CHMM Emergency Response and Recovery 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which factor most significantly affects the decision to shelter-in-place versus evacuate during a toxic chemical release?
- The quantity of chemical released regardless of other conditions
- Wind speed, direction, duration of release, and building integrity (Correct answer)
- Whether the facility has a written emergency response plan
- The chemical's flash point and autoignition temperature
Correct answer: Wind speed, direction, duration of release, and building integrity
The decision between shelter-in-place and evacuation depends on meteorological conditions, expected release duration, distance, and the protective capacity of available structures.
Question 2: An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) required under 29 CFR 1910.38 must include which of the following elements?
- Specific chemical hazard assessments for each substance on-site
- Procedures for reporting fires and emergencies, and evacuation routes (Correct answer)
- Medical surveillance records for all emergency responders
- Annual financial analysis of emergency response costs
Correct answer: Procedures for reporting fires and emergencies, and evacuation routes
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 requires EAPs to include emergency reporting procedures, evacuation routes, and accounting for employees after evacuation.
Question 3: During the recovery phase following a hazmat incident, 'site characterization' involves:
- Documenting insurance claims and property damage assessments
- Systematically sampling and analyzing the site to define the extent of contamination (Correct answer)
- Interviewing witnesses to determine the cause of the release
- Calculating the cost of lost business operations during the incident
Correct answer: Systematically sampling and analyzing the site to define the extent of contamination
Site characterization involves systematic sampling, analysis, and mapping to determine the nature and extent of contamination before cleanup planning.
Question 4: The National Response Framework (NRF) Emergency Support Function #10 (ESF #10) is specifically assigned to coordinate:
- Search and rescue operations at hazmat incidents
- Oil and hazardous materials response (Correct answer)
- Public health and medical services
- Environmental protection and debris removal
Correct answer: Oil and hazardous materials response
ESF #10 coordinates federal oil and hazardous materials response activities under the NRF, led by EPA with USCG as co-lead.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a 'termination briefing' at the conclusion of a hazmat incident?
- To formally transfer custody of contaminated materials to a licensed disposal firm
- To document lessons learned, critique operations, and identify follow-up actions (Correct answer)
- To notify insurance carriers that the incident has been resolved
- To debrief media and release final information to the public
Correct answer: To document lessons learned, critique operations, and identify follow-up actions
A termination briefing documents what went right and wrong, captures lessons learned, and assigns follow-up responsibilities to improve future responses.
Question 6: Which chemical property is most important when selecting personal protective equipment (PPE) for a hazmat response involving an unknown liquid?
- The chemical's vapor pressure at ambient temperature
- Permeation rate through available suit materials (Correct answer)
- The chemical's specific gravity relative to water
- Reactivity with common decontamination agents
Correct answer: Permeation rate through available suit materials
Permeation rate determines how quickly a chemical will penetrate through PPE materials, making it critical for suit selection when the chemical is known.
Question 7: Under the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990, which party bears primary liability for cleanup costs when oil is discharged into navigable waters?
- The federal government through the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
- The 'responsible party' — typically the vessel or facility owner/operator (Correct answer)
- The state in whose waters the spill occurs
- The contractor hired to transport the oil
Correct answer: The 'responsible party' — typically the vessel or facility owner/operator
OPA 1990 establishes the 'responsible party' (owner or operator of the vessel or facility) as primarily liable for removal costs and damages.
CHMM Emergency Response and Recovery 5
Which factor most significantly affects the decision to shelter-in-place versus evacuate during a toxic chemical release?