Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations PDF

Here is the conversion of the provided text into a markdown format: # Hazardous Materials: Awareness and Operations (Chapter 2) ## Cover * Image of individuals in protective suits inspecting barrels. ## Objectives ### 1 of 7 * Describe the following properties: * Boiling point *...

Here is the conversion of the provided text into a markdown format: # Hazardous Materials: Awareness and Operations (Chapter 2) ## Cover * Image of individuals in protective suits inspecting barrels. ## Objectives ### 1 of 7 * Describe the following properties: * Boiling point * Chemical reactivity * Corrosivity (pH) * Flammable (explosive) range [lower explosive limit (LEL) and upper explosive limit (UEL)] * Flash point ### 2 of 7 * Ignition (autoignition) temperature * Particle size * Persistence * Physical state (solid, liquid, gas) * Radiation (ionizing and non-ionizing) * Specific gravity ### 3 of 7 * Toxic products of combustion * Vapor density * Vapor pressure * Water solubility * Physical change and chemical change ### 4 of 7 * Describe radiation (non-ionizing and ionizing) as well as the differences among alpha and beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons. ### 5 of 7 * Describe the differences between the following pairs of terms: * Contamination and secondary contamination * Exposure and contamination * Exposure and hazard * Infectious and contagious * Acute and chronic effects * Acute and chronic exposures ### 6 of 7 * Describe the following types of weapons of mass destruction: * Nerve agents * Blister agents * Choking agents * Irritants ### 7 of 7 * Describe the routes of exposure to hazardous materials for humans ## Chemical and Physical Properties ### 1 of 2 * Characteristics of a substance * Important to understand for hazardous substances/WMD * Basis of good decisions on response ### 2 of 2 * Are measureable * They include: * Vapor density * Flammability * Corrosivity * Water reactivity ## State of Matter ### 1 of 2 * Image showing a solid cube, a glass of liquid and a pressurized gas container. * The state of matter identifies the hazard as a solid, liquid, or gas. ### 2 of 2 * Helps predict what substance will do * How will it escape its container? * Why did the container fail? * Influences the incident's duration * In turn, informs emergency response plan. ## Physical Change * Can occur when chemicals are subjected to: * Heat * Cold * Pressure ## BLEVE * Boiling Liquid/Expanding Vapor Explosion * Pressurized liquefied materials inside closed vessel are exposed to high heat * Results in physical change from liquid to gas * Examples: propane, butane * Expansion ratio: Describes the volume increase that occurs ## Chemical Reactivity * Also known as chemical change * Ability to transform at molecular level * Usually releases some form of energy * Examples * Steel when it rusts * Wood when it burns ## "You Are the Responder" Case Study * What physical/chemical changes caused: * The rags to spontaneously ignite? * Failure of the small, propane cylinder? * Fire fighters and residents to experience skin irritation? ## Critical Characteristics of Flammable Liquids * Flash point * Ignition temperature * Flammable range * Only substances in gaseous or vapor state will combust * Solids and liquids produce vapor, then ignite ## Flash Point ### 1 of 3 * Minimum temperature at which ignition results in flash fire * Fire will go out once vapor fuel is consumed ### 2 of 3 * Image of a thermometer indicating -45°F for gasoline. * Responders should always be mindful of ignition sources at flammable/combustible liquid incidents. ### 3 of 3 * Low flash point = higher ignition temperatures and vapor pressures * Examples: Gasoline, ethyl alcohol, acetone * High flash point = lower ignition temperatures and vapor pressures * Example: #2 grade diesel fuel ## Fire Point * Temperature at which sustained combustion of vapor occurs * Usually slightly higher than flash point ## Ignition Temperature * Also known as autoignition temperature * Temperature at which heated fuel ignites and continues to burn * No external ignition source necessary ## Flammable Range * Concentrations (%) of flammable vapor and air needed for fuel/air mixture to burn * Defined by lower and upper limits: * Lower explosive limit (LEL) * Upper explosive limit (UEL) * More dangerous material has wider range ## Vapor Pressure ### 1 of 3 * Pertains to liquids inside closed container * May be expressed in: * Pounds per square inch (PSI) * Atmospheres (atm) * Torr * Millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) ### 2 of 3 * Image showing a container with liquid and pressure arrows. * The vapors released from the surface of any liquid must be contained if they are to exert pressure. ### 3 of 3 * Influenced by ambient temperature * High temp. → increased vapor pressure * Low temp. → decreased vapor pressure * Causes liquid to evaporate when released * High vapor pressure → evaporates quickly * Low vapor pressure → evaporates slowly ## Boiling Point ### 1 of 2 * Liquid continually gives off vapors * Molecules must overcome downward force of atmospheric pressure * If maintained, all liquid will turn into gas ### 2 of 2 * Image illustrating atmospheric pressure pushing down at 14.7 psi, causing water to boil at 212°F. * The concept of boiling point versus atmospheric pressure. ## Vapor Density ### 1 of 2 * Weight of vapor compared to weight of air * Expressed numerically (e.g., in the MSDS) * Air has set vapor density of 1.0 * Vapor density > 1.0 = heavier; < 1.0 = lighter * Affects gas' behavior during release * Lighter-than-air gases: "4H MEDIC ANNA” ### 2 of 2 * Illustration comparing low and high vapor density. * A. Vapor density < 1.0 over the cylinder with the gas leak rising upward. B. Vapor density > 1.0 over the cylinder with the heavier-than-air leak. ## Specific Gravity ### 1 of 2 * Compares weight of liquid chemical to weight of water * Water has specific gravity of 1.0 * Materials with specific gravity < 1.0 float * Materials with specific gravity > 1.0 sink * Most flammable liquids float on water ### 2 of 2 * Diagram showing gasoline floating on water and Carbon Disulfide sinking in water. * Gasoline will float on water, whereas carbon disulfide will not. ## Water Solubility * Ability of substance to dissolve in water * Water most often used to extinguish fires * Reacts violently with some chemicals (e.g., sulfuric acid, metallic sodium, magnesium) ## Corrosivity ### 1 of 3 * Ability of a material to cause damage to * Skin, eyes, other body parts * Clothing, rescue equipment * Corrosive chemicals should be taken seriously * Materials require unique response tactics ### 2 of 3 * Two types: Acids and bases * Defined by pH * Acids have pH less than 7 * Bases have pH greater than 7 * pH 7 is neutral * pH < 2.5 or > 12.5 considered strong ### 3 of 3 * Image of the pH scale, ranging from strong acids to strong bases, with corresponding examples. * The pH scale. ## Toxic Products of Combustion * Materials decompose under heat, resulting in hazardous chemical compounds * Smoke may not be just smoke! * Soot, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor, formaldehyde, cyanide compounds, nitrogen oxides ## Radiation ### 1 of 2 * Energy transmitted by electromagnetic waves or energetic particles * Sources: Sun, soil, X-rays, occupational exposures encountered in the field * Amount absorbed and exposure time affect degree of damage ### 2 of 2 * Illustration showing alpha, beta, and gamma radiation passing through a fabric and a door, affecting a person. * Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. ## Alpha Particles * Have weight and mass * Travel less than a few centimeters * Protect yourself by: * Staying several feet from source * Using HEPA filter on simple respirator * Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) ## Beta Particles * More energetic than alpha particles * Pose a greater health hazard * May redden (erythema) and burn skin * May be inhaled; use SCBA * Can travel 10 to 15 feet in open air * Are considered ionizing radiation * Cannot pass through most solid objects ## Ionizing Radiation * Can cause changes in human cells * Can lead to cancer * Examples: X-rays, gamma rays ## Non-ionizing Radiation * Comes from electromagnetic waves * Does not have sufficient energy to change human cells * Examples: Sound waves, radio waves, microwaves ## Gamma Radiation * Pure electromagnetic energy * Most energetic radiation responders may encounter * Passes easily through thick, solid objects * Form of ionizing radiation; can be deadly * SCBA will not provide protection * Neutrons can create gamma radiation ## Hazard and Exposure * Hazard: Material capable of causing harm * Exposure: Process by which people, animals, the environment, and equipment come into contact with hazardous material ## Contamination * Residue from released chemical * Decontamination: Process of residue removal * Secondary contamination is transferred from source by direct contact * PPE protects if contact cannot be avoided * Does not enable unlimited contact ## Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) ### 1 of 2 * Mnemonic for types of damage: TRACEMP * Thermal * Radiological * Asphyxiation * Chemical ### 2 of 2 * Etiological (anthrax, plague, smallpox) * Mechanical * Psychogenic ## Nerve Agents ### 1 of 3 * Enter body through lungs or skin * Disrupt central nervous system * May cause death or serious impairment *Dose absorbed dictates extent of damage * Examples: Sarin, VX ### 2 of 3 * Signs/symptoms: “SLUDGEM” * Salivation * Lacrimation (tearing) * Urination * Defecation * Gastric disturbance ### 3 of 3 * "SLUDGEM" * Emesis (vomiting) * Miosis (constriction of the pupil) ## Blister Agents ### 1 of 2 * Also known as vesicants * Cause blistering of the skin * Interact in harmful ways with body * Examples: Sulfur mustard, Lewisite ### 2 of 2 * Image showing severe blistering from exposure to a blister agent. * Blister agent exposure. ## Blood Agents * Disrupt oxygen transfer from blood to cells * Can be inhaled * Can be ingested or absorbed through skin * Example: Cyanide compounds * Typical signs/symptoms: Vomiting, dizziness, watery eyes, deep and rapid breathing ## Choking Agents * Inhibit breathing and are skin irritants * Extremely irritating odor * Intended to incapacitate, but may kill * May cause pulmonary edema ("dry drowning") * Examples: Chlorine, phosgene, chloropicrin ## Irritants (Riot Control Agents) * Cause pain and burning sensation * Exposed to skin, eyes, mucous membranes * Used to briefly incapacitate a person or group * Least toxic of the WMD groups * Decontaminate with water; effects are meant to wear off * Example: Mace ## Convulsants * Cause convulsions or seizures * Even small exposure can be fatal * Examples: Sarin, soman, tabun, VX * Also organophosphate and carbamate pesticides ## Harmful Substances' Routes of Entry Into Body ### 1 of 2 * Illustrations depicting: * A. Inhalation * B. Absorption * C. Ingestion * D. Injection * The four ways a harmful substance can enter the body. ### 2 of 2 * Inhalation: Through lungs * Absorption: Through skin * Ingestion: Through gastrointestinal tract * Injection: Through cuts or breaches in skin ## Inhalation ### 1 of 2 * Hazardous materials/WMD, corrosive materials, particles * SCBA offers excellent protection * Infectious and contagious organisms also hazard * Example: Anthrax ### 2 of 2 * Image of a full-face air-purifying respirator with filters. * Air-purifying respirators protect against certain airborne chemical hazards * More comfortable * Allow longer work periods ## Absorption * Through skin, eyes, nose, mouth * Asphyxiants may form, causing suffocation * Some agents are carcinogens * Aggressive solvents (e.g., paint stripper and hydrofluoric acid) ## Ingestion * Chemicals enter body through Gl tract * May occur when rotating out from emergency * After hazardous work, wash before drinking/eating ## Injection * Via cuts, abrasions, open wounds * Address these before reporting for duty ## Chronic Health Hazards * Appear after long-term exposure to hazard * Also after multiple short-term exposures * Target organ effect *Example: Asbestosis ## Acute Health Effects * Occur after short, acute exposure * Examples: Acid burns (sulfuric acid), breathing difficulties, and skin irritation (formaldehyde, a “sensitizer”) ## Toxicity * Degree to which something is toxic or poisonous * Or, one such substance's adverse effects * Lethal dose (LD) * Lethal concentration (LC) * OSHA descriptions based on LD and LC ## Summary ### 1 of 3 * Know chemical and physical properties of substances * Important to making informed response * Understand physical and chemical changes * Be familiar with characteristics of flammable liquids ### 2 of 3 * Understand hazards before responding, to minimize potential for exposure * Avoid contamination whenever possible * Hazardous substances/WMD enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, injection, and absorption ### 3 of 3 * May be used as WMD: Nerve agent, blister agent, blood agent, choking agent, irritant, convulsant * HEPA filters and SCBA protect lungs * Chronic health effects occur after years of exposure—wear protective gear!