a. ASSESSMENT:
Assess the specific hazard, using binoculars. Determine whether any DOT
warning placards are displayed and the extent of spillage or the rate of
leakage of cargo. By law*, the Incident Command Officer shall identify all hazardous
substances to the extent possible as conditions permit
(1) Implement appropriate emergency
operations based on the hazardous substances or conditions. Advise
responding companies of conditions and locate incoming apparatus to best
advantage.
(2) By
law*, the Incident Command Officer shall ensure that the proper level of
personnel protective equipment is being worn for the identified hazards,
including positive-pressure SCBA.
b. ACTIONS
The Incident Command Officer shall advise all appropriate government
agencies.
(1) Advise the ROCKLEIGH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR and request that the EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS PLAN be implemented.
(2)Advise
the BERGEN COUNTY POLICE and
request assistance from the BERGEN
COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE.
(3) Request
NORWOOD AMBULANCE CORPS to
respond and implement a medical sector.
c. MITIGATION: If no fire,
fire danger, or HAZ-MAT condition exists, the Chief will coordinate
efforts with the BOROUGH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR or DEPUTY DIRECTOR
to mitigate the effects of the disaster condition.
(1) The Fire Chief or officer acting in his
absence has absolute authority at any fire scene or HAZ-MAT incident. The
Emergency Management Director will provide logistical support for
fire-fighting and HAZ-MAT neutralization efforts.
(2) The Emergency Management Director has
authority over disaster and Emergency Management Incidents exclusive of
fire-fighting or HAZ-MAT incidents.
d. HAZ-MAT OPERATIONS:
Take appropriate actions to contain the incident, if practical and within
the limits of safety to personnel, in accordance with
SOP 10: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS.
e. SAFETY:
The Incident Command Officer must designate a Safety Officer who is knowledgeable about firefighting and rescue
operations as well as hazardous substance handling procedures. By
law*,
when activities are
judged by the Safety Officer to be unsafe and/or to involve and imminent
danger condition, the Safety Officer shall have the authority to alter,
suspend, or terminate those activities. The Safety Officer shall
immediately inform the Incident Command Officer of any actions taken to
correct a safety condition at the emergency scene.
