HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

408.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Exposure to hazardous materials presents potential harm to office members and the public. This policy outlines the responsibilities of members who respond to these events and the factors that should be considered while on-scene, including the reporting of exposures and supervisor responsibilities. To comply with 8 CCR § 5194, the following is to be the policy of this office.

408.1.1 DEFINITIONS

Definitions related to this policy include:

Hazardous material — A substance which, by its nature, containment, or reactivity, has the capability of inflicting harm during exposure; characterized as being toxic, corrosive, flammable, reactive, an irritant or strong sensitizer and thereby posing a threat to health when improperly managed.

408.2 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RESPONSE

Members may encounter situations involving suspected hazardous materials, such as at the scene of a traffic accident, chemical spill, or fire. When members come into contact with a suspected hazardous material, certain steps should be taken to protect themselves and citizens.

The following steps should be considered at any scene involving suspected hazardous materials:

• Attempt to identify the type of hazardous substance. (Identification can be determined by placard, driver's manifest, or statements from the person transporting).
• Notify the fire department.
• Provide first-aid for injured parties if it can be done safely and without contamination.
• Begin evacuation of the immediate area and surrounding areas, depending on the substance. Voluntary evacuation should be considered; however, depending on the substance, mandatory evacuation may be necessary.
• Notify the local health authority. Such notification is mandatory when a spilled or released item is a pesticide (Health and Safety Code § 105215).
• Notify the Department of Toxic Substances Control. This is mandatory when a deputy comes in contact with, or is aware of, the presence of a suspected hazardous substance at a site where an illegal controlled substance is or was manufactured (Health and Safety Code § 79355).

408.3 REPORTING EXPOSURE

Office members who believe that they have been exposed to a hazardous material shall immediately report the exposure to a supervisor. Each exposure shall be documented by the member in an employee memorandum that shall be forwarded via chain of command to the Administrative Bureau as soon as practicable. Should the affected member be unable to document the exposure for any reason, it shall be the responsibility of the notified supervisor to complete the report.

Injury or illness caused or believed to be caused from exposure to hazardous materials shall be reported the same as any other on-duty injury or illness in addition to a crime report or incident report as applicable.

408.3.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

When a supervisor has been informed that a member has been exposed to a hazardous material, the supervisor shall ensure that immediate medical treatment is obtained and appropriate action is taken to lessen the exposure.

To ensure the safety of members, safety equipment is available through supervisory personnel.

Safety items not maintained by the Office will be obtained through the fire department. Hostage and Barricade Incidents