A lot of folks are angry that they have been forced from their homes, especially over a holiday weekend when families travel to visit families. I understand their anger, and I applaud the OCFA for their communication efforts to explain their decisions. So, for those of you who do not live and work in the emergency response arena, I thought it would be helpful to explain the LIMITATIONS the OCFA faces regarding RELIABLE DATA.
The go-to book for an emergency response, even for those in Fixed-Facilities, is the DOT Emergency Response Guide (ERG). This booklet is the BASIS for all Hazardous Materials training levels, starting at the AWARENESS LEVEL. But with this great guide come many limitations, especially when dealing with HAZMATs carrying the “P” designation. In my years of dealing with Hazardous Materials, we like to say “P” stands for “PUCKER” as it should make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. As I wrote about back in 2025, during the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, these hazardous materials pose a very unique and rare hazard – POLYMERIZATION. The DOT ERG will identify those hazardous materials that carry this ultra-hazard with a “P” designation; however, the ERG does little to help the Incident Command develop a sound Incident Action Plan. It simply manages it as a “Flammable Liquid” with a special “P” designation.