Initial Response to Hazardous Materials 

Incidents: Basic Concepts

IRHMI:BC-Student Manual

2nd Edition, 1st Printing-July 2003
Initial Response to Hazardous Materials 

Incidents: Basic Concepts

DHS/USFA/NFA

IRHMI:BC-SM

July 2003

2nd Edition, 1st Printing
Initial Response to Hazardous Materials 

Incidents: Basic Concepts

IRHMI:BC-Student Manual

2nd Edition, 1st Printing-July 2003
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

NOTICE:

This material has been developed by the National Fire Academy (NFA) of the United States Fire 

Administration (USFA) for use by State and metropolitan fire training programs. NFA endorsement of this

material is conditional on use without modification. NFA material, whether printed text or software, may 

not be used in any manner that would mislead or that would suggest or imply endorsement by NFA of any

commercial product, process, or service. 

ii 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

iii 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

PREPAREDNESS DIRECTORATE

UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY

FOREWORD

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an important component of the Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS) Preparedness Directorate, serves the leadership of this Nation as the DHS's fire protection and 

emergency response expert. The USFA is located at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in 

Emmitsburg, Maryland, and includes the National Fire Academy (NFA), National Fire Data Center 

(NFDC), National Fire Programs (NFP), and the National Preparedness Network (PREPnet). The USFA 

also provides oversight and management of the Noble Training Center in Anniston, Alabama. The mission 

of the USFA is to save lives and reduce economic losses due to fire and related emergencies through 

training, research, data collection and analysis, public education, and coordination with other Federal 

agencies and fire protection and emergency service personnel. 

The USFA's National Fire Academy offers a diverse course delivery system, combining resident courses, 

off-campus deliveries in cooperation with State training organizations, weekend instruction, and online 

courses. The USFA maintains a blended learning approach to its course selections and course 

development. Resident courses are delivered at both the Emmitsburg campus and its Noble facility. Offcampus courses are delivered in cooperation with State and local fire training organizations to ensure this 

Nation's firefighters are prepared for the hazards they face. 

This course is designed to give the first responder at a hazardous materials incident basic concepts and 

techniques for appropriate behavior before, during, and after the incident. The course will define hazardous 

materials, and will describe roles, responsibilities, and risks associated with the incident. Additionally, the 

course will discuss the limitations of, and identify resources appropriate to, emergency and nonemergency 

situations. 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

iv
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Foreword ....................................................................................................................................... iii 

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... v 

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... SM 1-1

UNIT 2: REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS................................................... SM 2-1

UNIT 3: PERSONAL SAFETY............................................................................. SM 3-1

UNIT 4: TOXICOLOGY ....................................................................................... SM 4-1

UNIT 5: INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION 

AND IDENTIFICATION........................................................................ SM 5-1 

UNIT 6: SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP ..................................... SM 6-1 

UNIT 7: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT......................................... SM 7-1 

UNIT 8: DECONTAMINATION.......................................................................... SM 8-1 

UNIT 9: RESOURCES........................................................................................... SM 9-1

UNIT 10: COURSE WRAP-UP............................................................................... SM 10-1

Appendix A: 29 CFR 1910.120.............................................................................................. A-1 

Appendix B: Stenciling Commodity Names.......................................................................... B-1 

Appendix C: Assorted Papers................................................................................................. C-1 

Appendix D: References and Resources................................................................................. D-1 

Appendix E: Assistant Safety Officer for Hazardous Materials............................................. E-1 

Appendix F: Glossary of Acronyms ...................................................................................... F-1 

v 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 1: 

INTRODUCTION 

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to describe the role of the first responder in a hazardous materials incident and 

identify related training requirements. 

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. Recognize differences between hazardous materials and normal suppression operations. 

2. Identify the major responsibilities of a first responder in a hazardous materials incident. 

3. Describe the purpose of the course and recognize the value of training. 

4. Identify general topics covered in the course. 

 
INTRODUCTION 

SM 1-2 
INTRODUCTION 

INTRODUCTION 

Hazardous materials incidents are not the same as fire suppression or 

other "normal" emergency operations. The nature of the hazard requires

different protective equipment, operational approaches, skills, and 

attitudes. For you to respond safely to a hazardous materials incident, you 

have to be trained and prepared mentally. What you don't know can kill 

you.

A hazardous material (i.e., haz mat) is any substance (e.g., solid, liquid, or 

gas) capable of causing harm to people, property, and the environment. A 

haz mat incident involves the actual or potential release of hazardous 

materials. As in most emergencies, local government is the first line of 

defense against haz mat incidents. Local government is responsible for 

planning and developing an emergency management system that is 

capable of effective and timely response in a haz mat emergency. 

Although other levels of government--State and Federal--may be called in 

to help, only local government can fulfill this critical role. 

The primary resource available to local government to defend against

hazardous materials emergencies is well-trained and motivated first 

responders. The first responder is the individual who arrives first on 

the scene of a haz mat incident with the responsibility to act. For our

purposes, first responders are emergency response personnel, not members 

of the public, who may arrive on the scene first. This includes fire service, 

law enforcement, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), public works, and 

industry personnel. 

THE ROLE OF THE FIRST RESPONDER 

The role of hazardous materials first responders is limited because, by

definition, they are trained to function primarily in a defensive mode. 

Their foremost goals are to act safely, limit potential exposure to all 

persons, and provide timely information to the proper authorities.

Additional training is required for more aggressive actions. 

The first responder's responsibilities can be defined under the following 

four general categories. 

Recognition and Identification 

• recognize the presence of hazardous materials; 

• identify the material, if possible; and 

• gather information. 

SM 1-3 
INTRODUCTION 

Notification 

• notify the proper authorities;

• call for assistance; and 

• provide updates. 

Isolation

• set perimeters/zones; 

• deny entry; and 

• evacuate. 

Protection

• initiate the Incident Command System (ICS); 

• protect responders/public; 

• initiate decontamination; and 

• initiate defensive actions only (no intentional contact). 

SM 1-4 
INTRODUCTION 

Activity 1.1 

Personal Evaluation Instrument 

Purpose 

To help you evaluate your understanding of related concepts. 

Directions 

1. On the following Worksheet, individually, circle the letter which most accurately 

completes each of the sentences. 

2. You have 5 minutes to complete the Worksheet. 

3. The instructor will lead a discussion of the correct answers. No grade will be 

given to this quiz. 

SM 1-5 
INTRODUCTION 

SM 1-6 
INTRODUCTION 

Activity 1.1 (cont'd) 

Personal Evaluation Instrument 

Worksheet 

Directions: From the four choices given, circle the letter which most accurately 

completes each of the sentences. 

1. Among the following groups the ones that would not be considered first 

responders at a hazardous materials incident are 

a. firefighters, police, and EMS personnel. 

b. public works department personnel. 

c. private industry response personnel. 

d. members of the general public. 

2. As defined by the Department of Transportation (DOT), substances or materials

capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property are 

a. hazardous materials. 

b. hazardous waste. 

c. hazardous substances. 

d. extremely hazardous substances. 

3. In highway transportation, the percentage of hazardous materials carried is 

approximately 

a. 10 percent. 

b. 25 percent. 

c. 50 percent. 

d. 70 percent. 

SM 1-7 
INTRODUCTION 

4. The law that mandates that local governments participate in hazardous materials 

planning and training through Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC's) is 

a. The Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1970. 

b. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 

Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. 

c. The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA). 

d. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120. 

5. The maximum allowable concentration that a person can be exposed to over a 

given period of time without toxic effect is defined as the 

a. lethal dose--50 percent. (LD50). 

b. LC50. 

c. threshold limit value (TLV). 

d. immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH). 

6. The primary control method upon which first responders must rely in hazardous 

materials incidents can be categorized as 

a. physical. 

b. environmental. 

c. biological. 

d. procedural. 

7. Prevention of contamination is the responsibility of 

a. the Incident Commander (IC). 

b. the Safety Officer. 

c. all haz mat team members. 

d. all emergency responders. 

SM 1-8 
INTRODUCTION 

8. The hazards not typically associated with the hot zone in a hazardous materials 

incident are 

a. thermal and chemical hazards. 

b. asphyxiation and radiation hazards. 

c. electrical and environmental hazards.

d. etiological and mechanical hazards. 

9. The suit or equipment designed for use in performing critical functions in limited

direct flame contact is 

a. structural firefighting equipment. 

b. an entry suit. 

c. a proximity suit. 

d. Level A chemical protective equipment. 

10. The phase that involves the detailed washing of the entire body to remove any 

residual contamination is 

a. gross decontamination. 

b. cross decontamination. 

c. direct decontamination. 

d. secondary decontamination. 

SM 1-9 
INTRODUCTION 

SM 1-10 
INTRODUCTION 

VIDEO: "FIREFIGHTER SAFETY" 

During the video and class discussion, take notes in the space below. In particular, pay

attention to these points: 

• the speed with which incidents can deteriorate; 

• differences between hazardous materials and "normal" emergency operations; 

• reasons why problems occurred and ways they might have been avoided; and 

• the proper role of first responders. 

NOTES: 

SM 1-11 
INTRODUCTION 

INTIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC 

CONCEPTS PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

Training for first responders is mandated by Federal regulation--

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of 

Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.120 and Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) 40 CFR 311. (Excerpts from these regulations can be 

found in the Appendix of this manual.) The National Fire Academy 

(NFA) has developed two integrated field courses that provide 

progressively indepth training to help potential responders meet or exceed 

levels of knowledge and competency specified in OSHA/EPA regulations

and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards: 

• Basic Concepts; and 

• Concept Implementation. 

Course I: Basic Concepts

In general, basic concepts and techniques related to hazardous materials 

first response are covered in Course I. Instruction is designed to prepare 

first responders to ensure personal safety and to initiate appropriate

actions. In addition, the course contains basic materials that may be of use

or interest to technicians, specialists, Incident Commanders (IC's), special 

employees, and trainers. No prior comprehensive hazardous materials

knowledge is assumed. 

Course II: Concept Implementation

Information presented in the first 2-day course is reinforced and expanded 

upon in Course II through general application in an operational context. 

More detail and new concepts are provided on procedures, usage, and 

related considerations, following the basic chronology of a hazardous 

materials incident. It is recommended that students have taken NFA's 

Incident Command System (ICS) course or equivalent training prior to 

taking this course. 

Goals for Course I: Basic Concepts

Goals for the Initial Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents: Basic

Concepts course, which are derived from applicable Federal regulations, 

have been identified as follows: 

SM 1-12 
INTRODUCTION 

• Define hazardous materials and describe associated risks to 

personal safety. 

• Explain the roles, responsibilities, and limitations of first 

responders in hazardous materials incidents. 

• Implement appropriate behaviors before, during, and after a 

hazardous materials incident. 

• Identify the presence and potential dangers of hazardous materials 

in different emergency situations. 

• Identify local, State, and Federal resources appropriate to 

emergency and nonemergency situations. 

• Describe basic concepts and techniques of site management and 

scene setup, including the proper use of personal protective 

equipment (PPE) and decontamination.

SUMMARY 

Local government is the first line of defense against hazardous materials 

incidents. Remember, hazardous materials response is different from 

"normal" emergency operations. Unless you are trained adequately, your 

role as a first responder in a haz mat incident is limited to defensive 

operations. Responsibilities include recognizing and identifying the 

hazard, notifying proper authorities, isolating the area, and protecting 

responders and the general public. Learning the requirements and 

limitations of this role may save your life! 

OSHA/EPA regulations and NFPA standards define two levels of first 

responders: awareness and operations. You will learn more about these 

levels in Unit 2: Regulations and Standards. For now, note that Course I: 

Basic Concepts focuses on information needed by all responders and 

exceeds the requirements specified for the awareness level. Both courses 

together meet or exceed requirements for the operations level, although 

psychomotor skills are not addressed. 

SM 1-13 
INTRODUCTION 

SM 1-14 
INTRODUCTION 

APPENDIX 

SM 1-15 
INTRODUCTION 

SM 1-16 
INTRODUCTION 

Slide 1-1 

Slide 1-1

INITIAL RESPONSE TO

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS

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Slide 1-2 

Slide 1-2

PURPOSE OF COURSE

To prepare first responders to deal 

effectively with hazardous materials 

incidents

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Slide 1-3 

Slide 1-3

ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

• It is the Nation's first line of defense 

against most hazards, including

hazardous materials incidents.

• No other level of government can 

provide such protection.

• This role must include planning and 

training.

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SM 1-17 
INTRODUCTION 

Slide 1-4 

Slide 1-4

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FIRST 

RESPONDERS

• They are local government's primary

operational resource.

• They must operate safely and 

effectively to protect the public.

• They must plan and train to be safe 

and effective.

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Slide 1-5 

Slide 1-5

FIRST RESPONDERS

• First on scene with responsibility to act 

• Emergency medical services (EMS), fire 

service, law enforcement, industry, etc.

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Slide 1-6 

Slide 1-6

RESPONSIBILITIES OF FIRST 

RESPONDERS

• Recognition and identification

• Notification

• Isolation

• Protection

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SM 1-18 
INTRODUCTION 

Slide 1-7 

Slide 1-7

First responders, by definition, are

adequately trained only to conduct 

primary defensive operations.

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Slide 1-8 

Slide 1-8

Activity 1.1

Personal

Evaluation

Instrument

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Slide 1-9 

Slide 1-9

VIDEO: "FIREFIGHTER

SAFETY"

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SM 1-19 
INTRODUCTION 

Slide 1-10 

Slide 1-10

• Course I: Basic Concepts

• Course II: Concept Implementation

INTIAL RESPONSE TO 

HAZARDS MATERIALS 

INCIDENTS PROGRAM

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Slide 1-11 

Slide 1-11

COURSE GOALS

The students will be able to :

• Define hazardous materials and 

describe associated risks to personal 

safety.

• Explain the roles, responsibilities, and 

limitations of first responders in 

hazardous materials incidents.

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Slide 1-12 

Slide 1-12

COURSE GOALS (cont'd)

• Implement appropriate behaviors 

before, during, and after a hazardous 

materials incident.

• Identify the presence and potential 

dangers of hazardous materials in 

different emergency situations.

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SM 1-20 
INTRODUCTION 

Slide 1-13 

Slide 1-13

COURSE GOALS (cont'd)

• Identify local, State, and Federal 

resources appropriate to emergency and 

nonemergency situations.

• Describe basic concepts and techniques 

of site management and scene setup, 

including the proper use of personal 

protective equipment (PPE) and

decontamination.

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Slide 1-14 

Slide 1-14

COURSE OVERVIEW

• Unit 1: Introduction

• Unit 2: Regulations and Standards

• Unit 3: Personal Safety

• Unit 4: Toxicology

• Unit 5: Introduction to Recognition 

and Identification

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Slide 1-15 

Slide 1-15

COURSE OVERVIEW (cont'd)

• Unit 6: Site Management and Scene 

Setup

• Unit 7: Personal Protective Equipment

• Unit 8: Decontamination

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SM 1-21 
INTRODUCTION 

Slide 1-16 

Slide 1-16

COURSE OVERVIEW (cont'd)

• Unit 9: Resources

• Unit 10: Course Wrap-Up

• Posttest

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Slide 1-17 

Slide 1-17

OSHA/EPA REGULATIONS AND 

NFPA STANDARDS FOR FIRST 

RESPONDERS

• Awareness

• Operations

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Slide 1-18 

Slide 1-18

STUDENT MANUAL

• Contains course objectives

• Has a text that parallels the presentation

• Has a note-taking slide guide

• Contains the learning activities

• Has appendices with Federal regulations

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SM 1-22 
INTRODUCTION 

Slide 1-19 

Slide 1-19

SUMMARY

• Local government is the first line of defense 

against hazardous materials incidents.

• Hazardous materials operations require 

different procedures and special training.

• First responders emphasize personal safety

and defensive operations.

• The role of the first responder includes 

recognition and identification, notification, 

isolation, and protection.

• This information could save your life!

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SM 1-23 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 2: 

REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify and describe the important laws, regulations, and standards that apply

to hazardous materials initial response. 

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. Identify the regulatory basis for four terms used commonly to describe hazardous materials. 

2. List three laws, two regulations, and three standards that apply specifically to hazardous

materials response and responders. 

3. Describe the concept of Standard of Care. 

4. Determine the role played by standard operating procedures (SOP's) in fulfilling the requirements 

found in the Standard of Care.

 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SM 2-2 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

INTRODUCTION 

This unit describes the role of chemicals in our society and defines 

terminology related to hazardous chemicals. It describes Federal 

regulations that apply to the use and disposal of hazardous chemicals, as 

well as government responsibilities in hazardous materials incidents. The 

unit also discusses levels of training for first responders in hazardous

materials incidents and the concept of Standard of Care. 

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 

Chemicals in Society 

Society has studied and used chemicals in various forms for thousands of 

years. Documented evidence exists of the ancient Greeks naming, 

studying, and finding uses for many different chemicals available in their 

time. As the human race progressed in knowledge and technology, so did 

our knowledge and use of chemicals. 

Early Efforts 

By the time we reached the Dark Ages, our curiosity and desire to

manipulate nature led to the beginnings of modern chemistry. The 

nobility of the time was looking for new ways to acquire wealth. To that 

end, a specialized group, the alchemists, arose. They had one primary 

goal--the creation of gold from base materials, (lead, iron, copper, etc.). 

The work of early alchemists was most definitely a hit-or-miss affair. 

They understood little if anything about what they were doing. There are 

accounts of extremely violent and even lethal experiments taking place. It 

is safe to say that as these tinkerers tried different chemical concoctions, 

the potential existed for very rapid turnover in the position.

Over time, the alchemists became more and more methodical and 

scientific in their approach, and they made tremendous strides in 

understanding the world around them. The alchemists and their trial-anderror investigations evolved into chemistry. 

In 1869, the Russian chemist, D.I. Mendeleev (1834-1907) established the 

principle of periodicity. As his work continued, Mendeleev developed the 

first periodic table of elements, the forerunner of today's periodic chart. 

So accurate was his principle that Mendeleev predicted the existence of 

several elements not proved to exist until much later. Mendeleev's 

contribution to modern chemistry cannot be overstated. 

SM 2-3 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Chemical Revolution 

Today we have reached a point of development that would have astounded 

Mendeleev. As of 2003, approximately 24.5 million different compounds

were registered with the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) of Columbus,

Ohio. In 1988 alone, CAS added over 600,000 substances to its files, an 

average of 60,000 per month. Over the 22-year period, from 1981 to 

2003, an average of over 720,000 substances have been added annually to 

the CAS listing. This is not to say that all of these compounds are 

hazardous or found in commercial production, but rather that they have 

been developed. Many, if not most, will some day find their way into

production. 

To understand more fully the phenomenal growth in the number of 

synthetic substances, let's examine some figures. In 1965 (the first year 

that such information was available), CAS listed 211,934 substances in its 

files. At the end of 2002, the number had increased to 2,500,000. The 

estimated total for 1989 was approximately 10 million substances. In 

essence, we find that the number of compounds listed with the CAS has 

increased over 114 fold in only 38 years. 

It is important to keep sight of one simple factor in this discussion. 

Simply stated, our problems with hazardous materials have not been with 

us for very long. As we created more and more chemicals, we increased 

the magnitude and altered the nature of the problem that we face. 

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR CHEMICALS 

Different systems have been developed for classifying this overwhelming 

number of compounds and mixtures of chemicals. These systems evolved 

over the past 15 to 20 years, as our experience with chemicals grew. Most 

of the commonly used classification systems were developed by 

government regulatory agencies, such as the U. S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and 

the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

(OSHA). Each of these regulatory agencies addresses a different set of 

problems. As a result, there are major differences in how compounds are 

classified, depending upon who does the classification. This situation can 

lead to confusion and misinterpretation. So, let's take a moment to 

examine some of the different terms that may be encountered. 

SM 2-4 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Hazardous Materials 

The term "hazardous materials" was first defined by DOT in 1975. 

Hazardous materials are defined and regulated in the Code of Federal 

Regulations (CFR), Title 49, Parts 100 to 180 (49 CFR 100-180). The 

specific definition for hazardous materials is found in Section 171.8, 

which states that a hazardous material is "a substance or material which 

has been determined by the Secretary of Transportation to be capable of 

posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when 

transported..." 

A specific listing of hazardous materials is found in 49 CFR 172.101 and 

its appendices. Remember, in this definition, the term "hazardous

materials" refers to materials being transported.

Hazardous Substances 

The term "hazardous substances" is defined by EPA, DOT, and OSHA 

and in related Federal legislation, including the Comprehensive

Emergency Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of

1980. By OSHA's definition, a hazardous substance is "any material that 

can produce an adverse effect on the health or safety of the person 

exposed." Included in this definition are materials listed in section 

101(14) and 101(33) of CERCLA and hazardous materials as listed in 49 

CFR 172.101 and appendices. 

Hazardous Waste 

The term "hazardous waste" is defined by EPA and DOT and regulated in 

40 CFR, section 261 et al. In essence, a hazardous waste is any waste

material that is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or "toxic" and "which may 

pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health and safety and to 

the environment when improperly managed." Basically, this means that 

hazardous waste has the ability to cause damage to living organisms

and/or the environment. 

One of the primary differences between hazardous wastes, substances, and

materials is the intended usage of the material. If the material is intended 

to be used in production, manufacturing, and so on, it is a hazardous 

material or substance. However, if it is intended for disposal, it is a

hazardous waste. Consider gasoline. When gasoline is used as a fuel and 

is in its intended container, it is a hazardous material. However, if the 

same gasoline is spilled or has leaked into the ground, it is now a 

hazardous waste, because it is no longer intended for use. 

SM 2-5 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Extremely Hazardous Substances 

The term "extremely hazardous substances," as the name implies, refers to

products that have an extremely high degree of toxicity. The EPA 

established a system to identify these materials. The list has included as

many as 403 chemicals, but now totals about 360. Due to the high degree

of toxicity involved, facilities are mandated to report the presence of 

specified quantities of these chemicals to local, State, and Federal 

authorities. The purpose of this reporting is to help State and local 

officials identify locations requiring immediate attention for response

planning. 

If you find this series of definitions confusing, you are not alone. It is not 

necessary to know the specific definition of each of these types of 

chemicals. Rather you need to understand the following: 

• There are different terms used to classify various chemicals 

depending upon their intended use, type of hazard, and degree of 

hazard. 

• When we use the term "hazardous materials" in this course, we are 

generically referring to any chemical that falls into one or more of

the four categories. 

• For the purposes of this course, hazardous materials (haz mat) are 

defined as any chemical that, if improperly handled, is capable of

harming people, animals, plants, or the environment. 

STANDARD OF CARE 

It is important that you understand the basic concept of Standard of Care

(SOC) and, specifically, what is involved. This section will provide you 

with a better understanding of the following: 

• what is meant by the term "Standard of Care"; 

• what specific laws, regulations, standards, and guidance make up 

the Standard of Care; and 

• how the Standard of Care affects the way response agencies and

personnel must operate. 

SM 2-6 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

What is the Standard of Care? 

Suppose some morning you wake up and just don't feel quite right. You 

feel sick enough that you decide to call your family doctor for an 

appointment, only to find he/she is on vacation. You are referred to 

another doctor. When you arrive at the other doctor's office, you explain 

your symptoms and the doctor proceeds to give you a very quick, rough 

examination. Upon completing the examination, the doctor states that 

obviously you are suffering from a viral infection. He/She goes on to state 

that the only effective way to treat this virus is to run around an oak tree 

three times and then place ice on your ears. You are told to repeat this 

practice three times a day. At that point you say, "Thank you, no," and 

immediately leave the office. 

Why would you leave the office and not follow the doctor's advice? You 

would leave because you expect a certain level of performance when you 

go to see a doctor, and you know that the prescribed remedy is not 

standard treatment. This particular doctor is obviously not providing the 

level of performance nor displaying the competence expected by or from

the medical profession. 

This little story addresses the primary concepts involved in Standard of 

Care. In general, Standard of Care is the level of competency 

anticipated or mandated in the performance of a service or duty. This

definition provides only part of the answer. Defining Standard of Care is 

straightforward, but fully understanding what it implies is something more 

elusive. 

Components of the Standard of Care 

First, how do you define "competency?" Competency involves many 

factors. "Accepted practices" found within a profession, trade, etc., are 

one factor. Such accepted practices are often reflected in professional, 

industrial, or governmental standards and licensing requirements. Another 

factor includes moral, ethical, and political issues. Normally, these factors 

involve legislative requirements set forth in laws or ordinances. A final 

factor includes the court's interpretations and opinions. 

Second, it is vital that you understand that the Standard of Care for any 

given situation or profession is not static but dynamic--in other words, 

changing. The change in Standard of Care usually is due to a change in 

what is deemed "competent." As our knowledge and understanding 

change and expand regarding a specific problem or situation, so does

competence. On the other hand, we may also find that our moral or ethical 

beliefs change. And we may find changes in how the judicial system 

interprets, defines, or reinterprets acceptable practices. 

SM 2-7 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

An example of knowledge-based change involves the use of aspirin for the 

reduction of fever. As recently as the past 15 to 20 years, the Standard of 

Care stated that children suffering from fever should routinely receive 

aspirin. However, the medical profession found a high correlation 

between the use of aspirin and a potentially fatal neurological 

complication known as Reye's syndrome. As a result of this new

information, the Standard of Care has been modified drastically. Now, 

children with fever should not receive aspirin, but, rather, may be treated 

with a nonaspirin pain reliever. 

An example of a moral or ethical-based change in the Standard of Care 

involves punishment for theft. In the old days, a thief may have been 

hanged for stealing a horse. This punishment would not be allowed today, 

at least not in this country. 

Finally, the courts can change the Standard of Care simply by making a 

ruling on a specific case. An example of a court-mandated change in the

Standard of Care involves an individual's right to remain silent. Before 

the Miranda decision, police were not required to inform persons of their 

rights. However, after Miranda, police not only have to read a suspect his 

or her rights, they also have to make sure that the individual fully 

understands those rights. 

Hazardous Materials Standard of Care 

Unfortunately, the chemical revolution went relatively unnoticed by most 

people outside of the chemical and related industries. The public was left

wondering what was going on. How big and bad is this problem? Who do 

we believe: those who say there is no problem or those who say we are on 

the verge of a catastrophe? 

The incident at Bhopal, India, in 1984 brought the potential for disaster 

into clear focus. The release of methyl isocyanate (MIC) led to between 

3,000 and 5,000 deaths and possibly as many as 200,000 to 300,000 longterm health impacts. This one incident, probably more than any other 

single event, points out that we live in a world that has the potential for 

major chemical disasters.

There were many other incidents prior to Bhopal that spurred a change in

national policy and directly affected emergency responders. For example, 

in the late 1960's and into the 1970's, a large number of rail incidents

occurred that involved liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and fire. Very 

often, the result of such situations was a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor

Explosion (BLEVE). 

SM 2-8 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

As the causes of these BLEVE's were identified, steps were taken to 

prevent future occurrences. This process involved retrofitting specific

types of railcars with thermal protection, head-shields, and shelf-couplers. 

As a result, the number of derailments involving BLEVE's has 

dramatically decreased. 

In 1968, an oil tanker, the Torrey Canyon, ran aground off the shore of 

England. Approximately 36,000,000 gallons of crude oil were lost from 

the vessel. (Note: The Exxon Valdez only lost about 11,000,000 gallons.) 

This massive oil spill and environmental nightmare caused officials in the 

United States to question our ability to handle such a catastrophic release. 

As a result of this history of chemical emergencies, it became evident that 

something had to be done. In 1968, after the Torrey Canyon incident, the 

government started to take steps to develop a systematic methodology or 

standard for response to chemical incidents. The system that developed 

can be referred to as the "Standard of Care" for emergency response to 

hazardous materials incidents. 

With the events that occurred in the late 1990's and in 2001 with 

Oklahoma City, The World Trade Center, and Pentagon it has become

painfully obvious that Standard of Care has become a dynamic entity and

brought this concept to a global level. 

Legal Implications of the Standard of Care 

The existence of a hazardous materials Standard of Care has potential 

legal implications for emergency response agencies and employees. One 

of the primary implications is liability. Webster defines liability as, "the 

state of being liable." Being liable means that some individual, group, or

agency is legally bound or responsible to perform or provide a function, 

duty, or service. 

The Standard of Care establishes duties and responsibilities. But 

assigning responsibility does not necessarily imply liability. The primary 

concern with regard to liability is negligence. Negligence is the failure to 

perform one's duty or responsibility with reasonable regard for foreseeable 

harm to another. Gross negligence is the willful or, in some cases, almost 

willful failure to perform one's duty or responsibility. 

In order to establish negligence, a party must prove that: 

• A duty or responsibility was owed. 

SM 2-9 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

• There was a failure to perform that duty within the realm of a 

Standard of Care. 

• Damage occurred. 

• The failure to perform the duty or responsibility resulted in the 

damage. 

In most negligence lawsuits, there are only four avenues of defense. 

1. The defendant may try to prove that no duty or responsibility 

exists. Obviously, this would be difficult if the suit revolved 

around one or more of the responsibilities identified in existing 

laws, regulations, and standards. 

2. The defendant may try to prove that no Standard of Care exists. 

Again, this could be very difficult to prove in light of these 

documents. 

3. The defendant may try to prove that the Standard of Care was not 

violated. This defense will need to substantiate these claims. 

4. The defendant may try to prove no injury occurred or that injury

did not result from a violation of the Standard of Care or was not

foreseeable.

There are few case law precedents in the area of hazardous materials. 

Most legal actions have not involved governmental agencies as the 

plaintiffs (other than chemical reporting noncompliance). Rather, private 

citizens, public interest groups, and others at the local level have initiated 

most of the actions. This trend most likely will continue. As time passes,

employees will probably constitute a major group of plaintiffs. It would 

be a mistake for anyone to think that the primary liability concern is with 

Federal or State government. The greatest potential liability exposure is 

definitely at the local level. 

It is important to understand that, not only must response agencies or 

organizations meet the Standard of Care, so must the first responder. Your 

actions during an emergency must be in line with the Standard Operating 

Procedures (SOP's) developed for hazardous materials response. The

SOP's must be developed in conformity with the requirements of the

regulations and standards. If this is not the case, a potential liability exists 

not only for the agency, but for the responder as well. 

Hazardous materials response indeed is dangerous and difficult. That is

precisely why the Standard of Care has developed. 

SM 2-10 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Standard of Care Matrix 

As we have said, the past 20 to 25 years have led to a tremendous increase 

in our knowledge about hazardous materials and related problems. As a

result, we have seen the growth and development of numerous laws, 

regulations, and standards specifically aimed at meeting the challenges 

faced by emergency responders. In essence, the laws, regulations, and 

standards come together to form the framework for the Standard of Care

by which you will be judged. They are summarized in a matrix on the 

next page and discussed in the following sections. 

SM 2-11 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SM 2-12 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Standard of Care Matrix

Responder 

Health and 

Safety

Right-ToKnow/

Planning 

National 

Response 

System 

Training 

Requirements 

Response 

Procedures Transportation 

Federal 

Legislation

Clean Water 

Act √ √

CERCLA 

(Superfund) √ √

SARA √ √ √ √

HMTUSA √ √ √

Federal 

Regulations

EPA 40 

CFR 300 √ √

OSHA 29

CFR 1910. 

120 EPA

40 CFR 311 

√ √

DOT 49

CFR100-199 √

Consensus 

Standards

NFPA 471 √ √

NFPA 472 √ √

NFPA 473 √ √

Guidance/ 

Programs

NRT-1 √ √

CPG 1-8 √

CAER √ √

Key to abbreviations:

Clean Water Act--Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1970 and Amendments 

CERCLA--Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 

SARA--Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986

HMTUSA--Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act 1990 

EPA 40 CFR 300--The National Oil and Hazardous Substance Contingency Plan 

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120/EPA 40 CFR 311--Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response 

NFPA 471--Recommended Practice for Responding to Hazardous Materials Incidents

NFPA 472--Standard for Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents

NFPA 473--Standard for Competencies for EMS Personnel Responding to Hazardous Materials Incidents

NRT-1--Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide 

CPG 1-8--FEMA Civil Preparedness Guide 1-8 

CAER--Community Awareness and Emergency Response Program 

SM 2-13 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SM 2-14 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FEDERAL LEGISLATION 

Federal Water Pollution Control Act (The Clean Water Act) of 

1970 and Amendments 

In 1970, a law commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act (CWA) was

passed. The CWA (and its subsequent amendments) mandated the 

establishment of a National Response System (NRS) primarily for the 

management of oil spills in navigable waters and their tributaries. This 

legislation required the Federal government to develop "a coordinated and 

effective action" to minimize the damages resulting from oil and 

hazardous substance releases. 

Additionally, CWA established the National Response Team (NRT),

tasked to implement the Federal response to such emergencies. The NRT

is comprised of representatives of various Federal agencies with major 

environmental, transportation, emergency management, worker safety, and 

public health responsibilities. The NRT is responsible for developing and 

maintaining the National Contingency Plan (NCP). The NRT does not

respond to the incident. It is a coordination team and usually works out 

of Washington, DC. 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 

Liability Act of 1980 

In 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 

Liability Act (CERCLA), was passed. Most people are familiar with 

CERCLA because it started the original Superfund for the cleanup of

hazardous waste dump sites around the country. CERCLA also mandated

changes to the NCP and extended the liability of the spiller to cover the

costs of the cleanup. In general, the act broadened the scope and scale of 

Federal involvement in hazardous materials situations. However, the 

primary focus was still hazardous waste dumps and oil spills in navigable 

waters. 

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 

In 1986, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), 

was passed. As the name implies, SARA acted to amend and reauthorize 

CERCLA. Again, a major focus was on hazardous waste site cleanup, but

this act added many requirements that never existed before. In essence, 

SARA established a national baseline with regard to planning, response, 

management, and training for chemical emergencies. 

SM 2-15 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SARA Title I requires OSHA to establish training requirements for 

hazardous waste and emergency response personnel (Sec. 126). Title III 

of SARA mandates the establishment of State and local planning groups

specifically to review or develop hazardous materials response plans. 

Title III also requires that the NRT develop guidance documents to assist 

in the preparation and implementation of emergency plans. 

As part of the planning process, facilities that have specified quantities of

specific hazardous substances must provide certain information, including 

inventories or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to local and State 

planning groups and the local fire department. If sufficient quantities of 

these materials exist, the facility also must identify a contact person for the 

State and local planning groups. Additionally, the facilities and planning

groups are required to provide information regarding inventories or lists of 

chemicals to the medical community, citizen groups, or individual 

members of the public. 

SARA mandates that States establish a mechanism through the State 

Emergency Response Commission (SERC) to ensure that planning and 

training take place and to provide assistance to local governments. The 

SERC is responsible for developing and maintaining the State's response 

plan. As part of the plan, States generally provide an important source of 

technical specialists, information, and coordination. However, they 

typically provide only minimal operational support to local jurisdictions in 

the form of equipment, materials, or personnel. 

Local government is assigned a role in planning and training through the

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The LEPC is responsible 

for developing the local response system and capabilities. A primary 

focus is the identification, coordination, and effective management of 

local resources. 

Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act 

Originally HMTUSA, but now simply referred to as HMTA, this piece of 

legislation integrated the United States with international hazardous 

materials shipping requirements. It enhanced the nine-digit hazard class 

system with divisions and packing groups. It added more and different 

placarding and packaging categories as well as additional licensing

requirements. It required additional planning to be developed, and 

provided a mechanism for the funding of training programs. Finally it 

required the creation of National Curriculum Guidelines for hazardous 

material responders. 

SM 2-16 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

Federal or State regulations also play a major role in establishing the 

Standard of Care. This portion of the text addresses the specific Federal 

regulations that apply to hazardous materials planning, prevention, or 

response. However, before we go on, it is important to understand exactly 

what Federal regulations are and the role that they play. 

Regulations are mandatory standards. They are authorized by specific 

legislation (laws) and are written by the responsible agencies or 

departments. Although regulations are not laws, they carry the same

weight as laws due to the legislative authorization for their development. 

Federal regulations are printed by the government and are available for 

purchase. The regulations are broken into 50 "Titles" and published in 

books called the "Code of Federal Regulations" (CFR). Changes,

additions, or deletions in the CFR are published on an almost-daily basis 

in a document known as the Federal Register. 

Environmental Protection Agency 40 CFR Part 300--The 

National Oil and Hazardous Substance Contingency Plan 

As previously mentioned, the NCP deals with the NRS and how it 

functions. In today's system, regulations underlying the NCP are found in 

the EPA 40 CFR Part 300. 

The NRS is a tiered system. At the top is the NRT, which was previously 

discussed. At the next level is the Regional Response Team (RRT), which 

coordinates Federal and State agencies in each of 13 regions. The RRT 

becomes involved in large incidents and actually may respond to the 

scene. 

The Federal Onscene Coordinator (OSC) also is found at this level. The 

OSC is a predesignated member of EPA or the Coast Guard (depending on 

the location of the emergency). This person has the authority to bring 

Federal resources to bear on the incident. The OSC may or may not 

respond to the actual incident site. 

SM 2-17 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR Part 

1910.120, Environmental Protection Agency 40 CFR Part 311--

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response 

OSHA 1910.120 and EPA 311 are identical regulations mandated by 

SARA. The reason both OSHA and EPA promulgated these regulations is

that OSHA regulations apply only in States with their own OSHA 

agencies, while EPA regulations would apply to all other States. In short, 

these regulations apply to everyone, whether you are in an OSHA State or 

not. 

Many of the provisions in these regulations apply specifically to hazardous 

waste site operations. However, the final portion addresses emergency 

response. These regulations include some very important concepts, 

including the definition of an emergency response, the organization of 

work groups using the "buddy system," what constitutes a hazardous 

materials response team, what is included in the term "hazardous

substance," health hazards considerations, and so on. 

The regulations mandate medical monitoring and annual physicals for 

specific response personnel. Requirements for the development of 

specific emergency response plans for response agencies are examined. A 

type of response management system, known as the Incident Command 

System (ICS), also is mandated. (The ICS will be discussed in Unit 6: 

Site Management and Scene Setup.) 

At the center of the ICS is the use of an overall commander known as the 

Incident Commander (IC). The IC is responsible for coordinating and 

controlling all onscene response activities and operations. A

knowledgeable Safety Officer also must be assigned to identify and 

evaluate hazards and to ensure the safe conduct of the operation. The 

regulations also address requirements for protective clothing and 

operational procedures, as well as emergency medical support. Finally, 

the regulations address the need for competency-based training for 

personnel. 

With regard to the training requirements, all responders must receive 

minimum levels of training, depending upon the roles and functions they 

will fill and perform. There are five basic levels of training: 

SM 2-18 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

1. First responder at the awareness level. 

2. First responder at the operations level. 

3. Hazardous materials technician. 

4. Hazardous materials specialist. 

5. Onscene Incident Commander. 

First Responder at the Awareness Level

First responders at the awareness level are individuals who are likely to 

witness or discover the release of a hazardous substance. Their primary 

functions are to notify proper authorities that a release has occurred, and to 

initiate an appropriate response. They also may establish isolation areas. 

This category of responder includes all police officers and may include 

emergency medical personnel as well as private sector employees. 

First Responder at the Operations Level

First responders at the operations level are part of the initial response to a

hazardous substance release for the purpose of protecting people, property, 

and the environment. They function primarily in a defensive mode, 

without actually trying to stop the release. Their function is to contain the 

release (keep it from spreading) from a safe distance and to prevent

exposures. First responders at the operations level must understand an 

essential form of ICS. 

This category of responder typically includes all firefighters, and may 

apply to emergency medical personnel, police officers, and private sector 

employees, depending on the duties the individuals must perform. 

Defensive actions include those taken during a hazardous material incident

in which there is no intentional contact with the material involved. They 

involve notification and possible evacuation, but not plugging, patching, 

or cleanup of spilled or leaking materials. Examples include, but are not

limited to: 

SM 2-19 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

• elimination of ignition sources; 

• vapor suppression; and 

• diking or diverting to keep a release to a confined area. 

Hazardous Materials Technician

Hazardous materials technicians are personnel who respond to releases or 

potential releases for the purpose of stopping the release. They can 

assume a more aggressive (offensive) mode of operation than first 

responders at the operations level. They may approach the release in an 

effort to plug, patch, or in some other fashion stop the release. Training 

includes the use of appropriate chemical protective clothing. 

This category of responder includes all personnel on hazardous materials

response teams. 

Hazardous Materials Specialist

Hazardous materials specialists perform activities similar to those of the 

technician, except that the specialists' responsibilities require a greater 

depth of knowledge of the substances involved. The specialist acts as the

liaison for Federal, State, and local governmental authorities regarding site 

activities. 

This category of responder includes personnel who are hazardous 

materials team leaders/officers or specialized industrial response 

personnel. 

*Note: The definitions of technician and specialist are not clearly 

delineated and some overlapping occurs depending on who is interpreting 

the law. 

Onscene Incident Commander

IC's are individuals who assume control of the incident scene beyond the 

first responder. Normally, this individual is a fire chief, police officer, or 

plant safety manager representing the lead agency. 

SM 2-20 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

This category of responder includes all personnel who may fill the

command position at some time during the emergency. First responders 

awareness may act as the initial IC, but the initiation of a multilevel ICS is 

the domain of the operations level. 

Department of Transportation 49 CFR Parts 100 to 180 

49 CFR consists of DOT regulations involved in the transportation and 

classification of hazardous materials. Specifically, this part of the CFR 

provides information about specific hazardous materials, their 

identification, and classification. 

The regulations identify the types of cargo containers required for the 

transportation of various types of chemicals in different modes of 

transportation. 

They contain specific information about compatibilities of cargos as well

as requirements for identifying hazardous materials shipments through 

placarding and labeling. Additionally, these regulations establish 

requirements for shipping papers and product information needed in case 

of an emergency during transportation. As such, 49 CFR is the primary 

enforcement tool used in the transportation of hazardous materials. 

Consensus Standards 

As mentioned before, regulations are standards, in particular, mandatory 

governmental standards. There are other types of standards as well. Here 

we will address what are known as consensus standards. 

Consensus standards are standards that are developed by representatives 

of a specific industry, trade, profession, etc. In other words, a group of 

people with related competencies and backgrounds meets in order to reach 

consensus on to how to produce, perform, or specify something. 

It is vital to consider the potential implications of the term "consensus." 

Consensus means that the group reached general agreement with respect to 

the specification established in the standard. As such, consensus standards

carry considerable weight when it comes to legal considerations. 

In essence, even though consensus standards must be adopted by an 

authority having jurisdiction to be mandatory, they still should be 

considered and properly implemented. The reason is simple. Although 

they are not mandatory, consensus standards represent what has been 

deemed to be appropriate behavior by representative members of a 

SM 2-21 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

profession or trade. As such, these standards explain "the way the job 

should be done"--the Standard of Care. 

In short, in a legal setting, you will be judged not only by mandatory 

standards (regulations), but also by consensus standards. 

National Fire Protection Association 471, Recommended Practice 

for Responding to Hazardous Materials Incidents

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 471 is a standard generated 

by the NFPA Technical Committee on Hazardous Materials. This 

standard outlines minimum operational considerations and guidelines for 

incidents involving hazardous materials. This standard, which applies to 

all responders, addresses considerations such as: 

• incident response planning; 

• response levels; 

• control options; 

• personal protective clothing; 

• chemical protective clothing; 

• decontamination; and 

• safety and communications. 

National Fire Protection Association 472, Standard for Professional 

Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents

NFPA 472 is also a standard generated by the NFPA Technical Committee 

on Hazardous Materials. This standard establishes specific knowledge and 

competence levels that response personnel need in order to respond to 

hazardous materials incidents safely and effectively. In essence, this 

standard is the basic training manual for hazardous materials response. 

The standard classifies response personnel into four basic levels identical 

to those in OSHA 1910.120--first responder awareness, first responder 

operations, hazardous materials technician, and hazardous materials 

specialist. Any training program based upon the goals and objectives set 

forth in this document will, in most cases, comply with OSHA mandates. 

Additionally, in Appendix B, the standard identifies broad knowledge 

recommended for the IC. 

SM 2-22 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

As with most NFPA training standards, this particular standard is

competency-based. This means that the personnel receiving training must 

demonstrate the ability to perform specified tasks or functions. 

Additionally, these personnel will have to demonstrate that they have 

attained a given level of knowledge regarding specific terminology, 

concepts, procedures, and activities. 

National Fire Protection Association 473, Standard for 

Competencies for Emergency Medical Services Personnel 

Responding to Hazardous Materials Incidents

NFPA 473 addresses the specific competencies needed by Emergency 

Medical Services (EMS) personnel for the management of responders and 

victims at hazardous materials incidents. This standard is set up in a

fashion similar to other NFPA standards. 

Guidance Documents and Other Programs 

Many guidance documents and related programs exist to provide direction 

or to outline specific procedures on various aspects of the hazardous

materials problem. 

Some of these documents and programs will be discussed later. However,

at this point, several are mentioned because of their correlation to the 

hazardous materials Standard of Care: 

• Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide--NRT-1. 

• Criteria for Review of Hazardous Materials Emergency Plans--

NRT-1A. 

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Civil 

Preparedness Guide (CPG)--CPG 1-8 and CPG 1-8a. 

• Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) Community 

Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) Program. 

These guidance documents and programs provide information for the 

systematic analysis of hazards and specific ways to develop emergency 

operations systems and plans needed to address the hazards. As such, they 

comprise an important component of the Standard of Care. 

SM 2-23 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 

OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.120, paragraph (q)(1) contains a requirement for 

emergency response agencies to develop Emergency Response Plans 

(ERP). These ERP's must include Hazardous Materials Emergency 

Response Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's). Stated more simply, 

the ERP is a plan including nothing more complicated than written SOP's. 

These SOP's are a series of guidelines that describe how a hazardous

materials incident will be managed by the agencies involved. For our 

purposes, we will refer to the ERP's as SOP's. 

Paragraphs (q)(1) and (2) of 1910.120 offer specific recommendations and 

guidance on the development of the haz mat SOP's. It is important to note 

that specific information regarding local approaches and procedures 

should be available through the Emergency Response and Operations

Plans developed by your LEPC. 

As the SOP's are developed, it is crucial to integrate them into the 

operational system developed by the LEPC in its plan. The LEPC plan is

available to everyone, including the public, emergency response agencies, 

the medical community, the press, etc. This availability is mandated in

SARA Title III as part of the community planning and right-to-know 

requirements of the Act. 

Paragraph (q) is reproduced in Appendix D. A model content outline for a 

hazardous materials emergency SOP follows. 

SM 2-24 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Model Outline 

Hazardous Materials Emergency

Standard Operating Procedures 

I. Introduction. 

• Address basic information in this portion. Refer to the specific reasons for 

developing this SOP and how and when it is to be followed. 

• Indicate what is required of all personnel and how the SOP will be

enforced. 

• Remember to include specific procedures and approaches set forth in the 

Local Emergency Planning Committee's (LEPC) Emergency Operations

Plan (EOP). 

• Indicate the level of response that the agency will conduct. Include 

specifics about the level of competency that must be shown by the agency 

(i.e., first responder awareness, first responder operations, technician, 

specialist, etc.). 

II. Preplanning and Coordination. 

• Indicate in this portion of the SOP what preincident planning activities 

will take place and how that information will be shared with other 

members of the organization. 

• Include specific information and methods of obtaining information from 

the LEPC. 

• Explain how your agency will coordinate with other local, State, and 

Federal agencies and private sector groups. 

III. Chain of Command, Communications, and Training. 

• Describe the chain of command that will be used within your agency's

Incident Command System (ICS). Be sure to consider how your

organization's ICS will interact with that of mutual-aid agencies and other 

local groups. 

• Indicate how communications are to flow during an operation. Consider 

communications within the agency, among different agencies, among 

mutual-aid organizations, levels of government, etc. 

SM 2-25 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

• Identify the level and type of training expected of each level within the 

response agency. 

• Indicate what is deemed appropriate training and how it will be provided. 

IV. Alerting and Response Procedures. 

• Describe how responders will be alerted and notified of the response. 

• Indicate any differences that may exist from the standard alerting system. 

• Indicate who is responsible, and how to alert the public if the need should 

arise. 

• Explain how personnel are to respond to chemical incidents, how close 

they should approach, where they should be looking for hazardous

materials, etc. 

V. Listings of Personal Protective Equipment and Other Emergency Response 

Equipment (A Resource List). 

• Develop a list of all available types of personal protective equipment 

(PPE) and other emergency response equipment. 

• Indicate how this equipment is to be used and how to request it on an 

incident scene. 

• Indicate who is authorized to request the equipment and the phone

numbers of specific contact persons.

VI. Recognition and Identification Procedures. 

Identify specific methods to be used by responders that will enable them to

determine locations, situations, indications, etc., that should be used to help 

recognize the presence of hazardous materials and identify them. 

VII. Basic Scene Setup Considerations. 

• Explain how responders are to set up the incident scene. 

• Include specific information regarding isolation, zoning, denial of entry, 

initial evacuation, assisting agencies, etc. 

SM 2-26 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

VIII. Decontamination Procedures. 

• Explain what types of decontamination will be performed by personnel. 

• Indicate how decontamination areas should be set up and the number of 

personnel needed. 

• Identify the specific roles, responsibilities, and duties of personnel 

involved in decontamination. 

• Indicate how contaminated victims will be managed, versus protected 

personnel. 

IX. Evacuation Procedures. 

• Indicate who can authorize an evacuation. 

• Explain how the public will be notified and assisted in evacuation. 

• Identify the methods to be used in determining the size of the evacuation 

area. 

• Identify how the evacuation centers will be identified and established. 

X. Emergency Medical Procedures. 

• Indicate exactly what is expected of responders with regard to EMS 

considerations in hazardous materials incidents. 

• Identify the specific protocol to be followed when managing victims of a 

hazardous materials incident. 

• Explain appropriate triage setup and procedures. 

XI. Critique. 

• Explain when, how, and by whom a critique will be conducted following 

each hazardous materials incident. 

• Identify the specific procedures that will be followed to document the

"lessons learned" from the response and critique. 

SM 2-27 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

• Identify how these lessons learned will be incorporated into departmental 

SOP's and training programs. 

XII. Documentation. 

• Identify the specific types of information that must be compiled, 

organized, disseminated, and filed. This information must include 

- Incident specifics, e.g., incident number, location, product involved, 

exact situation, unit locations, evacuation areas, incident zones, timeline, 

etc. 

- Actions taken, including specific strategic and tactical approaches and 

rationale used. 

- Notifications and times. 

- Injuries and medical actions. 

- Personal exposure files for all response personnel on the scene. 

• Indicate who is responsible for compiling the information and how it is to

be stored. 

• Pay particular attention to information that must remain confidential and

that must be entered into personnel files. 

• Indicate specific situations that will require followup medical monitoring 

and file updating. 

• Determine the mechanism needed to maintain the integrity and 

confidentiality of personnel medical record updating and exposure 

monitoring. 

SM 2-28 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

APPENDIX 

SM 2-29 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

SM 2-30 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-1 

Slide 2-1

UNIT 2:

REGULATIONS AND 

STANDARDS

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Slide 2-2 

Slide 2-2

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify and

describe the important laws, regulations, 

and standards that apply to hazardous 

materials initial response.

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Slide 2-3 

Slide 2-3

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will:

• Identify the regulatory basis for four terms used 

commonly to describe hazardous materials.

• List three laws, two regulations, and three standards

that apply specifically to hazardous materials 

response and responders.

• Describe the concept of Standard of Care.

• Determine the role played by standard operating 

procedures (SOP's) in fulfilling the requirements 

found in the Standard of Care.

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SM 2-31 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-4 

Slide 2-4

CHEMICALS IN OUR 

SOCIETY: THE CHEMICAL 

REVOLUTION

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Slide 2-5 

Slide 2-5

CHEMICAL ABSTRACT SERVICE 

SUBSTANCE LISTINGS

• 1965: 211,934 substances

• 2002: 25,000,000 substances

• On an average, 60,000 substances 

are added monthly

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Slide 2-6 

Slide 2-6

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS

• Hazardous materials--DOT

• Hazardous substances—EPA, DOT, and 

OSHA

• Hazardous waste--EPA and DOT

• Extremely hazardous substances--EPA

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SM 2-32 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-7 

Slide 2-7

50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

HAVE SHOWN...

• Potential incident effects

• Appropriate intervention options

• A need for responder competency

• A need for a Standard of Care

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Slide 2-8 

Slide 2-8

STANDARD OF CARE

The level of competence anticipated or 

mandated during the performance of a

service or a duty.

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Slide 2-9 

Slide 2-9

STANDARD OF CARE IS 

INFLUENCED BY...

• Laws and regulations

• Standards and guidance

• Knowledge and experience

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SM 2-33 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-10 

Slide 2-10

STANDARD OF CARE

(cont'd)

• Started in 1968.

• It has had its greatest impact from 1986

to 2003.

• It is continually changing and evolving.

It is dynamic!

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Slide 2-11 

Slide 2-11

BASES FOR STANDARD OF 

CARE

• The principles of toxicology and 

industrial hygiene

• Incident histories such as Bhopal, India

• Local government and first responder 

roles in planning, preparedness, and 

training

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Slide 2-12 

Slide 2-12

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF 

THE STANDARD OF CARE

• Liability

• Negligence

• Gross negligence

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SM 2-34 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-13 

Slide 2-13

Liability: The state of being liable.

Liable: The owing of a responsibility

or duty.

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Slide 2-14 

Slide 2-14

NEGLIGENCE

• Performance of duty or responsibility

without due regard for others

• Performing duty outside of the 

Standard of Care

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Slide 2-15 

Slide 2-15

GROSS NEGLIGENCE

The willful or almost willful failure to 

perform one's duty according to the 

Standard of Care

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SM 2-35 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-16 

Slide 2-16

STANDARD OF CARE MATRIX

Responder

Health and

Safety

Right-ToKnow/

Planning

National

Response

System

Training

Requirements Response

Procedures Transportation

Federal

Legislation

Clean Water Act  

CERCLA (Superfund)  

SARA    

Federal

Regulations

EPA 40

CFR 300  

OSHA 29

CFR 1910.

120 EPA 40 CFR 311

 

DOT 49 CFR100-199 

Consensus Standards

NFPA 471  

NFPA 472  

NFPA 473  

Guidance/

Programs

NRT - 1  

CPG 1-8 

CAER  

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Slide 2-17 

Slide 2-17

RELATIONSHIP OF LAWS

AND REGULATIONS

• Laws--enacted legislation

• Regulations

– Mandated by law

– Tools to implement law

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Slide 2-18 

Slide 2-18

LEGISLATIVE BASIS FOR

STANDARD OF CARE

• Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1970 and 

amendments

• Comprehensive Environmental Response, 

Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 

1980

• Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization

Act (SARA) of 1986

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SM 2-36 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-19 

Slide 2-19

THE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 

1970 AND AMENDMENTS

• Established a Federal role in 

environmental emergencies

• Established Federal regulations to 

address such responses

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Slide 2-20 

Slide 2-20

THE CLEAN WATER ACT

Established

• The National Response System (NRS)

• The National Contingency Plan (NCP)

• The National Response Team (NRT)

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Slide 2-21 

Slide 2-21

COMPREHENSIVE 

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE,

COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY 

ACT OF 1980

• Commonly known as Superfund Act

• Expanded role of NRS

• Placed additional emphasis on

emergency response

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SM 2-37 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-22 

Slide 2-22

THE SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND 

REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1986 

MANDATES...

• Community planning and right-to-know

• Development of safety standards for 

response personnel

• Development of training requirements as 

part of safety standards

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Slide 2-23 

Slide 2-23

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 

TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM SAFETY

ACT OF 1990

• Now simple called HMTA.

• Integrates the United States with

international requirements.

• Hazard classes/division systems, packaging.

• Placarding, packaging, licensing.

• Planning and training funding mechanism.

• National Curriculum Guidelines.

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Slide 2-24 

Slide 2-24

THE ROLE OF STATE AND 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

• State Emergency Response 

Commission--(SERC)

• Local Emergency Planning 

Committee--(LEPC)

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SM 2-38 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-25 

Slide 2-25

STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE 

COMMISSION

It provides State-level planning support 

to local emergency planning.

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Slide 2-26 

Slide 2-26

LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING 

COMMITTEE

• It is responsible for local planning and 

preparedness.

• It is responsible for developing local 

response capabilities.

• It should assure a local ability to 

manage incidents.

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Slide 2-27 

Slide 2-27

REGULATORY BASES FOR 

STANDARD OF CARE

• EPA 40 CFR 300 and 311

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120

• DOT 49 CFR 100-180

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SM 2-39 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-28 

Slide 2-28

EPA 40 CFR 300

National Oil and Hazardous Substance 

Contingency Plan (the NCP)

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Slide 2-29 

Slide 2-29

EPA 40 CFR 300 (cont'd)

• National Response Team (NRT)

• Regional Response Team (RRT)

• Onscene Coordinator (OSC)

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Slide 2-30 

Slide 2-30

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 AND 

EPA 40 CFR 311

Hazardous Waste Operations and 

Emergency Response

(HAZWOPER)

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SM 2-40 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-31 

Slide 2-31

OSHA 1910.120 REQUIREMENTS

• Written SOP's and a response plan

• Use of the Incident Command System

• The presence of a Safety Officer

• Use of minimum personal protective

equipment such as positive-pressure SCBA's 

and full turnouts

• The presence of backup personnel and 

emergency medical support

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Slide 2-32 

Slide 2-32

FIVE LEVELS OF TRAINING

• First responder awareness

• First responder operational

• Hazardous materials technician

• Hazardous materials specialist

• Incident Commander

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Slide 2-33

FIRST RESPONDER 

AWARENESS

Persons who may witness or discover a

chemical release and will notify proper 

authorities, secure the area, and establish

command

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SM 2-41 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-34 

Slide 2-34

FIRST RESPONDER 

OPERATIONS

• Initial responders to releases or 

potential releases of chemicals

• Those who function in a defensive 

fashion without attempting to stop the 

leak or come into close proximity to the 

product

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Slide 2-35

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

TECHNICIAN

• Responds in a more aggressive fashion

• Trained to use chemical protective

equipment

• Normally a member of a hazardous 

materials team

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Slide 2-36

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

SPECIALIST

• Has more indepth knowledge than a 

technician

• Serves as a team leader

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SM 2-42 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-37 

Slide 2-37

ONSCENE INCIDENT 

COMMANDER

An individual who will assume command 

of an incident scene beyond the level of 

the first responder

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Slide 2-38

DOT 49 CFR 100-180

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

TRANSPORTATION 

REGULATIONS

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Slide 2-39

CONSENSUS STANDARDS 

BASES FOR STANDARD OF 

CARE

NFPA Standards 471, 472, and 473

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SM 2-43 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-40 

Slide 2-40

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 

ASSOCIATION STANDARDS

• Nonmandatory if not adopted

• Consensus standards

• Part of Standard of Care

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Slide 2-41

NFPA 471

Recommended Practice for Responding 

to Hazardous Materials Incidents

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Slide 2-42

NFPA 472

Standard for Professional Competence 

of Responders to Hazardous Materials 

Incidents

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SM 2-44 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-43 

Slide 2-43

NFPA 473

Standard for Competencies for Emergency

Medical Services Personnel Responding to 

Hazardous Materials Incidents

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Slide 2-44

GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS AND 

OTHER PROGRAM BASES FOR 

STANDARD OF CARE

• National Response Team-1 (NRT-1)

• Civil Preparedness Guide (CPG 1-8)

• CAER Manual

• Other industrial and governmental

publications

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Slide 2-45

STANDARD OF CARE SUMMARY

• Laws are carried out through

regulations.

• Consensus standards come from peer 

groups.

• Guidance is provided for specialty

areas.

• Knowledge and experience also are 

important.

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SM 2-45 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-46 

Slide 2-46

ELEMENTS OF A 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

STANDARD OPERATING 

PROCEDURE

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Slide 2-47

INTEGRATION OF PLANNING

• Plans and SOP's must be integrated.

• The LEPC plan covers the whole

jurisdiction and involves all responders.

• Private employers must develop 

emergency response plans and SOP's.

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Slide 2-48

STANDARD OPERATING 

PROCEDURE ELEMENTS

• Preplanning and coordination

• Chain of command

• Communications and training

• Alerting and response procedures

• Roles and limitations of responders

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SM 2-46 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-49 

Slide 2-49

STANDARD OPERATING 

PROCEDURE ELEMENTS (cont'd)

• Recognition and identification

procedures

• Basic scene setup considerations

• Decontamination and setup procedures

• Available personal protective 

equipment and emergency response 

equipment

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Slide 2-50

STANDARD OPERATING 

PROCEDURE ELEMENTS (cont'd)

• Evacuation procedures

• Emergency medical treatment

• First aid considerations

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Slide 2-51

STANDARD OPERATING 

PROCEDURE ELEMENTS (cont'd)

• Critique and followup procedures

• Incident documentation

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SM 2-47 
REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS 

Slide 2-52 

Slide 2-52

KEY POINTS

• An increase in the risk of hazardous 

materials incidents

• A Standard of Care defined by laws, 

regulations, and peer standards

• A need for local emergency response 

plans and SOP's

The explosive growth of chemicals 

in our society has led to

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SM 2-48 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 3: 

PERSONAL SAFETY 

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to value and practice personal safety during hazardous materials emergencies. 

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. Recognize characteristics of nonemergency, normal emergency, and chemical emergency

situations that affect personal safety. 

2. Identify three categories of chemical controls that can be used in hazardous materials incidents. 

3. List key psychological factors that can influence personal safety during emergency response 

operations. 

4. Identify three primary components of personal safety. 

5. Describe National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA) safety-related standards. 

 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

SM 3-2 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

INTRODUCTION 

Personal safety is what this is all about. Specifically, the courses that 

make up the Initial Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents (IRHMI) 

program are designed to provide first responders with the basic knowledge

and competencies needed to protect themselves from the hazards 

encountered during a hazardous materials response. By protecting 

themselves, responders will be able to help protect other emergency

responders, the general public, and the community. 

In order to protect yourself, you have to understand some basic concepts

concerning: 

• the nature of emergency response; 

• the nature of the chemical hazard; and 

• the psychology of responders like yourself. 

This unit discusses these concepts and describes how your knowledge, 

awareness, and attitude can affect personal safety. The unit concludes 

with a discussion of safety standards. 

THE NATURE OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE 

What makes an emergency response different from a day-to-day or routine

situation? The answer is simple: control. During day-to-day situations, a 

relatively high degree of control exists over most, if not all, of the 

surroundings. 

This is especially true with regard to chemicals. Many chemicals in

routine use are extremely hazardous substances in terms of toxicity,

reactivity, and flammability. Yet millions of people work with or around 

these products all the time. The only way that this is possible is through 

the use of controls. 

Controls 

Controls fall into three primary categories:

1. Physical. 

2. Environmental. 

3. Procedural. 

SM 3-3 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Physical Controls

Physical controls are designed to keep a chemical in a given location and 

under the specific conditions required. Normally, physical controls

involve containers and containment systems.

Environmental Controls

Environmental controls are designed to detect, eliminate, or minimize the 

accumulation of chemicals in the environment. One of the best examples

of this type of control is the use of ventilation and scrubbers to minimize 

the concentration of vapors in the work atmosphere. Other examples are 

containment ponds, tanks, and liquid separators. 

Procedural Controls

Procedural controls are used to protect people from possible exposures or

dangerous reactions. Specifically, procedural controls are actions that 

people take to protect themselves from chemicals. Procedures include the 

wearing of protective equipment (respirators, chemical aprons, gloves, 

etc.) or following specific steps in the actual handling of a chemical. 

In many situations, complex and interdependent control systems involving 

many different individual controls are used. Often, the more dangerous

the chemical, the more complex the control system. These controls are 

what allow our society to produce, transport, use, and dispose of vast 

quantities of chemicals with little or no negative effects. 

Chemical Emergencies 

As long as the appropriate controls are in place and functioning properly, 

things are just fine. However, when one or more controls are lost, for 

whatever reason, there is a problem. This problem can be referred to as an 

incident. 

For our purposes, an incident is any situation in which a product 

(chemical) escapes or threatens to escape its container. Not all such 

incidents are emergencies. If the situation can be brought under control 

readily and easily by those in the immediate area, with no potential health 

hazard, there is no emergency (OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.120). By far the 

vast majority of chemical releases or potential releases fall into this 

category. 

SM 3-4 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

For example, a quart container of motor oil slips from a mechanic's hand 

while it is being poured into the oil fill. The can falls on the floor and 

spills onto the surface. This is an incident because product has escaped its

intended location. Yet this is not an emergency. The mechanic can very

readily, easily, and safely clean up the spill with a rag or absorbent clay. 

However, certain incidents accelerate into emergencies of varying degree.

In some cases, an incident starts when the first control fails, and an

unfortunate series of events begins. Because many of the controls

function as systems, the loss of one control often creates a domino 

effect within the entire system. If control cannot be regained in a 

relatively short period of time, the domino effect can be extensive; an 

emergency now exists. 

In other instances, a simple change in the quantity or hazard of the product 

produces an entirely different situation. For example, consider the 

previous motor-oil spill scenario. This time, instead of a 1-quart spill 

inside the garage, the mechanic spills a 55-gallon drum of the same motor 

oil. There is so much oil that it flows from the garage out onto the ramp 

and parking area. In most locations, this would be considered a limitedscale emergency, not because it will necessarily hurt or kill people, but 

because it cannot be readily and easily handled by those in the immediate

area. It is also a potential threat to the environment. Therefore, the spill 

may not be a critical emergency, but it must be managed according to the 

Standard of Care and standard operating procedures (SOP's). 

Now, suppose that instead of motor oil, the mechanic spills a 55-gallon 

drum of antifreeze, containing ethylene glycol. At the curb is a storm 

sewer inlet. This is now not only an emergency, but potentially one with 

far-reaching implications. Ethylene glycol is toxic and water-soluble. By 

entering the storm sewer, the product could be transported to a body of 

water, where it could kill most aquatic life and spread over an even greater 

area. 

The point is that when control is lost, a series of events starts to take place. 

Even subtle changes in the scenario can produce a major impact upon the 

magnitude and hazard of the incident. Each incident must be treated as a 

unique situation. Unfortunately, the old adage, "familiarity breeds 

contempt" is all too true. If emergency responders treat an emergency 

situation without the respect it deserves, they are asking for an injury or 

worse. If the enemy is underestimated, your defenses may be

overwhelmed. 

SM 3-5 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

The Nature of Chemical Incidents 

Incidents involving chemicals can be nasty situations that provide no 

graphic clues about the true nature of the hazard. In other words, 

responders often totally underestimate the dangers involved. In many 

incidents, responders even have failed to identify that an unusual hazard 

exists. How many times has a fire engine driven through a chemical spill, 

a police officer lit a flare near a flammable liquid spill, or an unprotected 

medic rushed right up to a contaminated victim?

Such seemingly silly or minor lapses can be and have been lethal! Do not 

underestimate the potential hazard when chemicals are involved. When 

you ask the driver, "What is this stuff?" and receive the response, "It's like 

lime," do not settle for that answer. That is not what you asked or need 

to know. Sodium fluoride could be said by the uninformed to be like 

sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is table salt; sodium fluoride is a 

deadly poison. 

Psychology of Response 

Besides understanding emergency situations and variables, it is crucial to 

understand some basics about emergency responders. During an 

emergency response, certain psychological occurrences take place within

the mind of the responder. Needless to say, a wide range of possibilities 

exists depending on the individual, the amount of training and education, 

length of service, experience, and type of incident. 

It may seem odd to have to make this statement, but emergency scenes

are dangerous and potentially lethal! Why? Because of the lack of 

control. There is no other job that allows or requires its employees to 

work in an uncontrolled environment, but that is what emergency response 

is all about. If events were not to some degree out of control, emergency 

responders would not be necessary. It is vital to understand that the way a 

chemical is handled and its hazards are identified in the day-to-day setting 

may be totally different during an emergency. Because this simple fact 

often is ignored, many people have been and will be injured or killed 

needlessly. This includes emergency responders. 

Although the range of psychological responses varies, responders 

generally share certain reactions. First, upon being dispatched, most 

individuals have a basic adrenaline rush: there is excitement. The more

extraordinary (due to magnitude, type, etc.) the response, the more the 

adrenaline is likely to flow. On the other hand, the more ordinary and 

routine the response is for the individual, the less adrenaline is likely to 

flow. Either case can be extremely dangerous to responders if they do not 

realize what is happening. 

SM 3-6 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

At whichever end of the emotional spectrum the responder is found, 

emotion has the tendency to put the brain in neutral. The responder is not 

thinking but, rather, reacting. As a result, the responder is at the mercy 

of the emergency situation. 

When responders perceive the incident to be highly unusual, dangerous, or 

emotionally charged, they often experience tunnel vision. Tunnel vision 

occurs when responders focus on one aspect of the situation and lose sight 

of the overall incident. On the other hand, if the responders perceive the

incident to be routine, they may go on autopilot. In either case, they

become oblivious to their surroundings and thus are at the mercy of the 

incident. 

Laziness can figure prominently in both situations. This trait is found in 

responders who have not been appropriately trained or who have been 

allowed to settle into a pattern. Whatever the reason, laziness can be just 

as deadly as emotion. 

THE COMPONENTS OF SAFETY 

To ensure safety in emergency response situations, both organizational

and personal factors must be addressed. The major components of safety, 

summarized in the table below, are discussed in the following sections. 

COMPONENTS OF SAFETY 

Organizational Personal

Discipline Knowledge

Command Awareness

Management Attitude

Organizational Components of Safety

The nature of emergency response suggests that some lack of control must 

always be assumed in the work environment. Key factors that emergency

response organizations must address to maximize control (and thus safety) 

include discipline, command, and management. 

Discipline must be maintained by all personnel in order to gain procedural 

control essential to safety. In particular, "freelancing" by individuals--

"doing your own thing" at an emergency incident--must be avoided. Ways 

SM 3-7 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

in which organizations can maintain discipline include training and 

education, development of comprehensive SOP's, and assignment of a 

Safety Officer at every incident. 

Command structures (chain of command) and procedures must be defined 

clearly to ensure that all personnel understand their roles and 

responsibilities. This requirement helps ensure the integrity of work crews 

and the accountability of individual responders. 

Management by officers or team leaders must be adequate to evaluate the 

operation continually and to identify potential safety problems for the 

members. If an assignment is questionable due to safety considerations, 

the IC and/or Safety Officer must be consulted. 

Personal Components of Safety

In order to operate safely during any situation, responders need three 

personal attributes of safety: 

1. Knowledge. 

2. Awareness. 

3. Attitude. 

Knowledge comes from training, education, and experience. Responders 

need to know specifically how to do their jobs. This means an indepth 

understanding of the SOP's of the agency. They must be intimately 

familiar with what they are expected to do, how they are expected to do it,

and how to use the equipment needed for the job. Knowledge is 

essential. 

Awareness is closely tied to knowledge and to other cognitive skills. 

Responders must be aware of exactly what is occurring at the incident 

scene and be able to extrapolate how that may affect them and others. 

They must be aware of the potential dangers associated with specific types 

of situations, even when those dangers are not readily apparent. 

Attitude is the psychological approach you bring to the incident. A 

responder needs to have an appropriate attitude about emergency 

response--not an attitude problem. This attitude must reflect the fact that 

the potential hazards associated with a given situation are not always

obvious. As a result, responders must follow their SOP's, even when they

seem to be time-consuming or a total pain. Do not allow laziness to enter

SM 3-8 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

the picture, because the incident can deteriorate in the wink of an eye. 

Those changes can and do kill! 

Knowledge and awareness, combined with an appropriate attitude, are the 

bridge to personal safety. Attitude is the key--you will not gain 

knowledge or awareness without the proper attitude. Developing a good 

attitude is up to you! It is personal. You are the only one who can do 

anything about it. Emergency response is your job! Safety is your job! 

Having the right attitude backed up with knowledge and awareness is 

your responsibility. 

SM 3-9 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

SM 3-10 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Activity 3.1 

Personal Safety at Chemical Incidents 

Purpose 

To help you start to view incidents with a critical eye toward personal safety. 

Directions 

1. You will be shown three brief videotape scenarios that depict the actions of 

response personnel during a hazardous materials incident. Working in small

groups, identify specific personal and operational safety problems you observe in 

the scenarios. 

2. After each videotape sequence, you will have approximately 5 minutes to discuss

the incident response and to take notes on the attached worksheets. Be prepared 

to report your group's results to the class. 

SM 3-11 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

SM 3-12 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Activity 3.1 (cont'd) 

Personal Safety at Chemical Incidents Worksheet 

Scenario 1: Fire Service 

Determine if the following actions were performed in a safe fashion. 

1. Recognition and identification. 

a. The potential presence of haz mats was identified. (yes/no)

b. Appropriate methods for identifying the product were used. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

2. Isolation. 

a. Vehicle stopped at an appropriate location. (yes/no) 

b. Personnel appropriately denied entry to the scene. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

3. Notification. 

a. Appropriate agencies/authorities were notified. (yes/no) 

b. Additional information was provided to other responders. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

SM 3-13 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

4. Protection. 

a. Personnel used appropriate protective equipment. (yes/no) 

b. Personnel stayed uphill/upwind. (yes/no) 

c. Personnel stayed out of visible product. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

Scenario 2: Law Enforcement 

Determine if the following actions were performed in a safe fashion. 

1. Recognition and identification. 

a. The potential presence of haz mats was identified. (yes/no)

b. Appropriate methods for identifying the product were used. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

2. Isolation. 

a. Vehicle stopped at an appropriate location. (yes/no) 

b. Personnel appropriately denied entry to the scene. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

3. Notification. 

a. Appropriate agencies/authorities were notified. (yes/no) 

b. Additional information was provided to other responders. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

SM 3-14 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

4. Protection. 

a. Personnel used appropriate protective equipment. (yes/no) 

b. Personnel stayed uphill/upwind. (yes/no) 

c. Personnel stayed out of visible product. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

Scenario 3: Emergency Medical Services 

Determine if the following actions were performed in a safe fashion. 

1. Recognition and identification. 

a. The potential presence of haz mats was identified. (yes/no)

b. Appropriate methods for identifying the product were used. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

2. Isolation. 

a. Vehicle stopped at an appropriate location. (yes/no) 

b. Personnel appropriately denied entry to the scene. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

3. Notification. 

a. Appropriate agencies/authorities were notified. (yes/no) 

b. Additional information was provided to other responders. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

SM 3-15 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

4. Protection. 

a. Personnel used appropriate protective equipment. (yes/no) 

b. Personnel stayed uphill/upwind. (yes/no) 

c. Personnel stayed out of visible product. (yes/no) 

Comments: 

 

 

SM 3-16 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION STANDARDS

All NFPA Standards essentially are safety standards. In Unit 2: 

Regulations and Standards we reviewed several standards that were 

specific to hazardous materials emergencies. We now briefly examine a 

series of standards that address generic safety aspects of operations and 

protective equipment. 

NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and 

Health Program. 

NFPA 1500, adopted in 1989 to help address the safety needs of the fire 

service, has broad application to all responders. Relevant topics include 

the development of written SOP's for incident command and other areas, 

the designation of a safety supervisor, safety considerations for all phases

of department operations, physical fitness, baseline medical testing, 

medical monitoring, a system of supervision during operations, and so 

forth. 

NFPA 1970 Series 

In the 1970 series, NFPA addresses the various protective equipment 

components for structural firefighting. These standards include 

• NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire 

Fighting. 

• NFPA 1972, Standard on Helmets for Structural Fire Fighting. 

• NFPA 1973, Standard on Gloves for Structural Fire Fighting. 

• NFPA 1974, Standard on Protective Footwear for Structural Fire 

Fighting. 

• NFPA 1975, Standard on Station/Work Uniforms for Fire 

Fighters.

NFPA 1980 series 

The NFPA 1980 series addresses the precise safety equipment to be used 

in conjunction with the personal protective equipment (PPE) identified in 

the 1970 series. These standards include 

SM 3-17 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

• NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing 

Apparatus for Fire Fighters.

• NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) for

Fire Fighters. 

• NFPA 1983, Standard on Fire Service Life Safety Rope and System

Components. 

NFPA 1990 Series 

The NFPA 1990 series addresses minimum design and manufacturing 

specification for various types of chemical protective equipment (CPE). 

These standards include 

• NFPA 1991, Standard on Vapor-Protective Suits for Hazardous 

Chemical Emergencies.

• NFPA 1992, Standard on Liquid Splash-Protective Suits for 

Hazardous Chemical Emergencies.

• NFPA 1994, Standard on Protective Clothing for Chemical/ 

Biological Response to Terrorism Incidents 

In general, chemical protective clothing is not for use by first responders. 

More on Chemical protective equipment (CPE) and related training 

requirements is included in Unit 7: Personal Protective Equipment. 

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION SAFETYRELATED REGULATIONS 

Various safety regulations have been developed by OSHA and other

agencies. Specifically, in the context of hazardous substances and 

emergency response, two regulations must be identified. Both regulations 

are found in 29 CFR Part 1910, Subparts L and Z. (Remember, this 

regulation correlates to the EPA 40 CFR Part 311.) 

29 CFR 1910 Subpart L, 1910.155 and 1910.156, Fire Protection, 

address specific requirements for the development, operation, and 

management of fire brigades. Subpart L addresses requirements that 

include minimum equipment, positive-pressure self-contained breathing 

apparatus (SCBA's), PPE, extinguishing agents, organizational operations, 

and training requirements. 

SM 3-18 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z, 1910.1000 to 1910.1048 address toxic and 

hazardous substance exposure limits and protective measures. This 

section consists of a series of charts that list exposure limits and protective 

equipment requirements for specific chemicals. The subsequent sections

describe specific actions, precautions, procedures, surveillance, etc., for 

employees exposed to the listed substances. 

SUMMARY 

The key characteristic of emergency response situations that makes them

different and dangerous is lack of control. Three types of chemical 

controls exist during routine operations: physical, environmental, and 

procedural. During emergency conditions, the primary method is 

procedural. 

Inappropriate psychological responses during an emergency can get you 

killed. The organizational components of safety in a hazardous materials 

incident are discipline, command, and management. The personal 

components of safety are knowledge, awareness, and attitude. 

Knowledge comes from training and experience. Awareness of the overall 

situation and specific hazards grows out of knowledge and experience. 

Attitude is the approach you take to the incident. There is no margin at an 

incident scene for laziness and lack of attention to procedures. 

Information on safety procedures is based on NFPA standards and OSHA 

regulations. Remember: personal safety is your responsibility. 

SM 3-19 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

SM 3-20 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

APPENDIX 

SM 3-21 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

SM 3-22 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-1 

Slide 3-1

UNIT 3:

PERSONAL SAFETY

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-2 

Slide 3-2

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to value and

practice personal safety during hazardous 

materials emergencies.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-3 

Slide 3-3

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will:

• Recognize characteristics of nonemergency, 

normal emergency, and chemical emergency

situations that affect personal safety.

• Identify three categories of chemical controls

that can be used in hazardous materials 

incidents.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-23 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-4 

Slide 3-4

ENABLING OBJECTIVES 

(cont'd)

• List key psychological factors that can

influence personal safety during 

emergency response operations.

• Identify three primary components of 

personal safety.

• Describe NFPA and OSHA safetyrelated standards.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-5 

Slide 3-5

PERSONAL SAFETY AND 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-6 

Slide 3-6

"NORMAL" SETTING 

VERSUS EMERGENCY 

CONDITIONS

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-24 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-7 

Slide 3-7

CHEMICAL CONTROLS

• Physical

• Environmental

• Procedural

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-8 

Slide 3-8

Chemical emergencies require 

emphasis on procedural 

controls.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-9 

Slide 3-9

CONTROLS IN CHEMICAL 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE 

SAFETY

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-25 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-10 

Slide 3-10

Ignoring prescribed controls 

can be dangerous to your

health!

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-11 

Slide 3-11

What happens psychologically

during an emergency response?

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-12 

Slide 3-12

Inappropriate emotions, bad 

habits, or laziness during 

emergency response are deadly.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-26 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-13 

Slide 3-13

Over 60 percent of fatalities in

confined space rescues involve

the would-be rescuer.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-14 

Slide 3-14

KEYS TO SAFETY DURING 

EMERGENCY INCIDENTS

• Discipline

• Command

• Management

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-15 

Slide 3-15

COMPONENTS OF SAFETY

• Knowledge

• Awareness

• Attitude

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-27 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-16 

Slide 3-16

TRAINING/EDUCATION

+ EXPERIENCE

KNOWLEDGE

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-17 

Slide 3-17

AWARENESS IS THE 

ABILITY TO...

• Consider the entire situation

• Recognize specific scene hazards

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-18 

Slide 3-18

The way individuals approach work.

ATTITUDE

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-28 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-19 

Slide 3-19

KNOWLEDGE AWARENESS

ATTITUDE

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-20 

Slide 3-20

Activity 3.1

Personal Safety at Chemical 

Incidents

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-21 

Slide 3-21

SAFETY-RELATED

STANDARDS AND 

REGULATIONS

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-29 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-22 

Slide 3-22

NFPA 1500

Standard on Fire Department 

Occupational Safety and Health Program

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-23 

Slide 3-23

Physical fitness is essential to

personal safety.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-24 

Slide 3-24

ADDITIONAL NFPA

STANDARDS

• 1970 Series

• 1980 Series

• 1990 Series

• 471, 472, 473

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-30 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-25 

Slide 3-25

NFPA 1970 SERIES 

STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING

• 1971--Clothing

• 1972--Helmets

• 1973--Gloves

• 1974--Footwear

• 1975--Station Uniforms

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-26 

Slide 3-26

NFPA 1980 SERIES

ADDITIONAL PROTECTIVE 

EQUIPMENT

• 1981, Standard on Open Circuit SelfContained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) 

for Fire Fighters

• 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety 

Systems (PASS) for Fire Fighters

• 1983, Standard on Fire Service Life 

Safety Rope, and System Components

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-27 

Slide 3-27

NFPA 1990 SERIES CHEMICAL 

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

• 1991, Vapor Protection Suits

• 1992, Splash Protection Suits

• 1994, Chemical/Bio Terrorism Suits

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-31 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-28 

Slide 3-28

OSHA 29 CFR 1910

• Subpart L

• Subpart Z

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 3-29 

Slide 3-29

1910 SUBPART L

(1910.155 and 1910.156)

Requirements For Fire Brigades

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 3-30 

Slide 3-30

1910 SUBPART Z

(1910.1000 to 1910.1048)

Toxic And Hazardous Substances

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 3-32 
PERSONAL SAFETY 

Slide 3-31 

Slide 3-31

KEY POINTS

• Lack of control is dangerous.

• Physical, environmental, and procedural 

controls are needed.

• Chemical incidents require defensive 

procedures.

• Responders must monitor psychological 

reactions constantly.

• Knowledge, awareness, and attitude are

essential.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

SM 3-33 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 4: 

TOXICOLOGY 

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to apply principles and terminology of toxicology to ensure personal safety. 

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. Define the terms toxicology, toxic substance, physical hazard, and health hazard.

2. Describe the concept of dose/response and define related terms (acute exposure, chronic 

exposure, subacute exposure, immediate response, and delayed response).

3. List the four methods of exposure and the primary target organs associated with each. 

4. Discuss the concepts of exposure limits and the use of related measures (lethal dose to 50 percent

(LD50), lethal concentration to 50 percent (LC50), threshold limit value (TLV), time-weighted 

average (TWA), permissible exposure limit (PEL), ceiling limit, and Immediately Dangerous to 

Life and Health (IDLH)). 

 
TOXICOLOGY

SM 4-2 
TOXICOLOGY

INTRODUCTION 

This unit deals with the basic principles of toxicology, the science of 

poisons. It discusses their measurement, effects on the human body, and 

the implications of contaminating yourself and others. 

The purpose of learning about toxicology is to enable you, the first 

responder, to understand the risks associated with hazardous materials so

that you can respond safely and appropriately. 

TOXICOLOGY 

What is Toxicology?

Toxicology is the science of poisons: their effects on the body, their 

detection in body fluids and tissues, and the various antidotes for their 

effects. 

Hippocrates, the "Father of Medicine" (460 to 377 B.C.), discussed the 

toxic effects of drugs. He pointed out that the only difference between a

toxic dose and a therapeutic dose was the quantity prescribed or taken by 

the patient. 

As early as the 1500's, scientists started to make a connection between 

certain substances and health hazards. In the 1700's, scientists began to 

see the relationship between worker exposure to certain substances and 

health problems. At that time, though, health problems were considered 

an accepted risk of an occupation. 

Despite its history, modern toxicology is considered a new science. It 

wasn't until the early 20th century that a genuine awareness of hazards

related to occupational exposure to certain substances developed. This 

awareness evolved into the discipline of industrial hygiene. 

Industrial Hygiene

We can't discuss toxicology without discussing industrial hygiene. 

Industrial hygiene is the science involved with the protection of workers' 

health through measurement of the work environment to determine if and 

where hazards exist. Scientists use various scientific methods and 

instrumental equipment to measure gases, vapors, and dusts in the air,

extremes of heat or cold, noise, repetitive motion, and other work 

environment hazards. 

SM 4-3 
TOXICOLOGY

Simply stated, industrial hygiene is the measurement of "how much" for

"what duration of time." This translates to the dose. Information on 

dose is compared to information provided by toxicological studies to 

determine the effects of a substance on the body. Such analyses are better 

known as dose/response studies. 

Industrial hygiene is the application of toxicology to the work 

environment. As such, the study of industrial hygiene has led to better 

understanding of approaches for safe and efficient response to chemical

incidents. Thus toxicology and industrial hygiene form the foundation for 

the hazardous materials Standard of Care. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Act

In 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act established guidelines for 

worker safety. Until that time very few guidelines existed. The Act also 

established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 

the Federal agency tasked with enforcing existing guidelines. Today, 

exposure limits exist for many known hazardous materials. These 

standards and guidelines protect workers from the hazards of 

overexposure. 

Types of Hazards 

Generally speaking, chemical substances present two types of hazards: 

• physical (mechanical) hazards; and 

• health (biological) hazards. 

Physical hazards act indirectly to cause harm. They include fires or 

explosions or other effects created by mechanical means. Gasoline is a 

good example. Classified as a flammable liquid, it is both a fire hazard 

and an explosive hazard. Even the vapors can be explosive. 

Health hazards cause direct harm. If these products contact your body 

directly, they cause biological reactions, destroying tissue or making you 

ill. The response or adverse reaction may be immediate or delayed. 

Acids are good examples of immediate hazards. If an acid contacts skin, it 

immediately burns the area with which it comes in contact. 

Toxicity

Most people understand the word "toxic" to mean immediately life

threatening. However, a toxic substance is any substance, which can 

cause a harmful effect once it reaches a susceptible target, such as the 

SM 4-4 
TOXICOLOGY

human body (eyes, lungs, skin, etc.) or other living organism by other than 

physical means. Toxicity is a health hazard. Toxic substances and criteria 

for classifying them are described in 29 Code of Federal Regulations 

(CFR) 1910.1200. 

It is important to understand how toxicity is determined (or measured) for 

a particular substance. The toxicity of a substance depends on the

concentration of the substance, type of exposure, route of exposure, 

susceptible target organ, and other health-related variables. In other 

words, how much, where, and for how long? 

Concentration

Concentration is the amount of one substance found in a given volume of 

another substance. Depending on the materials involved, there are many 

different ways of expressing concentration. Two of the most common are 

parts per million (ppm) and milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). 

Parts Per Million 

One method to measure concentration is in comparison with a given

volume of air or liquid. In other words, you need one million parts of air 

or liquid and a certain number of parts of the substance. 

Milligrams Per Kilogram 

Dose by ingestion is determined by comparing the unit weight of the 

poison (in milligrams) to unit body weight (in kilograms). For skin 

absorption, surface area would be measured. 

Type of Exposure 

Exposure is defined as direct bodily contact with a substance. For 

purposes of this course, there are three types of exposures: acute, 

subacute, and chronic. 

Acute 

Acute exposure is of short duration. Exposure to a substance with 

duration measured in seconds, minutes, or even hours may be considered 

acute. As applied to ingestion, it means a single dose. 

SM 4-5 
TOXICOLOGY

Subacute 

Subacute exposures are a series of acute exposures that occur with an 

interval of time in between. 

Chronic

Chronic exposure means exposure of long duration or prolonged or 

repeated exposures that occur over hours, days, months, and years. For 

example: A 10-minute exposure to benzene, depending on concentration, 

probably would not cause cancer; however, 40 hours a week for 10 years 

is known to cause cancer at certain concentrations. This is a chronic 

exposure. 

Note: Repeated exposures can result in sensitization. For example: 

Formaldehyde exposure can result in allergic reactions to future 

exposures. 

Routes of Exposure

Routes of exposure are the paths by which a substance enters the body. 

There are four primary routes of exposure: inhalation, ingestion, 

absorption/contact, and injection. 

Inhalation 

Inhalation involves the breathing in of a substance, leading to direct 

contact with tissues in the respiratory tract (nose, throat, trachea, and 

lungs). 

Ingestion 

Ingestion is the swallowing of a substance, resulting in contact with the 

digestive tract (mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and intestines). 

Absorption/Contact 

Absorption/Contact involves direct contact with the skin and the

destruction and/or passage of the material through the skin and eyes. 

SM 4-6 
TOXICOLOGY

Injection 

Injection is the entry of a substance through a break in the skin. 

Susceptible Target Organ

A target organ is an organ, such as lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys, liver, central 

nervous system, etc., upon which a substance has a toxic effect. OSHA 

has specific standards in 29 CFR 1910.1200 that describe target organs. 

Do not confuse target organs and routes of exposure. For example, if you 

breathe a pesticide the route of exposure is inhalation. The material enters 

the lung, yet the target organ is the central nervous system. The following 

graphic shows the most important target organs for chemical exposure. 

Target Organs And Body Parts 

Nervous System

Skeleton & Marrow

Thyroid

Lungs

Heart

Blood

Veins

Liver

Kidneys

Intestines

Skin

Other Health Variables

Other important factors in determining toxicity are body weight, age, 

physical condition, and gender of the potential victim. The very young 

and the very old tend to be weaker and more susceptible. Some

substances, such as thalidomide, cause cancer or birth defects. Other 

substances affect male reproductive organs. 

SM 4-7 
TOXICOLOGY

Dose/Response 

These five factors (concentration, type of exposure, route of exposure, 

susceptible target organ, and other health-related variables) affect 

dose/response, the relationship between the exposure and the biological 

effect that is produced. 

Dose

Dose is the concentration of a substance considered with regard to the 

length of time of the exposure. For example, if you follow the doctor's

prescription for taking a medicine, you will receive a therapeutic dose. 

This is because the medicine will be in a safe concentration when 

absorbed by the body. 

However, if you exceed the doctor's prescriptions--for example by taking a 

whole bottle of pills at once--the result could be a toxic dose. The

concentration of the medicine will be much higher because a greater 

amount is absorbed in a limited period of time. 

In both cases, the medicine was the same, but the response was very 

different, depending on the dose. Even seemingly nontoxic substances can 

have a negative health effect if the dose is too great (e.g., table salt). It is 

also important to remember that individuals can differ significantly in their 

response to various chemicals or doses. 

Immediate Versus Delayed Response

Some substances affect your body upon contact, or immediately; other

substances take time to react with your body, sometimes as long as 24 to 

72 hours (delayed reaction). Some substances do both. 

An example of an immediate effect would be chlorine. It causes an 

immediate reaction: coughing, choking, or unconsciousness. It could also

conceivably cause delayed reaction: edema--fluid buildup in the lungs. 

Another example of delayed reaction would be the pesticide Malathion. It 

causes a delayed reaction because it is a systemic poison. It takes time to

go through the bloodstream and to reach its target organ, the central 

nervous system. Some products (e.g., carcinogens) may have an effect 

many years down the road. 

SM 4-8 
TOXICOLOGY

Measures of Toxicity 

In an attempt to establish a method for comparing the relative toxicity of 

substances, specific methods and terms have been developed. The 

following terms are widely used when discussing and comparing toxicity. 

Values for different products can be found in many reference books and in 

shipping papers, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) forms, etc. 

MLD (Median Lethal Dose) is a method developed by scientists to 

determine a substance's toxicity or to compare the toxicity of different 

substances. MLD is determined by exposing a group of test animals to a

predetermined amount of a substance, e.g., 10 mg/kg. If 50 percent of the

animals die, the median lethal dose would be determined. 

LD50 (lethal dose to 50 percent of those exposed) is determined by 

ingestion or skin absorption. 

LC50 (lethal concentration to 50 percent of those exposed) is determined 

by inhalation. 

Note: The lower the number, the more toxic the dose/concentration. 

- For LD50, less than 200 ppm (mg/kg) is considered a poison. 

- For LC50, less than 150 ppm (mg/kg) is considered a poison. 

A resource for this data is the National Institute of Occupational Safety 

and Health (NIOSH) book called, Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical 

Substances (RTECS). The American Conference of Governmental 

Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) also puts out in its pocket guide the testing 

information to determine exposure limits. The following definitions are

taken from the publication, 2002 7th Edition Threshold Limit Values for 

Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure 

Indices. 

• Threshold Limit Value/Time Weighted Average 

(TLV/TWA) is the time-weighted average concentration

for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek, to 

which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day 

after day, without adverse effect. 

• Threshold Limit Value/Short-Term Exposure Limit

(TLV/STEL) is the concentration to which workers can be 

exposed continuously for a short period of time without 

suffering from 1) irritation, 2) chronic or irreversible tissue

damage, or 3) narcosis of sufficient degree to increase the

likelihood of accidental injury, impair self-rescue, or 

SM 4-9 
TOXICOLOGY

materially reduce work efficiency, and provided that the 

daily TLV/TWA is not exceeded. It is not a separate 

independent exposure limit, rather it supplements the TWA 

limit where there are recognized acute effects from a

substance whose toxic effects are primarily of a chronic 

nature. STEL's are recommended only where toxic effects 

have been reported from high short-term exposures in 

either humans or animals. 

• A STEL is defined as a 15-minute TWA exposure which 

should not be exceeded at any time during a workday even

if the 8-hour TWA is within the TLV/TWA. Exposures 

above the TLV/TWA up to the STEL should not be longer 

than 15 minutes and should not occur more than four times

per day. There should be at least 60 minutes between 

successive exposures in this range. An averaging period

other than 15 minutes may be recommended when this is

warranted by observed biological effects. 

• Threshold Limit Value-Ceiling (TLV-C) is the 

concentration that should not be exceeded during any part 

of the working exposure. 

• Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is the amount of 

product that you may be exposed to without toxic effect 

over a given period of time. 

• Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) is

another measurement used by NIOSH. IDLH determines 

the highest concentration of a substance and the length of

exposure before it is immediately dangerous. 

SM 4-10 
TOXICOLOGY

HOURS

DOSE/CONCENT

R

A

TION

0 2 468

2

4

6

8

10

Exposure

CEILING

TLV/TWA

IDLH

HOURS

DOSE/CONCENT

R

A

TION

0 2 468

2

4

6

8

10

Exposure

CEILING

TLV/TWA

IDLH

Monitoring and Detection Equipment

By now you must be wondering how you are going to know if you are 

overexposed or under the TLV? Only trained personnel using specialized 

equipment over time can determine that. If a substance has a TLV, an 

LD50, or an LC50, wear your personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Numerous detection devices are available on the market. Some specialize 

in detecting a group of substances, others detect one particular substance. 

Some give direct quantitative readouts with margins for error. Still others

measure total volume of all substances. Most of these devices are 

expensive, complicated, have limited use and capability, and, most 

importantly, must be operated by professionals trained to use the 

instruments.

Unless you know how to interpret the data and apply them to some

standard as they relate to health hazards, the data are of no use to you. 

This is not an area in which a first responder should be involved. 

Avoiding Exposure

If you find yourself in an area that may be contaminated, avoid exposure--

then you don't have to worry about the concentration. 

• Avoid breathing the substance. 

SM 4-11 
TOXICOLOGY

• Don't smoke, eat, chew, or put your hand in your mouth or near 

your face. 

• Don't touch anything that may have come in contact with the 

substance. 

• Remember, vapors, mists, and dusts can travel long distances, and 

leave residues behind! 

If you do get contaminated, get decontaminated and get medical attention. 

If there is a source of information available, take it with you. Call a 

poison center or chemical regional center. 

Material Safety Data Sheets 

An important source of toxicological information is the MSDS, Often 

these may be found with transportation shipping papers or at fixed 

facilities. Copies also may be available through the local fire department 

or Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). 

MSDS contain specific information mandated by OSHA 29 CFR 

1910.1200 that can be very valuable to emergency responders. This 

information includes 

• chemical and common names; 

• physical and chemical properties; 

• physical and health hazards; 

• primary routes of exposure; 

• exposure limits; 

• safe handling precautions; 

• emergency and first aid measures; and 

• contact person/company. 

SM 4-12 
TOXICOLOGY

Activity 4.1 

Material Safety Data Sheets 

Purpose 

To review Material Safety Data Sheets. 

Directions 

1. Turn to the MSDS forms on the following page. 

2. The instructor will start with the first MSDS and identify the various portions of

the sheet. Two different MSDS forms are provided for your review. Specifically 

review the toxicology data portion. 

3. Identify the following items from the second MSDS. Note that the level of detail, 

format, and usefulness of MSDS may vary significantly 

a. Material name: 

b. Synonyms: 

c. CAS number/s: 

d. PEL: 

e. TLV: 

f. Effects of exposure: 

SM 4-13 
TOXICOLOGY

SM 4-14 
TOXICOLOGY

Page 1 of 7 Vorite 1740 Prepared: 7/18/91 

 Revised: 

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

SECTION 1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION 

Manufacturer: CasChem Inc. 

40 Avenue A 

Bayonne, NJ 07002 

Information and Emergency Phone during business hours: 

201-858-7900 

For Emergencies Call CHEMTREC: 800-424-9300 

Trade Name: Vorite 1740 

Chemical Name: Mixture 

Synonyms: Mixture 

CAS#: Mixture 

Chemical Family: Urethane prepolymer 

Product Number: 72366 

SECTION 2. HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS

Components CAS# Weight %

Diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) 26447-40-5 <20% 

Polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate 9016-87-9 <10% 

SECTION 3. HEALTH HAZARD DATA 

Emergency Overview:

Brown liquid with mild odor. 

Can evolve irritating and/or sensitizing vapors when heated. 

Hot liquid can react vigorously with water, generating CO2. 

Exposure Limits: Not established for this product. Use the exposure limits listed below 

for MDI. 

For MDI: 

OSHA PEL: 0.02 ppm Ceiling 

ACGIH TLV: 0.005 ppm Time Weighted Average 

NE = Not Established NA = Not Available 

SM 4-15 
TOXICOLOGY

Page 2 of 7 Vorite 1740 Prepared: 7/18/91 

Revised: 

Primary Routes of Entry: Inhalation, eye contact, skin contact, and ingestion. 

Effects of Overexposure: 

Note: Airborne levels of MDI are not anticipated to exceed exposure limits under 

normal conditions of use unless material is heated or sprayed. 

Inhalation: 

Acute Exposure: Vapors or mist at concentrations above the exposure limits for

MDI may irritate the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract causing runny nose, sore 

throat, coughing, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and reduced lung function. May 

also cause vomiting and possibly fever. Individuals with preexisting, nonspecific 

bronchial hyperactivity may respond to concentrations below the TLV with similar 

symptoms as well as asthma attack. Exposure well above the TLV may lead to bronchitis, 

bronchial spasm and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). These effects may be 

irreversible. Symptoms may occur up to several hours after exposure. 

Chronic Exposure: As a result of previous repeated overexposures or exposure to 

a single large dose of isocyanate, susceptible individuals may develop MDI sensitization 

(chemical asthma) which will cause them to react to later exposure to isocyanates at

levels well below the TLV. These symptoms, which can include chest tightness, 

wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, or asthma attack, could be immediate or delayed up

to several hours after exposure. There are reports that once sensitized an individual can 

experience these symptoms upon exposure to dust, cold air or other irritants. This 

increased sensitivity can persist for weeks and in severe cases for several years. 

Overexposure to isocyanates has also been reported to cause lung damage, including 

decrease in lung function, which may be permanent. Sensitization can either be

temporary or permanent. 

Skin Contact: 

May cause irritation with reddening, swelling, rash, scaling or blistering. Cured material

is difficult to remove. 

Some individuals may develop skin sensitization. Individuals who have

developed a skin sensitization may develop these symptoms as a result of contact with 

very small amounts of liquid or following exposure to vapor. 

SM 4-16 
TOXICOLOGY

Page 3 of 7 Vorite 1740 Prepared: 7/18/91 

Revised: 

Eye Contact: 

May cause irritation, including excess redness and swelling of the conjunctiva. 

Swallowing: 

May result in irritation and possibly corrosive action in the mouth, stomach tissue and 

digestive tract. Based on animal studies, material has low oral toxicity. 

SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES 

Breathing: Remove victim to an area where no further exposure can occur. Administer 

oxygen or artificial respiration as needed. Get medical attention. 

Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and shoes, and wash affected 

area with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Use emergency shower if

needed. Seek medical attention if irritation or other symptoms develop. Dispose of 

contaminated clothing or place in impervious containers and clean before reuse. Notify 

cleaning personnel. 

Eye contact: Flush eyes with tepid water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes, 

holding eyelids open. Get immediate medical attention. 

Swallowing: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give 1 to 2 cups of milk or water to 

drink. Never give anything by mouth if the victim is unconscious or having convulsions. 

Notify a physician immediately. 

SECTION 5. FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA 

 

NFPA Ratings: Health: 2 Fire: 1 Reactivity: 1

OSHA Flammability: III B 

Flash Point: 425 F method: cc 

Lower Explosive Limit: NE Upper Explosive Limit: NE 

Auto Ignition Temperature: NE 

SM 4-17 
TOXICOLOGY

Page 4 of 7 Vorite 1740 Prepared: 7/18/91 

Revised: 

Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, or alcohol type foam applied by 

manufacturer's recommended techniques. Water spray may be used to cool adjacent 

containers. 

Special Firefighting Procedures: Wear positive pressure SCBA when fighting fires 

involving this material. Wear NFPA approved full turnout gear. Keep personnel 

removed from and upwind of fire. Cool adjacent containers with water spray.

CAUTION: The reaction of water and hot MDI may be vigorous. 

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: MDI vapors as well as CO, CO2, oxides of 

nitrogen and traces of HCN may be released by thermal decomposition or burning. 

SECTION 6. STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR 

SPILLED 

Small Spill: Absorb the spilled material with sand or other oil absorbent material and

place in containers for proper disposal. Do not seal containers. Transport to a well

ventilated area and treat with a neutralizing solution consisting of a mixture of water and 

3-8% concentrated ammonium hydroxide or 5-10% sodium carbonate. Add about 10 

parts neutralizing solution per part of material spilled material and mix thoroughly. 

Allow to stand for 48 hours letting evolved CO2 escape. 

Large Spill: For transportation spill call CHEMTREC: 800-424-9300. Do not touch or 

walk through the spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Evacuate and 

ventilate the spill area. Keep material out of waterways and sewers. Build dikes to 

contain flow as necessary. Large quantities may be pumped into closed, but not sealed, 

containers for disposal. 

Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with all federal, state, and local

regulations. 

SECTION 7. PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING AND STORAGE 

Keep away form heat and open flame. Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid 

breathing vapors. Prevent contact with skin and eyes. Keep container closed when not in 

use. Prevent contamination with water or other incompatible materials. 

SM 4-18 
TOXICOLOGY

Page 5 of 7 Vorite 1740 Prepared: 7/18/91 

Revised: 

SECTION 8. PERSONAL PROTECTION/EXPOSURE CONTROLS 

Respiratory Protection: Avoid breathing vapor and/or mist. Use NIOSH/MSHA 

approved respirator when airborne exposure may exceed exposure limits. A supplied air 

type respirator must be worn when exposure to MDI exceeds exposure limits. Consult 

respirator manufacturer to determine the appropriate type of equipment for a given 

application. Observe respirator use limitations specified by NIOSH or the respirator

manufacturer. Respiratory protection programs must comply with 29 CFR 1910.134. 

Engineering Controls: Use engineering controls such as process enclosure and/or local 

exhaust ventilation to keep exposures below exposure limits. 

Protective Gloves: Butyl Rubber 

Eye Protection: Wear goggles and faceshield as needed to prevent eye contact. 

Other Protective Equipment: Impervious aprons, sleevelets, overalls or boots as needed 

to prevent contact with skin. Provide emergency eyewash and shower. 

SECTION 9. PHYSICAL DATA 

Appearance: Brown oily liquid 

Odor: Mild

Boiling Point: NE 

Volatile % by wght: NE 

Specific Gravity: 1.0 

Bulk Density (lb./gal.): 8.3 

Vapor Density (relative to air): Heavier 

Vapor Pressure (mm HG): NE 

Evaporation rate (relative to n-Butyl Acetate): NE

pH: NA 

Solubility in H2O: Insoluble 

Viscosity: NE 

Freezing Point: NE 

SM 4-19 
TOXICOLOGY

Page 6 of 7 Vorite 1740 Prepared: 7/18/91 

Revised: 

SECTION 10. REACTIVITY DATA 

Unstable?: NO 

Prone to Hazardous Polymerization?: May occur in contact with strong bases or water,

or at temperatures above 374F (175C). 

Strong Oxidizer?: no 

Incompatibility: Water, acids, bases, alcohols, alkaline materials, metal compounds, 

surface active materials1

, and strong oxidizers. 

Conditions to Avoid: Avoid contact with incompatible materials. Avoid water as it 

reacts to form heat and CO2. The effect of heat and CO2 may produce enough pressure to 

rupture a closed container. 

Hazardous Decomposition Products: MDI vapors as well as CO, CO2, oxides of nitrogen 

and HCN may be released by thermal decomposition or burning. 

SECTION 11. REGULATORY INFORMATION 

Transportation: 

DOT: Not regulated as a hazardous material 

IMO: 

Proper Shipping Name: Mixture of Diphenylmethane-4, 4'-diisocyanate 

Hazard Class: 6.1 

UN No.: 2489 

IMO Labels: 6.1 

IATA: 

Proper Shipping Name: Mixture of Diphenylmethane-4, 4'-diisocyanate 

Hazard Class: 6.1 

UN No.: 2489 

IATA Labels: Keep away from food 

Environmental: 

Are all components TSCA Listed? Yes 

SARA Title III Hazard Categories and Lists: 

Product Hazard Classes: 

Chronic Health: Yes 

Acute Health: Yes 

Fire Hazard: No 

Pressure Hazard: No 

SM 4-20 
TOXICOLOGY

Page 7 of 7 Vorite 1740 Prepared: 7/18/91 

Revised: 

Reactivity Hazard: No 

Lists (also see comments below): 

Extremely Hazardous Substance?: No 

CERCLA Hazardous Substance?: No

CERCLA Reportable Quantity: NA 

Section 313 Toxic Chemical?: Yes, contains the following 

substance subject to reporting: Aromatic Isocyanate, no greater 

than 50% 

California Proposition 65 Ingredients: 

Ingredient CAS#

None 

SECTION 12. HAZARD RATING SYSTEMS 

HMIS Hazard Ratings: 

Health: 2 

Fire: 0 

Reactivity: 1 

This information is furnished without warranty, expressed or implied, except that it is 

accurate to the best knowledge of CasChem Inc. The data on this sheet relates only to the 

specific material designated herein. CasChem Inc. assumes no legal responsibility for 

use or reliance upon these data. 

SM 4-21 
TOXICOLOGY

SM 4-22 
TOXICOLOGY

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

PAGE 1 

No. 505

SECTION I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION & EMERGENCY INFORMATION 

PRODUCT NAME

Acetone

CHEMICAL NAME

2-Propanone CAS 67-64-1

CHEMICAL FAMILY

Ketone 

PRODUCT APPEARANCE

Clear colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. 

EMERGENCY TELEPONE NUMBERS:

SECTION II HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS OF MIXTURES 

The precise composition of this mixture is proprietary information. A more complete disclosure will be provided to a physician or nurse in the event of a medical emergency. the following components are

defined hazardous in accordance with 29cfr1910.1200: 

Not applicable for this product. 

For additional information see Section III.

SECTION III HEALTH INFORMATION AND PROTECTION 

FIRST AID & NATURE OF HAZARD

EYE CONTACT:

Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Get

prompt medical attention. 

Irritating, and may injure eye tissue if not removed promptly.

INHALATION:

Using proper respiratory protection, immediately remove the affected victim from

exposure. Administer artificial respiration if breathing is stopped. Keep at rest. Call 

for prompt medical attention. High vapor concentrations are irritating to the eyes and 

the respiratory tract. May cause headaches and dizziness, are anesthetic and may have 

other central nervous system effects. 

SKIN CONTACT:

Flush with large amounts of water; use soap if available. 

Remove grossly contaminated clothing, including shoes, and launder before reuse. 

Frequent or prolonged contact may irritate and cause dermatitis. 

Low order of toxicity. INGESTION: 

First aid is normally not required. 

Minimal toxicity. 

ACUTE TOXICITY DATA IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

PERMISSIBLE EXPSOURE LIMIT: OSHA REQUIRES (29CFR 1910.1000):

A TWA of 1000 ppm (2400 mg/m3) for Acetone:

THRESHOLD EXPOSURE LIMIT: ACGIH RECOMMENDS:

A TWA of 750 ppm (1780 mg/m3), and a STEL of 1000 ppm (2375 mg/m3) for Acetone. 

THIS INFORMATION RELATES TO THE SPECIFIC MATERIAL DESIGNATED AND MAY NOT BE VALID FOR SUCH MATERIAL USED IN COMBINATION WITH ANY OTHER MATERIALS OR

IN ANY PROCESS. SUCH INFORMATION IS TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF ACCURATE AND RELIABLE AS OF THE DATE COMPILED. HOWEVER, NO 

REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE IS MADE AS TO ITS ACCURACY, RELIABILITY OR COMPLETENESS. IT IS THE USER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SATISFY HIMSELF AS TO

THE SUITABILITY AND COMPLETENESS OF SUCH INFORMATION FOR HIS OWN PARTICULAR USE. WE DO NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR

FROM THE USE OF THIS INFORMATION NOR DO WE OFFER WARRANTY AGAINST PATENT INFRINGEMENT. 

SM 4-23 
TOXICOLOGY

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

PAGE 2 

PRODUCT NAME: Acetone No. 505

PERSONAL PROTECTION 

Where contact may occur, wear safety glasses with side shields. For open systems where

contact is likely, wear long sleeves, chemical resistant gloves, chemical safety goggles and a

face shield. 

Where concentrations in air may exceed the limits given in this Section and engineering, work 

practice or other means of exposure reduction are not adequate. NIOSH/MSHA approved 

respirators may be necessary to prevent overexposure by inhalation.

VENTILATION

The use of mechanical dilution ventilation is recommended whenever this product is used in a

confined space, is heated above ambient temperatures, or is agitated.

Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment.

SECTION IV FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARD 

FLASHPOINT DEG. F: O METHOD: TOC

FLAMMABLE LIMITS-LEL: 2.6 UEL: 13.0 NOTE: 25 DEG. C (77 DEG. F)

AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE DEG. F: 1000

GENERAL HAZARD

Extremely Flammable, material will readily ignite at ambient temperatures. 

Flammable Liquid, can release vapors that form flammable mixtures at temperatures at or above

the flashpoint.

Empty product containers may contain product residue. Do not pressurize, cut, heat, weld or

expose containers to flame or other sources of ignition.

FIRE FIGHTING 

Use water spray to cool fire exposed surfaces and to protect personnel. 

Shut off "fuel" to fire. FI a leak or spill has not ignited, use water spray to disperse the vapors. 

Either allow fire to burn under controlled conditions or extinguish with alcohol type foam and 

dry chemical. Try to cover liquid spills with foam.

HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS 

No unusual 

SECTION V SPILL CONTROL PROCEDURES 

LAND SPILL 

Eliminate sources of ignition. Prevent additional discharge of material, if possible to do so

without hazard. For small spills implement cleanup procedures; for large spills implement 

cleanup procedures and, if in public area, keep public away and advise authorities. Also, if this 

product is an EPA hazardous substance (See Section X, Page 4) notify the U.S. EPA if 

appropriate. 

Prevent liquid from entering sewers, watercourses, or low areas. Contain spilled liquid with

sand or earth. Do not use combustible materials such as sawdust. 

Recover by pumping (use an explosion proof or hand pump) or with a suitable absorbent.

Consult an expert on disposal of recovered material and ensure conformity to local disposal

regulations. 

SM 4-24 
TOXICOLOGY

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

PAGE 3 

PRODUCT NAME: Acetone No. 505

WATER SPILL 

Consult an expert on disposal of recovered material and ensure conformity to local disposal

regulations. 

SECTION VI NOTES 

CAS NUMBER: 000067641

SM 4-25 
TOXICOLOGY

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

PAGE 4 

PRODUCT NAME: Acetone No. 505

SECTION VII TYPICAL PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SP. GRAVITY REF. TEMP. °F 

0.79 @ 68.0/68.0 

VAPOR PRESSURE MMHG at °F 

56.256 @ 25 

213.021 @ 75

SOLUBILITY IN WATER, WTL. at oF

100 @ 68

VISCOSITY OF LIQUID. EST at oF

0.4 @ 68 

SP. GRAVITY OF VAPOR, at 1 ATM AIR+1 

2.0 

FREEZING MELTING POINT/RANGE, oF

-137.92

EVAPORATION RATE, n-BU ACETATE+1 

11.6 

BOILING POINT/RANGE oF

132.98

SECTION VIII REACTIVITY DATA 

STABILITY 

Stable 

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION OCCUR? 

will not occur 

CONDITIONS TO AVOID INSTABILITY 

Not Applicable 

CONDITIONS TO AVOID HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION 

Not Applicable 

MATERIALS AND CONDITIONS TO AVOID INCOMPATIBLITY 

Caustics, amines, alkanolamines, aldenydes, ammonia, strong oxidizing agents, and chlorinated

compounds. 

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS 

None 

SECTION IX TRANSPORT & STORAGE 

ELECTROSTATIC ACCUMULATION HAZARD 

No, but use proper grounding procedure 

STORAGE TEMPERATURE, oF 

Ambient 

LOADING/UNLOADING TEMPERATURE, oF

Ambient 

STORAGE/TRANSPORT PRESSURE, MMHG 

Atmospheric

VISCOSITY AT LOADING/UNLOADING TEMPERATURE, CST 

0.4 @ 68 

SECTION X HAZARD CLASSIFICATION 

U.S. DOT CLASSIFICATION 

Not available 

EPA HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE AMOUNT LBS. 

Not available 

OTHER 

Not available 

REFERENCE NUMBER 

HDHA-C-00001 

DATE PREPARED 

AUGUST 21, 1985

SUPERCEDES ISSUE DATE 

AUGUST 21, 1985

FOR ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE 

FOR ADDITIONAL HEALTH/SAFETY INFORMATION CALL

SM 4-26 
TOXICOLOGY

Definitions of Common Terms in MSDS Forms 

boiling point--temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas.

concentration--the amount of a substance mixed with another substance. 

condensation/boiling point--temperature at which the gas and liquid states of a 

substance co-exist. 

condensation point--temperature at which a gas turns into a liquid. 

cryogenic liquid--a gas liquefied by cooling it to its boiling point. The gas remains

liquid due to low temperature. 

expansion ratio--ratio of gas volume compared to liquid volume. 

flammable range (explosive limits)--the percentage of vapor in air that is able to burn. 

flashpoint--minimum temperature to which a substance must be heated in order to

produce enough vapor to allow for ignition, if an ignition source is present. 

freezing point--temperature at which a liquid turns into a solid. 

gas--matter that has a volume controlled by pressure and no specific shape. 

ignition temperature--(auto-ignition temperature)--minimum temperature to which a 

substance must be heated to cause combustion (rapid oxidation). 

liquefied compressed gas--a gas that has been liquefied by the application of pressure. 

The gas remains liquid due to pressure within the container. 

liquid--matter that has a specific volume, forms to the shape of its container, or flows

over a surface. 

lower explosive limit (LEL)--minimum percentage of fuel in air that will burn. 

melting/freezing point--the temperature at which the solid and liquid state of a material 

will co-exist. 

melting point--temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid. 

molten solids--solids that have been liquefied by heating. The solid remains liquid by 

heating or insulation of the container. 

physical states--solid, liquid, gas. 

pyrophoric--materials that ignite without an ignition source. 

refrigerated liquid--DOT terminology for cryogenic liquids. 

solid--matter with a specific shape, volume, and in a relatively rigid form. 

upper explosive limit (UEL)--maximum percentage of fuel in air that will burn. 

vapor--the gaseous state of substance produced by the liquid state. 

vapor density--density of vapor compared to density of air; vapor density of air is 1. 

Vapor density less than 1 indicates vapor is lighter than air; vapor density greater 

than 1 indicates vapor is heavier than air. 

vapor pressure--the pressure produced by the formation of vapor. 

water reactivity--the ability of a substance to react with water or moist air. 

water solubility--substance that will dissolve in water, sometimes referred to as 

miscibility. 

SM 4-27 
TOXICOLOGY

SM 4-28 
TOXICOLOGY

APPENDIX 

SM 4-29 
TOXICOLOGY

SM 4-30 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-1 

Slide 4-1

TOXICOLOGY __________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 4-2 

Slide 4-2

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to apply the 

principles and terminology of

toxicology to ensure personal safety.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 4-3 

Slide 4-3

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will:

1. Define the terms toxicology, toxic 

substance, physical hazard, and health

hazard.

2. Describe the concept of dose/response 

and define related terms (acute 

exposure, chronic exposure, subacute 

exposure, immediate response, and 

delayed response).

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 4-31 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-4 

Slide 4-4

ENABLING OBJECTIVES 

(cont'd)

3. List the four methods of exposure and 

the primary target organs associated

with each.

4. Discuss the concepts of exposure limits 

and the use of related measures: (LD50, 

LC50, TLV, TWA, PEL, ceiling limit,

and IDLEH).

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 4-5 

Slide 4-5

TOXICOLOGY

(Study of Poisons)

• Effects on the body

• Methods of detection

• Antidotes

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 4-6 

Slide 4-6

IMPACTS OF TOXICOLOGY

• Responsible for major aspects of

Standard of Care.

• Primary consideration is the safety of

responders and the public.

• It has helped identify appropriate 

personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Basis for decontamination.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 4-32 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-7 

Slide 4-7

HISTORY OF TOXICOLOGY

• Interest in chemical effects started a 

long time ago.

• The formal science of toxicology is 

relatively new.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 4-8 

Slide 4-8

HISTORY OF TOXICOLOGY

(cont'd)

• Interest has been spurred by

employee health and safety

concerns.

• Led to studies in industrial hygiene.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 4-9 

Slide 4-9

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

• The science of protecting workers' 

health.

• Effected through the measurement 

and control of the work

environment.

• Results are correlated with

toxicological findings.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 4-33 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-10 

Slide 4-10

PRINCIPLES OF 

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE ARE 

THE BASIS FOR...

• The Standard of Care

• Responder safety

• Protection of the public

• Planning and training requirements

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 4-11 

Slide 4-11

FOCUS ON WORKER 

SAFETY BY 1970

• Led to the Occupational Safety and 

Health Act

• Led to the formation of the Federal 

Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA)

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 4-12 

Slide 4-12

TWO TYPES OF HAZARDS

• Physical (mechanical)

• Health (biological)

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 4-34 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-13 

Slide 4-13

PHYSICAL HAZARDS

Result of fire, explosion, impact, etc.

1.1

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 4-14 

Slide 4-14

HEALTH HAZARDS ACT 

DIRECTLY UPON THE 

BODY TO CAUSE...

• Biological reactions

• Tissue destruction (including skin)

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 4-15 

Slide 4-15

TOXIC SUBSTANCES

• Cause harmful effects

• Must contact susceptible living 

target organs

• Act via chemical means

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

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SM 4-35 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-16 

Slide 4-16

TOXICITY INVOLVES...

• Concentration

• Type of exposure

• Route of exposure

• Susceptible target organ

• Health variables

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Slide 4-17 

Slide 4-17

CONCENTRATION

The specific amount of a substance in

a given volume of another substance.

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Slide 4-18 

Slide 4-18

METHODS OF EXPRESSING

CONCENTRATION

• Percentages

• Parts per million/billion

• Milligrams per cubic meter, foot,

kilogram, and cubic liter

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SM 4-36 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-19 

Slide 4-19

PARTS PER MILLION

(ppm)

Parts of contaminant compared to one 

million parts of air or liquid.

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Slide 4-20 

Slide 4-20

MILLIGRAMS PER 

KILOGRAM (mg/kg)

• The amount of a contaminant 

expressed in milligrams (1/1,000 of a 

gram)

• Per kilogram (1,000 grams) of body

weight of an animal

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Slide 4-21 

Slide 4-21

EXPOSURE

Direct bodily contact with a substance.

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SM 4-37 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-22 

Slide 4-22

TYPES OF EXPOSURE

• Acute (single exposure)

• Subacute (intervals of time between

acute exposures)

• Chronic (repetitive exposures)

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Slide 4-23 

Slide 4-23

FOUR ROUTES OF

EXPOSURE

• Inhalation--respiratory tract

• Ingestion--digestive tract

• Absorption/Contact--skin and eyes

• Injection--break in skin

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Slide 4-24 

Slide 4-24

SUSCEPTIBLE TARGET

ORGAN

The specific organ affected by a

substance

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SM 4-38 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-25 

Slide 4-25

TARGET ORGANS AND 

PARTS

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Slide 4-26 

Slide 4-26

VARIABLES OF 

SUSCEPTIBILITY

• Age

• Gender (sex)

• Physical condition

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Slide 4-27 

Slide 4-27

DOSE/RESPONSE

• Dose--concentration and duration of 

an exposure

• Response--biological effect of the 

dose

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SM 4-39 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-28 

Slide 4-28

TYPES OF RESPONSES

• Immediate 

• Delayed

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Slide 4-29 

Slide 4-29

COMPARING RELATIVE

TOXICITY

• LD50--lethal dose to 50 percent of 

those exposed by ingestion or

absorption

• LC50--lethal concentration to 50 

percent of those exposed by

inhalation

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Slide 4-30 

Slide 4-30

TOXICOLOGICAL TERMS

• PEL--permissible exposure limit

• TLV/TWA--threshold limit

value/time-weighted average

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SM 4-40 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-31 

Slide 4-31

TOXICOLOGICAL TERMS

(cont'd)

• Ceiling--Maximum exposure 

concentration allowed

• IDLH--Immediately Dangerous to

Life and Health

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Slide 4-32 

Slide 4-32

TIME/HOURS

12

10

8

6

4

2 

1

024 6 8

IDLH

CEILING

EXPOSURE

TLV-TWA

D

O

S

E

/

C

O

N

C

E

N

T

R

A

T

I

O

N

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Slide 4-33 

Slide 4-33

EXPOSURE PREVENTION

DO NOT inhale, ingest, or touch

anything that comes in contact with 

hazardous substances.

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SM 4-41 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-34 

Slide 4-34

Toxicology data are available 

from the Material Safety Data 

Sheets (MSDS).

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Slide 4-35 

Slide 4-35

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA

SHEETS

• Chemical and common names

• Physical and chemical properties

• Physical hazards

• Health hazards

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Slide 4-36 

Slide 4-36

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA

SHEETS (cont'd)

• Primary routes of exposure

• Exposure limits

• Safe handling procedures

• Emergency and first aid measures

• Contact person or company

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SM 4-42 
TOXICOLOGY

Slide 4-37 

Slide 4-37

Activity 4.1

Material Safety Data Sheets

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Slide 4-38 

Slide 4-38

SUMMARY

• Toxicology is the science of poisons and a basis 

for the Standard of Care.

• Hazard types are physical and health.

• The components of toxicity are concentration,

type of exposure, route of exposure, susceptible 

target organ, and other health variables.

• Dose/Response is the relationship between 

exposure and effect.

• Measures of toxicity are LD50, LC50, TLV/TWA, 

PEL, Ceiling limit, and IDLH.

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SM 4-43 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 5: 

INTRODUCTION 

TO RECOGNITION AND 

IDENTIFICATION 

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify the hazard class and, if possible, the product name of hazardous 

materials found at an emergency scene. 

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. List six clues for hazardous materials recognition and identification.

2. Recognize the appropriate United Nations/Department of Transportation (UN/DOT) hazard class 

of various substances. 

3. Identify the product name using UN identification numbers. 

4. From a silhouette, recognize the general type of container, product, and hazards that may be

present.

5. Demonstrate the use and interpretation of the DOT North American Emergency Response

Guidebook (NAERG).

 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

SM 5-2 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

INTRODUCTION 

This unit provides basic information on simple techniques for "hazardous 

materials self-defense." These techniques emphasize the recognition of 

situations, locations, and containers that indicate a high probability for the 

presence of hazardous materials. Specific types of containers and their 

shapes will be identified, as well as the types of products that they may 

contain. 

This unit also describes techniques for identifying specific substances by 

using shipping papers, identification numbers, markings, material safety 

data sheets (MSDS), and the DOT North American Emergency Response 

Guidebook (NAERG). 

A Perspective on the Top 10 Chemicals 

In order to prepare for a hazardous materials emergency, you may want to 

know, "Which chemicals are the most common?" 

The top 10 chemicals are listed below with the approximate amount 

produced per year. Not included are gasoline and hydrocarbon fuels. 

Chemicals Produced Per Year 

100 

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

1 2 3 4 5678 9 10

84

39 36 35

30 29 25 24 20 17

1. Sulfuric acid--84 Billion pounds 6. Ethylene--29 Billion pounds 

2. Lime--39 Billion pounds 7. Sodium hydroxide--25 Billion pounds

3. Ammonia--36 Billion pounds 8. Chlorine--24 Billion pounds 

4. Oxygen--35 Billion pounds 9. Phosphoric acid--20 Billion pounds 

5. Nitrogen--30 Billion pounds 10. Nitric acid--17 Billion pounds 

SM 5-3 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Recognition and Identification (R&I) programs often are viewed as rather

tedious and boring. Face it, there is nothing flashy or enthralling about 

placards and labels. 

Unfortunately, as a result, responders have a tendency to downplay the

importance of the information. This is a potentially lethal mistake! R&I 

clues are your first line of defense against hazardous materials and their 

potential effects on you, the emergency responder. 

If you do not recognize that hazardous materials are or may be involved in 

the incident, you almost certainly will put yourself and other responders in 

a position that is potentially life threatening. You risk unnecessary 

exposures to all of the hazards present in the danger zone of the incident.

You will not recognize the need to isolate the immediate incident scene, 

establish a perimeter, and deny entry. 

In other words, if you, the first responder, do not recognize the presence or 

potential presence of hazardous substances on the incident scene, you are 

now part of the problem and cannot be part of the solution. 

RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION CLUES 

Generally speaking, there are six established R&I clues available to 

emergency responders: 

1. Occupancy and/or location. 

2. Container/vehicle shape (size and configuration). 

3. Markings and colors. 

4. Placards and labels. 

5. Papers (shipping papers, MSDS). 

6. Senses. 

The clues we are about to discuss can enable you to become part of the 

solution and not part of the problem. Learn them well because they are as

much a part of your "personal protective ensemble" as a bulletproof vest, a 

set of turnouts, or steel-tipped shoes. The better you know and understand 

these clues, the safer you will be in the chemical world in which we live. 

SM 5-4 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Occupancy/Location 

Occupancy and location are not new terms to many responders. 

Occupancy is the type of use to which a structure or location is dedicated. 

In other words, the building serves as a dwelling (single family, apartment, 

condo, townhouse, etc.), a business (office, etc.), an industry 

(manufacturer of some product), mercantile center (sales), storage 

(warehousing, etc.), farm, and so on. 

Location is the specific geographic area, address, installation, etc., of the

incident. The location can be along an Interstate highway, a rail line, or a 

pipeline; it can be a spot within a specific building or facility; or it can be 

the street address of a private dwelling. 

Knowledge of the occupancy/location can provide vital information about 

the potential for the presence of hazardous materials. Consider the 

following occupancies and locations and the potential for the presence of

hazardous substances in each: 

• an outbuilding on a farm; 

• a swimming pool sales store; 

• a greenhouse; 

• a metal plating or finishing shop; 

• a woodworking shop; 

• a personal garage; 

• a vehicle accident involving any truck; 

• a "you-store-it" facility; 

• a pharmaceutical house; and 

• the loading dock at a factory. 

The bottom line is that all of these occupancies or locations have a strong 

probability of involving hazardous substances. From the occupancy and 

location, you also may get clues on the type of hazard involved. 

If you respond to such a location and do not at least consider that 

hazardous substances may be present, you are part of the problem. It is

the responsibility of all response personnel (for their own protection) to 

be familiar with their area of response and the types of occupancies and 

locations within that area that may contain hazardous substances. 

Knowledge about occupancy and location can provide critical information. 

SM 5-5 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Container/Vehicle Shape 

Various types of containers are used to transport, handle, and store 

specific types of hazardous and nonhazardous materials. The appearance 

of these containers can tell you a lot about the product they hold and 

related hazards. 

Clues include the container's shape, size, and composition; transport 

vehicle type; smoothness of the surface or "skin"; and visibility of related 

valving or piping. These clues can give some indication of the hazard 

class, type of product, level of pressurization, amount of product, etc. 

In general, it is useful to classify containers by the maximum pressure they

normally contain. In addition, because of certain fundamental differences

between fixed facility and transportation incidents (highway, rail, water, 

air, or pipeline), it is helpful to look at these two categories separately. 

We will examine in more detail the various types of containers found in 

each category later in this unit. 

Markings and Colors 

Markings and colors are R&I tools that can assist you in recognizing the

possible presence of hazardous materials. Various systems are used by 

different producers and for different purposes. Except for those mandated 

by law or regulations, these systems are voluntary and can change with 

little or no notice. 

Several important systems of markings and colors: 

• container markings and stencils; 

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 Standard System

for the Identification of the Fire Hazards of Materials marking

system; 

• hazard communication systems; and 

• military system. 

Railcar Stencils

All DOT specification containers must have markings indicating the 

particular DOT specifications they meet. The specifications must be met 

in order to transport DOT-regulated materials. 

Other markings can include vehicle identification numbers and product 

stencils. Railcars provide a good example: 

SM 5-6 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

GATX 55512 identifies the specific car. 

DOT 105 is the DOT specification. 

NFPA 704 System

The 704 system uses a diamond similar to a DOT placard subdivided into 

four smaller diamonds. The diamonds are color coded to indicate specific 

hazards. 

FLAMMABILITY

(red)

REACTIVITY

(yellow)

SPECIAL

(white)

HEALTH

(blue)

NFPA 704 Hazard System 

SM 5-7 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Within each diamond is a number from 0 to 4 indicating the hazard level 

in emergency situations. Zero indicates no hazard and 4 indicates a major

hazard. For example, gasoline is listed as a 3 under flammability. 

Special hazards include oxidizers, polymerization, water reactivity, etc.

Most commonly the 704 system is used at fixed facilities. 

Hazard Communications (HazCom) System

This system commonly referred to as the Hazardous Materials Information 

System (HMIS) is used to meet Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA) employee right-to-know requirements that are

part of the hazard communications mandates. In general, the system 

provides basic information regarding the substance's name, hazards, safe

handling and use. There are often indications as to appropriate personal 

protective equipment (PPE). 

The HMIS uses a color and number system similar to the 704. In the case 

of HMIS, the color/number system can be found in the "diamond-withina-diamond" or a color bar format. HMIS or HazCom information, colors, 

and markings are found on individual containers. The containers can 

range from pint jars to 55-gallon drums, and in some cases, to railcars. 

It is vital to know that the information provided is specifically designed to 

inform employees of the hazards found in the "normal" work environment

and not during an emergency. 

Other color systems also exist. However, these systems generally are not 

uniform because usually they are voluntary. For example, there is 

supposedly a uniform compressed gas cylinder color-coding system that 

can be used by the entire industry. Unfortunately, most producers use 

their own color codes. Another example is the "candy stripes," the white 

rail tank car with red stripes used by certain manufacturers to transport 

hydrocyanic acid. Many manufacturers did not color code their cars this 

way. As of 2003, this color coding system has been phased out 

completely, although if there are still cars bearing this type of marking and 

they are still within specs., they can still be used as such. 

Military System 

The military system, like the NFPA system, is specifically designed to 

address fixed locations. It generally is used on military installations, and 

not in transportation. You should be familiar with details of the military 

system if you have a base within your jurisdiction. 

SM 5-8 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Placards and Labels 

Labels are symbols (at least a 4-inch square diamond) which are affixed 

to the package being shipped. Every business which offers a material

classified as hazardous by the DOT must mark the package containing the 

material with the appropriate label or labels, unless otherwise specified. 

Additional requirements include 

• When required, the label(s) must be affixed to, or printed on, the 

surface of the package near the proper shipping name. 

• When two or more different warning labels are required, they must

be displayed next to each other. These are known and primary and 

subsidiary hazards. 

Placards are larger symbols (10-3/4-inch square diamond) which are 

applied to the sides and end of a motor vehicle, railcar, freight 

container, or portable tank containing hazardous materials (640 cubic 

feet or more). Additional requirements include 

• Placards generally are not required on highway transportation until 

1,000 kilograms or 2,205 pounds or more of a material is being 

transported.

• Exception: Explosives 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, Poison Gas 2.3, Dangerous 

When Wet 4.3, Organic Peroxide 5.2 (Type B, liquid or solid 

temperature controlled), Poison Inhalation Hazard 6.1 (Inhalation 

Hazard Zone A or B), Radioactive Yellow III must be placarded

when any amount is transported. 

Hazardous materials are grouped by major hazard into nine classes, which 

are defined as follows: 

Class 1--Explosives: any substance or article, including a device, which is designed to 

function by explosion. 

Division 1.1--Mass detonating Examples: Dynamite, TNT, black powder 

Division 1.2--Mass detonating with 

fragments 

Examples: Propellant explosives, rocket 

motors, special fireworks

Division 1.3--Fire hazard with minor 

blast or projectile hazard 

Examples: Common fireworks 

SM 5-9 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Division 1.4--Substances which present 

no significant hazard 

Examples: Small arms ammunition 

Division 1.5--Very insensitive 

explosives 

Examples: Ammonium nitrate fuel oil 

mixtures 

Division 1.6--Extremely insensitive 

explosives 

Examples: 

Class 2--Gases: materials that are flammable, nonflammable, or poisonous gases. 

Division 2.1--Flammable gases Examples: Propane, butadiene 

(inhibited), acetylene 

Division 2.2--Nonflammable gases Examples: Carbon dioxide, chlorine, 

methyl chloride, anhydrous ammonia 

Division 2.3--Poison gases Examples: Arsine, phosgene, hydrogen 

fluoride 

Class 3--Flammable Liquids: any liquid with a flashpoint at or below 140° F. 

Examples: Gasoline, acetone, methyl 

alcohol, toluene, amyl acetate 

Class 4--Flammable Solids and Substances: materials that are wetted explosives, selfreactive, spontaneously combustible, pyrophoric, or water reactive. 

Division 4.1--Flammable solids Examples: Pyroxylin plastics, magnesium, 

phosphorus 

Division 4.2--Spontaneously 

combustible/pyrophoric 

Examples: Aluminum borohydride, 

liquids celluloid scrap 

Division 4.3--Dangerous When Wet Examples: Metallic sodium, potassium, 

calcium carbide 

Class 5--Oxidizers: materials that may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause or enhance 

the combustion of other materials. 

Division 5.1--Oxidizing substances Examples: Ammonium nitrate fertilizer 

Division 5.2--Organic peroxides Examples: Benzoyl peroxide, peracedic 

acid, acetyl peroxide solution 

SM 5-10 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Class 6--Poisons: materials, other than a gas, which are known to be so toxic to 

humans as to afford a hazard to health during transportation.

Division 6.1--Poisons Examples: Carbon tetrachloride, aniline, 

arsenic, methyl bromide, tear gas 

Division 6.2--Infectious substances Examples: Anthrax, botulism, rabies, 

tetanus 

Class 7--Radioactive Materials: materials or combinations of materials that 

spontaneously emit ionizing radiation. 

Examples: Plutonium, cobalt, uranium 

hexafluoride 

Class 8--Corrosives: a liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible 

alterations in human skin tissue at the site of contact, or a liquid that has a severe 

corrosion rate on steel or aluminum. 

Examples: Hydochloric acid, sulfuric 

acid, sodium hydroxide, nitric acid 

Class 9--Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials: materials that present a hazard during

transport, but which are not included in any other hazard class.

Examples: Unslaked lime, metallic 

mercury, dry ice, bleaching powder, 

molten sulfur, PCB's, nitrous oxide 

ORM-D--Consumer commodities Examples: Household ammonia, spot 

remover 

Both labels and placards denote only the major hazard. Many materials

have properties that meet the criteria of more than one class. The DOT

has established the following class priority for materials having more 

than one hazard class: 

• radioactive material; 

• flammable gas; 

• nonflammable gas; 

• flammable liquid; 

• oxidizer; 

• flammable solid; 

• corrosive material (liquid); 

• corrosive material (solid); 

SM 5-11 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

• irritating materials;

• combustible liquid (containers more than 110 gal.); and 

• combustible liquid (containers less than 110 gal.). 

Exceptions to this priority sequence are provided by the DOT for 

explosives, etiologic agents, and organic peroxides (see 49 CFR 173.2). 

Shipping Papers/Material Safety Data Sheets 

Different types of shipping papers are used for different modes of 

transportation. In general, the person in charge of the vehicle is the person 

who will have the papers. 

The papers should be located 

• In the cab of a truck or with the driver in highway transport. 

Papers are called a bill of lading. 

• In the engine (or caboose if present) or with the crew in rail 

transport. Papers are called a consist. 

• In the wheelhouse or a special container on a barge, or with the 

crew in ships. Papers are called a dangerous cargo manifest. 

• In the cockpit or with the pilot of an aircraft. Papers are called an 

air bill. 

As previously discussed, MSDS's are also an important source of R&I 

information for responders. They may be found with the shipping papers. 

Other possible sources of MSDS's include your State Emergency 

Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergency Response Committee 

(LEPC), product manufacturers, fixed facilities that use or store the 

chemical, and fire departments. Remember: Emergency services have the 

right to request copies of MSDS forms for use in incident planning and 

operations. 

Human Senses 

Vision plays a key role in all clues we have discussed so far, and in 

determining the presence of fire, smoke, vapor or gas clouds, etc. 

Unfortunately, our sense of vision is limited when light or visibility is

poor. 

SM 5-12 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Hearing also is important, especially when witnesses are present or there 

are unusual sounds. However, remember to remain at a safe distance 

when trying to gain information about an incident through vision or 

hearing. 

The use of other senses--taste, touch, or smell--risks an exposure to the 

substance. These senses should not be used intentionally in an incident. 

Summary of the Six Clues 

Consider the following situations. 

1. No police officer would respond to a reported silent alarm at a 

bank or a store without at least suspecting that there may be a 

robbery/burglary in progress. The officer would not simply go to 

the front door and walk in, unless he or she was rather foolish. 

2. No medic would respond to a reported severe laceration of a 

patient at an AIDS clinic without donning disposable gloves and 

possibly other protective clothing as well. To do so also would be 

foolish on the part of the medic. 

3. No firefighter would walk into the living room of a house with 

smoke banked down to the floor without wearing full structural 

firefighting equipment. Again, to do so is nothing short of foolish. 

In each case, the actions described go against all of the normal safety

procedures for the agencies involved. A responder who would take the

actions described would be a danger to him/herself and certainly not a 

credit to the profession. The same is true for hazardous materials. A 

responder who does not consider the six clues of R&I--occupancy/ 

location, container shape, markings and colors, placards and labels, 

shipping papers and MSDS, and senses--places his/her life and that of 

his/her coworkers in danger. 

TRANSPORTATION CONTAINERS 

Hazardous materials are transported in many forms and quantities 

throughout our country. As a result, every community must be prepared to 

deal with a broad spectrum of transportation incidents that occur randomly 

and that can be particularly difficult to handle. However, most situations 

provide a tremendous number of clues for emergency responders if you 

know what to look for. 

SM 5-13 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Containers for hazardous materials vary somewhat among the five modes 

of transportation: highway, rail, water, air, and pipeline. We will look at 

each briefly.

Highway Transportation 

Approximately 50 percent of all highway transports carry hazardous

materials (not counting the gasoline in their fuel tanks). This percentage

may increase significantly at night when there is less local traffic. Of

those that carry hazardous materials, only 50 percent are required to 

display placards. For these reasons, highway incidents are common and 

can be difficult to analyze. 

Many different types of highway transport vehicles exist. The basic types

include the box trailer, flatbed, dry bulk, van, tank trailer, tube trailer, and 

personal vehicle. 

Box Trailer 

Box trailers are one of the most common types of vehicles found on the 

highways. They may contain materials that fall into one of the following

hazard classes: 

• flammable liquids, solids, or gases; 

• oxidizers; 

• corrosives; 

• poisons; 

• compressed gases; and 

• radioactive materials, explosives, or various combinations of these 

materials.

SM 5-14 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Most commonly, a box trailer is filled with smaller containers. These

containers may be cylinders, drums, cardboard or wooden boxes, paper 

and plastic bags, glass jars, or almost any other imaginable type of small 

container. 

One of the problems with these vehicles is that the true nature of the

problem is hidden by the walls of the trailer. The approach and/or 

opening of these trailers can be extremely dangerous due to the inability to 

see what is, or has happened, inside the trailer. 

Flatbeds most commonly transport large objects that are difficult to load

on any other type of transport. These objects can be large containers of

hazardous materials (all classes). 

Flatbed 

Dry bulk units carry solid materials in the form of dusts, powder, pellets, 

etc. These materials can be corrosives, oxidizers, and other hazard class 

material appropriate for the unit. 

Dry Bulk 

SM 5-15 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Vans are very similar in all respects to the box trailer except that instead

of a tractor and trailer, the box trailer and tractor are on the same frame. 

Often these units carry relatively small quantity containers of hazardous 

materials and do not require placards. 

Van 

Tank vehicles present a slightly different situation compared to the

previously mentioned types. In most instances, these cargo tankers are 

intended to ship hazardous materials. As such, they are regulated by the

DOT in 49 CFR. 

A helpful way to examine tankers is to consider the maximum pressures

that should be found in the unit. 

In highway transportation, there are three basic types of tankers with

regard to pressure--atmospheric, low pressure, and high pressure. 

• Atmospheric can have maximum internal pressures of from 0 to 5 

psi. 

• Low pressures can have maximum internal pressures of from 5 to 

100 psi. 

• High pressures can have maximum internal pressures of from 100 

to 3,000 psi. 

Atmospheric tankers are used to transport low-volatility liquids (in other 

words, low vapor pressure). They will have an elliptical cross-sectional 

shape and the surfaces of the tank are smooth. 

Common materials transported in tankers are gasoline, diesel fuel, and 

other liquid fuels. In some cases, mild poisons and other hazard-class 

materials also can be transported in these units. 

SM 5-16 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Atmospheric Tankers 

(Low Volatility Liquids) 

Low-pressure tankers handle corrosive and high-volatility liquids. They 

may have a round or "horseshoe" shaped cross-section. The round 

units have ribs at various points, going around the tank. The horseshoe 

units have a smooth skin. 

Low Pressure 

SM 5-17 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

High-pressure tankers have a round cross section but the skin will be

smooth. The ends of the unit are hemispherical. Normally, the 

maximum pressure is 250 psi. These units will transport products such as 

liquefied petroleum and other liquefied compressed gases. As such, they

are susceptible to Boiling-Liquid, Expanding Vapor Explosions or 

BLEVE (pronounced blev-ee). 

High Pressure 

Special high-pressure tankers are unique for two reasons. The first 

reason is that the liquefied gases inside them are at temperatures from 

-150°F to below -450°F (-101° to -268°C). The second reason is that the 

pressure must be reduced to 25 pounds per square inch (psi) or less during 

the transportation of the product. 

However, during onloading and offloading, the pressure commonly goes

above 100 psi to aid in the transfer process. These units can be round, or 

round and square, depending upon the manufacturer. 

SM 5-18 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Special High-Pressure 

(Cryogenics) 

Tube trailers are nothing more than a group of overgrown compressed 

gas cylinders attached to a trailer frame. They contain gases under high 

pressure. 

Tube Trailer 

SM 5-19 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Personal vehicles found on the roads cannot be overlooked. People will 

often put almost anything that will fit into their vehicles. In other words, 

you can find almost anything under the sun in personal vehicles and 

normally you will not know it. 

What appear to be private vehicles often are used to transport radioactive 

pharmaceuticals, various industrial chemicals, household-use gases, 

flammable liquids, flammable gases, etc. Consider what you have carried 

in your car or truck. 

Rail Transportation 

The primary types of railcars are box, flat, hopper, bulk, tank, and tube. In 

most cases, these cars are similar in use to their corresponding 

highway counterparts and haul the same types of hazardous materials, 

except in larger quantities. The primary exception is the hopper car 

which is used to haul bulk quantities of products such as coal. 

Rail Tank Cars

The rail industry classifies tank cars in two classes: nonpressure and 

pressure. The term "nonpressure" is a misnomer because nonpressure cars 

can have pressures up to 100 psi. 

Nonpressure cars carry liquids or solids that can be liquefied by heating 

for onloading and offloading. The liquids can be flammables, corrosives, 

poisons, oxidizers, etc. The solids can be materials like sulfur, 

phosphorous, etc. 

Nonpressure Cars 

SM 5-20 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

All pressure cars can carry liquefied compressed gases that may be

flammable: poisons, oxidizers, asphyxiants, or any combination of these

hazards. 

Unlike highway transportation, the only good method at the first 

responder's level to tell the difference between nonpressure and pressure

cars is by the arrangement of the attachments found on top of the car. 

Pressure cars have a large, round device on the top referred to as a 

bonnet, which contains all of the valving assemblies for the car. On the

other hand, nonpressure cars normally have several different shaped 

devices readily visible. 

All pressure cars are designed to transport hazardous materials, while not 

all nonpressure cars are so designed. Again, just like in the cargo tanks, if 

they are designed to haul hazardous materials, the tank car specifications

must meet the DOT regulations found in 49 CFR. 

Pressure Cars 

Other Transport Types 

Water Transport

Ships and barges are used in water transportation. The primary difference 

between a ship and a barge is that a ship has its own powerplant, while a 

barge must rely upon a ship for its movement. 

SM 5-21 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Either a ship or a barge can carry phenomenally large quantities of 

product, causing tremendous problems during an incident. 

Combination Mode Shipments

Some types of containers can be transported by highway, rail, or water. 

These containers are referred to as intermodal containers. They may be 

trailers, box-like containers, or a tank supported by a frame. 

In rail transport, the containers are often affixed to flatcars. In this setting,

they are referred to by special names. If the container is a truck trailer, it 

is referred to as a trailer on flatcar, or TOFC. If the container is simply a 

large box, it is referred to as a container on flatcar, or COFC. 

Trailer on a Flat Car (TOFC) 

SM 5-22 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Container on a Flat Car (COFC) 

Air Transport

In air transport, the primary carrier is the airplane. They may be dedicated

cargo ships or, in a few situations, passenger service planes. In any event, 

the specific requirements for the shipment of materials are closely

regulated by DOT in 49 CFR. 

Generally, the quantities are limited to less than 50 pounds even on 

dedicated cargo transports. An ever-present hazard with planes is the 

presence of fuel that is used to power the plane. 

Pipeline

The last mode of transportation is the pipeline. There is scarcely a 

location in this country that does not have a pipeline running through the 

area. These pipelines range from the natural gas mains in the street to 

massive interstate pipelines that handle millions of gallons of product each

day. 

SM 5-23 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

SM 5-24 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Activity 5.1 

Recognizing Transportation Containers 

Purpose 

To practice recognizing container types, uses, hazard classes, and other information. 

Directions 

1. You will be shown a series of five slides, each one depicting a different haz mat 

transportation scene. 

2. Study each slide, then identify the type of transport vehicle and the hazard class in

the appropriate space below. 

3. In addition, note other information you can derive from the slide such as possible 

product name or type, pressure, and precautions.

4. You will discuss each slide as a class.

SM 5-25 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

SM 5-26 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Activity 5.1 (cont'd) 

Worksheet 

Slide 5-55 

Transport vehicle type: 

Hazard class(es): 

Other information: 

Slide 5-56 

Transport vehicle type: 

Hazard class(es): 

Other information: 

Slide 5-57 

Transport vehicle type: 

Hazard class(es): 

Other information: 

SM 5-27 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-58 

Transport vehicle type: 

Hazard class(es): 

Other information: 

Slide 5-59 

Transport vehicle type: 

Hazard class(es): 

Other information: 

SM 5-28 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

FIXED-SITE CONTAINERS 

Fixed facilities can have almost any kind of container under the sun, 

including any or all of the types previously mentioned under shipping 

modes. Fixed facility containers can be classified by their pressure rating 

in a fashion similar to those found in transportation. However, a new 

category--ultrahigh pressure--is added. 

The pressure types: 

• atmospheric-- 0 to 5 psi; 

• low pressure--5 to 100 psi; 

• high pressure--100 to 3,000 psi; and 

• ultrahigh pressure--above 3,000 psi. 

Atmospheric containers can include all types such as bags, boxes, drums, 

or tanks. They contain products that are liquids or solids under normal 

conditions. Size can range from extremely small to quite large. 

Configurations vary and multicontainer packages are common. Many

liquid fuel storage tanks, above and belowground, fall into this category. 

Low-Pressure containers such as storage tanks are designed to contain 

volatile liquids and solids, and in some cases, gases (pipelines). Common 

locations include equipment/processing facilities. Only certain drums, 

most of which have pressure relief valves, are in this category. 

SM 5-29 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

High-pressure containers such as propane and other compressed gas 

cylinders can be found as spheres or cylinders above or belowground. A 

common example is medical oxygen cylinders. High-pressure containers 

normally hold gases, liquids, or powders. 

Ultrahigh-pressure containers such as tube tanks, pipelines, or cylinders 

are not common and contain mostly gases and a few liquids. They are 

usually aboveground and horizontal. 

Ultrahigh-Pressure

When used as ultrahigh-pressure containers, these 

containers are reinforced.

Ultrahigh-Pressure

When used as ultrahigh-pressure containers, these 

containers are reinforced.

SM 5-30 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Individual Containers 

Smaller quantities of hazardous materials may be found in containers 

made of many different materials and in various sizes and shapes. 

Materials designated as hazardous by the DOT usually will be packed in

containers manufactured according to DOT specifications, and will have 

appropriate DOT labels affixed thereto. Containers made of different 

materials and in various sizes and shapes include 

a. Wooden boxes. 

b. Metal drums. 

c. Fiberboard drums. 

d. Plastic pails. 

e. Glass carboys in protective containers. 

f. Cylinders. 

g. Ton cylinders. 

h. Mailing tubes. 

i. Multiwall paper bags. 

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

SM 5-31 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

USING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NORTH AMERICAN 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK

The NAERG was developed by the DOT for use by first responders, 

including firefighters, police, EMS personnel, and others. It contains 

guidance helpful primarily during the initial phases of a hazardous 

materials incident. The DOTNAERG was designed for use in highway or 

railroad incidents, but it will, with certain limitations, be useful in other

emergency situations. 

A numbered guide is assigned to each hazardous material listed in the 

index. Each guide provides only the most vital information in a brief 

practical form, including the most significant potential hazards and 

information concerning recommended initial actions. Basic steps for 

using the guide are 

1. Identify the material using the product name or the four-digit ID 

number on placards or shipping papers. 

2. Look up the materials' two-digit guide number. 

3. Turn to and read the numbered guide. 

The DOTNAERG is an invaluable resource for all first responders. You 

should be familiar with its format, use, and limitations in a hazardous

materials incident. 

SM 5-32 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Activity 5.2 

Recognizing and Identifying Hazards 

Purpose 

To identify the appropriate information using the DOTNAERG. 

Directions 

1. You will view a series of slides. Identify the appropriate information on each 

slide. 

2. Each slide will be left on the screen for 1 minute. In that minute, you must 

a. Identify the type of container with regard to pressure. 

b. Identify the probable state of the product. 

c. Identify the product, using the DOT ERG when and if possible. 

SM 5-33 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

SM 5-34 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Activity 5.2 (cont'd) 

Worksheet 

Slide 5-68 

Container(s) Information: 

Transport/Fixed 

Pressure 

Other Information 

Substance(s): 

Physical State 

Hazard Class(es) 

UN ID# DOT Guide # 

Slide 5-69 

Container(s) Information: 

Transport/Fixed 

Pressure 

Other Information 

Substance(s): 

Physical State 

Hazard Class(es) 

UN ID# DOT Guide # 

SM 5-35 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-70 

Container(s) Information: 

Transport/Fixed 

Pressure 

Other Information 

Substance(s): 

Physical State 

Hazard Class(es) 

UN ID# DOT Guide # 

Slide 5-71 

Container(s) Information: 

Transport/Fixed 

Pressure 

Other Information 

Substance(s): 

Physical State 

Hazard Class(es) 

UN ID# DOT Guide # 

SM 5-36 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-72 

Container(s) Information: 

Transport/Fixed 

Pressure 

Other Information 

Substance(s): 

Physical State 

Hazard Class(es) 

UN ID# DOT Guide # 

Slide 5-73 

Container(s) Information: 

Transport/Fixed 

Pressure 

Other Information 

Substance(s): 

Physical State 

Hazard Class(es) 

UN ID# DOT Guide # 

SM 5-37 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

SM 5-38 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

APPENDIX 

SM 5-39 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

SM 5-40 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-1 

Slide 5-1

UNIT 5:

INTRODUCTION TO 

RECOGNITION AND 

IDENTIFICATION

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-2 

Slide 5-2

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify the hazard

class and, if possible, the product name of

hazardous materials found at an emergency

scene.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-3 

Slide 5-3

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will:

• List six clues for hazardous materials 

recognition and identification.

• Recognize the appropriate United 

Nations/Department of Transportation 

(UN/DOT) hazard class of various substances.

• Identify the product name using UN

identification numbers.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-41 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-4 

Slide 5-4

• From a silhouette, recognize the general type 

of container, product, and hazards that may

be present.

• Demonstrate the use and interpretation of

the DOT North American Emergency 

Response Guidebook (NAERG).

ENABLING OBJECTIVES (cont'd)

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-5 

Slide 5-5

Recognition and identification (R&I) 

is the first and most essential tool to

save your life at a hazardous materials 

incident.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-6 

Slide 5-6

SIX CLUES

• Occupancy/Location

• Container shape

• Markings and colors

• Placards and labels

• Shipping papers and material safety 

data sheets (MSDS)

• Human senses

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-42 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-7 

Slide 5-7

CLUE #1:

OCCUPANCY/LOCATION

• Type of use for a given location: 

residential, industrial, mercantile, etc.

• Specific incident scene: production, 

storage, use or transport, type of

transport, etc.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-8 

Slide 5-8

CLUE #2:

CONTAINER SHAPES

• Transportation containers

• Fixed-site containers

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-9 

Slide 5-9

TRANSPORTATION 

CONTAINER MODES

• Highway

• Rail

• Water

• Air 

• Pipeline

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-43 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-10 

Slide 5-10

CLUE #3:

MARKINGS AND COLORS

• Railcar stencils

• NFPA 704

• Hazard communications

• Military

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-11 

Slide 5-11

RAILCAR STENCIL 

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-12 

Slide 5-12

NFPA 704

FLAMMABILITY

REACTIVITY

SPECIAL HAZARDS

HEALTH

w

2

3

4

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-44 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-13 

Slide 5-13

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL 

INFORMATION SYSTEM

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-14 

Slide 5-14

THE MILITARY MARKING SYSTEM

FIRE DIVISION SYMBOLS

CHEMICAL HAZARD SYMBOLS

1 4 2 3

CLASS-1 DIVISION 1

MASS DETONATION

HAZARD

CLASS 1-DIVISION 2

EXPLOSION WITH

FRAGMENT HAZARD

CLASS 1-DIVISION 3

MASS FIRE HAZARD

CLASS 1-DIVISION 4

MODERATE

FIRE HAZARD

HIGHLY TOXIC

CHEMICAL

AGENTS

SET NO. 1

HARASSING

AGENTS

SET NO. 2

WHITE

PHOSPHORUS

MUNITIONS

SET NO. 3

APPLY

NO WATER

WEAR PROTECTIVE

MASK OR

BREATHING

APPARATUS

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-15 

Slide 5-15

CLUE #4:

DOT/UNITED NATIONS HAZARD

CLASS 1-EXPLOSIVES (6 DIVISIONS)

CLASS 2-GASES (3 DIVISIONS)

CLASS 3-FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (3 DIVISIONS)

CLASS 4-FLAMMABLE SOLIDS (3 DIVISIONS)

CLASS 5-OXIDIZERS (2 DIVISIONS)

CLASS 6-POISONS (2 DIVISIONS)

CLASS 7-RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

CLASS 8-CORROSIVES

CLASS 9-MISCELLANEOUS

CLASS D-CONSUMER COMMODITIES

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-45 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-16 

Slide 5-16

LABEL PLACARD

1.6

*

1

1.5

*

1

1.4

*

1

1.2

1

1.1

1

1.1

1

1.2

1

1.3

1

1.5

1.6

*

1

*

1

1.4

*

1

FOR EXPLOSIVES

COMPATIBILITY

GROUP WILL BE

SHOWN IN PLACE

OF *

HAZARD CLASS/ DIVISION

DIVISION 1.3

DIVISION 1.1

DIVISION 1.2

DIVISION 1.4

DIVISION 1.5

DIVISION 1.6

1.3

1

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-17 

Slide 5-17

UN CLASS NUMBERS AND

IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS

UN AND NA IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS

When hazardous materials are 

transported in tank cars, cargo tanks,

and portable tanks, UN or NA numbers 

must be displayed on:

3

3

1090

PLACARDS

OR

ORANGE PANELS

and

Appropriate placard

must be used

1090

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-18 

Slide 5-18

5.1 5.1

CORROSIVE

RADIOACTIVE II

5.2

7

8

9

6

RADIOACTIVE

CORROSIVE

5.2

7

8

9

6

DIVISION 5.1

DIVISION 5.2

DIVISION 6.1

(PG I & PGII)

DIVISION 6.1

(PG III)

CLASS 7

(YELLOW III)

CLASS 8

CLASS 9

ORGANIC 

PEROXIDE

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-46 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-19 

Slide 5-19

NAME LOCATION

HIGHWAY BILL OF CAB/

LADING DRIVER

RAIL CONSIST ENGINE/

CABOOSE

CREW

WATER DANGEROUS WHEELHOUSE/

CARGO PAPER BOX

MANIFEST CREW

AIR AIR BILL COCKPIT

PILOT

CLUE #5

SHIPPING PAPERS

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-20 

Slide 5-20

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA

SHEET

• Primary data sources for fixed sites

• Data:

– Substance names

– Properties

– Physical and health hazards

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-21 

Slide 5-21

CLUE #6

KEY SENSES

• Vision

• Hearing

• Others can lead to exposure!

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-47 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-22 

Slide 5-22

SIX CLUES

• Occupancy/Location

• Container shape

• Makings and colors

• Placards and labels

• Shipping papers and MSDS

• Human senses

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-23 

Slide 5-23

HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION 

INCIDENT

• A common type

• Can be extremely difficult to handle

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-24 

Slide 5-24

NATIONAL AVERAGES

• Fifty percent of all trucks are 

transporting hazardous materials.

• Only 50 percent of these trucks are 

required to display warning placards.

• These percentages may increase at

night.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-48 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-25 

Slide 5-25

TYPES OF HIGHWAY 

TRANSPORTS

• Box trailer

• Flatbed

• Dry bulk

• Van

• Tank trailer

• Tube trailer

• Personal vehicle

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-26 

Slide 5-26

BOX TRAILER _________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-27 

Slide 5-27

FLATBED

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-49 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-28 

Slide 5-28

DRY BULK

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-29 

Slide 5-29

VAN

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-30 

Slide 5-30

TANK TRAILER

(CARGO TANKS)

• Many individual types.

• Design specifications for hazardous 

materials units are regulated by the 

Department of Transportation (DOT).

• Type of vehicle is based on the 

properties of the product handled.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-50 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-31 

Slide 5-31

TANK TRAILER

CLASSIFICATION BY PRESSURE

• Atmosphere--0 to 5 psi

• Low Pressure--5 to 100 psi

• High Pressure--100 to 3,000 psi

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-32 

Slide 5-32

ATMOSPHERIC

LOW-VOLATILITY LIQUIDS

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-33 

Slide 5-33

LOW-PRESSURE

CORROSIVES AND HIGHVOLATILITY LIQUIDS

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-51 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-34 

Slide 5-34

THREE TYPES OF HIGH

PRESSURE

• High pressure

– Liquefied compressed gas

– Special high pressure

• Cryogenic liquids

– Tube trailer

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-35 

Slide 5-35

HIGH PRESSURE

• Liquefied gases

• Maximum pressure 250 psi

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-36 

Slide 5-36

SPECIAL HIGH PRESSURE

• Refrigerated liquefied gases.

• Pressure must be reduced 

during transport.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-52 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-37 

Slide 5-37

TUBE TRAILER

HIGH-PRESSURE GAS

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-38 

Slide 5-38

PERSONAL VEHICLES

POISON

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-39 

Slide 5-39

RAIL TRANSPORTATION 

INCIDENTS

• Can be extremely difficult to handle

• Involve large quantities of product

• Often have poor access

• Involve multiple cars and multiple 

products

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-53 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-40 

Slide 5-40

RAILCAR TYPES

• Box

• Flat

• Hopper

• Bulk

• Tank

• Tube

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-41 

Slide 5-41

TANK CAR TYPES

• Two types:

– Nonpressure (less than 100 psi)

– Pressure (greater than 100 psi)

• Specifications are regulated by DOT 

if hauling hazardous materials.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-42 

Slide 5-42

NONPRESSURE CARS

Carry liquids or solids that can be 

liquefied

PRESSURE CARS

Carry liquefied gases

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-54 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-43 

Slide 5-43

The arrangement on the top allows one to 

differentiate between nonpressure and

pressure cars.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-44 

Slide 5-44

NONPRESSURE

DOT 103 _________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-45 

Slide 5-45

NONPRESSURE

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-55 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-46 

Slide 5-46

PRESSURE

DOT 105

DOT 112

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-47 

Slide 5-47

WATER 

TRANSPORTATION

• Ships

• Barges

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-48 

Slide 5-48

COMBINATION MODE 

SHIPMENTS

• Go from highway to rail to water

• Called intermodals

• Carry any type of hazardous 

material

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-56 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-49 

Slide 5-49

INTERMODAL TRUCKBOX

(TOFC)

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-50 

Slide 5-50

INTERMODAL BOX

(COFC)

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-51 

Slide 5-51

INTERMODAL TANK

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 5-57 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-52 

Slide 5-52

AIR TRANSPORTATION

• Heavily regulated due to potential

hazards.

• Limited quantities allowed; fuel is a 

consideration.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 5-53 

Slide 5-53

PIPELINES

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 5-54 

Slide 5-54

Activity 5.1 

Recognizing Transportation

Containers

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SM 5-58 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

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SM 5-59 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

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FIXED SITE CONTAINERS

• Almost any type of container

• Often include highway, rail, air, or 

water containers

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SM 5-60 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-61 

Slide 5-61

PRESSURE 

CLASSIFICATION

• Atmospheric--0 to 5 psi

• Low Pressure--5 to 100 psi

• High Pressure--100 to 3,000 psi

• Ultrahigh Pressure--greater than

3,000 psi

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Slide 5-62 

Slide 5-62

ATMOSPHERIC CONTAINERS

• They are used for products that

are normally liquids or solids.

• Examples:

– Bags.

– Cans.

– Jars.

– Drums.

– Boxes.

– Liquid fuel storage tanks.

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Slide 5-63 

Slide 5-63

LOW-PRESSURE 

CONTAINERS

• They are used for volatile liquids or

solids and some gases.

• Examples:

– Some drums.

– Equipment/

Processing.

– Storage tanks.

– Pipelines.

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SM 5-61 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-64 

Slide 5-64

HIGH-PRESSURE CONTAINERS

• They are used for gases, liquefied gases,

and some liquids.

• Examples:

– High-pressure 

pipelines.

– Liquefied compressed

gas cylinders, spheres.

– Compressed gas 

cylinders and tubes.

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Slide 5-65 

Slide 5-65

ULTRAHIGHPRESSURE

CONTAINERS

• They are used for gases 

and some liquids.

• Examples:

– Tube banks.

– Pipelines.

– Cylinders.

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Slide 5-66 

Slide 5-66

DOT NORTH AMERICAN

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GUIDEBOOK (DOTNAERG)

• Is an information 

source

• Has four primary parts

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SM 5-62 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

Slide 5-67 

Slide 5-67

Activity 5.2 

Recognizing and Identifying 

Hazards

Hazards

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SM 5-63 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

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SM 5-64 
INTRODUCTION TO RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION 

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Slide 5-74

KEY POINTS

– Occupancy/Location.

– Container shapes.

– Markings and colors.

– Placards and labels.

– Shipping papers/MSDS's.

– The five senses.

• Six clues:

• You must become familiar with container types

and categories:

– Transportation (five modes).

– Fixed site.

• The DOTNAERG is a valuable tool for 

recognition and identification.

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SM 5-65 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 6: 

SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE 

SETUP

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify the advantages and implications of basic concepts and procedures used 

in hazardous materials site management and scene setup. 

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. Describe the purpose of the Incident Command System (ICS) in hazardous materials response. 

2. Describe the role of the first responder in the ICS. 

3. Identify the advantages of using incident levels. 

4. Identify the three incident zones. 

5. Identify six personal hazards that may be associated with each of the three zones. 

6. Identify specific personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for each of the three zones.

 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SM 6-2 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

INTRODUCTION 

Federal regulations on hazardous materials response contain specific 

mandates describing how the incident will be set up and managed. Many 

of the concepts expressed in the regulations and standards are somewhat 

unfamiliar to many responders. This is true for two reasons. First, until 

recently, the specified management system has generally been a fireservice system. Second, hazardous materials scene setup considerations 

and related concepts are quite different from most routine emergency 

response situations. In this unit, we will explore some of the similarities

and differences. 

Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) 29 

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.120 and the Environmental 

Protection Agency's (EPA) 40 CFR Part 311 state: "The Senior 

Emergency Response Official responding to a (chemical) emergency shall

become the individual in charge of the Site Specific Incident Command 

System." This means that all hazardous materials emergency 

responders must operate using the Incident Command System (ICS). 

The obvious question is: "What is the Incident Command System?"

The terminology used in this program is that used by the National Fire 

Academy (NFA) in its incident command training. This is done strictly 

for the sake of uniformity during classroom delivery. It is recognized that 

different terminology may be used depending on the location or

jurisdiction. The particular terminology adopted is not critical, but one 

unified system must be established in your standard operating procedures 

(SOP's). All parties must use the same system and terminology for that 

system. 

HISTORY OF THE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM 

In the early 1970's, Southern California experienced several devastating 

wildland fires. The overall cost and loss associated with these fires totaled 

$18 million per day. This multijurisdictional disaster was the impetus for

the development of an improved interagency incident management system 

known as the ICS. ICS is one of the beneficial results of a federally 

funded project called FIRESCOPE that was convened after these fires, and 

whose charter was to examine various aspects of interagency response to 

incidents. 

FIRESCOPE derives its name from: FIre RESources of California 

Organized for Potential Emergencies. The FIRESCOPE ICS is primarily 

a command and control system delineating job responsibilities and 

organizational structure for the purpose of managing day-to day operations 

for all types of emergency incidents. While originally developed for 

SM 6-3 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

wildland incidents it was found that the system could be applied easily to 

day-to-day fire and rescue operations. It also is flexible enough to manage 

catastrophic incidents involving thousands of emergency response and 

management personnel. 

The National Inter-Agency Incident Management System (NIIMS) is 

another system using ICS that was developed by the wildland community 

in order to provide a common system for wildland fire protection agencies 

at the local, State, and Federal levels. The NIIMS organization includes 

the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, representatives of State 

Foresters, and the National Park Service. NIIMS consists of five major 

subsystems that collectively provide a total systems approach to risk

management: 

• The ICS which includes operating requirements, eight interactive 

components, and procedures for organizing and operating an 

onscene management structure. 

• Training that is standardized and supports the effective operations 

of NIIMS. 

• A qualification and certification system that provides personnel 

across the Nation with standard training, experience, and physical 

requirements to fill specific positions in the ICS. 

• Publications management that includes development, publication, 

and distribution of NIIMS materials.

• Supporting technologies such as orthophoto mapping, infrared 

photography, and a multiagency coordination system that supports

NIIMS operations. 

Since the development of the ICS, the fire service has experienced several 

challenges in understanding its application. As a result, inconsistencies in 

the system began to develop; other hybrid systems came into existence, 

further distancing a common approach to incident command. A single 

incident management system is critical for effective command and control 

of major incidents. At these incidents, a single department may interface 

with other agencies on the local, State, and Federal level. In order to 

reduce the inherent confusion that may be associated with larger scale 

incidents, using a common command system is a must. 

Recognizing the challenges that were occurring in the fire service in 

applying a common approach to incident command, the National Fire 

Service Incident Management System Consortium was created. Developed 

SM 6-4 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

in 1990, its purpose is to evaluate an approach to developing a single

Command system. The Consortium consists of many individual fire 

service leaders, representatives of most major fire service organizations,

and representatives of Federal agencies including FIRESCOPE. One of 

the significant outcomes of the work done by the Consortium was the 

identification of the need to develop operational protocols within ICS, so 

that fire and rescue personnel would be able to apply the ICS as one

common system. In 1993, as a result of this, the IMS Consortium 

completed its first document: Model Procedures Guide for Structural 

Firefighting. FIRESCOPE adopted this in principle as an application to 

the Model FIRESCOPE ICS. The basic premise is that the organizational 

structure found in the FIRESCOPE ICS now is enhanced with operational 

protocols that allow the Nation's fire and rescue personnel to apply the 

ICS effectively regardless of what area in the country they are assigned. 

The NFA, having adopted the FIRESCOPE ICS in 1980, has incorporated

this material in its training curriculum and will continue to reach the 

thousands of fire service personnel with one common incident command 

and control system. 

It is important to note that the FIRESCOPE Model ICS has had other 

applications or modules similar to the structural firefighting applications 

that have been in place for some time. These create a framework for other 

activities to operate in and further enhance the use of ICS. As an example, 

there are the Multi-Casualty, Hazardous Material, and the Urban Search 

and Rescue (US&R) applications. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) formally adopted 

FIRESCOPE ICS as the incident management system for any Federal 

response required by the agency. Since then, several other Federal 

agencies have adopted FIRESCOPE ICS. 

Need for a Comprehensive System 

Throughout the country, multiagency or multijurisdictional disasters led to 

the development of improved interagency incident management

capabilities that could be used at major incidents. All agencies recognized

the advantage of combining resources under a common organizational 

structure. They also recognized that this system should not be for 

multiagency, major emergencies only, but should be a day-to-day

operational system for each agency. 

The ICS requires mutual agreement and/or acceptance of: 1) 

organizational structure, 2) common operating procedures, 3) common 

terminology, and 4) personnel qualifications (trained in the system). Such 

a system represents a giant step not only for the fire service but for 

SM 6-5 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

emergency response in general. It allows the coordinated use of 

personnel from many different agencies to operate as a single unit. In 

other words, the ICS provides a uniform national emergency incident 

management capability. 

To ensure proper incident management through coordination of overall 

operations, a responsive organization must be developed. The IC must be 

able to communicate effectively within the organization and to assess 

feedback from all involved in the incident. The use of a specific command 

structure and terminology is vital to the management of the system. 

Because hazardous materials incidents, like most incidents, are dynamic,

frequent shifts within the plan of action can be anticipated. The ICS 

provides an effective and efficient system that is capable of managing

even the most complex situation with a great degree of flexibility, control,

and reliability. 

Advantages of the Incident Command System 

Expandability--An all-hazards incident management system can be 

readily adapted to the incident. The ICS is expandable from routine to 

complex incidents. The person in charge, the Incident Commander (IC), 

may be an engine company lieutenant, captain, the chief of the 

department, a police officer, the commissioner, an advanced first aider, or 

a paramedic supervisor. 

Commonalities in organization, terminology, procedures, and 

qualifications--The ICS provides a common framework under which 

different agencies and disciplines can function effectively during an 

emergency. Established roles and procedures also facilitate 

interorganizational communications and planning. 

Unified Command--A key attribute of ICS is the unity of purpose and 

command available through shared and defined responsibilities. 

Single Versus Unified Command 

In a single command situation, only one agency has legal responsibility. 

Hazardous materials incidents, mass casualty incidents, natural disasters,

or wildland fires, among others, may involve a number of jurisdictions 

and/or agencies that have a legal or functional need to be involved directly 

in the decisionmaking process. The worst thing that can happen is to 

allow each of these responsible agencies to establish a Command Post 

(CP) of its own, separate and distinct from the others. In this instance, it is 

critical that there be a Unified Command. 

SM 6-6 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

What Cues the Need for a Unified Command?

• More than one agency responsible for decisionmaking within a 

single jurisdiction. 

Example: A passenger airline crash within a national forest. Local 

fire, local medical, Federal forestry, and National Transportation 

Safety Board (NTSB) are all involved. 

• More than one jurisdiction is involved. 

Example: A major flood, hurricane, etc. 

All agencies with responsibility to manage the incident contribute to the

Command process. Together they determine overall incident objectives 

and strategies, and plan tactics jointly. This method ensures the maximum 

use of assigned resources. 

• The location of the incident. 

Example: An inland waterway entirely within the boundaries of a

single jurisdiction also could involve U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). 

Who is Involved?

• All agencies with responsibility to manage the incident contribute 

to the Command process. Together they determine overall incident 

objectives, determine strategies, and plan tactics. This method 

ensures maximum use of assigned resources. 

• One key official from each jurisdiction or responsible agency. 

• Representatives from departments in a single jurisdiction. 

The IC may be determined by local or State law; California law states that 

the law enforcement agency is the IC for haz mat incidents on the 

highways. Where there is no law determining who is in charge, agencies 

should work together to determine which agency takes the lead for each 

risk a community faces. 

Generally, the agency with the greatest jurisdictional involvement is 

assigned the Operations function. Depending on the type of incident, 

someone must determine which agencies actually have responsibility. It is

SM 6-7 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

important to recognize prior training and experience when staffing the

Unified Command Post and Operations function. 

Single/Unified Command Differences

• In Single Command structure, a single IC is solely responsible for 

management strategy of the incident. 

• In a Single Command structure, the implementation of strategy and 

tactics to achieve operational control is the responsibility of one 

person--the Operations Section Chief. 

• In a Unified Command structure, individuals designated by 

involved jurisdictions/departments jointly determine objectives, 

strategy, and priorities. 

• The determination of which jurisdiction/agency the Operations

Section Chief represents must be made by mutual agreement of the 

Unified Command. 

SM 6-8 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

VIDEO: "OUT OF CHAOS" 

The video "Out of Chaos" describes the purposes and benefits of using the 

ICS in all types of emergency operations, including hazardous materials

response. As you watch the video, try to apply the concepts presented in 

the video to your own jurisdiction and responsibilities. Take notes in the 

space below. 

NOTES: 

SM 6-9 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM CONCEPTS AND TOOLS 

Figure 6-1 

Five Major Functions 

Functions of the Incident Command System 

ive major functions of the ICS are Command and Staff, Operations,

ommand: The functions of Command include 

• assume and announce Command, and establish an effective 

• ion (sizeup); 

unications process;

lan (IAP); 

nt with plans and SOP's; 

(as needed) the IAP; 

on of Command; 

• ide for safety and personnel accountability. 

The IC is responsible for all these functions. As Command is transferred, 

he IC implements the Command Staff and General Staff functions 

necessary to support the incident and retains responsibility for those

functions not delegated. 

COMMAND

PLANNING LOGISTICS FINANCE/

ADMINISTRATION

OPERATIONS

COMMAND STAFF

PLANNING LOGISTICS FINANCE/

ADMINISTRATION

OPERATIONS

STAFF

F

Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration. 

C

operating position (CP); 

rapidly evaluate the situat

• initiate, maintain, and control the comm

• identify the overall strategy; 

• develop an Incident Action P

• assign companies and personnel consiste

• develop an effective incident command organization; 

• provide tactical objectives; 

• review, evaluate, and revise

• provide for the continuity, transfer, and terminati

and 

prov

so is the responsibility for the functions. The first five functions must be

addressed immediately from the initial assumption of Command. 

T

SM 6-10 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

The Command Staff includes the Liaison Officer who interfaces with all 

assisting agencies. The Information Officer handles information and 

media releases, and the Safety Officer monitors hazardous and unsafe 

al Services (EMS), 

cene control, etc.). The Operations Officer is a member of the General 

priorities, and the safety of personnel

orking in the Operations Section.

span-of-control problems occur when 

e number of branches, divisions, and groups, coupled with Planning 

, also may require implementing 

perations.

nt. If it is not used to maintain a manageable workload or an 

ffective span-of-control, the IC could end up with a span-of-control of 

ly. Operations will be responsible for all tactical operations, 

esources, and accomplishment of specific activities. The IC will be 

dent, and

repare control objectives and alternative strategies. The Planning Officer 

situations and initiates actions to prevent unsafe acts. 

Operations manages all activities directly applicable to the primary

mission (fire suppression, rescue, Emergency Medic

s

Staff and is responsible for allocating and assigning resources to

accomplish control of the incident. 

The Operations Section is responsible for the direct management of all 

incident tactical activities, tactical

w

The most common reason for staffing Operations is to relieve the span-ofcontrol problems for the IC. These

th

and/or Logistic Section elements, exceeds the IC's ability to manage

effectively. The IC then may implement the Operations Section to reduce 

the span-of-control, transferring the direct management of all tactical 

activities to the Operations Section. The IC then is able to focus attention 

on the overall management of the entire incident as well as interact with

the Command Staff and General Staff. 

A complex incident, in which the IC needs assistance determining

strategic goals and tactical objectives

O

However, Operations should be staffed only to improve the management 

of the incide

e

one. 

After Operations is implemented, the duties of the IC are modified

slight

r

responsible for the development of the incident strategy and the

communication of that strategy to the Operations Section Chief. 

Planning collects and evaluates incident status information needed to 

understand the current situation, predict the course of the inci

p

is a member of the General Staff and conducts a continuous evaluation of 

the incident.

SM 6-11 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Logistics provides facilities, supplies, and support. The Logistics Officer, 

a member of the General Staff, is in charge of communications, 

ansportation, and medical and food services. 

es include future payments, 

udgeting, and cost recovery.

esponder rehab should be considered by the IC during the initial

ncy response. However, the climatic or 

nvironmental conditions of the emergency scene should not be the sole 

st be replaced during exercise periods 

nd at emergency incidents. During heat stress, the member should 

stew, soup, or broth is highly recommended 

ecause it is digested much faster than sandwiches and fast food products. 

andatory rehabilitation. Members shall 

hydrate (at least 8 ounces) while self-contained breathing apparatus

tr

Finance/Administration is responsible for all financial records and cost 

analysis aspects of the incident. Responsibiliti

b

Responder Rehabilitation

R

planning stages of an emerge

e

justification for establishing responder rehab. Any activity/incident that is 

large in size, long in duration, and/or labor intensive will deplete the 

energy and strength of personnel rapidly, and therefore merits

consideration for responder rehab. 

A critical factor in the prevention of heat injury is the maintenance of 

water and electrolytes. Water mu

a

consume at least 1 quart of water per hour. The rehydration solution 

should be a 50/50 mixture of water and a commercially prepared activity 

beverage, administered at about 40°F (4.4°C). Avoid alcohol, caffeine, 

and carbonated beverages, as they interfere with the body's water

conservation mechanisms. 

Food should be provided at the scene of an extended incident of 3 or more

hours' duration. A cup of

b

Avoid fatty and/or salty foods. 

The "two air bottle rule," or 45 minutes of work time, is recommended as 

an acceptable level prior to m

re

(SCBA) cylinders are being changed. Firefighters, having worked for two 

full 30-minute-rated bottles, or 45 minutes, shall be placed immediately in 

responder rehab for rest and evaluation. Rest shall not be less than 10 

minutes and may exceed an hour as determined by the responder rehab 

manager. Crews released from rehab shall be available in Staging to 

ensure that fatigued members are not required to return to duty before they 

are rested, evaluated, and released by the responder rehab manager. 

SM 6-12 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Members in the rehab area should maintain a high level of hydration. 

Members should not be moved from a hot environment directly into an 

air-conditioned area, because the body's cooling system can shut down in 

response to the external cooling. 

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be provided and staffed by the 

most highly trained and qualified EMS personnel on the scene (at a 

minimum of basic life support (BLS) level). The heart rate should be 

measured for 30 seconds as early as possible in the rest period. If the

member's heart rate exceeds 110 beats per minute, an oral temperature 

should be taken. If the member's temperature exceeds 100.6°F (38°C),

he/she should not be permitted to wear protective equipment. If it is 

below 100.6°F, and the heart rate remains above 110 beats per minute, 

rehabilitation time should be increased. All medical evaluations shall 

be recorded on standard forms along with the member's name and 

complaints; they must be signed, dated, and timed by the responder rehab 

manager or his/her designee. 

Members assigned to responder rehab shall enter and exit as a crew. The 

crew designation, number of crew members, and the times of entry and 

exit from the responder rehab area shall be documented on the company's

check-in/checkout sheet. Crews shall not leave the responder rehab area 

until authorized by the responder rehab manager. 

SM 6-13 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

HEAT STRESS INDEX

Relative Humidity

 

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

104 98 104 110 120 132 

102 97 101 108 117 125 

100 95 99 105 110 120 132 

98 93 97 101 106 110 125 

96 91 95 98 104 108 120 128 

94 89 93 95 100 105 111 122 

92 87 90 92 96 100 106 115 122 

90 85 88 90 92 96 100 106 114 122

88 82 86 87 89 93 95 100 106 115

86 80 84 85 87 90 92 96 100 109 

84 78 81 83 85 86 89 91 95 99 

m

p

eratur

e °

F Te

82 77 79 80 81 84 86 89 91 95

80 75 77 78 79 81 83 85 86 89

78 72 75 77 78 79 80 81 83 85

76 70 72 75 76 77 77 77 78 79

74 68 70 73 74 75 75 75 76 77

 

NOTE: Add 10°F when protective clothing is worn, and add 10°F when

in direct sunlight. 

SM 6-14 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Humiture °F Danger 

Category

 Injury Threat 

 

Below 60° None Little or no danger under normal circumstances

 

80° to 90° Ca F e bl p i rolon ed an there

i sic tiv

ution atigu possi e if ex osure s p g d

s phy al ac ity

 

90° to 105° Extreme

Caution 

H cra an t exhaustion possible if 

exposure is prolonged and the ph l tivity

eat mps d hea

re is ysica ac

 

105° to 130° Danger H cra or aus lik e k

possible if exposure is on nd i

p cal vit

eat mps exh tion ely, h

a

at stro e

prol ged there s

hysi acti y

 

Above 130° Extreme

Danger 

Heat stroke imminent! 

 

 

Temperature °F 

 

45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 

5 43 37 32 27 22 16 11 6 0 -5 -10 -15 -21 

10 34 28 22 16 10 3 -3 -9 -15 -22 -27 -34 -40 

15 29 23 16 9 2 -5 -11 -18 -25 -31 -38 -45 -51 

20 26 19 12 4 -3 -10 -17 -24 -31 -39 -46 -53 -60 

25 23 16 8 1 -7 -15 -22 -29 -36 -44 -51 -59 -66 

30 21 13 6 -2 -10 -18 -25 -33 -41 -49 -56 -64 -71 

35 20 12 4 -4 -12 -20 -27 -35 -43 -52 -58 -67 -75 

40 19 11 3 -5 -13 -21 -29 -37 -45 -53 -60 -69 -76 

45 18 10 2 -6 -14 -22 -30 -38 -46 -54 -62 -70 -78 

 

Wind Speed (MPH)

SM 6-15 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

 

 Wind Chill

Temperature °

Danger

F 

A Above -25°F Little danger for properly clothed person 

B -25°F/-75°F Increasing danger, flesh may freeze 

C Below -75°F Great danger, flesh may freeze in 30 seconds 

SM 6-16 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

REHAB UNIT COMPANY H CK-IN/OUT SHEET

CREW N THE SCENE:

C E

S OPERATING O

Unit # # Persons Time In Time Out Unit # # Persons Time In Time Out 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SM 6-17 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Unity of Command 

mand should not be confused with unity of 

command. Unified Command means shared responsibility for overall 

incident management at a multiagency or multijurisdictional incident. 

Unity of command indicate t idual reports to only one 

rv

Unity of command describes an organizational arrangement with a clear 

decisionmaking process and established authorities. The structure permits 

integrated and effective managem of the incident. An established chain 

of command means everyone knows who i in charge an to whom

report.

Span-of-Control 

Span-o -control fers to the umber of personnel reporting to any given 

individual. Optimum span-of-control in the ICS is five, with an

acceptable spread of two to seven. On a situation that is not yet under 

control, no one operating under ICS should have more than five personnel

reporting to him/ er.

Span-of-control ratios can be iv n by a nu ber of factors: 

• Training/Experience level of subordinates--Poorly trained or less 

o direct supervision, thereby 

ber of subordinate one can manage effectively. 

• plexity of the incident--A haz mat incident m ore 

ental c ncentration t by lea ing less tim available to 

supervise personnel. 

• eframe of h cident--The speed of operations may 

influence span-of-control. A fast-moving incident may require a 

ighter s an-of-contro s/groups in place, 

ation such a overhau the

superviso is less p essed for time for decisionmaking and 

manage more rsonne divisions/gro ps.

For span-of-control purposes, these functions are not counted as reporting 

to a supervisor: Safety Officer, Liaison Officer, Information Officer, and 

Staging Area Manager. In th itions are bas cally assistants

to the IC, or in the case of Staging, to the Operations Section Chief. 

The concept of Unified Com

s hat each indiv

supe isor.

ent

s d they 

f re n

h

dr e m

experienced personnel require m re

lessening the num s

Com ay require m

m o , here v e

Type or tim t e in

t p l with fewer division

whereas, in a slower moving oper s l,

r r

therefore can pe l/ u

e ICS, these pos i

SM 6-18 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Command officers must anticipate span-of-control problems and prepare 

r them, especially during the rapid buildup phase of an incident. 

ther buildings surrounding the fire are threatened. These 

uildings are referred to as exposures. We need to protect the exposures, 

ers will need different jobs (functions). Initially, a number of units

nd personnel respond to the incident scene. If command of the incident

nd scene is not established and maintained from the very early stages, 

turn into chaos. If units are not given specific 

ssignments, they will assign themselves. This is known as freelancing, 

incident is beyond the span of control of one 

individual. In order to maintain control, the IC must delegate command

is meant by 

modular expansion.) 

Organ

fo

Effective management is difficult to accomplish when too many people 

are reporting to one supervisor. 

For example, a fire in a rather large building involves the majority of the 

structure. O

b

evacuate people from them, control the crowd and traffic in the area, treat 

any injured people or responders, etc. 

In order to accomplish all of the necessary tasks in this incident, many 

respond

a

a

this incident will

a

and is a sure sign that the incident is out of control. 

Because so many things need to be done and so many individuals, crews, 

and units need to be directed, one individual would be rapidly

overwhelmed. The

for various functions to other personnel. (This is what

izational Elements

inciden

be performed and/or geographic locations for the functions. In the

example given, personnel could be assigned geographically to a specific 

There

portion

ivision 

One of the most effective ways to delegate command is to break the 

t into smaller, more manageable pieces on the basis of functions to 

exposure, and functionally to EMS, scene control, rescue, and evacuation. 

are three major command elements used within the operations 

of the ICS: division, group, and branch.

D

A division is a geographic designation. For example, the units operating 

on the third floor of a building could be designated Division 3, those on 

the second floor Division 2, and so on. 

SM 6-19 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Group 

A group designates a function that is not tied to one specific geographic 

location. For instance, EMS is a function that is not bound by a 

eographic location. The same holds true for rescue, evacuation, and so 

hen the nature of the incident calls for a functional branch structure, 

Incident Command in

is situation could be either Single Command or Unified Command, 

Functional Branches 

ultijurisdictional Incidents: When the incident is multijurisdictional, 

g

on. 

Functional Branch Structure 

W

e.g., a major aircraft crash within a jurisdiction, three departments within 

the jurisdiction (police, fire, and health service) may be organized into a 

functional branch structure operating under the direction of a single

Operations Section Chief. In this example, the Operations Section Chief 

is from the fire department with branch directors from all three 

departments. Other alignments could be made depending upon the

jurisdiction's plan and type of emergency. Note that

th

depending on the jurisdiction. 

Command

Figure 6-2 

M

resources are managed best under the agencies which have normal control 

over their local resources. 

Operations Section Chief

Law Branch

Fire

Branch

Multicasualty

Branch

Command

Operations Section Chief

Law Branch

Fire

Branch

Multicasualty

Branch

Multicasualty

Branch

SM 6-20 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Branches should be used at incidents involving two or more distinctly 

ifferent major management components (e.g., a large fire with a major

Figure 6-3 

Multibranch 

When the incident requires the use of aircraft, such as for the 

transportation of victims from a multicasualty incident, highrise rooftop 

rescue, swift water rescue, or wildland fire, the Operations Section Chief 

should establish the Air Operations organization. Its size, organization, 

and use will depend primarily on the nature of the incident and the 

availability of aircraft. 

Air operations are complex operational elements. Air operations must be 

closely coordinated and fully understood by the IC and Operations Section 

supervisors. For more informa re 6-4 and the Student Manual 

(SM) Appendix. 

d

evacuation; a large fire with a large number of patients). The IC may elect 

to assign branches to forward positions to manage and coordinate

activities, as illustrated in Figure 6-3.

Command

Operations

Fire Branch

Multicasualty

Branch

Division/

Group

Division/

Group

Division/

Groups

Triage

Group

Transportation

Group

Command

Division/

Group

Division/

Group

Division/

Groups

Triage

Group

Transportation

Group

Operations

Fire Branch

Multicasualty

Branch

tion, see Figu

SM 6-21 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

afety Officer 

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 the IC shall designate a

nowledgeable Safety Officer to ensure the safety of all persons on the 

even though every incident must have someone 

rving as the Safety Officer, it is important to remember that safety is 

First Responder in the Incident Command 

ystem

A first responder may become the IC if he/she is the initial person to arrive

on the scene. The reason is really quite simple. Command of the incident 

must be established with the first-arriving unit. 

The initial responder must establish command and ensure that the role of 

IC is performed, at least for the moment. At this point, the IC is

responsible or must designate a responsible party to notify appropriate

Operations

Section Chief

Air Operations

Branch

Air Tactical

Group

Air Support

Group

Helibase

Operations

Section Chief

Air Operations

Branch

Air Tactical

Group

Air Support

Group

Helibase

Figure 6-4 

Air Operations 

S

specifies that

k

scene. The Safety Officer is part of the IC's staff and can suspend or 

modify any activity that is deemed to be an immediate hazard to

personnel. If this step is taken, the IC must be informed immediately. 

In smaller incidents this role may be performed by the IC or delegated to 

another person. But,

se

everyone's responsibility at a hazardous materials incident scene. 

The Role of the

S

SM 6-22 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

authorities that there is indeed a hazardous materials incident. Next, the 

first responder must take steps to gain control of the incident scene.

Simply stated, the incident scene must be isolated, and entry into the area

must be denied. 

Upon the arrival of a more senior person or a representative of the lead 

agency, the initial responder may need to transfer command. This means

the first responder is responsible for providing the incoming IC with all

appropriate information regarding the incident and the specific actions that

have been taken thus far. 

At this point, the first responder would be relieved of command, but may 

very well be assigned another functional position. For example, a police 

officer may be assigned to a staging area (gathering point) for all incoming 

police or may take command of police activities until relieved. 

In this type of situation, the first responder is going from the position of IC 

an operational role. In other words, the responder is going from 

ommand of the entire incident to the operations function where a

subcommand or specific operat be fulfilled. 

cident Scene Accountability

ll officers holding positions within the Command organization are 

ents

account for their personnel fully. These common elements are 

accountability officers; 

ports

lost firefighters; and

 zone at any 

to

c

ions role will

In

A

responsible for the welfare and accurate accountability of all assigned 

firefighters. Several fireground accountability systems have been

developed by various fire departments around the country. While these 

may vary in overall design, there are common elements of personnel 

accountability that fire departments should apply at emergency incid

to

• required use; 

• hardware--nametags/documentation;

• point-of-entry control of nametags; 

•

• benchmarks for required rollcalls throughout operations; 

• plans for describing the Command organization response to re

of

• use of Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC's).

Whatever the design, the system must be able to locate every firefighter 

within a small geographic work area within the hazard

moment in time. Further, the system must be able to determine if a 

firefighter is delayed from an assignment, initiate an immediate rescue 

effort, if indicated, and fully integrate into the ICS. All fire departments 

SM 6-23 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

are strongly encouraged to develop and implement a workable

accountability system for their department. The final product should 

be compatible with metro-area or regional accountability systems. 

Back-up/Rapid Intervention Crew

NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and

Health Program, requires the presence of specifically designated rescue 

crews at the incident scene. This requirement is based on the realization 

at firefighters are exposed to the highest risk of injury or death while 

rk environment, 

nd the possibility that things can go wrong always must be a 

onsideration. Recognizing this possibility, we must make some

d themselves in trouble. 

In a hazardous materials operation, the entry team leader must ensure that

re i at least two personnel in the appropriate level of 

ccesses the hot zone. In a

esignated as the backup team. 

e pe m need to have the same level of required 

propriate

hile issues regarding rapid 

erve rsonnel are operating in 

th

operating at the scene of an emergency, and that one of the most effective

mechanisms for reducing that risk is to have a Rapid Intervention Crew 

(RIC) ready to come to the assistance of emergency personnel should the 

need arise. 

One of our primary concerns should be to reduce the risks that firefighters 

are exposed to during emergency operations. It is not realistic, however, 

to assume that all the risks can be avoided, controlled, or eliminated from

the firefighter's environment. Danger is part of our wo

a

c

provisions to assist members who fin

The risk may be increased by the nature of the task in which firefighters 

are involved. Rescuing an unconscious worker form a confined space that 

is filled with toxic and flammable vapor is much more dangerous to 

rescuers than removing an unconscious person from a wrecked automobile 

on a city street. Both situations involve a degree of risk to the rescuers, 

but the nature and degree of the risks are very different. 

the s an RIC of

protection before the primary entry team a

hazardous materials operation, this team is d

Th rsonnel of the backup tea

technical competency as the entry team. This includes the ap

level of protection required for the material(s) involved. 

W there is some flexibility in procedural

int ntion, it is paramount that whenever pe

positions or performing functions that would subject them to immediate

danger in the event of equipment failure or other unexpected sudden event, 

at least one properly attired RIC must be available to provide assistance or

rescue. 

SM 6-24 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Activity 6.1 

Vehicle Accident 

Purpose 

To show how the ICS can be adapted to an incident. 

Directions 

1. Your i

into mo

2. Answer the questions on the following Worksheet, and contribute your answers to 

a large group discussion. 

3. Where

SOP's,

nstructor will use the scenario to explain how an incident can be broken 

dules. This will help clarify the concept of modular expansion. 

possible, use relevant concepts--span-of-control, unity of command,

Safety Officer. 

SM 6-25 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SM 6-26 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Activity 6.1 (cont'd) 

Worksheet 

Scenario 

There has been a head-on two-vehicle accident. Two people are trapped, one in each 

vehicle. Altogether there are five injuries, including the two trapped victims. You are 

the first-arriving unit. 

1. What broad tasks/categories must be performed (e.g., ventilation, crowd control, 

etc.)? 

2. What resources are needed to perform these tasks? 

3. How could these resources be managed through an ICS? (If desired, use a 

diagram to show command structure.) 

SM 6-27 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SM 6-28 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

INCIDENT LEVELS 

Emergency situations come in all sizes ranging from small to extremely 

large. As the size of the incident increases, so does the need for personnel, 

resources, notifications, time expenditures, etc. For this reason, 

establishment of a relatively uniform set of incident level designations can 

assist emergency responders greatly in predetermining the needs of the 

incident. 

Incident leveling systems are used in many types of emergency response 

situations: 

• Emergency medical services identify various levels of disasters 

based on the number of victims and the severity of the injuries. 

• The fire service uses alarms to request more personnel and 

resources and to identify specific notification needs. 

• Nuclear power facilities use four levels of emergencies depending 

on the severity of the problem. 

All of these systems have one thing in common: they tell others within the 

response system, at least to a degree, what to expect. They provide 

specific predesignated information about the incident and proper 

responses, including magnitude, complexity, notification, resource needs, 

staffing requirements, etc. 

No specific number of levels is required. Some sources such as the 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 471, Recommended 

Practice for Responding to Hazardous Materials Incidents, list three,

while other sources list four. Whatever system is chosen is basically up to 

the locality. The following provides one example of an incident leveling 

system. 

Level I 

Level I is a routine emergency condition. Such situations normally can 

be controlled by first responders due to the small magnitude of the 

incident and the minimal degree of the hazard. No evacuation is indicated

other than the isolation of the immediate incident area. The incident is 

confined to a small geographic area. Full protective equipment (turnouts) 

is adequate for response. 

Organizations typically involved could include a fire brigade, fire 

department, security, law enforcement, EMS, the Chemical Transportation

Emergency Center (CHEMTREC), State environmental agency, or others. 

SM 6-29 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Level II

gencies involved might include those listed in Level I plus a haz mat 

police, public utilities, National Response Center (NRC), etc. 

Level

major he incident

otenti Many people must be evacuated. 

Federal Onscene Coordinator (OSC) may occur. Such incidents 

ave the potential to strip the immediate area of all available emergency 

capabilities in a relatively short period of time. 

Level II is a limited emergency condition. Such situations pose a 

potential threat to life and the environment. This is a more serious

situation with a greater quantity or higher degree of hazardous substance 

involved. Normally this type of situation may involve a limited

evacuation. 

A

team, Red Cross, emergency management, health department, public

works, State

III

Level III is a large-scale emergency condition. Such situations pose a 

threat to life, property, and/or the environment. T

involves a relatively large quantity of an extremely hazardous substance, a

high degree of toxicity, the potential for major fire and/or explosions, or

p al for a large area to be affected.

The agencies involved might include those listed in Levels I and II plus 

mutual-aid fire and police department and EMS. State agencies such as

emergency management, department of health and environmental

protection, State police, and so on, also could become involved. 

A Level III incident may involve the activation of local and State 

Emergency Operation Centers (EOC's). Agencies that could be involved 

would be all of those listed in Levels I, II, above plus Federal agencies

such as EPA, USCG, FEMA, and the FBI, dependent upon incident

severity. Direct onscene involvement of the National Response Team 

(NRT) and the Regional Response Team (RRT) through a designated EPA 

or USCG

h

response

Planning charts for incident levels from NFPA 471 and other locally used 

guidance are located in Appendix B of this manual. 

SM 6-30 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Activity 6.2 

Purpose 

To identify actions to be taken by the first responder at a haz mat incident. 

Directions 

1. Your instructor will divide the class into pairs. 

2. Spend inutes answering the questions on the following SAW for the 

scenario given. Be prepared to discuss your answers. 

Paint Shop Incident 

5 to 10 m

SM 6-31 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SM 6-32 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Activity 6.2 (cont'd) 

Worksheet 

cenario

You are the first responder to arrive at the following incident scene: 

At a local paint shop loading dock, a 55-gallon drum fell from the rear of a delivery 

truck. It is leaking from a toothpick-sized hole in the bottom. There is a small pool of 

product forming and you can see a fizzing reaction taking place. It is 0945 on a Monday 

in June. 

With another student, answer the following questions: 

1. Identify the types of potential personnel safety problems you may be facing. 

S

2. Identify the resources you need to notify. 

3. Indicate the probable incident level and give reasons for your answer. 

4. Identify the actions to be taken by the first responder. 

SM 6-33 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SM 6-34 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SCENE SETUP

A basic approach used for the protection of responders and the public at 

hazardous materials incidents involves the establishment of zones and 

perimeters. These designated areas are designed to help responders deny 

entry into the hazard area and initiate evacuation. 

A zone is a defined area whose perimeter is its outer boundary. This 

principle is common in emergency response; other examples include 

collapse zones (firefighting) and line-of-fire zones (law enforcement). In 

both cases, zones are designed to protect responders and others. 

The basic approach for setting up hazardous materials zones and 

perimeters is to establish three distinct areas of diminishing hazard: the 

hot, warm, and cold zones. 

Figure 6-5 

Basic Scene Setup 

Hot Zone 

The hot zone has the highest degree of hazard. This zone is closest to the 

actual incident location and must be considered by first responders as 

extremely dangerous and possibly life threatening. Everything and 

everyone currently in or later entering the hot zone is considered to be 

contaminated. Everything and everyone contaminated must be 

decontaminated before leaving. 

INCIDENT

WIND DIRECTION

COMMAND POST

COLD ZONE

WARM

ZONE

HOT ZONE

ACCESS CORRIDOR

DECONTAMINATION CORRIDOR

INCIDENT

WIND DIRECTION

COMMAND POST

COLD ZONE

WARM

ZONE

HOT ZONE

ACCESS CORRIDOR

DECONTAMINATION CORRIDOR

WIND DIRECTION

COMMAND POST

COLD ZONE

WARM

ZONE

HOT ZONE

ACCESS CORRIDOR

DECONTAMINATION CORRIDOR

SM 6-35 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Six primary potential hazards are found in the hot zone. The acronym 

RACEMP is used to help you remember these six hazards. 

hemical--reactivity, corrosion, etc.

s at the first responder-awareness level do not

ave the equipment or the training to enter this zone!! 

Warm Zone 

The warm zone is an intermediate zone between the hot (very dangerous) 

and cold (relatively safe) zones. This zone contains the access points and 

decontamination corridor through which more highly trained and equipped

personnel will enter the hot zone. 

Although a lesser degree of hazard is associated with the warm zone, 

specific levels of knowledge and protection are needed by anyone entering

this area. Since the decontamination corridor will become contaminated 

to some degree where more highly trained and equipped personnel enter 

the hot zone, first responders without adequate training and equipment

shall not enter the warm zone either! 

Cold Zone 

he cold zone is the area that should contain no hazards related to the 

hemicals involved. This does not mean that there are no hazards present, 

er all, this is an emergency scene. The cold zone is where the 

T

Thermal--both hot and cold situations. 

Radiation--alpha, beta, and gamma. 

Asphyxiation--oxygen deficiency. 

C

Etiologic--disease causing agents/biohazards. 

Mechanical--impact, falls, crushing, etc. 

Psychological-difficulty in dealing with critical incident stress debriefing 

(CISD) issues. 

Any combination of these hazards can be found in the hot zone. For this

reason, only personnel with the appropriate equipment and training 

can enter this zone. Person

h

T

c

because, aft

IC and staff locate their CP. However, the CP must not be directly next 

to the warm zone perimeter due to the activity that will be present at that 

location. 

SM 6-36 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

PUBLIC PRO

wo basic strategies exist for protecting the public in a hazardous

sheltering in-place. Each has

ases of evacuation, initial and secondary.

ot or warm zones). 

sing a bullhorn or PA system and telling people to leave the immediate 

rea often accomplishes initial evacuation. This may be the only 

ded.

t the incident. As such, they should be 

eated like witnesses. 

n-Place

atmosphere. This includes the shutdown of air handling 

stems and air conditioners. 

TECTION OPTIONS 

T

materials incident: evacuation and

advantages and disadvantages. 

Evacuation 

Evacuation is the physical relocation of people threatened by the incident. 

There are two ph

Initial evacuation, sometimes called initial isolation, is the first

movement of people in potentially imminent danger resulting from the

incident. The first responder may be able to initiate such an evacuation if

it can be done safely without entering the perimeter (h

U

a

evacuation nee

People who are evacuated in this fashion must be kept from leaving the 

scene. They may need to undergo decontamination; they should not be

touched because of the potential for cross-contamination. They may 

also provide vital information abou

tr

Secondary evacuation includes subsequent activities necessary in certain 

incidents to evacuate the public. Normally, the need for this step will be

determined by someone other than a first responder. However, it may be 

the role of the first responder to carry out the secondary and any additional 

evacuations.

Sheltering I

Sheltering in-place is keeping threatened people in the same location 

(shelter) without moving them. This public protection option is

appropriate when evacuation would cause people to be exposed to

hazardous atmospheres. A crucial requirement involves "buttoning up"

any openings in the shelter to minimize or stop the infiltration of the 

hazardous

sy

SM 6-37 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Some situations that may be appropriate for sheltering in-place are the 

rotection of:

• critical service personnel (jobs that they cannot leave); and 

•

ituations where sheltering in-place is not appropriate: 

rge area; 

p

• disabled persons; 

• critically ill persons; 

prisoners. 

S

• the threat of fire, especially if it may occur over a la

• the threat of explosion, especially if it could affect a large area; and 

• a situation that could produce a long-term release of a gas or highly 

volatile liquid. 

In any event, determining whether to use evacuation or sheltering in-place 

is not easy, and the process of performing either is difficult. 

SM 6-38 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Activity 6.3 

Tank Truck Incident 

Purpose 

To use the DOTNAERG to extrapolate information about a haz mat incident. 

Directions 

1. The cla will

2. This act ity re

3. rom t

the DO

your an

ss be divided into groups of four to six students. 

iv quires each group to use its DOTNAERG.

F he information supplied in the scenario, the material covered in class, and

TNAERG, fill out the Worksheet on the next page. Be prepared to discuss 

swers with the class.

SM 6-39 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SM 6-40 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Activity 6.3 (cont'd) 

Worksheet 

cenario

You are the first-arriving unit to report of a downed person at the Academy Way Truck 

Terminal. You find a worker who was offloading a tank truck lying unconscious in a 

pool of liquid. The tanker has a red placard with the number 2534 on it. The liquid 

continues to flow from a ruptured hoseline. 

It is 2330 hours on a Friday in October. The temperature is 60°F (16°C) with a 5-to-10 

mph wind coming from the west. The relative humidity is 73 percent. 

Directly to the east of the trucking terminal (100 feet) is a residential neighborhood. 

S

SM 6-41 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SM 6-42 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Activity 6. (cont'd)

Tank Truck Incident Worksheet 

1. UN ID number. 

3

2. Substance involved. 

3. DOT-ERG number. 

4. What are the hazards? 

Thermal: 

Radiation: 

Asphyxiation: 

Chemical: 

Etiologic: 

Mechanical: 

5. Incident level: 

6. What are responder/public protection considerations?

Perimeter/Zones distances: 

Evacuation: 

Shelter in place: 

Victim: 

7. Is a haz mat team needed? 

Why or why not? 

SM 6-43 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SM 6-44 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

APPENDIX 

SM 6-45 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

SM 6-46 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-1

Slide 6-1

UNIT 6:

SITE MANAGEMENT AND 

SCENE SETUP

 __________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

 

Slide 6-2 

Slide 6-2

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify 

the advantages and implications of 

basic concepts and procedures used 

in hazardous materials site 

management and scene setup.

 _________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

 

Slide 6-3 

Slide 6-3

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will:

• Describe the purpose of the Incident 

Command System (ICS) in hazardous 

materials response.

• Describe the role of the first 

responder in the ICS.

• Identify the advantages of using

incident levels.

 _________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

 

SM 6-47 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-4 

Slide 6-4

ENABLING OBJECTIVES 

(cont'd)

• Identify the three incident zones.

• Identify six personal hazards that 

may be associated with each of the 

three zones.

• Identify specific personal protective 

equipment (PPE) requirements for 

each of the three zones.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 6-5 

Slide 6-5

HISTORY OF THE INCIDENT 

COMMAND SYSTEM

• Development of improved 

interagency incident management 

system

• Devastating wildland fires in 

Southern California in early 1970's

• Examining various aspects 

concerning interagency response to 

incidents

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 6-6 

Slide 6-6

FIRESCOPE

• FIre

• RESources of

• California

• Organized for

• Potential

• Emergencies

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 6-48 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-7 

Slide 6-7

NATIONAL INTER-AGENCY 

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM

• Developed by the wildland 

community to provide a common 

system

• Includes six agencies

• Consists of five major subgroups

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 6-8 

Slide 6-8

NEED FOR A

SINGLEINCIDENT

COMMAND SYSTEM

• Inconsistencies

• Effective command

• Reduce confusion

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 6-9 

Slide 6-9

NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE

NCIDENT MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM CONSORTIUM

• Created in 1990

• Determine what ICS would look like in the 

future

• Consists of leaders and representatives from 

most major fire service organizations and 

Federal agencies.

• Model Procedures Guide for Structural 

Firefighting

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 6-49 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-10

Slide 6-10

NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY

• Adopted FIRESCOPE ICS in 

1980

• Incorporated material into its 

training curriculum

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 6-11

Slide 6-11

OTHER FIRESCOPE MODEL 

INCIDENT COMMAND 

SYSTEM APPLICATIONS

• Multicasualty

• Hazardous Materials

• Urban Search and Rescue 

(US&R)

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 6-12

Slide 6-12

Federal Emergency Management 

Agency formally adopted 

FIRESCOPE ICS as the incident 

management system for any 

Federal response.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 6-50 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-13 

Slide 6-13

"The senior emergency response

official responding to a (chemical)

emergency SHALL become the 

individual in charge (IC) of a sitespecific incident command system

(ICS)." (OSHA)

ROLE OF THE INCIDENT

COMMANDER

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 6-14 

Slide 6-14

What is a system?

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

IS A RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

SYSTEM

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 6-15 

Slide 6-15

Many individual components that 

form a single, functional unit.

A SYSTEM

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 6-51 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-16 

Slide 6-16

THE INCIDENT COMMAND 

SYSTEM PROVIDES

• Expandable organizational 

structures

• Common procedures and 

terminology

• Unified Command and purpose

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Slide 6-17 

Slide 6-17

OPERATIONAL 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF 

COMMAND INCLUDE THREE 

LEVELS

• Strategic level--determines overall 

direction of the incident

• Tactical level--assigns operational 

(tactical) objectives

• Task level--completes specific tasks 

assigned to companies

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Slide 6-18 

Slide 6-18

STRATEGIC LEVEL

• Function of the IC.

• IC sets the overall plan and 

strategic priorities.

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SM 6-52 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-19 

Slide 6-19

TACTICAL LEVEL

• Function of the Operations Section 

Chief.

• Operations selects tactical objectives 

and prioritizes the accomplishment of

the objectives.

• When Operations Chief has not been 

designated, the IC must perform the 

tactical-level responsibilities.

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Slide 6-20 

Slide 6-20

• When, and if, the Planning Section is established, 

the strategic and tactical levels of operation should

become part of the information given to the

Planning Section Chief.

• This is vital information for Planning, since the 

primary function of this section is evaluating the 

incident and forecasting incident needs.

• The Planning Section also must develop alternative 

plans that include both strategic-and tactical-level 

information.

TACTICAL LEVEL (cont'd)

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Slide 6-21 

Slide 6-21

TASK LEVEL

• Function of the Company Officer 

(CO) and firefighters.

• Performing the individual tasks that 

achieve the tactical objectives.

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SM 6-53 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-22 

Slide 6-22

VIDEO

"OUT OF CHAOS"

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Slide 6-23 

Slide 6-23

FUNCTIONS OF THE 

INCIDENT COMMAND

SYSTEM

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Slide 6-24 

Slide 6-24

FUNCTIONS OF COMMAND

• Assume and announce Command and 

establish an effective operating 

position (Command Post)

• Rapidly evaluate the situation (sizeup)

• Initiate, maintain, and control the 

communications process

• Identify the overall strategy

• Develop an effective Incident 

Command organization

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SM 6-54 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-25 

Slide 6-25

FUNCTIONS OF COMMAND 

(cont'd)

• Provide tactical objectives

• Review, evaluate, and revise (as needed) 

the incident action plan (IAP)

• Provide for the continuity, transfer, and

termination of command

• Provide for safety and personnel 

accountability

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Slide 6-26 

Slide 6-26

As Command is transferred, 

so is the responsibility for 

the functions.

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Slide 6-27 

Slide 6-27

THE FIRST FIVE FUNCTIONS MUST BE

ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY FROM THE 

INITIAL ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND

• Assume and announce Command and 

establish an effective operating position

(Command Post)

• Rapidly evaluate the situation (sizeup)

• Initiate, maintain, and control the 

communications process

• Identify the overall strategy

• Develop an effective Incident Command 

organization

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SM 6-55 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-28 

Slide 6-28

The Operations Section is responsible 

for the direct management of:

• All incident tactical activities

• Tactical priorities

• The safety of personnel working 

in the Operations Section

STAFFING OPERATIONS

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Slide 6-29 

Slide 6-29

REASON FOR STAFFING 

OPERATIONS

• Span-of-control problems for the IC.

• Allows IC to focus attention on the 

overall management of the entire 

incident as well as interact with the

Command Staff and General Staff.

• Operations assists the IC in 

determining strategic goals and 

tactical objectives.

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Slide 6-30 

Slide 6-30

Operations should be staffed 

only to improve the 

management of the incident.

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SM 6-56 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-31 

Slide 6-31

AFTER OPERATIONS IS IMPLEMENTED,

THE DUTIES OF THE INCIDENT

COMMANDER ARE MODIFIED SLIGHTLY

• Operations will be responsible for all 

tactical operations, resources, and 

accomplishments of specific activities.

• IC will be responsible for development of

the incident strategy and the 

communication of that strategy to the

Operations Section Chief.

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Slide 6-32 

Slide 6-32

UNITY OF COMMAND

• Establishes authorities

• Involves a defined 

decisionmaking process

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Slide 6-33 

Slide 6-33

SPAN-OF-CONTROL

• Refers to the number of personnel 

who are reporting to any given 

individual.

• Optimum ICS is five.

• Acceptable spread of two to seven.

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SM 6-57 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-34 

Slide 6-34

RATIOS CAN BE DRIVEN BY 

A NUMBER OF FACTORS

• Training/Experience level of 

subordinates

• Complexity of the incident

• Type of incident or timeframe of 

the incident

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Slide 6-35 

Slide 6-35

FOR SPAN-OF-CONTROL

PURPOSES, THE FOLLOWING 

FUNCTIONS ARE NOT 

COUNTED:

• Safety Officer

• Liaison Officer

• Information Officer

• Staging Area Manager

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Slide 6-36 

Slide 6-36

ICS UNITS

• Divisions

• Groups

• Branches

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SM 6-58 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-37 

Slide 6-37

Consideration must be given 

to the number of resources 

and standard operating 

procedures (SOP's).

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Slide 6-38 

Slide 6-38

The IC shall designate a 

knowledgeable Safety Officer 

to identify and evaluate 

hazards to personnel.

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Slide 6-39 

Slide 6-39

First responder personnel are 

required to implement the ICS 

at a hazardous materials

incident.

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SM 6-59 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-40 

Slide 6-40

TRANSFER OF COMMAND

• Improve quality of the command 

organization.

• Procedures/Guidelines must be 

predetermined by individual agencies.

• Methods of transferring command:

– Face-to-face.

– Radio.

– Without an information exchange.

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Slide 6-41 

Slide 6-41

• IC.

• Combat--hands-on.

• Tactically involved commander.

Initial IC has three options of 

personal involvement at the 

incident:

PASSING COMMAND

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Slide 6-42 

Slide 6-42

SELECT THE INCIDENT

COMMANDER ROLE

• When there are sufficient personnel 

to accomplish the initial highpriority tasks

• When the initial officer's 

involvement will not resolve a 

critical incident priority

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SM 6-60 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-43 

Slide 6-43

SELECT THE COMBAT ROLE

• When the first-in officer's 

involvement will resolve a critical 

incident priority.

• When in the combat role, the first-in 

officer may pass command to the 

officer on the next arriving unit.

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Slide 6-44 

Slide 6-44

SELECT TACTICAL ROLE

• Limited staffing

• Delayed response times

• Least desirable option

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Slide 6-45 

Slide 6-45

ICS IS FUNCTIONALLY BASED

OPERATIONS

INCIDENT

COMMANDER

STAFF

PLANNING LOGISTICS FINANCE/

ADMINISTRATION

EMS HAZ MAT EXPOSURE

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SM 6-61 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-46 

Slide 6-46

Activity 6.1

Vehicle Accident

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Slide 6-47 

Slide 6-47

INCIDENT LEVELS

• Useful to identify the incident

magnitude

• Streamline emergency 

notifications

• Help identify needed resources

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Slide 6-48 

Slide 6-48

LEVEL I

• Small, low-impact incident

• Small quantity of product

• Few resources needed

• Full turnouts appropriate

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SM 6-62 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-49 

Slide 6-49

LEVEL II

• Greater magnitude

• Greater quantity of product

• Higher toxicity/vulnerability

• More resources needed

• Probably multiagency

• Limited evacuation

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Slide 6-50 

Slide 6-50

LEVEL III

• Larger incident

• Multiagency/Resources

• Long duration

• Greater evacuation 

requirements

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Slide 6-51 

Slide 6-51

Activity 6.2

Paint Shop Incident

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SM 6-63 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-52 

Slide 6-52

SCENE SETUP

• Zones

• Perimeters

• Denial of entry

• Evacuation

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Slide 6-53 

Slide 6-53

Personnel who enter the hazard 

zone of a hazardous materials 

incident are in the same imminent 

danger as those who enter a 

collapse or line-of-fire zone.

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Slide 6-54 

Slide 6-54

BASIC SCENE SETUP

INCIDENT

WIND DIRECTION

COMMAND POST

WA COLD ZONE RM

ZONE

HOT ZONE

ACCESS CORRIDOR

DECONTAMINATION CORRIDOR

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SM 6-64 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-55 

Slide 6-55

THE HOT ZONE

• Most dangerous!

• Everything and everyone within are 

considered contaminated.

• First responder personnel without 

appropriate equipment and training 

SHALL NOT ENTER! 

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Slide 6-56 

Slide 6-56

TRACEMP

• Thermal--heat or cold

• Radiation--ionizing particles or 

energy

• Asphyxiation--oxygen deficiency

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Slide 6-57 

Slide 6-57

TRACEMP (cont'd)

• Chemical--toxic substances, reactives, 

etc.

• Etiological--biohazard, diseasecausing agents

• Mechanical--falling objects, shrapnel, 

etc.

• Psychological--stress in dealing with 

critical incident stress debriefing

(CISD) issues

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SM 6-65 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-58 

Slide 6-58

Personnel who enter a "hot

zone" need appropriate levels of 

protective equipment and 

training.

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Slide 6-59 

Slide 6-59

THE WARM ZONE

• Presents a lesser degree of hazard

• Contains decontamination and 

access corridors

• Requires appropriate training and 

protective equipment

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Slide 6-60 

Slide 6-60

THE COLD ZONE

• Is a safe zone

• Should have no chemical hazard

• Is the location of the Command 

Post (CP)

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SM 6-66 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-61 

Slide 6-61

PUBLIC PROTECTION

OPTIONS

• Evacuation

• Shelter-in-place

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Slide 6-62 

Slide 6-62

EVACUATION

The physical relocation of people

who are threatened by the incident:

• Initial

• Secondary

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Slide 6-63 

Slide 6-63

INITIAL EVACUATION

• The first movement of people in 

imminent danger

• May be the only evacuation 

required

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SM 6-67 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-64 

Slide 6-64

INITIAL EVACUATION 

(cont'd)

• If safe, may be done by first 

responders.

• Evacuees may need 

decontamination.

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Slide 6-65 

Slide 6-65

SECONDARY EVACUATION

• Follows the initial evacuation

• Commonly for people in the 

Warm Zone

• Should not require 

decontamination.

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Slide 6-66 

Slide 6-66

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

• Close up (button up) the shelter

• Protect endangered people by

maintaining them in place

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SM 6-68 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-67 

Slide 6-67

REASONS TO 

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

• Evacuation will expose people to a 

dangerous atmosphere.

• Disability, illness, and/or other 

problems preclude evacuation.

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Slide 6-68 

Slide 6-68

REASONS NOT TO

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

• Threat of massive fire

• Threat of explosion

• Probable long duration of

release

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Slide 6-69 

Slide 6-69

Activity 6.3

Tank Truck Incident

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SM 6-69 
SITE MANAGEMENT AND SCENE SETUP 

Slide 6-70 

Slide 6-70

KEY POINTS

• Federal regulations mandate that first 

responders use the ICS.

• Related ICS concepts are expandability, 

unity of command, span-of-control, and 

functional management.

• Zones and perimeters are used to deny

access and facilitate evacuation.

• Public protection options include

evacuation and sheltering-in-place.

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SM 6-70 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 7: 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE 

EQUIPMENT

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and its limitations 

for first responders. 

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. List the three basic types of protection provided by haz mat PPE. 

2. Describe the capabilities and limitations of the basic types of PPE. 

3. Describe the appropriate use of PPE by first responders. 

 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

SM 7-2 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

INTRODUCTION 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of special clothing and 

equipment worn by individual responders to protect themselves from 

potential hazards at an emergency scene. For the firefighter, this generally 

means turnout gear. Paramedics may think about latex gloves, splash 

protection, and adjunctive airway equipment. Police use firearms, 

nightsticks, and bulletproof vests. All are PPE for different purposes and 

situations. 

PPE provides protection from three basic types of hazards: 

• mechanical--physical protection; 

• thermal--heat protection; and 

• chemical--toxic corrosive protection.

Thermal and chemical protection can be further divided into body and 

respiratory protection, depending primarily on the type of material used 

and the availability of positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus 

(SCBA). The matrices on the next page summarize the protective 

capabilities of the major categories of PPE and chemical protective 

equipment (CPE) which are discussed below. 

CATEGORIES OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Structural Firefighting Equipment 

PPE used by firefighters for structural firefighting is known as "bunker 

gear," "turnout gear," or by other names. Firefighters' PPE include a hood, 

helmet, coat, gloves, pants, boots, Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) 

device, and positive-pressure SCBA. 

Turnout equipment is designed to cover the body and the respiratory 

system totally. It provides a high level of protection against physical 

injury and limited, short-term protection against heat and toxic 

atmospheres; it is not designed for direct fire entry. High levels of 

respiratory protection, both thermal and chemical, are provided by 

positive-pressure SCBA. 

Any use of respiratory protective equipment requires that personnel 

receive an initial training program in its proper use, care, and handling. 

This training must include fit testing and subsequent certification of the 

user. The fit test ensures that the equipment does not leak. Additionally, 

there must be routine followup training and use of the equipment to 

maintain competency. 

SM 7-3 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Protective Capabilities of Personal Protective Equipment and 

Chemical Protective Equipment 

Thermal Protection 

PPE Type Body Respiratory 

Full turnout equipment Medium High 

Proximity suits High High 

Entry suits High High 

Chemical Protection 

CPE Type Body Respiratory 

Level A High High 

Level B Medium High 

Level C Low Low 

Level D Low None 

SM 7-4 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

The standards for this equipment are spelled out in National Fire 

Protection Association (NFPA) 1500, Standard on Fire Department

Occupational Safety and Health Program and 1581, Standard on Fire 

Department Infection Control Program. Training requirements are found 

in 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910 and NFPA 1500. An 

NFPA publication excerpt is included in Appendix C. 

While "turnout gear" or "bunker gear" is intended for structural 

firefighting, it is not fireproof. It is not designed for fire entry. NFPA 

1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble For Structural Fire Fighting 

states that structural firefighting equipment shall be capable of 

withstanding heat of 1,500oF (816oC) for 15 seconds. This means that in 

the event of high heat, as in a flashover, it will protect you for a short time 

while you get out. 

Proximity and Entry Suits 

Thermal-resistant clothing and equipment includes proximity suits and 

entry suits. Proximity (or approach) suits are designed to withstand high 

temperatures for a limited period of time. It is important to note that these

are not fireproof suits and are not designed for fire entry rescue. They are 

used for firefighting in areas primarily involving flammable or 

combustible liquids. 

Proximity suits provide little body protection against mechanical and 

chemical injury, but high levels of thermal protection. Respiratory 

protection, both thermal and chemical, is high because of the use of 

positive-pressure SCBA. 

Entry suits are designed to perform critical functions that require limited 

direct flame contact. Even these suits normally are limited in the amount 

of time direct flame contact is permitted--from 30 to 60 seconds over the 

lifetime of the suit.

Entry suits provide protection similar to proximity suits; however, thermal

body protection is even higher. They provide a low level of body 

protection from chemicals, yet a high level of respiratory protection due to 

use of positive-pressure SCBA. 

Chemical Protective Equipment 

CPE is special clothing designed to protect the wearer in chemical or toxic 

environments. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has

established four levels of protection: A, B, C, and D. 

Level A is the highest level of chemical protection. A full coverage suit 

with positive-pressure SCBA inside or outside the suit is worn when there 

SM 7-5 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

is danger of absorbing chemicals through the skin. However, this type of 

equipment provides virtually no mechanical or thermal body protection. 

Level B protection provides increased body protection, usually in the form 

of a splash suit either designed in a one-piece full coverage garment or a 

two-piece design. A positive-pressure SCBA is required for respiratory

protection. Special chemical gloves are used with Level B protection. 

Leather gloves should not be used since they absorb chemicals and cannot 

be decontaminated. Level B does not provide protection against 

chemicals that are absorbed through the skin, such as certain poisons. 

Level C CPE provides limited body and respiratory protection. Body 

protection is in the form of overalls or splash suits. Respiratory protection 

is in the form of an air-purifying respirator, which is ineffective in many 

atmospheres and should not be used during the emergency response phase 

of an incident. Level C is not appropriate for the first responder. 

Level D protective equipment is the level of least protection. It is 

generally work clothes without respiratory protection. As such, Level D 

provides some minimal mechanical, and even chemical protection, but no 

thermal or respiratory protection. 

A wide variety of materials are used to manufacture CPE. Care must be 

taken when choosing the material for any level of CPE. Chemicals can 

attack and destroy CPE if the materials are not compatible with the

chemicals on the scene. Before a suit is chosen, the chemical in question 

must be positively identified and its characteristics fully understood. All

components of the CPE must be compatible with the chemical--not just 

the suit, but the gloves, boots, and facepiece. 

Two questions need to be asked when CPE is needed: What is the 

appropriate level of protection (A, B, C, or D)? What material (neoprene, 

butyl rubber, Teflon®, etc.) should be used for the CPE? Assistance in 

this process can be obtained from Chemical Transportation Emergency 

Center (CHEMTREC) or the chemical manufacturer. 

LIMITATIONS OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Several limitations must be considered when using all forms of PPE. 

• Persons wearing PPE usually experience a loss of physical 

dexterity and mobility. A responder cannot move easily in 

protective clothing. The loss becomes more severe as the level of 

protection increases. To combat this problem the wearer must be 

well trained in the proper donning, wearing, and doffing of all 

PPE. Careful planning of the job at hand is also important. It may 

take much longer than anticipated if PPE are worn. 

SM 7-6 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

• Reduced dexterity and mobility also increase stress, both physical 

and mental. Careful monitoring of medical vital signs before and 

after use of PPE is critical. Total time in PPE also should be 

monitored closely. A rest and recuperation (R&R) area should be 

designated away from the scene, and time in the R&R area should 

be mandatory. 

• Signs and symptoms of heat stress and possible heat exhaustion

should be monitored. This should be done even if it is not a warm

day. PPE can get very warm inside, because, as the hazardous 

environment is being kept out, body heat is being kept in. 

Heat stress results from the body's inability to cool itself through 

the normal perspiration and evaporation process. The four

progressively serious levels of heat stress are heat rash, heat cramp, 

heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Replenishment of body fluids is 

very important. Water or an electrolyte replenishment should be 

available. 

• Vision is limited when PPE is worn. There is also a chance that 

facepieces may fog. 

• Communication is affected when wearing SCBA and PPE 

because the facepiece obstructs the mouth. 

It is very important for responders, especially those wearing PPE, to keep 

physically fit. Emergency response work is usually very difficult, and it is 

even more physically demanding when wearing PPE. NFPA 1500 

provides guidance on establishing and maintaining a physical fitness 

program. 

The care and maintenance of PPE is extremely important--a responder's

life may depend on it. The care and maintenance program should include 

regular (daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly) inspections. Visual

inspection often can catch a problem before it gets too big. Keeping the 

equipment clean and stored properly will help prevent damage. 

Testing and recertification should be done to equipment manufacturers' 

specifications. Careful records should be kept on all maintenance and 

recertification activities. The person responsible for establishing such a 

program should consult the manufacturers for assistance. The program 

should be written down in the form of standard operating procedures 

(SOP's) and adhered to carefully. 

SM 7-7 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

First Responder Uses of Haz Mat Personal Protective 

Equipment 

In general, first responders will not have access to specialized thermal or

chemical protective equipment. Use of this type of equipment requires

special training, both in hazardous materials and in proper techniques for 

selection, maintenance, storage, and use. In short, first responders should 

not be using thermal or chemical protective equipment under any 

circumstances. 

First responders generally will be in limited firefighting turnout gear or 

normal work clothes. At the first responder level, this equipment is 

adequate because these personnel should be acting primarily in a defensive 

mode. However, properly trained personnel may use turnouts for limited

control activities. 

SM 7-8 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Activity 7.1 

Material Safety Data Sheet Data Retrieval 

Purpose 

To identify information available on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) 

Directions 

1. On the following Student Activity Worksheets (SAW's) are two new MSDS. 

Identify these specific data items from each of the forms. 

2. Underline the answers on the MSDS form or take notes in the space below. 

3. You have about 5 minutes to complete the activity. We will review the answers

in class. 

MSDS 1 

1. Material name: 

2. Synonyms: 

3. Flashpoints: 

4. First-aid measures: 

5. Personal protective equipment required: 

6. Threshold limit value (TLV): 

MSDS 2 

1. Material name: 

2. Synonyms: 

3. Flashpoints: 

4. First-aid measures: 

5. Personal protective equipment required: 

6. Threshold limit value (TLV): 

SM 7-9 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

SM 7-10 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

MSDS NUMBER 3 51,161-5 PAGE 1

97367 (4-85)

24 HOUR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE GENERAL MSDS ASSISTANCE 

ACUTE HEALTH

­ 3

FIRE 

 4 

REACTIVITY 

 0 

LEAST - 0 SLIGHT - 1 

3 MODERATE - 2 HIGH - 3 EXTREME 4

*For acute and chronic health effects refer to the discussion in Section III 

BE SAFE

READ OUR PRODUCT

SAFETY INFORMATION

... AND PASS IT ON

(PRODUCT LIABILITY

LAW REQUIRES IT)

SECTION I NAME

PRODUCT 3 SU 2000(R) (SUPER UNLEADED GASOLINE) 

CHEMICAL 

NAME 3 PETROL 

CHEMICAL 

FAMILY 3 HYDROCARBON 

SHELL 

CODE 3 04352 

SECTION II-A PRODUCT/INGREDIENT 

NO. COMPOSITION CAS NUMBER PERCENT

 

P SU 2000(R) (SUPER UNLEADED GASOLINE) MIXTURE 100 

1 ALKANES, CYCLOALKANES, ALKENES AND AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS MIXTURE BALANCE 

2 TOLUENE 108-88-3 0-25.0

3 XYLENE 1330-20-7 0-25.0

4 BENZENE 71-43-2 <5.0

5 TERT-BUTYL METHYL ETHER 1634-04-4 4.0-6.0

SECTION II-B ACUTE TOXICITY DATA 

NO. ACUTE ORAL LD50 ACUTE DERMAL LD50 ACUTE INHALATION LC50 

 

P > 5 GM/KG (RAT) >2 GM/KG (RABBIT) >5 MG/L/4HR (RAT) 

SECTION III HEALTH INFORMATION 

THE HEALTH EFFECTS NOTED BELOW ARE CONSISTENT WITH REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE OSHA HAZARD 

COMMUNICATION STANDARD (29 CFR 1910.1200). 

EYE CONTACT 

BASED ON PRODUCT TESTING PRODUCT IS MODERATELY IRRITATING TO THE EYES. 

SKIN CONTACT 

PROLONGED AND REPEATED LIQUID CONTACT CAN CAUSE DEFATTING AND DRYING OF THE SKIN 

RESULTING IN SKIN IRRITATION AND DERMATITIS.

INHALATION 

THIS PRODUCT MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE NOSE, THROAT, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT AND 

ADDITIONALLY, MAY PRODUCE LIVER AND KIDNEY DAMAGE.

INGESTION 

THIS PRODUCT MAY BE HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. INGESTION OF PRODUCT MAY RESULT IN 

VOMITING, ASPIRATION (BREATHING) OF VOMIT INTO THE LUNGS MUST BE AVOIDED AS EVEN SMALL 

QUANTITIES MAY RESULT IN ASPIRATION PNEUMONITIS.

SM 7-11 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

PRODUCT NAME: SU 2000 (R) (SUPER UNLEADED GASOLINE) MSDS 51,151-5

PAGE 2

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

IRRITATION AS NOTED ABOVE. EARLY TO MODERATE CNS (CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM) DEPRESSION MAY 

BE EVIDENCED BY GIDDINESS, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS AND NAUSEA; IN EXTREME CASES,

UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND DEATH MAY OCCUR. ASPIRATION PNEUMONITIS MAY BE EVIDENCED BY 

COUGHING, LABORED BREATHING AND CYANOSIS (BLUISH SKIN); IN SEVERE CASES DEATH MAY OCCUR. 

KIDNEY DAMAGE MAY BE EVIDENCED BY CHANGES IN URINE OUTPUT, URINE APPEARANCE OR EDEMA 

(SWELLING FROM FLUID RETENTION). LIVER DAMAGE MAY BE EVIDENCED BY LOSS OF APPETITE,

JAUNDICE (YELLOWISH SKIN COLOR) AND SOMETIMES PAIN IN THE UPPER ABDOMEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE. 

AGGRAVATED MEDICAL CONDITIONS 

PREEXISTING EYE, SKIN, AND RESPIRATORY DISORDERS MAY BE AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE TO THIS 

PRODUCT. IMPAIRED LIVER AND KIDNEY FUNCTION(S) FROM PREEXISTING DISORDERS MAY BE 

AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE TO THIS PRODUCT.

OTHER HEALTH EFFECTS 

IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT CHRONIC INHALATION EXPOSURE TO AN UNLEADED MOTOR GASOLINE,

WHICH WAS FULLY VAPORIZED, HAS PRODUCED KIDNEY AND LIVER CANCERS IN SOME LABORATORY 

RODENTS. THE STUDIES WERE SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE. THE API TEST

MATERIAL USED WAS BLENDED TO REPRESENT A TYPICAL UNLEADED MOTOR GASOLINE.

SECTION IV OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

 OSHA ACGIH OTHER 

NO. PEL/TWA PEL/CEILING TLV/TWA TLV/STEL

P 300 PPM 500 PPM 

SECTION V EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES 

EYE CONTACT 

FLUSH WITH WATER FOR 15 MINUTES WHILE HOLDING EYELIDS OPEN. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. 

SKIN CONTACT 

FLUSH WITH WATER WHILE REMOVING CONTAMINATED CLOTHING AND SHOES. FOLLOW BY WASHING 

WITH SOAP AND WATER. DO NOT REUSE CLOTHING OR SHOES UNTIL CLEANED. IF IRRITATION PERSISTS, 

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. 

INHALATION 

REMOVE VICTIM TO FRESH AIR AND PROVIDE OXYGEN IF BREATHING IS DIFFICULT. GIVE ARTIFICIAL 

RESPIRATION IF NOT BREATHING. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION.

INGESTION 

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IF VOMITING OCCURS SPONTANEOUSLY KEEP HEAD BELOW HIPS TO PREVENT 

ASPIRATION OF LIQUID INTO THE LUNGS. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. 

NOTE TO PHYSICIAN 

IF MORE THAN 2.0 ML PER KG HAS BEEN INGESTED AND VOMITING HAS NOT OCCURRED, EMESIS SHOULD BE 

INDUCED WITH MEDICAL SUPERVISION. KEEP VICTIM'S HEAD BELOW HIPS TO PREVENT ASPIRATION. IF 

SYMPTOMS SUCH AS LOSS OF GAG REFLEX, CONVULSIONS OR UNCONSCIOUSNESS OCCUR BEFORE EMESIS,

GASTRIC LAVAGE USING A CUFFED ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.

SECTION VI SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION 

A CHRONIC INHALATION STUDY (REFERENCED IN SECTION III) SUPPORTED BY THE AMERICAN PETROLEUM 

INSTITUTE FOUND THAT FULLY VAPORIZED UNLEADED GASOLINE EXPOSURE PRODUCED DOSE-RELATED 

INCIDENCES OF KIDNEY CANCER IN MALE RATS. GASOLINE EXPOSURE ALSO PRODUCED AN INCREASE OF 

LIVER CANCER AT HIGH DOSES (2056 PPM) IN FEMALE MICE. EXPOSURES WERE FOR 6 HRS/DAY, 5

DAYS/WEEK FOR A TOTAL OF 27 MONTHS. THE RELATIONSHIP AND SIGNIFICANCE TO MANY OF THE 

RESULTS OF THIS STUDY IS NOT KNOWN.

REPEATED HIGH LEVEL BENZENE EXPOSURE MAY PRODUCE INJURY OF THE BLOOD-FORMING TISSUES 

CAUSING BLOOD ABNORMALITIES AND POSSIBLY LEUKEMIA; HOWEVER, EXPOSURES TO SUCH HIGH LEVELS 

ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE ENCOUNTERED IN GASOLINE VAPOR DUE TO THE LOW BENZENE CONTENT. 

INHALATION STUDIES ON GASOLINE VAPORS HAVE CAUSED CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS IN DOGS 

AT 10,000 PPM. 

SM 7-12 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

PRODUCT NAME: SU 2000 (R) (SUPER UNLEADED GASOLINE) MSDS 51,151-5 

PAGE 3

UNLEADED GASOLINE WAS EVALUATED FOR GENETIC ACTIVITY IN ASSAYS USING MICROBIAL CELLS,

CULTURED MAMMALIAN CELLS AND RAT BONE MARROW CELLS. THE RESULTS WERE ALL NEGATIVE. 

UNLEADED GASOLINE WAS CONSIDERED NON-MUTAGENIC UNDER THESE CONDITIONS.

THE HANDLING PROCEDURES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN THIS MSDS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED TO 

MINIMIZE EMPLOYEE EXPOSURE. 

SECTION VII PHYSICAL DATA 

BOILING POINT: 100-425 APPROX. 

(DEG F) 

SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 0.72-0.76 

(H2O = 1) 

VAPOR PRESSURE: 7-14.5 PSI 

 (MM HG) (REID) 

MELTING POINT: NOT AVAILABLE 

(DEG F) 

SOLUBILITY: NEGLIGIBLE 

(IN WATER) 

VAPOR DENSITY: 3.5 

(AIR = 1) 

EVAPORATION RATE (N-BUTYL ACETATE = 1): NOT AVAILABLE % VOLATILE BY VOL = 

100 (@ 415 DEG. F) 

APPEARANCE AND ODOR: RED COLOR; CLEAN AND BRIGHT LIQUID. HYDROCARBON ODOR.

SECTION VIII FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS 

FLASH POINT AND METHOD: 

-40 DEG F TAG CLOSED TESTER 

FLAMMABLE LIMITS /% VOLUME IN AIR 

LOWER: 1.3 UPPER: 7.6

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA 

USE WATER FOG, FOAM, DRY CHEMICAL OR CO2. DO NOT USE A DIRECT STREAM OF WATER. PRODUCT 

WILL FLOAT AND CAN BE REIGNITED ON SURFACE OF WATER.

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES AND PRECAUTIONS 

DANGER. EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CLEAR FIRE AREA OF UNPROTECTED PERSONNEL AND ISOLATE. DO 

NOT ENTER CONFINED FIRE SPACE WITHOUT FULL BUNKER GEAR INCLUDING A POSITIVE PRESSURE NIOSH 

APPROVED SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS. COOL FIRE EXPOSED CONTAINERS WITH WATER.

UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS

VAPORS ARE HEAVIER THAN AIR ACCUMULATING IN LOW AREAS AND TRAVELING ALONG THE GROUND 

AWAY FROM THE HANDLING SITE. DO NOT WELD, HEAT OR DRILL ON OR NEAR CONTAINER. HOWEVER, IF 

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS REQUIRE DRILLING, ONLY TRAINED EMERGENCY PERSONNEL SHOULD DRILL.

SECTION IX REACTIVITY 

STABILITY: STABLE HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: WILL NOT OCCUR 

CONDITIONS AND MATERIALS TO AVOID: 

AVOID HEAT, SPARKS, OPEN FLAMES, AND STRONG OXIDIZING AGENTS. PREVENT VAPOR ACCUMULATION.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS 

CARBON MONOXIDE AND OTHER UNIDENTIFIED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS CAN BE FORMED UPON

COMBUSTION. 

SECTION X EMPLOYEE PROTECTION 

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION 

UNDER CONDITIONS OF POTENTIAL HIGH EXPOSURE, THE USE OF A NIOSH-APPROVED RESPIRATOR IS 

RECOMMENDED (SEE SECTION X). PER 29 CFR 1910.134 USE EITHER AN ATMOSPHERE-SUPPLYING 

RESPIRATOR OR AN AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATOR FOR ORGANIC VAPORS. FOR SERVICE STATION PERSONNEL

PROTECTION, SEE SECTION XII. 

SM 7-13 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

SM 7-14 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

(Approved by U.S. Department of Labor "Essentially Similar" to Form OSHA-20)

INFORMATION REVISION May 26, 1983

TELEPHONE NO: DATE:

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER •This number is available days, nights, weekends, and holidays

Section I - IDENTIFICATION 

PRODUCT NAME

SUPEROX 702 

CHEMICAL NAME OR FAMILY Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Peroxide (in solution with not more than 9% active 

oxygen 

FORMULA

Complex

TRADENAME 

SUPEROX 702 MEKP 

DOT Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide,

SHIPPING NAME Organic Peroxide UN 2550 

DOT HAZARD

CLASS Organic Peroxide

Section II - IMPORTANT COMPONENTS

Approx. 50% Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxides 

Approx. 50% Dimethyl Phthalate 

PERMISSABLE EXPOSURE CONCENTRATION 

Not Determined

5 ppm as airborne mist, 1970

LD50: 1580 mg/kg mouse 

Section III - PHYSICAL DATA

BOILING POINT (F) SPECIFIC GRAVITY (H20 = 1) 

1.16 

VAPOR PRESSURE (mm Hg.) 

not determined

PERCENT VOLATILE

BY VOLUME (%) Negligible 

VAPOR DENSITY (AIR = 1) 

Heavier than air 

EVAPORATION RATE

Slower than ether 

SOLUBILITY IN WATER 

Negligible

APPEARANCE AND ODOR

Clear, colorless, slight odor 

Section IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

FLAMMABILITY CLASSIFICATION Class III Organic 

 Peroxide 

FLASH POINT above 140°F (Setaflash) LEL NA 

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA Water most effective, also water fog, carbon dioxide and dry chemical 

UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS 

If confined in a rigid-walled container, could rupture violently. 

SPECIFIC FIREFIGHTING PROCEDURES 

Personnel evacuation primary. Blaze fought from a safe distance or from an explosion-protected 

location. Non-burning material should be relocated to a safe area as soon as possible. Water spray should be placed 

on all containers exposed to excess heat. Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid 

inhalation of smoke or vapors. 

This information is furnished without warranty, representation, inducement, or license of any kind, except that it is accurate to the best of Reichhold Chemicals, Inc.'s knowledge 

or obtained from sources believed by Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. to be accurate, and Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. does not assume any legal responsibility for use or reliance upon

same. Customers are encouraged to conduct their own tests. Before using any product, read its label.

SM 7-15 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Section V - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE None established for Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide. See Section II. Dimethyl

Phthalate, 5 ppm. as airborne mist, 1970.

EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE Skin: Irritation and redness 

Eyes: Severe irritation with possible permanent eye injury. If not promptly and 

thoroughly washed, can cause blindness.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES Skin: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. 

Eyes: Flush immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Section VI - REACTIVITY DATA 

STABILITY UNSTABLE STABLE CONDITIONS TO AVOID

INCOMPATIBILITY (Materials to avoid) Metallic contamination, amines, organic metal salts, and strong oxidizing

and reducing agents, mineral acids, alkalies, promoters or promoted resins.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:

Carbon monoxide and dioxide, dense smoke and intense heat, oxygen, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons. 

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION MAY OCCUR WILL NOT OCCUR

CONDITIONS TO AVOID Sunlight, heat above 100°F, open flame or sparks, contamination (see above), prolonged 

storage above 90°F.

Section VII - SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES 

STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED

Remove all sources of ignition and cover with non-combustible absorbent material to contain spillage. Expanded

mica, dry sand or vermiculite are suitable. Gather absorbed mass with non-sparking tools to a clean polyethylene or 

polypropylene bag or container and move outdoors for disposal. Wash area with detergent and water. If material is

not be disposed of soon, wet the contents of the bag thoroughly with water and seal the bag. 

WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD 

Absorbed waste may be burned in accordance with prevailing regulations. Ignition should be conducted from a safe 

distance and with extreme care. 

Section VIII - SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION 

Should be worn to prevent inhalation of heated vapors or spray mist. 

VENTILATION 

General dilution or local exhaust ventilation.

PROTECTIVE GLOVES Chemical resistant polyethylene or non-soluble plastic.

EYE PROTECTION Use safety wear designed to protect against splash of liquids.

OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Safety showers and eye wash stations should be available.

Section IX - SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING AND STORING Store away from other materials in a cool place in 

original containers and away from any source of direct sunlight, heat, flame or sparks.

OTHER PRECAUTIONS Do not add to hot material and avoid all sources of contamination. Only glass, 

polypropylene, teflon, polythylene or ceramic containers, funnels or measuring devices should be used to avoid 

metal contamination during handling. When adding this material to a resin solution, promptly and thoroughly mix

after addition is made. Never add promoters or promoted resins to MEKP. Consult label, SPI safety wall poster, 

and product.

SM 7-16 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

APPENDIX 

SM 7-17 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

SM 7-18 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-1 

Slide 7-1

UNIT 7:

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Slide 7-2 

Slide 7-2

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify

appropriate personal protective

equipment (PPE) and its limitations 

for first responders.

_________________________________

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_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

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Slide 7-3 

Slide 7-3

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will:

• List three basic types of protection 

provided by haz mat PPE.

• Describe the capabilities and 

limitations of the basic types of PPE.

• Describe the appropriate use of PPE 

by first responders.

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SM 7-19 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-4 

Slide 7-4

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT--SPECIAL CLOTHING 

AND EQUIPMENT FOR PERSONAL

PROTECTION

P.D.

FD

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Slide 7-5 

Slide 7-5

CATEGORIES OF

PERSONAL PROTECTION

EQUIPMENT

• Mechanical: body

• Thermal: body, respiratory

• Chemical: body, respiratory

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Slide 7-6 

Slide 7-6

FULL 

TURNOUTS

(NFPA)

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SM 7-20 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-7 

Slide 7-7

Helmet/Shield and hood

Positive-pressure SCBA

Breathing regulator

Turnout coat

PASS

Turnout gloves

Turnout pants

Turnout boots

__________________________________

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Slide 7-8 

Slide 7-8

FULL TURNOUTS

• Used for firefighting

• Not intended for chemical exposures

• Provide limited heat protection

_________________________________

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Slide 7-9 

Slide 7-9

GENERAL RESPIRATORY 

PROTECTION

REQUIREMENTS

• Initial training

• Fit testing

• Routine followup training

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SM 7-21 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-10 

Slide 7-10

Types of Thermal Protection

Entry Proximity

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Slide 7-11 

Slide 7-11

PROXIMITY SUIT (APPROACH)

• Limited duration 

exposure to heat 

2,000oF to 3,000oF

• No direct flame 

contact

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Slide 7-12 

Slide 7-12

ENTRY SUIT

• Limited duration 

exposure to heat

• 30 to 60 seconds 

of direct flame 

contact over life

of suit

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SM 7-22 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-13 

Slide 7-13

PROTECTIVE CAPABILITIES OF 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

THERMAL PROTECTION

PPE TYPE BODY RESPIRATORY

Full turnout Medium High 

equipment

Proximity High High

suits

Entry suits High High

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Slide 7-14 

Slide 7-14

LEVEL OF BODY

PROTECTION FACTORS

• Hazards attributed to the product

• The specific incident condition

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Slide 7-15 

Slide 7-15

Gasoline:

Turnouts are appropriate.

Fuming hydrochloric acid:

Turnouts are not appropriate.

TWO SIMILAR INCIDENTS 

COMPARED

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SM 7-23 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-16 

Slide 7-16

CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE 

EQUIPMENT

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Slide 7-17 

Slide 7-17

CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE

EQUIPMENT (cont'd)

• Level A

• Level B

• Level C

• Level D

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Slide 7-18 

Slide 7-18

PROTECTION MATRIX

BODY RESPIRATORY

CPE LEVEL PROTECTION PROTECTION

LEVEL A

LEVEL B

LEVEL C

LEVEL D

HIGH HIGH

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SM 7-24 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-19 

Slide 7-19

PROTECTION MATRIX

(cont'd)

BODY RESPIRATORY

CPE LEVEL PROTECTION PROTECTION

LEVEL A

LEVEL B

LEVEL C

LEVEL D

HIGH HIGH

MEDIUM HIGH

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Slide 7-20 

Slide 7-20

PROTECTION MATRIX

(cont'd)

BODY RESPIRATORY

CPE LEVEL PROTECTION PROTECTION

LEVEL A

LEVEL B

LEVEL C

LEVEL D

HIGH HIGH

MEDIUM HIGH

LOW LOW

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Slide 7-21 

Slide 7-21

AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATORS

• Provide a very limited level of protection

• Are ineffective in some atmospheres:

– Oxygen concentration below 19.5 

percent

– Contamination concentration above

the designed maximum

• Are not for use during the emergency

response phase of an incident

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SM 7-25 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-22 

Slide 7-22

PROTECTION MATRIX

BODY RESPIRATORY

CPE LEVEL PROTECTION PROTECTION

LEVEL A

LEVEL B

LEVEL C

LEVEL D

HIGH HIGH

MEDIUM HIGH

LOW LOW

LOW NONE

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Slide 7-23 

Slide 7-23

PRIMARY LIMITATIONS OF 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE 

EQUIPMENT

• Heat stress

• Reduced mobility

• Limited vision

• Impaired communications

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Slide 7-24 

Slide 7-24

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SM 7-26 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-25 

Slide 7-25

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Slide 7-26 

Slide 7-26

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Slide 7-27 

Slide 7-27

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SM 7-27 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-28 

Slide 7-28

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Slide 7-29 

Slide 7-29

FIRST RESPONDERS SHOULD 

NOT NEED CHEMICAL OR

SPECIAL PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• Additional training is required.

• First responders operate 

primarily in a defensive mode.

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Slide 7-30 

Slide 7-30

Activity 7.1

Material Safety Data Sheet

Data Retrieval

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SM 7-28 
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

Slide 7-31 

Slide 7-31

KEY POINTS

• Hazardous materials PPE provides various

levels of mechanical, thermal, and chemical

protection.

• Types of PPE include structural firefighting 

equipment, thermal protection suits 

(proximity and entry suits), and CPE (Levels 

A to D).

• Limitations of PPE include heat stress,

reduced mobility, limited vision, and impaired

communications.

• First responders should not need thermal and

CPE.

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SM 7-29 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 8: 

DECONTAMINATION 

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify the role of the first responder regarding decontamination during

hazardous materials incidents.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. Describe the process of decontamination.

2. Explain the critical nature of decontamination for responders and victims. 

3. Describe how cross-contamination occurs and the associated dangers.

4. Identify specific steps that must be taken to prevent contamination of responders and others.

 
DECONTAMINATION 

SM 8-2 
DECONTAMINATION 

WHAT IS DECONTAMINATION? 

Several different definitions for decontamination are in widespread use 

today: 

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

defines decontamination as "the removal of hazardous substances 

from employees and their equipment, to the extent necessary, to 

preclude foreseeable health effects." 

• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines 

decontamination as the "physical and/or chemical process of 

reducing or preventing the spread of contamination from persons 

and/or equipment." 

When compared, both definitions address a slightly different focus and 

meaning of the term. For the purpose of this course, decontamination will 

be defined as a "chemical or physical process used to remove and 

prevent the spread of contaminants from an emergency scene due to 

their ability to cause harm to living beings and/or the environment." 

In other words, decontamination is the process of removing or chemically 

changing a contaminant to prevent its spread and eliminate the possibility 

of exposure to others. A contaminant is any chemical or biological agent 

that is capable of causing harm to people, other forms of life, or the

environment. The simple fact that a contaminant is capable of harming

people and other living things is the exact reason why it must be removed 

from people or equipment. 

Concepts of Decontamination 

Decontamination is likely to be required whenever chemicals are involved 

in an incident. This is true even if contamination is not apparent. 

This raises an interesting question: "Must everyone on a haz mat incident 

scene undergo decontamination?" The answer is a qualified no! If the 

incident scene has been set up with zones following appropriate standard 

operating procedures (SOP's), and no one has entered the hot zone, there 

should be no need to decontaminate anyone. 

Decontamination must be conducted if: 

• The incident is not zoned appropriately. 

• There has been a change in the incident status. 

SM 8-3 
DECONTAMINATION 

• Personnel have entered the hot zone. 

• Victims were found in the hot zone. 

Regarding decontamination, these fundamental points must be stressed 

• Anything or anyone entering the hot zone is considered to be 

contaminated and must be decontaminated before leaving that 

zone. This includes responders, victims, onlookers, and 

equipment. 

• The best approach to decontamination is to PREVENT

contamination in the first place. 

How is contamination prevented? By following established SOP's, 

including setting up zones, denying entry, and isolating the immediate

area. By approaching from uphill and upwind and staying out of visible 

product. In fact, all responders should stay out of the hot zone completely 

unless adequately trained and appropriately equipped. Following these 

simple procedures can make a great difference in the magnitude of the 

decontamination problem. 

Methods of Contamination 

During the initial response phase, emergency services personnel 

sometimes approach the scene from the wrong direction (from downhill or 

downwind) or approach too closely without realizing that the incident 

involves hazardous materials. They often demonstrate tunnel vision in

their rush to aid a victim or to assess the situation. As a result, personnel, 

vehicles, and equipment become contaminated. The contamination may 

be the result of driving or walking through released toxic materials found 

on the ground or by breathing air contaminated by dusts, powders, gases, 

or vapors. At this point, the responder becomes the victim, frequently

without even knowing it. 

There are two ways in which responders can become contaminated: direct 

and cross-contamination. 

Direct contamination occurs when a person or an object enters the hot 

zone (before or after it has been established officially) and comes into 

direct contact with the released substance (contaminant). Whenever 

personnel or bystanders come too close to the actual incident scene, the 

potential for direct contamination exists. 

SM 8-4 
DECONTAMINATION 

Cross-contamination is the result of contact with a contaminated person

or object. Remember: Cross-contamination, by definition, occurs 

whenever a victim, responder, or equipment that has been in the hot 

zone is touched prior to being decontaminated! 

It is vital not to underestimate the potential harm of cross-contamination. 

Many incidents have been compounded when contaminated victims were

transported to medical facilities without undergoing decontamination. In 

those situations, the trail of cross-contamination led from the scene to the 

medic unit and its equipment, to the medics, to the emergency room and 

its equipment, and to emergency room personnel. 

The impact can be staggering. Cross-contamination has led to the deaths 

of medics, emergency room personnel, and even emergency responders'

family members. Those incidents escalated from a possibly small, easily

managed situation to a large, complex, and tragic disaster with multiple 

victims. 

The best way to prevent responder contamination is to follow the basic 

scene setup and control procedures outlined previously. Identify the level 

of incident involved, institute the incident command system, isolate and 

evacuate (where possible) the immediate area, request assistance, and 

provide information. Remember, the best way to handle

decontamination is to prevent contamination in the first place. 

Phases of Decontamination 

The decontamination procedures described below require specific training 

and expertise to perform. This particular discussion is not to imply that 

first responders are capable of performing decontamination 

procedures, nor to provide the necessary skills, but is designed to give an 

idea of what is involved in the process. 

The decontamination process involves two specific phases: 

1. Gross decontamination. 

2. Secondary decontamination. 

Gross decontamination, as the name implies, is the process of removing 

or chemically altering gross contaminants found on a person or object. 

Simply stated, gross contaminants are nothing more than the major portion 

of the contamination. 

SM 8-5 
DECONTAMINATION 

Most commonly, gross decontamination involves removal of only surface 

contaminants, and not necessarily all of the contaminations. This means 

that even after going through the process of gross decontamination, some

amount of contamination will remain. This fact should make it obvious 

that a need exists for another round of decontamination, known as 

secondary decontamination. 

Secondary decontamination is the removal or chemical altering of most 

if not all of the residual contaminant left on the person or object. Again, 

this implies that before undergoing secondary decontamination, some

contamination still is present. 

In any event, the two phases of decontamination apply to both people and 

equipment. It is vital to remember that if people or equipment have only 

undergone the gross decontamination phase, the process has not been 

completed. As a result, there is the potential for cross-contamination and 

all of the associated problems. 

TYPES OF DECONTAMINATION 

Depending on the incident situation, people, equipment, and/or the

environment may require some degree of decontamination. Again, 

anyone or anything that is in or enters the hot zone must be 

decontaminated before leaving that zone. 

Normally, response personnel are only involved in decontamination of 

people and, to a lesser degree, equipment. In most locations, 

environmental decontamination (cleanup) is not the job of response 

personnel. One exception to this general rule is an industrial Emergency 

Response Team (ERT). Routinely, ERT's conduct a specific degree of 

environmental decontamination on the grounds of their own facility.

However, most ERT's defer the cleanup of larger release situations to 

contractors that specialize in environmental cleanup. 

An important point is that not all things that are contaminated can be 

readily decontaminated. For example, in the case of environmental 

decontamination, contaminated soil most often cannot be decontaminated 

and must be excavated and disposed of as hazardous waste. 

Many other materials also are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to 

decontaminate, depending on the specific chemical involved. Examples of 

such materials include 

• leather goods (almost always impossible to decon); 

• street clothing; 

• rubber materials, including tires; 

SM 8-6 
DECONTAMINATION 

• paper (including money) and some plastic products; 

• carpeting, such as that found in vehicles; 

• drug boxes; 

• electronic equipment; and 

• blankets, sheets, towels. 

Materials that cannot be decontaminated must be appropriately packaged 

(over-packed, drummed, bagged, etc.), to prevent cross-contamination. 

Then they must be disposed of, since they have become hazardous waste.

Proper procedures must be followed for packaging, transport, and 

disposal. 

Personnel Decontamination 

People are the primary focus of emergency response decontamination. 

Individuals who require decontamination fall into two primary categories:

1. Protected persons. 

2. Unprotected victims. 

Protected means that potential victims were protected by an appropriate

type of personal protective equipment (PPE). As a result, they did not 

receive direct body contact with the contaminant. 

Unprotected means that individuals were not protected by appropriate 

levels of PPE. In this situation, the individual may receive direct body 

contact with the contaminant. Obviously, such a situation potentially 

holds dire health implications for the unprotected person. 

In general, the only persons who fall into the protected category of 

contaminated people are emergency responders who wear appropriate 

PPE. All other contaminated persons, whether responders or the public, 

are classified as unprotected and must be considered victims of the 

incident. It is hoped that the full implications of this statement are clear. 

Specifically, response personnel who are not equipped with adequate 

PPE--such as law enforcement, Emergency Medical Services (EMS),

public works, security, etc.,--or those who have the equipment but do not 

use it, will be considered victims if they enter the hot zone. Additionally, 

if such personnel arrive first on the scene and do not establish a large 

enough perimeter, they are responders about to become victims. 

SM 8-7 
DECONTAMINATION 

In hazardous materials incidents, the potential dangers of chemical

exposure and the resulting contamination often are not obvious or easily 

proven. As a result, all incidents involving chemicals must be 

considered capable of causing exposure and contamination until 

information proving otherwise is obtained. Remember, a 

contaminated responder is just another victim to be managed 

during a chemical incident! 

Protected Person Decontamination 

Two-step decontamination for protected persons is by far the easiest and 

least time-consuming type of decontamination. This statement is not 

intended to imply that the decontamination process is easy and quick. 

Rather, it indicates that decontamination of unprotected persons is quite 

difficult.

Gross decontamination for a protected person involves a series of steps. 

These steps include alternating washes and rinses of the barrier provided 

by the protective equipment worn by the responder. This series of washes 

and rinses is intended specifically to remove enough contamination to 

allow wearers to remove their protective clothing without becoming crosscontaminated. 

The following discussion addresses a maximum decontamination setup. 

Normally, the process starts in the hot zone with a gross wash. This initial 

wash is followed by entry into the decontamination corridor and the warm

zone, where a series of two washes and two rinses takes place. Once the 

washes and rinses are completed, the protective equipment is removed. 

Secondary decontamination starts at this point. The individual leaves 

the decontamination corridor and warm zone and enters the cold zone. 

The first step is to remove necessary clothing and wash at least the 

exposed skin. This step may require the individual to remove all clothing 

and take a full shower, depending upon the exact chemical and the

situation. 

From here, the individual puts on clean clothing (often disposable paper) 

and goes for medical monitoring. In this step, the physical condition of 

the person is assessed to ensure that no apparent medical problems exist. 

At first, it may appear that the process just outlined is excessive or

impossible to accomplish. Nothing can be further from the truth. 

Granted, not all of these steps are necessary in all situations, but first 

responders normally do not have the information, knowledge, or 

SM 8-8 
DECONTAMINATION 

experience needed to determine what steps can be eliminated. As a result,

the responder must be prepared to participate in the maximum 

decontamination process. 

Contaminated Victim Decontamination 

The unprotected person must undergo the same phases of 

decontamination, but the situation is quite different and often trickier. 

There are several reasons why it is difficult to decontaminate unprotected 

persons (victim decontamination). 

• First, most people equate chemical contamination with pain or 

severe discomfort. An example would be burns by contamination 

of the skin with an acid. Unfortunately, such immediately apparent 

symptoms often are not present. Many chemicals have substantial 

latency periods. Latency, the delay between the time of exposure 

to the contaminant and the time when symptoms develop, can

range anywhere from minutes to hours, days, or even years. As a 

result, a person who receives an exposure may not realize an

exposure has occurred. When this type of contaminated victim is

instructed to go through a decontamination process, an 

uncooperative response can be anticipated. 

• Second, since the individual is not protected, exposure can be both 

internal and external. Almost without exception, victim 

decontamination will address only external contamination. The 

same is true, even in a health-care facility. The only exception

may be for certain types of ingestion route exposures. 

• Third, as long as the contaminant is in contact, the victim 

experiences ongoing chemical attack. In essence, the chemical

exposure normally will take precedence over any other medical 

problem exhibited by the victim. Remember, until 

decontamination is completed, ongoing chemical attack will 

occur. 

• Finally, because these people are victims, a strong likelihood 

exists that they may not be ambulatory (able to move themselves). 

Obviously, a nonambulatory victim requiring decontamination is a 

major difficulty. 

Ambulatory contaminated victims have a tendency to leave the hot zone or 

perimeter. If the contaminant causes pain or discomfort, the victim may

actually "rush" the responders. This action risks cross-contaminating the 

responders, their vehicles, and expanding the hot zone. 

SM 8-9 
DECONTAMINATION 

Such ambulatory victims must be ordered to stay at the perimeter or the 

edge of the hot zone if it has been established. The use of bullhorns or a 

PA system may be required. The victims should be told why they must 

not approach responders and what is going to be done for them. They

need to know what actions are being taken to establish decontamination 

and what they are to do. 

In any event, both gross and secondary decontamination must be 

performed on these victims. Normally, we see gross decontamination 

taking place in the field with secondary decontamination taking place at

the health-care facility. It is imperative to note that prior to transport of

a contaminated victim, decontamination must occur. 

Gross decontamination of a victim is rather straightforward, but you must 

remember that during the process of decontamination, the potential for

cross-contamination always exists. Because of cross-contamination, 

personnel performing victim decontamination or any associated 

emergency medical personnel must be protected by appropriate PPE! 

If protective equipment is not worn, the personnel performing the 

decontamination will become contaminated victims as well! 

Two primary steps are involved in victim decontamination. One is the

removal of contaminated clothing and the other is the flushing of the 

victim with large quantities of water for a minimum of 15 minutes. 

Although both of these steps sound rather straightforward, there are many 

considerations involved in their implementation. 

Removing Clothing

It is often very difficult to determine if and exactly where clothing is 

contaminated. As a result, it is better to remove more clothing than 

initially may appear necessary. Remember, contaminated clothing left in 

place will allow the contaminant to contact the body and continue the 

chemical attack. 

Another important consideration is the protection and modesty of the 

victim. Attempts should be made to shield the victim from weather 

conditions and public onlookers. This shielding should not compromise

the safety of the victim or the decon personnel by allowing extended 

contact with the contaminant. 

Flushing with Water

The removal of contaminated clothing normally is followed by rinsing 

with relatively large quantities of water for a minimum of 15 to 20 

minutes. This particular subject is an area of some controversy. Many 

SM 8-10 
DECONTAMINATION 

believe that in any situation, including water-reactive chemicals, flushing 

with water is an absolutely essential part of decontamination. Others 

disagree. It is important to remember that local protocol must be 

considered when performing decontamination procedures. 

In any event, whenever flushing of contaminants is performed, the 

runoff must be contained for further evaluation. In most instances, the 

runoff water will contain contaminants and must be held and properly 

disposed of after the flushing process. 

Secondary victim decontamination normally occurs at a health-care 

facility. Some locations have designated and engineered receiving areas 

for contaminated victims. In others, secondary decontamination occurs

outside the building itself. In any event, planning must take place to 

identify the capabilities of local health-care facilities and the requirements 

of specific local protocols. 

Transporting Victims

Since gross decon occurs in the field, and secondary decon occurs at the 

health-care facility, an obvious missing step is transportation. In the case

of contaminated victims, transportation from the scene to the health-care 

facility creates some unique problems and requires some special 

procedures. 

• First, no victim is transported without first undergoing gross 

decontamination. The reasons should be obvious by now: 

continued chemical attack on the victim and inevitable crosscontamination. 

• Second, the health-care facility must be notified as soon as 

possible that a contaminated victim is coming, the product(s)

involved, and any other pertinent information. Early notification is 

vital because most health-care facilities require 15 to 30 minutes to 

have the needed personnel, equipment, and supplies ready. The

local or regional Poison Control Center also should be notified to 

provide specific data on stabilization, treatment, decontamination, 

etc. 

• Third, the victim must be packaged to prevent crosscontamination from the residuals that remain. Packaging normally 

involves wrapping the victim in warm, absorbent material (such as 

a disposable blanket) and then covering this layer with a plastic 

material. This plastic material can range from sheeting to a body 

bag. The covering should allow the victim to maintain an airway,

SM 8-11 
DECONTAMINATION 

IV's, and vitals. (In other words, do not zip the body bag all the 

way up.) 

• Fourth, the transport unit and crew must be prepared. Normally, 

all nonessential equipment must be removed from the unit and the 

interior draped with plastic sheeting. The draping should cover the 

floor and any other exposed surfaces. The crew also must 

determine what types of personal protective equipment may be

needed. Specific attention must be paid to respiratory, hand, skin, 

and face protection. 

• Finally, it is imperative for the transport crew to bring any and all 

product-specific information to the health-care facility. This

information should include product name(s), Material Safety Data 

Sheets (MSDS's), UN identification numbers, Chemical Abstract

Numbers (CAS), and any other pertinent information. 

Decontamination/Access Corridors 

A decontamination corridor must be established before trained and 

protected personnel enter the hot zone. The reason is simple: before 

anyone can leave the hot zone, he/she must be decontaminated. If the 

decontamination corridor is not established prior to entry into the hot zone, 

there is no safe way anyone, even in an emergency, can leave the hot 

zone. 

The graphic on the next page provides an overview of a model 

decontamination corridor. Some specifics to consider are the location of

the zone perimeters--hot zone perimeter, warm zone perimeter, and 

access and decontamination corridor perimeters. The relationship of the

access and decontamination corridors also is important. In essence, 

each corridor is one-way. Personnel enter the hot zone only through the 

access corridor and leave only through the decontamination corridor. 

SM 8-12 
DECONTAMINATION 

HOT

ZONE ACCESS CORRIDOR

DECONTAMINATION CORRIDOR

COLD

ZONE

1st 1st 2nd 2nd Desuiting

WASH RINSE WASH RINSE

Hand & Face

Wash

Medical Monitoring

& Redress

Glove Wash

Outer Bootie

& Glove Drop

Tool &

Equipment

Drop

Absorbent Pad

Overpack or Disposal

Medical Monitoring

& Suiting

HOT

ZONE ACCESS CORRIDOR

DECONTAMINATION CORRIDOR

ACCESS CORRIDOR

DECONTAMINATION CORRIDOR

COLD

ZONE

1st 1st 2nd 2nd Desuiting

WASH RINSE WASH RINSE

Hand & Face

Wash

Medical Monitoring

& Redress

Glove Wash

Outer Bootie

& Glove Drop

Tool &

Equipment

Drop

Absorbent Pad

Overpack or Disposal

Medical Monitoring

& Suiting

Figure 8-1 

Access and Decontamination Setup 

The exact size of the corridors generally depends on the number of steps 

that are needed to accomplish decontamination. Under the conditions seen 

in the graphic, the distance from the hot zone perimeter to the warm zone 

perimeter normally would range from 35 to 50 feet. The decontamination 

corridor would be 18 to 30 feet wide. The access corridor would be 10 to 

25 feet wide. 

The decontamination corridor has various stations where different 

activities take place. Special attention should be given to wash/rinse 

locations and absorbents that are provided to stop runoff. It is also 

important to note that the entire decontamination corridor is covered with 

plastic sheeting. 

In any event, decontamination must take place in a designated area 

following specific, designated procedures. A maximum layout for gross 

decontamination normally would include the following: 

• tool and equipment drop; 

• glove and bootie drop; 

• glove wash; 

• wash #1; 

• rinse #1; 

SM 8-13 
DECONTAMINATION 

• wash #2; 

• rinse #2; 

• desuiting; 

• hand and face wash; 

• redress; and

• medical monitoring. 

The specific steps and procedures that are followed depend upon many 

variables such as the exact product involved, the type of PPE worn, the 

type of contamination, and so on. Each organization involved must

determine and develop SOP's to address its own needs and resources. If 

the capability to perform appropriate decontamination for a specific type

of operation does not exist, then that operation should not be 

performed! 

Again, first responders do not have the level of training needed to 

perform decontamination procedures. 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION 

When it comes to an actual incident, product-specific information about

decontamination may or may not be readily available. Some sources of

decontamination information for specific products include 

• CHEMTREC; 

• the manufacturer of the product; 

• MSDS; 

• preplan information; 

• the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC); 

• the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC); 

• the National Response Center; and 

• local or regional Poison Control Centers. 

SM 8-14 
DECONTAMINATION 

APPENDIX 

SM 8-15 
DECONTAMINATION 

SM 8-16 
DECONTAMINATION 

Slide 8-1 

Slide 8-1

UNIT 8:

DECONTAMINATION

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Slide 8-2 

Slide 8-2

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify the 

role of the first responder regarding

decontamination during hazardous 

materials incidents.

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Slide 8-3 

Slide 8-3

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

• Describe the process of decontamination.

• Explain the critical nature of 

decontamination for responders and 

victims.

The students will:

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SM 8-17 
DECONTAMINATION 

Slide 8-4 

Slide 8-4

ENABLING OBJECTIVES 

(cont'd)

• Describe how cross-contamination 

occurs and the associated dangers.

• Identify specific steps that must be 

taken to prevent contamination of

responders and others.

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Slide 8-5 

Slide 8-5

WHAT IS DECONTAMINATION?

"Decontamination is the removal of 

hazardous substances from employees 

and their equipment, to the extent 

necessary, to preclude foreseeable health 

effects."-OSHA

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Slide 8-6 

Slide 8-6

"Decontamination is the physical and/or 

chemical process of reducing or 

preventing the spread of contamination 

from persons and/or equipment."-NFPA

WHAT IS DECONTAMINATION?

(cont'd)

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SM 8-18 
DECONTAMINATION 

Slide 8-7 

Slide 8-7

COMBINED DEFINITION

Decontamination is a chemical or physical 

process used to remove and prevent the 

spread of contaminants from an

emergency scene to prevent harm to living 

beings and/or the environment.

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Slide 8-8 

Slide 8-8

The best method to accomplish 

decontamination is to prevent 

contamination.

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Slide 8-9 

Slide 8-9

PREVENTING AND MINIMIZING 

CONTAMINATION

• Follow established standard operating

procedures (SOP's)

• Observe zones

• Approach from uphill, upwind, and

upstream

• Stay out of visible product

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SM 8-19 
DECONTAMINATION 

Slide 8-10 

Slide 8-10

METHODS OF 

CONTAMINATION

• Direct

• Cross

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Slide 8-11 

Slide 8-11

DIRECT CONTAMINATION

• Results from entry into the hot zone

• Involves direct contact with the 

contaminant or its byproducts: vapor,

smoke, etc.

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Slide 8-12 

Slide 8-12

CROSS-CONTAMINATION

• Involves contact with a contaminated

person or object

• Results from contact with people or

objects that have not been 

decontaminated

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SM 8-20 
DECONTAMINATION 

Slide 8-13 

Slide 8-13

WHAT MAY NEED TO BE

DECONTAMINATED?

• People

• Equipment

• Environment

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Slide 8-14 

Slide 8-14

TWO PHASES OF 

DECONTAMINATION

• Gross

• Secondary

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Slide 8-15 

Slide 8-15

ENVIRONMENTAL DECONTAMINATION 

IS NOT AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE 

AGENCY ROLE

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SM 8-21 
DECONTAMINATION 

Slide 8-16 

Slide 8-16

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Slide 8-17 

Slide 8-17

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Slide 8-18 

Slide 8-18

TWO TYPES OF

CONTAMINATED PEOPLE

• Protected responders

• Contaminated victims (including

unprotected responders)

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SM 8-22 
DECONTAMINATION 

Slide 8-19 

Slide 8-19

TWO TYPES OF 

CONTAMINATED VICTIMS

• Ambulatory

• Nonambulatory

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Slide 8-20 

Slide 8-20

DECONTAMINATING A 

PROTECTED PERSON

• Gross decon--washing, rinsing, and 

removal of protective equipment

• Secondary decon--removal of all clothing,

body shower, redress

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Slide 8-21 

Slide 8-21

CONTAMINATED VICTIM 

CONSIDERATIONS

• Immediately notify receiving health-care 

facilities

• Contact information authorities (sources)

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SM 8-23 
DECONTAMINATION 

.

Slide 8-22 

Slide 8-22

CONTAMINATED VICTIM 

GROSS DECONTAMINATION

• Use appropriate personal protective 

equipment (PPE)

• Remove clothing and bag it

• Consider victim's privacy

• Control ambulatory victims

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Slide 8-23 

Slide 8-23

CONTAMINATED VICTIM

SECONDARY DECONTAMINATION

• Flush all contaminated body surfaces 

if appropriate for the contaminates

• Collect rinse water

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Slide 8-24 

Slide 8-24

BEFORE TRANSPORTING AND 

AFTER DECONTAMINATION

• Prepare transport vehicle and 

personnel

• Package victim

• Secure product information

• Inform health-care facility

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SM 8-24 
DECONTAMINATION 

Slide 8-25 

Slide 8-25

Decontamination is crucial to 

protecting the health and safety

of all personnel.

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Slide 8-26 

Slide 8-26

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Slide 8-27 

Slide 8-27

KEY POINTS

• Prevention is the best method of

decontamination.

• Types of contamination are direct and cross.

• The phases of decontamination are gross and 

secondary.

• Decontamination requires proper training, 

protective equipment, and SOP's.

• Methods vary by chemical, level of exposure, 

and situation.

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SM 8-25 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 9: 

RESOURCES 

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify, evaluate, and access resources typically available to first responders. 

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. Recognize resources with potential application in hazardous materials incidents. 

2. Select appropriate resources for specific hazardous materials incidents. 

3. Identify sources and procedures for accessing available resources. 

 
RESOURCES

SM 9-2 
RESOURCES

INTRODUCTION 

Broadly defined, resources are people and materials that you can turn to 

for support or help. They include people, supplies, equipment, 

information, funding--anything you can use in a hazardous materials 

emergency. But one characteristic is critical: resources must be readily

available to draw upon when needed. 

This unit describes categories of resources, which are important to you as

a first responder. It discusses ways you can identify available resources in 

each category, and presents guidance for maintaining accurate resource 

lists. 

CATEGORIES OF RESOURCES 

Resources can be categorized usefully in two ways: 

• by source--organization or sector where the resource can be 

obtained; and 

• by type--based on the nature or purpose of the resource. 

Maintaining lists of resources by source and by type, or using a database 

that allows you to sort the information by these categories, is extremely 

valuable in an incident. We'll discuss resource lists in more detail later. 

For now, let's take a closer look at each of these categories. 

SOURCE OR LOCATION OF RESOURCES 

Many organizations, both in government and the private sector, have 

resources available to response agencies. Some of these organizations, 

including addresses and phone numbers, are listed at the end of this unit. 

Government Resources 

The government provides numerous types of resources. There are three 

basic levels of government: 

1. Local. 

2. State. 

3. Federal. 

SM 9-3 
RESOURCES

Local Government

As discussed previously, local government is the first line of defense 

against all hazards, the level at which the application of all emergency 

efforts occur. Local government is responsible for developing an 

organized, comprehensive emergency management system capable of 

efficient and effective treatment of potential and actual emergencies. 

Local government is the first line of planning and training as well. 

Various agencies may be involved, including emergency management, 

fire, police, emergency medical services, water department, general 

counsel, and building and zoning. Each has an important role to play in 

hazardous materials planning and response.

An important government resource for emergency response agencies is the

Local Emergency Planning Committee, or LEPC (discussed in Unit 2: 

Regulations and Standards). This organization is required by law to 

maintain preplans and resource lists. First responders should know how to

access this information in an emergency. 

State Government

State government is a source of legislated authorities and extraordinary 

powers affecting disasters. States also possess administrative skills and 

other resources to supplement and facilitate local efforts. 

In their role as a conduit between local and Federal levels of government, 

States interpret and enforce national laws and programs. They provide 

planning, funding, and operational support to local government. Various 

agencies--including environmental resources, emergency management, 

National Guard, transportation/highway department, and the State 

Emergency Response Commission (SERC)--will be involved.

Keep in mind that each State and community may have different resources 

available or may call similar resources by different names. For example, 

the State of New York has the Department of Environmental Conservation 

(DEC). The State of New Jersey has the Department of Environmental 

Protection (DEP). Basically, the two agencies perform similar functions. 

Federal Government

The Federal government provides legal authorities, fiscal resources, 

research, technical information and services, and specialized personnel. 

Emergency programs of various Federal agencies are coordinated through 

the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

SM 9-4 
RESOURCES

Federal agencies with a role in hazardous materials planning and response 

include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of 

Transportation (DOT), National Response Team (NRT), U.S. Coast Guard 

(USCG), Meteorological Services, and the Department of Defense (DOD).

For example, under 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 310 (found in 

Appendix D), local governments can request financial restitution for

certain costs from EPA. 

Private Sector Resources 

The private sector provides an extremely large and diverse base of 

specialized personnel, technical assistance, equipment, and other material, 

which can be called upon in an emergency. Examples of valuable private 

sector sources, which vary from community to community, include 

• contractors--waste haulers, cleanup companies, technical experts, 

consultants; 

• manufacturers--chemical, tank, equipment, other suppliers, 

national associations; 

• public utilities--telephone, electric, water, broadcast and cable 

television, radio, natural gas; 

• common carriers--trucking companies, railroads, airlines, shipping 

firms, pipelines; and 

• local institutions--universities, colleges, hospitals, and other 

health-care facilities, research centers. 

CHEMTREC 

Of particular importance to hazardous materials emergency responders is 

the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center, or CHEMTREC. 

CHEMTREC, a service of the Chemical Manufacturers Association

(CMA), operates around the clock to receive toll-free calls from the 

United States and Canada, which can be dialed directly at 1-800-424-

9300. (For guidebook users in the Washington, DC calling area, change

all guide references from the 1-800 number to 703-527-3887.) Emergency 

collect calls are accepted by the center at 0-703-527-3887. 

For emergencies involving chemicals, CHEMTREC provides immediate 

advice for the onscene commander. CHEMTREC can usually provide 

hazard information, warnings, and guidance when given the identification

number or name of the product and the nature of the problem. If the 

product is unknown, give the CHEMTREC communicator as much

information about the incident as you know. CHEMTREC then will 

contact the shipper for more detailed assistance. 

SM 9-5 
RESOURCES

CHEMTREC, through its enhanced Hazard Information Transmission 

(HIT) program, can fax a hard copy of chemical-specific information. 

This information may include any of more than 400,000 Material Safety 

Data Sheets (MSDS's) currently on file at CHEMTREC. This service is 

available only for chemical emergency situations. For additional 

information on the enhanced HIT program, call the CHEMTREC 

nonemergency number, 1-703-741-5525. 

Types of Resources 

Resources also can be categorized by type. One or more types may be 

available through the various organizational sources discussed above. 

In general, the focus of this discussion is on local resources available 

through the private sector, although State and Federal capabilities may be

brought to bear in a larger incident. For our purposes, five basic types of 

resources have been identified

1. People. 

2. Services. 

3. Equipment/Supplies. 

4. Publications. 

5. Computer resources. 

People and Services

People and services vary by location. People who can assist at a haz mat 

incident range from emergency responders (fire, police, Emergency 

Medical Services (EMS)) to personnel from local businesses and industry. 

The next-door neighbor who has a Ph.D. in chemistry or a heavy 

equipment operator from a local construction firm can be important 

resources in a hazardous materials emergency. 

Finding people and services can be as easy as opening the phone book and 

being resourceful. Some specialized service resources are spill or cleanup 

contractors, catering services, technical or analytical assistance, and 

hazardous waste haulers.

SM 9-6 
RESOURCES

Equipment and Supplies

Equipment and supplies sometimes overlap services. For example,

cleanup crews may bring their own equipment and supplies, such as 

trucks, absorbent materials, etc. This saves the responder from making 

multiple phone calls. 

Examples of equipment resources are bulldozers, trucks, generators, 

handtools, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Useful supplies 

include cat litter, speedy dry, other absorbent materials, and firefighting 

foam. Depending on the situation, the list can be almost endless. 

Publications

Hazardous materials include thousands of chemicals, each with complex

characteristics and related response requirements. No one, not even the

experts, can know everything. For this reason, reference manuals are 

particularly important in haz mat operations. 

Many different publications are available. Some useful ones are listed 

below, although others may be equally or more appropriate in specific

situations; you should investigate publications available or recommended 

in your community. More detail on the following reference materials is 

included at the end of the unit. 

• DOT's North American Emergency Response Guidebook 

(DOTNAERG); 

• National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Fire Protection

Guide on Hazardous Materials; 

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/Occupational 

Safety and Health Administration's (NIOSH/OSHA) Pocket Guide 

to Chemical Hazards; 

• The Condensed Chemical Dictionary; 

• DOT's CHRIS Hazardous Chemical Data; 

• Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, by Sax;

• Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface 

Transportation from the Bureau of Explosives of the Association

of American Railroads; and 

• Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. 

SM 9-7 
RESOURCES

Computer Resources

Computer resources can be useful in emergency planning and response by 

helping to simulate complex chemical reactions (e.g., plume dispersal, 

chemical identification, spill control, etc.). They also can be used for

storage and rapid retrieval of great volumes of data (e.g., resource 

inventory lists, MSDS forms). Some programs have been developed by 

private sector companies and may be expensive. Others are available from 

Federal and State governments at little or no cost. 

Important computer resources that you should know about as first 

responders are 

• CAMEO; 

• CHRIS or OHM/TADS;

• MICROMEDIX (TOMES); and 

• HMIX. 

Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO)--a 

Macintosh- and PC-compatible system providing highly detailed air 

modeling and chemical searching and profiling capabilities. CAMEO 

addresses the requirements of the Superfund Amendments and 

Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) Title III for managing community 

right-to-know surveys and the emergency response and planning 

information on chemical handling facilities. 

Chemical Hazards Response Information System (CHRIS)--a PCcompatible program that displays and/or prints emergency response data 

on several thousand chemicals. CHRIS often is used in tandem with the 

Oil and Hazardous Materials Technical Assistance Database System 

(OHM/TADS). 

MICROMEDIX (TOMES) is a computer database or an online service

dedicated to providing chemical and drug effects and interactions for 

hazardous material responders. 

Hazardous Materials Information Exchange (HMIX)--this system is a

nationwide electronic bulletin board sponsored by FEMA and DOT. The

HMIX was designed for the distribution and exchange of hazardous 

materials information by first responders, private industry, State and local 

planners, contractors, and others interested in haz mat issues and 

programs. 

SM 9-8 
RESOURCES

IDENTIFYING RESOURCES 

As part of preincident planning, communities decide how to categorize 

resources and then create a list of what is available locally. The two main 

categories of government and private sector resources subdivided by 

resource type (people, services, equipment/supplies, publications, others) 

is a good place to start. 

As a first responder, you should do the same. Prepare a list of resource 

names and phone numbers before an incident occurs! Also, identify the

basic resources that you should carry with you at all times. Then "never 

leave home without them." 

During the incident, be careful to select the appropriate resource for the 

situation and use the resources effectively 

Remember, resources are all around you, limited only by your

imagination. The terms "resources" and "resourceful" go hand in hand. 

Being resourceful means the ability to act effectively in a difficult

situation. A difficult situation may be just what you, as a first responder, 

encounter in a hazardous materials incident. It is important to stay as calm 

as possible and use your available resources effectively. 

One example of an ineffective use of a resource is using 100 gallons of 

water to wash down a spill area when absorbing the product with 50 

pounds of cat litter would do the job more efficiently. Although it would 

be faster to wash down the spill, that action would create an environmental 

cleanup 10 times the size. Always think about the consequences. 

The regular maintenance of your resource list is critical. The information 

should be updated regularly, incorporating additions, deletions, and/or 

changes. By keeping accurate information and using the lists effectively, 

you can ensure access to the assistance you need during an incident. 

SM 9-9 
RESOURCES

SM 9-10 
RESOURCES

Activity 9.1 

Identifying Resources 

Purpose 

To give you an opportunity to identify resources, applications, and sources appropriate to 

first responders. 

Directions 

1. You will be allowed, individually or in small groups, about 5 minutes to answer 

both questions on the following SAW. Then review the answers in class. 

2. You will be given several minutes to answer the first question before a group

discussion; then will repeat the process for question two. 

3. You may take notes below as the discussion progresses. 

SM 9-11 
RESOURCES

SM 9-12 
RESOURCES

Activity 9.1 (cont'd) 

Fill in appropriate answers for each of the following questions. Keep in mind the basic

responsibilities of first responders: 

1. Recognize and identify the hazard. 

2. Notify proper authorities. 

3. Isolate the incident scene. 

4. Protect yourself and others from exposure. 

Questions 

1. What minimum resources should all first responders have immediately available? 

(You also may need certain specialized resources specific to your job.) 

2. In your specific situation and local community, where might you find the 

following types of special resources (list generic information or specific sources, 

if known)?

Resource Source(s)

Emergency operating plans for 

industrial fixed sites 

Community services (e.g., highway 

department, utilities) 

SM 9-13 
RESOURCES

Resource Source(s)

Weather information 

Name of fixed facility owner/manager 

Owner of truck 

Nature of the chemical hazard 

SM 9-14 
RESOURCES

APPENDIX A 

SM 9-15 
RESOURCES

SM 9-16 
RESOURCES

CHEMTREC

Chemical

Transportation

Emergency

Center

FOR CHEMICAL EMERGENCY

Spill, Leak, Fire, Exposure, or Accident

CALL CHEMTREC—DAY OR NIGHT

*800-424-9300

Toll-free in the continental U.S.

*Add long-distance access number if required

483-7616 in District of Columbia

For calls originating outside the

Continental U.S.:

202-483-7616—Washington, D.C., Collect

ALL CALLS ARE RECORDED

WHAT IT IS 

CHEMTREC, the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center provides 

information and/or assistance to those involved in or responding to 

chemical or hazardous material emergencies. Established in 1971, it is a 

public service of the Chemical Manufacturers Association (formerly 

Manufacturing Chemists Association) in Washington, D.C. 

CHEMTREC operates in two stages: First, on receipt of information 

regarding the name of a chemical, it provides immediate advice on the 

nature of the product and steps to be taken in handling the early stages of a 

problem. Second, CHEMTREC promptly contacts the shipper of the 

material involved for more detailed information and appropriate followup, including on-scene assistance when feasible. 

While the Center's primary mission is to help in transportation incidents, it 

also provides support in chemical and hazardous materials emergencies in 

non-transportation situations. 

CHEMTREC operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive calls 

on phone numbers shown above. The number is widely circulated in 

professional literature distributed to emergency service personnel, carriers,

the chemical industry, bulletins of government agencies, trade associations

and others who may have need. It is not circulated in the public press. 

The public need is best served through the emergency services. 

CHEMTREC is not a reporting center. The Department of Transportation 

handles this function. CHEMTREC should be called only in those cases 

where assistance is needed. 

CHEMTREC, in its years of operation, unfortunately has received many

calls that were not pertinent to emergencies. These calls often interfere 

with the handling of legitimate emergencies. It is vital that callers

SM 9-17 
RESOURCES

understand CHEMTREC is neither intended nor equipped to function as a 

general information source. 

MODE OF OPERATION 

Participating companies are requested to include the following on their

shipping documents: "For Chemical Emergency--Spill, Leak, Fire, 

Exposure, or Accident, Call CHEMTREC 800-424-9300 day or night." 

An emergency reported to CHEMTREC is received by the Communicator 

on duty. Recording details in writing, or on a video-screen, and by tape 

recorder, they question the caller to determine as much essential 

information on the problem as possible. This enables them as a first step, 

to provide the best available information on the chemical(s) reported to be 

involved, thereby giving specific indication of hazards, what to do, or 

what not to do in case of spills, fire or exposure. 

SM 9-18 
RESOURCES

APPENDIX B

SM 9-19 
RESOURCES

SM 9-20 
RESOURCES

PUBLISHED RESOURCES 

Department of Transportation. North American Emergency Response Guide Book. DOT 

P 5800.5, 2000. 

Sometimes considered the "Bible" for hazardous materials initial response, this concise 

reference document is probably the most widely distributed haz mat publication in the

country. Chemicals can be identified by the 4-digit number on a placard or orange panel, 

by the 4-digit number (after UN/NA) on a shipping paper or package, or by name of the

material on a shipping paper, placard, or package. Responders then can look up one of 

61 guides to find information on potential hazards (fire and health) and appropriate 

emergency actions for the chemical. A table of initial isolation and protective action 

distances is also provided. 

NIOSH/OSHA Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health and Human 

Services/Department of Labor, June 2000. 

Presents information taken from the NIOSH/OSHA Occupational Health Guidelines in a 

tabular format for ease and convenient use as a quick reference source relating to 

industrial hygiene and medical surveillance practices. The information elements 

contained in the Guide, covering 380 chemical hazards, include 

• chemical names and synonyms; 

• permissible exposure limits; 

• chemical and physical properties; 

• signs and symptoms of overexposure; 

• environmental and medical monitoring procedures; 

• respiratory and personal protective equipment (PPE) use recommendations; and 

• procedures for emergency treatment. 

National Fire Protection Association, Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials, 

13th Edition, 2001. 

The Guide can be used to identify the hazardous properties of most of the chemicals in

commercial use today. It is particularly useful to help fire and police department

personnel take proper steps to prevent fires and other emergencies during the use, 

storage, and transportation of chemicals, and to make informal decisions on the 

procedures to be followed in an emergency. The Guide contains an alphabetical listing of 

key topics that may be referred to in an emergency. 

Hawley, Gessner G. The Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 13th ed. New York: Van 

Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1997. 

SM 9-21 
RESOURCES

This revised compendium of technical data and descriptive information covers thousands 

of chemicals and chemical phenomena, while including additional information on 

chemical manufacturing equipment and its components, energy sources and their 

pollution, waste control, etc. Three distinct types of information are given 

• technical descriptions of chemicals, raw materials, and processes; 

• expanded definitions of chemical entities, phenomena, and terminology; and 

• descriptions or identifications of a wide range of trademarked products used in the

chemical industries. 

Department of Transportation. CHRIS Hazardous Chemical Data, 2001. 

The CHRIS (Chemical Hazard Response Information System) manual contains a 

condensed guide to chemical hazards designed to help personnel make the proper 

response in an emergency situation. It is intended for use by safety personnel and others 

who may be the first to arrive at the site of an accidental discharge or fire and who need 

readily available and easily understood information about the hazardous properties of the 

chemical involved. 

Other components of CHRIS include 

• Hazardous Chemical Data Manual with detailed chemical, physical, and 

biological data; 

• Response Methods Handbook which describes cautionary and corrective response 

methods for reducing and eliminating hazards that result from chemical discharge; 

and 

• computerized version of the Hazard Assessment Handbook. 

Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives. Emergency Handling of 

Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. 

Contains over 500 pages of commodity-specific emergency response and environmental 

containment information on thousands of chemicals listed alphabetically. Descriptions 

include emergency procedures under different conditions (e.g., if on fire or not) and 

personal protection measures. Also includes recommendations for response: general 

rules and rules keyed to specific DOT hazard classes. 

Sax, N. Irving. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. New York: Van Nostrand 

Reinhold Company, 2000. 

This large reference volume provides a single source for quick, concise hazard-analysis 

information for nearly 15,000 common industrial laboratory materials. Includes

flammability and explosion data, basic toxologic information, fire extinguishment

SM 9-22 
RESOURCES

materials, chemical incompatibilities, ventilation procedures and more. The book also 

contains a series of papers or related topics written by experts in the field. 

Clayton, George D., and Florence E. Clayton, Eds. Patty's Industrial Hygiene and 

Toxicology. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2000. 

This major reference book for the occupational health field is in three volumes: General 

Principles, Toxicology, and Theory and Rationale of Industrial Hygiene Practice. The

work includes contributions by recognized authorities in fields such as air pollution, 

agricultural hazards, odors, heat stress, industrial sanitation, fire and explosion hazards, 

atmospheric contaminants, epidemiology, lighting, and radiation.

SM 9-23 
RESOURCES

SM 9-24 
RESOURCES

APPENDIX C 

SM 9-25 
RESOURCES

SM 9-26 
RESOURCES

Slide 9-1 

Slide 9-1

UNIT 9:

RESOURCES

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 9-2 

Slide 9-2

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to identify, 

evaluate, and access resources 

typically available to first responders.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 9-3 

Slide 9-3

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will:

• Recognize resources with potential 

application in hazardous materials 

incidents.

• Select appropriate resources for specific 

hazardous materials incidents.

• Identify sources and procedures for 

accessing available resources.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 9-27 
RESOURCES

Slide 9-4 

Slide 9-4

RESOURCE

Someone or something that can be 

used for support or help at a haz mat 

incident.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 9-5 

Slide 9-5

• Source (Sector/Organization)

– Government

– Private sector

• Type

– Dozers

– Booms

– Foam

– Sand

RESOURCE CATEGORIES

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 9-6 

Slide 9-6

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

• It is the first line of defense.

• It consists of many response agencies.

• It consists of many other service

agencies related to health, utilities, 

building, zoning, planning, etc.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 9-28 
RESOURCES

Slide 9-7 

Slide 9-7

STATE GOVERNMENT

• It offers planning, funding, and operational 

support.

• It is the conduit between local and Federal 

agencies.

• It consists of various agencies or

commissions such as health, environmental 

protection, transportation or highways, law 

enforcement, military support, etc.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 9-8 

Slide 9-8

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

• It provides national resources and programs

coordinated through the Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA).

• It is the basis for legal authorities, research, 

technical information, specialized personnel, 

and services.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 9-9 

Slide 9-9

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 

(cont'd)

• Various agencies or departments are 

associated with hazardous materials response 

such as Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT),

FEMA, Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA), and Department of

Defense (DOD).

• Other Federal elements such as the National 

Response Team (NRT) can assist.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 9-29 
RESOURCES

Slide 9-10 

Slide 9-10

PRIVATE SECTOR 

RESOURCES

• Contractors

• Manufacturers

• Public utilities

• Common carriers

• Local institutions

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 9-11 

Slide 9-11

CHEMICAL TRANSPORTATION 

EMERGENCY CENTER

• It is a service of the Chemical 

Manufacturers Association (CMA).

• It provides initial information and contact

with technical experts, manufacturers,

associations, shippers, etc.

• It has a 24-hour hotline: 800-424-9300.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 9-12 

Slide 9-12

TYPES OF RESOURCES

• People

• Services

• Equipment/

Supplies

• Publications

• Computer resources

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 9-30 
RESOURCES

Slide 9-13 

Slide 9-13

PEOPLE

• Manual labor

• Specialized equipment operators

• Technical experts 

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 9-14 

Slide 9-14

SERVICES

• Cleanup companies 

• Transporters

• Analytical services

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 9-15 

Slide 9-15

EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

• Heavy equipment

• Light equipment

• Supplies

– Food/PPE

– Absorbents, diking materials, 

foam, etc.

– Sanitary services

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 9-31 
RESOURCES

Slide 9-16 

Slide 9-16

PUBLICATIONS

• DOT--North American Emergency 

Response Guidebook

• NIOSH--Pocket Guide to Chemical 

Hazards

• NFPA--Fire Protection Guide 

on Hazardous Materials

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 9-17 

Slide 9-17

OTHER REFERENCE

DOCUMENTS

• The Condensed Chemical Dictionary

• CHRIS Hazardous Chemical Data

• Emergency Handling of Hazardous 

Materials in Surface Transportation

• Sax-Dangerous Properties of 

Industrial Materials

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Slide 9-18 

Slide 9-18

COMPUTER RESOURCES

• Software Programs

– CAMEO 

– CHRIS OHM-TADS

– MICROMEDIX (TOMES)

– HMIX

– Various State programs

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

SM 9-32 
RESOURCES

Slide 9-19 

Slide 9-19

Activity 9.1

Identifying Resources

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Slide 9-20 

Slide 9-20

KEY POINTS

• Resources include anything useful 

during an incident.

• Resources can be categorized by

– Sector/Organization.

– Type. 

• Use resources wisely; be creative!

• Analyze your specific needs and 

capabilities.

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

SM 9-33 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

UNIT 10: 

COURSE WRAP-UP

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to apply concepts learned in the course to representative hazardous materials 

incidents.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will: 

1. Use available information sources to identify actions appropriate to a first responder for a 

specific incident. 

2. Use available resources to fill out an incident data sheet about the incident. 

3. Summarize key points learned in the course. 

 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

SM 10-2 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

INTRODUCTION 

In Unit 1: Introduction, we discussed the four general responsibilities of 

the first responder: 

Recognition and Identification 

• recognize the presence of hazardous materials; 

• identify the material, if possible; and 

• gather information. 

Notification 

• notify the proper authorities;

• call for assistance; and 

• provide updates. 

Isolation 

• set perimeters/zones; 

• deny entry; and 

• evacuate. 

Protection 

• initiate the Incident Command System (ICS); 

• protect responders/public; 

• initiate defensive actions only (no intentional contact); and 

• initiate decontamination.

In this unit, you will work with several scenarios; keep these 

responsibilities in mind as you plan your response activities. 

SM 10-3 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

SM 10-4 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Activity 10.1 

"Odor of Gas" Complaint 

Purpose 

To identify initial actions for a first responder at a specific incident, given a scenario. 

Directions 

1. You will work in small groups. 

2. From the slide and the information provided, fill out answers to the questions on 

the next page. Be prepared to discuss your answers with the class. 

SM 10-5 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

SM 10-6 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Activity 10.1 (cont'd) 

Scenario 

You have been dispatched for a strong odor of gas in the area of the motel at the 

intersection of Rt. 15 and Old Town Road. The motel is occupied by four staff and 25 

guests. Gas stations #1 and #2 each have one attendant working. 

It is 0900 Sunday morning. Weather conditions are sunny and warm, temperature in the 

low 80's, wind coming from the south at 10 mph, gusting to 25 mph. The stream flow is 

the same direction as the wind. You are approaching from the west on Old Town Road. 

A second call indicates that a strong odor of gas is now being reported from station #2. 

N S

O PEN F IE L D

G A S

S T A T IO N

# 2

R T . 1 5

M O T E L

O L D T O W N RD .

C R EEK C R EEK

G A S

S T A T IO N

 #1

T ANK F A R M

G R O C E R Y

SM 10-7 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

SM 10-8 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Activity 10.1 (cont'd) 

Worksheet 

Explain how the responders should address the following functions: 

1. Recognition and identification:

How? 

Additional information needed? 

How to obtain? 

2. Notification:

Who? 

How? 

When? 

3. Isolation: 

Where do you stop? 

Where is the perimeter? 

Where are the zones? 

4. Protection: 

How do you protect the public? 

How do you protect the responders? 

5. Additional considerations: 

 

SM 10-9 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

SM 10-10 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Activity 10.2 

Leaking Tanker Truck 

Purpose 

To use available resources to fill out an incident data sheet. 

Directions 

1. From the slides and the data provided, complete the Incident Data Sheet provided. 

2. Identify where the perimeter should be established, and the appropriate NAERG 

number that should be followed, and answer the questions on the following 

Worksheet. 

SM 10-11 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

SM 10-12 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Activity 10.2 (cont'd) 

Worksheet 

Scenario 

You have been dispatched to a disabled tanker along the side of the highway. It is 1500 

hours on an overcast Tuesday in September with a threat of showers. The temperature is 

50 degrees and wind is from the south at 5 to 10 mph. The stream is flowing in the same

direction as the wind. The driver is not visible from your location. 

Identify the following: 

1. Recognition and identification procedures. 

 

2. Notification: 

Who needs to be notified? 

 

3. Isolation: 

Identify the perimeter and zones. 

 

4. Protection: 

Identify protection measures. 

Public. 

 

Responders. 

 

SM 10-13 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

SM 10-14 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Activity 10.2 (cont'd) 

Incident Data Sheet 

When approaching the scene of an accident involving any cargo (not only regulated 

hazardous materials): 

• Approach incident from an upwind direction, if possible. 

• Move and keep people away from incident scene. 

• Do not walk into or touch any spilled material. 

• Avoid inhaling fumes, smoke, or vapors even if no hazardous materials are 

involved. 

• Do not assume that gases or vapors are harmless because of lack of smell--

odorless gases or vapors may be harmful. 

The following telephone numbers may be useful during hazardous materials incidents: 

CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300 

(Washington, DC 202-483-7616) 

National Response 1-800-424-8802 

Center (NRC) (Washington, DC 202-267-2675) 

When calling either center, provide as much information as possible including, as a

minimum, the following: 

• Caller's Name 

• Call-back Number 

• Names of: 

Carrier 

Shipper 

Manufacturer 

Facility Owner 

• Incident Data 

Nature - fixed facility [ ], transportation [ ], spill [ ], fire [ ], explosion [ ],

flowing product [ ], 

SM 10-15 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Other Information 

Contamination - to people [ ], to environment [ ], spreading [ ], 

Location/Address 

 

Time 

• Product Information: 

Name(s) 

UN ID# 

ERG Guide # 

Placards/Labels 

Other information - MSDS [ ], shipping papers [ ], HMIS [ ], 

NFPA 704 [ ], Information included 

 

• Container Information: 

Container type 

Railcar #/s 

Truck #/s 

Vessel Name 

Other Information 

SM 10-16 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

APPENDIX 

SM 10-17 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

SM 10-18 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Slide 10-1 

Slide 10-1

UNIT 10:

COURSE WRAP-UP

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Slide 10-2 

Slide 10-2

TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The students will be able to apply 

concepts presented in the course to

representative hazardous materials 

incidents.

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Slide 10-3 

Slide 10-3

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

The students will:

• Use available information sources to

identify actions appropriate to a first 

responder for a specific incident.

• Use available resources to fill out an 

incident data sheet about the incident.

• Summarize key points learned in the 

course.

_________________________________

_________________________________

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SM 10-19 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Slide 10-4 

Slide 10-4

FIRST RESPONDER 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recognition and identification

• Notification

• Isolation/Denial of entry

• Protection

__________________________________

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Slide 10-5 

Slide 10-5

Activity 10.1 

"Odor of Gas" Complaint

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Slide 10-6 

Slide 10-6

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SM 10-20 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Slide 10-7 

Slide 10-7

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Slide 10-8 

Slide 10-8

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Slide 10-9 

Slide 10-9

Activity 10.2

Leaking Tanker Truck

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SM 10-21 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Slide 10-10 

Slide 10-10

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Slide 10-11 

Slide 10-11

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Slide 10-12 

Slide 10-12

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SM 10-22 
COURSE WRAP-UP 

Slide 10-13 

Slide 10-13

COURSE SUMMARY

What are some key points you 

learned in the course?

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SM 10-23 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

APPENDIX A 

29 CFR 1910.120 

A-1 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

A-2 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

29 CFR 1910.120 

(q) Emergency response to 

hazardous substance releases. This

paragraph covers employers whose 

employees are engaged in emergency

response no matter where it occurs

except that it does not cover

employees engaged in operations

specified in paragraphs (a) (1) (i)

through (a) (1) (iv) of this section.

Those emergency 

response organizations who have 

developed and implemented programs 

equivalent to this paragraph for

handling releases of hazardous 

substances pursuant to section 303 of 

the Superfund Amendments and 

Reauthorization Act of 1986

(Emergency Planning and Community

Right-to-Know Act of 1986, 42 

U.S.C. 11003 shall be deemed to have 

met the requirements of this

paragraph.

(1) Emergency response plan. 

An emergency response plan shall be

developed and implemented to handle 

anticipated emergencies prior to the 

commencement of emergency 

response operations. The plan shall be 

in writing and available for inspection

and copying by employees, their

representatives, and OSHA personnel. 

Employers who will evacuate their 

employees from the workplace when 

an emergency occurs, and who do not 

permit any of their employees to assist

in handling the emergency, are exempt 

from the requirements of this

paragraph if they provide an

emergency action plan in accordance

with § 1910.38(a) of this part. 

(2) Elements of an emergency 

response plan. The employer 

shall develop an emergency response

plan for emergencies which shall 

address, as a minimum, the following 

to the extent that they are not addressed 

elsewhere:

(i) Pre-emergency planning and 

coordination with outside parties. 

(ii) Personnel roles, lines of

authority, training, and

communication. 

(iii) Emergency recognition and 

prevention. 

(iv) Safe distances and places of

refuge. 

(v) Site security and control.

(vi) Evacuation routes and

procedures. 

(vii) Decontamination.

(viii) Emergency medical 

treatment and first aid.

(ix) Emergency alerting and 

response procedures. 

(x) Critique of response and 

follow-up. 

(xi) PPE and emergency 

equipment. 

(xii) Emergency response 

organizations may use the local 

emergency response plan or the state 

emergency response plan or both, as 

part of their emergency response plan 

to avoid duplication. Those items of 

the emergency response plan that are 

being properly addressed by the 

SARA Title III plans may be

substituted into their emergency plan 

or otherwise kept together for the 

employer and employee's use. 

(3) Procedures for handling 

emergency response. (i) The senior 

emergency response official

responding to an emergency shall 

become the individual in charge of a 

site-specific Incident Command 

System (ICS). All emergency 

responders and their communications 

shall be coordinated and controlled 

through the individual in charge of the 

ICS assisted by the senior official 

present for each employer. 

Note to (q) (3) (i)—The "senior 

official" at an emergency response is 

the most senior official on the site

who has the responsibility for 

controlling the operations at the site. 

Initially it is the senior officer on the

first-due piece of responding

emergency 

apparatus to arrive on the incident 

scene. As more senior officers arrive 

(i.e., battalion chief, fire chief, state 

law enforcement official, site

coordinator, etc.) the position is 

passed up the line of authority which 

has been previously established. 

(ii) The individual in charge of the 

ICS shall identify, to the extent

possible, all hazardous 

substances or conditions present and 

shall address as appropriate site

analysis, use of engineering controls, 

maximum exposure limits, hazardous 

substance 

handling procedures, and use of any

new technologies. 

(iii) Based on the hazardous 

substances and/or conditions present, 

the individual in charge of the ICS 

shall implement appropriate

emergency operations, and assure that 

the personal protective equipment 

worn is appropriate for the 

hazards to be encountered. However, 

personal protective equipment shall 

meet, at a minimum, the criteria

contained in 29CFR 1910.156(e) 

when worn while performing fire

fighting operations beyond the 

incipient stage for any incident or site. 

(iv) Employees engaged in

emergency response and exposed to 

hazardous substances presenting an 

inhalation hazard or potential 

inhalation hazard shall wear positive 

pressure self-contained breathing 

apparatus while engaged in

emergency response, until such time

that the individual in charge of the 

ICS determines through the use of air

monitoring that a decreased level of 

respiratory protection will not result in

hazardous exposures to employees. 

(v) The individual in charge of the 

ICS shall limit the number of

emergency response personnel at the 

emergency site, in those areas of 

potential or actual exposure to 

incident or site hazards, to those who 

are actively performing emergency 

operations. However, operations in 

hazardous areas shall be performed 

using the buddy system in groups of 

two or more. 

(vi) Back-up personnel shall stand 

by with equipment ready to provide 

assistance or rescue. Advance first 

aid support personnel, as a minimum, 

shall also stand by with medical 

equipment and transportation 

capability. 

(vii) The individual in charge of the 

ICS shall designate a safety official, 

who is knowledgeable in 

the operations being implemented at 

the emergency response site, with 

specific responsibility to identify and 

evaluate hazards and to provide 

direction with 

A-3 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

respect to the safety of operations of 

the emergency at hand. 

(viii) When activities are judged by

the safety official to be an IDLH 

condition and/or to involve an

imminent danger condition, the safety

official shall have the authority to

alter, suspend, or terminate those 

activities. The safety official shall 

immediately inform the individual in 

charge of the ICS of any actions 

needed to be taken to correct these 

hazards at an emergency scene. 

(ix) After emergency operations 

have terminated, the individual in

charge of the ICS shall implement 

appropriate decontamination 

procedures. 

(x) When deemed necessary for 

meeting the tasks at hand, 

approved self-contained compressed 

air breathing apparatus may be used 

with approved cylinders from other 

approved self-contained compressed 

air breathing apparatus provided that 

such cylinders are of the same

capacity and pressure rating. All

compressed air cylinders used with 

self-contained breathing apparatus 

shall meet U.S. Department of

Transportation and National Institute 

for Occupational Safety and Health 

criteria. 

(4) Skilled support personnel. 

Personnel, not necessarily an 

employer's own employees, who are 

skilled in the operation of certain 

equipment, such as mechanized earth 

moving or digging equipment or 

crane and hoisting equipment, and 

who are needed temporarily to 

perform immediate emergency 

support 

work that cannot reasonably be

performed in a timely fashion by an 

employer's own employees, and who 

will be or may be exposed to the 

hazards at an emergency response 

scene, are not required to meet the 

training required in this paragraph for 

the employer's regular employees. 

However, these personnel shall be

given an initial briefing at the site

prior to their participation in any 

emergency response. The initial 

briefing shall include instruction in the 

wearing of appropriate personal 

protective equipment, what chemical 

hazards are involved, and what duties

are to be performed. All other 

appropriate safety and health 

precautions provided to the employer's

own employees shall be used to assure 

the safety and health of these 

personnel. 

A-4 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

APPENDIX B 

STENCILING COMMODITY NAMES

B-1 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

B-2 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

STENCILING COMMODITY NAMES 

The following is a list of hazardous materials whose commodity names must be stenciled

on the sides of tank cars as required by either the department of transportation or the 

association of American railroads. This list of commodities changes is recent. Additions

may be obtained by checking with AAR. 

Acrolein. 

Anhydrous Ammonia. 

Bromine. 

Butadiene. 

Chlorine. 

Chlorophrene (When Transported In Dot 115a Specification Tank Car). 

Difluoroethane.* 

Difluoromonochloromethane.* 

Dimethylamine, Anhydrous. 

Dimethyl Ether (Transported Only In Ton Cylinders). 

Ethylene Oxide. 

Formic Acid. 

Fused Potassium Nitrate And Sodium Nitrate. 

Hydrocyanic Acid. 

Hydrofluoric Acid. 

Hydrogen Chloride (By Exemption From Dot). 

Hydrogen Fluoride. 

Hydrogen Peroxide. 

Hydrogen Sulfide. 

Liquefied Hydrogen. 

Liquefied Hydrocarbon Gas (May Also Be Stenciled Propane, Butane). 

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propylene, Ethylene). 

Methyl Acetylene Propadiene Stabilized. 

Methyl Chloride. 

Methyl Mercaptan. 

Methyl Chloride - Methylene Chloride Mixture. 

Monomethylamine, Anhydrous. 

Motor Fuel Antiknock Compound Or Antiknock Compound. 

Nitric Acid.

Nitrogen Tetroxide. 

Netrogen Tetroxide-Nitric Oxide Mixture. 

Phosphorus. 

Sulfur Trioxide. 

Trifluorochloroethylene.* 

Trimethylamine, Anhydrous. 

Vinyl Chloride. 

Vinyl Fluoride Inhibited. 

Vinyl Methyl Ether Inhibited. 

*May be stenciled dispersant gas or refrigerant gas in lieu of name. Only flammable refrigerant or

dispersant gases are so stenciled.

B-3 

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

APPENDIX C 

ASSORTED PAPERS

C-1 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

C-2 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

TRAIN--01CBM 

006 FROM CABOOSE GATX 10874 

STC CODE - 4905781 ID NUMBER--UN1075 

PROPER SHIPPING NAME - PROPANE 

HAZARD CLASS - FLAMMABLE GAS 

PLACARD REQUIRED - FLAMMABLE GAS 

PLACARD ENDORSEMENT - DANGEROUS 

Propane is a colorless gas with a faint petroleum like odor. It is shipped as a liquefied 

gas under its vapor pressure. For transportation it may be stenched. Contact with the 

liquid can cause frostbite. It is easily ignited. Its vapors are heavier than air and a flame

can flash back to the source of leak very easily. This leak can be either a liquid or vapor 

leak. It can asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Under fire conditions the cylinders or 

tank cars may violently rupture or rocket. 

If material on fire or involved in fire 

Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. 

Use water in flooding quantities as fog. 

Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. 

Apply water from as far a distance as possible. 

If material is not on fire or involved in fire 

Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. 

Keep materials out of water sources and sewers. 

Attempt to stop leak if without hazard. 

Use water spray to knock down vapors. 

Personnel protection 

Avoid breathing vapors. 

Keep upwind. 

Wear protective gloves and goggles. 

Do not handle broken packages without protective equipment. 

Approach fire with caution. 

Evacuation

If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame, evacuate 

for a radius of 2500 feet. 

If material leaking (not on fire), downwind evacuation must be considered. 

Sample of emergency response information from a Union Pacific Railroad Wheel Report (Consist)

C-3 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

C-4 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

TRAIN LIST ISSUE NO.1 

TRAIN/JOB CONDUCTOR ENGINEER ISSUING STATION/YARD CALLED 

SSK117 ELLIOTT TARWATER MXOO1 STLOUIS MO 0600 

SLMO-KCMO SPEC 

ENGINE-IDENT HORSEPOWER LENGTH STATUS 

ENG 3508 3500 59 

ENG 3514 3500 59 

TOTAL 7000 HP 118 FEET 

TRAIN/JOB-- SSK117 WITH FOLLOWING CARS STLOUIS MO TIME-- 08/17 0600 

SEQ EQUIPMNT ID KND GWT COMDTY DESTN ZTS/CARR NXBLK CITY/STATE CONSIGNEE 

BLOCK-- CAB MX283 

1 CAB 13506 LZ 30 

BLOCK-- KCMO MX283 

2 DRGW 19395 EH3C 30 94MX905 DRGW KP 1 PUEBLO CO AGENT 

3 ATSF 302444 ECDB 30 83MX283 ATSF ATSF KANCITY MO AGENT 

5 RBOX 20413 LB5H 75 PLPBRD 830 027 99-999-99 551A LEAVENWORKS HALLMA CARDS 

6 RBOX 40939 LB5H 75 PLPBRD 830 027 99-999-99 551A LEAVENWORKS HALLMA CARDS 

7 ACFX 83903 LT25 73 FLMLIQ 92T 130 99-999-99 OSAW TOPEKA KS PENN STA CHE 

UN2055 PLACARDED FLAMMABLE CAR TRIP LEASED TO CONSIGNEE 

IN EMERGENCY CALL 800-424-9300 

BLOCK TOTALS 3 LOADS 3 MTYS 3 G-TONS 300 FEET 

BLOCK-- JCTY MX125 

8 MP 823034 LUEB 90 LUMBER 82MX125 99-999-99 JEFCITY MO BROADV LBR

9 BCIT 801067 LBEN 75 LUMBER 82MX125 99-999-99 JEFCITY MO BROADV LBR

10 BCIT 800782 LB5K 92 LUMBER 82MX125 99-999-99 JEFCITY MO BROADV LBR

Sample of a page from a Missouri Pacific Railroad Consist.

C-5 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

C-6 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

Sample of a Waybill. Note hazardous material entries.

C-7 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

C-8 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

Example of a Bill Of Lading. 

C-9 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

C-10
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

C-11 

Example of a Shipper's Certification for Restricted Articles for air shipments.
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

C-12 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

C-13 

STRAIGHT BILL OF LADING 

Example of a Dangerous Cargo Manifest for water transportation.
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

C-14
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

CHEMICALS-R-US INC. 

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CONTACT - CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 OR JOHN 

SMITH AT CRUS, 1 MAIN STREET, OURTOWN, U.S.A. 1-800-123-4567 

REFER TO LAST PAGE FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION 

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

SECTION I 

CHEMICAL NAME & SYNONYMS CAS # NIOSH # 

110-86-1 OR8400000

Pyridine 

EMPIRICAL FORMULA

TRADE NAME & SYNONYMS C5 H5 N 

Pyridine OSHA HEALTH HAZARDS 

HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS CAS # Irritant

Target Organs: Eyes; Kidneys; 

Pyridine > 98% 110-86-1 Liver; Central Nervous System

NOTE: This product contains Pyridine 

Which is subject to the reporting requirements 

of Section 313 of Title III of SARA of 1986 and 

40 CFR Part 372. 

SECTION II--PHYSICAL DATA 

BOILING POINT F: 240 @ 760MM 

MELTING POINT: Freeze -42°C 

VAPOR PRESS, MMHG: 16 @ 20°C 

VAPOR DENSITY AIR =1: 2.72 

SOLUBILITY IN H20: Completely 

SPECIFIC GRAVITY H20=1: .983 

BULK DENSITY: Not Established 

PERCENT, VOLATILE 

BY VOLUME %: 100% 

pH: 10.4 AT 10% sol. 

APPEARANCE & ODOR: Water white liquid, obnoxious odor (sharp penetrating). 

C-15
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

SECTION III--FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA NFPA 2-4-0 

FLASHPOINT (METHOD USED): 68°F CC Auto Ign. Temp: 900°F 

FLAMMABLE LIMITS: @ 140°F LEL %: 1.8 UEL %: 12.4 

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol foam

SPECIAL FIREFIGHTING 

PROCEDURES: Standard personal protective gear, as well 

as self-contained breathing apparatus. 

UNUSUAL FIRE AND 

EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Explosion hazard is severe when product is in a

 vapor form. 

Vapors may travel to ignition source and flash 

back or cause explosion. 

SECTION IV--REACTIVITY DATA 

STABILITY CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Slowly 

 darkens on 

STABLE: X exposure to light. 

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION CONDITIONS TO AVOID: N.E. 

MAY NOT OCCUR: X 

INCOMPATIBILITY (MATERIALS TO AVOID): Exothermic reaction with acids, 

oxidizing agents.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Emits toxic fumes of cyanides and 

possibly ammonia.

SECTION V--HEALTH HAZARD DATA 

EXPOSURE DATA 

TARGET ORGANS: Eyes, Kidney, Liver, Central Nervous System. 

ORAL INGESTION: LD50:891 mg/kg rat; LDLO:500 mg/kg or human; NIOSH 1981-82. 

EYE CONTACT: Rabbit: 2 mg severe irritant NIOSH 1981-1982. 

SKIN CONTACT/ABSORB: Dermal LD50: 1121 mg/kg rabbit NIOSH 1981-1982. 

INHALATION: TWA: 5 ppm LC50: 4,000 ppm 4 hours--rat. Allowable 8 hour exposure = 

15 mg per cu. meter. Slight, allowable max. = 5 ppm. NIOSH 1981-82. 

C-16
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

SYMPTOMS AND EFFECTS 

ORAL INGESTION: Central nervous system depression, possible kidney, liver damage, and 

gastrointestinal upset. 

EYE CONTACT: Burning, swelling, conjunctivitis & possible eye damage. Severe irritant. 

SKIN CONTACT/ABSORB: Rabbit 10 mg/24/H Mild irritant; TLV 5 ppm (Skin). Can cause

burning sensation, irritation and redness. 

INHALATION: Central nervous system depression, gastrointestinal disturbances. 

FIRST AID PROCEDURES 

ORAL INGESTION: Dilute by drinking water or milk (milk will help coat stomach) or

neutralize by drinking a dilute solution of 3% citric acid. Seek medical attention 

immediately. 

EYE CONTACT: Flush with water immediately for at least 15 minutes. See eye doctor 

immediately. 

SKIN CONTACT/ABSORB: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash area with water and/or 

neutralize with 3% acid solution preferably citric. Seek medical attention.

INHALATION: Move victim to well ventilated area. If breathing is difficult give oxygen. 

If breathing stops, give artificial respiration. If patient is conscious, give milk. Seek

medical advice. 

SECTION VI--SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURE 

CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE: Eliminate all ignition sources, contain spill. Use absorbent to 

collect spill, use water to dispose vapors and wash down area. (Keep water to a 

minimum.) Prevent runoff from entering drains, sewers, and waterways. 

WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Dispose in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and 

local regulations. 

SECTION VII--SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

RESPIRATOR: When cleaning up spills 

VENTILAT. LOCAL EXHAUST: X SPECIAL: Goggles 

MECHANICAL (GENERAL): X OTHER: Faceshield 

GLOVES: PVC gloves EYE PROT: Saf. glasses/goggles 

OTHER: As needed, plastic apron, etc. 

SECTION VIII--SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 

HANDLING AND STORING: Flammable material store appropriately. See Section VII 

before handling. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Containers should be 

grounded to reduce the risk of spark by static electricity. 

OTHER: 

C-17
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

SECTION IX--SHIPPING 

DOMESTIC: Pyridine - Flammable Liquid UN# 1282 

INTERNATIONAL: Pyridine - Flammable Liquid, Poison, Corrosive 

IMCO Class 3.2 UN# 1282 

EMERGENCY ACTION 

DOT ERG--1990, REF. #26 (UN# 1282): Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard 

area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Positive pressure selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and structural firefighters' protective clothing 

will provide limited protection. 

ISOLATE FOR 1/2 MILE IN ALL DIRECTIONS IF TANK, RAILCAR, OR TANK TRUCK IS INVOLVED

IN FIRE. 

CALL CHEMTREC AT 1-800-424-9300 FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. 

If water pollution occurs, notify the appropriate authorities. 

The information and recommendations contained in this Chemical Safety Data Sheet 

have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable and to represent the best 

opinions published as of 10/23/89 

 

Manager, Safety and Health 

N.E. = Not Established N.A. = Not Applicable 

C-18
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

CHEMICALS-R-US INC. 

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CONTACT--CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 OR JOHN SMITH 

AT CRUS, 1 MAIN STREET, OURTOWN, U.S.A. 1-800-123-4567 

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

SECTION I 

CHEMICAL NAME & SYNONYMS OSHA HEALTH HAZARDS 

TRADE NAME AND SYNONYMS EMPIRICAL FORMULA 

HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS CAS # NIOSH # 

SECTION II--PHYSICAL DATA 

BOILING POINT F: 

MELTING POINT: 

VAPOR PRESS, mmHg:

VAPOR DENSITY AIR =1: 

SOLUBILITY IN H20:

SPECIFIC GRAVITY H20=1: 

BULK DENSITY: 

PERCENT, VOLATILE 

BY VOLUME %: 

pH: 

APPEARANCE & ODOR: 

C-19
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

SECTION III--FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA 

FLASHPOINT (METHOD USED): 

FLAMMABLE LIMITS: LEL %: UEL %: 

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: 

SPECIAL FIREFIGHTING 

PROCEDURES: 

UNUSUAL FIRE AND 

EXPLOSION HAZARDS: 

SECTION IV--REACTIVITY DATA 

STABILITY CONDITIONS TO AVOID:

STABLE: UNSTABLE: 

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION CONDITIONS TO AVOID: 

MAY OCCUR: MAY NOT OCCUR: 

INCOMPATIBILITY (MATERIALS TO AVOID): 

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: 

SECTION V--HEALTH HAZARD DATA 

EXPOSURE DATA 

TARGET ORGANS: 

ORAL INGESTION: 

EYE CONTACT: 

SKIN CONTACT/ABSORB: 

INHALATION: 

SYMPTOMS AND EFFECTS 

ORAL INGESTION: 

EYE CONTACT: 

C-20
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

SKIN CONTACT/ABSORB: 

INHALATION: 

FIRST AID PROCEDURES 

ORAL INGESTION: 

EYE CONTACT: 

SKIN CONTACT/ABSORB: 

INHALATION: 

SECTION VI--SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURE 

CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE: 

WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: 

C-21
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

SECTION VII--SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION 

RESPIRATOR: 

VENTILAT. LOCAL EXHAUST: SPECIAL:

MECHANICAL (GENERAL): OTHER:

GLOVES: EYE PROT:

OTHER: 

SECTION VIII--SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 

HANDLING AND STORING: 

OTHER: 

SECTION IX--SHIPPING 

DOMESTIC: 

INTERNATIONAL: 

The information and recommendations contained in this Chemical Safety Data Sheet 

have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable and to represent the best 

opinions published as of 

 

Manager, Safety and Health 

N.E. = Not Established N.A. = Not Applicable 

C-22
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

APPENDIX D 

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES 

D-1 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

D-2 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

REFERENCES AND PUBLICATIONS 

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

For a summary, legal interpretation, or other explanation of any regulation, contact the 

issuing agency. 

Inquiries concerning editing procedures and reference assistance with respect to the Code

of Federal Regulations may be addressed to the Director, Office of the Federal Register,

National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC 20308 (telephone 

1-866-272-6272). 

Sales are handled exclusively by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 

Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (telephone 202-783-3238). 

FEDERAL REGISTER 

For subscription to, or single copies of specific Federal Registers, contact the 

Superintendent of Documents as listed above. 

For single copies of the Register, telephone 202-783-3238. 

INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC LAWS 

For copies of individual Public Laws, contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 

Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9328. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE 

Federal Register

Index, Finding Aids, and General Information 202-523-5227 

Document Drafting Information 202-523-5237 

Machine Readable Documents 202-523-5237 

Code of Federal Regulations

Index, Finding Aids, and General Information 202-523-5227 

Printing Schedules 202-523-3419 

Public Laws

Public Laws Update Service 202-523-6641 

Additional Information 202-523-3419 

Presidential Documents 

Executive Orders and Proclamations 202-523-5230 

Public Papers of the Presidents 202-523-5230 

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents 202-523-5230 

D-3 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

The United States Government Manual 

General Information 202-523-5230 

OTHER SERVICES

Legal Staff 202-523-4534 

Library 202-523-5240

Privacy Act Compilation 202-523-3187 

Public Law Update Service (PLUS) 202-523-6641 

TDD for the Deaf 202-523-5229 

PLANNING GUIDES AND DOCUMENTS 

Documents available through the National Response Team by writing: 

Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide 

OS-120 

401 M Street, SW

Washington, DC 20460 

1. Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide (NRT-1). 

2. Technical Guidance for Hazards Analysis - Emergency Planning for 

Extremely Hazardous Substances. 

Documents available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by 

writing:

Federal Emergency Management Agency 

Publications Office 

500 C Street, SW

Washington, DC 20472 

1. Guide for Development of State and Local Emergency Operations Plans 

(CPG 1-8). 

2. Review of State and Local Emergency Operations Plans (CPG 1-8A). 

3. Hazardous Materials Contingency Planning Course (student manuals). 

4. Disaster Planning Guidelines for Fire Chiefs. 

5. Disaster Operations: A Handbook for Local Government. 

D-4 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

Documents available through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) by writing: 

Office of Hazardous Materials Transportation 

Attention: DHM-50 

Research and Special Programs Administration

Department of Transportation 

400 7th Street, SW

Washington, DC 20590 

Community Teamwork: Working Together to Promote Hazardous Materials 

Transportation Safety--A Guide for Local Officials. 

Other U.S. DOT Publications available by writing: 

National Technical Information Service 

5285 Port Royal Road 

Springfield, VA 22161 

1. A Community Model for Handling Hazardous Materials Transportation 

Emergencies. 

2. Risk Assessment Users Manual for Small Communities and Rural Areas. 

3. Manual for Small Towns and Rural Areas to Develop a Hazardous Materials 

Plan: With an Example Application of the Methodology in Developing a 

Generalized Emergency Plan for Riley County, Kansas (the Kansas Model). 

4. Community Model for Handling Hazardous Materials Transportation

Emergencies: Executive Summaries. 

5. Hazardous Materials Demonstration Project Report: Puget Sound Region. 

6. Lessons Learned: A Report on the Lessons Learned From State and Local 

Experiences in Accident Prevention and Response Planning for Hazardous 

Materials Transportation. 

Publications available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by writing:

Environmental Protection Agency 

OS-120 

401 M Street, SW

Washington, DC 20460 

D-5 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

1. Introduction to Exercise in Chemical Emergency Preparedness Programs. 

2. A Guide to Planning and Conducting Table-Top Exercises. 

3. A Guide to Planning and Conducting Field Simulation Exercises. 

4. Report of a Conference on Risk Communication and Environmental 

Management. 

5. Identifying Environmental Computer Systems for Planning Purposes. 

6. Chemicals in Your Community. 

Publications available through the Chemical Manufacturers Association by calling (202) 

887-1100 or writing:

Publications Fulfillment 

Chemical Manufacturers Association

1300 Wilson Blvd. 

Arlington, VA 22209 

1. Community Awareness and Emergency Response Program Handbook. 

2. Site Emergency Response Planning. 

3. Community Emergency Response Exercise Program. 

Publications available through the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) by 

writing:

AIChE Publications Sales Department 

3 Park Avenue 

New York, NY 10016-5991 

1. Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures. 

2. Guidelines for Safe Storage and Handling of High Toxic Hazard Materials. 

3. Guidelines for Use of Vapor Cloud Dispersion Models. 

4. Guidelines for Vapor Release Mitigation. 

5. Guidelines for Chemical Process Quantitative Risk Assessment. 

6. Guidelines for Technical Management of Chemical Process Safety. 

D-6 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

7. Guidelines for Obtaining Process Equipment Reliability Data. 

8. Guidelines for Human Reliability in Process Safety. 

9. Guidelines for Process Control Safety. 

10. Guidelines for Processing and Handling Reactive Chemicals.

D-7 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

D-8 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

PUBLISHED RESOURCES 

Department of Transportation, Emergency Response Guide Book, DOT P 5800.5, 2000. 

Sometimes considered the "Bible" for hazardous materials initial response, this concise 

reference document is probably the most widely distributed haz mat publication in the

country. Chemicals can be identified by the 4-digit number on a placard or orange panel, 

by the 4-digit number (after UN/NA) on a shipping paper or package, or by name of the

material on a shipping paper, placard, or package. Responders can then look up one of 

61 guides to find information on potential hazards (fire and health) and appropriate 

emergency actions for the chemical. A table of initial isolation and protective action 

distances is also provided. 

NIOSH/OSHA Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Department of Health and Human 

Services/Department of Labor, June 2000. 

Presents information taken from the NIOSH/OSHA Occupational Health Guidelines in a 

tabular format for ease and convenient use as a quick reference source relating to 

industrial hygiene and medical surveillance practices. The information elements 

contained in the Guide, covering 380 chemical hazards, include 

• chemical names and synonyms; 

• permissible exposure limits; 

• chemical and physical properties; 

• signs and symptoms of overexposure; 

• environmental and medical monitoring procedures; 

• respiratory and personal protective equipment use recommendations; and 

• procedures for emergency treatment. 

National Fire Protection Association, Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous

Materials,11th Edition, 2001. 

The Guide can be used to identify the hazardous properties of most of the chemicals in

commercial use today. It is particularly useful to help fire and police department

personnel take proper steps to prevent fires and other emergencies during the use, 

storage, and transportation of chemicals, and to make informal decisions on the 

procedures to be followed in an emergency. The Guide contains an alphabetical listing of 

key topics that may be referred to in an emergency. 

Hawley, Gessner G. The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold 

Company, New York, 1997 13th edition. 

This revised compendium of technical data and descriptive information covers thousands 

of chemicals and chemical phenomena, while including additional information on 

D-9 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

chemical manufacturing equipment and its components, energy sources and their 

pollution, waste control, etc. Three distinct types of information are given: 

• technical descriptions of chemicals, raw materials, and processes; 

• expanded definitions of chemical entities, phenomena, and terminology; and 

• descriptions or identifications of a wide range of trademarked products used in the 

chemical industries. 

Department of Transportation, CHRIS Hazardous Chemical Data, 2001. 

The CHRIS (Chemical Hazard Response Information System) manual contains a 

condensed guide to chemical hazards designed to help personnel make the proper 

response in an emergency situation. It is intended for use by safety personnel and others 

who may be the first to arrive at the site of an accidental discharge or fire and who need 

readily available and easily understood information about the hazardous properties of the 

chemical involved. 

Other components of CHRIS include 

• Hazardous Chemical Data Manual with detailed chemical, physical, and 

biological data; 

• Response Methods Handbook which describes cautionary and corrective response 

methods for reducing and eliminating hazards that result from chemical discharge; 

and 

• computerized version of the Hazard Assessment Handbook. 

Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, Emergency Handling of 

Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. 

Contains over 500 pages of commodity-specific emergency response and environmental 

containment information on thousands of chemicals listed alphabetically. Descriptions 

include emergency procedures under different conditions (e.g., if on fire or not) and 

personal protection measures. Also includes recommendations for response: general 

rules and rules keyed to specific DOT hazard classes. 

Sax, N. Irving. Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Van Nostrand Reinhold 

Company, 2000. 

This large reference volume provides a single source for quick, concise hazard-analysis 

information for nearly 15,000 common industrial laboratory materials. Includes

flammability and explosion data, basic toxologic information, fire extinguishment

materials, chemical incompatibilities, ventilation procedures and more. The book also 

contains a series of papers or related topics written by experts in the field. 

D-10
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

Clayton, George D. and Florence E. Clayton, Editors. Patty's Industrial Hygiene and 

Toxicology, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 2000. 

This major reference book for the occupational health field is in three volumes: General 

Principles, Toxicology, and Theory and Rationale of Industrial Hygiene Practice. The

work includes contributions by recognized authorities in fields such as air pollution, 

agricultural hazards, odors, heat stress, industrial sanitation, fire and explosion hazards, 

atmospheric contaminants, epidemiology, lighting, and radiation. 

D-11
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

D-12
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND RELATED INFORMATION RESOURCES

(Selected Listing) 

CHEMTREC Bureau of Explosives 

1300 Wilson Blvd. 50 F Street, NW 

Arlington, VA 22209 Washington DC 

(800) 262-8200 (800) 933-4882 

www.aar.com/boe

National Response Center 

United States Coast Guard and EPA Canadian Trucking Assn. 

(800) 424-8802 130 Albert St., Suite 300 

www.nrc.uscg Ottawa ONT KIP 5G4, Canada 

(613) 236-9426

Centers for Disease Control 

(404) 633-5313 CHRIS 

U.S. Coast Guard Ntl. Resp. Ctr. 

Poison Control Center (202) 267-2229 

Charleston, SC 

(800) 222-1222 Chemical Manufacturers Assn. 

2501 M Street, NW 

American Insurance Assn. (AiA) Washington, D.C. 20037 

1130 Connecticut Avenue, NW (202) 887-1272 

Suite 1000 

Washington, DC 20036 Chemical Waste Trans. Institute i 

(800)-828-7100 1730 Rhode Island Ave., NW 

www.aiadc.org Suite 1000

Washington, DC 20036 

American National Standards Inst. (202) 659-4613 

1819 L Street, NW, Suite 600 

Washington, DC Chlorine Institute, The 

(202) 293-8020 1300 Wilson Blvd. 

www.ansi.org Rosslyn, VA 22209

(703) 741 5760

American Petroleum Inst. (API) www.cl2.com 

1220 L Street, NW 

Washington, DC 20005 Compressed Gas Assn. 

(202) 682-8517 4221 Walney Rd., 5th Floor 

www.api.com Chantilly, VA 20151-2923 

(703) 788-2700

American Soc. of Mechanical Engrs. www.cganet.com

United Engineering Center 

Three Park Ave. DOW Chemical Company 

New York, NY 10016 2030 Dow Center 

(212) 591-7722 Midland, MI 48674 

(989) 636-1000

American Trucking Assns. www.dow.com

2200 Mill Road 

Alexandria, VA 22314-4677 

(703) 838-1700 

D-13
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

Assn. of American Railroads (AAR) Dept. of Transportation 

50 F Street, NW U.S. Material Transportation Bureau 

Washington, DC 20001-1564 Off. of Hazardous Matls. Oprns. 

(202) 639-2100 400 Seventh St., SW

www.aar.org Washington, DC 20590 

(202) 366-4000 

DuPont Company www.usdot.gov 

1007 Market Street 

Wilmington, DE 19898 National Inst. for Occupational 

800-441-7515 Safety & Health (NIOSH)

www.dupont.com 4676 Columbia Parkway 

Cincinnati, OH 45226 

Energy Research Development Adm. (513) 533-8302 

Albuquerque Operations Office 

Albuquerque, NM 87101 National Private Truck Council 

(505) 296-6226 2200 Mill Rd., Suite 350 

Alexandria, VA 22314 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (703) 683-1300 

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW www.nptc.org 

Washington, DC 20460 

(202) 260-2090 National Propane Gas Assn. 

1150 17th Street, NW Suite 310

Factory Mutual Engineering Corp. Lab Washington DC 20036 

1150 Boston-Providence Turnpike (202)-466-7200 

Norwood, MA 02062 www.npga.org 

(617) 762-4300 

National Tank Truck Carriers

Federal Highway Administration 2200 Mill Road

400 Seventh Street, SW Alexandria, VA 22314 

Washington, DC 20590 (703) 838-1960 

(202) 366-4000 www.nttc.org 

www.fhwa.dot.gov

National Transp. Safety Board 

Fertilizer Institute, The (TFI) (NTSB)

820 First Street, NE, 

Union Center Plaza, Suite 430 

490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW 

Washington, DC 20594

Washington, DC 20002 (202) 314-6000 

(202) 962-0490 www.ntsb.gov 

www.tfi.org

Occupational Safety & Health Adm.

(OSHA)

200 Constitution Ave., NW 

Washington, DC 20210 

www.osha.gov 

National Assn. of Solvent Recyclers 

Suite 1100 

1333 New Hampshire Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20036 

(202) 833-1294 

www.naroil.com

D-14
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: CONCEPT IMPLEMENTATION 

National Fire Protection Assn. 

1 Batterymarch Park 

Quincy, MA 02169-7471 

(617) 770-3000 

www.nfpa.org 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin. 

400 Seventh Street, SW

Washington, DC 20590 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

100 Bureau Drive 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-3460 

(301)-975-6478 

U.S. Dept. of Commerce 

Washington, DC 20234 

(301) 921-1000 

(202) 366-4000 

National Safety Council www.dot.gov 

1121 Spring Lake Drive 

Itasca, IL 60143-3201 Petroleum Marketers Association 

(630) 285-1211 of America 

www.nsc.org 1901 N. Fort Myers Drive 

Suite 500

Truckload Carriers Association Arlington, VA 22209-1604 

2200 Mill Road (703) 351-8000 

Alexandria, VA 22314 www.pmaa.org 

(703) 838-1950 

www.truckload.org RSPA/Office of Haz Mat Trans. 

400 Seventh Street, SW 

Society of Independent Gasoline Washington, DC 20590 

Marketers of America (202) 366-0656 

Suite 590 www.dot.gov 

11911 Freedom Drive 

Reston, VA 20190 U.S. Department of Energy 

(703) 709-7000 1000 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20585 

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (202) 586-5000

(USNRC) Office of Public Affairs www.doe.gov 

Washington, DC 20555 

(301) 415-8200 

www.nrc.gov

Superintendent of Documents 

U.S. Government Printing Office 

Washington, DC 20402 

(202) 512-1530 

www.gpo.access.gov

D-15

INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPT 

APPENDIX E 

ASSISTANT SAFETY OFFICER 

FOR 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 

E-1 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPT 

E-2 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPT 

CHECKLIST 

Checklist Use 

The checklist should be considered as a minimum requirement for this position. Users 

should feel free to augment this list as necessary.

Assistant Safety Officer--Hazardous Materials Checklist 

1. Obtains briefing from the Incident Safety Officer. 

2. Obtains briefing from the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor. 

3. Participates in the preparation of and implements the Site Safety Plan. 

4. Advises the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor (or Hazardous Materials 

Branch Director) of deviations from the Site Safety Plan or any dangerous 

situations. 

5. Has full authority to alter, suspend, or terminate any activity that may be judged 

to be unsafe. 

6. Ensures the protection of the Hazardous Materials Group personnel from 

physical, environmental, and chemical hazards/exposures. 

7. Ensures provision of required emergency medical services for assigned personnel 

and coordinates with Medical Unit Leader. 

8. Ensures that medical related records for the Hazardous Materials Group personnel 

are maintained. 

9. Maintains Unit Log. 

E-3 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPT 

E-4 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPT 

ORGANIZATION, PERSONNEL, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND PROCEDURES

Organization 

The Assistant Safety Officer--Hazardous Materials reports directly to the Incident Safety

Officer. The Assistant Safety Officer--Hazardous Materials is assigned to the Hazardous 

Materials Group (or Hazardous Materials Branch if activated). This position is 

responsible for the overall safety of assigned personnel within the Hazardous Materials 

Group. The Assistant Safety Officer--Hazardous Materials coordinates group activities

with the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor. 

In a multiactivity incident the Assistant Safety Officer--Hazardous Materials does not act 

as Safety Officer for the overall incident. Therefore, it is necessary that an Assistant 

Safety Officer--Hazardous Materials be appointed at all hazardous materials incidents.

The Assistant Safety Officer--Hazardous Materials is positioned organizationally in the 

Hazardous Materials Group as illustrated. 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

GROUP SUPERVISOR

ASSISTANT SAFETY

OFFICER/HAZ MAT

TECH SPEC

HAZ MAT REFERENCE

ENTRY LEADER DECONTAMINATION 

LEADER

SITE ACCESS

CONTROL LEADER

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

GROUP SUPERVISOR

ASSISTANT SAFETY

OFFICER/HAZ MAT

TECH SPEC

HAZ MAT REFERENCE

ENTRY LEADER DECONTAMINATION 

LEADER

SITE ACCESS

CONTROL LEADER

Personnel

The Assistant Safety Officer--Hazardous Materials coordinates activities directly relating 

to the Hazardous Materials Group operations as mandated by 29 CFR 1910.120. This 

position advises the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor on all aspects of health and 

safety and has the authority to stop or prevent unsafe acts. Due to the responsibilities of 

this position, it is imperative that the individual be both Safety Officer qualified and 

possess a high degree of knowledge in hazardous substance mitigation operations and 

procedures. These abilities require that the personnel assigned to this position have a

minimum equivalent training and expertise as mandated by Federal, State, and local laws 

to perform the responsibilities and procedures of this position. 

E-5 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPT 

Major Responsibilities and Procedures 

The major responsibilities of the Assistant Safety Officer--Hazardous Materials are stated 

below. Following each responsibility are procedures for implementing the activity. 

Users of this manual should feel free to augment this list as necessary. Note that some

activities are one-time actions while others are ongoing or repetitive for the duration of

the incident.

1. Check in and obtain briefing from the Incident Safety Officer. 

a. Complete Check-In List.

b. If reporting directly to an assignment, check in via radio. 

c. Request and receive briefing which includes: 

- Incident Briefing Form or the equivalent information verbally. 

- Initial instructions concerning work activities. 

d. Obtain Incident Action Plan when available. 

e. Start Unit Log. 

2. Obtain briefing from the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor. 

a. Obtain information on Hazardous Materials Group tactics and strategy. 

b. Obtain names and contact information (locations, radio frequencies, etc.) 

for key personnel. 

3. Participate in the preparation of and implement the Site Safety Plan. 

a. Survey site and review documentation (maps, aerial photographs, etc.) 

b. Review Base, Command Post, and Hazard Site Evacuation Plans. 

c. Review Medical Plan. 

d. Review Organization Chart. 

e. Review current weather data and future weather forecasts. 

f. Develop recommendations for Incident Action Plan and Site Safety Plan. 

g. Attend briefings and planning meetings. 

E-6 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPT 

4. Advise the Hazardous Materials Group Supervisor (or Hazardous Materials 

Branch Director if activated) of deviations from the Site Safety Plan or of any 

dangerous situations. 

a. Maintain expedient form of communication with Hazardous Materials 

Group Supervisor. 

b. Brief Hazardous Materials Group on known or foreseeable problems and 

possible mitigation measures. 

c. Conduct frequent and continuous visual inspections to ensure compliance 

with the Site Safety Plan.

5. Exercise full authority to alter, suspend, or terminate any activity that may be

judged to be unsafe. 

a. Notify the Incident Safety Officer of altered, suspended, or terminated 

activities. 

b. Document attempted and completed communication relating to the use of 

this authority as soon as possible. Diagram, photograph, and obtain 

witnesses' names where possible. 

6. Ensure protection of the Hazardous Materials Group personnel from physical, 

environmental, and chemical hazards/exposures. 

a. Review and approve recommendations for Personal Protective Equipment 

and procedures relating to known hazardous materials involved. 

b. Observe Group operations personally and conduct interviews with 

operating personnel. 

c. Evaluate hazardous materials site safety based upon visual inspections and 

site intelligence. 

7. Ensure provision of required emergency medical services for assigned personnel 

and coordinate with the Medical Unit Leader. 

a. Maintain periodic communication with and review the Site Safety Plan 

with the Medical Unit Leader. 

b. Review Emergency Medical Management Protocol for a hazardous 

materials exposure with Medical Unit Leader. 

c. Review personnel, apparatus, and procedures provided for such protection, 

including standby EMS personnel, rescue devices, emergency field 

decontamination plan. 

E-7 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPT 

8. Ensure that medical related records for the Hazardous Materials Group personnel 

are maintained. 

Ensure that exposure records are completed and filed with Documentation Unit. 

9. Maintain Unit Log. 

a. Record significant events or actions taken on the Unit Log. 

b. Submit Unit Log through supervisor to the Documentation Unit at the end 

of each operational period. 

E-8 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

APPENDIX F 

GLOSSARY OF ACYRONYMS 

F-1 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

F-2 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS 

AFFF Aqueous Film Forming Foam--a type of water additive used 

for the extinguishing of flammable liquid fires and vapor

suppression. 

AIChE American Institute of Chemical Engineers. 

ALS Advanced Life Support--level of emergency medical care 

typified by paramedic capabilities. 

ARCHIE Automated Response for Chemical Hazard Incident Evaluation

--an IBM-compatible software program for use in hazard 

identification and analysis. 

BLS Basic Life Support--level of emergency medical care typified 

by emergency medical technician (EMT) capabilities. 

CAER Community Awareness and Emergency Response--a program 

developed by the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA)

to foster community/industry integrated emergency planning. 

CAMEO Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations--an 

Apple-compatible software program for the storage and 

retrieval of preplan data and response activities. 

CAS Chemical Abstract Service--Division of the American 

Chemical Society for the collection, listing, and dissemination 

of chemical data. 

CAS 

Number 

Standard reference number assigned to chemical substances 

registered with the CAS. 

CEO Chief Executive Officer.

CEPP Chemical Emergency Preparedness Program--an 

Environmental Protection Agency program designed to assist 

in the hazard and vulnerability analysis steps of emergency 

planning. Incorporated into SARA. 

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 

Liability Act of 1980--the original Superfund Act, primarily 

aimed at hazardous waste site identification and clean up. 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations--a series of 50 different 

documents that contain all Federal government regulations. 

F-3 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

CHEMTREC Chemical Transportation Emergency Center--24-hour-a-day

emergency information and assistance center operated by the 

Chemical Manufacturers Association. Toll-free emergency 

number: (800) 424-9300. 

CHRIS Chemical Hazard Response Information System--a series of 

reference manuals used to provide emergency response 

information regarding chemical release emergencies, 

developed by the U.S. Coast Guard. 

CMA Chemical Manufacturers Association--industrial group 

composed of many of the largest chemical manufacturers in the 

country. 

CWA Clean Water Act of 1970. 

CPG Civil Preparedness Guide--series of Federal Emergency 

Management Agency documents, primarily dealing with 

planning and preparedness. 

CPG 1-8 Guide for the Development of State and Local Emergency

Operations Plans.

CPG 1-8a Guide for the Review of State and Local Emergency 

Operations Plans.

DOC Department of Commerce. 

DOD Department of Defense. 

DOE Department of Energy. 

DOL Department of Labor. 

DOT Department of Transportation. 

EBS Emergency Broadcast System--voluntary system of broadcast 

stations (television and radio) designed to disseminate 

emergency public information. 

EHS Extremely Hazardous Substances--approximately 350 

chemicals with a very high degree of toxicity and the potential

to cause severe damage should they be accidentally released - 

originally identified in the CEPP. 

EM Emergency Manager.

F-4 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

EMI Emergency Management Institute - branch of the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), located at the 

National Emergency Training Center, Emmitsburg, MD. 

Involved in the development and delivery of training programs

involving emergency planning and preparedness. 

EMS Emergency Medical Services. 

EMT Emergency Medical Technician--a certified technician capable 

of injured victim assessment, triage, stabilization and 

transportation at the basic life support level (BLS). 

EOC Emergency Operations Center--a predetermined, protected site 

where governmental functions (overall management) and 

responsibilities will be carried out during a time of emergency. 

EOP Emergency Operations Plan--a plan designed to establish the

specific procedures and approaches to be used in the 

management of an emergency situation. 

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

ERG Emergency Response Guide--basic emergency information 

guide, developed and published by the Department of 

Transportation, for emergency response personnel involved in 

hazardous materials incidents. 

ERT Environmental Response Team--a group of highly trained 

specialists located in Edison, NJ, and Cincinnati, OH, available 

to assist the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) with analysis, 

evaluation, assessment, and cleanup technique information. 

ERT Emergency Response Team--designation often given to inhouse emergency response teams for specific facility or

industry. 

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

GEDAPER A seven-step decisionmaking process for emergency 

operations. 

HACS Hazard Assessment Communication System - computerized 

data system (part of CHRIS) available through the National 

Response Center (NRC). 

HHS Department of Health and Human Services. 

F-5 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

HIA Hazard Identification and Analysis--a three-step process used 

to identify the type, magnitude, and location of hazards, 

vulnerable areas, and probability of an incident. 

HMTUSA Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act 1990 

HVAC Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning--term commonly 

used to identify the air handling (heating, cooling, and 

ventilating) systems found within a structure. 

IC Incident Commander--the individual in charge of the Incident 

Command System used to manage operational personnel. 

ICS Incident Command System--an operational management 

system based upon the concepts of "span of control" and 

"functional responsibility." 

IDLH Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health--a measure of 

toxicity of a substance--the concentration of a toxin that is 

capable of causing irreparable injury or death. 

IEMS Integrated Emergency Management System. 

LC50 Lethal concentration of an inhaled substance that kills 50

percent of the exposed animal population. 

LD50 Lethal dose of an ingested substance that kills 50 percent of the 

exposed animal population. 

LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee--the local planning 

organization to be composed of a minimum of 15 members, 

established by SARA mandates (SARA sec. 301). 

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet--document containing specific 

information on the safe handling of chemicals in the workplace. 

NCP National Contingency Plan--general name given to the 

National Oil and Hazardous Substance Contingency Plan. 

Establishes the National Response System (NRS), found in #40 

CFR Part 300. 

NETC National Emergency Training Center--FEMA's main training 

facility, located in Emmitsburg, MD. Home of the National 

Fire Academy (NFA), Emergency Management Institute 

(EMI), and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). 

F-6 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

NFA National Fire Academy--a branch of FEMA located at the 

National Emergency Training Center, Emmitsburg, MD, 

involved in the development and delivery of training programs

for individuals involved in fire suppression, prevention, 

education and enforcement activities, and emergency medical 

services (EMS). 

NFPA National Fire Protection Association--professional 

organization dedicated to improving fire safety in this country. 

Involved in the development of many standards and training 

materials.

NRC National Response Center--established by the National

Response Team (NRT) to provide a single call that can activate 

the National Response System (NRS). A 24-hour-a-day 

emergency notification and information center, it is funded by 

DOT and EPA, and manned by USCG and Marine Science

Technicians. Toll-free number: (800) 424-8802. 

NRS National Response System--the national chemical emergency 

response system developed through the National Contingency 

Plan. 

NRT National Response Team--an organization consisting of 

representatives of 14 Federal agencies responsible for planning 

and coordination of chemical emergency response activities at 

the Federal level. Chaired by the EPA and Vice-chaired by 

USCG. 

NRT-1 Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide--issued by

the NRT to provide guidance for the development of State and 

local hazardous materials plans mandated in SARA Title III. It

shows a Federal consensus of approach. 

NRT-1a Criteria for Review of Hazardous Materials Emergency Plans

--issued by the NRT to assist in the assessment of hazardous 

materials emergency plans that are developed. 

NSF National Strike Force--present-day version of the original

USCG Strike Teams. Two teams available to provide 

assistance to the OSC; particularly well suited to assist in 

marine releases. Located on the Pacific and Gulf coasts. 

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INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

OSC Onscene Coordinator--predesignated, Federal representative 

found at the regional level. The OSC, either from EPA or

USCG, provides Federal direction and coordination of 

response and cleanup activities. 

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration--agency 

established by the OSH Act of 1972 to provide for a safe and 

healthy workplace. 

PIAT Public Information Assistance Team--public relations

specialists available through the OSC, for the purpose of 

maintaining the release of public information. 

PEL Permissible Exposure Limit--normally 8 hours, time-weighted 

average exposure level for employees. The average employee

can be exposed to these concentrations and should suffer no ill

effects. 

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976--provides 

for the proper handling, use, and disposal of chemicals 

manufactured and used in this country. Commonly referred to 

as "cradle to grave" tracking of chemicals. 

RIA Resource Identification and Analysis--a two-step process 

involving identification of available resources and 

determination of their capabilities. 

RRP Regional Response Plan--response plan developed at the 

regional level to meet the needs of each region. 

RRT Regional Response Team--13 regional teams composed of 

Federal and State representatives. One team for each of the 10 

Federal regions, Alaska, the Pacific Basin, and the Caribbean. 

RQ Reportable Quantities--the specified quantity of a particular 

hazardous substance that, if accidentally released, must be

reported to the LEPC and the NRC (SARA sec. 304). 

SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986--the 

act that reauthorized the Comprehensive Emergency Response, 

Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Amendments 

and additional requirements to CERCLA included Title III,

Emergency Response and Community Right-To-Know, and 

Title IV, Radon Gas and Indoor Air Quality Research. 

F-8 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

SERC State Emergency Response Commission--a State-level body, 

designated by the governor, to develop State-level emergency 

response planning systems, including oversight and review of 

LEPC's and their plans (SARA sec. 301). 

SIC Code Standard Industrial Classification Code--a standardized system

for classifying industries by operational types. Those found in 

codes 20 through 39 are required to provide annual release

information (SARA sec. 313). 

SOP Standard Operating Procedure--a specific description of the 

functions and responsibilities that members of a given 

organization are assigned to fulfill. Upon review of an SOP, 

an individual will know specifically what duties he or she is to 

perform. When effectively developed and used, SOP's provide 

the basis for training programs. 

SSC Scientific Support Coordinators--members of the OSC's staff 

who act as technical and scientific advisors, and contact for the

scientific community. 

TLV Threshold Limit Value--set of standards established by the 

American Conference of Governmental and Industrial 

Hygienists for workplace exposures. Values are time-weighted 

averages (average exposure concentration over a specific 

period of time). Several different types. 

1. TLV-ceiling--maximum exposure to which an 

employee MAY NOT be exposed at any time, without 

appropriate protective equipment. 

2. TLV-STEL (Short-Term Exposure Limit)--maximum

exposure, which an employee can receive for no longer 

than 15 minutes. 

3. TLV-TWA (Time-weighted Average)--average 

amount of exposure an individual can receive, 8 hours a 

day, over a 40-hour workweek, and suffer no ill effects.

TPQ Threshold Planning Quantity--the amount of extremely 

hazardous substances present at any one time, on the site, at or 

above which the facility must develop site-specific response

plans (SARA sec. 302). 

F-9 
INITIAL RESPONSE TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS: BASIC CONCEPTS 

TRQ Threshold Reportable Quantity--specific quantities of 

substances, above which a facility must report. Two different

types. 

1. Inventory Forms--quantities of substances above

which a facility must provide MSDS or inventories to 

the SERC, LEPC and local fire department (SARA sec. 

312). 

2. Routine Release Reporting--quantities of toxic 

substances used at a facility above which the facility is 

required to provide routine release information to the 

Administrator of EPA and a designated agent for each

governor. The information shall be reported by July 1 

of each year, for the preceding year (SARA sec. 313). 

USCG United States Coast Guard. 

USFA United States Fire Administration. 

F-10