Policy Text
Policy
406Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/01/30, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentHazardous Material Response - 1Hazardous 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. To comply with 8 CCR § 5194, the following is to be the policy of this department.
406.1.1 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.
406.2 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, 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 Code § 79355).
406.3 REPORTING EXPOSURE
Department members 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
member in an employee memorandum 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.
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Policy Manual
Hazardous Material Response
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/01/30, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentHazardous Material Response - 2Injury or illness caused or believed to be caused from 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.
406.3.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
When a supervisor has been informed that a member has been exposed to a hazardous material,
the supervisor shall ensure that immediate medical treatment is obtained and appropriate action
is taken to lessen the exposure.
To ensure the safety of members, safety equipment is available through supervisory personnel.
Safety items not maintained by the Department will be obtained through the fire department.