Hazardous Material Safety

As many as 500,000 products pose physical or health hazards and can be defined a hazardous materials. Accidents involving toxic substances have occurred in communities across the country. For example, tank cars containing toxic substances derailed and burned in Kentucky, forcing 7,500 residents to evacuate. A train derailment near Marysville, Washington resulted in hazardous materials fire and the evacuation of over 100 homes. Because HAZMAT incidents occur suddenly and generally without warning it pays to know what to do ahead of time.

Preparing

• Determine how close you are to freeways, railroads or factories which may produce or transport toxic materials or if hazardous materials are stored near you. A Vulnerable Zone Indicator System (VZIS) exists to help you find out if your home, workplace or child's school could be affected by a chemical accident. This is available at www.epa.gov/ceppo/vzis.htm or (800) 424-9346.
• Vulcan Chemicals, ATOFINA and Air Products utilize an "all call" telephone system. Homes and businesses within a 2-mile radius of these plants are automatically contacted with information or evacuation information.
• Be prepared to evacuate.
• Have materials available to seal off your residence from airborne contamination.

Responding

• If you are a witness to a hazardous material incident call 911.
• If the incident is a traffic accident involving a semi-tanker truck or train derailment involving tanker cars, look for chemical identification placards on the tanks.  First observe the scene for obvious leaks and or gas vapor clouds.  DO NOT APPROACH THE SCENE if either are present and stay upwind.  Call 911 and relay your observations to the dispatcher.  Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible including placard information.
• If you become aware of a potential hazardous material incident near your location-listen to local radio or television stations for further information. Follow all instructions.
• Stay away from the incident site to minimize the risk of contamination.
• If caught outside-stay upstream, uphill or upwind. Try to go ½ mile (10 city blocks) from the danger area.
• If you are in a car-close windows and shut off ventilation.
• Evacuate if told to do so.
• If local officials say there is time, close all windows, shut vents, and turn off attic fans and other ventilation systems to minimize contamination.
• To reduce the possibility of toxic vapors entering your home, seal all entry routes as efficiently as possible.
• If an explosion is imminent-close drapes, curtains and shades.
• If you suspect gas or vapor contamination-take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel.
• Avoid contact with any spilled liquid materials, airborne mist or condensed solid chemical materials.
• Do not eat or drink any food or water that may have been contaminated.

After a HAZMAT Incident

• Seek medical help for unusual symptoms.
• If medical help is not immediately available and you suspect contamination-remove all clothing and shower thoroughly.
• Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers without allowing them to contact other material: get directions for proper disposal.
• Advise others of your possible contamination.
• Get direction from local authorities on how to clean up your land and property.
• Return home only when directed to do so.
• Upon returning home, ventilate the house.
• Report lingering vapors or other hazards.

For additional information on responding to Hazardous Material Emergencies refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2000). 

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last update: 08/22/03
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