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Hazardous Materials Hazardous Materials AwarenessAwareness

Module 1: Preparing For Response

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DefinitionsDefinitions

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US Department of US Department of TransportationTransportation

Hazardous Materials were first defined nationally by USDOT in 1975 as a “hazardous substance or material which has been determined…, to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported…”.

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US Environmental Protection US Environmental Protection Agency & Occupational Safety Agency & Occupational Safety and Health Administrationand Health Administration

Hazardous substance or material is defined by EPA, and OSHA as “any substance that can produce an adverse effect on the health or safety of the persons exposed…”.

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Simplified DefinitionSimplified Definition

Any substance or material that when

released from its container may hurt

or harm the things it contacts.

Anything that jumps out at you.

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Hazardous Materials IncidentHazardous Materials Incident

Any release or potential release of a hazardous substance in an unplanned or unexpected manner.

“Haz-Mat” incidents are unique incidents. They require specialized protective measures not normally available to first responders AND they demand a different operational approach!

An emergency created by the release or potential release of a hazardous material.

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Mechanisms of HarmMechanisms of Harm

Hazardous materials incidents pose a multitude of health and safety concerns, any of which could result in serious injury or death.

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Mechanism of Harm Mechanism of Harm Cont…Cont…

Thermal

Radiological

Asphyxiation

Chemical

Etiological

Mechanical

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Mechanism of Harm Mechanism of Harm also includes:also includes:

Psychological

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MECHANISMSMECHANISMS

OF HARM ONE AT A TIMEOF HARM ONE AT A TIME

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Thermal:Thermal:

Exposure to extremes in temperature.

Heat from fires or heat releasing chemical

reactions.

Extremes in cold such as seen with

liquified gas and cryogenic liquids.

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Radiological:Radiological:

Exposure to materials which spontaneously emit ionizing radiation. There are four nuclear power plants

affecting 29 Ohio counties with fallout possibilities.

Radioactive substances are also used in industry and medicine extensively.

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Affected Counties in Affected Counties in OhioOhio

This map shows This map shows the counties in the counties in Ohio affected by Ohio affected by the four nuclear the four nuclear plants.plants. •FermiFermi

•Davis BesseDavis Besse

•PerryPerry

•Beaver Beaver ValleyValley

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Asphyxiation:Asphyxiation:

Can be subdivided into two categoriesSimple- oxygen deficient atmosphere

which can be caused by displacement or consumption of ambient oxygen.

Chemical- many toxic substances cause pathological changes within the body by preventing the body from properly using oxygen. Example: carbon monoxide.

EPA Acti

on Guide -

below 19.5%

oxygen co

ntent

EPA Acti

on Guide -

below 19.5%

oxygen co

ntent S

CBA REQUIR

ED

SCBA REQUIR

ED

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Chemical:Chemical:

Toxic or destructive effects from exposure to chemicals.

Examples include: poisoning from pesticides respiratory systems injury from

materials like chlorine corrosive damage from contact with

acids and alkaline materials.

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Etiological/Biological:Etiological/Biological:

Injury or harm cause by human disease causing agents.

Bacteria and viruses.Many of these are used by terrorists.This is the “B” in NBCKnowledge of the existence of these

types of agents will be limited.

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Mechanical:Mechanical:

Mechanical hazards are physical hazards which may be present at the incident. Flying debris from explosions. Trips and falls on uneven ground. Excessive noise conditions resulting in

hearing injury. Punctures from nails and glass. Impacts from falling debris.

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Psychological:Psychological:

Mental harm caused by fear of the unknown or witnessing a violent death.

Mental harm to responders due to long periods on the line.

Anxiety due to long periods away from home.

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Routes of ExposureRoutes of Exposure

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE

ONE AT A TIME

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InhalationInhalation

Inhalation involves the breathing in of a substance, leading to direct contact with tissues in the respiratory tract: nose

throat

trachea

lungs

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IngestionIngestion

Ingestion is the swallowing of a substance, resulting in contact with the digestive tract: mouth throat esophagus stomach intestines

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Absorption/ContactAbsorption/Contact

Absorption/contact involves direct contact with skin. Destruction and/or passage of

material through the skin and eyes.

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InjectionInjection

Injection is the entry of a substance through a break in the skin.