Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants.
What are the various control options at a hazardous materials incident?
During a Hazardous Materials Incident
- Do so immediately.
- Stay tuned to the radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters and procedures.
- If you have time, minimize contamination in the house by closing all windows, shutting all vents and turning off attic fans.
What are the six types of hazardous materials hazards?
The nine hazard classes are as follows:
- Class 1: Explosives.
- Class 2: Gases.
- Class 3: Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
- Class 4: Flammable Solids.
- Class 5: Oxidizing Substances, Organic Peroxides.
- Class 6: Toxic Substances and Infectious Substances.
- Class 7: Radioactive Materials.
- Class 8: Corrosives.
What are the reasons that you consider the materials as a hazard?
A substance is defined as hazardous if it has one or more of the following characteristics: flammable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive. Also, substances are defined as hazardous if they are specifically listed by regulation. For example, OSHA, EPA, and DOT publish lists of materials deemed hazardous.
Is the likelihood that a hazard may cause harm?
What is risk? Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss, or harmful effects on the environment.
What is the first priority on any hazardous material incident?
Life safety is always the top priority in an emergency response. Once an incident has been recognized as a Chemical HAZMAT Incident, the next stage in recognition is to identify the scope of the human health impact.
