New Guide for Air Quality Measurements in Response to Emergency Incidents
1. Scope
1.1 This guide provides information to assist those involved in performance of air quality measurements in response to emergency incidents, such as train derailments, that release hazardous chemicals into the air. This includes initial screening measurements; identification and deployment of selected analytical methods after initial screening; and longer-term analytical monitoring requirements.
1.2 Guidance regarding measurements in ambient air, indoor air, and workplace air, is within the scope of this guide. This includes, for example, personal exposure monitoring, ambient monitoring, and community-based monitoring. Assessment of surface contamination resulting from such releases are also within the scope of this guide.
1.3 This guide provides information for decision-making and refers the user to available procedures and methods for specific sampling and measurement needs.
1.4 Immediate actions of first responders (for example, to secure the incident scene and ensure personnel health and safety) are not within the scope of this guide. (Note: EPA, OSHA, TLVs, NFPA, etc., all have applicability.)
Keywords
Incident response; Air quality; Ambient air monitoring; Workplace air monitoring; Indoor air monitoring
Rationale
To provide harmonized guidance on response needed to address air quality issues stemming from incidents, such as train derailments, that can release hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere. Typically, in such cases there is an immediate response to characterize the release, followed by longer-term monitoring depending on the nature and extent of the release. Although some guidance and a number of measurement methods are available, there are gaps and there is not a comprehensive document that users can utilize to determine how best to begin the process. This guide is intended to fulfill that need.
