CHAPTER
25
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:
RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION
Copyright© 2000. Delmar is a division of Thomson Learning.
CHAPTER
25
Objectives
1 of 3
• Identify the nine hazard classes as defined by DOT.
• Identify the hazards associated with each hazard class.
• Identify the standard occupancies where hazardous
materials may be used and stored.
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25
Objectives
2 of 3
• Identify the standard container shapes and sizes and
common products.
• Identify both facility- and transportation- related
markings and warning signs.
• Identify the standard transportation types for highway
and rail.
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25
Objectives
3 of 3
• Explain the NFPA 704 System.
• Explain the use of transportation containers in
identifying possible contents.
• Explain the location of emergency shutoff valves on
highway containers.
• Explain the importance of understanding chemical and
physical properties of hazardous materials.
CHAPTER
25
Introduction
• Four basic clues to
recognition and
identification:
• Location and occupancy.
• Placards, labels, and
markings.
• Container types.
• The use of senses.
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25
Location and Occupancy
• Average home has a large amount of hazardous
materials.
• Rural communities and farms have unique risks.
• Hazardous materials storage.
• Businesses present a wide range of risks.
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25
Agricultural Supply Store
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25
Roadway
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25
Placards, Labels, and Markings
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25
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25
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25
Placards
• DOT - 49 CFR 170-180.
• DOT system uses nine hazard classifications with
more than 27 placards.
• DOT also requires United Nations/North America
(UN/NA) identification number.
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25
Class 1, Explosives
• Division 1.1
• Division 1.2
• Division 1.3
• Division 1.4
• Division 1.5
• Division 1.6
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25
Class 2, Gases
• Division 2.1
• Division 2.2
• Division 2.3
• Hazard Zone A
• Hazard Zone B
• Hazard Zone C
• Hazard Zone D
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25
Class 3, Flammable Liquids
• Flash point less than 141
degrees F.
• Combustible liquids are
those with flash points
between 100-200 degrees F.
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25
Class 4, Flammable Solids
• Division 4.1
• Division 4.2
• Division 4.3
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25
Class 5, Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
• Division 5.1
• Division 5.2
• Type A
• Type B
• Type C
• Type D
• Type E
• Type F
• Type G
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25
Type 6, Poisonous Materials
• Division 6.1
• Division 6.2
• Hazardous Zone A
• Hazardous Zone B
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25
Class 7, Radioactive Materials
• Materials determined to have
radioactivity at certain
levels.
• Radioactive I.
• Radioactive II.
• Radioactive III.
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25
Class 8, Corrosives
• Acids
• Bases
• Visible destruction in skin or
corrodes steel or aluminum.
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25
Class 9, Miscellaneous Hazardous
• Catchall category.
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25
Other Placards and Labels
•
•
•
•
•
Dangerous
Specific name
Stow away from foodstuffs
ORM-D
Marine Pollutant
•
•
•
•
Elevated temperature
Infectious substances
Fumigated
Residue
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25
LABELS
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25
NFPA 704
•
•
•
•
Health hazard – Blue.
Fire hazard – Red.
Reactivity hazard – Yellow.
Special Hazard – White.
CHAPTER
Hazardous Materials
Information System
25
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25
Military Warning Signs
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25
Pipeline Markings
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25
Container Markings
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25
Pesticide Container Markings
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25
Containers
•
•
•
•
Hazardous materials come in variety of containers.
Type of material and use determine packaging.
Type of container provides clues to contents.
Be alert for anything unusual.
CHAPTER
25
MC-331 Pressurized Tanker
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25
Containers
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25
Containers
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cardboard boxes
Bottles
Bags
Drums
Cylinders
Totes
Bulk tanks
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25
Pipelines
• Vary in size and pressure.
• Sized between 1⁄2 inch and more than
6 feet.
• Can originate from bulk storage facilities.
• Can cross many states.
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25
Highway Transportation Containers
•
•
•
•
Type of vehicle is a clue to contents.
Four basic truck types.
Leakage is often found in intermodal containers.
Tank trucks carry up to 10,000 gallons.
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25
DOT-406/MC-306 Gasoline Tank Truck
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25
DOT-407/MC-307 Chemical Hauler
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25
DOT 412/MC 312 Corrosive tanker
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25
BLEVE
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25
MC-338 Cryogenic Tankers
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25
Tube Trailers
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25
Dry Bulk Tanks
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25
Hot Materials Tanker
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25
Intermodal Tanks
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25
Nonpressurized Railcar
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25
Specialized Railcars
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25
Markings on Railcars
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25
Specialized Tanks
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25
Senses
• Vision and hearing are acceptable senses in
investigating potential chemical releases.
• Sensory clues from others are useful.
• Many toxic materials can be harmful if touched.
CHAPTER
25
Chemical and Physical Properties
•
•
•
•
•
•
States of matter.
Vapor pressure.
Vapor density.
Specific gravity.
Corrosivity.
Chemical reactivity.
•
•
•
•
Flashpoint.
Autoignition temperature.
Flammable range.
Toxic products of
combustion.
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25
States of Matter
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25
Vapor Pressure
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25
Vapor Density
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25
Specific Gravity
CHAPTER
25
Wrap-Up
• Ability to recognize hazardous materials is important.
• Memorization is not important, but knowing how to
access information is.
• Physical properties of chemicals will affect how they
react and should be managed.
• Firefighters must be able to use available resources.