Hazardous materials releases have occurred for years and several sources of data can be researched through libraries, state and federal agencies, and even through the internet.
Hazardous materials releases have occurred for years and several sources of data can be researched through libraries, state and federal agencies, and even through the internet. Sources include federal agencies such as;
- CSB - Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
- DOT - Department of Transportation
- EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
- NTSB - National Transportation Safety Board
- OSHA - Occupational Health and Safety Administration
Merely type in the above letters in a search engine and the homepage will be displayed. At the homepage, type in "hazmat" in the search box and a plethora of data from that agency will appear.
Perhaps the best and most complete source of hazmat data can be researched from the federal agency called "ATSDR" or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ATSDR was created in 1980 to monitor health threats to the public and since 1990 has summarized hazmat release data from up to 15 states. (The states include: CO, FL, IA, LA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OR, TX, UT, WA, and WI). The data has been summarized since 1993 in annual reports called the "Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance" (HSEES). The most recent report available in printed form is from 2003 and in electronic form from 2002. The website for these reports is www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HS/HSEES/ or enter "HSEES" in a search engine.
The annual HSEES reports list events by state, type of events, substance released, and type of victims as examples. Much data can be obtained however, and summary reports for five year periods can also be obtained. These reports supply much more in-depth data than other federal reports and they can assist in analyzing trends, forecasting the future, and planning for hazmat events. For instance, the reports indicate that ammonia is the most prevalent material released each year but chlorine events represent the highest proportion of events causing injuries. Good information to know when planning for hazmat or even terrorism related events.
The HSEES data also indicates the 100 most frequently released materials each year. The most current data show the following top ten materials in descending order:
- Ammonia
- Sulfur dioxide
- Sulfuric acid
- Hydrochloric acid
- Carbon monoxide
- Sodium hydroxide
- Nitric oxide
- Mercury
- Paint or coatings
- Ethylene glycol
My own team has used the HSEES data to come up with information that will better assist us in the event of a hazmat emergency. We have analyzed the data from the reports, including our own state, and have begun developing what we call "Quick Access Data Sheets" or QADS. These forms have allowed us to research the hazards of the chemicals found in the HSEES data before an incident and then complete the forms. In the event of an incident involving one of the chemicals we have researched, we simply review the information recorded and act according to the incident specific challenges.
Our Quick Access Data Sheets include information such as;
- Product name, synonyms, UN numbers, etc.
- Chemical and physical properties
- Detection equipment needs, including conversion factors and ionization potentials
- NFPA 704M information
- Health hazard data, including TLV and PEL information
- Entry recommendations, including type of garments and breakthrough times
- Decontamination recommendations
We believe we can save valuable time at a hazmat emergency by reviewing the QADS's rather than delving into the research books and computer data bases for a chemical that is on the HSEES list. After all, ammonia is ammonia is ammonia! It simply does not make sense to conduct complete research each time there is an ammonia release. Essentially, then, these QADS's are the hazmat equivalent of a pre-emergency fire plan; they save time and enhance responder safety.
Consult with Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) representatives to compare the HSEES data and chemicals at local facilities to complete the collection of QADS's for your own team. Additionally, utilize the QADS's for training purposes. You will be amazed how efficient your responses can be by employing these forms. Not only does it speed up your response, without compromising safety, it also enables the personnel who would normally conduct research to assist the team in other ways.
Be safe out there!
As usual, contact the author if there are any comments or questions at [email protected]
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David is a 26-year fire service veteran who serves as an officer on Ladder 6 in Madison, WI, and as the Operations and Training Director for the department's regional Level A hazmat team. David founded the Wisconsin Association of Hazardous Materials Responders, Inc. and served as the first president. Additionally, David teaches, presents, and authors articles for websites and trade magazines on a wide variety of hazmat topics. David is also a National Fire Academy instructor of chemistry and a Master Instructor for the International Association of Fire Fighters HazMat and Terrorism training programs.
