First Responder Awareness Level Training Modified

First Responder Awareness Level Training Modified

Occupational Health and Safety Program

Hazardous MaterialsHazardous 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 IncidentsHazardous 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”“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 ResponseAwareness Level Response

Recognition and Identification

Isolation

Protection

Notification

Six Basic Clues to RecognitionSix 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 LocationClue # 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 SizeClue # 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 LabelsClue # 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 - ExplosivesHazard Class 1 - Explosives

Subdivided into 6 divisions

1.1 - Mass explosion hazard

1.2 - Projectile hazard

1.3 - Fire, minor blast or projectile

1.4 - Minor explosion

1.5 - Very insensitive explosives

1.6 - 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 - GasesHazard Class 2 - Gases

Hazard Class 3 - Flammable/Combustible Liquids

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 SolidsHazard Class 4 - Flammable Solids

Three subdivisions4.1 - Flammable Solids

4.2 - Spontaneously Combustible

4.3 - Dangerous when wet

Hazard Class 5 - Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides

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

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

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 - CorrosivesHazard Class 8 - Corrosives

Hazard Class 9 - Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

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 LabelsPesticide Labels

• Product name• Active ingredients• Signal word

– Caution– Warning– Danger (Poison)

• Precautionary statements

Clue # 4 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)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 ColorsClue # 5 - Markings and Colors

• Container colors are not always standardized.

• NFPA 704 Diamond.• Military markings.

Clue # 6 - Human SensesClue # 6 - Human Senses

RISK LEVEL

High

Low

TASTETOUCHSMELLSIGHTSOUND

Methods of IdentificationMethods of Identification

Once you recognize, try to identify material name.

– Emergency Response Guidebook– MSDSs– Employees and bystanders

North American Emergency Response Guidebook

North American Emergency Response Guidebook

Purpose & Limitations

North American Emergency Response Guidebook

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 ERGSteps 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 ActionsBasic Protective Actions

Main ObjectivesIsolate

Protect by preventing contamination.

Notify as in Emergency Response Plan.

Protective Action OptionsProtective Action Options

• Shelter in-placeShort duration incidents.Greater hazard to attempt

to move.Impractical to evacuate.

• EvacuationPotential for massive fire

or explosion.Long duration incidents.

Thank You For Your ParticipationThank You For Your Participation

Be Safe!