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About
Hazardous Chemicals
Chemicals are widely used in homes, manufacturing, agriculture,
and many other areas of our society. Many of these chemicals are classified
as hazardous because of their potential to harm people, property or
the environment. Hazardous chemicals are commonly found in storage
facilities and manufacturing plants, and hazardous chemicals are routinely
shipped by truck, rail and ship. In spite of government regulations,
the possibility always exists for a serious incident involving one
or more hazardous chemicals. Federal laws require training in the
handling of and emergency response to hazardous chemicals.
"Introduction
to Hazardous Chemicals"
provides an overview of the properties of chemicals and tells how
to deal safely with emergencies. The video discusses the physical
properties of chemicals, explaining how these properties contribute
to the hazardous nature of the chemical. Compressed, liquefied and
cryogenic gases are covered as well as liquids and solids. The concepts
of specific gravity, boiling point, solubility and pH are explained,
showing how an understanding of these properties will help workers
and emergency responders to safely handle chemicals.
The NFPA 704 standard
marking system, which rates flammability, health, reactivity and special
hazards of chemicals, is discussed. The viewer learns about PEL, STEL
and IDLH guidelines for chemical exposure, and procedures to follow
to safely handle chemicals. The nine DOT classifications are outlined,
and different types of protective clothing are described.
The video shows
how chemical accidents commonly occur and describes basic rules to
follow when responding to hazmat incidents. First responders learn
how to safely approach the scene of an incident and how to conduct
air monitoring. They also learn how to establish control zones and
what activities are conducted within each zone.
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