Hazchem - What do you know?
Discussion
With more and more Hazardous Goods being transported by road, its a common sight to see Heavies (HGV's) displaying Hazchem boards at the rear and on both sides of the Trailer.
If you were first on scene at an RTA involving one of these, would you know the basics on what to look for...for yourself and others safety?
I will wait for a few responses and then post an answer.
Dont be shy, give your honest answer and remember, this is basic stuff that you will find both interesting and useful if you are ever found in this position.
If you were first on scene at an RTA involving one of these, would you know the basics on what to look for...for yourself and others safety?
I will wait for a few responses and then post an answer.
Dont be shy, give your honest answer and remember, this is basic stuff that you will find both interesting and useful if you are ever found in this position.
Apparently a true story from when I used to work at Dover Harbour.
Truck crashed. Was displaying a corrosive materials sign on the back. Started leaking......
.....so, evacuate the area, panic a bit. Every local fire engine turns up.
.....it was orange juice. Just acidic enough to require the hazardous materials sign.
Truck crashed. Was displaying a corrosive materials sign on the back. Started leaking......
.....so, evacuate the area, panic a bit. Every local fire engine turns up.
.....it was orange juice. Just acidic enough to require the hazardous materials sign.
Only because I recently researched this ...
Under UK regs (diamond):
The first number identifies the appropriate fire-fighting method (spray, foam, dry).
The second letter identifies the safety precautions for firefighters (chemical gear/BA), the possibility of a violent reaction and whether to dilute or contain any spillage.
The third character is either blank or "E" - indicating a public safety hazard.
Under ADR regs (oblong):
The first number identifies the primary hazard (gas, flammable liquid, flammable solid, oxidizing, toxic, corrosive).
The second and third numbers identifies the secondary hazard (out-gassing, fire, oxidizing, toxic, corrosive, violet reaction). "0" = 1st number describes. "X" = no water.
The four-digit United Nations Substance Identification Number (UN SIN or UN Number) is an international standard number which identifies the substance concerned. There are online databases that can be searched to identify the substances referenced by these numbers. One such is: http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/index.html (enter UNnnnn to search for substance numbered "nnnn").
There is also an emergency telephone number on the Hazchem sign.
The procedure I would use if first on the scene would be to:
1) Retreat to a "safe" distance and secure access to the scene as best I could.
2) Dial 999 and relay the incident details including the Hazchem information.
3) Ask for guidance in respect of my next actions.
TrafPol use the "ACE CARD" mnemonic for Hazchem incidents on motorways (IIRC):
A - Approach from rear
C - Caution signs (Police emergency/matrix etc)
E - Examine scene
C - Casualty check
A - Ambulance & other emergency services
R - Remove obstructions
D - Detailed investigation
Streaky
Under UK regs (diamond):
The first number identifies the appropriate fire-fighting method (spray, foam, dry).
The second letter identifies the safety precautions for firefighters (chemical gear/BA), the possibility of a violent reaction and whether to dilute or contain any spillage.
The third character is either blank or "E" - indicating a public safety hazard.
Under ADR regs (oblong):
The first number identifies the primary hazard (gas, flammable liquid, flammable solid, oxidizing, toxic, corrosive).
The second and third numbers identifies the secondary hazard (out-gassing, fire, oxidizing, toxic, corrosive, violet reaction). "0" = 1st number describes. "X" = no water.
The four-digit United Nations Substance Identification Number (UN SIN or UN Number) is an international standard number which identifies the substance concerned. There are online databases that can be searched to identify the substances referenced by these numbers. One such is: http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/index.html (enter UNnnnn to search for substance numbered "nnnn").
There is also an emergency telephone number on the Hazchem sign.
The procedure I would use if first on the scene would be to:
1) Retreat to a "safe" distance and secure access to the scene as best I could.
2) Dial 999 and relay the incident details including the Hazchem information.
3) Ask for guidance in respect of my next actions.
TrafPol use the "ACE CARD" mnemonic for Hazchem incidents on motorways (IIRC):
A - Approach from rear
C - Caution signs (Police emergency/matrix etc)
E - Examine scene
C - Casualty check
A - Ambulance & other emergency services
R - Remove obstructions
D - Detailed investigation
Streaky
If it leaks, smells, steams, fumes or is melting the tarmac - start running quickly.
If its a petrol tanker, avoid having a fag whilst in the queue for it to be cleared up, especially if your downhill from it.
What a about Ryvita lorries, one rolled on our local roundabout yesterday & people were choking on dry biscuits every where. Terrible sight.
If its a petrol tanker, avoid having a fag whilst in the queue for it to be cleared up, especially if your downhill from it.
What a about Ryvita lorries, one rolled on our local roundabout yesterday & people were choking on dry biscuits every where. Terrible sight.
I used to be involved in freight forwarding, which involved planning for the various different substances and their respective hazards, so probably know more than most.
The one thing that makes me nervous is following one of those huge tankers carrying Liquid Nitrogen- I suppose everyone has seen Terminator 2...
The one thing that makes me nervous is following one of those huge tankers carrying Liquid Nitrogen- I suppose everyone has seen Terminator 2...
nutcase said:
I used to be involved in freight forwarding, which involved planning for the various different substances and their respective hazards, so probably know more than most.
The one thing that makes me nervous is following one of those huge tankers carrying Liquid Nitrogen- I suppose everyone has seen Terminator 2...
do they really exist? what the hell would you need 4,000 gallons of the stuff for anyway?
zumbruk said:The possibility of a BLEVE (pronounced "blevy"). Stands for: Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion ... and you don't want to be near one!
At least liquid nitrogen is inert. What *really* worries me are the Air Products liquid oxygen tankers. Can you imagine what would happen if one of those crashed into an LPG tanker...?
BTW - forgot to mention that the 4 digit code under the UK EAC number (or ADR Kremler code number) is the United Nations Substance Identification Number UN SIN).
But worry equally, or more, about many of the (other) oxidizing agents, ADR code 559 (or similar).
Typical recommendations (for one chemical selected at random) include [this is from a US government database, so uses American spellings]:
• Flammable/combustible materials.
• May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
• Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks).
• Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
• Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
• Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Many liquids are lighter than water.
• May cause toxic effects if inhaled or ingested/swallowed.
• Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
• Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
• Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
• Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
• If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all
directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions."
Humm!
Streaky
cptsideways said:
If it leaks, smells, steams, fumes or is melting the tarmac - start running quickly.
Quite. Unless it says something like "Inert liquid" or whatever, get the hell out of there and remember the number!
You do see a few Marmite tankers around Alton (coming from the Bass brewery). Strangely there aren't any hazchem signs on them!
Gareth
I've had about half litre of liquid Nitrogen chucked on me by a colleague at Uni - accident of course (we were filling up the jacket on the SEM).....having spent hours playing the 'smash the minstrels' game, I absiolutely sh!t myself....luckily it vaporises sooo fast that I just got very slightly chilly! Look on his face was priceless (and Im glad I couldnt see mine)
I'ev always ben amused that if you look up Water in the COOSH database it will tell you that its extremely hazardous and if spilt should be mopped up with plenty of water - wonderful! (well it sued to anyway)
I'ev always ben amused that if you look up Water in the COOSH database it will tell you that its extremely hazardous and if spilt should be mopped up with plenty of water - wonderful! (well it sued to anyway)
Nightmare said:Hasta La Vista - Baby!
I've had about half litre of liquid Nitrogen chucked on me by a colleague at Uni - accident of course (we were filling up the jacket on the SEM).....having spent hours playing the 'smash the minstrels' game, I absiolutely sh!t myself....luckily it vaporises sooo fast that I just got very slightly chilly! Look on his face was priceless (and Im glad I couldnt see mine)
Well done Streaky, good answer 
Only two things that i would like to say.
1) The Telephone number on the plate is vitally important as its your 24hr response to specialist info regarding the load.
2) Dont get too close and try to stand upwind.
Above all, dont get close to it unless you know what it is and its effects.
Sadly there are too many 'dangerous' loads being carried where even the drivers are unsure about what to do in an emergency.
This is one area where specialist training is needed.
Only two things that i would like to say.
1) The Telephone number on the plate is vitally important as its your 24hr response to specialist info regarding the load.
2) Dont get too close and try to stand upwind.
Above all, dont get close to it unless you know what it is and its effects.
Sadly there are too many 'dangerous' loads being carried where even the drivers are unsure about what to do in an emergency.
This is one area where specialist training is needed.
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