Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

• HAZMAT poses risks to health, property, or the environment.
• HAZMAT includes chemicals, radioactive substances, biological agents, and toxic gases.

Types of Hazardous Materials

• Explosives include TNT, dynamite, and ammonium nitrate.
• Gases include chlorine, ammonia, and propane.
• Flammable Liquids include gasoline, ethanol, and methanol.
• Flammable Solids include magnesium and phosphorus.
• Oxidizers & Peroxides include hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid.
• Poisons & Infectious Substances include cyanide, anthrax, and biological toxins.
• Radioactive Materials include uranium, cesium, and radium.
• Corrosive Substances include sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid.

Recognizing a Hazardous Materials Scene

• Signs & Placards like DOT HAZMAT placards and the NFPA 704 diamond are indicators.
• Unusual Odors, Vapors, or Fumes, such as chemical, gasoline-like, chlorine, or rotten egg smells are indicators.
• Multiple Patients with Similar Symptoms such as coughing, burning eyes, and respiratory distress are indicators.
• Reports from Dispatch or Bystanders about truck spills or industrial accidents are indicators.

HAZMAT Markings & Identification

• Red on DOT placards indicates flammable materials.
• Yellow on DOT placards indicates oxidizer materials.
• White on DOT placards indicates poisonous materials.
• Green on DOT placards indicates non-flammable gases.
• Black/White on DOT placards indicates corrosive materials.
• Blue on the NFPA 704 diamond indicates health hazards.
• Red on the NFPA 704 diamond indicates flammability.
• Yellow on the NFPA 704 diamond indicates reactivity.
• White on the NFPA 704 diamond indicates special hazards like radiation or corrosives.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) at industrial facilities detail hazardous material information.
• The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) helps responders identify hazardous substances and guides response procedures.

Toxicology of Hazardous Materials

• Toxicology studies how hazardous substances affect living organisms.

Routes of Exposure

• Inhalation is the most common route of exposure and allows for rapid absorption.
• Inhalation examples include smoke, gases, and fumes, like chlorine gas causing lung irritation.
• Ingestion occurs through contaminated food, water, or hands, such as cyanide poisoning.
• Absorption is through the skin or mucous membranes, such as pesticides or nerve agents.
• Injection is direct entry into the bloodstream, such as through contaminated needles or venomous bites.

Common Toxic Effects

• Respiratory distress can be caused by chlorine, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide.
• Chemical burns can be caused by acids and alkalis.
• Neurological impairment can be caused by organophosphates and carbon monoxide.
• Systemic toxicity can be caused by cyanide and heavy metals.

Hazardous Materials Response & Incident Management

• Maintain a safe distance by staying uphill, upwind, and upstream.
• Call for specialized HAZMAT teams.
• Identify the material using the ERG, placards, or SDS.
• Limit exposure and avoid direct contact.
• Triage and treat patients based on contamination status.

HAZMAT Incident Command System (ICS)

• The Incident Commander manages the scene and coordinates the response.
• The Safety Officer ensures responder safety.
• The Operations Section manages decontamination and victim care.
• The Technical Specialist advises on chemical hazards and mitigation.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Levels in HAZMAT Response

• Level A provides maximum protection with a fully encapsulated suit and SCBA for toxic gas exposure.
• Level B is a chemical-resistant suit with SCBA for liquid splashes of toxic chemicals.
• Level C is a chemical-resistant suit with an air-purifying respirator for low-toxicity, airborne contaminants.
• Level D is a standard work uniform providing minimal protection in non-hazardous environments.
• EMS typically operates at Level D or C unless specially trained.

Decontamination (Decon)

• Decontamination is the process of removing or neutralizing hazardous contaminants.

Types of Decontamination

• Gross Decontamination involves rapid removal of contaminants using water.
• Primary Decontamination involves systematically cleaning the patient using water, soap, and decon solutions.
• Secondary Decontamination involves detailed cleaning before hospital transport.

Decon Considerations for EMS

• Remove clothing to eliminate approximately 80% of contaminants.
• Use copious water rinses if appropriate for the substance.
• Avoid contaminating EMS personnel, ambulances, and hospitals.
• Ensure patients are fully decontaminated before transport.

EMS Roles & Responsibilities in HAZMAT Incidents

• Recognize and identify hazards using placards, NFPA diamonds, the ERG guide, and SDS sheets.
• Ensure scene safety by staying uphill, upwind, and upstream, and avoiding entering contaminated zones.
• Request appropriate resources such as HAZMAT teams and specialized decontamination units.
• Triage and treat patients using ABCs, oxygen therapy, and supportive care.
• Prioritize decontamination before transport.
• Decontaminate patients before entering the ambulance.
• Notify receiving hospitals about hazardous exposures.