Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
405 Delano PD Policy Manual
Hazardous Material Response
405.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Hazardous materials present a potential harm to employees resulting from their exposure. To
comply with Title 8, California Code of Regulations, § 5194, the following is to be the policy of
this department.
405.1.1 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL DEFINED
A hazardous material is a substance which by its nature, containment and 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.
405.2 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RESPONSE
Employees may encounter situations involving suspected hazardous materials, such as at the
scene of a traffic accident, chemical spill or fire. When employees come into contact with a
suspected hazardous material, certain steps should be taken to protect themselves and citizens.
The following steps should be considered at any scene involving suspected hazardous materials:
(a) Attempt to identify the type of hazardous substance. (Identification can be determined
by placard, driver's manifest or statements from the person transporting).
(b) Notify the Fire Department.
(c) Provide first-aid for injured parties if it can be done safely and without contamination.
(d) Begin evacuation of the immediate area and surrounding areas, depending on the
substance. Voluntary evacuation should be considered; however, depending on the
substance, mandatory evacuation may be necessary.
(e) Notify the local health authority. Such notification is mandatory when a spilled or
released item is a pesticide (Health and Safety Code § 105215).
(f) Notify the Department of Toxic Substances Control. This is mandatory when an
officer comes in contact with, or is aware of, the presence of a suspected hazardous
substance at a site where an illegal controlled substance is or was manufactured
(Health and Safety § 25354.5).
405.3 REPORTING EXPOSURE(S)
Department personnel who believe that they have been exposed to a hazardous material shall
immediately report the exposure to a supervisor. Each exposure shall be documented by the
employee by use of a Chemical Exposure Form (DPD Form 412), that shall be forwarded via chain
of command to the Commanding Officer. Should the affected employee be unable to document
the exposure for any reason, it shall be the responsibility of the notified supervisor to complete
the memorandum.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Hazardous Material Response - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department