36 Questions
What is the current attitude of the public towards hazardous materials compared to the past?
More concerned and with higher expectations
What does the term 'hazardous materials' mean to a citizen with a food allergy?
Peanuts and other food allergens
What is the primary reason for categorizing and classifying hazardous materials?
To better identify the risks and responses to hazardous material events
What is included in the term 'hazardous materials' according to the Secretary of Transportation?
Hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants, elevated temperature materials, and materials designated as hazardous in the Hazardous Materials Table
How many classes of hazardous materials are defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation?
More than 5 classes
What is the purpose of the Hazardous Materials Table?
To designate materials as hazardous
What is the primary purpose of categorizing hazardous materials into classes?
To better identify the risks and responses to incidents
What is a potential hazard associated with Class 1 materials?
Shock waves
What is a characteristic of Class 2 materials?
They are stored under pressure
What is a potential hazard associated with Class 5 materials?
Temperature and shock sensitivity
What is the primary role of first responders trained at the awareness level?
To notify the proper authorities of the release
What is the nickname for law enforcement first responders who respond to hazardous material incidents?
The blue canaries
What is the first step in managing hazardous materials?
Recognition
What is a potential hazard associated with Class 8 materials?
Corrosive burns
What is the purpose of the federal 'Emergency Response Guidebook'?
To provide guidelines for emergency responders
What is a characteristic of Class 9 materials?
They are miscellaneous hazardous materials
What is one of the key aspects of being a first responder awareness individual?
Ability to recognize the presence of hazardous materials in an emergency
What is the primary goal of the Benner's D.E.C.I.D.E. process?
To make smarter, more informed decisions
Why is it essential to be aware of hazardous materials in the community?
Hazardous materials are virtually everywhere in the community
What is one of the clues that can help identify a hazardous materials event?
The occupancy or location of the incident
What is the purpose of the DOT identification number?
To determine the name of the hazardous material and obtain hazard response information
What is one of the characteristics of a product specific containment system?
It has protective housing around fittings
What is the primary role of a first responder awareness individual in an employer's emergency response plan?
To provide site security and control
What is the last step in the Benner's D.E.C.I.D.E. process?
Evaluate process
Why is it essential for law enforcement to be aware of hazardous materials?
Hazardous materials are a part of our everyday life
What is the purpose of the United Nations hazard class numbers?
To classify the type of hazardous material
What is the hazard class associated with Number 3?
Flammable/combustible liquids
What information is NOT typically found on a shipping paper?
Driver's contact information
What is the purpose of the packing group on a shipping paper?
To indicate the degree of danger the material presents
What is the phone number for CHEMTREC?
1-800-424-9300
What should first responders do if they are unsure about the material or how to respond?
Look for emergency response information and resources
What is the purpose of the Emergency Response Guidebook?
To provide information on how to respond to hazardous materials incidents
What is required to be entered on the shipping paper if the material is an elevated temperature material?
Hot
Who should be contacted to provide technical assistance during a hazardous materials incident?
Carrier and shipper
What is the purpose of dividing recruits into response teams during a scenario?
To allow recruits to discuss and prepare their response
What is the primary source of information about the material at an incident?
The shipping paper
Study Notes
Hazardous Materials
- Hazardous materials are substances or materials that can pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce.
Categories and Classifications of Hazardous Materials
- The U.S. Department of Transportation has categorized hazardous materials into 9 classes and one category:
- Class 1: Explosives
- Class 2: Compressed Gases
- Class 3: Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- Class 4: Flammable Solids; Spontaneously Combustible Materials; and Dangerous When Wet Materials
- Class 5: Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
- Class 6: Poisonous Liquids and Solids; Etiologic or Infectious Materials
- Class 7: Radioactive Materials
- Class 8: Corrosive Materials
- Class 9: Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials
- ORM-D: Other Regulated Materials (Consumer Commodities)
Hazards Presented by Hazardous Materials
- Class 1 materials: blast overpressure, shock waves, flying debris, spreading of fire
- Class 2 materials: materials stored under pressure, inhalation hazard, suffocation, asphyxiation, BLEVE
- Class 3 materials: fire, combustion explosion, water contamination
- Class 4 materials: water or moist air reactivity, corrosivity, materials involved in fire will burn very hot
- Class 5 materials: temperature and shock sensitivity, ability to react violently with organic materials, will give off oxygen to support fire
- Class 6 materials: contamination of environment and persons, possible inhalation hazard, can cause disease in humans and animals
- Class 7 materials: contamination, radiation burns and sickness through exposure
- Class 8 materials: chemical burns due to corrosive nature, splatter in contact with water, may give off toxic fumes
- Class 9 materials: burns from elevated temperature materials, contamination of environment and persons
- ORM-D materials: poison ingestion hazard, chemical burns, fires
Managing Hazardous Materials
- Recognizing the presence of hazardous materials in the community
- Proactively involving the department in prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (disposal/incident review and evaluation)
First Responder Training
- Awareness level: recognizing hazardous materials, understanding risks and responses, and notifying authorities
- Benner's D.E.C.I.D.E. process: Detect hazardous material presence, Estimate likely harm, Choose response objectives, Identify action options, Do the best option, Evaluate process
Detecting Hazardous Materials
- Clues for detecting hazardous materials include:
- Occupancy/location of the incident
- Container type or shape
- Identification number or other types of markings
- Color of placards displayed on a transport vehicle or labels on a package
- Shipping papers carried in a transport vehicle
- Using senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste)
Resources for Information and Assistance
- CHEMTREC (Chemical Transportation Emergency Center)
- Emergency Response Guidebook
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- Dispatchers and other first responders
- Transportation industry contacts
- Federal agencies (e.g., Bureau of Explosives, Department of Energy)
- Other state agencies responsible for hazardous material incident response
This quiz assesses your understanding of hazardous materials, their risks, and the role of first responders in managing hazardous material events. Test your knowledge of HM safety and response protocols.
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