Guidance, Technical Assistance & Planning

Health and Safety
On-Shore and Off-Shore Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Matrix for Oil Spill Exposures (2022)
The Oil Spill Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Matrix provides recommendations on protective equipment for workers who respond to oil spills. The Matrix provides examples of common scenarios for on-shore and off-shore oil spills but does not prescribe PPE for every worker exposure or scenario, nor does it identify all PPE options. The PPE recommendations in this document address general oil spill cleanup and response work, but not all potential risks or all scenarios involved in these activities. This Matrix can be used in conjunction with a comprehensive risk assessment (e.g., job hazard analysis (JHA) or an Incident Action Plan Safety Analysis (Incident Command System ICS-215A)) for oil spill response operations.

Psychological Resiliency Resources and Training for Disaster Responders List (2018)
The purpose of this document is to encourage readers to explore Psychological Resiliency resources that are available on the internet. The resources listed in this document are provided as examples, meant for informational purposes only, and not a comprehensive list. The NRT nor its member agencies, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), etc. do not in any way endorse, promote or recommend these resources. Readers are reminded that the use of the resources do not replace your organization's requirements and does not supersede applicable laws, authorities, regulations, policy or guidance.

Incident Command System (ICS) 215A-Operational Risk Management (ORM) Form (2018)
The ICS 215A-ORM Form is a resource to help Safety Officers (SOs) and Assistant Safety Officers (ASOs), working with the Operations Section, in completing and communicating an operational risk assessment and prioritize the most significant hazards and controls. SO/ASOs can use the form during initial operational periods when incident command is scoping the incident and response activities and developing a formal safety plan. In addition, SO/ASOs may use the form to gauge the effectiveness of the safety program and/or evaluate a new activity during a response. The ICS 215A-ORM Form differs from similar forms through the use of MS Excel's auto-populate feature to carry information (e.g., assignments, hazards) from page 1 to page 2. The two-page layout provides additional space to capture the hazards and controls across the top of the form.

Smartphone and Tablet Response Applications (2014)
The purpose of this document is to encourage readers to explore the Android and iPhone/iPad marketplaces for apps and lists specific apps that have been used by individual NRT Worker Safety and Health (WS&H) Subcommittee members only as examples. This listing is meant for informational purposes only and is not a comprehensive list. The NRT nor its member agencies, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), etc. do not in any way endorse, promote or recommend these apps. The views and opinions on these apps do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Government. Readers are reminded that the use of apps does not replace paperwork and documentation requirements and does not supersede applicable laws, authorities, regulations, policy or guidance.

Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance (2012)

In response to the continuing need for health monitoring and surveillance for emergency response workers, a consortium of federal agencies, state health departments, and volunteer responder groups was convened by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This set of guidelines and recommendations is the product of those deliberations. It is intended to address all aspects of protecting emergency responders and should be applicable over the full range of emergency types and settings. It is intended to be of use to all those involved in the deployment and protection of emergency responders, including incident management leadership; leadership of response organizations; health, safety, and medical personnel; and the workers themselves. This document was approved by the NRT as a Technical Assistance Document on January 26, 2012 along with the companion document "Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance (ERHMS): A Guide for Key Decision Makers".

Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance: NRT Technical Assistance Document

Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance: A Guide for Key Decision Makers

For more information please reference the NIOSH ERHMS page: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/erhms/


Guidance for Managing Worker Fatigue During Disaster Operations (2009)
Volume I of this Technical Assistance Document (TAD) addresses worker fatigue during large-scale disaster operations, such as those following the Oklahoma City bombing, the 9-11 attacks, anthrax contamination, the Columbia Space Shuttle Recovery, and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Volume I is intended to serve as a hands-on manual to assist organizations with the development of programs and plans to address fatigue issues among disaster workers. The second document, "Volume II: Guidance for Managing Worker Fatigue During Disaster Operations: Background Document," summarizes the essential information compiled and reviewed by the NRT while developing its recommended approach.

External Web Links

The Hurricane eMatrix (OSHA)

Work conditions change drastically after hurricanes and other natural disasters. In the wake of a hurricane, response and recovery workers will face additional challenges, such as downed power lines, downed trees, and high volumes of construction debris, while performing an otherwise familiar task/operation.

In this Hazard Exposure and Risk Assessment Matrix, OSHA provides information on many of the most common and significant additional hazards that response and recovery workers might encounter when working in an area recently devastated by a hurricane. This Matrix highlights a number of tasks and operations associated with disaster response and recovery. The Matrix is designed to help employers make decisions during their risk assessment that will protect their workers working in hurricane-impacted areas.


OSHA and Interagency Resources for Hurricanes and Floods (2017)
Developed by the NRT Worker Safety and Health Subcommittee and updated in November 2017, the Worker Safety and Health Resources for Hurricane and Flood Cleanup and Recovery list provides links to resources for safety officers and workers performing hurricane and flood cleanup and recovery activities.

Safety Officer Toolbox (EPA)

This web site is intended to support the Safety Officer (SO) in an Incident Management Team. It was developed based on SO positions and issues at a number of different responses to include: Hurricanes Katrina/Rita, Hurricane Irene/Tropical Storm Lee, Enbridge Oil Spill, Deepwater Horizon, & Hurricane Sandy. It is constantly being upgraded and expanded as new information, policies and procedures are developed. The purpose of the site is to create a tool box for SO, Deputy Safety Officer (DSO), and Assistant Safety Officers (ASO). This web site is intended to be updated as needed by field personnel who serve in the SO, DSO and ASO positions with current information and lessons learned as we continue to implement the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

The SO Toolbox contains resources pertaining to the following:

- Safety training and qualifications

- Safety briefings, factsheets and communications

- Incident Command System (ICS) forms

- Health and Safety Plans (HASP)

- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

- Other resources



U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (DOD)

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) spearheads research to develop medical solutions—vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and information—to protect our military service members from biological threats.

USAMRIID Reference Materials: Reference materials published by USAMRIID, including the Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook or "Blue Book."



National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is one of 27 research institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH),  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The mission of the NIEHS is to discover how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives.

Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (CDC)
Often called “the voice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) series is the agency’s primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations.

Transportation Safety Institute (DOT)
The Transportation Safety Institute (TSI), a fee-for service organization that operates without a direct appropriation, supports the Department of Transportation’s (DOT's) goal to reduce transportation-related deaths and injuries through quality instruction to those entrusted with enforcement and committed to compliance.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety Services
Established in 1978, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety Services (CCOHS) promotes the total well-being - physical, psychosocial and mental health - of working Canadians by providing information, training, education, management systems and solutions that support health, safety and wellness programs.

Ionizing Radiation (OSHA)


Emergency Preparedness and Response Resources (NIOSH)
Workers are a common denominator at any disaster or novel emergency event. Protecting the health and safety of these workers by preventing diseases, injuries, and fatalities is a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Emergency Preparedness and Response Program priority. This can be accomplished by ensuring that responder safety and health is addressed systemically during all phases (pre-, during-, and post-deployment) to make certain only qualified, trained, and properly equipped personnel are deployed.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Pocket Guides
The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards informs workers, employers, and occupational health professionals about workplace chemicals and their hazards. NIOSH offers four versions of the Pocket Guide: print, online, PDF, and mobile web app.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Disaster Kit (SAMSHA)
This toolkit arms disaster recovery workers with materials that aid in responding effectively to the general public during and after a disaster, and in dealing with workplace stress. The toolkit includes SAFE-T practice guidelines, and suicide prevention wallet cards. It also includes guides for parents, caregivers, teachers, and others. Access the Disaster Kit on your mobile phone by downloading the SAMHSA Disaster App.

A Post-Deployment Guide for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers (SAMSHA)
This brochure, created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), contains useful information to ease your transition and enhance your return to your usual work routine.Whether your disaster relief assignment took you to the front lines or behind the scenes, you have made an enormous contribution to our fellow Americans. You have faced difficult challenges to help people in a time of extraordinary need. You have experienced rare and rewarding opportunities that have proven to be uniquely stressful. The effects of that stress can cause difficulties as you reenter the workplace.

Heat Illness Prevention (OSHA)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Heat Illness Prevention campaign educates employers and workers on heat hazards and provides resources to keep workers safe.

Working in Heat (NIOSH)
Provides information and resources on heat stress, its affect on outdoor and indoor workers, and ways to prevent heat-related illnesses (HRI) and injuries.

Protecting Workers and the Public from Wildfire Smoke Science Blog (NIOSH)
Science blog offering information and resources for protecting workers and the public from wildfire smoke.

Community Respirators and Masks (NIOSH)
Assists readers with understanding the differences between various kinds of respirators and masks.

Fighting Wildfires (NIOSH)
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers resources for fire departments, firefighters, and partner organizations to prevent on-duty injuries, illnesses, and deaths from hazards and exposures associated with fighting wildfires. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NIOSH also provide resources for workers and homeowners regarding hazards they encounter when cleaning up after a wildfire.

National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) initiative and Heat.gov portal
Heat.gov is the webportal for the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS). NIHHIS builds societal understanding of heat risks, develops science-based solutions, improves capacity, communication, and decision-making to reduce heat-related illness and death.

Resources

Working together to protect against threats to our land, air and water

United States Environmental Protection Agency United States Coast Guard United States Department of State United States Department of Defense U.S. Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) United States Department of Energy United States Department of Agriculture United States Department of Health & Human Services United States Department of the Interior United States Department of Commerce United States Department of Transportation United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission United States General Services Administration United States Department of Justice United States Department of Labor