Welcome………. Thanks for participating in the workshop Explosion Incidents: The Company Officers Role.
The purpose of this
workshop is to provide the company
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Explosion Incidents: The Company Officers Role |
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Fortunately, as a company
What was the cause?
Was it a terroristic incident?
Was it a bombing?
How many are injured or dead?
What is the extent of damage?
and hopefully many others, such as …..
What are the hazards that we will have to face?
How can I keep myself and the other members of my crew safe?
How safe is the structure?
How can we care for the injured and still operate in a safe manner?
What resources will be needed?
and, in
some instances that as the company
Well, all of those thoughts have merits. But, in reality, we are likely to respond to an explosion. Key here is that the term "Explosion" does not necessarily mean "Explosives" or "Terroristic" events. The term "Explosion" covers a wide variety of events that can be as a result of the initiation of explosives, fuel gases, dusts, and BLEVE’s.
Also, not all explosion
incidents are criminal acts or accidents. Regardless of the fuel or item
involved explosions pose many unique conditions and require that the company
It should be noted that
the theme of this presentation is to make the company
Whenever responding to an explosion, the following basic safety issues should be considered.
1. Do not handle explosive materials, unless you are trained and equipped to do so.
2. In the event that an explosive device is suspected, there is always the possibility of second or additional devices. The area should be checked and cleared by a Bomb Technician.
3. Do not handle suspected explosive devices, evacuate the area to a safe distance and await technical assistance.
4. If the explosion was the result of a fuel gas, the leaking fuel should be shut-off. Other utilities should also be evaluated.
5. Evaluate structural conditions and reinforce as needed.
6. Evaluate surrounding hazards, i.e. Chemicals, Tanks and Storage Vessels.
7. Consider and evaluate biohazards, use appropriate personal protective equipment.
8. Complete the essential tasks to control the emergency and also limit contamination of the scene.
Following
these basic rules in addition to the "normal" scene operations should
go a long way to limiting additional injuries and also maintaining a scene for
investigation.
Links of Interest
Fire and Safety Engineering Technology, Eastern Kentucky University
A chat session has been scheduled for this session (see program), however often times questions may arise prior to that scheduled time. If you have a question please do not hesitate to contact me and I will attempt to provide an answer.
Copyright © November, 1999
All Rights Reserved