Emergency Services Management - Advanced Interactions of Hazardous Essay

Emergency Services Management - Advanced Interactions of Hazardous Materials - - Essay Example According to Spellman (2007), risk mitigation involves plans to curb hazards from occurring or to prevent them from developing into unmanageable disasters in case they occur. More importantly, it focuses on long-lasting solutions aimed at reducing or eliminating risks. Besides mitigation, there are standardized instructions for untrained first respondent on how to carry out an emergency operation. As one of the resourceful tool of information, Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) provides guidance to the HAZMAT personnel on how to manage accidents involving hazardous materials such as chlorine explosion during road or rail transport. Therefore, this discussion explores how reliable is the ERG in dealing with a hazardous substance release on an accident scene. However, other sources of information such as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and submitted Tier II information can also be used. ERG provides explicit instructions on how to approach the scene of the incident. For instance, the response team should approach the scene from upstream and upwind since the wind blows away gases and fumes. Such kind of approach, therefore, enables them to move close enough before coming in direct contact with the released substance. On getting to the scene, they are required to make an assessment and look out for any signs of fire, leakage, or any person in danger. It will enable them to determine if there is a need for evacuation, as well as the resources needed for the entire operation. The response team would then secure the location and isolate it so as to restrict entry and reduce exposure to the hazards. Identifying the name and nature of the hazardous material is necessary so that you know what to expect and the protective measures to be taken. Shipping name of the material can be found in the shipping documents that are available in the cab of the vehicle or possession of a train crew member. Identification number of the substance can be