113 Environmental Awareness Fundamentals

Question 1

Define

Hazardous Material (HAZMAT)

Answer 1

HAZMAT

For the purpose of preparing the Material Safety Data Sheet, a hazardous material is defined as a material having one or more of the following characteristics:

• has a flashpoint below 200^oF (93.3^oC) closed cup, or is subject to spontaneous heating or is subject to polymerization with release of large amounts of energy when handled, stored, and shipped without adequate control;
• has a threshold limit value below 1000 ppm for gases and vapors, below 500 mg/m3 for fumes, and below 30 mg/m3 for dusts;
• a single oral dose which will cause 50 percent fatalities to test animals when administered in doses of less than 500 mg per kilogram of test animal weight;
• is a strong oxidizing or reducing agent;
• causes first degree burns to skin in short time exposure or is systematically toxic by skin contact;
• in the course of normal operations, may produce dusts, gases, fumes, vapors, mists, or smokes with one or more of the above characteristics;
• produces sensitizing or irritating effects;
• is radioactive; or
• the item has special characteristics which in the opinion of the manufacturer could cause harm to personnel if used or stored improperly.

Question 2

Define

Hazardous Waste (HAZWASTE)

Answer 2

HAZWASTE –

Any discarded or abandoned hazardous substance as defined in 40 CFR 261 or applicable state regulations where the state has been granted enforcement authority by EPA.

It may include any discarded liquid, semisolid, solid, or containerized gaseous material.

Question 3

Define

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Answer 3

MSDS –

OSHA Form 174 or an equivalent form containing the identical data elements, must be used by manufacturers of chemical products to communicate to users the chemical, physical, and hazardous properties of their product to comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.

The completed form identifies key information on the product:

• name, address, and emergency contact for the manufacturer;
• the identity of hazardous ingredients;
• physical/chemical characteristics;
• fire and explosion hazard data;
• reactivity data;
• health hazard data;
• precautions for safe handling and use;
• and control measures

Question 4

Define

Authorized Use List (AUL)

Answer 4

AUL –

Commands are asked to develop, implement, and revise as necessary a facility level Hazardous Material (HM) Authorized Use List (AUL).

For each HM listed, the AUL must include the stock number and item name for stock numbered items purchased via the stock system, or the product name and manufacturer name as they appear on the product label/material safety data sheet (MSDS) for items not purchased via the stock system.

In addition, the AUL must identify the processes for which each HM is allowed to be used and maintain this AUL for all HM allowed for use in the activity.

Question 5

Explain the general procedures to be followed when a HAZMAT spill is discovered.

Answer 5

Because of the extremely hazardous nature of many materials, only trained personnel shall respond to a hazardous material (HM) spill. Personnel shall be trained by division officers or supervisory personnel to clean up small spills of HM. Appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) shall be used to conduct training. Response procedures for many specific situations are provided in other documents

For descriptive purposes, the spill response procedures have been divided into nine phases:

1. Discovery and Notification
2. Initiation of Action.
3. Evaluation.
4. Containment and Damage Control.
5. Dispersion of Gases/Vapors.
6. Cleanup and Decontamination.
7. Disposal of Contaminated Materials.
8. Certification for Safe Re-entry.
9. Follow-up Reports.

phases can occur simultaneously and may involve common elements in their operation

Question 6

State the PPE required when handling HAZMAT/HAZWASTE

Answer 6

• Head Protection
• Eye and Face Protection
• Foot Protection
• Hand Protection
• Safety Clothing
• Personal Fall Protection Equipment
• Personal Flotation Devices
• Respiratory Protection