Radiation response for fire, rescue

Have you encountered an incident involving radioactive
materials?
SAFELY approach from upwind, up-
slope direction
ISOLATE AND SECURE the scene
LIMIT TIME of contact in the area
containing radioactive materials
NOTIFY Georgia State authorities
OBTAIN information about the scene
(see below)
INFORMATION that should be re-
ported includes:
Your name, address and contact
telephone number
Location of encounter with driving
directions
Description of any device or pack-
age and any labels found
Identity (name, address, contact
telephone number) of person possessing a package or device
Vehicle description (make, model,
color, license plate)

RADIATION RESPONSE
For FIRE / RESCUE
How to Recognize and Respond to
Incidents Involving Radiation in Georgia
Radiation incidents can occur anywhere. There are techniques that you can use to protect yourself, your fellow responders and others. Georgia state radiation experts can provide assistance during a radiological response.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division -------------------------------
Georgia Emergency Management Agency
Revised: April 2008

Responder Safety = TDS + PPE
Time Minimize the time spent within the radiological area
Distance Maximize the distance from the sources of radiation.
Shielding Place shielding (e.g., vehicles, clothing) between you and the sources of radiation.
Personal Protective Equipment Typical PPE used during radiological incidents may consist of, but is not limited to, the following:
Firefighter turnout or bun-
ker gear
Disposable coveralls Jackets Shoe covers or boots Gloves Hoods Safety glasses Respiratory protection
(e.g., SCBA, respirators)

Radiation Response Guidance
Safety
Potential hazards when fire is involved with radioactive materials:
Melting or destruction of radioactive shielding or outer container
Burning of radioactive material, releasing particulates or gases
Explosions may embed radioactive debris in personnel or equipment
Approach from upwind, upslope side
Check for other hazards--chemicals, electricity, traffic, water
Attempt to determine the types and quantities of radioactive materials
Isolate
Set initial evacuation area of 500 meters/yards in all directions or other distance based on Emergency Response Guidebook
Notify
Advise Medical Responders of injured and possible contaminated individuals
Advise Georgia radiation authority
Relinquish control of technical response upon arrival of Georgia Emergency Radiation Team

Scene Size-Up, Initial Actions
Radiological Incident Indicators Human senses cannot detect radiation Instruments can detect radiation (e.g.,
Geiger counters) Look for Radiation
signs and labels at scene
Approaching the Scene
Safety, first and always Isolate, and deny entry Notify Medical, State Radiation Au-
thority
Immediate Actions Keep all uninvolved persons away from
scene and reroute traffic as needed Detain all persons involved with inci-
dent or potentially contaminated at the scene Record names, addresses, phone numbers of those unable to remain at scene