chemcat training (how it works)

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“Hands-on” CHEMCAT© Training How It Works …

Presented byJames D. HawkinsHawkins Environmental, Inc.

[email protected]

1ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] / cell (419) 260-4447

the good stuff

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You may encounter a site like this …

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What is the purpose of this Fire

Extinguisher???

ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected]

You could be responding to an incident like this …

Lake City, Florida - Chemical Tanker Acid Spill


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Chemical responses are an ever-present danger to the first responder. Being unable to evaluate a situation puts yourself and your team members at risk. As your instructor I will provide you with some of the essential skills necessary to evaluate unknowns using a rapid & effective set of techniques.

4 ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] / cell (419)260-4447

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30 Hazardous Chemicals Produced large quantities in U.S.

1 Acetic acid 16 Lime2 Acetone 17 Methanol3 Ammonia 18 Methyl tert-butyl ether4 Ammonium sulfate 19 Methylethyl ketone (MEK)5 Amonium nitrate 20 Nitric acid6 Benzene 21 Phosphoric acid7 Butadiene 22 Potash8 Calcium chloride 23 Sidium silicate9 Carbon black 24 Sodium hydroxide

10 Carbon dioxide 25 Sodium sulfate11 Ethylbenzene 26 Styrene12 Ethylene glycol 27 Sulfuric acid13 Formaldehyde 28 Titanium dioxide14 Hydrochloric acid 29 Toluene15 Isopropanol 30 Xylene

ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] cell (419)260-4447

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mailto:[email protected]

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What is a Hazardous Waste?

EPAs definition: per “Federal 40 CFR Part 261 Subpart C”

Classification #1 - It either is or contains a listed waste.

Classification #2 - It demonstrates any of the following hazardous characteristics.

Reactivity (R) Unstable or violent reaction w/ water or is either a cyanide or a sulfide.

Corrosivity (C) Liquid w/ pH ≤2 or pH ≥ 12.5liquid which corrodes steel @ 0.25”/year.

(Solids not classified as exhibiting “Corrosivity” characteristics)

Ignitability (I)Flashes < 140 oF or flammable solid / oxidizer.

EP Toxic (EP) Leach/migrate when improperly disposed of in a sanitary landfill.

ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] / cell (419)260-4447

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Classification #3

It is otherwise capable of causing environmental or health damage if disposed of improperly.

The last criterion places the burden of proof on the generator ... i.e. the generator has an obligation to ensure that a waste not meeting Classification #1 or #2 ... in their judgment (that has the possibility of causing environmental damage) must be handled in such a way as to not cause environmental damage.

What is a Hazardous Waste? (continued)

ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] cell (419)260-4447

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WASTE also applies to these situations: •Illegally or Improperly disposed drums•Substances having no commercial use• A By-product of an industrial process

Recyclables or “Useful” materials even though they exhibit hazardous properties, are NOT considered hazardous wastes. ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] cell

(419)260-4447

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9 ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] / cell (419)260-4447

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What is CHEMCAT© testing? CHEMCAT© testing is a field expedient method of identifying general chemical classifications according to accepted EPA criteria.

The basic hazardous waste chemical classifications will be broken down into eleven categories:1. Radioactive (DO FIRST)2. Ignitable3. Halogen4. Acid/Base5. Reactive 6. Peroxide7. Sulfide8. Cyanide9. Organic10.Base-Neutral11.Oxidizer (DO LAST)

Many Thousands of Chemicals can be

characterized by using the ChemCat© System


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What is beyond the scope of ChemCat© testing?


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• Explosives• Radionuclides• Plants or animal byproducts • Medicines• Experimental Laboratory Chemicals• Nerve Agents• Pesticides & Herbicides (some can

be identified by Test #12)• Bio-hazards

11ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] / cell (419)260-4447

CHEMCAT© analysis in a lab trailer



Perform Visual Inspection of Sample

Does it match what’s on Sampling Data Sheet ???

Physical State Solid Liquid Gel Sludge

Color:1. Amber2. Black 3. Blue4. Brown5. Colorless6. Cream7. Dark Brown8. Dark Red etc.

Layer Top Middle Bottom

Clarity Clear Cloudy Opaque

Tip: Reference color by number on spreadsheet


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Note: Embedded Macro

Drum Sampling Data Sheet (field data portion)


Radiation Survey

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Important QC Note

Perform ChemCat© Quality Control (QC)C testing “ON-SITE” for: Acid/Base/Peroxide/Oxidizer/Halogen/Cyanide/Sulfide

This is very Important: Prior to testing any Unknown Materials !!!


TEST #1: Radiation (DO THIS FIRST)


16ChemCat Training / Instructor:James Hawkins [email protected] / cell (419) 260-4447

TEST #1: Radiation

Required Items: DX-1 Geiger Counter (or equivalent) [Left] & Fiestaware “Burnt Orange” Color Pottery

(lower right)

Procedure: Scan sample from a distance of several inches w/ Geiger Counter.A general Rule-of-Thumb is the radiation survey is considered negative unless the counts are greater than 2 or 3 times background.

QA/QC: Scan Pottery with Geiger CounterThe DX-1 will read approximately 70 µSv/hr upon scanning the pottery.

Record the Background Radiation: This will vary depending upon your geographic location.

17ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] / cell

(419)260-4447

TEST #2: Ignitability Test

Figure 8. Halogen Test.

Required Materials: Copper wire, Propane torch & Striker

Sample Test Procedure: Add small amount sample to Test Tube

To a previously prepared (see above) thin gauge Copper wire - Coat wire loop w/ sample in Test Tube (NOT in the SAMPLE

JAR) Slowly approach the Flame – An Ignitable material will flash

Procedure to Prepare Copper Wire Loop:Heat small loop thin copper wire to redness in a flame & let cool



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TEST #3: Halogen (Beilstein) Test

Figure 8. Halogen Test.

Halogens - compound containing chlorine, bromine, iodine or fluorine. Halogens are toxic. Industrially as solvents, degreasers, pesticides and explosives.

Common Halogens: Freon, DCM & Carbon Tetrachloride.

Required Materials: Copper wire, Propane torch & Striker

Sample Test Procedure: Add small amount sample to Test Tube

To a previously prepared (see above) thin gauge Copper wire - Coat wire loop w/ sample in Test Tube (NOT in the SAMPLE

JAR) Place wire loop with sample in the non-luminous area of flame

Note the Flame Color - Green tinge is Positive for Halogen

Procedure to Prepare Copper Wire Loop:Heat small loop thin copper wire to redness in a flame & let cool


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Note: Green tint to flameChloride will give Green color

Positive Halogen Test


QA/QC: Cut a small piece of wire insulation and place it inside copper wire loop. Gently heat insulation & copper wire with torch. Carefully observe flame & note green tinge to flame, (Positive Halogen Test)SAFETY NOTE : Care should be

exercised as oxidizers can flash and / or burn vigorously when exposed to a flame. Make sure the wire is cool prior to putting it in test tube


Corrosive ACID pH ≤ 2 Corrosive BASE pH ≥ 12.5

TEST #4 :Acid / Base (Corrosivity)

Required Materials: Test tube, pH Strips, and water

Solid: Size of a match headLiquid: Add 5 drops

Fill Test tube ¼ full with waterGently mix Test tubeCompare pH strip w/ colors on chart

Figure 4. Corrosivity Test.

QA/QC: Dip pH strip in pH 4 & 10 buffer/Compare w/ color with that on pH pack

HINT: Old Decomposed chlorinated solvents can react w/ moisture forming HCL* in the solvent. A low pH may indicate a halogenated solvent. Copper wire test can identify as halogenated solvent.

* HCL (Hydrochloric acid)



Solubility: Soluble (S) / Partially Soluble (PS) / Insoluble (I) Density: Heavier (H) / Lighter (L) Reactivity: Effervescence / Temp. Change (increase or decrease)/Color change Polymerization - mixture turns to a gel If liquid, Insoluble, and Heavier than water, it may be a halogen pH in acid range indicates the presence of a halogen Beilstein Test (copper wire test) - confirms a halogen If liquid, Insoluble and Lighter than water, it is probably an Organic If liquid, Insoluble, Lighter than water, & it burns classify it as an Organic

Figure 1 - Water is added to sample using poly dropper

TEST #5:Water Reactivity

Required Materials: Test tube and water


Fill Test tube ¼ full with water / Gently Mix Test tube



TEST #5:Reactivity Property

“Reactive” Physical and Chemical reactions.

Temp. increase Possible Acid (e.g. Sulfuric acid/ Thionyl chloride) Temp. increase Possible Base (e.g. Sodium hydroxide) Gas formation Hydrogen sulfide/ (Possible Sulfide) Violent reaction with pH decreasing Acid Violent reaction with pH increasing Base

Note: pH after the water solubility test (acid or base) Color change upon mixing with water.

HINT: Solid pesticides often dissolve in soapy water Change color from white or brown to yellow.

KABOOM ….



TEST #6: Peroxide

SAFETY NOTE: Never open small chemical bottles due to the friction generated when opening the lid. Labeled bottles should be lab packed, if the contents looks consistent with the label. Unlabeled “laboratory-sized” bottles crush remotely w/ blast shield equipped track-hoe

Typically solid peroxides are packaged in small containers or laboratory-sized bottles or cans. Liquid peroxides, such as 35% or greater Hydrogen peroxide packaged in poly drums.



Benzoyl peroxide - a fairly common organic peroxide - produces false negatives on both Oxidizer &

Peroxide Tests Use: Catalyst / Bleaching Agent / Consumer Skin Treatment Product

Peroxides are particularly dangerous compounds &are strong oxidizers.

Can decompose with explosive force when subjected to friction, shock and/or heat (i.e.

opening a bung on a drum or a lid on a laboratory chemical bottle). Are flammable substances that burn more furiously and intensely than other flammable substances.

With drums of chemicals, if peroxide or peroxide formers (i.e. alcohols, ketones and ethers) are suspected, test a sample of crystals on the lid or bung with peroxide test strips. Do not touch or scrape the crystals. Squirt a small amount of water on the bung to dissolve some of the crystals and then immerse strip in the solution.



TEST #6: Peroxide Test

Required Materials: ITS™ Peroxide Strips, and water


Fill Test tube ¼ full with waterDip strip in solution for 3 secondsBlue color change indicates positive for Peroxides

QA/QC: Dip Peroxide Test strip in 3% Hydrogen peroxide solution – an immediate dark blue color indicates strip is good / A slow reaction followed by a light Blue or no color change (replace w/ fresh Peroxide Test strips)

TIP: Store Peroxide test strips in the Freezer – this usually preserves them for several years or else they will loose their reactivity.

Figure 5. Peroxide Test.


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ChemCat Training / Instructor:James Hawkins [email protected] / cell (419)260-4447

TEST #7: Sulfide (S -

2)TestRequired Materials: ITS ™ Sulfide Test Strips

SAFETY NOTE: Sulfide salts can generate hydrogen sulfide fumes (rotten egg smell) if exposed to water or acidic solutions. Hydrogen sulfide, a flammable gas, more toxic than cyanide gas. Exercise great care around these materials. Upon excessive exposure to this deadly gas, the sense of smell will be dulled and one may not notice this odor upon further exposure

Procedure:Place Sulfide Test Strip in Sample for about 5 sec.Remove Strip & Shake Strip to remove droplets of sampleA Positive reaction will be color change to brown for low concentrations & black for high Sulfide concentrations

Note: Generally, if the pH of a material is 5 or less, sulfides won’t be present since sulfides are not stable at low pH’s.

The odor of rotten eggs is a preliminary indicator of sulfides


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TEST #8: Cyanide (CN

-)TestRequired Materials: ITS™ Cyanide Test & test tube

SAFETY NOTE: Cyanides impart a bitter taste to the air. Some people are sensitive to this odor called “Bitter Almond” often prevalent in plating shops. Also, traces cyanide gas can cause headaches (high concentrations of Cyanide gas will cause DEATH)

Poison

Procedure:Add 20 drops from “H2O soluble” test to test tubeDip Test Strip #1 in Test tube for 30 secondsRemove Test Strip from Test TubeInsert Test Strip #2 in Test tube for thirty (30) sec.Remove the test strip & note color change

Blue color indicates the presence of cyanide

Note: If pH of material is 5 or less, do not test for cyanides since cyanides are not stable at a low pH.



Solubility: Soluble (S) / Partially Soluble (PS) / Insoluble (I) Density: Heavier (H) / Lighter (L) Reactivity: Effervescence / Temp. Change (increase or decrease) / Color change Polymerization - mixture turns to a gel Insoluble and more dense than Hexane/DCM, classify it as Halogenated Organic Soluble in H2O & Insoluble in Hexane/DCM, classify it as Inorganic If soluble in Hexane/DCM – classify as an Organic Ignitability Tests are important (consider other CHEMCAT© Tests )

Figure 2 – Hexane/DCM is added to sample using poly dropper

TEST #9: OrganicHexane/DCM* Solubility

Required Materials: Test tube & Hexane/DCM mixture


Fill Test tube ¼ full with Hexane/DCM shake Test tube.* Dichloromethane (DCM)

DCM/Hexane


ChemCat Training / Instructor:James Hawkins [email protected]

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TEST #10: Base-Neutral Identification

Base-Neutral is a general classification given to a compound that exhibits negative test results to all of the ChemCat© tests (with the exception of the water solubility). Simply because a chemical does not give a positive reaction to the test does not mean that it is not hazardous. This indicates either

1) None of the tests were the correct ones to indicate its chemical properties OR 2) The test gave a false negative.

If the QA/QC was correctly performed false negatives due to test strips will not occur.

Prior to commencing ChemCat© testing of chemical unknowns, perform QC “on-site” for the following tests: (Acid / Base / Peroxide / Oxidizer / Halogen / Cyanide / Sulfides).


TEST #11: Oxidizer Test

Oxidizer “a material such as a chlorate, permanganate or nitrate that yields oxygen, either at ambient conditions or when exposed to heat, to readily stimulate the combustion of organic matter (i.e. burn).” … Oxidizers are electron grabbers (or receivers) … Fluorine is the strongest oxidizer & Cesium is the strongest reducer (an electron giver or donors).

Note: Oxidizers can violently react with other oxidizers (e.g. a Rx w/ hypochlorite [pool chlorine] & chlorocyauranates [also, pool chlorine])




Figure 6. Oxidizer

Test.

Required Materials: Ceramic Spot Plate, Starch-Iodide Strips, & White Vinegar

Solid Sample: Size of a match head mixed w/ H2O separately in Test tube w/ H2O.

Liquid: Add 5 drops & mix separately in Test Tube (e.g. Water Solubility

Portion)Using Ceramic Spot Plate: Place Starch-Iodide test strip on Spot Plate Add 2 drops Vinegar onto test strip Using the H2O soluble portion – add 2 drops onto test strip Blue-Black color change indicates positive for Oxidizer

QA/QC: Use several drops of Oxidizer test solution (i.e. bleach - Sodium hypochlorite solution) to check the Starch-Iodide test strip. The test strip will immediately turn blue-black indicating the presence of an oxidizer & Positive Oxidizer Reaction.



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Safety Note: If a sulfide is present, the odor of rotten eggs will be apparent & yellow precipitate will appear. DON’T BREATH THE GAS … IT IS VERY TOXIC

Common Test Paper color reactions:Turns black immediately then quickly returns to white: very strong

oxidizer (possibilities: hypochlorites, hypobromites & concentrated

Nitric acid.Turns black or dark purple immediately: strong oxidizer. Turns blue or dark purple within a few seconds: Potentially very

hazardous chemical (possibilities: certain organic peroxides or metal nitrates).

Test strip turns blue or purple after a certain amount of time: possibly a weak oxidizer (treat as a negative – some old solvents, radiator fluids or metal salts can cause a false negative) – treat this as a negative


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TEST #12 (optional): Pesticide Test (Agri-Screen Ticket Test)

Required Materials: Agri-Screen Ticket

Positive Negative

Procedure:

Positive Test: Disc on the Ticket will turns white

Negative Test: Disc remains Blue

per the Ticket Manufacturer (www.neogen.com ) Detects major organophosphates, thiophosphates and carbamates in air, water,

soil, spills & on surfaces. Pesticides detected: Malathion®, Sevin®, Dursban® , Diazinon & others.

http://www.neogen.com/

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Field Testing ChemCat Spreadsheet


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Drum Sampling Data Sheet (ChemCat portion)


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ChemCat™ TrainingPart 2:

“Hands-on” CHEMCAT© TrainingHow It Works … the good stuff

James D. Hawkins(419) 260 – 4447

[email protected]

37ChemCat Training / Instructor: James Hawkins / email: [email protected] / cell (419) 260-4447

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10 minute Break …


chemcat training (how it works)

Education

james hawkins email

hawkins hawkins environmental

chemcat analysis

scope of chemcat testing

sulfide chemcat system

hazardous chemicals

hazardous wastes

hazardous properties