First Responder Awareness Level Training Modified Occupational Health and Safety Program

Hazardous Materials Defined in numerous ways Simplified Definition-Any material that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, may pose a real hazard to human health or the environment.

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

“Duty to Act” Public safety responders have a “Duty to Act”. Level of involvement is defined by employer’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP). NEVER exceed level of training and protection!

Five Levels of Training  First Responder Awareness Level.  First Responder Operational Level.  Hazardous Materials Technician.  Hazardous Materials Specialist.  Hazardous Materials Incident Commander.

Awareness Level Response Recognition and Identification Isolation Protection Notification

Six Basic Clues to Recognition 1 - Occupancy and location. 2 - Container shape and size. 3 - Placards and labels. 4 –Material Safety Data Sheets 5 - Markings and colors. 6 - Human senses.

Clue # 1 - Occupancy and Location Specific occupancy or general area. Fixed facilities. Five modes of hazardous materials transportation: –Rail, air, marine, highway and pipeline.

Clue # 2 - Container Shape and Size Classifications –Portable, fixed or transportation. Pressure –Non-pressurized, low or high pressure. Vapor Pressure and Storage –The higher the pressure, the greater the potential for catastrophic failure. –BLEVE!

Clue # 3 - Placards and Labels Placards and their limitations –Not always required. Placards and labels used for transport are based upon DOT Hazard Class.

Hazard Class 1 - Explosives Subdivided into 6 divisions Mass explosion hazard Projectile hazard Fire, minor blast or projectile Minor explosion Very insensitive explosives Extremely insensitive

Pressurized or liquefied –Compressed nitrogen and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) are examples. Product and container present hazards. Three Subdivisions –2.1 - Flammable gases. –2.2 - Non-Flammable, Non-Poisonous. –2.3 - Poisonous Gases. Hazard Class 2 - Gases

Hazard Class 3 - Flammable/Combustible Liquids Flammable Liquids-Flash point below 100 degrees F. Combustible Liquids-Flash point at or above 100 degrees F. Number 1 rule- Eliminate ignition sources.

Hazard Class 4 - Flammable Solids Three subdivisions Flammable Solids Spontaneously Combustible Dangerous when wet

Hazard Class 5 - Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides Oxidizers release oxygen to enhance or intensify burn. With strong fuels, oxidizers can create conditions which which can lead to violent combustion. Many Organic Peroxides are very unstable.

Hazard Class 6 - Poisonous and Infectious Substances Poisonous to human –Can include severely irritating substances. –“Tear Gas”, Hydrocyanic acid, Carbon Tetrachloride. Infectious Substances –Potential to cause diseases in humans. –Anthrax, human blood and many body fluids.

Hazard Class 7 - Radioactive Materials Ionizing radiation hazard. Exposure does not always result in contamination. Safety Rules –Time, Distance and Shielding. Shipped in specialized containers.

Hazard Class 8 - Corrosives

Hazard Class 9 - Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials ORM A - Dry Ice ORM B - Quick Lime, Metallic mercury ORM C - Asphalt, Battery parts ORM D - Consumer commodities ORM E - Hazardous substances and hazardous wastes

Pesticide Labels Product name Active ingredients Signal word –Caution –Warning –Danger (Poison) Precautionary statements

Clue # 4 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)  Required to be maintained by the Federal Hazard Communication Standard.  Found at fixed facilities.  Provides a variety of information.

Clue # 5 - Markings and Colors Container colors are not always standardized. NFPA 704 Diamond. Military markings.

Clue # 6 - Human Senses RISK LEVEL High Low TASTE TOUCH SMELL SIGHT SOUND

Methods of Identification Once you recognize, try to identify material name. –Emergency Response Guidebook –MSDSs –Employees and bystanders

North American Emergency Response Guidebook Purpose & Limitations

North American Emergency Response Guidebook An aid for identification of the material involved. –Outlines basic initial actions. –Recommends protective action areas. –Serves as an initial incident safety plan.

Steps for Proper Use of the ERG 1.Recognize & Identify Hazardous Materials  Name  Four digit ID number  Placard description 2.Look up the guide page number. 3.Take basic protective actions according to the guide page. 4.Initiate isolation and evacuation according to protective action distances.

Basic Protective Actions Main Objectives Isolate Protect by preventing contamination. Notify as in Emergency Response Plan.

Protective Action Options Shelter in-place  Short duration incidents.  Greater hazard to attempt to move.  Impractical to evacuate. Evacuation  Potential for massive fire or explosion.  Long duration incidents.

T hank You For Your Participation Be Safe!