Hazardous Materials: Operations Level

Introduction

The purpose of this position is to act as a responder in incidents and emergency situations involving the release of hazardous substances.

Duties

• Performs preliminary evaluation of the incident to include type of release (spill, explosion, or fire), and the hazardous substance involved.
• Implements the emergency response component of the Park Emergency Action Plan.  Takes action necessary to control the risk, and secure the scene appropriately.  Initiates action to implement the Incident Command System.
• Performs defensive operations such as diking, fencing, or placing warning signs, and other activities for protecting in place, and implements institutional controls such as evacuation, and area closures.
• Identifies the characteristics of the hazardous substance, as well as any other hazards associated with the incident such as toxic fumes, slip/trip and fall hazards, downed electrical lines, etc.  Takes appropriate action to mitigate hazards identified.
• Participates in offensive operations required to control the spill, and stop the release, or otherwise contain the hazardous substance.
• Participates in rescue operations and provides emergency medical treatment within the scope of certification and training.
• Cooperates with and assists other emergency response resources.  Ensures proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to all safety procedures.
• Participates in decontamination/cleanup operations, and post-incident activities.
• Accounts for, utilizes, maintains, and performs minor repair for all issued equipment.
• Participates in briefings, receives situation reports and stays informed of mission objectives and status changes.
• Performs additional tasks or duties as assigned during a response.

Knowledge Required By Position

• Operational knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS), and the development and use of integrated action planning concepts and processes.
• Knowledge of emergency response requirements such as those included in a typical Park Emergency Action Plan.
• Knowledge of HAZMAT operations such as is acquired through successful completion of the HAZWOPER 40 hour training course.
• Knowledge of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and use in HAZMAT operations.
• Knowledge of the Hazard Communication Program including Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information, OSHA warning labels, and other hazard substance markings.
• Knowledge of situation awareness fundamentals including personal equipment, PPE, and general all-risk hazards.
• Ability to provide emergency first aid and CPR.
• Knowledge of the proper use and field maintenance of emergency and communication equipment.

Supervisory Controls

Work direction is provided by the Hazardous Material Team Leader or other designated supervisor.  The work is performed independently as a first responder and member of a hazardous material team or other all-risk operational team.  Work is reviewed for acceptability and compliance with operating instructions and procedures.

Guidelines

Procedures for doing the work have been established and a number of specific guidelines or standard orders are available such as oral instructions, standard operating procedures, instruction manuals, and health and safety codes.  Occasional problems may not be specifically covered by guidelines.

The incumbent uses independent judgment in locating and selecting the most appropriate guidelines, reference and procedures based on the situation at hand, and individual park rules and regulations.

Complexity

The incumbent responds to a wide variety of hazardous material incidents which require diverse skills, often involving critical life-threatening situations such as spills, explosion, fires, and floods, as well as interactions that require sensitivity to business relationships.  Emergency response often involves decision-making and action in extremely adverse physical and emotional conditions and ability to function effectively in controversial and/or sensitive situations.  Work requires application and modification of established practices in most areas of responsibility, with considerable individual discretion and judgment exercised in emergency situations.

Scope and Effect

The purpose of this position is to participate in hazardous substance emergency operations, to implement incident objectives for a safe operation, and to work for short to extended periods of time when controlling spills, containing hazards, or performing decontamination and cleanup.

Hazardous material first responder decisions and actions impact the safety of incumbents and visitors, the efficiency of addressing the incident and the effectiveness of mission accomplishment.

Personal Contacts

Personal contacts are with the local agency emergency response personnel, and/or incident management team personnel during the duration of the incident.  Additional contacts may be made with media operations, park visitors, special interest groups, and others interested and assisting with the incident.

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to obtain briefings and orders, as well as to relay incident information to and from the incident management team and other team members, and to provide general and specific information and assistance.

Physical Demands

Work routinely involves physically rigorous assignments and strenuous activity.  Incumbent must maintain excellent physical condition to carry out responsibilities, including the ability to perform hazardous material tasks while wearing heavy and cumbersome PPE.  Response to emergency situations often requires clear reasoning and decisive action under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress.

Work Environment

Work environment is indoors and outdoors in all types of weather, night or day, and for prolonged periods of time.  The incumbent is subject to exposure to a variety of hazardous substances, toxic fumes, and extreme heat or cold.