Hazardous Materials for RACES Responders And a Few Other Horrors…. Alan Whitman, K6ZY 2005
Mar 26, 2015
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