training bulletin - San Ramon Valley Fire

PROCEDURES MANUAL 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

NOTICE OF REVISION OF POLICIES 

INTRODUCTION 

MISSION STATEMENT 

CHECKLISTS 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES

NOTICE OF REVISION OF POLICIES 

Application and Revision of Policies 

This manual identifies the District’s policies and procedures which are presently in effect. As 

policies and benefits are revised, changes will be communicated through standard 

communication channels. Advance notice may not always be possible. 

The District and representatives from San Ramon Valley Firefighters Association, Local 3546 

have met and through collective bargaining have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The 

Memorandum of Understanding supersedes any previous policy or procedure covering any 

subject areas identified in the Memorandum of Understanding. 

This Administrative Policy Manual is a living document that augments the Memorandum of 

Understanding and the Non-Represented Employee Handbook as appropriate. Various policies, 

procedures and practices may change from time to time and the appropriate notification will be 

provided. 

Suppression personnel should refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for specific questions 

and interpretations related to policies and procedures. 

Non-Represented personnel will initially defer to the Non-Represented Employee Handbook for 

clarification on applicable policies and procedures.

INTRODUCTION 

The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District encompasses an area of approximately 160 square 

miles and provides vital services to the communities of Alamo, Diablo, Blackhawk, Tassajara, Town 

of Danville, City of San Ramon, as well as the unincorporated areas within district boundaries, 

including the most active portion of the Mt. Diablo State Park. The legal function and authority for 

existence is described in the State of California Health and Safety Code under the Local Fire District 

Law of 1961. The primary function of the district is the protection of Life and Property from Fire 

and Panic. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District had its beginning in the Danville Fire 

Protection District which had the distinction of being the second oldest Fire District in Contra Costa 

County. The Danville Fire Protection District was organized on September 6, 1921. 

The responsibilities of the employees of this District is a serious one. To discharge such 

responsibility properly requires a thorough knowledge of the objectives and standards of the District, 

its organization and of all its services provided to the public. 

Therefore, this manual is intended to fulfill three purposes: (1) To outline the organization and 

functions of the District; (2) To describe in detail the duties and responsibilities of its employees; 

(3) To establish policy, procedures and standards of conduct that will assist the employees in the 

full performance of their duties. In addition, this information will aid in governing the relationships 

of employees to each other, the Administrative Personnel appointed by the Board of Directors, the 

Board of Directors and with the public during routine and emergency situations. 

SUPERVISION 

The Board of Directors of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District shall exercise complete 

authority and supervision over the District. The Chief of the District shall be directly responsible to 

the Board of Directors in all matters pertaining to the District's functions and operations in his 

capacity as Chief Administrative and Operational Officer of the District. 

FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT 

The functions of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District shall be: 

1. To extinguish all fires within the jurisdiction of the District. 

2. To assist other fire agencies as defined in the Mutual Aid and Automatic Aid Agreements. 

3. To maintain all property of the District in serviceable condition. 

4. To enforce all laws and rules governing the Prevention and Suppression of hazardous 

conditions related to Fire and Panic, specified in the Adopted Fire Prevention Code, as 

amended. 

5. To investigate the cause of all fires. 

6. To provide fire protection facilities in accordance with the growth and populations changes 

within the District. 

7. To provide rescue and emergency medical aid to all persons confronted with a life or safety 

hazard within the District.

MISSION STATEMENT 

In the spirit of our tradition, 

we strive for excellence, respectfully 

serving all with pride, honor and 

compassion

San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (revised 06/07) 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 

1. _____ Once identified by IC as a HazMat Incident & if requested, Dispatch 

HazMat Unit (with up to 3 HM Personnel) + RM Unit + BC. 

2. _____ Assign Tactical Channel + Name IC (if not previously assigned). 

3. _____ Monitor assigned Tactical Channel until a Chief arrives and assumes 

Command on the Primary Channel. 

4. _____ Maintain Log in CAD of all relevant Incident Events (calls, contact 

person’s name, updates, etc.). 

5. _____ MANDATORY Notifications 

• CC Enviro Health (aka CC Haz Mat) – 24 Hr. 677-6700 (pgr) 

• CC Enviro Health (aka CC Haz Mat) – Daytime 646-5225 

• State OES – (800) 852-7550 

• Law Enforcement 

6. ______ Notifications and Response Requests (if requested by IC) 

• National Response Center – (800) 424-8802 

• Coast Guard – (415) 399-3451 

• Fish & Wildlife – (831) 649-2810 

• Community Warning System (CWS) – 646-1112 

7. _____ Other Contact Telephone Numbers: 

• CC Sheriff/Danville Police – 646-2441 

• San Ramon Police – 228-8282 

• ALCO Sheriff – (510) 667-7721 

• ALCO Fire – 447-6880 

• CHP – (707) 551-4200 

• SRVUSD – 552-5500 (Admin); 824-0267 (Maint) 

• CalTrans – (510) 286-6359 

• CHEMTREC – (800) 424-9300 

• Dublin/SR Services District – (877) 632-2519 

• CCC Sanitary District – 229-7288 (days); 229-7214 (eves) 

• ALCO Water District – (510) 659-1970 

• Chevron Product Hotline – (800) 231-0623 

• U.S. Army Operations Center – (703) 697-0218

Specific Problem 

INFORMATION FOR THE HAZMAT TEAM 

(gather as much as possible) 

⁯Leak: ______________________________________ 

⁯Spill: ______________________________________ 

⁯Fire: ______________________________________ 

⁯Vehicle Accident:________________________________ 

⁯Other: ______________________________________ 

Material(s) Involved 

⁯Number of Products 

⁯Name 

⁯UN # 

⁯Container type 

⁯Container size 

⁯Amount of product 

⁯MSDS available 

⁯Shipping papers available 

________________________ 

________________________ 

________________________ 

________________________ 

________________________ 

________________________ 

________________________ 

________________________ 

Life Threat 

⁯Number of persons in vicinity ___________________ 

⁯Number of persons exposed ___________________ 

⁯Location of persons not evacuated ___________________ 

CAD Information 

Weather 

⁯Emergency response guide book page#________________ 

⁯CAMEO _______________________________________ 

⁯TOMES/Chemknowledge___________________________ 

⁯Station 31 

⁯Specific for location 

_____________________________ 

_____________________________

First Responder Checklist (front page) 


SAFETY 

⁯Approach Uphill, Upwind, Upstream 

⁯Anticipate egress 

⁯Maintain a safe distance 

⁯Use binoculars 

⁯Size-Up 

⁯Consider secondary devices 

⁯Consider BLEVE and polymerization 

⁯SCBA and turnouts for: 

⁯Rescue 

⁯Emergency Decontamination 

ISOLATE / DENY ENTRY 

⁯Direct responders for safe approach 

⁯Establish a safe staging area 

⁯Utilize the ERG 

⁯Establish an appropriate perimeter 

⁯Determine need for Rescue 

⁯Determine need for Emergency Decontamination 

NOTIFICATIONS 

⁯Station 35 Hazmat Team 

⁯Contra Costa County Health 

⁯Law Enforcement 

⁯Schools within ½ mile 

⁯Immediate Protective Action 

COMMAND 

⁯Establish IC 

⁯Resource request 

⁯Hazmat Alarms 

⁯Ambulances 

⁯Law Enforcement 

⁯Assign resources 

Turn over for further guidance

First Responder Checklist (back page) 


IDENTIFICATION / HAZARD ASSESSMENT 

⁯Witness information:____________________________________ 

⁯Placards:______________________________________________ 

⁯Shipping Papers:_______________________________________ 

⁯MSDS:________________________________________________ 

⁯Markings / Colors:______________________________________ 

⁯Other:________________________________________________ 

ACTION PLAN 

⁯Ensure all actions are safe and defensive 

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING 

⁯Turnouts and SCBA for: 

⁯Rescue 

⁯Emergency Decontamination 

⁯Level “B” and SCBA for: 

⁯Technical Decontamination 

⁯Mass / Secondary Decontamination 

CONTAIN / CONTROL (Countermeasures) 

⁯Dike ⁯Divert ⁯Disperse ⁯Dam ⁯Cover 

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS 

⁯Notifications ⁯Evacuation ⁯Shelter-in-place 

DECONTAMINATION 

⁯Decontaminate all potential exposures 

DISPOSAL 

⁯Avoid inappropriate disposal 

DOCUMENTATION 

⁯Checklists 

⁯SUNPRO

Group Supervisor Checklist (front page) 


SAFETY 

□Follow FRO guidelines for approach 

□Obtain briefing from Incident Commander 

□Obtain all information obtained prior to arrival 

□Evaluate FRO actions 

□Recommend needed corrective actions 


□Evaluate FRO perimeter 

□Establish exclusion (hot) zone 

□Direct FRO set-up of Decon as needed 

□Establish Contamination Reduction Corridor (warm) Zone 

□Size as needed for Decon set-up 

□Establish support (cold) zone 

□Size determined by resource needs 

□Recommend any isolation needs 

NOTIFICATIONS 

□Evaluate FRO/Dispatch Notifications 

□Make additional needed notifications 

COMMAND 

□Use FIRESCOPE ICS 

□Identify positions with vests 


□Evaluate all IDHA from FROs 

□Pre-entry IDHA / HazCat (Entry Team) 

□Determine weather (A.S.O.) 

□Site Specific □Predicted 

□Bump test PIDs and Multigas CGIs (A.S.O.) 

□IDHA all products at scene 

□Reevaluate FRO protective actions based on IDHA 

ACTION PLAN 

□Complete Site Safety Plan (ICS 208 HM) 

□Complete Incident Action Plan (ICS 202 HM) 

□Complete Work Mission Duration Worksheet 

□Completer Pre-Entry Medical Monitoring 

□Create a rescue and back-up plan 

□Obtain plan approval from A.S.O./S.O 

□Obtain plan approval from I.C. 


Group Supervisor Checklist (back page) 



□Appropriate PPE worn (per SSP) 

□Entry and Back-Up 

□Decon 

□Confirm Decon personnel familiar with PPE 

□Ensure in-suit communications are functioning 

□Re-confirm medical monitoring for all personnel in PPE 


□Brief all personnel before any countermeasures 

□Objectives 

□Work restrictions/time 

□Buddy System 

□Back-ups 

□Emergency signals (ASO) □Emergency actions (ASO) 

□Transport EMS on-site □Hand Signals 

□Signs & Symptoms (ASO) 

□Final approval from IC for operations 

□Perform appropriate countermeasures from SSP and IAP 

□Obtain sample if directed in SSP and IAP 


□Recommend appropriate protective actions 


□Prior to Decon brief procedures 

□Per SSP □Victim □Responder down 

□Decontaminate per SSP 

□Lowest on air and/or most contaminated first 

□Test for effectiveness per SSP 

□Ensure all waste remains in hot/warm zone 

DISPOSAL 

□Avoid inappropriate disposal 

□County Health consult for disposal plan 

□Assist IC in formal transfer to clean-up operation 

DOCUMENTATION 

□Per District policy / As directed by the IC

Incident Commander Checklist 


ARRIVE 

□Perform all FRO safety activities 

□Safe approach 

□Size-up 

□Egress 

ASSESS 

□Obtain briefing from current IC 

□Assume command 

□Ensure the use of ICS 

□Ensure proper resource orders 

□Ensure transport capable EMS 

□Assess FRO actions (checklist) 

□Appoint Safety Officer 

□Appoint Hazmat Group Supervisor 

□Limit personnel on-scene 

□Confirm perimeters/zones 

□Evaluate LCES 

□Direct IDHA 

□ID all substances and hazards 

ASSIGN 

□Brief all personnel 

□Emergency signals 

□Emergency actions 

□Define work conditions 

□Limit work areas 

□Training level 

□Buddy System used 

□Back-ups in place 

□Decon in place 

ADJUST 

□Assess effect of actions 

□Brief any change 

□Disposal Plan 

□Formal transfer 

□Ensure documentation 

ACTION PLAN 

□Create an IAP (ICS 202 HM) 

□Create a Site Safety Plan (ICS 208) 

□Create a Contingency Plan 

□Ensure use of proper PPE 

□Ensure SCBA use for respiratory hazards 

□Ensure medical monitoring 

□Ensure appropriate operations 

□Approve completed action plan 

□ICS 202HM 

□ICS 208 

□Medical Monitoring Worksheet 

□Work Mission Duration Worksheet

Assistant Safety Officer / Safety Officer Checklist (front page) 


SAFETY 

□ Follow FRO guidelines for approach 

□ Obtain briefing from Incident Commander / Group Supervisor 

□ Obtain all information obtained prior to arrival 

□ Evaluate FRO actions 

□ Ensure all personnel are trained for assignment 


□ Evaluate FRO perimeter 

□ Evaluated exclusion (hot) zone 

□ Evaluate Contamination Reduction Corridor (warm) Zone 

□ Size as needed for Decon set-up 

□ Evaluate support (cold) zone 

□ Size determined by resource needs 

□ Monitor personnel entering/exiting zones 

NOTIFICATIONS 

□ Ensure transport capable ALS unit requested (for any entry) 

COMMAND 

□ Use FIRESCOPE ICS 

□ Utilize appropriate ICS vest 


□ Evaluate all IDHA from FROs 

□ Evaluate Pre-entry IDHA / HazCat (Entry Team) 

□ Determine weather 

□ Site Specific □ Predicted 

□ Ensure / Perform Bump test PIDs and Multigas CGIs (A.S.O.) 

□ Reevaluate FRO protective actions based on IDHA 

ACTION PLAN 

□ Approve Site Safety Plan (ICS 208 HM) 

□ Approve Incident Action Plan (ICS 202 HM) 

□ Ensure completion of Work Mission Duration Worksheet 

□ Ensure completion of Pre-Entry Medical Monitoring 

□ Review plan approval with IC 


Assistant Safety Officer / Safety Officer Checklist (back page) 



□ Evaluate PPE selection based upon Tech/Ref 

□ Ensure appropriate PPE worn (per SSP) 

□ Entry and Back-Up 

□ Decon 

□ Confirm Decon personnel familiar with PPE 

□ Ensure in-suit communications are functioning 

□ Re-confirm medical monitoring complete for all personnel wearing PPE 


□ Provide safety information during briefing 

□ Objectives 

□ Work restrictions/time 

□ Buddy System 

□ Back-ups 

□ Emergency signals 

□ Emergency actions 

□ Transport EMS on-site □ Hand Signals 

□ Signs & Symptoms 

□ Evaluate safety of recommended countermeasures 

□ Review sampling procedure if directed in SSP and IAP 


□ Evaluate recommended protective actions 


□ Evaluate Decon procedures in SSP 

□ Monitor Decon procedures 

□ Lowest on air and/or most contaminated first 

□ Evaluate testing performed for effectiveness per SSP 

□ Monitor waste production and disposition 

DISPOSAL 

□ Evaluate disposal plan 

DOCUMENTATION 

□ Per District policy / As directed by the IC

Technical Reference Checklist 


HazCat / 5-Step Testing 

□Determine the name each substance 

□Follow steps as written manufacturer’s guide 

□If unable to determine name of substance at a minimum determine 

□Volatility in air 

□Miscibility in water 

□If substance is an oxidizer 

□If substance is corrosive 

□If substance is flammable / combustible 

□If substance is radioactive 

Technical Reference 

□Utilize a minimum of three references 

□Complete Tech/Ref Summary Sheet 

□Utilize manufacturer’s guidance for suit compatibility 

General Guidance 

Vapor pressures of >10 mm Hg in substance that have known or 

suspected dermal threat require the use of vapor protective clothing. 

For unknowns evaporation in air / watch glass testing should be 

compared to the VP of corn oil (0.01 mm Hg), water (16 mm Hg), and 

Acetone (180 mm Hg). 

1% of air = 10,000 ppm. 

Oxygen is 20% (1/5) of normal air. Displacing 1% of oxygen means 

that 5% of the air is displaced. 

The lamp on the P.I.D. is 10.6 mV, a substance with an I.P. of 10.6 or lower 

can be read by the P.I.D. The P.I.D. is calibrated to isobutylene. 

The CGIs are calibrated to methane. 

The minimum monitoring complement for entry is a CGI, P.I.D., 

Radiological pager, wetted pH paper, and acidified KI (oxidizer) paper.

OPERATIONS - POLICY AND PROCEDURE 

TOPIC: 

Haz Mat Team Non-Entry Personnel 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/08 DOC NO: HAZ 

CROSS REF: Hazardous Materials Program – HAZ001 

INTRODUCTION 

The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (District) operates a Hazardous Materials 

Program which includes a Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team (Team). Team 

personnel are trained to at least the Hazardous Materials Technician level and can provide a 

greater array of services than First Responder Personnel. While the majority of Team personnel 

are assigned to suppression positions, the team can benefit from other District personnel who are 

trained to the Technician level or higher. Certain Fire Prevention personnel may offer the same 

level of Hazardous Materials training with a different skill set, derived from their daily duties, 

than suppression personnel. 

PURPOSE 

To establish guidelines for the assignment of Fire Prevention Safety personnel to the District’s 

Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team. Specifically, to outline the prerequisite 

training and job assignment(s), the training, selection, and other requirements needed to become 

a team member, and the requirements to maintain team membership. 

POLICY 

District Fire Prevention Safety personnel may be considered for membership in the Team if they 

meet the requirements of this policy and are so designated by the District. Fire Prevention Safety 

personnel assigned to the Team are, by policy, considered non-entry team members. As used in 

this document, “non-entry” designates team members who do not wear chemical protective 

clothing and do not enter areas designated as hazardous (the exclusion and contamination 

reduction zones) on hazardous materials incidents. District policy HAZ001 and California State 

law dictate that Hazardous Materials training levels be compliant with Title 8 California Code of 

Regulations 5192 (q). Under 5192 Technician level personnel must be familiar with and 

proficient in the performance of a number of entry related activities; therefore although nonentry 

personnel do not perform entry activities on actual incidents they must meet a minimum 

competency in these areas. 

PROCEDURE 

Prerequisite to Team Membership: 

As a prerequisite to team membership, personnel assigned under this policy must have 

documented completion of a compliant Hazardous Materials Technician or Specialist training 

program. Additionally personnel assigned under this policy must be Safety employees and 

AUTHOR: Sean Grayson, Captain – Hazmat Specialist Page 1 of 2 

REVIEWED: Mike Picard, Battalion Chief – Operations 

APPROVED: Craig Bowen, Fire Chief 

ORIGIN DATE: 4/1/08 REVISION DATES:


TOPIC: 

Haz Mat Team Non-Entry Personnel 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/08 DOC NO: HAZ 

CROSS REF: Hazardous Materials Program – HAZ001 

designated eligible by the Fire Chief or his/her designee. The District may limit the number of 

employees who are selected for this assignment. 

Requirements to Join the Team: 

In order to join the team, personnel must meet the requirements of the position which include 

both training and a fitness evaluation. If personnel joining the team under this policy have 

completed a Technician/Specialist refresher course within the previous 365 days, they will have 

met the minimum training requirements to join the team after having met with the Team 

Coordinator for orientation. All Team personnel, including those joining under this policy, are 

required to complete a medical evaluation. The District’s Wellness/Fitness physical meets the 

requirement for a medical evaluation under this policy. 

Requirements to Maintain Team Membership: 

In order to maintain team membership, personnel must meet the continuing requirements of the 

position which includes both training and a fitness evaluation. Personnel on the Team under this 

policy must complete an annual Technician/Specialist refresher including a minimum of 24 

hours of training addressing all the Technician/Specialist competencies under 5192(q). Nonentry 

personnel will complete the same minimum refresher as all other team personnel except 

that beyond the minimum competencies levels training will be focused on areas they are likely to 

perform on actual incidents and includes but is not limited to technical reference, chemical 

identification, equipment selection and set-up, ICS positions and other non-entry roles. Other 

training may be substituted for the provided refresher, at the discretion of the Team Coordinator, 

provided it meets the requirements of the team and 5192(q) for Technician/Specialist refresher. 

All Team personnel, including those joining under this policy, are required to complete an annual 

medical evaluation. The District’s Wellness/Fitness physical meets the requirement for a medical 

evaluation under this policy. 

Participation Limitations: 

Although open to Fire Prevention Safety personnel, participation on the team is secondary to Fire 

Prevention roles and responsibilities. Participation in training events or exercises is dependent 

upon Fire Prevention staffing and coverage. Participation on the Team shall not reduce efforts 

toward regular Fire Prevention responsibilities and assignments. 


REVIEWED: Mike Picard, Battalion Chief – Operations 



OPERATIONS – POLICY AND PROCEDURE 

TOPIC: Hazardous Materials Response 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/06 DOC NO: HAZ002 

CROSS REF: TB219 – Hazmat First Responder, TB220 – Hazmat IC, 

TB221 – Hazmat Technician 

INTRODUCTION 

As emergency service providers, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (District) personnel 

may encounter incidents involving hazardous materials. Hazardous materials incidents can be 

resultant of a wide variety of situations such that almost any incident could involve a hazardous 

materials release. With regard to emergency response, the standard applied to what is hazardous 

is the uncontrolled release of any substance that poses a threat to life, the environment or 

property. Every incident has the potential for exposure to hazardous materials; thus, recognition 

of the presence, or potential presence, of a hazardous material is the building block for any 

hazardous materials response. Hazardous materials incidents are different from most other 

emergencies in that they often require a slower and more methodical approach in order to ensure 

safety. 

PURPOSE 

To establish guidelines for the safe handling of a hazardous materials incident. 

POLICY 

The three basic levels of hazardous materials response that District personnel may be trained to 

are: Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations (FRO), Hazardous Materials Technician 

(Technician), and Hazardous Materials Incident Commander (Hazmat IC). 

The specific actions taken by District personnel on a hazardous materials incident should be 

based upon their training, capabilities and the resources available for the incident. 

PROCEDURE 

Any units responding to a hazardous materials related incident should approach and operate at 

the scene in a manner which takes into consideration the avoidance of exposure to the hazardous 

material(s) involved. If personnel already at an incident determine that the incident involves 

hazardous materials, the first action should be to seek to protect personnel at scene and/or 

responding from exposure. 

The officer or senior member, in the absence of an officer, of the first arriving unit shall provide an 

“Initial Report on Conditions” and establish Command. Mitigation of hazardous materials incidents 

often requires specialized training and equipment beyond the capabilities of first responders. 

Appropriate resources should be requested considering the specific needs of the incident. The 

District’s Hazardous Materials Response Team, Contra Costa County Health Hazardous Materials 

AUTHOR: Sean Grayson, Firefighter/Paramedic – Hazardous Materials Specialist Page 1 of 2 

REVIEWED: Michael Sylvia, Assistant Chief 


ORIGIN DATE: 06/06 REVISED DATE:


TOPIC: Hazardous Materials Response 


CROSS REF: TB219 – Hazmat First Responder, TB220 – Hazmat IC, 

TB221 – Hazmat Technician 

Response Team and the appropriate law enforcement agency should be requested on any incident 

involving the release of hazardous material. Once an incident has been determined to involve a 

hazardous materials release, the District Communication Center should notify the Office of 

Emergency Services State Warning Center. Tactical priorities are based on their relative impact on 

life/health, the environment and property. The order of priorities is: Safety, Isolate/Deny Entry, 

Notifications, Command, Identifications/Hazard Assessment, Action Plan, Protective Clothing, 

Countermeasures (Contain & Control), Protective Actions, Decontamination, Disposal, and 

Documentation (SINCIAPCPDDD). 






TOPIC: Hazardous Materials Decontamination 


CROSS REF: TB222 – Technical Decontamination, TB223 – Emergency 

Decontamination 

INTRODUCTION 


may encounter incidents involving hazardous materials. Emergency Decontamination is an 

essential consideration on any hazardous materials response, and its proper application provides 

for safety by limiting the uncontrolled dispersal of contaminated persons and items. 

PURPOSE 

To establish guidelines for safe decontamination procedures on a hazardous materials incident. 

POLICY 

District personnel shall utilize this policy to provide appropriate decontamination procedures on 

hazardous materials incidents. 

PROCEDURE 

Emergency Decontamination: 

There is no universal standard practice for Emergency Decontamination, as the specific needs of 

the incident will dictate actions taken. Emergency Decontamination is an action taken to support 

the tactical priority of reducing the impact of a hazardous materials incident on life/health. 

Emergency Decontamination is accomplished through requesting the individual(s) requiring 

decontamination to remove all clothing that they are comfortable with and/or feel might be 

contaminated, at a minimum their outer garments. Following the removal of clothes, copious 

amounts of water should be applied to the person. 

District personnel shall not force individuals to be decontaminated. If an individual refuses to be 

decontaminated, they should be advised of the procedure and encouraged to participate. 

Individuals having not undergone decontamination should be segregated to avoid crosscontamination 

of decontaminated individuals. The appropriate law enforcement agency should 

be notified regarding individuals who are known or suspected to be contaminated and who 

attempt to leave the hazardous materials incident without being decontaminated. 

An individual(s) having gone through emergency decontamination should be directed to a 

location where they can be further evaluated for additional needs. 




ORIGIN DATE: 06/10/03 REVISED DATE: 03/05, 06/06


TOPIC: Hazardous Materials Decontamination 


CROSS REF: TB222 – Technical Decontamination, TB223 – Emergency 

Decontamination 

Technical Decontamination: 

There is no universal standard practice for Technical Decontamination, as the specific needs of 

the incident will dictate actions taken. Technical Decontamination is an action taken to support 

the tactical priorities of reducing the impact of a hazardous materials incident on life/health, the 

environment and property. 

Technical Decontamination is accomplished through systematic removal of hazardous materials 

contaminants. The specific process for Technical Decontamination should be documented and 

briefed to all personnel prior to the need for its use. 

Technical Decontamination should be performed by personnel trained to perform the action 

while in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) determined to be appropriate for the needs of the 

incident and safety of personnel involved. 




ORIGIN DATE: 06/10/03 REVISED DATE: 03/05, 06/06


TOPIC: Hazardous Materials Program 


CROSS REF: 

INTRODUCTION 

The response to hazardous materials incidents is a complex task that is regulated by both 

San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (District) Policy and legal statute. The District 

provides both first responder and technician/specialist level response. In order to provide for 

continuity of service, the District operates a Hazardous Materials Program. 

PURPOSE 

To outline the roles of the District in the Hazardous Materials Program as they relate to and 

are in compliance with Contra Costa County and California State statutory authority and 

requirements. 

POLICY 

The District’s policies, procedures and operations related to hazardous materials 

emergencies shall comply with federal, State and local laws and plans that form the 

foundation for coordinated hazardous materials planning, training and response. 

AUTHORITY 

Hazardous Materials Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) are regulated 

by Federal OSHA (29 CFR 1910.120) and California OSHA (8 CCR 5192). 

There are hazardous materials response plans at multiple levels of government, 

addressing various levels and responsibilities. These include: 

1. National Contingency Plan (NCP) 

2. California Hazardous Materials Incident Contingency Plan (CHMICP) 

3. Region II Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Hazardous Materials 

Emergency Response Plan 

4. Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Area Plan (CCCHMAP) 

Compliant with CCR Title 19, Article 3 – 2722 provisions of hazardous materials 

incident planning, operations, organization, handling, and management in Contra Costa 




ORIGIN DATE: 01/05 REVISED DATE: 05/06


TOPIC: Hazardous Materials Program 


CROSS REF: 

County are administered by the Contra Costa County Health Services Department 

(CCCHSD) and are outlined in The Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Area Plan 

(CCCHMAP). The CCCHMAP outlines the primary responsibilities of the District in 

hazardous materials response. 

RESPONSIBILITY 

The District is involved in “emergency response” functions as identified in 8 CCR 

5192(q) which specifically outlines the legal requirements for planning, training, and 

response as it relates to hazardous materials incidents. 

The CCCHMAP specifically identifies the District as a “Fire Agency” and, as such, 

delineates the District’s responsibilities within the plan under 8-2.2. The CCCHMAP 

further identifies the District as a “Fire Agency With Hazardous Materials Response 

Team” and, as such, delineates the District’s responsibilities within the plan under 8-2.4. 

PROCEDURE 

Policy on District hazardous materials planning, training, and response shall be compliant 

with 8 CCR 5192. 

Policy on the provisions of planning, operations, organization, handling, and management 

of hazardous materials incidents shall be in line with the CCCHMAP. 






TOPIC: 

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) 

Plan 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/08 DOC NO: 

CROSS REF: Chempack Cache Deployment - TB228; Implementation of a 

Multi-Casualty incident – MED009 

INTRODUCTION 

Although the probability of a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incident is low its 

relative impact on the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (District) could be 

substantial. In order to ensure adequate preparation for and safe operations in the event of 

a WMD incident a logical process must exist to aid District personnel in such an 

occurrence. WMD incidents are governed by both legal statute and best practices which, 

combined, can aid in emergency response and mitigation practices. 

PURPOSE 

To outline the roles of the District in preparing for and responding to a WMD incident in 

compliance with Contra Costa County, California State, and Federal statutes and 

guidance. 

POLICY 

The District’s policies, procedures and operations related to WMD incidents shall comply 

with Federal, State and local laws and plans that form the foundation for coordinated 

WMD planning, training and response. 

PROCEDURE 

As utilized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the four phases of 

emergency management are Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. These 

phases represent an outline of the primary areas of operation for the District related to a 

WMD incident. 

Mitigation is defined as activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an 

emergency happening, or reduce the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. 

Mitigation occurs prior to and after emergencies. Measures to prevent a WMD incident 

are largely beyond the scope of the District. The District can however work toward 

mitigation in three areas: 

• Knowledge of and compliance with established Federal, State and Local Plans. 

(Other applicable plans are noted in the appropriate phase) 


REVIEWED: Michael Picard, Battalion Chief - Operations 




TOPIC: 


Plan 




o National Response Plan 

o State of California Emergency Plan 

o State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 

o California Disaster Medical Response Plan 

o Bay Area Regional Emergency Coordination Plan 

• Assessment of District controlled infrastructure can yield recommendations that, 

once implemented, may reduce the impact of a WMD incident on the District. An 

example might include the presence of a back-up system of communication for 

use in the event of disruption of the District’s primary communications system. 

Such an assessment should be completed and reported upon at the direction of the 

Fire Chief. 

• Assessment of knowledge gained from training, drills, and actual incidents can 

aid in preventative measures (mitigation). Any training, drill or actual incident 

related to this policy should be evaluated to determine the applicability of this 

policy and appropriate review initiated. 

Preparedness is defined as plans or preparations made to save lives and to help response 

and rescue operations. Preparedness occurs before emergencies. The District’s 

involvement in preparedness for WMD incidents is expansive and involves all aspects of 

the District’s operations. While the specific nature of a WMD incident cannot be 

predicted the National Planning Guide outlines the National Planning Scenarios (NPS) 

which identify, “catastrophic threats with the greatest risk of mass casualties, massive 

property loss, and immense social disruption.” The NPS are utilized in the preparedness 

phase. The following represents existing District operations as they apply to the 

preparedness phase: 

• The District has a Multi-Hazards Disaster Mitigation Plan annex that is approved 

by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and has been submitted 

through the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). This plan is the 

nexus for the creation of the District’s Community Emergency Response Team 

(CERT) program. 

• Pre-planning: The pre-planned knowledge of locations, occupancies and 

populations allow for targeted planning and training. The District performs 






TOPIC: 


Plan 




comprehensive pre-planning that has WMD preparedness value through a number 

of avenues: 

o The redeveloped Target Hazard Inspection Program provides reference 

material and site specific knowledge to response personnel. 

o The Fire Prevention Division through its routine functions provides preplanning 

information. 

o The Fire Prevention Division and the Hazardous Materials Response 

Team both review the content of Hazardous Materials Business Plans 

(HMBPs) filed with the Contra Costa County Health Department 

Hazardous Materials Program for occupancies within the District. 

• Community Education: 

o Public Education programs: The District’s active involvement in 

community and corporate based public education programs provide a 

conduit for preparedness of the community at large. 

o Community Emergency Response Team: The District’s Community 

Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provides an enhanced 

knowledge base and citizen based operational capability which may be 

advantageous in the event of a WMD incident. 

• Infrastructure development: 

o Infrastructure independence: All District fire stations are equipped to be 

self-sufficient for utilities, fuel, food, and water for an extended period in 

the event of a loss of non-District utilities and infrastructure. All District 

primary response vehicles are similarly equipped. 

o CHEM PAK: The District stores and has at its disposal a Centers for 

Disease Control (CDC) CHEM PAK field kit which is capable of 

providing antidote treatment to up to 495 people in the event of a WMD or 

similar incident. The District is one of only two agencies with such kits in 

Contra Costa County. 






TOPIC: 


Plan 




o MARK I Kits: The District has placed MARK I antidote kits on all 

primary response apparatus and in all staff vehicles. These kits provide 

sufficient initial treatment against certain chemical weapons for personnel 

aboard the respective vehicles. 

o Communications Center: The District’s Communications Center is 

autonomously functioning and shares the same self-sufficiency as District 

fire stations. The District has a back-up/alternate communication center 

capability in Communications Support 131, a mobile command center. 

o Technology Infrastructure: The District has a well developed and 

protected technology infrastructure. This includes radio, cellular phone, 

landline phone, data transmission lines, internet service, intranet service, 

mapping, and dispatch software. 

• Training: The District takes an active role in preparing its personnel, in all job 

classifications, for making positive service contributions to the community in the 

event of a WMD incident. Much of the District’s training is not directly related to 

WMD incidents but has some beneficial overlap. The following represents levels 

of training which the District provides directly related to WMD incident 

preparedness and response. 

o National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS levels 100, 200, 700, 

and 800 are provided to all emergency response personnel. This training is 

consistent with the National Response Plan and provides a framework for 

the District’s operations to integrate with responders at all levels from 

local to Federal on a WMD incident. 

o Hazardous Materials training is the source of the majority of WMD 

operational training available. The District’s cadre of Hazardous 

Materials instructors provides training on a wide variety of topics to 

varying levels within the organization. The District trains all suppression 

personnel to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services California 

Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Hazardous Materials First 

Responder Operations (FRO) level. All members of the Hazardous 

Materials Response Team (HMRT) are trained to the CSTI 






TOPIC: 


Plan 




Technician/Specialist level. Select HMRT members are trained to the 

Technician/Specialist Terrorism level. As a portion of its Team typing the 

District’s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Team is trained to the CSTI 

First Responder Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) level. All Chief 

Officers in the District are trained to the Hazardous Materials Incident 

Commander (IC) level. In addition to initial certification the District 

provides refresher training at these levels annually. 

o Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training specific to WMD incidents 

ensures that District personnel are prepared to protect themselves and the 

community in the event of such occurrences. All District suppression 

personnel receive continuing education on protocols and patient care 

provisions. All suppression personnel are specially trained in 

implementation of the Multi-Casualty Incident Plan 

o As an extension of both EMS and the HMRT the District is active in 

developing an advanced scope Paramedic program geared at being capable 

of treating a variety of exposures which may occur on a WMD incident. 

This program is referred to as the “Toxmedic” program. 

o The District is proactive in assessing the impact of a WMD incident on its 

personnel. All District personnel receive training on utilizing the Mark I 

auto-injector kit which affords a measure of antidotal treatment for certain 

WMD incidents. 

o Select Administrative staff are trained to be involved in the Emergency 

Operations Centers (EOC) for the City of San Ramon and Town of 

Danville which are both housed and staffed at the District’s 

Administration building. 

• The District is an active participant in and has representation on a variety of 

interagency organizations. This involvement is integral to the District’s continued 

efforts in all other arenas as they pertain to WMD preparedness. The District is 

active with the following organizations: 

o Bay Area Super Urban Area Security Initiative (SUASI) 

o EBRICS 






TOPIC: 


Plan 




o Contra Costa County Fire Chiefs 

o Contra Costa County Training Officers 

o Coastal Regional Hazardous Materials Response Organization 

o East Bay Terrorism Early Warning Group 

o EOC operations for both the City of San Ramon and Town of Danville 

Response is defined as actions taken to save lives and prevent further property damage in 

a disaster or emergency situation. In the context of a WMD incident this includes the 

consideration of the preservation of evidence related to an event. Response occurs during 

an emergency. The following represents existing District operations as they relate to the 

response phase. 

• All response operations by the District will be undertaken utilizing National 

Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant incident management. The 

District already utilizes such a system in its day-to-day operations. 

• The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue Branch 

(OES) has certified the District’s Rescue Team and its response vehicle as an 

Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Medium Rescue. This specially trained and 

equipped team is capable of providing search and rescue functions in response to 

a WMD incident. 

• The District provides both first responder and transport EMS services at the 

Paramedic level under contract with the Contra Costa County Health Department 

Emergency Medical Services Division. WMD incidents that involve patients are 

subject to the Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Services Plan (EMS plan) 

and incidents involving multiple patients are subject to the EMS Multi-Casualty 

Incident Plan (MCI plan). The actions and responsibilities of the District with 

regard to EMS in response to a WMD incident are outline in these two plans. The 

District’s EMS activity includes: 

o First Responder EMS provisions (EMT and Paramedic) 

o Transportation services 

o Mass-Casualty Services 

• Contra Costa County Multi-Casualty Trailer 

• District Multi-Casualty Ambulance 






TOPIC: 


Plan 




• Compliant with CCR Title 19, Article 3 – 2722 provisions of hazardous materials 

incident planning, operations, organization, handling, and management in Contra 

Costa County are administered by the Contra Costa County Health Services 

Department (CCCHSD) and are outlined in the Contra Costa County Hazardous 

Materials Area Plan (HMAP). WMD incidents may involve hazardous materials 

and as such are subject to this plan. The HMAP outlines the primary 

responsibilities of the District with regard to hazardous materials in response to a 

WMD incident. 

Fire and other emergency operations that the District is involved in during a 

WMD incident will be under the direction of the Incident Commander (IC). The 

IC on a WMD incident will likely initially be from first responder agencies 

including the District but will eventually likely be a Federal agency. The Federal 

Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is designated as the lead Federal agency in response 

to a WMD incident. 

Recovery is defined as actions taken to return to a normal or even safer situation 

following an emergency. Recovery occurs during and after an emergency. Recovery 

activities depend upon the nature of the incident and its impact on the community. The 

capabilities used for preparedness and response are largely the same as what the District 

will utilize for the recovery phase of a WMD incident. The following represents existing 

District operations as they relate to the recovery phase: 

• Restoration of District functions: The District maintains personnel and equipment 

capable of restoring District functions including physical and technological 

infrastructure. 

• Local, regional, State and Federal level interface are significant in all phases. 

Some specific interfaces will aid in the recovery phase and include: 

o EOC operations for the City of San Ramon and the Town of Danville are 

integrated with District functions. 

o The District has the capability of assuming communications functions 

from Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s communications 

center on a limited basis. 






TOPIC: 


Plan 




• Community interaction: The ability of the District to interact with the public will 

likely directly impact the speed and effectiveness of the recovery phase. The 

District’s existing public interaction mechanisms including all personnel and 

resources of the Fire Prevention Division, Operations, and Administrative 

Services are capable of providing activities within this function. 

REVIEW 

The nature of the circumstances that are the impetus of the creation of policy dictate that 

the policy be fluid and evolve as needed. It is reasonably expected that the content of this 

policy will change with both time and the acquisition of topical information. Changes to 

this policy are at the discretion of the Fire Chief. 





TOPIC: 

TRAINING BULLETIN 

Aerotest Operations Inc. Facility 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/06 DOC NO: TB224 

CROSS REF: 

INTRODUCTION 

Aerotest Operations Incorporated presents a unique set of circumstances for emergency response 

within the area served by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (District). The facility 

operates a nuclear reactor and generally has explosive ordinance on site. Awareness of what 

hazards the facility poses as well as what hazards the facility does not pose will enhance the 

abilities of District personnel in selecting appropriate safe action when operating on or around 

the Aerotest facility. 

INFORMATION 

Background: 

Aerotest Operations Incorporated is located at 3455 Fostoria Way, San Ramon, California. The 

facility performs a non-destructive test called neutron radiography (N-radiography). N- 

radiography is similar to an x-ray but utilizes neutron bombardment instead of x-rays. This 

neutron bombardment is done utilizing an on-site nuclear reactor which is licensed by the 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and has been in operations for forty years. The 250kw 

TRIGA reactor is a “research reactor” and is not used for power generation. There are detectable 

amounts of ionizing radiation at the facility, but during normal operations the radiation levels do 

not require any special protection for persons at the facility. There is a potential for radiation 

exposure in the event of an uncontrolled event, but this is minimal outside the facility. Facility 

staff and the District Hazardous Materials Response Team are capable of reading these radiation 

levels. 

Much of the radiography testing done at the facility is on explosives components for a variety of 

end user items. During operations explosive components may be out of their storage magazines 

in various stages of preparation for testing. The facility license limits the operation to not more 

than 50 pounds of TNT equivalent explosives on-site and not more than 10 pounds outside of 

magazine storage at any one time. The facility reports that they operate significantly below these 

maximums. When not in operation the reactor is shut down and all the explosives are stored in 

their magazines. 

The facility is in operation primarily Monday through Friday from 0730 hours until 1700 hours 

but occasionally operates extended hours and on weekends. There are regularly up to sixteen 

people on-site during normal operations, but the number varies. Facility personnel maintain a 

roster of accountability at all times. 





TOPIC: 




CROSS REF: 

In addition to the explosives and the nuclear reactor, there are a number of low-level radiological 

sources at the facility used for testing and calibration of facility equipment. There are also small 

quantities of industrial chemicals for facility maintenance and photo processing. The facility has 

a hazardous materials storage shed on the premises which has an NFPA 704 placard on its 

exterior access door. 

There are two cooling towers on the delta (South) side of the structure for the nuclear reactor, 

although only one is needed and thus only one is in operation at anytime. The cooling is indirect, 

such that there is no contact between the water surrounding the reactor and water used for 

cooling. The facility has containment vessels, that are also on the delta (South) side, which can 

hold the entire amount of water surrounding the reactor core. 

The facility is fenced with remote locked access. The primary means of entrance and egress for 

facility staff and District personnel is through the front door. The facility is a steel building with 

concrete floor and is 100% sprinklered. There is an FDC and PIV at the front entrance to the 

facility. There are two PIVs located west of the facility on the north side of Fostoria Drive that 

the facility personnel believe preempt the facility PIV, as it is all part of the former Aerojet 

facility. Aerotest does not own nor control these other PIVs. There is a radiological alarm on-site 

that activates audibly at a preset level. The facility is monitored 24-hours per day by Denelect 

Alarm. The air circulation emergency controls, a fire pull-station, a radiation alarm pull-station, 

and the fire control panel are all located just inside the front door to the facility. There is a 

hydrant directly across Fostoria from the facility, approximately 200 feet away. 

In the event of a radiological alarm, all on-site personnel will report to the control room, which 

can be controlled under positive pressure as a safe refuge area. A determination of need for 

outside resources will be made by facility personnel. In the event of a fire, all personnel will exit 

the facility and report across the street for accountability. Facility personnel are capable of 

monitoring for radiation anytime they exit the facility during an emergency. 

Important Response Information: 

On the alpha (West) side of the structure, to the left of the front door, there is a placard that 

indicates the explosive hazard present in the facility at any given time. The placard is a 

Department of Defense (DOD) explosive facility standardized placard. The placard represents 

one of four “Fire Divisions,” numbered one through four, which correlate to the Department of 

Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Class One (Explosives), Divisions one 

through four. The Divisions placards and hazards are represented below. 





TOPIC: 




CROSS REF: 

Fire 

division 

Placard shape 

(symbol) 

Hazard 

class/division 

Hazard 

1 Octagon (1) 1.1 Mass explosion 

2 Cross (2) 1.2 

Nonmass explosion, fragment 

producing 

3 Inverted triangle (3) 1.3 Mass fire, minor blast, or fragment 

4 Diamond (4) 1.4 Moderate fire, no blast 

1 

3 2 4 

Fire Response: 

The facility recommends different actions for fires depending upon the type of explosives on site 

and the location of the fire. When the facility has division one or two explosives on site, they 

recommend, in the event of a fire potentially involving the explosives, that no direct action be 

taken to extinguish the fire due to the explosion hazard. When the facility has division three or 

four explosives on site they recommend, in the event of a fire potentially involving the 

explosives, that personnel avoid entering the areas in which the explosives are located. Fires that 

do not have the potential to involve the explosives pose no greater risk than that is encountered 

in other similar commercial structures. 

Assuming that the facility is able to account for all personnel exiting during an emergency and 

given the fact that it is a secure facility, it may be possible to determine that there is no rescue 

hazard during an incident occurring during the facilities normal operations. Facility personnel 

should be able to advise what types of devices are out or are a threat depending on the nature of 

the incident. 





TOPIC: 




CROSS REF: 

Radiation Alarm Response: 

Response for a radiation alarm at the facility should be treated as a hazardous materials incident 

involving radioactive materials. The nature of the reactor is not such that it is at risk of a 

“meltdown,” but under catastrophic event scenarios, it is possible that radiation levels could 

exceed the California OSHA determined “Exclusion Zone” level of 2mrem/hr off the facility 

property. Facility personnel are likely to be the best resources in determining the specific needs 

of an incident involving a radiation alarm sounding. 

Medical and Other Responses: 

There is no expected threat to District personnel operating at the facility for incidents not related 

to an issue with the facility operations. Neither protective clothing nor respiratory protection is 

required within the facility during normal operations. 

According to site personnel, there is no plausible risk of detonating the devices tested at the 

facility with radio or cell phone transmissions. District radios are capable of transmitting and 

receiving inside the facility. 





TOPIC: 


Emergency Decontamination 


CROSS REF: Hazardous Materials Checklists 

INTRODUCTION 

As emergency responders, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (District) personnel may 

be involved in response to or operations at hazardous materials incidents. Emergency 

Decontamination is an essential consideration on any hazardous materials response and its proper 

application provides for safety by limiting the uncontrolled dispersal of contaminated persons 

and items. There is no universal standard for Emergency Decontamination, as the specifics of the 

incident will dictate tactical decision making. The specific actions taken by District personnel on 

a hazardous materials incident should be based upon their relative impact on life/health, 

environment and property. Although the needs of specific incidents will vary, a general 

framework covering all aspects of Emergency Decontamination procedures may aid District 

personnel in both training and actual responses. 

INFORMATION 

Decontamination is the physical separation of a contaminant from a person or object. The 

purpose of decontamination in the setting of a hazardous materials incident is to reduce the 

impact of exposure by removing the contamination and to reduce the affected area of an incident 

by limiting the spread of contamination. 

No decontamination procedure can account for every possible scenario. The purpose of 

standard decontamination guidelines is to provide a safe, uniform, method of decontamination 

which is effective yet adaptable to the specific needs of an incident. Decontamination guidelines 

are based upon the goal of reduced impact on life/health, environment and property. 

When decontaminating people individual modesty should be considered. Some people may resist 

the concept of decontamination. Providing for modesty may reduce the number of people who 

are resistant. Similarly a method by which people can account for removed personnel effects 

often improves the rate and effectiveness of decontamination procedures. 

Environmental sensitivity is a consideration in decontamination procedures. Emergency 

Decontamination is action to protect life and as such does not require control of run-off; 

however, the run-off from emergency decontamination should be contained, if possible. In lieu 

of containment, run-off should be directed to the least environmentally sensitive area available at 

the incident. 

Emergency Decontamination should be performed on any person for whom there exists a 

knowledge or suspicion of exposure to a hazardous material release. No matter the specific 

method of decontamination the primary actions of emergency decontamination are the removal 

of clothing and the application of water. California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) 





TOPIC: 





curriculum indicates that approximately eighty percent of contamination is removed when a 

person removes their outer garments. Water may not always be immediately available, but it 

should always be possible to remove the outer garments of persons requiring decontamination. 

Whenever possible, persons requiring emergency decontamination should be directed to provide 

“self-decontamination.” Individuals are generally more adept at adequately decontaminating 

themselves than would be an emergency responder in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from 

afar. 

Protection of District personnel involved in decontamination is paramount. Personnel performing 

emergency decontamination should wear full structural firefighting turnouts including SCBA. 

The concepts of Time, Distance, and Shielding should be applied. The less time, the greater the 

distance, and the greater the shielding from contaminated persons or objects, relates to a reduced 

risk of secondary contamination to District personnel. 

With apparatus staffing of three, the following roles are logical for Emergency Decontamination 

operations: The Captain is to maintain situational awareness from a distance, while directing 

persons in need of decontamination to the water source. The Engineer is to establish and 

maintain the water source. The Firefighter is to provide the decontamination, while in full 

structural firefighting turnouts including SCBA. The specific method of decontamination should 

be determined by the Incident Commander based upon the needs of the incident. 

Emergency Decontamination is accomplished through requesting the individual(s) requiring 

decontamination to remove all clothing that they are comfortable with and/or feel might be 

contaminated, at a minimum their outer garments. Following the removal of clothes, copious 

amounts of water should be applied to the person. Fifteen minutes of flushing is the general 

recommendation for a single person requiring Emergency Decontamination. This time may need 

to be shortened based upon the number of persons requiring Emergency Decontamination at any 

given incident. 

Simple decontamination can be done with any safe water source. In the absence of a safe source 

within proximity of the person(s) requiring decontamination, the front bumper line or other 

suitable hose line from District apparatus should be utilized to perform this activity. 

It may not be possible to ensure compliance of all persons needing Emergency Decontamination. 

If an individual refuses to be decontaminated, they should be advised of the procedure and 

encouraged to participate. Individuals having not undergone decontamination should be 

segregated to avoid cross-contamination of decontaminated individuals. The appropriate law 

enforcement agency should be notified regarding individuals who are known or suspected to be 

contaminated and who attempt to leave the hazardous materials incident without being 

decontaminated. 





TOPIC: 





An individual(s) having gone through emergency decontamination should be directed to a 

location where they can be further evaluated for additional needs. It may be necessary to render 

medical care to persons who have undergone Emergency Decontamination. This may require the 

use of District and Contra Costa County Expanded Medical Emergency and/or Multi-Casualty 

Incident procedures. At a minimum, persons who have undergone Emergency Decontamination 

may need implements to dry themselves and redress. 





TOPIC: 


Emergency Response Guidelines for 

Response to an Incident Involving the 

Shipment of Spent Nuclear Fuel Rods 


CROSS REF: 

INTRODUCTION 

Contra Costa County and, in particular, the Port Chicago Naval Weapons station, has been 

designated as a port of entry by Department of Energy to receive spent nuclear fuel. It is possible 

that shipments could travel via truck or rail into or out of Contra Costa County; this includes truck 

routes on Interstate 680 which pass through the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. 

Emergency response personnel, who may respond to the scene of an incident involving spent 

nuclear fuel rods, are to initiate response actions using the appropriate guide page from the 

current U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Spent 

nuclear fuel rods are identified in the ERG as “Radioactive material, transported under special 

arrangement, fissile.” 

INFORMATION 

Incidents involving spent nuclear fuel rods should be handled as hazardous materials incidents. 

Consideration for the protection of life, environment, and property through appropriate safe 

tactical action remains the primary focus of the response. The unique aspect of these responses is 

that, unlike most incidents which can be mitigated by a hazardous materials response team, 

mitigation of incidents involving spent nuclear fuel rods will likely require a specialized 

response team. As soon as practical the party responsible for shipment, as noted on the shipping 

papers, should be contacted. In the absence of an immediate ability to contact the shipper, the 

Department of Energy (DOE) is the most likely resource to secure an appropriate response. The 

normal method of accessing the DOE is by contacting the Contra Costa County Health 

Hazardous Materials Response Team. The Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Response 

Team can contact the State Department of Health Services-Radiological Health Section, which 

has DOE access via the Interagency Radiological Assistance Plan. 





TOPIC: 


Hazardous Materials Response: First 

Responder 



INTRODUCTION 

As emergency responders, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (District) personnel may 

be involved in response to or operations at hazardous materials incidents. There is no universal 

standard for hazardous materials response, as the specifics of the incident will dictate tactical 

decision making. The specific actions taken by District personnel on a hazardous materials 

incident should be based upon their relative impact on life/health, environment and property. 

Although the needs of specific incidents will vary, a general framework covering all aspects of 

hazardous materials response may aid District personnel in both training and actual responses. 

INFORMATION 

All suppression personnel are trained to the Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations 

(FRO) level. FRO training is provided in compliance with the standards of the California 

Specialized Training Institute; as such, the framework of this information mirrors that training. 

The FRO is defined by statute as “Individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of 

hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting 

nearby citizens, property or the environment from the effects of the release. They are trained to 

respond in a defensive fashion without actually trying to stop the release. Their function is to 

contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures” (8 CCR 

5192(q)(6)(b)). First responders should utilize a Hazardous Materials Incident First Responder 

Checklist to ensure continuity of actions from first responders to Incident Commanders and 

Hazardous Materials Response Team personnel. The Hazardous Materials Incident First 

Responder Checklist accounts for all portions of this framework. It may not be possible to safely 

perform all activities noted in this framework. After providing for safety, all actions on a 

hazardous materials incident should be based upon their relative impact on life, the environment 

and property, which may require action other than as outline. The following (SINCIAPCPDDD) 

is a logical progression of actions for the first responder on a generalized hazardous materials 

incident: 

S. Safety: 

First responders should approach, when possible, from upstream, upwind, and upgrade. 

Apparatus should be positioned for egress or backed in when appropriate. A safe distance that 

reduces the potential for product exposure should be maintained. Binoculars should be used as 

needed to evaluate the scene. Awareness of the potential for secondary devices should be 

maintained. Awareness of BLEVE and polymerization threats should be maintained. A size-up 

should be made as outlined in the Incident Command District Policy. Full structural firefighting 

turnouts and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) should be worn anytime there is 





TOPIC: 



Responder 



potential for contact with a hazardous material; this includes, but is not limited to, rescue and 

emergency decontamination procedures. 

I. Isolate / Deny Entry: 

First responders should utilize the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) to determine, based 

upon the information available, a perimeter from which to isolate and deny entry to all. 

Additional responders to the scene should be directed as to a safe route of approach and/or 

should be directed to level two staging at a safe location. A determination of need for immediate 

rescue by first responders should be made based upon a risk versus gain analysis of the 

circumstance of the incident. Emergency decontamination procedures should be initiated for all 

potentially contaminated persons, including first responders. Emergency decontamination serves 

as isolation by reducing the spread of contamination. 

N. Notifications: 

First responders should make notifications and/or resource requests through the Communication 

Center (Dispatch). Resource requests should be initiated based upon the needs of the incident. 

Minimum notifications for any hazardous materials incident should include: the District 

Hazardous Materials Response Team, Contra Costa County Health Department Hazardous 

Materials Team, the State Warning Center (Officer of Emergency Services) and the law 

enforcement agency with investigative jurisdiction. Any information obtained about the involved 

material(s) should be relayed as part of the notification process. For incidents within one-half 

mile of any school, the first responder should make notification of the incident to the principal of 

the school. The first responder should determine the need for immediate protective action of any 

threatened population that can be affected by the resources immediately available. Immediate 

protective actions should be made based upon information obtained in the ERG and may be 

limited by the manpower immediately available to take such action. 

C. Command: 

The officer and/or senior member of the first responder apparatus should initiate command by 

establishing her/himself as the Incident Commander pending the arrival of a trained Hazardous 

Material Incident Commander. Incident command on a hazardous materials incident should be 

directed by District policy and will most commonly be a unified command. 

Safety, Isolate/Deny Entry, Notifications and Command are the critical aspects of First 

Responder Operations. The following are actions which are essential to the continuing 

activities of a hazardous materials incident but should not be completed at the expense of the 





TOPIC: 



Responder 



previous actions, except where needed to perform safe tactical operations in the protection of 

life/health, environment or property: 

I. Identification / Hazard Assessment: 

The first responder should seek to identify, in a safe manner, the specific hazardous materials 

involved in the incident and the hazards that they pose. This information can be obtained through 

a variety of sources which may or may not be available at any specific incident. Sources include 

but are not limited to: Occupancy/Location, Container Shapes, Markings/Colors, Placards, 

Shipping Papers, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and witness information. To ensure 

continuity of the incident any information gathered relating to product identification should be 

recorded on the hazardous materials incident checklist. With the exception of vision, human 

senses should be avoided as a tool for identification / hazard assessment. 

A. Action Plan: 

An action plan, generally verbal at the FRO level, should be determined and its contents briefed 

to all personnel on scene prior to the initiation of actions with regard to the hazardous materials 

involved. All actions taken by first responder personnel should be defensive in nature (no 

expected contact with the hazardous material). 

P. Protective Clothing: 

First responder personnel are limited to level “D” protective clothing (turnouts) with respiratory 

protection (SCBA). The limitations of this clothing prohibit its use other than for rescue and 

actions deemed appropriate for level “D” protection. When operating as part of a technical 

decontamination team for entry on a hazardous materials incident, first responder personnel 

should be outfitted in level “B” protective clothing provided by the Hazardous Materials 

Response Team. 

C. Contain and Control (Countermeasures): 

Based upon limitations of training and protective clothing, first responders are limited to 

defensive actions to reduce a hazardous materials incident’s impact on life, environment and 

property. Actions that may be initiated, as needed, by first responders to contain a hazardous 

materials incident include, but are not limited to: diking, diverting, dam building, dispersal with 

air or water, and covering. 





TOPIC: 



Responder 



P. Protective Actions: 

Beyond the initial protective actions initiated by the first responders under “Notifications,” a 

broader level of protective actions may be required based upon the hazard posed by the 

hazardous materials involved in the incident. Protective actions include Rescue, Shelter-In-Place, 

and Evacuation and should be initiated as needed. 

D. Decontamination: 

Beyond the emergency decontamination initiated by first responders under “Isolate/Deny Entry,” 

further decontamination procedures may be required as directed by the Incident Commander or 

Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor. First responder personnel may be active in Technical or 

Secondary/Mass Decontamination, as directed. When performing other than emergency 

decontamination, the first responder should be wearing level “B” protective clothing as provided 

by the Hazardous Materials Response Team. 

D. Disposal: 

The District is not a licensed/authorized hazardous materials transporter. Any hazardous material 

that cannot be reused may be deemed “hazardous waste” and must be properly disposed of. The 

first responder should ensure that inappropriate disposal does not occur. All disposal should be 

performed by trained personnel (not first responders), as approved by the Hazardous Materials 

Response Team and Contra Costa County Health. 

D. Documentation: 

Documentation of the first responders’ actions should be recorded per District policy in the 

District’s incident reporting system. 





TOPIC: 


Hazardous Materials Response: Hazardous 

Materials Response Team (Technician) 



INTRODUCTION 


may encounter incidents involving hazardous materials. The District operates a Hazardous 

Materials Response Team (HMRT) capable of advanced tactical operations. This team is a 

resource available to Incident Commanders at a hazardous materials incident. Utilization of the 

advanced capabilities of the HMRT requires a coordinated effort to provide for safe operations. 

There is no universal standard for hazardous materials response, as the specifics of the incident 

will dictate tactical decision making. The specific actions taken by District personnel on a 

hazardous materials incident should be based upon their relative impact on life/health, 


framework covering all aspects of hazardous materials response by HMRT Technicians may aid 

District personnel in both training and actual responses. 

INFORMATION 

Hazardous Materials Team personnel are trained, at a minimum, to the Technician level. A 

Hazardous Materials Technician is defined as, “individuals who respond to releases or potential 

releases of hazardous substances for the purpose of stopping the release. They assume a more 

aggressive role than a first responder at the operations level in that they will approach the point 

of release in order to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release of a hazardous substance” (CCR 

5192). The hazardous materials team is a technical resource that acts under the direction of the 

Incident Commander. While the activities of the team are dictated by the direction of the Incident 

Commander and the needs of the incident, there are statutory and standard practices that should 

be applied to all incidents. Technician personnel should reference the checklists utilized by first 

responder and incident commander personnel to ensure continuity of actions. The standardized 

roles and responsibilities in FIRESCOPE ICS should be utilized by the Hazardous Materials 

Team. The following is a logical progression of Hazardous Materials Team activities on a 

generalized hazardous materials incident: 

The first arriving technician should be assigned the role of Assistant Safety Officer Hazmat 

(ASO). If appropriate for the incident, the Incident Commander may direct this position to also 

serve as the Incident Safety Officer. The second arriving technician should be assigned the role 

of Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor. The Supervisor will direct hazardous materials 

operations on the incident. Unless otherwise assigned, the Supervisor should also be responsible 

for the roles of the Entry and Decontamination Team Leaders. The next two arriving technicians 

should be assigned as the Entry Team. Unless otherwise assigned, the Entry Team should be 

assigned to perform any necessary pre-entry technical reference. The following two arriving 





TOPIC: 






technicians should be assigned as the Back-Up Entry Team. Unless otherwise assigned, the 

Back-Up Entry Team should perform any post-entry Technical Reference or sample 

identification. As early as possible in the incident, a minimum of two first responder personnel 

should be assigned to set-up standard decontamination methods in an area directed by technician 

personnel. These first responders should be assigned as the Decontamination Team. 

The order of activities for technician is the same as for first responder personnel. The Hazardous 

Materials Group Supervisor should utilize a Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor Checklist to 

account for the key actions for technicians. The following represents the key actions for 

technicians beyond the first responder level: 

S. Safety: 

Technician personnel should follow the same safety standards as first responders for their 

approach and initial on scene actions. Technician personnel should receive a briefing and obtain 

direction from the Incident Commander; this should include obtaining all information already 

gathered. Technician personnel should evaluate the actions of first responders and recommend 

any needed changes. 

I. Isolate / Deny Entry: 

Technician personnel should evaluate the first responder established perimeter. Technician 

personnel should establish appropriate exclusion (hot or red), contamination reductions (warm or 

yellow) and support (cold or green) zones based upon information obtained from technical 

reference sources. Based upon the established perimeter and zones, technician personnel should 

recommend any further needs for isolation to the Incident Commander. 

N. Notifications: 

Technician personnel should evaluate notifications already made and determine the need for 

additional notifications. 

C. Command: 

Technician personnel should work as directed under the Incident Commander and within the 

structure of FIRESCOPE ICS. Technician personnel assigned to an ICS role should wear the 

appropriate ICS vest. 





TOPIC: 






I. Identification and Hazard Assessment: 

Technician personnel should seek to determine the specific substances involved and their 

hazards. Site specific weather should be obtained and referenced as to its affect on the substance 

involved in the incident. All monitors should be “bump” tested or otherwise appropriately tested 

prior to use in a potentially hazardous atmosphere. Identification and hazard assessment should 

be initiated with information obtained prior to any entry and should be updated based upon 

findings during entry or analysis of obtained samples. The findings from ongoing identification 

and hazard assessment should be used to help determine appropriate safe actions for the 

mitigation of the incident. Technician personnel should recommend any needed changes to 

already initiated protective actions based upon information obtained during identification and 

hazard assessment. 

A. Action Plan: 

A plan for the management of the incident should be made, and the plan should be based upon 

safe procedures to reduce the impact of the incident on life, environment and property. When 

possible, Contra Costa County Health Hazmat personnel should be consulted with regard to the 

content of the plan. Technician personnel should create both an Incident Action Plan (IAP) and a 

Site Safety Plan (SSP) that function singularly under the direction of the Incident Commander. 

Unless otherwise directed by the Incident Commander, the IAP should be completed in the form 

of the ICS 202 HM form and the SSP should be completed in the form of the ICS 208 HM form. 

The IAP and SSP plan should contain contingency provisions. The IAP and SSP should be 

accompanied, at a minimum, by a completed Work Mission Duration Worksheet and a Medical 

Monitoring Sheet completed for pre-entry monitoring. Together, these forms and any others 

required by the Incident Commander should be reviewed and approved by the Hazardous 

Materials Group Supervisor and the Assistant Safety Officer Hazmat. Final approval for the plan 

and its contents is the responsibility of the Incident Commander. 

P. Protective Clothing (PPE): 

Based upon information gathered in identification and hazard assessment, technician personnel 

should ensure that the appropriate PPE, as delineated in the SSP, is worn by on-site personnel. 

Technician personnel should ensure that the assigned Decontamination Team is familiar with the 

safe use of the chosen PPE. Technician personnel should ensure that appropriate medical 

monitoring has been documented for all personnel anticipated to wear PPE. Technician 

personnel should ensure that appropriate decontamination equipment, as delineated in the SSP, is 

in place for the chosen PPE and the properties of the substances involved. 





TOPIC: 






C. Contain and Control (Countermeasures): 

Prior to the initiation of countermeasure activities, a briefing should be conducted for all 

personnel assigned to the incident. The briefing should include, at a minimum: incident 

objectives, work restrictions, the use of “Buddy” and Back-up systems, emergency signals, and 

actions personnel should take in the event of an emergency signal. After the briefing, a final 

check of all safety items should be made prior to the Incident Commander approving entry. This 

final check should reconfirm the presence of a transport capable ALS unit on scene. Technician 

personnel should perform appropriate countermeasures and/or obtain appropriate samples as 

delineated in the IAP and SSP. 

P. Protective Actions: 

Technician personnel should evaluate ongoing protective actions throughout the incident. 

Protective actions should be re-evaluated after the IDHA process is complete. After appropriate 

countermeasures have been initiated technician personnel should advise the Incident Commander 

on the alteration and/or cessation of need for protective actions. 

D. Decontamination: 

Technician personnel should ensure that appropriate decontamination procedures are utilized for 

personnel and equipment exiting the exclusion and/or contamination reduction zones. The 

decontamination procedure utilized for the incident should be noted on the SSP in advance of 

offensive operations. Technician personnel should ensure that potential hazardous waste, 

including equipment, be kept in the exclusion or contamination reduction area until proper 

disposal methods are determined. 

D. Disposal: 

Technician personnel should ensure that improper handling or disposal of contaminated items or 

hazardous waste does not occur. Technician personnel should obtain direction from Contra Costa 

County Health Hazmat as to the proper disposal of any hazardous waste at the scene. Technician 

personnel should assist the Incident Commander in preparing for a formal transfer from an 

Emergency Incident to a Clean-Up Incident. 





TOPIC: 






D. Documentation: 

Technician personnel should provide appropriate documentation per District standard and/or as 

directed by the Incident Commander. Any need for reporting to outside agencies should be 

routed through the Incident Commander or per other appropriate District policy. 





TOPIC: 


Hazardous Materials Response: Incident 

Commander 



INTRODUCTION 

As emergency service providers, District personnel may encounter incidents involving hazardous 

materials. Chief Officers and other District personnel may be required to assume the role of 

Incident Commander (IC) on hazardous materials incidents. Statute (8 CCR 5192) requires that 

the Incident Commander (IC) of a hazardous materials incident have specific training to fulfill 

that role. Associated with this training the IC is responsible to comply with specific statutory 

requirements. There is no universal standard for hazardous materials response, as the specifics of 

the incident will dictate tactical decision making. The specific actions taken by District personnel 

on a hazardous materials incident should be based upon their relative impact on life/health, 

environment, and property. Although the needs of specific incidents will vary a general 

framework covering all aspects of hazardous materials Incident Command may aid District 


INFORMATION 

All Chief Officers and some other District personnel are trained to the Hazardous Materials 

Incident Commander (Hazmat IC) level. Hazmat IC training is provided in compliance with the 

standards of the California Specialized Training Institute; as such, the framework of this 

information mirrors that training. The Hazmat IC, referred to in statute as the “Senior Official,” 

“has the responsibility for controlling the operations at the site,” (8 CCR 5192). The Hazmat IC 

is responsible for the overall management of the hazardous materials incident. Hazmat ICs 

should utilize a Hazardous Materials Incident Commander Checklist to ensure continuity of 

actions from first responders to Incident Commanders and Hazardous Materials Response Team 

personnel. The Hazardous Materials Incident Commander Checklist accounts for all portions of 

this framework. It may not be possible to safely perform all activities noted in this framework. 

After providing for safety, all actions on a hazardous materials incident should be based upon 

their relative impact on life, the environment and property. The responsibilities of the Incident 

Commander on a Hazardous Material Incident are largely dictated by statute. 8 CCR 5192 

delineates eight specific statutory requirements of the Hazmat IC. The Hazmat IC is responsible 

for: 

1. Ensuring that the Incident Command System (ICS) is utilized. 

2. Identifying all hazardous substances and/or conditions present. 

3. Based on identification, implementing appropriate operations including assurance of the 

use of proper personal protective equipment. 

4. Assuring personnel exposed to inhalation hazards wear self-contained breathing 

apparatus (SCBA). 





TOPIC: 



Commander 



5. Limiting the number of personnel on-site but also ensuring the use of the “Buddy 

System.” 

6. Assuring back-up personnel and standby EMS personnel are available. 

7. Designating a safety official with knowledge of safe operations. 

8. Implementing appropriate decontamination. 

The following (AAAAA) is a logical progression of actions for the Hazmat IC on a generalized 

hazardous materials incident that comply with the statutory requirements of the role: 

Arrive: 

The Chief Officer should perform all the actions of a FRO during her/his approach to and while 

at the scene. 

Assess: 

After safely arriving, the Chief Officer should obtain a briefing from the current Incident 

Commander and formally assume command. The IC should be prepared for a Unified Command. 

The IC should ensure the use of FIRECOPE ICS (#1). The IC should ensure needed resources 

have been or are being requested. The IC should evaluate actions performed by First Responders. 

The IC should assign a Safety Officer who is knowledgeable in safe hazardous materials 

operations (#7). The IC may assign the role of Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor who will 

serve as the link to tactical operations. The IC should immediately seek to limit the total number 

of personnel at scene to those essential for expected operations (#5). The IC should confirm the 

presence and location of perimeter and control zones. The IC should perform a “Lookouts, 

Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones” (LCES) evaluation. The IC should direct the 

“Identification and Hazard Assessment” (IDHA) process to identify all substances at the incident 

and their associated hazards (#2). 

Action Plan: 

The IC should direct the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor, in conjunction with the Safety 

Officer, to create an Incident Action Plan and a Site Safety Plan (#3). The Site Safety Plan is 

specific to hazardous materials operations and is part of the greater Incident Action Plan. These 

plans are represented by department standard forms ICS 202HM and ICS 208HM. The IC should 

ensure that the overall plan contains a contingency plan. The IC should ensure, through planning, 

that proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is utilized, including the use of Self-Contained 

Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs), for all potential respiratory hazards (#3 & #4). The IC should 





TOPIC: 



Commander 



ensure that all personnel that will don PPE undergo pre-entry medical monitoring. The IC should 

ensure that the action plan for the incident includes appropriate operations (#3). The IC should 

approve a completed action plan which should include, at a minimum, a completed ICS 202HM, 

ICS 208HM, Medical Monitoring Worksheet (with reference to the Medical Monitoring 

Worksheet Values), and a Work Mission Duration Worksheet. 

Assign: 

The IC should give formal assignments as part of a safety briefing prior to commencing 

offensive and/or continued operations. In addition to presenting the plan, the briefing should 

include emergency signals, emergency actions, work areas and work limitations. The IC should 

ensure that personnel are properly trained to fill assigned roles. The IC should ensure that 

assignments always implement the “Buddy System” or teams of two or more for offensive 

operations (#5). The IC should ensure that during any offensive operation that there are back-up 

personnel available and that back-up personnel utilize the “Buddy System” (#5 & #6). The IC 

should ensure that there is a transport capable unit and Paramedic personnel available at scene to 

render care as needed (#6). The IC should ensure that appropriate decontamination methods are 

in place prior to commencing offensive operations or whenever required by the incident (#8). 

Adjust: 

The IC should monitor and assess all actions to ensure continued safety. The IC should consider 

the needs of extended operations. The IC should brief all personnel on any changes in the Action 

Plan. The IC should prepare a disposal plan which should be approved by Contra Costa County 

Heath Hazardous Materials personnel as the CUPA. The IC should provide for a formal 

transition from Hazardous Materials Emergency to Hazardous Materials Clean-Up. The IC 

should ensure proper documentation of the incident. 





TOPIC: 


Incident Command for Hazardous 

Materials Incidents 


CROSS REF: FF049 – Incident Command Policy 

INTRODUCTION 

Past experience in the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (District) has shown that it is 

important to confirm who is the Incident Commander and “in charge” at a hazardous materials 

incident. The specifics of Incident Command for a hazardous materials incident are regulated by 

statute. District personnel should, when possible, work within the confines of delineated process. 

INFORMATION 

Roadway Related Incidents: 

Section 2454, California Vehicle Code (CVC) 

"The authority for management of the scene of an on-highway hazardous substance spill or 

disaster shall be vested in the appropriate law enforcement agency having primary traffic 

investigative authority on the highway where the spill occurs." 

The Key Elements: 

A. Authority: Decision-making powers and responsibilities. 

B. "Management": The identification of incident resource needs, the procurement of those 

resources, and the coordination of the resources so as to abate the incident and protect life, 

property and the environment. 

1. The term does not mean the technical direction or manipulation of specialized 

activities provided by resource entities. 

2. In other words, "what needs to be done," not "how to do it." 

3. Expert advice solicited. 

C. "Scene": The area impacted by the incident. 

D. "On-Highway": A way or place, of whatever nature, maintained and open to the use of the 

public for purposes of vehicular travel. Highway includes streets (360 CVC). Run-off from 

other property onto a street does not constitute an "on-highway" incident. 





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E. "Hazardous Substance": "Hazardous material defined pursuant to Section 2402.7 CVC, any 

hazardous waste defined pursuant to Section 25117 of the Health and Safety Code, and any 

toxic substance defined pursuant to Section 28745 of the Health and Safety Code." (2452 

CVC). 

F. "Spill or Disaster": An occurrence wherein a hazardous substance is dispersed into the 

environment or its container is damaged to the extent that leakage or spillage can be 

expected to occur, in such a manner as to threaten life, property or the environment. 

G. "Law Enforcement Agency": Public entities charged with the principle duty of enforcing 

the law. 

H. "Primary Traffic Investigative Authority": Responsibility for investigating traffic collisions. 

1. On non-freeway streets in incorporated cities, the police department or the contract 

agency fulfilling the role of the police department. 

2. On highways (streets, etc.) in unincorporated areas, the California Highway Patrol 

(CHP.) 

3. On freeways within or outside cities, the CHP. 

4. On vehicular toll crossings, the CHP. 

I. "Highway Where the Spill Occurs": The initial spill site determines the initial incident 

location. Run-off onto another highway does not change the initial incident location. 

Therefore, the Incident Commander on roadway related incidents is law enforcement. First 

Responders, however, should continue to initially assume the role of Incident Commander. 

Coordination between the initial Incident Commander and the first arriving law enforcement officer 

should dictate the appropriate transfer of command and its timing. In the absence of a law 

enforcement representative, a representative of the District should serve as the Incident 

Commander. 





TOPIC: 






Non-Roadway Related Incidents: 

Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Area Plan (CCCHMAP) 6-3.3b 

“The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction at the site of the incident will assume the 

role of IC (except in the City of Richmond).” 

Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Area Plan 6-3.5 

“A Unified Command is used when there is more than one agency with a management 

responsibility that cannot be delegated.” 

Appendix 13-6 of the CCCHMAP specifically delineates management responsibilities of Fire 

Agencies to include responsibilities that cannot be delegated to law enforcement. 

Therefore, on non-roadway related incidents, a Unified Command should be established in which, at 

a minimum, the District and the appropriate law enforcement agency are represented. First 

Responders, however, should continue to initially assume the role of Incident Commander. 

Coordination between the initial Incident Commander or a District Chief Officer and law 

enforcement should dictate the specifics of the formation of a Unified Command. In the absence of 

a law enforcement representative, a representative of the District should serve as the single Incident 

Commander. 





TOPIC: 


Kinder Morgan Pipeline 


CROSS REF: 

INTRODUCTION 

A pipeline carrying fuel runs from the North end of the District to the District’s southern 

boundary. For the most part, the pipeline is buried underground and parallels the Iron Horse 

Trail. 

INFORMATION 

1. Emergency Number: Pumping Station in Concord 682-6850 

2. Rupture: If a leak or break is substantial, instrumentation will notify a control station prior 

to the District being aware of a problem. The Kinder Morgan Company will notify the 

District about the problem. A relatively small leak may be called in to the District prior to 

Kinder Morgan detecting it. Calling their emergency number, day or night, will allow them 

to take emergency action. 

Generally, any fire should be extinguished, fuel should be allowed to be absorbed by the 

ground, and Kinder Morgan will affect necessary clean-up procedures. 

3. Pipeline Description: The pipeline is a 10" I.D., welded steel tube, coated with various 

insulating, weather protective materials. The materials are usually combustible. The 

pipeline carries either various grades of gasoline or diesel fuel. The fuel is sent to a 

pumping station on Solano Avenue (Rt. 4) in Concord, by smaller diameter pipelines, from 

various Martinez refineries. The plant then pumps the fuel to a San Jose terminal (Milpitas) 

under 1400 p.s.i. In San Jose, it is dispensed into the various oil companies' tanks, where it 

is drawn off by tank trucks for distribution to service stations. There are no branch lines off 

this pipeline, and it does not serve airports. 

The exposed sections of pipeline in this Fire District are at the former trestle over Rutherford 

Creek, south of Wayne Avenue and the former trestle, north of La Serena. Exposed sections 

are jacketed within 17" structural steel pipe. 

4. Block Gates: Doughterty Road 

Hillgrade Avenue - 60' South 

Fire District personnel are not authorized to shut down gate valves. Reasons include: 

sufficient time for pressure release; pump shut-down; effects of head pressure build-up due 

to the Sunol overhill grade; etc. 

AUTHOR: Page 1 of 1 

REVIEWED: Craig Bowen, Fire Chief 



TOPIC: 


On-Site Spills and Releases of Hazardous 

Materials 


CROSS REF: 

INTRODUCTION 

Any San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (District) employee may encounter an accidental 

on-site spill or release of hazardous materials. Although the specific needs of incidents will vary 

a general framework covering safe handling of on-site spills and releases of hazardous materials 

may aid District personnel in both training and actual responses. 

INFORMATION 

California Health and Safety Code (CH&SC) Chapter 6.95, Section 25500 requires each business 

or facility that handles greater than the minimum quantity of hazardous material to develop and 

implement a Hazardous Material Release Response Plan and Inventory Program. Minimum 

reporting quantities are 500 pounds, 55 gallons or 200 cubic feet at any one time during the 

reporting year. A Hazardous Materials Management Program (HMMP) or Business Plan is filed by 

the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, in compliance with CH&SC 6.95 and the Federal 

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III, with the Certified Unified 

Program Agency (CUPA) which is the Contra Costa County Health Department Hazardous 

Materials Program. In addition to having an HMMP, where applicable, the District has filed as a 

Hazardous Waste Generator (HWG) and/or the operator of underground and above ground 

storage tanks. Under the HMMP the following represents guidance for the handling of potential 

on-site spills and releases of hazardous materials. 

For All On-Site Spills or Releases of Hazardous Materials: 

Any District personnel encountering an on-site spill or release of hazardous materials should 

provide for safety while, if necessary, requesting appropriate assistance. Any action taken should 

be safe an utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Any spill beyond the 

capabilities District personnel to safely mitigate should be considered a hazardous materials 

response and appropriate action and notifications should be taken. 

For Incidents Involving Gasoline and Diesel: 

Station personnel on-site may respond to accidental releases caused by filling underground and 

aboveground storage tanks or fueling District or other agency vehicles from either. 

Immediate actions that may be indicated: 

• Shut-off the flow of fuel 

• Take measures to protect ignition 





TOPIC: 


On-Site Spills and Releases of Hazardous 

Materials 


CROSS REF: 

• Use spill kit to prevent run-off to storm drain 

• Estimate quantity or size of spill/release 

• Notify Dispatch and Battalion Chief 

For Incidents Involving Propane/LPG: 

Station personnel on-site may respond to and accidental release caused by overfill or mechanical 

failure. 


• Shut-off valve at supply or tank 

• Take measures to protect ignition 

• Control ignition sources 

• If spill cannot be controlled, evacuate and, if appropriate, apply water fog to break up 

vapor. All operations should be conducted in appropriate protective clothing. 

• Estimate quantity of release and wind speed with direction 

• Evacuate personnel where necessary 


For Incidents Involving Activation of Leak Detection Systems: 


• Refer to station leak detection manual 


Additional Incident Related Actions: 

Once notified, the Battalion Chief may direct Dispatch to make appropriate notifications per 

Contra Costa County policies (Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Area Plan); if the spill 

runs into a storm drain or runs off District property this may include notification of the Office of 

Emergency Service State Warning Center and any other appropriate agencies. 

Use of Station Spill Clean-Up Kit: 

Each Station is provided with a Spill Clean-Up Kit. These kits can be used for containment and 

clean up of spilled fuel and/or oil. 





TOPIC: 


Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 


CROSS REF: 

INTRODUCTION 

The hazardous chemical Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) is a substance that emergency responders 

may encounter which has potentially serious health effects. Simple safety procedures consistent 

with the treatment of any hazardous materials incident can reduce the potential impact of an incident 

involving PCBs. Specific information on PCBs may be of interest to San Ramon Valley Fire 

Protection District (District) personnel. 

INFORMATION 

BACKGROUND: 

Polychlorinated Biphenyl was patented in 1931 as a transformer insulating liquid because of its 

fire-resistance qualities. Commercial production of PCBs began in the United States in 1929 in 

response to the electrical industry's need for a safer cooling and insulating fluid for industrial 

transformers and capacitors. This has been the major use for PCBs. Until other uses were 

banned, PCBs were also used as hydraulic fluids; as surface coatings for carbonless copy paper; 

as plasticizers in sealants, caulkings, synthetic resins, rubbers, paints, waxes, and asphalts; and as 

flame retardants in lubricating oils. Equipment nameplates do not state that they contain PCBs; 

however, they can be identified by such registered trade names as (key words) Aroclo, Pyranol, 

Inerteen, Chlorextol, No-Flamol, Asbestol, or by the familiar "Askarel." 

The most common remaining source of PCB liquids is in capacitors, transformers and lighting 

ballasts. This includes old but still serviceable capacitors in Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E) 

electrical system. Over the past 20 years or so, these capacitors and transformers have remained 

very similar in appearance, but electrical design changes and the size of units make it difficult to say 

precisely how much PCB material is in each unit. A good average would be approximately 1½ 

gallons of free fluid per unit. Thus, when a unit ruptures, as much as 1½ gallons of fluid on the 

average could be deposited on the ground, or area below its location. If a strong wind is blowing, 

the fluid could be splattered over a somewhat larger area. It is this oil residue which needs to be 

contained so that contact by the general public is avoided, and so that the residue will not be tracked 

to other locations. PG&E crews are trained and equipped to perform the required cleanup and 

disposal of any contaminated material. PG&E facilities and equipment, such as pole top capacitors 

or storage containers in their yards, will have a yellow label if they contain PCB. 

RELEASE FACTORS: 

A capacitor or transformer, like all electrical equipment, will fail eventually. There are a number of 

potential causes of failure. Some failures may be evident, such as a car hitting a pole and knocking 

the capacitor to the ground. PCB release has occurred due to lighting strikes, gunshots to electrical 




ORIGIN DATE: REVISED DATE: 06/06

TOPIC: 




CROSS REF: 

components, bird dropping collections and age related deterioration. Intrinsic and other mechanisms 

of failure may not be readily apparent, such that any incident involving a suspect electrical 

component should dictate awareness of the potential presence of PCBs. 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: 

Any incident involving PCBs should be treated as a hazardous materials incident. Contact with 

PCBs should be avoided. Any free liquid should be diked or otherwise contained when it is safe to 

do so and PCBs should not be flushed with water. 

For incidents involving electrical components: 

Caution should be taken to avoid potential contact with electrical lines. Facilities and lines should 

never be assumed to be de-energized. Even non-electrical lines on electrical transmission poles, 

such as cable television and telephone lines, should be assumed to be energized, as they may be in 

contact with electrical lines. 

PG&E has personnel trained and capable of mitigating a PCB spill. The likely course of action for 

responders at the scene of a PCB release from a PG&E component is to isolate the area and await 

PG&E to assume responsibility of the incident. 

If no responsible party can be found or if the spill is questionable as to its containing PCBs, the 

District’s Hazardous Materials Response Team should be requested. 

STORAGE OF PCBs: 

Although the District or its employees do not get involved in storage or clean-up of PCBs, the 

following information is valuable as background knowledge. 

When PCBs (liquids or items) are placed in temporary storage, they are considered to have been 

designated for disposal. The law requires special containers to be used. One recommended and 

approved container is designated by the Department of Transportation as DOT-17. This is a 55 

gallon, 18 gauge steel drum. 

When such storage is desired, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved storage facility 

must be used. This approved storage facility has been defined as a roofed, walled and diked 

enclosure with an impermeable floor, such as Portland cement concrete or steel. No storage facility 

may be located at a site that is below the 100-year flood water elevation (that is, a flood that has an 

average frequency of occurrence in the order of once in 100 years). Therefore, a regional office of 





TOPIC: 




CROSS REF: 

U.S. Geological Survey should be contacted for a hydrological map that documents whether or not a 

site is adequate or should be relocated. 

Complete records must be maintained on PCB items that are stored and slated for disposal. These 

include: 

1. Date removed from service. 

2. Date placed into storage, pending disposal. 

3. Date placed in transport for disposal. 

4. Total weight (in kg) and identification of PCBs and PCB items in PCB containers. 

5. Total number of PCB transformers and total weight (in kg) of any PCB liquids contained in 

the transformers. 

6. Total number of large high or low-voltage capacitors. 

7. Location and name of owner of initial storage, or disposal facility, with copy of bill of 

lading. 

DISPOSAL PROCEDURES: 

PCB liquids (500 ppm or more) must be disposed of only in an EPA-approved incinerator. Nonliquid 

PCBs can be disposed of in an EPA-approved chemical waste landfill. 

The only known way to permanently remove PCBs from the environment is high temperature (at 

least 1200C) incineration for a proper length of time. However, at present, not one EPA-approved 

facility has been opened. Furthermore, because of the delay in obtaining permits and delivery of 

equipment, it probably will be several years before sufficient incineration capacity will be available 

for general use. 

Even when facilities open, practical logistics, such as distance and back log, will make it difficult 

for immediate disposal of PCB liquids. Therefore, it may be best to keep the liquid in EPA-DOT 

approved containers, store properly, and inspect weekly until incineration is feasible. EPA 

recognizes these limitations, and the law also permits disposal of PCB-contaminated liquids 

(50-499ppm) at EPA-approved chemical waste landfills or in high efficiency boilers. At least eight 

approved chemical waste landfills are now "open." The high efficiency boiler rating must be at 

least 50 million BTU, and meet certain gas characteristics or existing air quality standards. 

PCB transformers (500 ppm or more) can be permanently disposed of in a chemical waste landfill, 

if the following conditions are met: 

1. The unit must be drained of all free flowing liquid and the liquid must be treated in the 

manner prescribed for PCB liquids. It must then be filled with a suitable solvent, such as 

kerosene, xylene, toluene, in which PCBs are readily soluble. 

Caution: Some such liquids are also hazardous. 





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CROSS REF: 

2. The solvent must be left in the unit for at least 18 hours, and the unit must then be drained 

thoroughly. 

3. The drained solvent, which is now a PCB item, must be treated in the same manner 

prescribed for PCB liquids. 

PCB-contaminated transformers (50-449 ppm) require the following steps: 

1. Transformers must be drained of all free flowing liquid. 

2. Dielectric fluid must be disposed of in a chemical waste landfill or high efficiency boiler. 

3. Drained transformer may then be disposed of in a municipal landfill or sold for salvage. 

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: 

Oily Liquid - Light Yellow (in capacitors) 

Weak Odor - Unless heated (see safety precautions) 

Flash Point - 2850 F. (begins to put off flammable vapor) 

Specific Gravity - 1.3 - 1.8 (sinks in water) 

Exposure to heat causes highly toxic fumes 

Burning produces more toxic chemicals (Dibenzofurans and Dioxins) 

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: 

1. Avoid skin contact - PCBs have an affinity to fats and oils. Prolonged contact with skin has 

an effect similar to a solvent action and may cause drying and chapping of the skin. Some 

people are allergic to PCBs and continued exposure may result in severe irritation of the 

skin. 

Employees who regularly work with PCBs and anticipate possible exposure usually apply 

hand creams to possible exposure areas including the eyelids. Since PCBs have an affinity 

for fats and oils, the cream absorbs most of the PCB and it is easier to cleanse and wash 

away. 

Cleaning and washing of contact areas should be done as quickly as possible. The cleaning 

and washing should be followed by an application of cold cream to reduce any possible 

irritation. 

2. Eye Contact - Irrigate with water. The liquid or vapors are moderately irritating to the eyes. 

Eyes exposed to PCB liquid or vapors should be irrigated immediately with large quantities 





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CROSS REF: 

of running water for 15 minutes. In any case, if irritation persists, a physician should 

examine the employee. A drop of castor oil has been found to reduce the irritation. 

3. In case of spills on clothing and footwear, it should be removed as soon as possible. Do not 

take home for laundering or cleaning. 

4. Do not breathe vapors from heated PCB (over 1310F.) Use SCBA for protection. Use 

SCBA facepiece or safety goggles for eye and face protection. 

5. Do not allow PCBs to enter any body of water, including flood channels or sewers. 

6. Odor - The gases produced when PCBs are decomposed by high temperatures (above 

1310F.) and in the presence of air or organic insulating materials contain a high percentage 

of hydrogen chloride gas and a small percentage of other gases. Very low concentrations of 

this combination of gases are very unpleasant and irritating. This characteristic is beneficial 

because it provides ample warning of the presence of such gases. 

7. Ingestion - Hygienic procedures should be observed. Before eating, drinking, smoking, or 

using toilet facilities, clean the hands or skin contact areas with a waterless hand cleaner and 

wipe off with warm water and soap. The used disposable towel is considered contaminated 

material. 

GOVERNMENT CONTROLS AND REGULATIONS: 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends an occupational 

environmental limit of 1.0 microgram total PCBs per cubic meter of air. The Toxic Substances 

Control Act of 1976 regulates the marking and disposal regulations and future manufacture of 

PCBs. 

Medical surveillance shall be made available to exposed employees. Exposure can be measured in 

three ways: 

1. Blood Gas Test 

2. Liver Function Test 

3. Fatty Tissue Biopsy 

REFERENCES: 

“PCB Information” from Elizabethton Electric 

“Toxicological Profile for Polychlorinated Biphenyls” for the Agency for Toxic Substances and 

Disease Registry (ATSDR) 





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Technical Decontamination 



INTRODUCTION 


may encounter incidents involving hazardous materials. Decontamination is an essential aspect 

of any hazardous materials response and its proper application provides for safety by limiting the 

uncontrolled dispersal of contaminated persons and items. Technical decontamination allows for 

the removal of hazardous materials from personnel and equipment after actions in a hazardous 

atmosphere. There is no universal standard for Technical Decontamination, as the specifics of 

the incident will dictate tactical decision making. The specific actions taken by District personnel 

on a hazardous materials incident should be based upon their relative impact on life/health, 


framework covering all aspects of Technical Decontamination procedures may aid District 


INFORMATION 

Decontamination is the physical separation of a contaminant from a person or object. The 

purpose of decontamination in the setting of a hazardous materials incident is to reduce the 

impact of exposure by removing the contamination and to reduce the affected area of an incident 

by limiting the spread of contamination. Implementation of appropriate decontamination 

procedures are required on hazardous materials incidents by 8 CCR 5192(q). 

Environmental sensitivity is an important consideration in decontamination procedures. 

Technical decontamination requires the containment and accountability of water run-off. 

Technical decontamination methods are based upon the specific chemical being dealt with. No 

standard for technical decontamination is universal. The procedures listed below are the standard 

format for technical decontamination synonymous with the term “standard decontamination” on 

the ICS 208 HM form and should be utilized unless otherwise dictated by the needs of the 

incident; any such changes should be documented on the ICS 208 HM form. 

Technical decontamination should be performed by a minimum of two people in proper Personal 

Protective Equipment (PPE) for the incident. Technical decontamination implements should be 

established at the upwind border of the Exclusion and Contamination Reduction Zones, in an 

area called the Contamination Reduction Corridor (CRC). At the border of the Exclusion Zone a 

container should be placed in which outer garments can be disposed of prior to decontamination. 

An area should be designated in which equipment which will not be decontaminated can be 

placed. Upon exiting the exclusion zone and entering the contamination reduction corridor, 

personnel should enter the first containment pool, one at a time, where gross washing is 

performed followed by soap and water brushing and re-rinsing. Personnel should then enter the 





TOPIC: 


Technical Decontamination 



second containment pool where cleansing is performed with sponges, soap and water followed 

by rinsing. Personnel should then enter the third pool where a final rinse is completed. After the 

final rinse post, decontamination testing required by the site safety plan should be performed. If 

contamination persists, the person should be directed to the appropriate pool for further 

decontamination. If no further decontamination is needed, the person should exit containment 

pool number three. One of the decontamination team members should remain “clean” and act to 

assist personnel after they have completed decontamination. Upon exiting the third pool, drying 

of the PPE should be done, and then personnel should be assisted out of the PPE, which should 

be bagged and remain in the contamination reduction zone. 

The same method can be used to decontaminate equipment and/or samples exiting the exclusion 

zone. Appropriate sized buckets may be used instead of the containment pools for the 

decontamination of equipment and samples. 

Upon successful decontamination of all needed personnel and objects, the decontamination team 

should be decontaminated in the same method, omitting pool number one, with the clean person 

decontaminating her/himself last.

training bulletin - San Ramon Valley Fire

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