Hazardous Materials for RACES Responders

And a Few Other Horrors….

Alan Whitman, K6ZY

2005

Designed to Help You Keep Safe By:

Recognizing Potential HazMats Knowing Something of Dangers of HazMats Recognizing Other Hazards Recognizing Your Limitations Giving You Some Tools to Keep Safe

Sources of HazMats

Industrial Sites Transportation Accidents Fires Earthquakes Terrorist Incidents

Dangers of HazMats

Fire and Explosion (HandiTalkies NOT “Intrinsically Safe”)

Corrosives Poisons and Carcinogens Simple Asphyxiants Oxidizers Radiation Pressurized Containers

Recognizing HazMats

Business Type (“Occupancy”)

Placards

Used In Transportation Contain Four Pieces of Information

– Color– Symbol– Small Digit at Bottom Corner (Class of Material)– Name/UN Number

Plusses and Minuses

Can Sometimes Be Very Specific About Material

Often Are Generic In Their Warnings Not Used On Small Quantities (Some

Exceptions)

NFPA 704 Signs

Used on Buildings, Tanks and Pipelines Four Color-Coded Quadrants Numbers From 0 – 4 White Quadrant for Other Hazards

Plusses and Minuses

Give Overall View Of Hazards At Facilty Can Apply to Specific Material (On Pipeline

or Tank, e.g.) Usually Refer to Group of Chemicals Inside a

Facility

Other Signs, Labels and Markings

Individual Packaging Labels Building Markings Warning Signs Etc.

Routes of Entry

Inhalation Ingestion Absorption Through Skin, Mucous

Membranes Injection

Other Issues

Hazardous Materials Incidents May NOT Be Identified as Such

The Focus of the Incident Commander May Be A Single Issue, Whereas HazMats Usually Have Multiple Hazards

Other Hazards at Industrial Sites

Punctures, Cuts and Abrasions (Nails and Sharp Objects)

Building Collapse Cave Ins Confined Spaces Electrocution Etc.

Protective Gear

SCBA and Air Purifying Respirators – These Are NOT To Be Used By People Who

Have Not: Been Medically Evaluated Been Fit Tested Been Trained In Using the Equipment

HazMat Suits– Same Kinds Of Limitations As Respiratory Gear

Protective Gear (Cont.)

Gloves (Chemical and Leather) Boots (Especially Steel Shanked) Hard Hat

Incident Commander

Should Know You Are There Your Role Should Be Clear May Be Acting As Safety Officer, As Well

Safety Officer

Make Him/Her Aware You Are There and Why

Ask About the Hazards and How You Should Protect Yourself

Follow Directions Report Hazards

Experts And Their Limitations

They Can’t Know Everything May Be Focused On a Particular Problem “Familiarity Breeds” a Casual Attitude Take All “Expert” Advice With Care

Your Limitations

Lack of Protective Equipment Lack of Training Not Part of the Regular Team May Not Be Fit Enough

Three Ups of Approach

Upwind Upstream Uphill

Decon

Usually Just Washing Don’t Forget ClothingMay Be Full Decon at Scene or Hospital

Think About Your Situation

Be Aware of Your Surroundings Look For Hazards Try to Anticipate How Things Might Change Report Dangers

Actions to Keep Safe

Safe Approach Keep Your Distance Use Protective Clothing You Have Don’t Eat, Drink or Smoke Listen to the Safety Officer Know Your Limitations

DECONTAMINATE