Hazardous materials awareness Chapter 1, intro to hazardous materials

objectives Id the definition of hazardous materials, or dangerous goods Define a hazardous substance Id the differences between hazmats and other emergencies Id typical occupancies and locations in the community where hazmats could be found

Hazardous material definition As defined by dot; –A substance material, including including a hazardous substance, that has been determined by the secretary of transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce, and which has so been designated.

Hazardous substance As defined by comprehensive enviormental response compensation and liability act; –Any substance designated via the federal water pollution control act –Any element, compound, mixture, solution or substance designated pursuant to cercla –Any hazardous wste having the charisterics identified under of listed pursuant to the solid waste disposal act

Hazardous substance cont. – any toxic pollutant under section 307 of the federal water pollution control act –Any hazardous air pollutant listed under section 112 of the clean air act –Any imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixyture with respect to which the administrator has taken action pursuant to section 7 of the toxic substances control act

Hazmat locations and trtansport Hazardous materials are found in every community and work place, nd in addition are transported by the following common means; –Road –Rail –Waterwys –Air –Pipelines Most communities will have at least two of these transport methods

Seemingly ordinary places where hazmats may be found Service stations Hardware storess Doctor’s offices School labarotories Agricultural stores Farms Residences

Things for the awareness level to learn Methods of pre-planning, recognition, and incident control Types, properties, and characteristics of hazardous materials Methods of transporting and storing hazardous materials

A hazmat incident… …Is an incident that involves a substance that has been released or is on fire.

What can and cant be regulated in the way of preventing hazmat incidents Cant be regulated –Human error –Package failure –Vehicle accidents –Train derailments Can be regulated –Packaging –Labeling –Placarding –Use –Training of personell –Inspection of facilities –transport

What the awareness level is expected to do Suspect/recognize the presence of hazardous materials Protect themselves Call for additional assistance Secure the area

Rules of engagement We will take some risks to save lives We will take little risk to save property or enviorment We will risk nothing for what has already been lost

Incident and risk assessment Risk to rescuers Probability of victim survival Difficulty of rescue Capabilities of on scene forces Possibility of explosions or sudden releases Available escape routes and safe areas Constrains of time and distance

Who handles hazmat incidents Fire service Law enforcement Ems Private companies Government agencies Technical support groups Special emergency response teams