HAZCHEM CODING

OBJECTIVE Learning Outcome 15 Assessment Criteria Describe HAZCHEM Coding.

15.1 State the purpose of HAZCHEM Coding. 15.2 Read and interpret HAZCEM Coding. 15.3 Describe HAZCHEM Coding.

REFERENCES 1. 2. Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia Hazchem Card. NFPA, Hazardous Materials, Awareness and Operations Rob Schnepp.

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HAZCHEM CODING INTRODUCTION A Hazardous material, as defined by Department of Transportation, is any substance or material that is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to human health, safety, or the environment when transported in commerce, used incorrectly, or not properly contained or stored. The term hazardous material also includes hazardous substances, wastes, marine pollutants, and elevated-temperature materials. PURPOSE OF HAZCHEM CODING The presence of labels, placards and other markings on buildings, packages, boxes and containers often enables responders to identify a released chemical. When used correctly, marking systems indicate the presence of hazardous material and provide clues about the substance. This session provides an introduction to the various marking systems currently being used. It does not cover all the intricacies and requirements for every marking system; it will, however, acquaint you with the most common systems. THE HAZARD WARNING PANEL To assist personnel responding to a hazardous chemical incident make decisions on the action to be taken, vehicles and storage areas containing bulk quantities of hazardous chemicals should have clearly visible Emergency Information Panels, as per the following example:

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HAZCHEM GUIDE The hazchem code provides information on how a spill or a fire involving the particular chemical should be treated, plus the minimum level of personal protection required. The hazchem code is interpreted using a Hazchem Card:

Notes:

V BA FULL DILUTE CONTAIN FOG DRY AGENT

Can be Violently Breathing apparatus plus protective gloves Full body protective clothing with BA Spillage may be washed to drain with large quantities of water. However, due care must be taken to avoid unnecessary pollution of watercourses. Prevent by any means available, spillage from entering drains or watercourses. In the absence of fog equipment a fine spray may be used. Water must not be allowed to come into contact with the substance at risk.

The digit that starts the code indicates which agent should be used for fighting a fire and/or dispersing a spill of the chemical. Should the recommended agent not be available, it is safe to use a higher number, but not a lower number. For example, if foam is prescribed, it is safe to use a dry agent but not fog (water spray). Where a spill involving a hazardous chemical requires the use of breathing apparatus, and it is certain that fumes of a low concentration from only one chemical will be encountered, a chemical filter mask can be used. Fire Fighters must familiarise themselves with the type of chemical filter masks on their accident site, and must know the duration of usage for which the filter will give guaranteed protection. Before using a chemical filter mask, always check that the filter is definitely the correct type for the hazard and mask, check the 'use-by' date and that the caps are in place. Once the mask has been donned, the facemask seal should be checked by placing the palm of the hand over the inlet of the filter and inhaling.

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HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CLASSIFICATION (UNITED NATION) To assist in assessing the risk posed by chemicals, they are categorised into classes and divisions: NO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Explosives Compressed Gases Flammable Liquids Flammable Substances Oxidising Substances Toxic Substances Radioactive Substances Corrosive Substances Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances CLASS DIVISION Gelatine Dynamite Flammable (LPG) Poisonous (Toxic) Non Flammable Highly Flammable (F.P. below 23C) Flammable (F.P. 23C - 61C) Flammable Solids Spontaneously Combustible Water Reactive Agents Organic Peroxides Poisonous Infectious

All hazardous chemicals should carry a label to indicate which class they belong to, and the particular hazard involved. Class Labels, as in the example below, are diamond shaped with the class (and division) name and number in the bottom half and a symbol showing the hazard in the top half. There are standard class labels for classes one to eight, plus a striped label used on vehicles to indicate that a mixed load is carried. The size of a label is dependant on the risk involved, the larger the label, the greater the risk.

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CONCLUCION This training session is designed to educate Aerofireman to read and interpret HAZCEM Coding so they could encounter an emergency involving hazardous materials and who are expected to recognize the presence of the hazardous material, protect themselves, call for trained personnel and secure the area.

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