Definition Flashcards
Response option
Specific operations performed in a specific order to accomplish the goals of the responses objective
Response objective
Statement based on realistic expectations of what can be accomplished when all allocated resources have been effectively deployed that provide guidance and direction for selecting appropriate strategies and the tactical direction of resources
Hazardous materials technician
Individual trained to used specialized protective clothing and control equipment to control the release of a hazardous material
Hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER)
U.S. regulations in Title 29 (labor) CFR 1910.120 for cleanup operations involving hazardous substances and emergency response operations for releases of hazardous substances
Overpack
- To enclose or secure a container by placing it in a larger container
- An outer container designed to enclose or secure an inner container
Solid
Substance that has a definite shape and size; the molecules of a solid generally have very little mobility
Liquid
Incompressible substance with a constant volume that assumes the shape of its container; molecules flow freely, but substantial cohesion prevents them from expanding as a gas would
Gas
Compressible substance, with no specific volume, that tends to assume the shape of a container. Molecules move about most rapidly in this state
Vapor
Gaseous state of a material that may normally be a solid or a liquid
Aerosol
Microscopic particles that may be a solid or a liquid
Dust
Airborne solid particles 0.1-50 microns in diameter. Particles less than 50 microns cannot be seen without a microscope
Mist
Aerosol of liquid particles suspended in air
Fog
Visible aerosol of a liquid formed by condensation
Expansion ratio
- Volume of a substance in liquid form compared to the volume of the same number of molecules of that substance in gaseous form
- Ratio of the finished foam volume to the volume of the original foam solution
International system of units (SI)
Modern form of the metric system of measurement that standardizes mathematical quantification
Pascals (Pa)
SI unit of measure used to indicate internal pressure and stress on a container
Millimeters of mercury (mmHg)
Unit of pressure measurement; not part of the SI currently defined as a rate rounded to 133 pascals. Rough equivalent to 1 torr
Bar
Unit of pressure measurement; not part of the SI. Equals 100,000 Pa
Torr
Unit of pressure measurement; not part of the SI. Measured as 1/760 of a standard atmosphere
Liquified gas
Confined gas that at normal temperatures exists in both liquid and gaseous states
Anhydrous
Materials containing no water
Hydrophobic
Material that is incapable of mixing with water
Hydrophilic
Material that is attracted to water. This material may also dissolve or mix in water
Density
Mass per unit of volume of a substance; obtained by dividing the mass by the volume
Specific gravity
Mass (weight) of a substance compared to the weight of an equal volume of water at a given temperature. A specific gravity less than one indicates a substance lighter than water; a specific gravity greater than one indicates a substance heavier than water
Vapor density
Weight of pure vapor or gas compared to the weight of an equal volume of dry air at the same temperature and pressure. A vapor density less than one indicates a vapor lighter than air; a vapor density greater than one indicates a vapor heavier than air
Molecular weight (MW)
Average mass of one molecule. This can be calculated as the sum of the atomic masses of the component atoms
Viscosity
Measure of a liquid’s internal friction at a given temperature. This concept is informally expensed as thickness, stickiness, and ability to flow
Safely data sheet (SDS)
Reference material that provides information on chemicals that are used, produced, or stored at facility. Form is provided by chemical manufacturers and blenders; contains information about chemical composition, physical and chemical properties, health and safety hazards, emergency response procedures, and waste disposal procedures
Celsius scale
International temperature scale on which the freezing point is 0C (32F) and the boiling point is 100C (212F) at normal atmospheric pressure at sea level
Fahrenheit scale
Temperature scale on such the freezing point is 32F (0C) and the boiling point at sea level is 212F (100C) at normal atmospheric pressure
Flash point
Minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapors to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid
Flammable liquid
Any liquid having a flash point below 100F (7.8C) and a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psi absolute (276 kPa, 2.76 bar), per NFPA
Combustible liquid
Liquid having a flash point at or above 100F (37.8C) and below 200F (93.3C), per NFPA
Flammability
Fuel’s susceptibility to ignition
Flammable range
Range between the upper flammable limit and lower flammable limit in which a substance can be ignited
Lower flammable (explosive) limit (LFL)
Lower limit at which a flammable gas or vapor will ignite and support combustion; below this limit the gas or vapor is too lean or thin to burn (too much oxygen and not enough gas, so lacks the proper quantity of fuel)
Upper flammable (explosive) limit (UFL)
Upper limit at which a flammable gas or vapor will ignite; above this limit the gas or vapor is too rich to burn (lack the proper quantity of oxygen)
Oxidizer
Any material that readily yields oxygen or other oxidizing gas, or that readily reacts to promote or initiate combustion of combustible materials
Phase
Distinguishable part in a course, development, or cycle; aspect or part under consideration. In chemistry, a change off phase is marked by a shift in the physical state of a substance caused by a change in heat
Melting point
Temperature at which a solid substance changes to a liquid state at normal atmospheric pressure
Freezing point
Temperature at which a liquid becomes a solid at normal atmospheric pressure
Boiling point
Temperature of a substance when the vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure. At this temperature, the rate of evaporation exceeds the rate of condensation. At this point, more liquid is turning into gas than gas is turning back into a liquid
Evaporation
Process of a solid or liquid turning into gas
Evaporation rate
Speed at which some material changes from a liquid to a vapor. Materials that change readily to gases are considered volatile
Volatility
Ability of a substance to vaporize easily at a relatively low temperature
Condensation
Process of a gas turning into a liquid state
Sublimation
Vaporization of a material from the solid to vapor state without passing through the liquid state
Critical point
The end point of an equilibrium curve. In liquid and vapor response, the conditions under which liquid and its vapor can coexist
Critical temperature
The minimum temperature above which a gas cannot Ben liquefied no matter how much pressure is applied
Critical pressure
The pressure necessary to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature
Auto ignition temperature
The lowest temperature at which a substance will ignite in air when there is no ignition source
Self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT)
The temperature above which the decomposition of an unstable substance continues unimpeded, regardless of the ambient or external temperature
Maximum safe storage temperature (MSST)
The maximum safe temperature at which a product can be stored. This temperature is well below the SADT
Polymerization
A special chemical reaction in which small-molecules compounds call monomers react with themselves to form larger molecules call polymers
Atom
The smallest complete building block of ordinary matter in any state
Nucleus
The positively charged central part of an atom, consisting of protons and neutrons
Proton
Subatomic particle with a physical mass and a positive electric charge
Neutron
Component of the nucleus of an atom that has a neutral electrical charge yet produces highly penetrating radiation; ultra high energy particle that has a physical mass but no electrical charge
Electron
Subatomic particle with a physical mass and a negative electric charge
Shell
Layer of electrons that orbit the nucleus of an atom. The innermost shell can hold up to two electrons, and each subsequent shell can hold eight
Atomic number
Number of protons in an atom
Atomic weight
Physical characteristic relating to the mass of molecules and atoms. A relative scale for atomic weights has been adopted, in which the atomic weight of carbon has been set at 12, although its true atomic weight is 12.01115
Compound
Substance consisting of two or more elements that have been united chemically
Reactive material
Substance capable of chemically reacting with other substances; for example, material that reacts violently when combined with air or water
Mixture
Substance containing two or more materials not chemically united
Solution
Uniform mixture composed of two or more substances
Slurry
Suspension formed by a quantity of granulated or powdered solid material that is not completely soluble mixed into a liquid
Alloy
Substance or mixture composed of 2 or more metals (or a metal & nonmetallic elements) fused together & dissolved into each other to enhance the properties or usefulness of the base metal
Periodic table of elements
Organizational chart showing chemical elements arranged in order by atomic number, electron configuration, and chemical properties
Atomic stability
Condition where an atom has a filled outer shell and is not seeking electrons. Stable atoms also have the same number of protons and electrons
Duet rule
Atoms with only one shell will attempt to maintain two electrons to fill the outer shell at all times, whether by gaining or losing electrons. A complete outer electron shell makes elements very stable
octet rule
Atoms with two or more shells will attempt to maintain eight electrons to fill the outermost shell at all times, whether by gaining or losing electrons. A complete outer electron shell makes elements very stable
Unstable material
Materials that are capable of undergoing chemical changes or that can violently decompose with little or no outside stimulus
Diatomic molecules
Molecules composed of only two atoms that may or may not be the same element
Covalent bond
Chemical bond formed between two or more non metals. This chemical bond results in a nonsalt
Ionic bond
Chemical bond formed by the transfer of electrons from a metal element to a nonmetal element. This chemical bond results in two oppositely charged ions
Ion
Atom that has lost or gained an electron, thus giving it a positive or negative charge
Cation
Atom or group of atoms carrying a positive charge
Anion
Atom or group of atoms carrying a negative charge
Resonant bond
Type of chemical bond in which electrons move freely between the compound atoms
Bond energy
The amount of energy needed to break covalent bonds
Exothermic reaction
Chemical reaction between two or more materials that changes that materials and produces heat
Endothermic reaction
Chemical reaction in which a substance absorbs heat energy
Hypergolic
Substance that ignites when exposed to another substance
Air-reactive material
Substance that reacts or ignites when exposed to air at normal temperatures.
Water-reactive material
Substance, generally a flammable solid, that reacts when mixed with water or exposed to humid air
Oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction
Chemical reaction that results in a molecule, ion, or atom gaining or losing an electron
Reducing agent
Due that his being oxidized or burned during combustion
Oxidizing agent
Substance that oxidizes another substance; can cause other materials to combust more readily or make fires burn more strongly
Oxidation
Chemical process that occurs when a substance combines with an oxidizer such as oxygen in the air; a common example is the formation of rust on metal
Polymerization
Chemical reactions in which two or more molecules chemically combine to form larger molecules; this reaction can often be violent
Monomer
A molecule that may bind chemically to other molecules to form a ploymer
Catalyst
Substance that modifies (usually increases) the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed int he process
Inhibitor
Material that is added to products that easily polymerize in order to control or prevent an undersized reaction
Decomposition
Chemical change in which a substance breaks down into two or more simpler substances. Result of oxygen acting on a material that results in a change in the material’s composition; oxidation occurs slowly, sometimes resulting in the rusting of metals
Synergistic effect
Phenomenon in which the combined properties of substances have an effect greater than their simple arithmetic all sum of effects
Concentration
- Percentage (mass or volume) of a material dissolved in water (or other solvent)
- Quantity of a chemical material inhaled for purposes of measuring toxicity
Soluble
Capable of being dissolved in a liquid (usually water)
Solubility
Degree to which a solid, liquid, or gas dissolves in a solvent (usually water)
Polar solvents
- A material in which the positive and negative charges are permanently separated, resulting in their ability to ionize in solution and create electrical conductivity. Example include water, alcohol, esters, ketones, amines, and sulfuric acid
- Flammable liquids with an attraction for water
Miscible
Materials that are capable of being mixed in all proportions
Miscibility
Two or more liquids’ capability to mix together
Immiscible
Incapable of being mixed or blended with another substance
Polarity
Property of some molecules to have discrete areas with negative and positive charges
Water solubility
Ability of a liquid or solid to mix with or dissolve in water
Hydrocarbon
Organic compound containing only hydrogen and carbon and found primarily in petroleum products and coal
Alkane
A saturated hydrocarbon, with hydrogen in every possible location. All bonds are single bonds
Alkene
An unsaturated hydrocarbon with at least one double bond between carbon atoms
Alkyne
An unsaturated hydrocarbon with at least one triple bond
Aromatic hydrocarbon
A hydrocarbon with bonds that form rings
Maximum safe storage temperature (MSST)
Temperature below which the product can be stored safety. This is usually 20-30 degrees cooler than the SADT temperature, but may be more depending on the material
Self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT)
Lowest temperature at which product in a typical package will undergo a self-accelerating decomposition. The reaction can be violent, usually rupturing the package, dispersing original material, liquid and/or gaseous decomposition products considerable distances
Photonioization detector (PID)
Gas detector that measures volatile compounds in concentrations of parts per million and parts per billion
Acid
Compound containing hydrogen that reacts with water to produce bydronium ions; a proton donor; a liquid compound with a pH less than 7. Acidic chemicals are corrosive
Dissociation (chemical)
Process of splitting a molecule or ionic compounds into smaller particles, especially if the process is reversible
Base
Any alkaline or caustic substance; corrosive water-soluble compound or substance containing group-forming hydroxide ions in water solution that reacts with an acid to form a salt
Chemical burn
Injury caused by contact with acids, lye, and vesicants such as tear gas, mustard gas, and phosphorus
Thermal burn
- Injury caused by contact with flames, hot objects, and hot fluids; examples. Include scales and steam burns
- Any injury to living tissue from contact with extreme hot or cold materials
Radioactive material (RAM)
Material with an atomic nucleus that spontaneously decays or disintegrates, emitting radiation as particles or electromagnetic waves at a rate of greater than 0.002 microcuries per gram Ci/g)
Ionizing radiation
Radiation that causes a chemical change in atoms by removing their electrons
Nonionizing radiation
Series of energy waves composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields traveling at the speed of light. Examples include ultraviolet radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, microwaves, radio waves, and extremely low frequency radiation
Ionize
Process in which an atom or molecule gains a negative or positive charge by gaining or losing electrons
Radioactive decay
Process in which an unstable radioactive atom loses energy by emitting ionizing radiation and conversion electrons
Radioisotope
Unstable atom that releases nuclear energy
Transmutation
Conversion of one element or isotope into another form or state
Half-life
The time required for a radioactive material to reduce to half of its initial value
Activity
Rate of decay of the isotope in terms of decaying atoms per second. Measured in becquerels (Bq) for small quantities of radiation, and curies (Ci) for large quantities of radiation
Bacquerel (Bq)
International system unit of measurement for radioactivity, indicating the number of nuclear decays/disintegration’s a radioactive material undergoes in a certain period of time
Curie (Ci)
English system unit of measurement for radioactivity, indicating the number of nuclear decays/disintegration’s a radioactive material undergoes in a certain period of time
CBRNE
Abbreviation for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive. These categories are often used to describe WMDs and other hazardous materials characteristics
Nerve agent
A class of toxic chemical that works by disrupting the way nerves transfer messages to organs
G-series agents
Non persistent nerve agents initially synthesized by German scientists
Blister agents
Chemical warfare agent that burns and blisters the skin or any other part of the body it contacts
Chemical asphyxiants
Substance that reacts to prevent the body from being able to use oxygen
Choking agent
Chemical warfare agent that attacks the lungs, causing tissue damage
Riot control agent
Chemical compound that temporarily makes people unable to function, by causing immediate irritation to the types, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin
Biological agent
Viruses, bacteria, or their toxins which are harmful to people, animals, or crops. When used, deliberately to cause harm, may be referred to as a biological weapon
Virus
Simplest type of microorganism that can only replicate itself in the living cells of its hosts. Viruses are unaffected by antibiotics
Bacteria
Microscopic, single-called organisms
Rickettsia
Specialized bacteria that live and multiply in the gastrointestinal tract of arthropod carriers, such as ticks and fleas
Toxin
Substance that has the property of being poisonous
Toxicology
Study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms
Dose
Quantity of a chemical material ingested or absorbed through skin contact for purposes of measuring toxicity
Toxicity
Degree to which a substance (toxin or poison) can harm humans or animals. Ability of a substance to do harm within the body
Dose-response relationship
Comparison of changes within an organism per amount, intensity, or duration of exposure to a stressor over time. This information is used to determine action levels for materials such as drugs, pollutants, and toxins
Bioassay
Scientific experiment in which live plant or animal tissue or cells are used to determine the biological activity of a substance
Median lethal dose, 50 percent kill (LD50)
Concentration of an ingested or injected substance that results in the death of 50 percent of the test population. LD50 is an oral or dermal exposure expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg); the lower the value, the more toxic the substance
Median lethal concentration, 50% kill (LC50)
Concentration of an inhaled substance that results in the death of 50%5 of the test population. LC50 is an inhalattion exposure expressed in parts per million (ppm), milligrams per liter (mg/liter), or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3); the lower the value the more toxic the substance
Organophosphate pesticides
Chemicals that kill insects by disrupting their central nervous systems; these chemcials deactivate acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme which is essential to nerve function in insects, humans, and many other animals. Because they have the same effect on humans, they are sometimes used in terrorist attacks
Exposure
- Contact with a hazardous material, causing biological damage, typically by swallowing, breathing, or touching (skin or eyes). Exposure may be short-term (acute exposure), or intermediate duration, or long-term (chronic exposure)
- People, property, systems, or natural features that are or may be exposed to the harmfuel effects of a hazardous materials emergency
Contaminant
Foreign substance that compromises the purity of a given substance
Contamination
Impurity resulting from mixture or contact with a foreign substance
Radiation absorbed dose (rad)
English system unit used to mearue the amount of radiation energy absorbed by a material; its international system equivalent is gray (Gy)
Photon
Weightless packet of electromagnetic engery, such as x-rays or visible light
Scintillator
Material that glows (luminesces) when exposed to ionizing radiation
Acute
Characterized by sharpness or severity, having rapid onset and a relatively short duration
Chronic
Marked by long duration; recurring over a period of time
Inverse square law
Physical law that states that the amount of radiation present is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source of radiation
Explosive ordinance disposal (EOD)
Emergency responders specially trained and equipped to handle and dispose of explosive devices
Division number
Subset of a class within an explosive placard that assigns the product’s level of explosion hazard
Code of federal regulations (CFR)
Rules and regulations published by executive agencies of the U.S. federal government. These administrative laws are just as enforceable as statutory laws (known collectively as federal law), which must be passed by congress
Low explosive
Explosive material that deflagrates, producing a reaction slower than the speed of sound
Deflagrate
To explode (burnquickly) at a rate of speed slower than the speed of sound
High explosive
Explosive that decomposes extremely rapidly (almost instantaneously) and has a detonation velocity faster than the speed of sound
Detonate
To explode ocause to explode. The level of explosive capability will directly affect the speed of the combustion reaction
Primary explosive
High explosive that iseasily initiated and highly sensitive to heat; often used as a detonator
Secondary explosive
High explosive that is designed to detonate onnly under specific circumstances, including activation from the detonation of a primary explosive
Homemade explosive (HME)
Explosive material constructued using common household chemcials. The finished product is usually highly unstable
Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD)
Peroxide-based white powder high explosive organic compound that can be manufactured using nonspecialized equipment. Sensitive to shock and friction during manufacture and handling
Acetone peroxide (TATP)
Triacetonetriperoxide (TATP) is typically a white crystalline powder with a distinctive acrid (bleach) smell and can range in color from a yellowish to white color. Similar to hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD)
Improvised explosive device (IED)
Any explosive device constructed and deployed in a manner inconsistent with conventional military action
Munitions
Military reserves of weapons, equipment, and ammunition
Person-borne improvised explosive device (PBIED)
Improvised explosive device carried by a person. This type of IED is often employed by suicide bombers, but may be carried by individuals coerced into carrying the bomb
Vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED)
An improvised explosive device placed in a car, truck, or other vehilce. This type of IED typically creates a large explosion
Mobile data terminal (MDT)
Mobile computer that communicates with other computers on a radio system
Detection limit
The smallest quantity of a material that is identifiable within a stated confidence level
Saturation
The concentration at which the addition of more solute does not increase the levles of dissolved solute
Direct reading instrument
A tool that indicates its reading on the tool itself, without requiring additional resources. Each instrument is designed for a specific monitoring purpose
Calibrate
Operations to standardize or adjust a measuing instrument
Calibration
Set of operations used to standardize or adjust the values of quantities indicated by a measuring instrument
Calibration test
Set of operations used to make sure that na instrument’s alerts all work at the recommened levels of hazard detected
Chemical transportation emergency center (CHEMTREC)
Center established by the american chemistry council that supplies 24-hour information for incidents involving hazardous materials
Canadian transportation emergency centre (CANUTEC)
Canadian center that provides fire & emergency responders with 24-hour information for incidents involving hazardous materials; operated by transport canada a department of the canadian government
Confined space
Space or enclosed are not intended for continuous occupation, having limited (restricted access) openings for entry or exit, providing unfavorable natural ventilation and the potential to have a toxic, explosive, or oxygen-deficient atmosphere
Evidence
Information collected and analyzed by an investigator
Flame ionizaation detector (FID)
Gas detector that oxidizes all oxidizable materials in a gas stream, and then measures the concentration of the ionized material
Chain of custody
Continuous chagnes of possession of physical evidence that must be establised in court to admit such material nto evidence. In order for physical evidence to be admissible in court, there must be an evidence log of accountabilith that documents each change of possession from the evidence’s discovery until it is presented in court
Route of entry
Pathway via which hazardous materials get into (or affect) the human body
Exposure limit
Maximum llength of time on individual can be exposed to an airborne substance before injury, illness, or death occurs
Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)
Description of any atmosphere that poses an immediate hazard to life or produces immediate irreversible, debilitating effects on health; represents concentrations above which respiratory protection should be required. Expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3); companion measurement to the permissible exposure limit (PEL)
Dosimeter
Detection device used to measure an individual’s exposure to an environmental hazard such as radiation or sound
Rotegen (R)
English system unit used to measure radiation exposure, applied only to gamma and x-ray radiation, the unit used on most U.S. dosimeters
Roentgen equivalent in man (rem)
English system unit used to express the radiation absorbed dose (rad) equivalence as pertaining to a human body; used to set radiation dose limits for emergency responders. Applied to all types of radiation
Counts per minute (CPM)
Measure of ionizing radiation in which a detection device registers the rate of returns over time. Primarily used to detect particles, not rays
Sievert
SI unit of measurement for low levels of ionizing radiation and their heath effect in humans
Correction factor
Manufacturer-provided number that cna be used to convert a specific device’s read-out to be applicable to another function
Combustible gas indicator (CGI)
Electronic device that indicates the presence and explosive levels of combustible gases, as relayed from a combustible gas detector
Electrochemical gas sensor
Device used to meausre the concentration of a target gas by oxidizing or reducing the target gas and then measuring the current
PH indicator
Chemical detector for hydronium ions (H3)+) or hydrogen ions (H+). Indicator equipment includes impregnated papers and meters
Multi-use detectors
Device with several types of equipment in one handheld device. Used to detect specific types of materials in an atmosphere
Nondispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor
Simple spectroscope that cna be used as a gas detector
Colormetric indicator tube
Small tube filled with a chemcial reagent that changes color in a predictable manner when a controlled volume of contaminated air is drawn through it
Reagent
Chemcial that is known to react to another chemical or compound in a specific way, often used to detect or synthesize another chemical
Geiger-Mueller (GM) detector
Detection device that uses GM tubes to measure ionizing radiation
Geiger-Mueller (GM) tubes
Sensor tube used to detect ionizing radiation. This tube is one element of a Geiger-Mueller detector
Self-reading dosimeters (SRDs)
Detection device that displays the cumulative reading without requiring additional processing
Ionization potential
Energy required to free an electron from its atom or molecule
Immunoassay (IA)
To measure the concentration of an analyte (material of interest) within a solution
Antibody
Specialized protein produced by a body’s immune system when it detects antigens (harmful substances). Antibodies can only neutralize or remove the efffects of their analogous antigens
Antigen
Toxin or other foreign substance that triggers an immune response in a body
Wet chemistry
Branch of analysis with a focus on chemicals in their liquid phase
Thermal imager (TI)
Electronic device that forms images using infrared radiation
Infrared
Invisible electromagnetic radiant energy at a wavelength in the vibile light spectrum greater than the red end but loower than microwaves
Infrared (IR) thermometer
Noncontact measuring device that detects hte infrared energy emitted by materials and converts the energy facotr into a temperature reading
Emissivity
Measure of an object’s ability to radiate thermal energy
Carcinogen
Cancer producing substance
Flame ionization detectors (FIDs)
Gas detector that oxidizes all oxidizable material in a gas stream, and then measures the concentration of the ionized material
Gas Chromatography (GC)
Apparatus used to detect and separate small quantities of volatile liquids or gases via instrument analysis
Spectrometer
Apparatus used to measure the intensity of a given sample based on a predefined spectrum such as wavelength or mass
Mass spectrometer
Apparatus used to ionize a chemical and then measure the masses within the sample
Spectroscopy
Study of the results when a material is dispersed into ints component spectrum
Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS)
Technique used to separate and identify ionized molecules. The ionize molecules are impeded in travel via a buffer gas chosen for the type of detection intended. larger ions are slowed more than smaller ions: this difference provides an indication of the ions’ size and identify
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor
Device that senses a physical phenomenon. Eelectrical signals are transduced to mechanical waves, and then back to electrical signals for analysis
Gamma-ray spectrometer
Apparatus used to measure the intensity of gamma radiation as compared to the energy of each photon
Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy
Device that uses a mathematical process to convert detection data onto the infrared spectrum
Spectrophotometers
Apparatus used to measure the intensity of light as an aspect of its color
Raman spectrometer
Apparatus used to observe the absorption, scattering, and shifts in light when sent through a material. The results are unique to the molecule
Absorb
The collection of a liquid or gas on the surface of a solid in a thin layer
Fluorimeter
Device used to detect the fluorescence of a material, especially as pertains to the fluorescent qualities of DNA & RNA
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Technique to which DNA is copied to amplfy a seqment of DNA to diagnose and monitor a disease or to forensically identify an individual
Risk based response
Method using hazard and risk assessment to determine an appropriate mitigation effort based on the circumstances of the incident
Hazard materials profile
A chemical size-up based upon the suspected identity, or not, of a chemical hazard. This is validated with monitoring and detection equipment upon performing a reconnaissance entry. Profiling allows the hazmat technician to predict hazards and validate the actual entry conditions even if the product is not positively identified
Chemical assessment
An organized approach at quantifying the risks associated with the potential exposure to the chemical
CAS number
Number assigned by the american chemical society’s chemical absrtract service that uniquely identifies a specific compound
Globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals (GHS)
International classification and labeling system for chemicals and other hazards communication information, such as safety data sheets
UN/NA number
Four-digit number assigned by the United Nations to identify a specific hazardous chemical. North America (DOT) numbers are identical to UN numbers, unless the UN number is unassigned
Standard transportation commodity code
Numberical code on the waybill used. By the rail industry to identify the commodity
Emergency response guidebook (ERG)
Manual that aids emergency response and inspection personnel in identifying hazardous materials placards and labels; also gives guidelines for initial actions to be taken at hazardous materials incidents, developed jointly by transport canada (TC), U.S. department of transportation (DOT), the secretariat of transport and communications of mexico (SCT), and with the collaboration of CIQUIME (centro de informacion quimica para emergencias)
Pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration (PHMSA)
Branch of the U.S. department of transportation. (DOT) that focuses on pipeline safety and related environemental concerns
Chemical inventory list (CIL)
Formal tracking document showing details of stored chemicals including location, manufacturer, volume, container type, and health hazards
Local emergency planning committee (LEPC)
Community organization responsible for local emergency resposne planning. Required by SARA title III, LEPCs are composed of local officials, citizens, and industry representatives with the task of designing, reviewing, and updating a comprehensive emergency plan for an emergency planning district; plans may address hazardous materials inventories, hazardous materials response training, and assessment of local response capabilites
Computer-aided management of emergency operations (CAMEO)
A system of software applications that assists emergency responders in the development of safe response plans. It can be used to access, store, and evaluate information critical in emergency response
Datasheet
Document that includes important inforamtion regarding a specific utility or resource in a standardized format
Wireless information system for emergency responders (WISER)
This electronic resource brings a wide range of information to the hazmat responde such as chemical identification suportt, characteristics of chemicals and compounds, health hazard information, and containment advice
Metadata
Information that provides background and detail about other types of information
Geographic information systems (GIS)
Computer software application that relattes physical features on the earth to a database to be used for mapping and analysis. The system captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and presents data that refers to or is linked to a location
CHLOREP
Program adminstered and coordinated by the chlorine institute to provide an organized and effective system for responding to chlorine emergencies int he United States and canada, operating 24 hours a day/7 days a week with established phone contacts
Other regulated material (ORM)
Material, such as a consumer commodity, that does not meet the definition of a hazardous material and is not included in any other hazard class but possesses enough hazardous characterisitcs that it requires some regulation; presents limited hazard during transportation because of its form, quantity, and packaging
Toxic inhalation hazard (TIH)
Volatile liquid or gas known to be severe hazard to human health during transportation
Cylinder
Enclosed container with a circular cross-section used to hold a range of materials. Uses include compressed breathing air, poisons, or radioactive materials
Hydrostatic test
Testing method that uses water under pressure to check the integrity of pressure vessels
Dewar
Container designed for the movement of small quantities of cryogenic liquids within a facility; not designed or intended to meet department of transportation (DOT) requirements for the transportation of cryogenic materials
Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs)
Rigid (RIBC) or flexible (FIBC) portable packagiing, other than a cylinder or portable tank, that is designed for mechanical handling with a maximum capacity of not more than 3 cubic meters
Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP)
A percentage of a container’s test pressure. Can be calculated as the pressure that the weakest component of a vessel or container can safely maintain
American society of mechanical engineers (ASME)
Voluntary standards - setting organization concerned with the development of technical standards, such as those for respiratory protection cylinders
Bill of lading
Shipping paper used by the trucking industry (and others) indicating origin, destination, route, and product; placed in the cab of every truck tractor. This document establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a carrier. It serves as a document of title, contract of carriage, and receipt for goods
Baffle
Partition placed in vehicular or aircraft water tanks to reduce shifting of the water load when starting, stopping, and turning
Cryogen
Gas that is converted into liquid by being cooled below -130F (-90C)
Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Natural gas stored under pressure as a liquid
Railcar initials and numbers
Combination of letters and numbers stenciled on rail tank cars that may be used to get information about the car’s contents from the railroad’s computer or the shipper
Specification marking
Stencil on the exterior of a tank car indicating the standards to which the tank car was built: may also be found on intermodal containers and cargo tank trucks
Capacity stencil
Number stenciled on the exteriior of a tank car to indicate the volume of the tank
Frameless tank car
Direct attachment of a rail tank car to the truck assembly. This type of construction transfers all of the stresses of transport from the railcar to the stub sill assembly and the tank itself
Continuous underframe tank car
Construction of a rail tank car that includes full support of the tank car. The underframe rests on the truck assembly during transport
Head shield
Layer of puncture protection added to the head of tanks. Head shields may or may not be visible, depending on the construction of the tank and the type of protection provided
Thermal insulation
Materials added to decrease heat transfer between objects in proximity to each other
Thermal protection
Materials added to the shell of a railway tank car to increase the durability of the tank car against direct flame impingement or a pool of fire
Manway
Opening that is large enough to admit a person into a tank. This opening is usually equipped with a removeable, lockable cover
Valve
Mechanical device with a passageway that controls the flow of a liquid or gas
Safety relief device
Device onn rail car cargo tanks with an operating part held in pace by a spring; the vallve opens at preset pressures to relieve excess pressure and prevent failure of the vessel
Pressure relief valve
Pressure control device designed to eliminate hazardous conditions resulting from excessive pressures by allowing this pressure to release in manageable quanitites
Vacuum relief valve
Pressure control device designed to introduce outside air into a container during periods of heating and cooling
Waybill
Shipping paper used by a railroad to indicate origin, destination, route, and product; a waybill for each car is carried by the conductor
Heat induced tear
Rupture of a container caused by overpressure, often along the seam. This type of failure primarily occurs in low-pressure containers transporting flammable/combustible liquids
Boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE)
Rapid vaporization of a liquid stored under pressure upon release to the atmosphere following major failure of its containing vessel. Failure is the result of over-pressurization cuased by an external heat source, which causes the vessel to explode into two or more pieces when the temperature of the liquid is well above its boiling point at normal atmospheric pressure
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Any of several petroleum products, such as propane or butane, stored under pressure as a liquid
Intermodal container
Freight containers designed and constructed to be used interchangeably in two ormore modes of transport
Beam
Structural member subjected to loads, usually vertical loads, perpendicular to its length
T-code
Portable tank instuction code used to identify intermodal containers used to tranport hazardous materials. This set of codes replaces the IMO type listings
Coffer dam
Narrow, empty space (void) between compartments or tanks of a vessel that prevents leakage between theml used to isolate compartments or tanks
Air bill
Shipping document prepared from a bill of lading that accompanies each piece or each lot of air cargo
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)
System that monitors and controls coded signals from preset locations within an infrastructure (pipeline system), industry (manufacturing system), or facility (building system)
Pressure storage tank
Class of fixed facility storage tanks divided into two categories; low-pressure storage tanks and pressure vessels
Low pressure storage tank
Class of fixed-facility storage tanks that are designed to have an operating pressure ranging from 0.5 to 15 psi
Pressure vessel
Fixed-facility sotrage tanks with operating pressure above 15 psi
Cryogenic liquid storage tank
Heavily insulated, vacuum-jacketed tanks used to store cryogenic liquids; equipped with safety-relief valves and rupture disks
Radiation
Energy from a radioactive source emitted in the form of waves or particles, as a result of the decay of an atomic nucleus
Expected packaging
Container used for transportation of amterials that have very limited radioactivity
Industrial packaging
Container used to ship radioactive materials that present limited hazard to the public and the environment, such as smoke detectors
Type a packaging
Container used to ship radioactive materials with relatively high radiation levels
Type b packaging
Container used to ship radioactive materials that exceed the limits allowed by type A packaging, such as materials that would present a radiation hazard to the pubic or environment if there were a major release
Type C packaging
Container used to ship highly reactive radioactive materials intended for transport via aircraft
Transport index (TI)
Number placed on the label of a package expressing the maximum allowable radiation level in millirem per hour at 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the external surface of the package
Preincident survey
Assessment of a facility or location made before an emergency occurs in order to prepare for an appropriate emergency response
Hazard & risk assessment
Formal review of the hazards and risks that may be encountered by firefighters or emergencyc responders; used to determine that appropriate level and type of personal and respiratory protection that must be worn
Hazard class
Group of materials designated by the department of transportation (DOT) that shares a major hazardous property
Response model
Framework for resolving problems or conflicts using logic, research, and analysis
Nonintervention operations
Operations in which responders take no direct actions on the actual problem
Local emergency response plan (LERP)
Plan detailing how local emergency response agencies will respond to community emergencies; required by U.S. environmental protection agency (EPA) and prepared by local emergency planning committee (LEPC)
Defensive operations
Operations in which responders seek to confine the emergency to a given area without directly contacting the hazardous materials invovled
Offensive operations
Operations in which responders take aggressive, direct action on the material, container, or process equipment involved in an incident
Containment
The act of stopping the further release of a material from its container
Termination
The phase of an incident in which emergency operations are completed and the scene is turned over to the property owner or other party for recovery operations
Post incident critique
Discussion of the incident during the termination phase of response. Discussion includes responders, stakeholders, and command staff, to determine facets of the response that were successful and areas that can be improved upon
Post incident analysis (PAI)
Overview and critique of an incident including feedback from members of all responding agencies. Typically takes place within two weeks of the incident. In the training environment it may be used to evaluate student and instructor performance during a training evolution
Rapid intervention crew or team (RIC/RIT)
Two or more firefighters designated to perform firefighter rescue; they are stationed outside the hazard and must be standing by throughout the incident
Incident management system (IMS)
System described in NFPA 1561, standard on emergency services incident management system and command safety, that defines the roles, responsibiliites, and standard operating procedures used to manage emergency operations. Such systems may also be referred to as incident command systems (ICS).
National incident management system - incident command systems (NIMS-ICS)
The U.S. mandated incident management system that defines the roles, responsibilities, and standard operating procedures used to manage emergency operations; creates a unified incident response structure for federal, state, and local governments
Unified command (UC)
In the incident command system, a shared command roles in which all agencies with geographical or functional responsibiity establish a common set of incident objectives and strategies. In unifed command there is a single incident command post and a single operations chief at any given time
Safety officer
Member of the IMS command staff responsible to the incident commander for monitoring and assessing hazardous and unsafe conditions and developing measures for assessing personnel safety on an incident
Absorption
Penetration of one substance into the structure of another, such as the process of picking up a liquid contaminant
Adsorption
Adherence of a substance in a liquid or gas to a solid. This process occurs on the surface of the absorbent material
Mass decontamination
Process of decontaminating large numbers of people in the fastest possible time to reduce surface contamination to a safe level. It is typically a gross decon process utilizing water or soap and water solutions to reduce the level of contamination, with or without a formal decontamination corridor or line
Ambulatory
People, often responder, who are able to understand directions, talk and walk unassisted
Technical decontamination
Using chemical or physical methods to thoroughly remove contaminants from responders (primarily entry team personnel) and their equipment; usuallly conducted within a formal decontamination line or corridor following gross decontamination
Biodegradable
Capable of being broken down into innocuous product by the actions of living things, such as microorganisms
Diluation
Application of water-soluble material to reduce the hazard
Disfection
Any process that eliminates most biological agents; disinfecction techniques may target specific entities, often uses chemcials
Positive-pressure ventilation (PPV)
Method of ventilating a room or structure by mechanically blowing fresh air through an inlet opening into the space in sufficient volume to create a slight positive pressure within and thereby forcing the contaminated atmosphere out the exit opening
Neutralization
Chemical reaction in water in which an acid and base react quantitatively with each other until there are no excess hydrogen or hydroxide ions remaining in the solution
Sterilization
Any process that destroys biological agents and other life forms often uses heat
Sufactant
Chemical that lowers the surface tension of a liquid; allows water to spread move rapidly over the surface of class A fuels and penetrate organic fuels
Berm
Termporary or permanent barrier intended to control the flow of water
