1. Managing combined fire and HazMat incidents often requires access to in-depth technical expertise.
The chief needs the best possible technical information, but still may have to make a decision in the face of conflicting expert opinion. The incident commander needs to quickly gather all the relevant information regarding the chemicals involved, the properties of their decomposition products, the danger of explosion, and the danger of toxic by-products.
In addition to the literature and "hot lines," efforts should be made to contact industry experts directly. Do not expect strong positive recommendations from "hot lines." They usually can't and won't do more than offer options. And the technical experts and sources may disagree. The HazMat incident control options must be evaluated in light of the incident conditions before decisions are made. This remains a major problem for today's chiefs.
A recently released (1989) set of guidelines for handling chlorinated pool chemicals is now available. Produced by Monsanto, Olin, and PPG, manufacturers of the chlorine compounds used in these products, the guidelines address hazards, storage, processing, protective equipment, emergency procedures, and other safety related aspects. A list of emergency telephone numbers is also included. Copies may be obtained by contacting any of the following:
Monsanto -(314) 694-1519
Olin - (203) 271-4161
PPG - (412) 434-3556
The guidelines recommend that if "there are any signs of fire, the building should be evacuated and the fire department called immediately, even if the building has a sprinkler system. In extinguishing a fire, copious amounts of water should be used. Do not use dry powder extinguishers."
2. HazMat incident response planning makes a difference.
The value of a hazardous materials incident response organization was proven again. This incident had excellent interdepartmental cooperation. This was largely due to the fact that the major actors in dealing with Springfield's HazMat incidents had met regularly for planning sessions and table top incident exercises. In fact, 1 Allen Street was the subject of a chlorine leak exercise prior to the incident. Participants in this group included the Fire, Police, Health, and Public Works Departments; Emergency Medical Services; and a representative of the local Monsanto facility. Other groups were the Red Cross, the School Board, area hospitals, and the Springfield Civic Center.
The Command Post vehicle was a project that evolved from this HazMat response group. The truck was donated by Coca Cola, and Monsanto split the cost of equipment for the Command Post with the city of Springfield.
3. There may be "hidden" costs to the fire department associated with a HazMat incident involving corrosives such as chlorine.
After the Allen Street incident, the Springfield Fire Department rebuilt and tested all regulators on their breathing apparatus as a precaution. In addition to thorough steam cleaning, the oil and oil filter were changed on all exposed vehicles. Even with washing and treatment, the life of fire hose and turnout gear is expected to be reduced. All exposed fire hose had to be tested. Electrical and electronic equipment needed cleaning and overhauling. The Department already has replaced two generators that failed after being used at Allen Street. Overtime was paid as well as "stand-by" time for mutual aid companies. It has been estimated that cost to the Springfield Fire Department will exceed $500,000.
4. Evacuation plans should incorporate clearly defined zone boundaries.
Although the evacuations went well, they would have been easier and less complicated if evacuation zones had been established citywide prior to the incident. It was suggested that street maps showing the boundaries of the zones should be placed in police patrol cars. Planned use of public transporation buses for the evacuation proved to be highly successful.
5. Multiple channel radio communciations are essential in an evacuation situation.
The greatest communications problem in the incident was the limitation of fire department radio channels. The current system has only one channel. The city had previously addressed this problem but new equipment had not yet been installed. Cellular phones proved to be extremely helpful as did the services of amateur radio operators. The Command Post was also equipped with radios on the bus frequency. Having direct communication with the buses not only helped coordinate the evacuations but provided an additional means for obtaining chlorine condition reports.
6. It was useful to have the City Attorney on the HazMat team and available at the incident.
The city attorney can provide valuable advice in such matters as evacuation authority, issuing of evacuation orders, arrests, and city liability.
In summary, the Allen Street incident points out the problems of dealing with hazardous material information as well as the importance of planning and inter-departmental cooperation before the incident. The value of communications and the need for legal assistance were also pointed out. It is hoped that the lessons described above can be applied by others in order to learn from Springfield's experience.
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