Hazmat

Categories of Health and Physical Hazards

• Radiological hazards exist in various forms, with ionizing radiation being the greatest concern for firefighters.
• Radiological hazards may exist during incidents at specific locations, such as medical centers, industrial operations, nuclear power plants, and research facilities.
• Proper precautions, including wearing PPE, can minimize risks for firefighters.

Asphyxiation Hazards

• Asphyxiants are substances that interfere with oxygenation of the body, causing suffocation if untreated.
• There are two classes of asphyxiants: simple asphyxiants that dilute or displace oxygen needed for breathing, and chemical asphyxiants that prohibit the body from using oxygen.

Chemical Hazards

• Chemical hazards can produce a wide range of effects, depending on factors such as the chemical's toxicity, route of exposure, nature and extent of exposure, and susceptibility of the exposed person.
• Chemical hazards are classified as poisons/toxic chemicals, corrosives, irritants, convulsants, carcinogens, and sensitizers/allergens.

Etiological/Biological Hazards

• Etiological/biological hazards are microorganisms that can cause severe disabling diseases or illnesses, including viral agents, bacterial agents, rickettsias, and biological toxins.

Mechanical Hazards

• Mechanical hazards can cause trauma through direct contact with an object, resulting in mild, moderate, or severe injuries.
• Mechanical hazards can result from a single event.

Routes of Entry for Human Exposure to Hazmat

• Inhalation: breathing through the nose or mouth
• Other routes of entry include skin absorption, ingestion, and injection.

Types of Exposures and Health Effects

• Acute exposures: single occurrences with short-term effects that appear within hours or days (e.g., vomiting or diarrhea).
• Chronic exposures: reoccurring exposures with long-term effects that may take years to appear (e.g., cancer).

Behaviors of Hazmat

• Hazmat behavior depends on the material's physical state, flammability, boiling point, chemical reactivity, and other properties.
• Hazmat behavior determines the type and amount of harm caused and influences the effects on containers, people, living organisms, and the environment.

Ignition Sources at a Hazmat Scene

• Open flames
• Static electricity
• Pilot lights
• Electrical sources
• Internal combustion engines
• Radiant heat
• Cigarettes
• Cameras
• Road flares

Thermal Hazards

• Thermal hazards are related to temperature extremes.
• Examples of thermal hazards include hazmat, elevated-temperature materials, cryogenic liquids, and scene conditions.

HAZMAT Incidents

• HAZMAT incidents involve substances that pose an unreasonable risk to people, the environment, and/or property.
• HAZMAT incidents may involve a hazardous substance that has been or may be released from a container or is on fire.

Training Requirements for Awareness-Level (Hazardous Materials) First Responders

• OSHA and EPA require responders to meet specific training requirements.
• The US Department of Justice (DOJ) requires first responders to have training to prepare them for terrorist incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
• NFPA Standards include NFPA 471, NFPA 472, and NFPA 473.

Primary Responsibilities of an Awareness-Level Responder at a Hazmat Incident

• Recognize the presence or potential presence of hazmat.
• Identify the container type and material, if possible.
• Transmit information to the appropriate authority and call for assistance.
• Identify actions to protect oneself and others from hazards.
• Establish control of the scene by isolating the hazardous area and denying entry.

Primary Agencies that Regulate Hazmat

• Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Department of Labor (DOL) including OSHA
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)