The following procedural steps should be taken to ensure the proper control of a hazardous materials incident area:
- An Incident Commander (IC) should be appointed to establish control of the scene/area. A command location should be established upgrade, upwind and at a safe distance from the incident in a location accessible to emergency vehicles.
- An Incident Commander (IC) should be appointed to establish control of the scene/area. A command location should be established upwind of the incident in a location accessible to emergency vehicles.
- Establish a security perimeter around the area to keep unauthorized persons out.
- Designate an individual (preferably a law enforcement official) to direct traffic in and out of the area.
- Establish Hazard Control Zones around the release (but within the security perimeter) as follows:
- Hot Zone: The area immediately surrounding the hazardous materials release, plus additional area to act as a sufficient buffer for the hazards present.
- Warm Zone: The area just beyond the Hot Zone where decontamination is set up and carried out.
- Cold Zone: Safe area where incident command, rest area, and first aid, Public Information Officer, etc. can be established without danger of contamination.
- Determine if a life-threatening situation exists. If so, immediately begin implementing emergency rescue actions.
- Initiate setup of decontamination equipment if injured employees have been exposed to hazardous materials.
- Contact the Red Cross to set up rest area assistance for emergency responders, if needed.
- Contact the local hospital's emergency response personnel so that they may begin the initial the setup of medical triage and their own decontamination system.
- Determine if public protective action is needed. If so, implement procedures outlined in the Evacuation Procedure section of this plan.