April 15, 2004
by John Dickens
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
They are everywhere...
Hazardous materials (HAZMATS) are defined by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation as "any substance or material which poses an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce."
One of the undesirable aspects of modern life is the growing number of HAZMATS. It is estimated that every day there are hundreds new HAZMATS being made. In every village of our great Delta you can find HAZMAT. You can find it at the power plant, the water treatment plant, the store, the school, even in your own home.
Two federal agencies--the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency--have developed regulations to deal with the increasing frequency of HAZMAT emergencies. The regulations are described in OSHA publication "29 CFR 1910.120--Hazardous and Emergency Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard." According to the regulations, it is the responsibility of employers to determine, provide, and document the appropriate level of training for each employee. Training is required for "all employees who participate, or who are expected to participate, in emergency response to HAZMAT situations."
The four levels are- First Responder Awareness
- First Responder Operations
- HAZMAT Technician
- HAZMAT Specialist
HAZMATS are required to be marked by placards. These will have coded shapes, numbers and colors. They are used to show the different types of HAZMATS. You can find information about them in the North American Emergency Response Book (the Orange Book).
The primary rule is to maintain a safe distance from the source of the HAZMAT. It is a good idea to be informed of the HAZMAT in your community. It is also good to have access to binoculars or a telescope. This can help you identify the HAZMAT placards from a distance, and prevent yourself from being exposed.
Your most important role at the scene of a HAZMAT incident includes recognizing potential problems, taking initial actions for your safety and others and notifying an appropriately trained and equipped HAZMAT response team.
Do not take any action other than those aimed at protecting yourself, patients and bystanders at the scene. Any incorrect action can cause a bigger problem than the one that already exists. Try and stay upwind of any HAZMAT scenes and keep people and animals out of the area.
You can call the Alaska State Troopers at 1-800-478-9112 in Bethel and they can advise the appropriate agency like DEC or the Bethel Fire Department.When I was 20 years old I was at the largest HAZMAT fire in the history of the United States. I saw first hand how horrible HAZMAT can be and how bad it can hurt people. Even the smallest, most remote village in Alaska has lots of HAZMAT around. Be aware, be careful.