Hazardous Material Warning Systems

Hazardous Material emergencies in the fire service are often are far more complex than in the past. With the concerns of terrorism, the use or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or radiological threats firefighters are introduced to basic courses in almost every level of training today. The federal government has developed strategies for assisting emergency responders with the Department of Transportation labeling system for transportation and the color coded warning system for fixed facilities (Shackelford, 2009 Pg. 242). Both warning systems have their own advantages and disadvantages and knowing the just how these systems work and the limitations they poses are important to first responders.

Firstly, the (DOT) Department of Transportation vehicle placard system has several advantages for first responders arriving on the scene of an incident. Placards provide information to assist responders in decision making. Using the Emergency Response Guide Book (ERG) to research information provided on the placards to identify product name, hazards to the public, fire suppression, environmental and health hazards rapid actions or decision making can be accomplished.

However, disadvantages are also seen with the placard warning system. Information is limited and basic. Responders will need to refer to (MSDS) material safety data sheet (Shackelford, 2009 Pg. 241) for specific material information. These forms are transported with the vehicle and can typically be used to gather detailed information needed regarding proper and safe mitigation regarding the incident.

Another system of warning emergency responders of hazards is the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) 704 program (Shackelford, 2009 Pg. 242). Used to mark buildings that contain hazardous materials kept on site this system used color coding with a number scale for the level of danger posed by the product. The system identifies health risk, flammability and material reactivity to water. Used as an initial warning system for responders that can be easily identified and recognized to indicated that a hazard is present inside the building (Shackelford, 2009 Pg. 245) this system is effective but limited also.

A shortcoming of this system can be seen in buildings that store multiple products. The system identifies the most dangerous levels in each category, present(Shackelford, 2009 Pg. 24). This may cause confusion as responders cannot readily identify what chemical possesses what level of risk without identifying labels on product containers.

Subsequently requirements such as