Supporting Resilience to Hazardous Materials Incidents

PRE-DECISIONAL DRAFT i 

Hazardous Materials 

Incidents

Guidance for State, Local, Tribal, Territorial, and 

Private Sector Partners

August 2019
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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 1

Purpose .......................................................................................................................................... 1

Background ................................................................................................................................... 1

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OVERVIEW.............................................................................. 2

Health Risks Posed by Hazardous Materials................................................................................ 2

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE ............................................................................... 5

Risk-Based Response..................................................................................................................... 5

Medical Treatment........................................................................................................................ 5

Hazardous Materials Handling and Response Equipment .......................................................... 6

Federal Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents ................................................................... 8

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT PLANNING........................................................... 9

Benefits of Coordinated, Integrated Planning .............................................................................. 9

Planning Landscape ...................................................................................................................... 9

EFFECTIVE PRACTICES ...................................................................................................... 13

Land Use Policies..........................................................................................................................13

LEPC Leadership, Support, and Focus.......................................................................................13

Data-rich Risk Analysis................................................................................................................14

Training and Exercises.................................................................................................................14

Public Information and Warning.................................................................................................14

Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................15

APPENDIX A: RESOURCES .................................................................................................. 16

Hazardous Materials Regulations and Standards.......................................................................16

Federal Interagency Operational Plans (FIOPs).........................................................................18

General Hazardous Material Information...................................................................................18

Chemical Incident Information....................................................................................................19

Biological Incident Information...................................................................................................20

Nuclear/Radiological Incident Information.................................................................................20

Equipment ....................................................................................................................................21

Training ........................................................................................................................................21

Modeling Resources......................................................................................................................23

Data Collection and Aggregation Resources ...............................................................................24

APPENDIX B. ACRONYMS ................................................................................................... 25
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Introduction

Purpose

This document provides state, local, tribal, and territorial officials with information and resources 

to improve resilience to hazardous materials incidents. Resilience is the backbone of emergency 

management. The Nation’s ability to weather storms and disasters without experiencing loss 

significantly reduces our risk. In 2018, through the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk 

Assessment (THIRA) process and Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR), 50% of states and 

territories and 40% or tribal participants identified chemical and radiological hazardous material 

releases as a hazard of concern. This represents the most frequent technological hazard identified 

by the respondents; 27% identified radiological hazardous materials, the second highest 

technological hazard of concern.1 This document compiles information on existing resources and 

training developed by FEMA and other Federal and whole community partners. It is intended to

provide basic, high-level guidance and identifies additional resources and trainings from widely 

accepted authoritative sources on hazardous materials incidents. This guide provides an overview 

of: 

• Hazardous materials characteristics;

• Hazardous materials incident response; 

• Planning for hazardous materials incidents; and

• Practices to mitigate further damage to communities from hazardous materials.

Background

Hazardous materials can be found in every community. They are in almost every home and in 

most hospitals and factories. Hazardous materials are shipped every day via land, air, and sea 

pathways and are frequently used to inspect pipelines

If released, hazardous materials may cause harm to people, the environment, critical infrastructure, 

and property. Their potential for harm exists regardless of whether hazardous materials are

released by accident, malicious actor, fire, or weather-related event. 

Hazardous material incidents affect a range of stakeholders in the whole community. Workers in 

facilities who regularly use or handle hazardous materials, transportation carriers, nearby residents 

and students, first responders, and first receivers2 are all at risk of health impacts from hazardous 

materials.

Communities can increase their resilience to a hazardous materials incident in several ways, 

including reducing the likelihood of a release, being prepared to respond to a potential release, and 

effectively responding if a release does occur. 

 

1 Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 201: THIRA and SPR: https://www.fema.gov/threat-and-hazardidentification-and-risk-assessment. 2 First receivers are healthcare workers at risk to exposure of hazardous materials when healthcare facilities receive 

contaminated individuals during emergency response activities.
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Hazardous Materials Overview

According to the National Fire Protection 

Association (NFPA) 472: Standard for 

Competence of Responders to Hazardous 

Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, 

a hazardous material is defined as “matter (solid, 

liquid, or gas) or energy that when released is 

capable of creating harm to people, the 

environment, and property, including weapons of 

mass destruction, as defined in 18 U.S. Code, 

Section 2332a, as well as any other criminal use of 

hazardous materials, such as illicit labs, 

environmental crimes, or industrial sabotage.” 

Hazardous materials are categorized in several 

ways. The Department of Transportation (DOT) 

organizes substances into nine classes, listed in the 

callout to the right. Another system, outlined in 

NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification 

of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency 

Response,

3 identifies hazards by the severity of the 

hazard in three principal categories (health, 

flammability, and instability). 

Health Risks Posed by Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials vary greatly in the types of health risks they pose to humans. Emergency 

responders contend with the following potential health risks4 from hazardous materials. Thermal, 

Radiological, Asphyxiation, Chemical, Etiological, or Mechanical (TRACEM). The following 

sections briefly discuss each type of health risk.

Thermal Harm

Thermal harm results from exposure to temperature extremes. Thermal injuries can be external

(from contacting, or being in close proximity to, a fire or other heat source) or internal (from 

inhaling fumes or heated air). Thermal injuries can also include frostbite from contact with lowtemperature hazardous materials.

Radiological Harm

Radiological harm, perhaps the most misunderstood type of harm in the TRACEM model, results 

from exposure to radioactive materials. The most harmful types of radiation cannot be seen, felt or 

 

3 NFPA 704 can be found at: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-andstandards/detail?code=704. 4 NOTE: This document addresses only acute health risks. It does not cover health hazards from chronic or repeated 

long-term exposure to hazardous materials. 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Hazard Classification System

The hazard class of dangerous goods is 

indicated either by its class number or name.

 Class 1 – Explosives

 Class 2 – Gases

 Class 3 – Flammable liquids (and 

combustible liquids)

 Class 4 – Flammable solids; Substances 

liable to spontaneous combustion; 

Substances which, on contact with water, 

emit flammable gases

 Class 5 – Oxidizing substances and 

Organic peroxides

 Class 6 – Toxic (poisonous) substances 

 Class 7 – Radioactive materials

 Class 8 – Corrosive substances

 Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous 

goods/hazardous materials and articles
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smelled. Special detection devices are required to monitor and measure levels of radiation, and 

these devices are becoming more available to emergency responders.

Different types of radiation have different energy levels, and not all types are dangerous. For 

example, non-ionizing radiation (from sources such as fluorescent lights, radio waves, and 

microwaves) has enough energy to move atoms but not enough to alter them chemically. 

The radiation that poses a threat to humans is ionizing radiation, which can remove electrons from 

atoms and cause damage to living cells and DNA. Examples of ionizing radiation sources include 

medical isotopes used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, X-rays for imaging (medical and 

industrial), and some survey equipment.

Asphyxiation

Asphyxiation results from exposure to materials that reduce oxygen to levels that may cause 

suffocation. Asphyxiation typically occurs in confined spaces or with extremely concentrated 

forms of simple asphyxiants. Asphyxiants displace so much oxygen from the ambient atmosphere 

that the lungs can’t supply enough fully oxygenate the tissues and the victim slowly suffocates. 

Many asphyxiants (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane) are odorless and tasteless (unless odorants are

added), so that you could become unconscious without realizing an asphyxiants gas is present.

Chemical Harm

Chemical harm results from exposure to chemicals, including poisons and corrosives. Injuries and 

illness vary by material. Chemical agents are classified according to the potential severity of their 

effects. More information on the categories listed below is on the Department of Health and 

Human Services (HHS) Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management (CHEMM) website.

5

 

• Anticholinergic Agents

• Biotoxins

• Blister Agents/Vesicants

• Blood/Systemic Agents

• Caustics (Acids)

• Choking/Lung/Pulmonary Agents

• Convulsants

• Long-Acting Anticoagulants

• Metals

• Opioids

• Organophosphorus Pesticides and Nerve Agents

• Organic Solvents

• Riot Control Agents/Tear Gas

• Toxic Alcohols

• Vomiting Agents. 

 

5

For more on CHEMM visit: https://chemm.nlm.nih.gov/agentcategories.htm. 
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Etiological (Biological) Harm

Etiological (or biological) harm results from exposure to biological materials, which include 

bacteria, viruses, and biological toxins. Symptoms of etiological harm are often delayed, because

the pathogens often require time to multiply sufficiently to cause illness in the person carrying the 

pathogen.

Mechanical Harm

Mechanical harm results from exposure to, or contact with, fragmentation or debris scattered 

because of a pressure release, explosion, or boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE).6

Certain, predictable reactions occur during and immediately after an explosion, which routinely 

injure or kill anyone in close proximity. The degree of harm is closely related to the size of the 

explosion and proximity to the device. Sources of injury include:

• Fragmentation and flying debris – the most common sources of injury from an explosion. 

Harm may include impaled objects, bone and skull fracture, and evisceration.

• Blast overpressure – a rapid increase in air pressure caused by rapid gas expansion. Human 

harm includes ruptures to the eardrums, blood vessels, and organs, torn organs, and lung 

collapse.

• Secondary blast injuries – when a victim is thrown by the blast overpressure into other 

objects. Harm may include spinal injuries, bone, and skull fractures.

 

6 A BLEVE is an explosion caused by the rupture of a vessel containing a pressurized liquid that has reached 

temperatures above its boiling point.
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Hazardous Materials Response

In the event of a hazardous materials release or incident, first responders, transportation carriers, 

facility staff, and medical personnel use defined processes, treatment protocols, and equipment to 

contain and resolve the issue.

Risk-Based Response

Risk-Based Response Process

First responders use a risk-based response process7 known as APIE, which stands for “Analyze, 

Plan, Implement, and Evaluate,” when responding to an incident. This process allows responders 

to break a complex and potentially overwhelming response down into pieces to aid decision

making. The goal is to ensure responder health and safety while mitigating emergencies. The 

APIE process helps responders analyze the clues upon approaching the scene, determine a plan to 

improve the situation, implement the planned response actions to stabilize the incident, and 

evaluate the progress. 

Hazardous Material Identification and Response Resources

First responders use several resources to identify hazardous materials and respond appropriately: 

• The Emergency Response Guidebook8 (ERG), issued by DOT, aids in the rapid identification 

of the specific or generic hazards of the material(s) involved in a transportation incident. 

• Safety Data Sheets9 at facilities provide information on the properties of each chemical; the 

physical, health, and environmental hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for 

handling, storing, and transporting the chemical. 

• Additional resources include the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH) Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards,

10 CHEMTREC,11 and the Wireless Information 

System for Emergency Responders.

12

Appendix A contains links to all these resources.

Medical Treatment 

The CHEMM13 website and application, developed by HHS, enable first responders, first 

receivers, other healthcare providers, and planners to plan for, respond to, recover from, and 

 

7 The Risk-Based Response Process is outlined in NFPA 472 – Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous 

Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-andstandards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=472. 8

 ERG: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/erg/emergency-response-guidebook-erg. 9 Safety Data Sheets: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3514.html. 10 NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/default.html. 11 CHEMTREC: https://www.chemtrec.com/resources. 12 Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders: https://wiser.nlm.nih.gov/. 13 CHEMM Home Page: https://chemm.nlm.nih.gov/. 
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mitigate the effects of mass-casualty incidents involving chemicals. The site includes best 

practices, information, and guidelines on patient management; what to do in the first minutes; and 

initial on-site activities.

Similarly, the Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REMM)14 website and application

provide guidance for healthcare providers, primarily physicians, about clinical diagnosis and 

treatment of radiation injuries during radiological and nuclear emergencies.

Hazardous Materials Handling and Response Equipment

The type of equipment needed to handle, store, or deal with hazardous materials varies based on 

the type of material/substance and the situation. First responders, employees at facilities that store 

hazardous material, and anyone that encounters hazardous materials should read Safety Data 

Sheets and labels, follow existing procedures, and understand how to equip themselves to ensure 

their personal safety. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is a main source of protection for emergency response and recovery workers. Routes of 

exposure include inhalation, dermal contact, ingestion, or contact through mucous membranes. 

Therefore, essential protective equipment includes respirators, eye protection, hearing protection, 

and protective clothing (e.g., gas masks, gloves, overalls, boots, goggles). Depending on the type 

and severity of the hazard, the recommendations on the use of protective equipment can change. 

NIOSH maintains a website on PPE15 for emergency responders. This site provides information on

properly using protective equipment under different conditions and situations, as well as in-depth 

information concerning the proper selection and use of respirators.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also produced a guide on workplace 

PPE.

16 This guide helps both employers and employees:

• Understand the types of PPE

• Know the basics of conducting a hazards assessment of the workplace

• Select appropriate PPE for a variety of circumstances

• Understand the training needed to properly use and care for PPE. 

Response Equipment

When responding to hazardous materials incidents, specialized equipment is often necessary. The 

Interagency Board (IAB) for Emergency Preparedness and Response17 maintains a list of almost 

800 items recommended to Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government organizations to

prepare for and respond to incidents. The Standardized Equipment List18 provides generic 

 

14 REMM: https://www.remm.nlm.gov/. 15 Emergency Response Resources: Personal Protective Equipment: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/ppe.html. 16 OSHA 3151-12: Personal Protective Equipment: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf. 17 The IAB is a voluntary collaborative panel of emergency preparedness and response practitioners, representing all 

levels of government and operational, technical, and support organizations. 18 IAB Standardized Equipment List: https://www.interagencyboard.org/sel. 
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equipment recommendations for 

28 missions, organized by mission 

(e.g., Law Enforcement: 

Preventive Rad/Nuc Detection) 

and sublists (e.g., Detection, 

Decontamination, Medical). 

The Standardized Equipment List 

aligns with the Authorized 

Equipment List (AEL)19 produced 

by FEMA. The AEL provides 

approved equipment types 

allowed under FEMA’s 

preparedness grant programs. The 

intended audience for this tool 

includes emergency managers, 

first responders, and other 

homeland security professionals. 

The AEL consists of 21 

equipment categories divided into 

categories, sub-categories, and individual equipment items (Figure 1). It does not include 

commercially available products, only equipment types. 

Mutual Aid and Resource Typing

Not all jurisdictions have the resources on hand to address hazardous materials incidents. 

Communities should use the resource management principles of the National Incident 

Management System (NIMS) to leverage the resources of neighboring jurisdictions through 

mutual aid agreements, private sector partnerships, and volunteer organization involvement. 

Resource typing is a key activity of resource management—defining and categorizing incident 

resources by capability to establish a common language for discussing resources. The Resource 

Typing Library Tool (RTLT) is an online catalog of NIMS resource typing definitions and job 

titles/position qualifications that communities can use to manage any incident, including those 

involving hazardous materials. The RTLT and all NIMS resource typing definitions and job 

titles/position qualifications released by FEMA are at https://rtlt.preptoolkit.org. Use the following 

NIMS resource types (in the RTLT) to manage hazardous materials incidents:

• Hazardous Materials Research Specialist

• Hazardous Materials Response Team

• Hazardous Materials Response Team Leader

• Hazardous Materials Technician 

Information on creating mutual aid agreements is in the NIMS Guideline for Mutual Aid.

20

 

19 Authorized Equipment List: https://www.fema.gov/authorized-equipment-list. 20 NIMS Guideline for Mutual Aid: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/151799. 

Figure 1: The Authorized Equipment List
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Federal Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents

The National Response System21 (Figure 2) is the mechanism the Federal government uses to 

respond to a wide range of hazardous materials releases. 

When a release or spill of oil 

or a regulated hazardous 

material exceeds a specified 

trigger,

22 the organization 

responsible for the release or 

spill is required by law to 

notify the National 

Response Center at 1-800-

424-8802. This center is run 

24 hours a day by the Coast 

Guard. 

Once a report is made, the 

National Response Center 

immediately notifies a 

designated On-Scene 

Coordinator in the region, as 

well as state, local, tribal, 

and territorial emergency 

personnel. The On-Scene 

Coordinator coordinates 

with the state, tribe, or 

territory, other personnel on 

site, and the Potentially 

Responsible Party 

(responsible for the release 

or spill) to determine the 

status of the response.

The On-Scene Coordinator 

determines whether, or 

how much, Federal 

involvement is necessary and deploys the needed resources. The On-Scene Coordinator also 

ensures that the cleanup, whether accomplished by industry or Federal, state, local, tribal, or 

territorial officials, is appropriate, timely, and minimizes human and environmental damage.

 

21 The National Response System is part of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, 

commonly called the National Contingency Plan. More information can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/emergencyresponse/national-oil-and-hazardous-substances-pollution-contingency-plan-ncp-overview. 22 Information on reporting requirements is available at: https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response/when-are-yourequired-report-oil-spill-and-hazardous-substance-release. 

Figure 2: National Response System Flowchart
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Hazardous Materials Incident 

Planning

Planning for hazardous materials incidents and 

releases occurs at all levels of government and 

within the private sector. Many of these plans are 

required by regulations or as a requirement to 

receive Federal grant assistance. 

Benefits of Coordinated, 

Integrated Planning232425

Coordinating and integrating planning efforts and 

plans allows organizations to know their roles, 

understand how plans fit together, identify and 

address gaps, execute their plans, and coordinate 

activities in the event of an incident. Organizations 

must integrate plans vertically and horizontally.

• Vertical integration incorporates planning 

across various scales within a specific function. 

For example, industry plans should vertically 

integrate with local emergency response plans. 

• Horizontal integration incorporates planning 

across various organizations and jurisdictions. 

For example, neighboring jurisdictions should 

horizontally integrate their plans. 

This integration builds a common understanding of relevant capabilities, relationships, objectives, 

and resource requirements.

Planning Landscape

A variety of plans are developed by facilities, by state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, 

and by the Federal government to help prepare for hazardous materials incidents. All these plans 

 

23 Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 201: Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment and 

Stakeholder Preparedness Review: https://www.fema.gov/threat-and-hazard-identification-and-risk-assessment. 24 The National Response Center Database can identify previously reported incidents. The search form is at 

http://www.rtk.net/erns/search.php. 25 Commodity flow studies are a special kind of transportation analysis to identify the types and amounts of hazardous 

materials transported through a specified geographic area. Information on conducting one is in the Guidebook for 

Conducting Local Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Studies at https://www.nap.edu/download/14559. 

Risk-Based Planning

Planning efforts for hazardous materials 

incidents should be risk-based and use the 

THIRA process and SPR21 In the THIRA 

process, communities consider the following 

questions:

 What are the hazardous material 

accident risks of transportation and 

facilities in the community, and how are 

they being prevented?22

 Are commodity flow studies23 included as 

part of analyzing transportation risks? 

 Based upon the identified risks, what are 

the plans and capabilities of the response 

organizations and the community should 

an accident occur? 

 What are the roles and responsibilities of 

all community members (i.e., public and 

private sector partners) during a 

hazardous materials incident?

 What capability gaps exist, and what 

plans might be put in place to fill those 

gaps, based on community priorities?
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are most effective when a wide range of stakeholders are involved in the planning process and the 

plans are coordinated and integrated. Below are some of the plans that should be developed: 

Industry Risk Management Plans

Facilities holding more than a threshold quantity26 of a regulated substance in a process are 

required by Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act Amendments to develop and submit a Risk 

Management Plan (RMP) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that includes: 

• A hazard assessment detailing the potential effects of an accidental release, an accident history 

of the last five years, and an evaluation of worst-case and alternative accidental releases; 

• A prevention program that includes safety precautions and maintenance, monitoring, and 

employee training measures; and

• An emergency response program that details emergency health care, employee training 

measures, and procedures for informing the public and response agencies (e.g., the fire 

department) should an accident occur.

First Responder Site-Specific Plans

First responders conduct site-specific pre-incident planning to help understand the potential 

hazards they may face at a given facility (e.g., commercial, industrial, recreational). Pre-planning 

site visits allow responders to:

• Recognize and identify the hazardous materials at each facility;

• See what each facility manufactures, how supplies are stored, and what equipment is used;

• Obtain specific data on each potentially hazardous material; and

• Review the facility’s emergency plans.

State/Tribal/Territorial Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) 

States, tribes, and territories receiving emergency preparedness grant assistance from FEMA are 

required to develop EOPs and update them at least once every two years. These plans are 

community-based, risk-informed, and all-hazard. 

Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency 

Operations Plans27 outlines a process for developing EOPs. 

Local Emergency Planning Committee Response Planning 

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act28 (EPCRA), also known as Title III 

of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, created a new relationship among all 

levels of government, business and community leaders, environmental and other public-interest 

organizations, and individual citizens. EPCRA required state governors to designate State 

Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs). SERCs, in turn, designated over 3,500 local 

emergency planning districts and appointed Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) for 

 

26 RMP Applicability Guidance: https://www.epa.gov/rmp/general-rmp-guidance-chapter-1-general-applicability. 27 CPG 101: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/25975. 28 EPCRA: https://www.epa.gov/epcra. 
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each district. LEPCs form partnerships with 

governments and industries as a resource for 

enhancing hazardous materials preparedness. 

Local governments are responsible for 

integrating hazardous materials planning and 

response within their jurisdictions. This includes: 

• Ensuring the local hazard analysis adequately 

addresses hazardous materials incidents; 

• Incorporating planning for hazardous 

materials incidents into the local and tribal 

emergency plan and annexes; 

• Assessing developing hazardous materials 

response capability using local resources, 

mutual aid and contractors; 

• Training responders; and

• Exercising the plan. 

Similar to state responsibilities, the CEO of a 

tribe appoints the Tribal Emergency Response 

Commission (TERCs). TERCs have the same 

responsibilities as SERCs. TERCs designate 

Tribal Emergency Planning Committees with the 

same responsibilities as LEPCs. 

Area, Regional, and National Contingency Plans

The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (the National 

Contingency Plan) is the Federal Government’s blueprint to respond to oil spills and hazardous 

substance releases. This plan establishes the National Response Team, the National Response 

System, and 13 Regional Response Teams.

Each Regional Response Team develops a Regional Contingency Plan to coordinate effective 

regional response. Additionally, 36 Coastal and 13 Inland Areas have Area Contingency Plans. 

Federal Interagency Operational Plans (FIOPs)

FIOPs describe roles and responsibilities, specify critical tasks, and identify Federal resourcing 

requirements to deliver national preparedness core capabilities for all hazards. Three annexes to 

the Response and Recovery FIOPs specify the organizations and processes the Federal 

government uses to respond to and recover from major hazardous materials incidents:

• Oil/Chemical Incident Annex to the Response and Recovery FIOPs29

 

29 Oil/Chemical Incident Annex: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/154962. 

Required Elements of LEPC and TEPC 

Emergency Response Plans

LEPCs/TEPCs must develop plans with the 

following elements (or ensure that other local 

plans such as EOPs incorporate them).

 Identify facilities containing, and 

transportation routes carrying, extremely 

hazardous substances

 Describe emergency response procedures, 

on and off site

 Designate a community coordinator and 

facility emergency coordinator(s) to 

implement the plan

 Outline emergency notification procedures

 Describe how to determine the probable 

affected area and population by releases

 Describe local emergency equipment and 

facilities and persons responsible for them

 Outline evacuation plans

 Outline a training program for emergency 

responders (including schedules)

 Establish methods and schedules for 

exercising emergency response plans
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• Biological Incident Annex to the Response and Recovery FIOPs30

• Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex to the Response and Recovery FIOPs.

31

 

30 Biological Incident Annex: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/152894. 31 Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/25554. 
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Effective Practices

Communities can increase their resilience to hazardous materials incidents in many ways. This 

section outlines several practices that communities can use to reduce the likelihood of an incident 

and limit the consequences if an incident does occur. 

Land Use Policies

The location of hazardous materials facilities is a critical factor in mitigating risk. Proximity of 

these facilities to residential areas and businesses creates the potential for devastating impacts 

should a release or explosion occur. Jurisdictions should consider zoning and regulations to ensure 

that hazardous facilities are not located near residents, schools, and businesses and that future 

development is restricted within a certain distance of facilities that store hazardous materials.

Additionally, some jurisdictions require certain types of facilities (e.g., natural gas wells) to 

coordinate with local first responders and produce emergency plans as part of the permitting 

process. This prepares facilities for a hazardous materials incident and ensures first responders are 

aware of and prepared to respond to a new potential facility that contains hazardous materials. 

Case Study: Land Use Policy

On April 17, 2013, an explosion occurred at a facility located in the city of West, Texas, that was 

storing 30 tons of fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate. It killed 15 and injured hundreds. Nearby 

homes and businesses were severely damaged, and many were destroyed. 

Lack of effective zoning restrictions was one issue that led to the severity of this incident. The 

facility in West was built in an area of open fields in 1961, but the area did not have any 

regulations restricting encroachment. Over the subsequent 50 years, two schools, a playground, 

an apartment complex, and a nursing home were all built in proximity to the fertilizer facility.

LEPC Leadership, Support, and Focus

LEPCs must include, at a minimum, local officials, including police, fire, emergency 

management, public health, transportation, and environmental professionals, as well as 

representatives of facilities subject to the emergency planning requirements, community groups, 

and the media. Some communities also include additional members from community water 

systems, healthcare coalitions, community emergency response teams, and/or school districts. 

While LEPCs must plan for chemical hazards, using an all-hazards approach is an excellent whole 

community resource for all emergency management planning. Strong leadership by the committee 

chair and strong support by local government are critical elements in an effective LEPC. 
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Data-rich Risk Analysis

Facilities are subject to multiple regulations from Federal agencies, and the data provided through 

compliance with these regulations can enhance planning and preparedness efforts. Sources to 

consider include: 

• Facilities required to submit Tier II data32 as part of EPCRA; 

• Facilities required to submit through the Toxic Release Inventory33 program: 

• Facilities that are Large Quantity Generators34 of hazardous waste; 

• Facilities that are required to submit RMPs35 to the EPA; and

• Facilities that are part of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards36 program. 

Training and Exercises

Due to effective regulations, the number of “working” 

hazardous material incidents has decreased in recent 

decades. While this decrease is a great success, it also 

means many government officials and first responders 

have not had the opportunity to develop incident-based 

experience, which is important to a risk-based response 

decision making process. First responders are also less 

familiar and comfortable with PPE, which can 

significantly affect their performance. 

Effective, risk-based training and exercises are critically 

needed to prepare government officials and first

responders to act quickly and effectively during hazardous 

material release or incidents. Minimum training levels 

should be based on established industry standards and be 

assessed with valid, reliable testing that leads to 

certification by accredited agencies.

Public Information and Warning

Having a plan in place and pre-identified mechanisms to disseminate information to the public 

keeps people safe and reduces the burden on the response effort. When a hazardous materials 

incident occurs, information on the incident and recommended protective actions by the public 

must be disseminated quickly. The initial intent is to inform the individuals at risk and share the 

recommended protective actions they should take. This information should be verified and 

coordinated with the appropriate responding organizations. 

 

32 Tier II data: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/tier-ii-forms-and-instructions. 33 Toxic Release Inventory: https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program. 34 Hazardous Waste Generator: https://www.epa.gov/hwgenerators/categories-hazardous-waste-generators. 35 RMP Rule: https://www.epa.gov/rmp. 36 Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards: https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/chemical-facility-anti-terrorism-standards. 

Hazardous Material Spill/

Contamination Exercise Starter 

Kit

The National Exercise Division 

within FEMA developed a 

customizable tabletop exercise to 

examine the ability of a jurisdiction 

or organization to respond to and 

recover from a hazardous material 

spill/contamination either at a facility 

or by train derailment.

The exercise starter kit contains a 

situation manual, facilitator’s guide, 

slide deck, and scene-setter videos. 

Download it from the Preparedness 

Toolkit: 

https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/web/emtoolkits/psp-1/test. NOTE: Free 

registration is required to access 

this section of the Preparedness 

Toolkit.
Hazardous Materials Incidents

15

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) allows designated Federal, state, local, 

tribal, and territorial alerting authorities to disseminate location specific alerts and warnings 

simultaneously through multiple pathways.37 Designated authorities write their own message to be 

delivered simultaneously through television, cell phone, home phone, radio, computer, and public 

signage.

The information should also be accessible to all community members, including individuals with

access and functional needs, to include those with disabilities and those who do not speak English 

or speak it as a second language. FEMA produced a PrepTalk38 on Modernizing Public Warning 

Messaging39 that presents research on how to design and disseminate alerts and warning 

information to encourage public action.

Conclusion

Hazardous materials are ubiquitous in every American community. Incidents and releases can and 

will continue to occur. Hazardous materials incidents are perhaps the most relatable and scalable, 

from neighborhood to national level incidents with the potential for devastating long term impacts 

to the environment and the economy. However, communities have information and resources 

available to help them understand their risks, reduce the likelihood of an incident, and be prepared 

to effectively respond to and recover from an incident or release that does occur. 

Preparing for a hazardous material incident is not a one-time-only activity. Community hazardous 

materials change, personnel take different positions, and new threats emerge. Therefore, 

preparedness for hazardous material incidents must be conducted continuously.

 

37 IPAWS: https://www.fema.gov/integrated-public-alert-warning-system. 38 PrepTalks are video presentations by subject-matter experts and thought leaders to spread new ideas, spark 

conversation, and promote innovative leadership for current and future issues confronting emergency managers.

https://www.fema.gov/preptalks. 39 PrepTalks: Modernizing Public Warning Messaging: https://www.fema.gov/preptalks/mileti. 
Hazardous Materials Incidents

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Appendix A: Resources

This appendix contains lists of resources in the following categories:

• Hazardous Materials Regulations and Standards

• Federal Interagency Operational Plans (FIOPs) 

• General Hazardous Material Information

• Chemical Incident Information

• Biological Incident Information

• Nuclear/Radiological Incident Information

• Equipment 

• Training

• Modeling Resources

• Data Collection and Aggregation Resources

The links on the following resources provide additional information, summaries, or overviews of 

the regulations and legislation referenced.

Hazardous Materials Regulations and Standards

• Atomic Energy Act (1954): The fundamental U.S. law on both the civilian and military uses 

of nuclear materials. It addresses the development and regulates the uses of nuclear materials 

and facilities in the United States. (https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/governing-laws.html) 

• Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS): Regulatory program focused 

specifically on security at high-risk chemical facilities to ensure security measures are in place 

to reduce the risk of certain hazardous chemicals being weaponized. 

(https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/chemical-facility-anti-terrorism-standards)

• Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(r) (1990): Required the EPA to publish regulations and 

guidance for chemical accident prevention at facilities using substances that pose the greatest 

risk of harm from accidental releases. (https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview) 

• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) 

(1980): Created a tax on chemical and petroleum industries and provided Federal authority to 

respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger 

public health or the environment. (https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-cercla-overview) 

• Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) (1986): Also known 

as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. Protects human health and 

the environment by providing communities and their emergency planners with valuable 

information on the toxic chemicals present in their communities. (https://www.epa.gov/epcra) 

• Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (1975): Empowered the Secretary of 

Transportation to designate as hazardous material a “particular quantity or form” of a material 
Hazardous Materials Incidents

17

that “may pose an unreasonable risk to health and safety or property.” 

(https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trucking_industry/transportinghazardousmaterials.html) 

• NFPA Codes and Standards: The NFPA publishes more than 300 consensus codes and 

standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. Many of them relate 

directly to hazardous materials, including those listed below. (https://www.nfpa.org/Codesand-Standards/All-Codes-and-Standards/List-of-Codes-and-Standards) 

– NFPA 400: Hazardous Material Code

– NFPA 471: Recommended Practice for Responding to Hazardous Material Incidents

– NFPA 472: Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of 

Mass Destruction Incidents

– NFPA 473: Standard for Competencies for EMS Personnel Responding to Hazardous 

Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents

– NFPA 475: Recommended Practice for Organizing, Managing, and Sustaining a 

Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Response Program 

– NFPA 1072: Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency 

Response Personnel Professional Qualifications.

• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) (1970): Requires employers to provide a place 

of employment free from recognized hazards to safety and health, such as exposure to toxic 

chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, or unsanitary 

conditions. (https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-occupational-safety-and-healthact) 

• OSHA – Hazard Communication Standard – 1910.1200: Requires employers to identify the 

hazards present in the workplace. Specifically, requires chemical manufacturers and importers 

to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import and document hazard 

information on labels and safety data sheets. 

(https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3514.html) 

• OSHA – Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) – 

1910.120: Addresses medical surveillance programs, training, emergency response planning, 

incident management systems, decontamination procedures, and equipment selection and 

maintenance. (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/hazwoper/index.html) 

• Price-Anderson Nuclear Industries Indemnity Act (1957): Covers liability claims of 

members of the public for personal injury and property damage caused by a commercial 

nuclear power plant accident. (https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/factsheets/nuclear-insurance.html) 

• Project BioShield Act (2004): Authorizes expedited procurement, streamlined personnel 

appointments, expedited peer review, biomedical countermeasures procurement, emergency 

use of medical countermeasures, and other biodefense activities. 

(http://www.astho.org/Programs/Preparedness/Public-Health-Emergency-Law/EmergencyUse-Authorization-Toolkit/Project-BioShield-Act-Fact-Sheet/) 

• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (1976): The primary law governing the 

disposal of solid and hazardous waste at active and future facilities. 

(https://www.epa.gov/rcra/resource-conservation-and-recovery-act-rcra-overview) 
Hazardous Materials Incidents

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• Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) (1986): Amended CERCLA to 

address lessons learned and stress the importance of permanent remedies and innovative 

treatment technologies in cleaning up hazardous waste sites.

(https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-amendments-and-reauthorization-act-sara) 

Federal Interagency Operational Plans (FIOPs)

FIOPs provide detailed descriptions of roles and responsibilities, specify critical tasks, and 

identify Federal resourcing requirements for delivering national preparedness core capabilities.

(https://www.fema.gov/federal-interagency-operational-plans) 

• Response FIOP: How the Federal Government coordinates its efforts to save lives, protect 

property and the environment, and meet basic human needs following an emergency or 

disaster. (https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1471452095112-

507e23ad4d85449ff131c2b025743101/Response_FIOP_2nd.pdf) 

• Recovery FIOP: The concept of operations for integrating and synchronizing existing 

national-level Federal capabilities to support state, local, tribal, and territorial recovery. 

(https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1471451918443-

dbbb91fec8ffd1c59fd79f02be5afddd/Recovery_FIOP_2nd.pdf) 

• Biological Incident Annex to the Response and Recovery FIOPs: Guidance and reference 

for Federal agency planning efforts involving biological incidents. 

(https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/152894) 

• Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex to the Response and Recovery FIOPs: The policies, 

situations, concept of operations, and responsibilities of Federal departments and agencies 

governing the immediate response and short-term recovery activities for incidents involving 

the release of radioactive materials. (https://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/documents/25554) 

• Oil/Chemical Incident Annex to the Response and Recovery FIOPs: The process and 

organizational constructs that Federal departments and agencies use to respond to threats or 

incidents causing oil spills or chemical releases, whether resulting from deliberate acts of 

terrorism or crime, accidents, or natural disasters. (https://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/documents/154962) 

General Hazardous Material Information

• Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG): Information for first responders on how to identify 

and respond to hazardous materials involved in a transportation incident. 

(https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/erg/emergency-response-guidebook-erg) 

• Guidebook for Conducting Local Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Studies: 

Developed by the Transportation Research Board; supports risk assessment, emergency 

response preparedness, resource allocation, and analyses of hazardous commodity flows across 

jurisdictions. (https://www.nap.edu/download/14559. NOTE: Free registration is required to 

access this) 

• Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide: Helps communities plan for hazardous 

materials incidents. (epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-

09/documents/cleannrt10_12_distiller_complete.pdf) 
Hazardous Materials Incidents

19

• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Outreach and 

Engagement Program Web-Portal: A plethora of hazardous material resources, including 

publications, training, and webinars. (https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/hazardousmaterials-outreach-engagement) 

• Ready.gov Hazardous Materials Incidents Webpage: Information on actions that 

individuals should take, both to prepare for hazardous materials incidents and if an incident 

occurs. (https://www.ready.gov/hazardous-materials-incidents) 

• Technical Guidance for Hazards Analysis: Emergency Planning for Extremely 

Hazardous Substances: Helps facilitate community awareness of the potential risks of 

chemical releases while helping the community to plan for, respond to, and reduce those risks. 

(epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-

08/documents/technical_guidance_for_hazard_analysis.pdf) 

• Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response (TRANSCAER): 

Resources and training to help communities prepare for and respond to a possible hazardous 

material transportation incident. (https://www.transcaer.com/) 

• Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER): Assists emergency 

responders in hazardous material incidents. Provides a wide range of information on hazardous 

substances, including substance identification support, physical characteristics, human health 

information, and containment and suppression advice. (https://wiser.nlm.nih.gov/) 

Chemical Incident Information

• Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention on Tribal Lands: Familiarizes tribal 

leaders with EPCRA and CAA Section 112(r) Risk Management Program requirements and 

how these laws promote an integrated approach to chemical safety on tribal lands. 

(epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-06/documents/tribal_fact_sheet_06-16-16.pdf) 

• Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management (CHEMM): Resources to enable first 

responders, first receivers, other healthcare providers, and planners to plan for, respond to, 

recover from, and mitigate the effects of mass-casualty incidents involving chemicals. 

(https://chemm.nlm.nih.gov/) 

• CHEMTREC – American Chemistry Council – Resources: This web-portal provides 

approved decal suppliers, fact sheets, and case studies by chemical industry leaders. 

(https://www.chemtrec.com/resources) 

• Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO): Four software 

applications, developed by the EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, to plan for and respond to chemical emergencies.

(https://www.epa.gov/cameo/what-cameo-software-suite): 

– CAMEOfm: Assists with data management requirements under the Emergency Planning 

and Community Right-to-Know Act. (https://www.epa.gov/cameo/cameo-software) 

– CAMEO Chemicals: Contains critical response information for thousands of chemicals.

(https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/) 

– Mapping Application for Response, Planning, and Local Operational Tasks

(MARPLOT): Links to CAMEOfm to store information on facilities and display potential 
Hazardous Materials Incidents

20

or actual chemical release scenarios to determine potential impacts and aid decisionmaking. (https://www.epa.gov/cameo/marplot-software) 

– Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres (ALOHA): This atmospheric dispersion 

model can be used to evaluate releases of hazardous chemical vapors.

(https://www.epa.gov/cameo/aloha-software) 

• Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Web Portal: 

Information, training, and planning resources for the requirements of EPCRA. 

(https://www.epa.gov/epcra) 

– EPCRA Online Training for States, Tribes, and LEPCs (https://epawebconferencingevents.acms.com/content/connect/c1/7/en/events/event/private/542791/97171446/event_la

nding.html?sco-id=97166143&_charset_=utf-8)

• NIOSH - Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: A concise source of general industrial 

hygiene information for workers, employers, and occupational health professionals. 

(https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005-149/default.html) 

• Responsible Care – American Chemistry Council: Multiple resources from the chemical 

manufacturing industry’s environmental, health, safety, and security performance initiative. 

(https://responsiblecare.americanchemistry.com/default.aspx) 

• Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Database: Tracks the management of toxic chemicals that 

may pose a threat to human health and the environment. (https://www.epa.gov/toxics-releaseinventory-tri-program/tri-data-and-tools) 

Biological Incident Information

• Preparation and Planning for Bioterrorism Emergencies: Resources from the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention to plan and prepare for a possible bioterrorism attack. 

(https://emergency.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/prep.asp) 

Nuclear/Radiological Incident Information

• Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REMM): Guidance from HHS for health care 

providers, primarily physicians, about clinical diagnosis and treatment of radiation injuries 

during radiological and nuclear emergencies. (https://www.remm.nlm.gov/) 

• Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program – Resource Library: Provides 

state, local, tribal, and territorial governments with planning, training, and exercise guidance 

and policies to ensure that adequate capabilities exist to prevent, protect against, mitigate the 

effects of, respond to, and recover from incidents involving commercial nuclear power plants 

(NPPs). The Reference Library includes guidance, manuals, regulations and tools for Federal, 

state, local, tribal and territory government entities. (https://www.fema.gov/reference-library) 

• U.S. Department of Energy – Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program: 

Provides planning tools, training, and exercises to help first responders effectively respond to 

accidents of shipments of radioactive material. (https://www.energy.gov/em/services/wastemanagement/packaging-and-transportation/transportation-emergency-preparedness) 
Hazardous Materials Incidents

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• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission – Emergency Preparedness & Response: 

Information on preparing for a radiological incident or emergency. 

(https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/emerg-preparedness.html) 

Equipment

• Authorized Equipment List (AEL): Identifies approved equipment types allowed under 

FEMA’s preparedness grant programs. (fema.gov/authorized-equipment-list) 

• NIOSH - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Website: Information on proper use of 

protective equipment under different conditions and situations and in-depth information on

properly selecting and using respirators. (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/ppe.html) 

• OSHA - PPE: Helps employers and employees understand the types of PPE, know the basics 

of conducting a workplace hazard assessment, select appropriate PPE for a variety of 

circumstances, and understand the training to properly use and care for PPE. 

(osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf) 

• Resource Typing - Response Environmental Response/Health and Safety - Hazardous 

Materials Response Team: Resource type 508 in the Environmental Response/Health and 

Safety Core Capability. (https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public) 

• Resource Typing - Response Environmental Response/Health and Safety - Hazardous 

Materials Technician: Resource type 509 in the Environmental Response/Health and Safety 

Core Capability. (https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public) 

• Standardized Equipment List: Contains almost 800 items recommended to Federal, state, 

local, tribal, and territorial government organizations to prepare for and respond to incidents.

(https://www.interagencyboard.org/sel) 

Training

• FEMA National Training and Education Division: Prepares state and local first responders 

to prevent, protect, respond to, and recover from manmade and natural catastrophic events. 

NTED also provides services to the private sector and the general public. FEMA provides 

training throughout the year. Relevant hazardous-materials-related courses are included in the 

table below. To find out more information on the following courses, course eligibility, or 

registration, visit (https://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/) 

Course # Course Title Delivery

AWR111-W 

Basic Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Concepts for 

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive 

(CBRNE) Events

Online/Distance 

Learning

AWR-160 Standardized Awareness Training Mobile/Non-Resident, 

Resident, Indirect

AWR160-F 

Conocimiento Sobre Armas de Destruccion Masiva/Terrorismo 

para Socorristas (WMD/Terrorism Awareness for Emergency 

Responders)

Online/Distance 

Learning
Hazardous Materials Incidents

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Course # Course Title Delivery

AWR160-W Terrorism Awareness for Emergency First Responders Online/Distance 

Learning

AWR176-W Disaster Recovery for Information Systems Online/Distance 

Learning

MGT-457 On-Scene Crisis Leadership & Decision Making for HazMat 

Incidents Mobile/Non-Resident

MGT-458 Building Whole Community Engagement through Local 

Emergency Planning Committees Mobile/Non-Resident

MGT-360 Incident Command: Capabilities, Planning and Response 

Actions for All Hazards

Mobile/Non-Resident, 

Resident

PER-211 Medical Management of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, 

Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Events Mobile/Non-Resident

PER-212 Operational Level Response to HazMat/WMD Incidents Mobile/Non-Resident

PER-261 Hazardous Materials Technologies: Monitoring, Detection, and 

Sampling Resident

PER-267 Emergency Medical Operations for CBRNE Incidents Resident

PER-271 Emergency Medical Response Awareness for CBRNE Incidents Mobile/Non-Resident, 

Resident

PER-322 Hazardous Materials Operations Resident

PER-365 Emergency Response to HazMat Incidents Resident

PER-902 Hospital Emergency Response Training for Mass Casualty 

Incidents Resident

PER-904 Radiological Emergency Response Operations Mobile/Non-Resident, 

Resident

PER-905 Advanced Radiological Incident Operations Resident

• Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC): A member of the National 

Domestic Preparedness Consortium, provides training for Hazardous Materials Response to 

Surface Transportation incidents, relevant to all forms of surface transportation. Example 

courses are listed below. Example courses are listed below. For more information on SERTC, 

visit: (https://sertc.org/)

Course # Course Title

PER-290 Tank Car Specialist (TCS)

PER-291 Highway Emergency Response Specialist (HERS) 

PER-292 Leadership and Management of Surface Transportation Incidents (LMSTI)
Hazardous Materials Incidents

23

Course # Course Title

PER-293 HazMat/WMD Technician for Surface Transportation (HWMDTST)

PER-326 Surface Transportation Emergency Preparedness and Security for Freight by Rail or 

Highway (STEPS Freight)

PER-327 Crude Oil Class 3 Flammable Liquid Emergencies Transported by Rail (FLE-RR)

PER-330 The Surface Transportation Emergency Preparedness and Security for Mass Transit 

and Passenger Rail (STEPS-PT) 

PER-331 Surface Transportation Emergency Preparedness and Security for Senior Officials or 

Administrators (STEPS Sr.)

PER-367 Tactical Hazardous Materials Operations for Surface Transportation (THMOST)

• National Fire Academy: Free training courses and programs. (usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa) 

• OSHA: Training opportunities related to hazardous materials. 

(https://www.osha.gov/dte/edcenters/) 

Modeling Resources

Modeling resources visually demonstrate the effects and paths of hazardous materials to aid in 

community planning and decision making.

• Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres (ALOHA): Models chemical releases for 

emergency responders and planners. Estimates several scenarios (e.g., how a toxic cloud might 

disperse after a chemical release, fires, explosions). (https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/oiland-chemical-spills/chemical-spills/response-tools/aloha.html) 

• Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT): A complete system 

for computing simple air parcel trajectories, as well as complex transport, dispersion, chemical 

transformation, and deposition simulations. (https://www.arl.noaa.gov/hysplit/hysplit/) 

• Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center (IMAAC): Coordinates and 

disseminates Federal atmospheric dispersion modeling and hazard prediction products. Models 

plumes to provide emergency responders with predictions of hazards associated with 

atmospheric releases. (https://www.fema.gov/imaac) 

• National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC): Provides tools and expertise to 

simulate and map the spread and impacts of hazardous materials accidentally or intentionally 

released into the atmosphere. (https://narac.llnl.gov/home) 

• Radiological Assessment System for Consequence AnaLysis (RASCAL): A tool for 

making independent dose and consequence projections during radiological incidents and 

emergencies. (https://ramp.nrc-gateway.gov/RASCAL Overview) 
Hazardous Materials Incidents

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Data Collection and Aggregation Resources

• ChemResponder: Allows users to rapidly collect and share chemical data, gas meter readings, 

calorimetric results, observations, and situational reports to support faster, more accurate 

incident characterization and lifesaving decisions. (http://www.chemresponder.net)

• RadResponder: Provides real-time geo-spatial display of responder locations, fixed 

monitoring sensor data, and sampling locations. Users can add layers to an event map, such as 

the radiological dispersal device 10-point monitoring plan, models, and other geographic 

information system files. Organizations and equipment manufacturers can integrate and 

telemeter data into RadResponder and provide real-time common operating picture for 

emergency managers and decision-makers. (http://www.radresponder.net)
Hazardous Materials Incidents

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Appendix B. Acronyms

AEL Authorized Equipment List

ALOHA Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres

APIE Analyze, Plan, Implement, and Evaluate

BLEVE Boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion

CAA Clean Air Act

CAMEO Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations

CBRNE Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive

CEO Chief Executive Officer

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

CHEMM Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management

CPG Comprehensive Preparedness Guide

DOT Department of Transportation

EMS Emergency Medical Services

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act

ERG Emergency Response Guidebook

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FIOP Federal Interagency Operational Plan

HAZWOPER Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response

HHS Department of Health and Human Services

HYSPLIT Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory

IAB Interagency Board for Emergency Preparedness and Response

IMAAC Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center

LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committees

MARPLOT Mapping Application for Response, Planning, and Local Operational Tasks

NFPA National Fire Protection Association
Hazardous Materials Incidents

26

NIMS National Incident Management System

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

REMM Radiation Emergency Medical Management 

REP Radiological Emergency Preparedness

RMP Risk Management Plan

RTLT Resource Typing Library Tool

SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act

TRACEM Thermal, Radiological, Asphyxiation, Chemical, Etiological, or Mechanical

TRANSCAER Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response

TRI Toxic Release Inventory

WISER Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders

WMD Weapons of Mass Destruction