HAZCHEM Flashcards
What does DRY AGENT mean in the Additional Information?
Water must not be allowed to come into contact with the substance at risk.
What is the purpose of the HAZCHEM code?
The HAZCHEM code is a 2 or 3 character code that gives essential information to assist personnel in determining the most appropriate actions to take for initial response to a hazardous materials incident.
What does ALCOHOL RESISTANT FOAM •2 or •3 mean in the Additional Information?
Alcohol resistant foam is the preferred medium.
If not available:
- If •2 - use Fine Spray or Water Fog
- If •3 - use Normal Foam
What does V mean in the Additional Information?
Substance can be violently or even explosively reactive, including combustion.
What does FULL mean in the additional information?
Full body protective clothing with BA.
What does DILUTE mean in the additional information?
May be washed to drain with large quantities of water.
What does CONTAIN mean in the additional information?
Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
What does E mean in the additional information?
EVACUATION - In some cases the letter E will also appear at the end of the code. People should be warned to stay indoors with all doors and widows closed, - but evacuation may need to be considered.
Consult Control, Police, and product expert.
What are the 5 firefighting extinguishing media in the code?
1 WATER JET: course water jet
2 FOG: or spray, mist
3 FOAM: normal foam; not alcohol resistant
4 DRY AGENT: water MUST NOT be allowed to come into contact with the substance
• ALCOHOL RESISTANT FOAM: if the bullet symbol precedes the number, ARF is the preferred medium, but if unavailable, default to the number that follows the bullet symbol.
Which letters correspond to DILUTE and which to CONTAIN?
P R S T - DILUTE
W X Y Z - CONTAIN
Which letters are designated V, violently reactive?
P S W Y
Which letters correspond to FULL, protective clothing with breathing apparatus?
P R W X
Describe the layout of an emergency information panel fitted to all vehicles transporting dangerous goods in bulk.
Left side: Substance name, UN NO., HAZCHEM code.
Right side: diamond shaped class label.
Bottom: Contacts
What substances does the HAZCHEM code not apply to?
Radioactive, explosive, or infectious substances.
What is the HAZCHEM pocket card, or Emergency Action Code?
It is a chart to assist with interpreting the code. It provides a summary of the code meanings, and additional information.
Which direction should the HAZCHEM code be interpreted from?
Left to right. Each column will be numbered to assist interpreting the information presented.
Under what circumstances might a substance react violently?
This can happen if the substance:
- is intrinsically unstable
- has a flash point below 61°C
- has the ability to cause an explosion or greatly contribute to the intensity of a fire, when in contact with organic or other combustible material, (powerful oxidizers belong to this category)
- will react violently with water. For example the application of water to fuming sulphuric acid causes a violent reaction and produces a large amount of heat
- will react with water to give off flammable gas
- may cause a dust explosion
What precautions should be taken if a substance is designated with a V?
- Consider removing the general public from the area
- If possible, operate from a safe distance and from behind cover
What is the rule about extinguishing media?
Any number higher than the one shown may be used, but a lower number may not be used.
