I got this document when I attended a National Fire Academy HAZMAT course in 1993. I came across it when looking for some old HAZMAT material for a new course I am developing and translated and cleaned up some of the language. It does an EXCELLENT job explaining the phenomenon we know as BLEVE (Boiling…...
BLEVE: CAUSE & EFFECTS (NFA) Read More »
This is a reminder that if your ERP or Environmental Management System (EMS) has not been updated to reflect these “NEWER” CSB reporting requirements, the facility should consider updating these programs/processes and including the reporting requirements in EHS training. Also, line 9.8 of your RMP should list 40 CFR 1604 – Accidental Release Reporting. The…...
CSB’s Accidental Release Reporting (40 CFR 1604) Read More »
This is just an FYI to my Cl2 clients. Although the changes are NOT significant (0.1 – 0.3 miles), they are indeed changes to the Downwind Protective Action Distances. If you have used the 2020 ERG Distances in your Pre-Plans, which you or I did for your Emergency Response Plan (ERP), it may be beneficial…...
Changes to Chlorine – 2024 ERG Table 3 Read More »
This is just an FYI to my NH3 clients. Although the changes are NOT significant (0.1 – 0.2 miles), they are indeed changes to the Downwind Protective Action Distances. If you have used the 2020 ERG Distances in your Pre-Plans that you or I did for your Emergency Response Plan (ERP), it may be beneficial…...
Changes to Anhydrous Ammonia – 2024 ERG Table 3 Read More »
One of the many changes to the 2024 ERG, includes considerations for lithium battery and electric vehicle (EV) fires fire control. NOTE: the print editions are NOT yet available, but we can download the app (CLICK HERE) Water spray cools batteries and helps suppress and slow the release of toxic gases but does not…...
On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its Final Rule: Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans (Final Rule), requiring certain facilities to develop Facility Response Plans (FRP) for a worst-case discharge of Clean Water Act (CWA) hazardous substances, or threat of such a discharge. A worst-case discharge is the…...
EPA’s Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans Read More »
I have been involved with emergency response for over 30 years. During those years, I trained thousands of municipal and private responders, specializing in traditional Hazardous Materials Responses. During all those years, when I received continuing training from the likes of Texas A&M, LSU, NFA, and SERTC, these advanced courses only validated my first HAZWOPER…...
A DECON practice challenge Read More »
DOT/PHMSA have compiled the most important changes from ERG2020 to ERG2024, organized by the color of the corresponding section in the guidebook White Yellow/Blue Orange, and Green In addition to the changes listed below, all sections have undergone minor editorial changes for accuracy and consistency. In this edition, DOT/PHMSA has added QR codes to the back…...
2024 DOT ERG is coming! Read More »
It comes from this requirement in OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard and has sound logic behind it… (emphasis by me) 1910.120(q)(3)(iv) Employees engaged in emergency response and exposed to hazardous substances presenting an inhalation hazard or potential inhalation hazard shall wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus while engaged in emergency response, until such time that the individual…...
Why Level B is the MINIMUM for 1st Entry Read More »
The source is unknown, but this is hilarious. The supporting actor gets my vote for an Oscar…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
HAZMAT Response – TX Style (Safety Satire Video) Read More »
This week, I conducted a 24-hr HAZMAT Tech course for a client. The facility had purchased some new SCBA cylinders, and we noticed an odd difference between two of the cylinders. One cylinder was manufactured in 2021, and one was manufactured in early 2022, just six months apart. As I was covering the requirements for…...
Emergency Use Only SCBA and 90% Full Read More »
FRA is amending its regulations related to occupational noise exposure in three (3) ways. Special NOTE: although I agree with this new requirement, it will be virtually impossible for the railroads to comply by March 2024. There are NOT enough EEBAs in inventory to supply the Class 1s. Then there is the written program and…...
FRA requiring Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) on some locomotives Read More »
