Incidents involving Asbestos (PN 519) Flashcards Preview

LFB Policy Notes & FRU (2020) > Incidents involving Asbestos (PN 519) > Flashcards

Flashcards in Incidents involving Asbestos (PN 519) Deck (26)
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1
Q

In which decade did asbestos start to become extensively used as a building material?

A

The 1950’s

2
Q

When are asbestos fibres a danger to fire fighers?

A

When they become airborne

2
Q

When are asbestos fibres a danger to fire fighers?

A

When they become airborne

3
Q

For the purposes of the Fire Service there are 2 main forms in which we encounter asbestos. What are they?

A

Insulation - fibres become airborne easily

Cement asbestos sheeting - fibres have a low risk of release

4
Q

What does ACM stand for?

A

Asbestos Containing Materials

5
Q

Under what regulations should non-domestic property owners inform the Fire Service of the presence of ACMs?

A

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 4

6
Q

What 4 considerations should the IC make en-route to an incident where asbestos is believed to be involved?

A

1) Safe approach route and siting of appliances
2) Signage on building exterior
3) Establishing a minimum 25m restricted zone
4) Consider PN 415 Cordons

7
Q

If asbestos is known or suspected what must be done immediately by the IC on arrival?

A

Send priority message ‘Asbestos Reported’ a further message should be sent to advise on coming appliances of a safe approach and RVP (from upwind)

8
Q

What level of PPE should be worn in the restricted zone in a non fire situation?

A

Gas Tight Suits

9
Q

What must be in place prior to committing crews?

A

Decontamination and safe undress area

10
Q

What are the 3 problems associated with restricted zones?

A

1) The difficulty of evacuation large numbers of the public or confining them to their homes with doors and windows shut
2) The number of personnel required to restrict entry to the zone
3) Dealing with public order problem

Hence the need for close liaison with the Police

11
Q

What type of respirator filter should be used if BA and Gas Tight Suits are not being worn?

A

P3

12
Q

Asbestos fibres can be particularly difficult to remove from what area of your fire kit?

A

The velcro fasteners

13
Q

3 Operational considerations are listed in the note when dealing with asbestos. What are they?

A

1) Avoid cutting away of ACMs
2) Use water spray to keep ACMs damp to minimise risk of fibres becoming airborne
3) Avoid the use of power tools for cutting as they create fine particles

Food, drink and cigarettes should not be consumed on scene

14
Q

In the event of a fire where asbestos has been reported GTS would melt so consideration should be given to which 4 aspects of the incident that are listed in the note?

A

1) location of the fire in relation to the asbestos
2) Type of asbestos
3) Time of exposure
4) HMEPO or SA for decontamination advice

15
Q

Incidents involving Cement Asbestos and Artex coatings do not require GTS. What level of respiratory protection is necessary?

A

BA or respirator with P3 filter

16
Q

What should be done with contaminated fire kit post incident?

A

Double bagged and labeled asbestos contaminated (not in note) and then sent for specialist cleaning

17
Q

Is it the LFB’s responsibility to leave the area clean of Asbestos at the end of the incident?

A

No, under regulation 17 of CAR 2012 the responsibility lies with the property owner to arrange appropriate contractors. The LFB will not declare an area safe.

18
Q

How does the owner of a non domestic property inform the LFB of the presence of Asbestos?

A

Via the LFB website

19
Q

What are the 3 types of Asbestos that an owner might identify?

A

Blue
Brown
White

20
Q

Following a 7.2d visit what circumstances require an entry on the ORD regarding the presence of Asbestos?

A

Any ACMs that have a real prospect of becoming airborne. Asbestos contained in cement or artex need not be entered

21
Q

Following a 7.2d visit what circumstances require an entry on the ORD regarding the presence of Asbestos?

A

Any ACMs that have a real prospect of becoming airborne. Asbestos contained in cement or artex need not be entered

22
Q

HMEPO stands for Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Officer. What does SA stand for?

A

Scientific Advisor

23
Q

Blue asbestos is the most harmful. What is it called? (Not in the note)

A

Crocidolite

24
Q

Amosite or brown asbestos is often found in cement forms of asbestos. What is the name of white asbestos? (Not in the note)

A

Chrysotile, the most common type found in brake linings, cement and roofing materials

25
Q

What does WEL stand for?

A

Workplace exposure limit