled burning of biological agents |
Understand:
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Practical application
Control measure element | Learning outcome |
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Controlled burning of biological agents |
Demonstrate the ability to:
Refer to – Controlled burning – Fires and firefighting training specification |
Control measure knowledge
This control measure should be read in conjunction with Controlled burning
Hazard group/class 3 and 4 materials are tightly controlled because they can spread through the population. Controls include systems that will capture any potential release before it is able to escape the confines of the building.
In the event of a fire these systems may be compromised and the biological agent could escape if not destroyed by the fire. The two most likely routes for the material to escape would be in the smoke plume and the firefighting water run-off.
Employing controlled burn tactics should be sufficient to kill the agents before they are released but this will need to be confirmed with specialist advice.
Strategic actions
Develop procedures for controlled burns at incidents involving biological agents
Provide equipment for controlling fire-water run-off that has become contaminated with biological agents, e.g. equipment supplied by environment agencies
Establish links with other agencies who will need to be informed if biological agents are released either via a smoke plume or fire-water run-off (environment and/or public health agencies)
Tactical actions
Deploy appropriate pollution control equipment to contain any firefighting run-off that may have become contaminated with biological agents
Notify relevant agencies if biological agents are believed to have been released in smoke or run-off
Keep firefighting personnel away from biological agents when not in suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) or respiratory protective equipment (RPE), including away from contaminated, equipment, clothing, firefighting run-off and smoke plumes.
- Control measureAppropriate intervention: Biological agents involved in fire
- HazardRadioactive contamination