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Slide 2 What does HazMat have to do with me? As an amateur Radio Operator you may be called upon in an emergency situation. In these times you may have to go into areas that contain hazardous materials (HazMat). Hazardous Materials have no conscience and will inflict bodily harm, and sometimes death, if not respected. This presentation is by no means an all inclusive course in HazMat, but should assist you in sizing up a situation. As with all emergencies, your personal protection comes first. Always use common sense and be careful. Slide 3 RESIST RUSHING IN ! APPROACH INCIDENT FROM UPWIND STAY CLEAR OF ALL SPILLS, VAPORS, FUMES AND SMOKE Slide 4 First responders at the awareness level shall have sufficient training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas: An understanding of what hazardous substances are, and the risks associated with them in an incident. An understanding of the potential outcomes associated with an emergency created when hazardous substances are present. The ability to recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency. The ability to identify the hazardous substances, if possible. An understanding of the role of the first responder awareness individual in the employer's emergency response plan including site security and control and the 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook The ability to realize the need for additional resources, and to make appropriate notifications to the communication center. Slide 5 Your Responsibility as a First Responder Awareness level first responders are expected to recognize the presence of hazardous materials, protect themselves and others, request appropriately trained personnel, and secure the area. This overview DOES NOT give you the training, or the authorization, to take an active role in the clean-up, mitigation of the incident, or rescue of personnel involved. Slide 6 Types of Emergencies Transportation Natural disaster Terrorism Vandalism Container failure Others Slide 7 Transportation Emergencies Roadways Vehicle accidents Railways Train wrecks Train derailments Waterways Ship/boat accident Vehicular accident Airways Plane crash Slide 8 Natural Disaster Tornadoes and Earthquakes Ruptured gas lines Ruptured petroleum lines Leaking propane tanks Raw sewage Leaking liquids from vehicles Floods Ruptured gas lines Ruptured petroleum lines Leaking propane tanks Raw sewage Leaking liquids from vehicles Slide 9 Terrorism and Vandalism Large petroleum storage tanks Leaking Burning Chemical plants or storage facilities Leaking chemicals Burning chemicals Gas release Nerve agents Inhalation agents Skin hazards Biological agents Slide 10 Container Failures Rupture of storage tanks. Vehicle tanks or pans Pressurized tanks and cylinders Pressurized cans or bottles Non-pressurized tanks, cans and bottles Slide 11 Using Your Senses Trust your senses. If it doesnt look, smell, sound, or feel right it probably isnt. Hearing Hissing Gurgling Banging or Creaking Smelling Odors of gasses or vapors Burning materials Sight Feeling Slide 12 Hearing Containers that are pressurized will sometimes make noises before they rupture or explode. Non-pressurized containers may also make sounds. If a container of any type is involved in a fire situation, or is making noises, vacate the area IMMEDIATELY! Slide 13 Sight Look for placards or other markings. Look for the obvious and then look for hidden problems. Do NOT place yourself in danger sizing up any situation. Look for liquids on the ground or in the area that should not be there. Look for containers that are venting or swelling. Slide 14 Smells If you smell something that is not common, MOVE AWAY FROM THE AREA AND REPORT IT! Some chemicals can be fatal or cause serious injury if inhaled. Monitor wind conditions and stay up wind of the incident. You may have to relocate if the wind shifts. Warn others of the situation. Slide 15 Feeling Burning eyes, nose or throat are an indication that you should leave the area IMMEDIATELY. Move up wind of the incident and report the situation Warn others of the danger. Slide 16 Exposure to Hazardous Materials If at any time you feel that you have been exposed to any hazardous materials seek medical attention immediately! Symptoms of exposure may not appear for hours, and in some cases, days. DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES! Slide 17 Identification of HazMat Markings NFPA 704 system DOT placards Military HazMat markings Special hazard markings Pipeline markings Container markings Slide 18 EXPLOSIVES DO NOT USE RADIO EQUIPMENT IN THE AREA!!! Slide 19 FLAMMABLE GASSES LEAKING GASSES MAY IGNITE WITH AN IGNITION SOURCE. DO NOT USE RADIO EQUIPMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. Slide 20 NON-FLAMMABLE GASSES THESE GASSES MY DISPLACE OXYGEN IN CONFINED SPACES AND IN LOW LYING AREAS. Slide 21 OXIDIZERS THESE MATERIALS WILL ASSIST A FIRE IN BURNING HOTTER AND CAN MAKE THE ATMOSPHERE EXTREMELY EXPLOSIVE WHEN MIXED WITH FLAMMABLES Slide 22 INHALATION HAZARDS AND POISONOUS GASSES MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY Slide 23 FLAMMABLES MAY IGNITE WITH AN IGNITION SOURCE Slide 24 FUEL OILS MAY IGNITE WITH AN IGNITION SOURCE Slide 25 FLAMMABLE SOLIDS MAY IGNITE WITH AN IGNITION SOURCE Slide 26 SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLES THESE SUBSTANCES MAY IGNITE UPON CONTACT WITH AIR. USE EXTREME CAUTION. Slide 27 WATER SENSITIVE MATERIALS THESE SUBSTANCES MAY IGNITE OR BECOME EXTREMELY UNSTABLE WHEN WET. Slide 28 POISONOUS SUBSTANCE SOME OF THESE SUBSTANCES MAY BE POISONOUS BY TOUCH OR INHALATION. MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY. Slide 29 CORROSIVE SUBSTANCE THESE SUBSTANCES MAY BE ACIDIC OR CAUSTIC. EXTREME BURNS ARE POSSIBLE. MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY. SOME CORROSIVES DO NOT MIX WELL WITH WATER. Slide 30 BIOHAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE ITEMS WITH THIS MARKING MAY CONTAIN DISEASE CONTAINING MATERIALS OR POSSIBLY HUMAN REMAINS. Slide 31 RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCE RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES CAN CAUSE IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE AND DEATH. MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY FROM THE AREA. Slide 32 DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACARD IN USE. THIS PLACARD DOES NOT INDICATE THE ACTUAL HAZARD. MOVE UPWIND AND KEEP OTHERS AWAY. Slide 33 Limitations of Placards Dangerous placard Does not indicate primary hazard Placards may be difficult or impossible to see Human error in placarding process Slide 34 A Little about B.L.E.V.E.s B.L.E.V.E. Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion Can cause extreme damage and death Enclosed containers with liquids in a fire situation are the main cause. EXTREME caution must be used. A Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) releases a large mass of pressurized superheated liquid or liquefied gas to the atmosphere. In addition, a substantial blast wave may occur along with the generation of debris. If the released liquid ignites, a fireball results. Slide 35 Using the DOT Guidebook Developed by the DOT Outlines hazard info as well as initial actions to be taken at incident Consists of 5 color coded sections If the index entry is highlighted (yellow or blue), it is a TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) material or a Dangerous Water Reactive Material. (produces toxic gas upon contact with water). Slide 36 A page from the DOT Guidebook Highlighted chemicals are poison or inhalation risk Reference guide number can be found in the orange section of the guidebook. Slide 37 Which Section of the Guidebook? UN/NA Number Name of the material Highlighted Yes No Utilize the GREEN section Utilize the ORANGE section Placard only Use Table of Placards Utilize the ORANGE section Slide 38 Types of Protective Actions Isolate area and deny entry Keep all not involved with the emergency operations away from area. Evacuation Move all people away from threatened area. Slide 39 Secure the Area and Deny Entry Direct traffic away from scene Position someone in each direction of approach Physical barriers Barricades, vehicles, tape or rope Close doors or gates Transmit ALL important findings or events if safe to do so. Slide 40 Conclusion Use common sense. Approach from upwind. Use your guidebook. Call for assistance. Do not perform acts in which you are not authorized to do so. Look out for the welfare of others.