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<br />Level C: <br /> <br />Does not require maximum skin or respiratory protection. This level presupposes that the types of <br />air contaminants have been identified, concentrations measured, and the atmosphere is not oxygen <br />deficient. No risk of exposure over acceptable limits can be anticipated. (APR, suits, gloves, <br />booties, etc.) <br /> <br />Level D: <br /> <br />Minimal Protection and is used on day-to-day activities. <br /> <br />Note: <br /> <br />Structural firefighter protective clothing (i.e. turnout or bunker gear) is not classified as chemical <br />protective clothing. <br /> <br />Rescue: In most situations, emergency personnel can protect the public by isolating and denying entry to <br />contaminated areas. Initial rescue actions should concentrate on removing able-bodied persons from immediate <br />danger. Involvement in complicated rescue problems or situations should be evaluated before being attempted. The <br />health and safety department must be briefed. <br /> <br />When the probability is high that the victim cannot be saved or is already dead, rescue should not be attempted if it <br />will place the rescuer at unnecessary risk. The danger of exposure to unknown chemicals or a potential explosion <br />may make risk unacceptable. <br /> <br />The following should be considered in attempting a rescue during a hazardous materials emergency: <br /> <br />a) Has the presence of a victim been confirmed visually or by other credible sources? <br />b) Is the person conscious or responsive? <br />c) How long has the victim been trapped or exposed? Is he/she viable? <br />d) Is the leaking material pooling or vaporizing in the area of the victim? <br />e) What are the properties of the material involved? What is the concentration of the material around the <br />victim? <br />t) What special equipment is available to assist in this effort? <br /> <br />Consideration of these questions will help in weighing the likelihood of a successful rescue against the overall risk <br />to the rescuer. <br /> <br />Evacuation/Sheltering: There are essentially two ways to protect the public from the effects of hazardous material <br />discharges into the environment. <br /> <br />a) Evacuation: involves moving threatened persons to shelter in another area. <br />b) Sheltering in place: involves giving instruction to people to remain where they are until the danger <br />passes. <br /> <br />Evacuation is clearly safer with respect to the hazards, but has certain limitations and may pose new problems. <br />Evacuation takes time and may not be possible if large numbers of persons or a large volume of vapor is present. <br />Evacuation through a toxic atmosphere may actually cause more harm than good in some cases. <br /> <br />Evacuation is best considered when: <br /> <br />a) There is an immediate danger of fire or explosion. <br />b) The potential for discharge is great, it has not taken place, and there is time available to relocate <br />people. <br />c) The discharge has taken place but people are sufficiently protected to permit time for evacuation. <br />d) People not yet in the path of a release will be threatened by changing conditions. <br /> <br />Large-Scale Evacuation: Large-scale evacuation will be directed by the Incident Commander, the AMX On-Scene <br />Commander, and will require the coordinated efforts of several agencies. <br /> <br />49 <br />