Hazmat Case Study

Hazmat Case Study. Ashfield Way, Leeds.

[Audio] This is a case study of an incident attended by WYFRS in November 2023. The incident was presented as a building fire. However, as the incident progressed, it was revealed to be a gaseous chemical hazardous material's incident. The case is of note as there are some learning points and considerations as a result of this review. It is the intention of this presentation to be a self-lead learning tool to raise awareness and understanding..

[Audio] Had this incident been received as a Hazardous Related incident related to the release of an unknown gas it would have been practical to implement the following: Initial cordon of 100m in all directions HMEPO and DIM officers mobilised to advise further on the cordon and identification of the substance Controlled deployment of crews into the hot zone to complete necessary tasks such as gaining access or search and rescue. Minimum PPE of BA and full structural fire kit within the hot/warm zones. A suitable decontamination strategy put in place. However, due to the time of the call, the description of the incident type to control and the lack of information available to attending crews on scene, this was not the case..

[Audio] Ashfield Way – Building Fire Incident was in November 2023, 00:21 am. 5 min video, very clipped down to capture an over view of the first 30 mins of the incident. Is currently subject to investigation – so this is for observation and general comments on actions etc Will be general discussion point: What did they do well? What didn't they do so well? What would you have like to have seen done differently?.

[Audio] The origin of call to control has come from occupiers of a business opposite who state that they have seen smoke coming from the building for some time, and there is concern that the building may be on fire. From the video and the account of Crews in attendance, it was very difficult to distinguish this smoke from more traditional 'fire smoke'. Crews were turned out to a building fire and initial indications were as such..

[Audio] It is difficult to appreciate from the footage, but the amount of gas production that is escaping from the building is in a significant enough concentration that it is able to be seen. It is worth noting crews' approximation to the building during the initial stages and gaining access. Here we have a good number of individuals within what would be considered the hot zone without any respiratory protection. It is understood that at this initial stage the incident had not yet revealed itself to be something other than a building fire as directed on the turn out sheet. ​.

[Audio] Even if this gas had been from a more traditional fire, there are several toxic chemicals commonly found in building fire smoke that are worth considering that may alter our approach in such circumstances: Carbon Monoxide (CO): A poisonous gas that interferes with oxygen transport in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN): A highly toxic gas that can cause disorientation, respiratory distress, and even death. It's released when materials containing nitrogen burn. Formaldehyde: A carcinogenic chemical found in smoke. Long-term exposure can have adverse health effects. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Irritates the respiratory system and can exacerbate asthma and other lung conditions. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): These compounds contribute to air pollution and can harm the respiratory system. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These include various toxic chemicals released during combustion..

[Audio] It was noted by crews attending that there was an unusual chemical smell in the air, but as this was a warehouse on a business park with numerous other buildings of unknown business types; it was unknown if the smell present was usual for the area where the building concerned is located. At around 15mins into the incident Crews have managed to gain entry into the building of concern. It is worth considering that at this time if this had been a more traditional building fire, would we have anticipated that the incident would have changed in this time? Visible Signs of fire? Increased production of combustion products? What is the TIC showing us?.

[Audio] From the amount of gas visibly emitted and the duration of the emission at this incident, it may lead one to anticipate that a violent or significant reaction had been taking place. When chemicals react more often than not a temperature change will also take place. These would be exothermic (producing heat) or in some cases endo thermic (cooling). The identification of these reactions taking place can be identified by the use of a thermal imaging camera. The thermal imaging camera can also indicate volumes of gas or vapours being produced that may not be visible to the naked eye..

undefined. Examples of chemical reactions captured on TIC.

[Audio] There was no SSRI information available for this building as the risk indicated on this premise is low. There was no indication externally of what processes of chemicals were stored or used on site. CO Donavan and Sons specialises in cleaning IBCs for recommission. There is normally little to no hazardous processes or chemicals on site that would require signage to indicate. On this particular occasion several IBCs have arrived with remnants of an unknown chemical that have been placed into one IBC whilst the remainder were processed as usual. A chemical reaction had taken place in this IBC that resulted in the IBC melting and producing large amount of gaseous vapour visible in the video..

[Audio] The OIC had been able to obtain a mobile number for the owner who advised that the substance in the container was Acetic Acid, but contradicted themselves later saying it was Hydrochloric Acid. Hydrochloric acid is considered a stronger acid, however exposure to Acetic acid can lead to: Eye, nose and throat irritation Burns and tissue destruction on skin contact Burns, lachrymation, and conjunctivitis on eye contact Bleeding from ulcerations, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea on mucous membrane exposure Irritation of the nose and throat on inhalation Pulmonary oedema, a medical emergency, on higher exposures.

[Audio] Decision & Outcome Information from BA teams that were sent into investigate revealed the nature of the incident being that of an IBC with unknown chemical gassing off. It was confirmed that no persons were involved. The OIC made the justifiably correct decision to withdraw crews and default to defensive . At this time, the building had already been opened up and some of the individuals present on the fireground had become exposed to the gaseous acetic acid present. 2 FF's were treated on scene by YAS after presenting with irritated coughs. They were taken to hospital and were released the same day. A further 3 FF's retired from duty on advice of YAS. These individuals returned to station and although retired from duty, completed the remainder of their shift under the welfare of a WC. Had the chemical been Hydrochloric Acid, the resulting exposure would potentially have been worse having a more significant impact on the health of the individuals exposed..