Proceedings magazine is a communication tool for the Coast Guard's Marine Safety & Security Council. Each quarterly magazine focuses on a specific theme of interest to the marine industry.
Issue link: https://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/i/473008
9 Spring 2015 Proceedings www.uscg.mil/proceedings Oil spill response services: NSF personnel provide special- ized oil spill response experience and specialty knowledge, so responders typically seek them out for validation, consul- tation, and to share techniques associated with oil-related incidents. Additionally, strike force oil response equipment can be deployed anywhere in the world to assist in any response. Radiological response services: Strike force personnel detect and identify radiation sources and understand Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and neutron radiation. NSF responders typi- cally make initial recommendations and may escalate a response to a special team that specializes in just radiologi- cal response. The National Strike Force Coordination Center The center oversees the three strike teams and the oil spill response organization classifcation program. Companies that participate in this voluntary program are subject to a stringent verifcation program and receive appropriate NSFCC response classifcations. The coordination center also maintains a national logistics database — the response resource inventory. 2 40-Year Refection The National Strike Force has transformed signifcantly, from an organ ization constructed solely to support FOSCs in response to oil spills into an all-hazard response organization, capable of responding to anything from natu- ral disasters to weapons of mass destruction and terrorist events. NSF responders have risen to the challenge on numerous occasions, learning new response procedures, tactics, and overcoming signifcant challenges such as an increase in missions without additional personnel or funding to help with most of the new responsibilities. Although we have the specialized equipment to provide our advertised response capabilities, because of the NSF's professionalism, commit- ment to the mission, public service, and specialized train- ing, NSF personnel remain its greatest assets. About the authors: LT Scott Houle has served in many capacities in the U.S. Coast Guard for 23 years, including two tours in the Gulf Strike Team Operations Depart- ment. BM1 Kenny Tucker has served in many capacities in the U.S. Coast Guard for 13 years, including the Gulf Strike Team Deck and Training Depart- ments. Endnotes: 1. S e e https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_ table=STANDARDS&p;_id=9767. 2. The Response Resource Inventory, expanded in 1995 to accommodate the needs of the Oil Spill Removal Organization Classifcation initiative, includes data from companies that wish to have their equipment listed in a publicly acces- sible system, as well as data generated from the Oil Spill Response Organiza- tion classifcation program. Private industry participation is voluntary, except for when they apply for classified OSROs. See https://cgrri.uscg.mil/logon. aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fdefault.aspx. MSTC Bo Lisenby is wearing Level A (the highest level) per- sonal protective equipment with air monitoring equipment. U.S. Coast Guard photo by MST2 Heather Clark. MSTC Bo Lisenby, in Level C PPE, carries a radiation detector. U.S. Coast Guard photo by MST2 Heather Clark. Level A, B, C, and D Personal Protective Equipment Level A protection is required when the greatest potential for exposure to hazards exists and when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required. Level B is worn when the same level of respiratory protection is required as in Level A, but a lesser degree of skin protection is needed. Level B protective clothing includes a one-piece ensemble with the self-contained breathing apparatus worn outside the garment. Separate gloves and boots are sealed at the interfaces to minimize chemical penetration. Level C has the same level of skin protection as Level B, but a lower level of respiratory protection. One- or two-piece splash suits are worn with a cartridge respirator. Used with chemicals that are not hazardous via skin absorption and are typically well below established exposure limits. Level C is required when the concentration and type of airborne substances are known and meet the criteria for using air-purifying respirators. Level D is the minimum protection required. Protection is primarily a work uniform.