1. HAZWOPER: Awareness Level

2. Why is Hazardous Waste Dangerous? Chemical spills or releases can –Injure you or your co-workers –Contaminate drinking water –Cause a massive evacuation –Kill innocent bystanders You can be exposed without knowing Even small spills can cause great damage

3. Ways Chemicals Enter the Body Breathe them in through your nose or mouth Make contact with your skin or eyes Swallow chemicals when eating or drinking

4. Five Levels of HAZWOPER Training First responders at the awareness level First responders at the operational level Hazardous materials technicians Hazardous materials specialists Incident commander

5. Responsibility of First Responders at the Awareness Level Recognize the hazard Evacuate yourself and others Notify the proper authorities Secure the area Help determine the identity of the hazardous substance

6. Prevent Spills and Releases Never leave containers open Inspect for damage Place in proper containers Avoid fires Do not overfill

7. Recognize Warning Signs of a Chemical Release Liquid on the floor or tables Liquid dripping from hazardous containers New odor Hissing or dripping sound Equipment that has lost pressure or flow

8. Evacuate Yourself and Others Warn others Turn off machines and evacuate Stay upwind Don’t attempt to rescue unless trained

9. Report the Emergency Wait until out of hazardous area Describe the –Type of emergency –Location –Environmental factors Ask for instructions Report all fires and spills

10. Secure the Area Keep out unauthorized personnel Barricade the dangerous area Stay out until trained person declares safe

11. Determine the Identity Assist emergency response personnel Look for NFPA labels –Blue is toxic –Red is flammable –Yellow is reactive –Numbers 3 or 4 are very hazardous

12. Determine the Identity – Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Use MSDS to get information about: –Chemical name –Physical characteristics –Fire and explosion data –Dangerous properties –Precautions for safe handling –Reactivity data

13. Ways You Can Help Cooperate with emergency personnel Gather information about the spill Identify the location of: –Injured people –Potential hazards –Exit and escape routes –The nearest fire extinguisher and first aid equipment

14. If Exposure Occurs Inform supervisor Describe chemicals Flush eyes or skin with water for at least 15 minutes Seek medical attention if swallowed

15. Summary Hazardous waste is dangerous Prevent spills Recognize a spill or release Evacuate yourself and others Report the situation Secure the area