Examples of incident visual indicators include:
- Visible smoke and other signs of fire
- Gas and vapour clouds or plumes, unexplained vapour or mist clouds
- Liquid spills, wet areas, patches, puddles, pools and streams or flowing liquids which may indicate the affected area
- Unexplained oily droplets or films on surfaces or water
- Unexplained noise (for example explosions, venting cylinders, site-specific audible warnings), which may indicate a more cautious approach and larger hazard area
- The presence of hazardous materials or equipment not relevant to the occupancy
- Distinct odours (for example bleach, garlic, rotten cabbage, rotten eggs). Being able to smell an unusual or unexplained odour usually indicates being in, or close to, the hot zone. Unexplained smells or tastes that are out of character with the surroundings
- Cryogenic effect of escaping product (for example frosting around defective pipes or a damaged area on an LPG container)
- Damaged containers and packages
- Dead or distressed people
- Individuals showing unexplained signs of skin, eye or airway irritation, nausea, vomiting, twitching, sweating, pinpoint pupils (miosis), runny nose (rhinorrhoea), disorientation, breathing difficulties, convulsions and death
- Biological indicators, such as dead birds, animals, fish, insects, trees and withered plant life or vegetation
- Casualties and other people involved in the incident may physically mark the hazard area or they may be able to describe it based on their experience
It is possible that initial responders could inadvertently drive into or through a contaminated area en route to the scene of the incident. The above factors should be considered when arriving at the incident and initially positioning vehicles. This will:
- Enable visual assessment of the scene (such as plumes, liquid spills)
- Reduce the probability of driving into a hazardous area
- Avoid collisions with casualties, people escaping the release and other members of the public who may be attracted to the incident
The acronym DDOOR highlights the key factors to consider about the potential dispersion plume. It stands for ‘downwind, dilution, obstacle, oscillation and retention’. It highlights key factors to remember when dealing with a hazardous release in the urban environment, particularly the effect that the built environment and the wind can have on a dispersion plume.
- Downwind – the largest part of the plume moves downwind, and may become wider and higher
- Dilution – the gas or vapour dilutes as it mixes with the air around it; the concentrations decrease downwind and at the sides and top of the plume
- Obstacles – the plume’s movement is strongly influenced by obstacles such as buildings and other structures. Some parts of the plume go up and over the building, while others zigzag along the streets in the downwind direction. The plume may quickly fill street ‘canyons’. Some parts of the plume may spread upwind.
- Oscillation – the plume will oscillate; its position and course will not remain constant but vary over time. It will follow different routes downwind, often in response to minor changes in environmental factors.
- Retention – some parts of the plume can be retained, and gradually released later, even after the source has been dealt with
CBRN
When attending an incident involving hazardous materials, the potential for it to be a CBRN attack should be considered. Personnel should be aware of that risk. The fire control room will play a key role in the exchange of safety-critical information as resources are mobilised. It is essential that any information gathered or received is shared with other responder agencies as quickly as possible.
During the approach to a CBRN incident, personnel should consider the presence of:
- Airborne contamination
- Secondary devices
- Presence of attackers
If there is any doubt as to whether the incident is deliberate, it should be treated as if it were a crime scene and, as far as possible, all personnel should protect the scene and record any evidence that may be present. Refer to Compromised investigations: Poor scene preservation for more information.