Level II: First-Responder Operations Level Training
First responders at the operations level are individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site to protect nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release.
This is the level at which fire departments and fire brigade units typically operate. Firefighting teams usually have complete ensembles of firefighter protective clothing and positive-pressure respiratory protective equipment available to them.
They are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without trying to stop the release. Their function is to contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures.
First responders at the operational level must have received at least eight hours of training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas in addition to those listed for the awareness level and the employer shall so certify:
- knowledge of the basic hazard and risk assessment techniques,
- how to select and use proper personal protective equipment provided to the first responder operational level,
- understanding of basic hazardous material terms,
- how to perform basic control, containment and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available with their unit,
- how to implement basic decontamination procedures, and
- understanding of the relevant standard operating procedures and termination procedures.
Where a fire occurs at the operations level, offensive actions may be taken to extinguish the fire if no chemical protective clothing is required. For example, in the case of a liquefied petroleum gas fire, personnel at the first-responder operations level would work to shut off the gas flow and extinguish the fire once it was determined that no other chemicals are present and that offensive actions are required.
When these employees are expected to handle emergencies involving flammable liquids and gases in an offensive mode, then additional training is necessary and a minimum of 24 hours of training at the first-responder operations level is recommended. Such a 24-hour operations level training course will prepare those wishing to move up to the technician level of the on-scene commander level.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. First responders, such as fire departments and fire brigade units, typically receive _____ training.
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