GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: PATROL OPERATIONS
TITLE: HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RESPONSE
EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 1, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF DARREN E. BRITTON
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HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RESPONSE
406.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Exposure to hazardous materials presents potential harm to department 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.
406.1.1 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.
406.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Lincoln Police Department to respond to hazardous material emergencies with due regard for the safety of the public and those members responding to such incidents.
406.3 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, they should take certain steps to protect themselves and other persons.
The fire department is the agency trained and equipped to properly respond to and mitigate most incidents involving hazardous materials and biohazards.
Responders should not perform tasks or use equipment without proper training. A responder entering the area may require decontamination before he/she is allowed to leave the scene, and should be evaluated by appropriate technicians and emergency medical services personnel for signs of exposure.
406.4 CONSIDERATIONS
The following steps should be considered at any scene involving suspected hazardous materials:
(a) Make the initial assessment of a potentially hazardous material from a safe distance.
(b) Notify Communications, appropriate supervisors, the appropriate fire department, hazardous response units, and emergency medical units.
Provide weather conditions, wind direction, a suggested safe approach route, and any other information pertinent to responder safety.
(c) Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), being cognizant that some hazardous material can be inhaled.
(d) Remain upwind, uphill, and at a safe distance, maintaining awareness of weather and environmental conditions until the material is identified and a process for handling has been determined.
(e) Attempt to identify the type of hazardous material from a safe distance using optical aids (binoculars or spotting scopes) if they are available. Identification can be determined by:
Placards or use of an emergency response guidebook.
2.Driver's statements or shipping documents from the person transporting the material.
3. Information obtained from any involved person with knowledge regarding the hazardous material. Information should include the following:
(a) The type of material.
(b) How to secure and contain the material.
(c) Any other information to protect the safety of those present, the community, and the environment.
(f) Provide first aid to injured parties if it can be done safely and without contamination.
(g) Make reasonable efforts to secure the scene to prevent access from unauthorized individuals and to protect and identify any evidence.
(h) Begin evacuation of the immediate and surrounding areas, dependent on the material. Voluntary evacuation should be considered; mandatory evacuation may be necessary and will depend on the type of material.
(i) Establish a decontamination area when needed.
(j) Activate automated community notification systems, if applicable.
(k) Notify the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
406.5 REPORTING EXPOSURE
Department members who believe 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 incident report that shall be forwarded via chain of command to the Watch Commander 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 by 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.
406.5.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
When a supervisor has been informed that a member has been exposed to a hazardous material, he/she shall ensure that immediate medical treatment is obtained and appropriate action is taken to mitigate the exposure or continued exposure.
To ensure the safety of members, PPE is available from supervisors. PPE not maintained by this department may be available through the appropriate fire department or emergency response team.
These policies and operating procedures are not designed to cover every possible scenario or situation in society, but rather to define standard operating procedures for members of the Lincoln Police Department. These guidelines are subject to past, present and future judicial review. These guidelines can be amended and or repealed by the Chief of Police as necessary. The policies and procedures herein provided supersede all previous policies and orders.
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