HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL – the very word brings a vivid vision to mind in most
people. Many of the visions are
unpleasant, centering on the latest news story of an accident or lingering
environmental damage from improper storage, use or disposal of chemicals. However, many aspects of modern life are made
possible or improved by responsible use and handling of chemicals.
AROUND THE HOUSE
When
we think of hazardous chemicals, we tend to think of manufacturing plants with
billowing smoke stacks, or train cars or big trucks on the highway. While these are all valid, we should also think
of our kitchen cabinets, our garage, our pool and a number of other places in
our home where potentially harmful chemicals are a part of our everyday
life. We are familiar with these items
and have come to trust them. We may have
even forgotten that they can injure or even kill us. When was the last time you read the label on
your drain cleaner, window cleaner, weed killer or insecticide?
Here
are a few common household chemicals and their potential hazards:
· Chlorine (pool) – toxic fumes, corrosive and highly
reactive
· Muriatic Acid (pool) – corrosive, toxic by inhalation
and highly reactive
· Ammonia – toxic fumes and very reactive with other
common cleaners
· Lighter Fluid – flammable
· Propane (grill) – highly flammable
· Gasoline – flammable with vapors that are heavier than
air and can travel to an ignition source
·
Motor Oil –
combustible
·
Weed Killer –
toxic by ingestion or absorption through skin
·
Bug Killer –
toxic by inhalation or absorption
·
Drain Cleaner –
toxic, caustic, and corrosive
·
Nail Polish
Remover – flammable
·
Paint – flammable
·
Fertilizer –
toxic, possibly flammable or explosive
No
matter how comfortable you are with a product, here are some important safety
reminders:
v
ALWAYS read and
follow all label directions
v
Never mix
chemicals
v
Use only for
approved purposes and in approved concentrations
v
Store and dispose
of safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
v
Keep away from
children and never store in containers that could be confused as food or drink
v
Pay attention to
first aid directions
v
Keep the number
of your local poison control center handy
If you suspect someone has been
exposed to a chemical, consult your physician or call the Florida Poison Information Network
at: 1-800-222-1222
If the
injuries appear serious or the victim has trouble breathing, call 911!
TRANSPORTATION
Hazardous
materials are substances which can be harmful to human health, or the
environment. Everyday shipments of
hazardous materials are handled safely, without accident, by highway, rail, air
and sea. However, there are occasional
accidents.
The
materials, the containers and the people who handle and transport them are
highly regulated to ensure our safety.
Also, because of the design and construction of chemical transportation
containers, significant releases are rare.
However, in an accident you can still be affected either at home or on
the highway.
If you are
at home you will be notified through the media or local public safety agencies. Follow instructions quickly and
carefully. You may be ordered to
evacuate or to “shelter in place” depending on the chemicals involved. If ordered to evacuate do so immediately.
Shelter in
Place means to stay inside where you are.
If you are directed to shelter in place, close all windows and doors and
turn off the air conditioner. Duct tape
and plastic sheeting can be used to seal around doors, windows and other
openings. If this is not available, use
damp towels or blankets to seal around doors and windows. The goal is to
prevent outside air from entering your home.
Do not go outside or open doors or windows, until local authorities tell
you it is safe. Once the all clear is
given you should ventilate your home by opening doors and windows to purge any
possible contaminates from the event.
If you see or are involved in a traffic accident, take special care to
avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Do not walk or drive through a vapor cloud or spilled product. Pay attention to any placards – diamond
shaped panels with numbers and/or symbols on them. Provide the placard number to authorities
when they arrive or if you call 911.
Small quantities of hazardous material may not be placarded. The most important safety step in protecting
yourself and others is to avoid or reduce exposure to the chemical. If able, evacuate the area. Move crosswind to safety and keep other
people from entering the area.
Nuclear Power Plants
There
are three nuclear power plants in
Radioactive Materials
It is
possible that a transportation accident could involve a radioactive
substance. These materials are packed in
limited quantities in very durable, well marked containers that are heavily
over-packed. If you see a marked
package, or suspect radioactive material may be involved in an accident, simply
move away from the area. Advise
emergency responders of its presence. Do
not attempt to move it yourself.
Biohazardous Material
Another
hazardous material often seen in transit is biohazard material. Healthcare facilities generate and dispose of
large quantities of this material, which may at first glance appear to be
ordinary garbage. Biohazardous material
could expose you to disease causing agents.
As with other hazardous materials, you can usually avoid exposure by not
contacting or handling the material or container. Call the authorities and explain the
situation. They will provide the correct
response.