HAZARDOUS MATERIALS State of Georgia BASIC FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING COURSE Module 1 RADIOACTIVE 7 FLAMMABLE GAS 2 NON-FLAMMABLE GAS 2 EXPLOSIVES * BLASTING AGENTS * 1 EXPLOSIVES A 1 FLAMMABLE GAS 2 DANGEROUS 4 WHEN WET 4 SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE CORROSIVE IRRITANT 2 FLAMMABLE 3 COMBUSTIBLE ORGANIC PEROXIDE 4 FLAMMABLE SOLID 6 HARMFUL STOW AWAY FROM FOODSTUFFS

Hazardous Materials (M-1)2 What in the world is a Hazardous Material ?

Hazardous Materials (M-1)3 Hazardous Material: Definition US DOT:... any substance or material in any form which poses an unreasonable risk to safety and health, and property when transported in commerce.

Hazardous Materials (M-1)4 Hazardous Material: Definition US EPA:... any material which, when discharged into or upon the navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines, may be harmful to the public health or welfare of the United States, including, but not limited to, fish, shellfish, wild- life, and public or private property, shorelines, and beaches.

Hazardous Materials (M-1)5 Hazardous Material: Definition... any element, compound, or combination which is flammable, corrosive, detonable, toxic, radioactive, an oxidizer, an etiologic agent, or highly reactive, and which because of handling, storage, processing or packaging, may have detrimental effects on operating and emergency personnel, the public, equipment, and/or the environment.

Hazardous Materials (M-1)6 Hazardous Material: Definition... anything that jumps out at you when something goes wrong and hurts or harms the things it touches. Ludwig Benner, N.T.S.B. Former Chief of HM Investigation

Hazardous Materials (M-1)7  Hazardous materials incidents are not like routine calls  Every responder must be realistic about capabilities and limitations  The primary responsibility of every first responder is to promote safety for all  Coordinate and cooperate with all agencies responding to hazardous materials incidents Essential Attitudes:

Hazardous Materials (M-1)8 Emergency Comparisons Rush in to help Have information needed Can be handled by agency Know what to expect Little or no additional exposure Normally completed in a short time Proper equipment available Normally limited to one space Need to slow down Difficult to get information Often requires numerous agencies Never sure about reactions Possibility of large additional exposures May last days/weeks or longer Specialized equipment required May move (vapors or liquids) Typical Emergency Haz-Mat Emergency