OPERATIONS DIVISION
About Operations Division
The Operations Division is responsible for Training, Hazardous Materials Response, Technical Rescue Response, the County’s UAS Drone Operations and the deployment and operations of the Mobile Command Unit. The nature of incidents that the Operations Division oversees are low frequency/high-risk. This means that these types of incidents do not happen as frequently as other emergency incidents, but they are of higher risk to the responders and the general public.
Hazardous Materials
The County of Lebanon Special Operations Team is the state-certified hazardous materials team for Lebanon County. The members of the team go through rigorous training and recertify under PEMA’s directives and in accordance with PA ACT 165; The Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning and Response Act. There are currently 3 types of Hazardous Materials response teams under FEMA direction. The County of Lebanon Special Operations Team is currently certified as a FEMA Type II Hazardous Materials Team.
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Special Operations
The County of Lebanon Special Operations Team is the state-certified hazardous materials team for Lebanon County. The members of the team go through rigorous training and recertify under PEMA’s directives and in accordance with PA ACT 165; The Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning and Response Act. There are currently 3 types of Hazardous Materials response teams under FEMA direction. The County of Lebanon Special Operations Team is currently certified as a FEMA Type II Hazardous Materials Team.
TECHNICAL RESCUE
Special Operations also includes Trench Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Rope Rescue (low and high angle), search and rescue, and water rescue. Team members train and commit over 12,000 personnel hours of training and time a year to stay proficient with the specialized operations.
MOBILE COMMAND UNIT
The Mobile Command Unit is deployed to all incidents that either require a Unified Command, or an incident that may span multiple operational periods. This unit can support the Incident Command team and an incident dedicated Telecommunicator.
UAS PROGRAM
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems program provides an enhanced level of operational capability, safety and situational awareness for first responders, other approved participating agencies and decision-makers. They UAS program provides relevant high-quality imagery, data and customized geospatial solutions using unmanned aircraft in a responsible and transparent manner to maintain the public trust. All pilots are certified to the FAA Part 107 certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a Hazardous Material?
Hazardous Material is defined as- A substance (either matter- solid, liquid, or gas – or energy) that when released is capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD) as define in 18 U.S. Code, Section 2332a, as well as any other criminal use of hazardous materials, such as illicit labs, environmental crimes, or industrial sabotage. NFPA 472 2013 Edition 3.3.29
What types of equipment does Hazmat use?
Whether utilized in physical support or hot zone entry, the equipment used in mitigating hazardous materials incidents has advanced over the years. Today’s Level A and B hazmat suits are compliant with the highest standards set by the industry and serve to protect operational and technical personnel working around the product.
Portable decontamination units equipped for ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients make the hazmat scene safer by providing immediate care and rehab for entry teams and victims leaving the hot zone.
During initial incident analysis, chemical information entered into computer programs calculates hazard levels, flash points and toxic atmospheric movements based on chemical properties such as vapor pressure and viscosity, in concert with temperature and geography. This material assists officers on scene and provides vital information for prediction.
What are the different levels of HazMat Training?
Awareness Level- Personnel who, in the course of their normal duties, could encounter and emergency involving hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction(WMD) and who are expected to recognize the presence of the hazardous materials/ weapons of mass destruction (WMD), protect themselves, call for trained personnel, and secure the scene. NFPA 472 2013 Edition 4.1.1.1
Operations Level- Personnel who responds to hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents for the purpose of protecting nearby person, the environment, or property from the effects of the release. There are mission specific Operations Level Competencies. Competencies for Operations level Personnel are considered defensive operations. NFPA 472 2013 Edition 5.1.1.1
Technician Level- Personnel who responds to hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents using a risk-based response process by which he or she analyzes a problem involving hazardous materials/ weapons of mass destruction (WMD), selects applicable decontamination procedures, and controls a release using specialized protective clothing and control equipment. Competencies for Technician level Personnel are considered offensive operations. NFPA 472 2013 Edition 7.1.1.1
What are the nine specialty areas for a HazMat Technician?
The nine areas of specialty for Hazmat Technician:
- Tank Car Specialty
- Tank Car Specialist-Advanced
- Cargo Tank Specialty
- Intermodal Tank Specialty
- Marine Tank and Non-Tank Vessel Specialty
- Flammable Liquids Bulk Storage Specialty
- Flammable Gases Bulk Storage Specialty
- Radioactive Material Specialty
- Highway Emergency Response Specialist
How can I join Special Operations and Hazardous Materials?
To learn more about joining the LCDES Hazmat Team, please visit this page.
DEPARTMENTS
RESOURCES
Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services.
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