HAZWOPER: Awareness Level 29 CFR (q)

Headline Stories Ammonia Evacuates Industrial Site Acid Spill Sends Workers to Hospital Fuel Spill Contaminate River Natural Gas Pipeline Ruptures

HAZWOPER Goals HAZWOPER and hazardous substances Awareness Level response Quiz

What Is HAZWOPER? Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Required for facilities storing and using hazardous chemicals Defines emergency response procedures

HAZWOPER Basics Even a small spill can be dangerous Fires, explosions, and contamination can result Only trained workers clean spills Everyone must understand potential spill hazards and their role in an emergency

Spill Prevention Understand chemical hazards Follow safe storage and handling procedures Read and follow the instructions on labels and material safety data sheets Don’t use chemicals in unlabeled containers

Spill Prevention (cont.) Inspect chemical containers for damage or leaks Don’t handle or open chemical containers without PPE Don’t leave containers open Report potential hazards to your supervisor

Emergency Response Plan Pre-emergency planning and training Emergency recognition Evacuation procedures Emergency alerting and response PPE and emergency equipment Decontamination and medical treatment

Levels of Training First responder: awareness level First responder: operations level Hazardous materials technician Hazardous materials specialist Incident commander

Hazardous Substance? Includes pure or mixed chemicals and hazardous wastes Potential health hazards Could damage the environment

Recognize Chemical Substances Danger, caution, warning signs NFPA or HMIS labels DOT placards

Types of Chemicals Flammable or explosive Reactive Corrosive Toxic

Dangers of a Release Flammable liquids or gases Toxic cloud Reaction with nearby chemicals Irritants

Chemical Exposure Skin or eye contact Inhalation Swallowing Avoid contact and evacuate immediately

HAZWOPER Goals HAZWOPER and hazardous substances Awareness level response Quiz

Awareness Level Role Recognize a chemical release Determine chemical’s identity Self-protection and protection of others Know how to get assistance Secure the area

Recognizing a Chemical Release Dripping or pool of liquid Unusual smell Unusual sound Loss of pressure or flow

Non-Hazardous Spills Incidental or small Handled by the employees in immediate area Get help if you’re unsure

Identifying the Chemical Where is it coming from? Is the container labeled? Is it a liquid, gas, or solid? What does it smell like? What color is it?

Protect Yourself and Others Report the release to others in the immediate area Retreat to a safe distance, place of refuge, or evacuation assembly area

Reporting the Spill Contact the emergency response coordinator Provide information: –Location of release –Identity and quantity of spilled material –Evacuation status Ask for instructions

Secure the Area Keep people a safe distance from the spill Use caution tape, rope, cones, etc. Stand guard of the controlled area

Response Personnel Analyze the incident Use proper PPE and equipment Contain the spill Stop the leak Clean up the spill Decontaminate Report the incident

HAZWOPER Goals HAZWOPER and hazardous substances Awareness Level response Quiz

Summary HAZWOPER is for facilities storing or using hazardous chemicals Practice spill prevention techniques Recognize the chemicals used at your facility and know their hazards Awareness Level personnel must: –Recognize a spill or release –Know how to initiate a response

Quiz 1.Describe one way to recognize a chemical release at your facility:______________________________________. 2.The most likely chemical exposure during a release is by inhalation.True or False 3.How do you report the spill or release to employees in the immediate area? ____________________________. 4.Information provided to the emergency response coordinator includes_ ___________________________. 5.Awareness Level personnel are trained to contain or control a spill.True or False

Quiz (cont.) 6.Where is the evacuation assembly area? ____________________________________________. 7.If the released substance is flammable, ignition sources should be removed.True or False 8.The best way to identify a hazardous chemical is by ____________________________________________. 9.Spill prevention can be achieved through proper storage and handling.True or False 10. Anyone can clean up small spills as long as he or she is wearing gloves.True or False

Quiz Answers 1.Dripping or pool of liquid, unusual smell or sound, drop in pressure or volume 2.True 3.Yell or signal an alarm. 4.Location of release, identity and quantity of spill, or evacuation status. 5.False. Operations Level (one level above Awareness Level) personnel are trained to control and contain a spill in a defensive manner.

Quiz Answers (cont.) 6.The evacuation assembly area is specific to each facility. 7.True. Remove ignition sources by turning off equipment, forklifts, etc. 8.Identify a hazardous chemical by looking at its labels, signs, or placards. 9.True. Following proper storage and handling procedures definitely helps prevent spills. 10. False. Small spills of hazardous chemicals can be very dangerous. If not trained, or unsure, about a small spill—call for help.