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EMCOMM WORKER PROTECTION
NEAR THE "LION'S MOUTH"
Bob Hejl - W2IK - NNN0KSI - NAVMC MARS ECOM
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This web site will hopefully better prepare emergency communications workers who might be asked to respond to points very close to a disaster which could possibly cause them to be exposed to toxic substances released from fires or explosions. Shifting winds, unexpected explosions and other unknown forces may quickly change the drama of some events as the "safe zone" they were originally operating from might quickly disappear. Although 98% of EmComm deployment duties will not be anywhere near the "Lion's Mouth", there can be risks to a handful of EmComm workers posted to "exceptional events" where exposure to hazmat could be of serious concern. One glaring case came from my personal experience being deployed during the World Trade Center Disaster with my actual deployment at "Ground Zero". This was the closest any EmComm worker would come to being exposed to the toxins of the event.
In retrospect, the choice of the location for the ICC (Incident Command Center) was a poor one as every worker in that area was constantly exposed to a laundry list of toxins which sometimes increased in intensity such as when building # 7 fell, while many of us were outside at the time, myself included, and ended up being pelted with building debris which also contained hazardous materials (including medical waste which was stored in that building on a short-term basis). Back then, most of us had no clue as to the dangers of being so close to this disaster. We just did what needed to be done. The result of not being properly prepared for this event has left me with chronic "WTC Cough" and other breathing problems. These are the same health problems now being faced, in varying degrees and in most cases much worse, by hundreds of rescue workers who volunteered during this disaster. Other ideas being presented are from myself and others being deployed near other hazardous locations during events such as shifting wildfires which inundated our evacuation center with choking smoke, deploying during a large fire at a recycling plant where there was the threat of having to evacuate a town of over 50 thousand residents and during several plane crashes where benzene and other toxins were released near the ICC. EmComm workers were never meant to be deployed in "harm's way" but during an emergency the safe-lines can swiftly change and if you are not prepared you may find yourself exposed to dangerous substances through no fault of your own.
The events of 2001 were not that long ago, however, we have learned a great deal about the dangers of exposure during a disaster. Even service agencies such as police and fire departments have redefined their training, equipment and knowledge when dealing with even the possibility of toxic exposure. By stating the term "toxic exposure", I am not just referring to chemicals known to cause illness from immediate exposure or direct contact, but also from other irritants long thought to be just that, irritants. We now see that a combination of elements such as exposure due to inhaling particulates in even small amounts, such as asbestos, when combined with chemical agents that may cling to the drifting particles could create a double-edged dagger of deadly threats on a long term basis.
It would be the height of insanity to ask any EmComm worker to deploy into a known toxic-filled environment, even with proper training and equipment. We are communicators, not rescue workers. When an EC is asked to provide emergency communications coverage for a disaster, he must first find out the facts. This should not only include the standard what/where/when/hows, but also if there is a chance that any of their deployed workers would be near any threat of exposure to any type of substance which might cause them harm, either short or long term. If any EC is informed by any agency that their communicators should "bring a mask when they come", then they are too close to the front lines and the EC should refuse to deploy manpower until the ICC is far enough away from the site. An EC must protect his communications team. As much as we'd like to be protected by distance, sometimes an ICC will attempt to be as close to the event as possible and a poor site could be chosen. We have no control over this. This site may be out of "harm's way" in the very beginning of the event, therefore communcators would be relatively safe, but shifting wind patterns or the progression of any fire may make the original ICC unsafe very quickly. The most important thing any EmComm worker deployed at an ICC should be aware of is if that site becomes unsafe. They must always keep their ears tuned to any voice which may shout for the need to quickly evacuate as they may not get too early a notice before a wind direction change or pressure area overcomes their site with toxic fumes.
With this type of threat, every EmComm worker should be prepared by knowing how to quickly evacuate, the quickest route AND have with them a good quality respirator to help them escape from certain chemical, biological and nuclear agents. This is NOT a simple paper mask nor a basic particulate filter that consumers use if they paint or clean out their garage. There are many types of respirators on the market with prices ranging from ten to thousands of dollars. Since the purpose of an EmComm worker's respirator is to allow a few additional minutes to complete their evacuation from a newly polluted site, what they need would be a snug fitting respirator that is able to filter out chemical, biological and nuclear agents for a limited amount of time. Make sure that whatever respirator you chose can do this and not just limit particulates. Check any filter cartridges before you buy a unit to see what they cover. Below are a few examples of both useful AND useless masks or filters. There are also a few that are full face-type which will also protect your eyes and face until you can reach safety. When you have obtained one, learn how to quickly don it. Make sure it's snug, especially if you wear glasses. If you don't hear a call, yet think your area might become polluted, don't hesitate to put on that mask. Better to be safe than risk long term damage because you didn't wish to be the first one at the ICC wearing a mask. Believe me, I understand. Expect to pay about fifty dollars or more for a decent, basic respirator. It's worth the investment. Pack it with your "go bag".
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Basic Mask With Good Filters
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Dust Mask - Useless
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Filters DUST ONLY
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GOOD "ESCAPE MASK"
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GOOD FULL FACE MASK
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Basic protective Suit (Read Below)
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After you've obtained a good respirator, it's time to consider other protection. If you've gotten a full-face mask then you need not worry about eye protection. If your respirator only covers your nose and mouth, you'll need some sort of eye protection in the form of goggles which do NOT have vents on them. If your eye protection had vents then any gas or chemical can contaminate your eyes and cause damage or in some cases may cause blindness. Again, this protection is needed just to give you enough time to evacuate yourself from the polluted location. Make sure that your eye protection fits snuggly on your face for the best protection possible. There are many sources on the internet to purchase eye protection. It would also be wise to have a bottle of eye wash in your "go bag".
After providing the proper eye and breathing protection, you should also consider getting yourself protective clothing in the form of some type of one-piece coverall (as seen in the above picture). Make sure that whatever coveralls you obtain they are made for this type of service. "Tyvek"-type coveralls are both a tough an inexpensive investment. Coveralls should be easy for you to put on over your "street" clothing and have elastic cuffs and legs to prevent toxic dust from migrating on to your inner clothing. If you need to put on coveralls, make sure you put on your respirator FIRST. Coveralls should also be waterproof so and toxic liquids are kept away from your body. If you can, purchase hooded coveralls as they offer maximum protection. If you deploy to an event where you do become contaminated, DO NOT wash the coveralls for re-use. Instead, carefully take them off (outside of your home), carefully place them in a plastic bag and seal the bag before disposing. After coverall removal, take a long, soapy shower. If you wish to be on the safe side, you may want to turn in the sealed bag to your local fire department as they have the ways and means to safely dispose of hazmat contaminated clothing. Along with this protection, you should also have several pairs of latex fitted gloves. (Or non-latex if you have a latex allergy) When you deploy, make sure you have a decent pair of boots to wear. It would be a good idea to spray your boots with some form of water-proofing for additional protection. (I destroyed a new pair of boots by not spraying them before I deployed to WTC "Ground Zero")
I can not stress enough the importance of not spending any more time at a contaminated site than is necessary to quickly gather your equipment/gear and get out! It is NOT your job to remain at a dangerous location and continue to communicate. My deployment at the WTC disaster "ground Zero" was an extreme exception that will never happen to you. I was deployed there for an extended time because it would not have been wise to expose other EmComm workers by deploying them to that ICC location.
In taking my modest suggestions you will be afforded basic protection, at a reasonable cost, which will prevent your being contaminated should your deployment area become compromised. As always, the best way to protect yourself is not to be there, but sometimes you may not have much of a choice. Do not attempt to be a hero by remaining at a hazmat location where you shouldn't be. You are already a hero the moment you volunteered for EmComm duty. Use common sense. Discuss personal hazmat protection at your EmComm meetings so every member can be better prepared.
Bob Hejl - W2IK - NNN0KSI - NAVMC MARS ECOM
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Not liable for errors or omissions.
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