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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 204.01A REVISED 4-2014_Bio HazardsSOG 204.01 A — Response to Biological Hazards Effective. 10/1/2001 Revised: 4/5/2014 Replaces: UOG 204.01 D I. Guiding PhilosophX Terrorism, both foreign and domestic, has brought greater awareness of and risk to responders in the form of biological hazards. We realize these materials may require adaptive responses. We do our best to protect the public and responders from the threats they pose. II. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to outline suggested tactics for HMRT personnel and Incident Commanders when encountering possible biological hazards, with emphasis being placed on information gathering, material collection, decontamination and chain of custody. III. Goals The goals of this policy are to provide guidelines for: A. Initial Deployment and Size -Up B. Operational & Chain of Custody IV. Definitions A. Biological Hazard — Also known as biohazards; refer to biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of humans. This can include medical waste or samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a biological source) that can affect human health. It can also include substances harmful to animals. B. Calcium Hypochlorite Solution — Nine (9) parts water mixed with one (1) part household bleach. This provides a 0.5% concentration for decontamination. C. HMRT — Acronym for Hazardous Materials Response Team. D. Triple Bag Method — Method of biological evidence collection which utilizes sealable bags and a .05% hypochlorite solution for decontaminating the bags: 1. Secure the evidence in a sealable bag. 2. Decontaminate the bag with .05% hypochlorite solution. 3. Dry the bag and place the bag inside a second bag. 4. Decontaminate the second bag, dry, and place inside a third bag. 5. Decontaminate the third bag, and dry. SOG 204.01A -- Response to Biological Hazards Page 1 of 4 V. Initial Dispatch & Deployment Considerations A. When a report of a possible biological threat is received, the Dispatch Supervisor will insure an initial deployment of units is implemented per Appendix B -Hazardous Materials Deployment Matrix of SOG 504.05 -Hazardous Materials Dispatch & Deployment. B. The first fire department unit on scene must: 1. Assume Command 2. Initiate the information gathering phase (ongoing size -up) C. The following information should be gathered from witnesses and disseminated to all responding agencies as quickly as possible: 1. Is the scene secure? a. Law enforcement should confirm the scene is secure. b. Perimeter and traffic control should be implemented, if required. 2. What is the situation? a. Are there overriding considerations to invalidate the threat? b. If threat is located inside a structure, obtain an overview of the interior. 3. Are there any contaminated persons? a. How many? b. Who and where are they? c. Have they been decontaminated? 4. Obtain a product or package description. a. Is it a package or loose material? b. Where is it located? (Be specific.) c. What is the shape/size? (Again, be specific.) d. Any odd markings, symbols or writing? e. Has it been opened? f Any other pertinent information? (i.e. I heard ticking, smelled a pungent odor, the package was discolored and leaking material) D. The Incident Commander may request additional individual resources or increase the level of hazmat response (Level II or I), as required by the situation. VI. Operational & Chain of Custody Considerations A. Tactical Objectives 1. Validation • Validate all information no matter how insignificant it seems! 2. Entry Suit Selection • (Minimum EncapsulatidgLevel `B" Suits are recommended due to the harsh nature of the decon solution on SCBA's) 3. Decontamination 4. Evidence Collection/Product Sampling SOG 204.01A -- Response to Biological Hazards Page 2 of 4 5. Maintain Chain of Custody 6. Remediation/Termination (Document every thin personnel, equipment, times, situation found, collections, analysis, remediation/decontamination and chain of custody) B. In most cases, four HI MT members with Command and Operations -level support (Decon and information validation only) should be fully capable of performing the tactical objectives listed above. C. Product/Evidence Collection Considerations Situation Found Preferred Collection Method Unopened suspicious package • Collect/contain package using the OR Triple Bag Method for evidence and Opened package with no visible product off-site analysis. • If requested by the ranking law enforcement Officer on Opened package with visible product Using the Triple Bag Method: OR • Take sample of the visible product for Visible suspicious product with no on-site analysis. packaging present • Collect/contain remaining product contaminants. and/or package for evidence and off- • Place all exposed PPE in a plastic bag for disposal (Since site analysis. D. Decontamination Considerations 1. In all cases, decontamination of biological hazards should be performed utilizing a 0.5% calcium hypochlorite solution (see Definitions). 2. Specific Decontamination Procedures In all cases use .5% Calcium Hypochlorite Solution for Decontamination! • Unless directed by a law enforcement supervisor, packages collected for evidence WILL NOT be Suspicious Packages decontaminated. • If requested by the ranking law enforcement Officer on scene, document the Requestor and decontaminate the package. • Pay particular attention to the gloved area and soles of the boot, as well as any area showing signs of Entry HMRT Personnel contaminants. • Place all exposed PPE in a plastic bag for disposal (Since the calcium hypochlorite solution destroys the biological hazard, specialized disposal methods are not required.) • Contaminated clothing should be removed, bagged and saturated with the calcium hypochlorite solution. Clothing • Contaminated persons should then shower using mild soap and water to remove any residual contamination, taking care not to abrade the skin. Equipment & Property • Soak with Decon Solution thoroughly. SOG 204.01A -- Response to Biological Hazards Page 3 of 4 E. Chain of Custody & Termination Considerations 1. Anytime product or package collection is performed for evidence or off-site analysis, make certain to document the chain of custody in the NFIRS report. 2. Upon termination of the event, ensure the following: a. All equipment is placed back in-service. b. All field documentation is complete and accurate. c. The NFIRS report includes the following details in the narrative: i. All relevant facts collected during the operation. ii. List of F IVIRT members who responded, with their assigned duties. iii. Listing of all equipment used, with quantities d. Overtime hours for any off-duty personnel called back are properly documented. Any equipment malfunctions or shortages must be reported to the Program Manager and Team Coordinator as soon as possible via e-mail. SOG 204.0IA -- Response to Biological Hazards Page 4 of 4