Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement, 7th Edition

Chapter 14 — Hazardous Materials: Descriptions and

Identification Methods

Inspector I

Inspector I14–2

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What inspection duties are made possible by the accurate identification of hazardous materials?

Inspector I14–3

Inspector I

Learning Objective 1

Identify examples of commercial occupancies that are probable locations for significant quantities of hazardous materials.

Inspector I14–4

Occupancies Likely to Contain Quantities of Hazardous Materials

• Fuel storage facilities• Fuel-dispensing

stations and repair garages

• Paint and hardware supply stores

(Continued)

Courtesy of Dave Warwick Aerial Photography

Inspector I14–5

Occupancies Likely to Contain Quantities of Hazardous Materials

• Plant nurseries, garden centers, and agricultural facilities

• Pest control and lawn care companies

• Medical facilities• Photo processing laboratories• Dry cleaners

(Continued)

Inspector I14–6

Occupancies Likely to Contain Quantities of Hazardous Materials

• Plastics and high-technology factories

• Metal-plating businesses• Mercantile retailers• Chemistry laboratories in

educational facilities• Lumberyards• Feed/farm stores

(Continued)

Inspector I14–7

Occupancies Likely to Contain Quantities of Hazardous Materials

• Veterinary clinics• Print shops• Warehouses• Industrial and utility plants• Port shipping facilities• Treatment, storage, disposal (TSD)

facilities

Inspector I14–8

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What kinds of hazardous materials are commonly found in residential occupancies?

Inspector I14–9

Learning Objective 2

Compare the characteristics of flammable and combustible liquids.

Inspector I14–10

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is a hazardous material?

Inspector I14–11

Flammable and Combustible Liquids

• Nonflammable, but vapors released by liquids will ignite

• Temperature• Prevention of

flammable/combustible liquids from igniting

• Identification/classification(Continued)

Inspector I14–12

Flammable and Combustible Liquids

• Distinction between flammable and combustible liquids

• Flash point variables• Open-cup• Closed-cup• Flammable liquids• Combustible liquids

Inspector I14–13

Learning Objective 3

Describe characteristics of compressed and liquefied gases.

Inspector I14–14

Compressed and Liquefied Gases

• Compressed• Liquefied• Classified by principal uses• Found in various types of

occupancies• Most prevalent problems

Inspector I14–15

Learning Objective 4

Discuss cryogenic liquids.

Inspector I14–16

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What are some common cryogenic liquids?

Inspector I14–17

Cryogenic Liquids

• Cryogenics• Boiling point -130°F (-90°C)• Advantages• Hazards• Safety measures

Inspector I14–18

Learning Objective 5

Discuss flammable solids.

Inspector I14–19

Flammable Solids

• Any solids other than explosives that are capable of causing a fire through– Friction– Absorption of moisture– Spontaneous chemical reaction– Retained heat

(Continued)

Inspector I14–20

Flammable Solids

• Ignition temperature of less than 212°F (100°C)

• Include a variety of materials• If metals, require placement of

Class D fire extinguisher nearby

Inspector I14–21

Learning Objective 6

Identify the hazards associated with toxic materials.

Inspector I14–22

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What are some examples of commonplace toxic materials found in industrial and residential occupancies?

Inspector I14–23

Toxic Materials

• Classifications• May enter body

through various methods

(Continued)

Inspector I14–24

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What are some commonly found toxic materials?

Inspector I14–25

Toxic Materials

• Require PPE• Threshold limit value

(TLV)• Toxicity• Acute toxicity• Chronic toxicity• Short-term exposure limit (STEL)

Inspector I14–26

Learning Objective 7

Discuss oxidizers.

Inspector I14–27

Oxidizers

• Chemicals that initiate or promote combustion in other materials, causing fire by themselves or through the release of oxygen or other gases

(Continued)

Inspector I14–28

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

With what types of materials do oxidizers react to ignite?

Inspector I14–29

Oxidizers

• Reaction can result in explosion• Decompose when exposed to heat• Most likely oxidizers

Inspector I14–30

Learning Objective 8

Discuss radioactive and corrosive materials.

Inspector I14–31

Radioactive Materials

• Used in various locations• Used for many purposes• Transported by roadway, rail, or air• Stored close to where used• Inspector duties• Behavior in fire

Inspector I14–32

Basic Types of Ionizing Radiation

• Alpha• Beta• Gamma• X-Ray• Neutron

Inspector I14–33

Corrosive Materials

• Chemicals that cause visible destruction or irreversible harm to skin tissue

• Liquid• Types• Some are flammable or

combustible; some are incompatible with other materials

Inspector I14–34

Learning Objective 9

Describe explosives and blasting agents.

Inspector I14–35

Explosives

• DOT revision of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)– Based on United Nations

Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN Recommendations)

– Reclassified into six divisions

Inspector I14–36

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Who regulates explosives and fireworks in Canada?

Why is it important for inspectors to be able to identify the contents of hazardous materials containers?

Inspector I14–37

Learning Objective 10

Describe the basic information that must be included on a U.S. safety data sheet (SDS).

Inspector I14–38

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

• Prepared by manufacturer to give:– Hazardous ingredients– Physical and chemical properties– Physical and health hazards– Routes of exposure– Precautions for handling and use– Emergency response– Control measures

Inspector I14–39

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Where can an SDS be acquired?

Inspector I14–40

SDS Requirements

• U.S. and Canada converting to Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) SDS format

Inspector I14–41

Learning Objective 11

Describe transportation placards, labels, and markings.

Inspector I14–42

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Under what arrangement can trucks carrying hazardous materials move freely between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico?

Inspector I14–43

UN Hazard Classes

• Class 1: Explosives• Class 2: Gases• Class 3: Flammable liquids• Class 4: Flammable solids,

substances liable to ignite spontaneously, substances that emit flammable gases on contact with water (Continued)

Inspector I14–44

UN Hazard Classes

• Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

• Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

• Class 7: Radioactive substances• Class 8: Corrosive substances• Class 9: Misc. dangerous

substances and articles

Inspector I14–45

UN Commodity Identification Numbers

• Four-digit number• Displayed on placards, labels,

orange panels, and/or white diamonds

• Identified in yellow-bordered pages of Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

(Continued)

Inspector I14–46

UN Commodity Identification Numbers

Courtesy of Rich Mahaney

Inspector I14–47

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

On which container packages are four-digit UN numbers usually found?

Inspector I14–48

DOT Placards

• Diamond-shaped, color-coded sign that shippers provide to identify materials in transportation containers

Inspector I14–49

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What additional information can be found on DOT placards?

Inspector I14–50

DOT Label

• Printed matter on 3.9-inch (100 mm) square-on-point diamond that may or may not have written text identifying the hazardous material within packaging

• Each class assigned pictogram and division number

Inspector I14–51

DOT Marking

• Descriptive name, identification number, weight, or specification that includes instructions, cautions, or UN marks required on outer packaging containing hazardous materials or goods

Inspector I14–52

Placard

• Regulations• Required on any material shipped

in quantities of 1,001 pounds (454 kg) or greater

• Found on a number of containers

Inspector I14–53

Label

• More useful than placards• Several may be found side by side

Inspector I14–54

Learning Objective 12

Discuss other types of markings that may be found on hazardous materials.

Inspector I14–55

Other Markings

• OSHA’s Hazardous Communications Standard (HCS) requirements of employers

• Marking requirements of chemical manufacturers and importers

• Pipeline companies• NFPA® 704 system

Inspector I14–56

Inspector I

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What marking system for hazardous materials and chemicals does the military use?

Inspector I14–57

Manufacturer’s Labels and Warning Words

• CAUTION• WARNING• DANGER• POISON

Inspector I14–58

Military Markings

• Used on fixed facilities• May be used on military vehicles• Not necessarily uniform• Some buildings/areas may not be

marked due to security reasons

Inspector I14–59

Pipeline Markings

• Must be in sufficient numbers to identify pipe’s location

• Do not always mark exact location of pipeline

• Include signal words

Inspector I14–60

Learning Objective 13

Describe the NFPA® 704 marking system for hazardous materials.

Inspector I14–61

NFPA® 704 System

• Not designed for transportation or general public use

• Ratings — Uses system of numbers from 0 (minimal hazard) to 4 (severe hazard)

(Continued)

Inspector I14–62

NFPA® 704 System

• Categories– Health– Flammability– Instability– Alternative

• Special hazards

(Continued)

Inspector I14–63

NFPA® 704 System

Inspector I14–64

Learning Objective 14

Compare the resource guidebooks that are available for dealing with hazardous materials.

Inspector I14–65

Using the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

• Identify UN identification number and find guide in yellow-bordered pages

• Use material name in blue-bordered pages

• Identify transportation placard and use three-digit guide code in Table of Placards and Initial Response Guide to Use On-Scene

Inspector I14–66

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG)

• Reference source of general industrial hygiene information

• Provides key information/data for over 600 chemicals or groups of chemicals

• Designed for occupational safety personnel, employers, and employees

• Includes various information

Inspector I14–67

Hazardous Materials Guidefor First Responders

• Result of study performed by USFA to determine resources available to emergency responders

• Contains material not found in ERG or NPG

• Sections

Inspector I14–68

Hazardous Materials Information Resource System (HMIRS)

• Automated system of DoD• Central repository for SDSs for U.S.

government military services and civil agencies

• Contains information including HAZCOM warning labels and transportation information

Inspector I14–69

Learning Objective 15

Discuss the Canadian Dangerous Goods System for classifying hazardous materials.

Inspector I14–70

Canadian Dangerous Goods System

• Dangerous goods regulated by federal or provincial government legislation

• Regulations• Inspector responsibilities• Workplace Hazardous Materials

Information System (WHMIS)(Continued)

Inspector I14–71

Canadian Dangerous Goods System

• Provincial Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations

• WHMIS regulations• Supplier label• Workplace label

Inspector I14–72

Learning Objective 16

Compare the Mexican Hazardous Communication System with the systems used by the U.S. and Canada.

Inspector I14–73

Mexican Hazardous Communication System

• Official Mexican standards (NOMs)– NOM-018-STPS-2000– NOM-026-STPS-1998

• Adoption of NFPA® 704 marking system and Hazardous Material Identification Guide (HMIG)

• Triangular caution symbols(Continued)

Inspector I14–74

Mexican Hazardous Communication System

• Transportation placards, labels, and markings

• Common Spanish warning terms• Differences between Mexican

transportation regulations and U.S. HMR

Inspector I14–75

Summary

• The ability to distinguish hazardous materials or dangerous goods by their properties and identify the materials or goods by the markings on the containers is basic to an inspector’s duties.

(Continued)

Inspector I14–76

Summary

• Inspectors must be proficient in reading placards, markings, and labels of all types of hazardous materials or dangerous goods and using reference guidebooks.

Inspector I14–77

Review Questions

1.What is a weapon of mass destruction (WMD)?2.What test methods can determine flash points?3.Where may inspectors find compressed and liquefied gases in use?

(Continued)

Inspector I14–78

Review Questions

4.What is a toxic material?5.How do oxidizers react when exposed to heat?6.With what types of ionizing radiation should inspectors be familiar?7.How are explosives classified?

(Continued)

Inspector I14–79

Review Questions

8.What sections must be included in a safety data sheet (SDS)?9.What is a DOT marking?10. How does the NFPA® 704 system work?