HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILL RESPONSE DRILL SCENARIOS

The following sample hazardous material spill response drill scenarios (fig. 1-2) have been collected from several ships. The DCTT should review and discuss these scenarios for applicability to your ship. Each drill should involve as many actions as possible. Walk through the scenario first to train personnel before conducting a complete drill. Each duty section and all CDOs and fire marshals should observe or participate in a hazardous material spill drill. If available, use your ship's spill response kit.

Other scenarios could include a crane delivering a pallet load of paint breaking over the helo deck and spilling; several 5-gallon cans of ammonia floor wax stripper breaking free during heavy weather and spilling in a berthing area; or a 50-pound container of powdered citric acid falling in the engine room and breaking open, spilling the powder into the bilges and over two levels of deck grating. Be creative, but realistic.

Gasoline Spill Figure 1-3 is a sample of a training drill scenario and evaluation sample for a gasoline spill drill. This scenario, like all others, should be tailored to meet the needs of your ship. The purpose of this sample is to provide you, the supervisor, a practical way to initiate the drill and to monitor and evaluate your response team's abilities. Keep in mind, the maximum credit points are arbitrary. You should assign point values based on the importance of each task being performed.

SCENARIO #l An Engineman is removing a 12-volt battery from the motor whale boat. The boat is on the davit, and the Engineman must carry the battery down the side ladder. As he lifts the battery over to the side of the boat, his glove slips, and the battery falls about 10 feet to the deck below. The battery caps fly off and about 2 quarts of battery acid spill on the deck The acid is flowing toward the deck edge and scupper over the side. A nearby Boatswain's Mate tries to set the battery up to stop the spill and suffers acid burns on his hands.

This spill will involve: -A medical emergency for acid bums -Stopping the spill from spreading -Using baking soda to neutralize the acid around the battery, and using personnel protective equipment to pick it up and bag it

-Spreading baking soda and scrubbing the spill area -A fire party to charge hoses and dilute the acid while washing it over the side -Personal protective equipment that would include rubber boots, rubber gloves, a rubber apron, and goggles (a respirator may not be required)

The used hazardous material would include the broken battery and any contaminated containment materials. The acid spill should be neutralized before washing it over the side. The alternative is to neutralize with baking soda and absorbing it up with towels, absorbent, or other material. All this would be bagged as used hazardous material.

SCENARIO #2 An SK3 went down to the flammable liquid storeroom to break out a 5-gallon can of paint thinner (flash point less than 100 degrees). As he carries this can up the ladder, the handle breaks off the can, and it falls down to the bottom of the ladder. As the can hits, the cap pops off and the contents spill. The vestibule is small and there is no ventilation in the ladder well. The SK3 tries to go down after the can, and while trying to right the can, replace the cap, and cleanup the spill, falls unconscious in the thinner. A sailor in a space above smells the strong vapors and phones DCC to get the fire marshal to investigate. The sailor and the fire marshal find the unconscious SK3 and see the spilled paint thinner in the vestibule.

This spill will involve: -Explosive vapors and the need to secure sources of ignition. -A medical emergency with the SK3 overcome by the vapors and skin contact with the chemical. A rescue would require respiratory protection but not an OBA due to flammable vapors.

-Ventilating the area with a Red Devil blower. -Calling away the fire party in case of explosion and fire. -Gas-freeing the area. -Dressing out two people in goggles, organic vapor respirators, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and disposable coveralls.

-Cleaning up the spill using absorbent, double plastic bagging, and marking the material as used hazardous material.

-Decontamination of the area with soapy water.

Figure 1-2.- Response drill scenarios.

Figure 1-3.- Spill drill for gasoline.

Figure 1-3.- Spill drill for gasoline- Continued.

Oil Spill Figure 1-4 is a training scenario and evaluation sample for an oil spill drill. Remember, this is only a sample and should be tailored to suit the needs of your ship.

Freon Spill Figure 1-5 shows a sample of a freon spill drill. The purpose of this sample is not to limit you, but to encourage you to create your own viable scenarios.