[IDT 434 Hazardous Materials]{.underline}

3 Semester Credit Hours

# 

# Catalogue Description

An examination of hazardous materials incidents from the perspective of
the public safety officer/manager charged with protecting people and
property; \"identifying hazardous materials, assessing hazardous
material accidents, planning and tactics for addressing hazardous
material problems. Prerequisites: CHM 119 Fundamentals of Chemistry or
PHY 221 Mechanics, Sound, Heat.

## Course Goals and Objectives 

The course begins with an extended discussion of the nature and
characteristics of hazardous materials. The intent here \"is to enable
students to recognize, identify and understand the materials that they
might be confronted with in a hazardous material incident. The course
then focuses on the analysis of hazardous materials incidents - the
factors, influencing the behavior of materials \"in incidents and
dispersion patterns of different materials. Students are provided with
an analytical framework called events analysis which facilitates the
assessment of the nature, scope and likely outcome of an incident.
Finally, the course addresses the particular public safety problems
associated with transportation of hazardous materials.

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

-   identify a variety of hazardous materials

-   classify various hazardous materials

-   describe the factors influencing the behavior of selected hazardous
    materials

-   describe the dispersion patterns of selected hazardous materials

-   utilize events analysis as a framework for assessing various
    hazardous materials incidents

-   identify the specific problems associated with transportation of
    hazardous materials

-   identify the resources available for public safety personnel in
    planning for and responding to hazardous materials incidents.

## Course Format and Requirements

The class utilizes a lecture/discussion format, with ample use of case
discussions and exercises. Student attendance is expected since
extensive class time will be devoted to analysis of simulated incidents
or case studies of actual emergencies. Assigned readings should be
completed prior to class. Grading is based on three equally weighted
noncumulative examinations (75%), including objective as well as essay
and short answer questions, and class projects (25%).

## Texts

Aileen Schumacher, [A Guide to Hazardous Materials Management; Phyiscal
Characteristics, Federal Regulations and Response
Alternatives,]{.underline} New York: Greenwood Press, 1988.

Gregg Noll, [Hazardous Materials -- Managing the Incident,]{.underline}
International Fire Service Training Association, Fire Protection
Publications, 1989.

A. Recognizing and Identifying Hazardous Materials

> 1\. Classification of hazardous materials
>
> 2\. recognition and identification
>
> 3\. hazardous characteristics associated with materials

B. Differentiating among Hazardous Materials Incidents

> 1\. scope and extent of incidents
>
> 2\. factors influencing behavior of materials in emergencies
>
> 3\. dispersion and travel patterns of different materials

C. Assessing Hazardous Material Incidents

1\. events analysis as a strategy for estimating incidents, using events
analysis worksheets

2\. detecting hazardous materials

3\. assessing likely outcomes of incidents

4\. alternative assessment techniques

5\. utilizing the \"hazardous material behavior model\"

D. Responding to the Hazardous Material Incident

> 1\. strategies for first responders
>
> 2\. containment and suppression

E. Problems in Handling Hazardous Materials

> 1\. storage
>
> 2\. transportation
>
> 3\. shipper/carrier information requirements

F. Resources for Handling Hazardous Materials

> 1\. information and information sources on hazardous materials
>
> 2\. Hazardous Materials Data Sheets
>
> 3\. pre-planning strategies and requirements

### Bibliography

Allegri, T.H., *Handling Management of Hazardous Wastes*, New York:
Chapman and Hall, 1985.

Bennet, G., *Handbook of Hazardous Materials Spills*, New York: McGraw
Hill, 1982.

Carlson, G. and Fleisher, R., eds. *Study Guide for Hazardous Materials
for First Responders,* International Fire Service Training Association,
Fire Protection Publicatons, 1989.

Cashman, J., *Hazardous Materials Emergencies: Response and Control,*
Lancaster PA: Technomic, 1989.

*Emergency Response Guidebook: Hazardous Materials Incidents,* U.S.
Department of Transportation, 1987.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, *Incident Analysis Hazardous
Material Handling,* U.S. Fire Administration, 1980.

*Guidelines for Hazardous Incident, Evaluation Procedures,* New York:
American Society for Testing Materials, 1983.

*Handling Hazardous Materials*, Washington, D.C.: American Trucking
Association, 1989.

*Handling Hazardous Materials Transportation Emergencies*, National Fire
Protection Association and U.S. Department of Transportation, 1987

*Hazardous Materials-Waster Handling for Emergency Responders,* Fire
Engineering, 1989.

Unterberg, W., et. Al., *Reference Manual of Countermeasures for
Hazardous Substance Release,* New York: Hemisphere Publications, 1988.

Weiss, G., *Hazardous Chemicals Data Book*, Park Ridge NJ: Noyes, 1986.