What does HazMat have to do with me? As an amateur Radio Operator you may be called upon in an emergency situation. In these times you may have to go into areas that contain hazardous materials (HazMat). Hazardous Materials have no conscience and will inflict bodily harm, and sometimes death, if not respected. This presentation is by no means an all inclusive course in HazMat, but should assist you in “sizing up” a situation. As with all emergencies, your personal protection comes first. Always use common sense and be careful.

RESIST RUSHING IN ! APPROACH INCIDENT FROM UPWIND STAY CLEAR OF ALL SPILLS, VAPORS, FUMES AND SMOKE

First responders at the awareness level shall have sufficient training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas: An understanding of what hazardous substances are, and the risks associated with them in an incident. An understanding of the potential outcomes associated with an emergency created when hazardous substances are present. The ability to recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency. The ability to identify the hazardous substances, if possible. An understanding of the role of the first responder awareness individual in the employer's emergency response plan including site security and control and the 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook Emergency Response Guidebook The ability to realize the need for additional resources, and to make appropriate notifications to the communication center.”

Your Responsibility as a First Responder Awareness level first responders are expected to recognize the presence of hazardous materials, protect themselves and others, request appropriately trained personnel, and secure the area. This overview DOES NOT give you the training, or the authorization, to take an active role in the clean-up, mitigation of the incident, or rescue of personnel involved.

Types of Emergencies Transportation Natural disaster Terrorism Vandalism Container failure Others

Transportation Emergencies Roadways –Vehicle accidents Railways –Train wrecks –Train derailments Waterways –Ship/boat accident –Vehicular accident Airways –Plane crash

Natural Disaster Tornadoes and Earthquakes –Ruptured gas lines –Ruptured petroleum lines –Leaking propane tanks –Raw sewage –Leaking liquids from vehicles Floods –Ruptured gas lines –Ruptured petroleum lines –Leaking propane tanks –Raw sewage –Leaking liquids from vehicles

Terrorism and Vandalism Large petroleum storage tanks –Leaking –Burning Chemical plants or storage facilities –Leaking chemicals –Burning chemicals Gas release –Nerve agents –Inhalation agents –Skin hazards –Biological agents

Container Failures Rupture of storage tanks. Vehicle tanks or pans Pressurized tanks and cylinders Pressurized cans or bottles Non-pressurized tanks, cans and bottles

Using Your Senses Trust your senses. If it doesn’t look, smell, sound, or feel right it probably isn’t. Hearing –Hissing –Gurgling –Banging or Creaking Smelling –Odors of gasses or vapors –Burning materials Sight Feeling

Hearing Containers that are pressurized will sometimes make noises before they rupture or explode. Non-pressurized containers may also make sounds. If a container of any type is involved in a fire situation, or is making noises, vacate the area IMMEDIATELY!

Sight Look for placards or other markings. Look for the obvious and then look for hidden problems. Do NOT place yourself in danger sizing up any situation. Look for liquids on the ground or in the area that should not be there. Look for containers that are venting or swelling.

Smells If you smell something that is not common, MOVE AWAY FROM THE AREA AND REPORT IT! Some chemicals can be fatal or cause serious injury if inhaled. Monitor wind conditions and stay up wind of the incident. You may have to relocate if the wind shifts. Warn others of the situation.

Feeling Burning eyes, nose or throat are an indication that you should leave the area IMMEDIATELY. Move up wind of the incident and report the situation Warn others of the danger.

Exposure to Hazardous Materials If at any time you feel that you have been exposed to any hazardous materials seek medical attention immediately! Symptoms of exposure may not appear for hours, and in some cases, days. DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES!

Identification of HazMat Markings NFPA 704 system DOT placards Military HazMat markings Special hazard markings Pipeline markings Container markings

EXPLOSIVES DO NOT USE RADIO EQUIPMENT IN THE AREA!!!

FLAMMABLE GASSES LEAKING GASSES MAY IGNITE WITH AN IGNITION SOURCE. DO NOT USE RADIO EQUIPMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY.

NON-FLAMMABLE GASSES THESE GASSES MY DISPLACE OXYGEN IN CONFINED SPACES AND IN LOW LYING AREAS.

OXIDIZERS THESE MATERIALS WILL ASSIST A FIRE IN BURNING HOTTER AND CAN MAKE THE ATMOSPHERE EXTREMELY EXPLOSIVE WHEN MIXED WITH FLAMMABLES

INHALATION HAZARDS AND POISONOUS GASSES MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY

FLAMMABLES MAY IGNITE WITH AN IGNITION SOURCE

FUEL OILS MAY IGNITE WITH AN IGNITION SOURCE

FLAMMABLE SOLIDS MAY IGNITE WITH AN IGNITION SOURCE

SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLES THESE SUBSTANCES MAY IGNITE UPON CONTACT WITH AIR. USE EXTREME CAUTION.

WATER SENSITIVE MATERIALS THESE SUBSTANCES MAY IGNITE OR BECOME EXTREMELY UNSTABLE WHEN WET.

POISONOUS SUBSTANCE SOME OF THESE SUBSTANCES MAY BE POISONOUS BY TOUCH OR INHALATION. MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY.

CORROSIVE SUBSTANCE THESE SUBSTANCES MAY BE ACIDIC OR CAUSTIC. EXTREME BURNS ARE POSSIBLE. MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY. SOME CORROSIVES DO NOT MIX WELL WITH WATER.

BIOHAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE ITEMS WITH THIS MARKING MAY CONTAIN DISEASE CONTAINING MATERIALS OR POSSIBLY HUMAN REMAINS.

RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCE RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES CAN CAUSE IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE AND DEATH. MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY FROM THE AREA.

DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACARD IN USE. THIS PLACARD DOES NOT INDICATE THE ACTUAL HAZARD. MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY.

Limitations of Placards “Dangerous” placard –Does not indicate primary hazard Placards may be difficult or impossible to see Human error in placarding process

A Little about B.L.E.V.E.s B.L.E.V.E. Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion –Can cause extreme damage and death –Enclosed containers with liquids in a fire situation are the main cause. –EXTREME caution must be used. A Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) releases a large mass of pressurized superheated liquid or liquefied gas to the atmosphere. In addition, a substantial blast wave may occur along with the generation of debris. If the released liquid ignites, a fireball results.

Using the DOT Guidebook Developed by the DOT Outlines hazard info as well as initial actions to be taken at incident Consists of 5 color coded sections If the index entry is highlighted (yellow or blue), it is a TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) material or a Dangerous Water Reactive Material. (produces toxic gas upon contact with water).

A page from the DOT Guidebook Highlighted chemicals are poison or inhalation risk Reference guide number can be found in the orange section of the guidebook.

Which Section of the Guidebook? UN/NA Number Name of the material Highlighted Yes No Utilize the GREEN section Utilize the ORANGE section Placard only Use Table of Placards Utilize the ORANGE section

Types of Protective Actions Isolate area and deny entry –Keep all not involved with the emergency operations away from area. Evacuation –Move all people away from threatened area.

Secure the Area and Deny Entry Direct traffic away from scene Position someone in each direction of approach Physical barriers –Barricades, vehicles, tape or rope –Close doors or gates Transmit ALL important findings or events if safe to do so.

Conclusion Use common sense. Approach from upwind. Use your guidebook. Call for assistance. Do not perform acts in which you are not authorized to do so. Look out for the welfare of others.