GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CAS Registry Number (CASRN or CAS Number)
A unique numerical identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) to every chemical substance described in the open scientific literature, including organic and inorganic compounds, minerals, isotopes, alloys and nonstructurable materials (numbering doesn’t follow orders).
CAS Registry Numbers are simple and regular, convenient for database searches. They offer a reliable, common and international link to every specific substance across the various nomenclatures and disciplines used by branches of science, industry, and regulatory bodies. Almost all molecule databases today allow searching by CAS Registry Number.
On the other hand, CASRNs are not related to chemistry, are proprietary and unrelated to any previous systems, and do not readily form phonetic analogs or synonyms.
Cold zone
One of the three-level working zones in a SAR operation where HNS are involved. The cold zone is an area outside the warm zone. The cold zone is free from contamination and may be used as holding and support area. When the warm zone and the cold zone are established onboard the SRU, service and treatment facilities are located in the cold zone. The uncontaminated area beyond the hot and warm zones where access is restricted for emergency response operations.
Contaminant
Agent causing a contamination.
Contamination
Pollution of surfaces of creatures (e.g. skin, hairs, clothing), soil, waters and objects with HNS.
Decontamination
Reducing the contamination of surfaces of creatures (e.g. skin, hairs, clothing), soil, waters and objects. Decontamination by rescue units includes coarse cleaning of rescue personnel (including their PPE) or other persons, of injured persons and equipment or objects.
Decontamination station
The place where the decontamination is conducted is called decontamination station. One has to establish a decontamination station on every single incident with HNS involved.
Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
A key person who is required to ensure an active implementation of the company’s safety management system onboard the vessel, and is required to be based ashore for developing and implementing the company safety culture. A DPA is especially designated to ensure a reliable connection between the company and the crew, and to supervise the safe operation of the vessel.
Emergency decontamination
Quick Decontamination to prevent further harm to (possibly) contaminated persons. The very first action is the undressing of every piece of (upper) clothing and slowly rinsing of the contaminated skin.
Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD)
System which provides effected persons with clean breathing air, either by filtration or provision of pressurised air, to ensure a secure escape in harmful atmospheres.
Entry point
In order to organize controlled and safe entry to the restricted area (cold, warm and hot zones), the SMC defines an entry point that the vessels have to use in order to arrive to the area.
Exit point
In order to organize controlled and safe exit from the restricted area (cold, warm and hot zones), the SMC defines an exit point that the vessels have to use in order to depart from the defined areas.
Ex-protected
Explosion protection means that the used devices, vessels and any other equipment have a technical protection that prevents ignition of an explosable atmosphere by the device.
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Global Marine Distress and Safety System. A global communications service based upon automated systems, both satellite and terrestrial, to provide distress alerting and promulgation of maritime safety information for mariners.
Hazardous and noxious substance (HNS)
A hazardous and noxious substance (HNS) is defined as any substance other than oil which, if introduced into the marine environment, is likely to create hazards to human health, to harm living resources and marine life, to damage amenities or to interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea (definition from the Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances [OPRC-HNS], 2000). In relation to ChemSAR, this HNS definition is considered to also include on a general level other dangerous goods or hazardous materials transported by sea.
Hot zone
One of the three-level working zones in a SAR operation where HNS are involved. The hot zone is an area where the risk for contamination and probability for exposure to hazardous substances is highest. In the first phase, the hot zone can be the radius around the DV or location onboard DV, based on HNS identification, measurements and calculations. The highest level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed in this area. Hot zones are contaminated areas where the initial release occurs or disperses to. It will be an area likely to pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of all those located within it.
Incorporation
HNS in form of particles, dust, aerosols, liquids or gases getting into the body via the respiratory system (inhalation), the digestive system (ingestions), skin lesions (e.g. animal bites as well) or body fluids (e.g. blood, saliva, semen, vaginal secretion), the skin (absorption).
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code regulates the maritime transport of dangerous goods in packaged form. The IMDG has been created as per the recommendations of the United Nations’ panel of experts on transport of dangerous goods along with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in order to enhance and harmonize the safe carriage of dangerous goods and to prevent pollution to the environment. The Code sets out in detail the requirements applicable to each individual substance, material or article, covering matters such as packing, container traffic and stowage, with particular reference to the segregation of incompatible substances. http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Cargoes/DangerousGoods/Pages/default.aspx
Mass Rescue Operation (MRO)
Existing national and / or organizational plans or procedures for the evacuation of persons. In regard to ChemSAR, the MRO plans have to be considered, if there is a possible benefit for the evacuation process.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
A technical document which provides detailed and comprehensive information on a controlled product related to health effects of exposure to the product, hazard evaluation related to the product’s handling, storage or use, measures to protect workers at risk of exposure and emergency procedures.
MAYDAY RELAY
The passing of an emergency message from a vessel in distress by another ship or station.
NO-FLY zone
An area over which aircrafts are not permitted to fly when an incident takes place where there is a risk of being exposed to, e.g., toxic vapors or other danger.
NoGo-area
An area around a track which vessels may not enter. Usually highlighted with cross-hatching or in red.
PAN-PAN
An urgency signal used when the safety of a vessel or persons is in danger but the danger is not grave and imminent.
Point of Contact (POC)
Point of Contact on shore to ensure further medical care, e.g., ambulances and hospitals.
Proper Shipping Name (PSN)
A standard technical name to describe the hazard properties and the composition of dangerous goods.
Restriction area
Designates the controlled and possibly dangerous area into which unauthorized access is not permitted. It encompasses the cold zone, warm zone and hot zone.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
Pilotless aircraft, a flying machine without an onboard human pilot. Also known as a drone.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
A self-contained breathing apparatus ((also referred to as a compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA), or simply breathing apparatus (BA)) is a device worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in an immediately dangerous to life or health atmosphere. The term self-contained means that the breathing set is not dependent on a remote supply (equipped by a high-pressure tank for air supply).
Standard operational procedure (SOP)
Standard operational procedures (ChemSAR SOPs) support all actors involved in maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) operations on hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) incidents to perform a successful and safe rescue operation. ChemSAR SOPs are meant to support and give additional information to normal daily SAR procedures of the RCC, e.g., risk assessing, rescue planning and SAR mission coordinating, as well as support SAR actions on-scene under threat of hazardous environment.
TRIAGE
A process of determining the priority of patients’ treatments based on the severity of their condition.
UN number
A four-digit number assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods to classify a substance or a particular group of substances.
Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)
A marine traffic monitoring system established by harbour or port authorities to keep track of vessel movements and provide navigational safety in a limited geographical area.
Warm zone
One of the three-level working zones in a SAR operation where HNS are involved. The warm zone is an area surrounding the hot zone. This area is a transition area between hot zone and the cold zone. The decontamination activities take place in the warm zone. The warm zone can be the radius around the DV or location on board the DV, based on HNS identification, measurements and calculations. An area uncontaminated by the initial release of a substance, which becomes contaminated by the movement of people or vehicles. This is an area next to the hot zone that is considered safe for workers to enter with appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes areas used for decontamination activities.