HAZMAT and decontamination
equipment

For the highest possible safety in case of emergency

Rosenbauer offers the right solutions for handling hazardous substances. Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) are materials which pose a risk to life and the environment if released. In HAZMAT operations fast reaction and the initiation of appropriate emergency measures is possible with the right HAZMAT equipment.

Impresses with

  • Special solutions
  • Comprehensive range of products
  • Highest protection

Vehicle concepts

HAZMAT operations vehicle concepts - Rosenbauer

HAZMAT and DECON vehicles are fully equipped for HAZMAT operations and represent the complete and perfect solution for this sector.

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Roll-on/roll-off containers

HAZMAT equipment containers for operations - Rosenbauer

Numerous roll-on/roll-off containers are available for various purposes which serve the individual requirements of the respective fire brigade.

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Swap body

HAZMAT operation decon equipment - Rosenbauer

The swap body concepts from Rosenbauer are equipped with extensive gear for large HAZMAT or decon operations.

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Decon equipment

Hazardous materials equipment for HAZMAT operation - Rosenbauer

Rosenbauer offers a wide selection of decon sets for small and large operations.

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Hazardous materials

Hazardous materials are categorized into three types:

  • Nuclear hazards
  • Biological hazards
  • Chemical hazards

The three categories depend on hazard potential and extent of possible damage:

The distance-time-shield rule

The greater the distance to the hazardous substance, the shorter the stay time in the danger area and the better the shielding (protective clothing) against the respective substance, the lesser the harmful effect.

 

Warning signs indicate the hazardous substance:

Emergency measures for accidents involving hazardous substances

1. Identify danger / investigation

  • Observations: e.g. smoke, haze, flames, “hissing“ of an escaping gas etc.
  • Marking on trucks, tank cars, cargo containers and drums, cans and gas bottles: e.g. danger label, warning sign, shipping documents, material safety data sheets
  • Measure: e.g. with gas detectors

2. Lock down and secure
The accident area should be locked down on a large scale in order to prevent further damage from approaching persons or vehicles and to allow rescue personnel to work unimpeded on their HAZMAT operations!

 

3. Implement rescue measures!
Fast rescue measures must be implemented in every operation. The operational leader determines the circumstances.

 

4. Stabilization of the situation: collecting – sealing - transfer pumping

  • Collecting: e.g. by placing catch basins or using a collection trough
  • Sealing: e.g. by inflating a pneumatic leak-tight cushion or inserting a sealing wedge into the crack
  • Transfer pumping: e.g. by pumping out of the defective tank or container and into a new container

Decontamination

Contamination is the defilement of persons, objects, spaces or the environment with radioactive (A) and/or biological (B) and/or chemical substances (C).

 

Decontamination is understood as the minimization or removal of a hazardous substance from surfaces (from protective clothing and company equipment takes priority). Every firefighting operation results in contamination to some degree. Decontamination measures must, therefore, be implemented after every operation!

 

Decontamination can be classified into three levels, depending on the scope and intensity:

  • DECON level 1 (BASIS decontamination)
    DECON level 1 is implemented for small operations. This takes place in a single designated cleaning area (decon pool) and serves to decontaminate response personnel and equipment. Only cold water is used in addition to the decontamination agent (e.g. polyethylene glycol).
  • DECON level 2 (STANDARD decontamination)
    With 6 or more persons, i.e. medium-sized to large operations, a structured DECON procedure with the following stations is unavoidable: pre-cleaning and main cleaning (cold and warm water), subsequent regeneration (dressing and care).
  • DECON level 3 (CROWD decontamination)
    Comprehensive cleaning technology with power generation, pre-installed in a vehicle, is required for DECON level 3. Rescue personnel are pre-cleaned in a decontamination shower erected outside. The protective suit is then stowed and stored. “Fine decontamination“ takes place within the vehicle. The decontaminated person then receives replacement clothing or regeneration is implemented (e.g. with isotonic beverages). Alternatively, a crowd DECON set is also available as a DECON level 3 for the decontamination of large numbers of civilians, for example, at large events. It includes, among other items, three inflatable tents (for removing contaminated clothing, cleaning, dressing and care).

Application examples

Examples of release of hazardous substances:

  • Transportation accidents
    (e.g. street, rails, shipping, air transport)
  • Accidents in industrial plants
    (e.g. refineries, chemical industry)
  • Terrorist attacks
    (e.g. discovery of a suspicious powder)
  • Incidents in nuclear power plants