Random Flashcards
What’s the main limitation of Level B PPE compared to Level A?
No vapor-tight protection.
What does a breakthrough time indicate in PPE selection?
How long before a chemical passes through the material.
Why is butyl rubber preferred for nerve agent protection?
High resistance to chemical warfare agents.
What’s the primary concern when wearing encapsulated suits in hot environments?
Heat stress.
What type of gloves should be worn when handling cryogenic materials?
Loose-fitting, insulated gloves.
What is the function of a pressure-demand SCBA?
Provides positive pressure to prevent inhalation of contaminants.
What is the main advantage of a PAPR over an APR?
Active air supply reduces breathing resistance.
What level of PPE is required for unknown atmospheric hazards?
Level A.
What is the purpose of an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI)?
Alerts when a respirator cartridge is no longer effective.
What must be checked before entering a confined space with an SCBA?
Air supply, fit, and communication system.
What is the first priority in emergency decontamination?
Remove the victim from the contaminated area.
What’s the difference between gross and technical decon?
Gross is rapid; technical is thorough.
What’s the risk of using bleach for chemical decon?
Can react with some chemicals to create toxic fumes.
What type of decon is required for radioactive materials?
Wet decon with copious amounts of water to remove contaminants
Technical with metering
Why is dry decon used for powdered contaminants?
Prevents spreading through liquid runoff.
What’s the main reason for using adsorption materials in decon?
Traps hazardous substances in a solid medium.
What’s the primary limitation of using dilution for decon?
Large volumes of contaminated runoff.
What’s the primary concern when using a decon corridor?
Avoiding cross-contamination.
What’s the main decon method for removing petroleum-based contaminants?
Emulsification.
What’s the key factor when setting up a mass decon shower?
High water flow with proper drainage.
What is an IDLH atmosphere?
Immediate danger to life or health.
What’s the difference between a TLV and a PEL?
TLV is advisory; PEL is enforceable by OSHA.
What is a flashpoint?
The lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to ignite.
What’s the significance of a substance’s vapor density?
Determines if it will rise or sink in air.
What does the term “specific gravity <1” indicate?
The substance will float on water.
What is a pyrophoric material?
A substance that ignites spontaneously in air.
What does LC50 measure?
Lethal concentration for 50% of test subjects.
What does the term “autoignition temperature” mean?
The temperature at which a substance ignites without an external source.
What is BLEVE?
Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.
What does the term “miscible” mean?
Liquids that mix in all proportions.
What NIOSH guide provides PPE recommendations for chemicals?
NIOSH Pocket Guide (NPG).
What does NIOSH certify in respiratory protection?
Cartridge and filter efficiency ratings.
What is the difference between an N95 and a P100 respirator?
N95 blocks 95% of particulates; P100 blocks 99.97% and is oil-resistant.
What does a CBRN SCBA certification indicate?
Approved for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
What does NIOSH REL stand for?
Recommended Exposure Limit.
What’s the difference between an APF of 10 and 50?
APF 50 offers 5x the protection of APF 10.
What NIOSH-approved filter is needed for ammonia?
Green (ammonia/methylamine).
What does the HEPA rating on a filter mean?
Blocks 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles.
What is the function of the NIOSH “Hierarchy of Controls”?
Prioritizes hazard mitigation strategies.
What color does NIOSH assign to an acid gas cartridge?
White.
What rail car type transports pressurized flammable gases?
DOT-105/112
What’s a key external feature of a cryogenic rail car?
Thermally insulated tank with a cabinet at one end
What hazard is associated with a tank car carrying anhydrous ammonia?
Toxic inhalation hazard
What does a protective dome on a rail car indicate?
Pressurized contents
What is the function of an expansion dome?
Allows for thermal expansion of liquid cargo
What type of rail car is used for caustic liquids?
Non-pressurized DOT-111
Why do some rail cars have exposed fittings on top?
They carry non-pressurized hazardous liquids
What rail car hazard is associated with chlorine transport?
Possible catastrophic rupture from overpressurization
What rail car is used for solid hazardous materials?
Covered hopper cars
What is the primary concern when a rail car BLEVE occurs?
Fireball, blast wave, and flying debris
Which MC tank is used for high-pressure gases?
MC-331
What hazard is common with MC-306/406 tanks in a rollover?
Spill due to weak rollover protection
What cargo does an MC-312 tank typically carry?
Corrosives
Why are MC-338 tanks heavily insulated?
To maintain cryogenic temperatures
What does a horseshoe-shaped tank indicate?
MC-331 (pressurized gases)
What type of tank truck has multiple compartments?
MC-306/406 (fuel and liquids)
Why do MC-307/407 tanks have external rings?
To provide structural integrity
What’s a major risk when heating a cryogenic tank?
Rapid expansion and overpressurization
What type of tank truck is used for oxidizers?
MC-312 or specialized trailers
What does an emergency shutoff valve do on an MC-331?
Stops the flow of pressurized gases
What hazard class is a white placard with a skull and crossbones?
Class 6 (Poison)
What hazard does a yellow placard with a flame over a circle indicate?
Oxidizer (Class 5)
What’s the UN hazard class for explosives?
Class 1
What’s the significance of a white placard with ‘Inhalation Hazard’?
Indicates a toxic gas
What rail car type transports pressurized flammable gases?
DOT-105/112.
What’s a key external feature of a cryogenic rail car?
Thermally insulated tank with a cabinet at one end.
What hazard is associated with a tank car carrying anhydrous ammonia?
Toxic inhalation hazard.
What does a protective dome on a rail car indicate?
Pressurized contents.
What is the function of an expansion dome?
Allows for thermal expansion of liquid cargo.
What type of rail car is used for caustic liquids?
Non-pressurized DOT-111.
Why do some rail cars have exposed fittings on top?
They carry non-pressurized hazardous liquids.
What rail car hazard is associated with chlorine transport?
Possible catastrophic rupture from overpressurization.
What rail car is used for solid hazardous materials?
Covered hopper cars.
What is the primary concern when a rail car BLEVE occurs?
Fireball, blast wave, and flying debris.
Which MC tank is used for high-pressure gases?
MC-331.
What hazard is common with MC-306/406 tanks in a rollover?
Spill due to weak rollover protection.
What cargo does an MC-312 tank typically carry?
Corrosives.
Why are MC-338 tanks heavily insulated?
To maintain cryogenic temperatures.
What does a horseshoe-shaped tank indicate?
MC-331 (pressurized gases).
What type of tank truck has multiple compartments?
MC-306/406 (fuel and liquids).
Why do MC-307/407 tanks have external rings?
To provide structural integrity.
What’s a major risk when heating a cryogenic tank?
Rapid expansion and overpressurization.
What type of tank truck is used for oxidizers?
MC-312 or specialized trailers.
What does an emergency shutoff valve do on an MC-331?
Stops the flow of pressurized gases.
What hazard class is a white placard with a skull and crossbones?
Class 6 (Poison).
What hazard does a yellow placard with a flame over a circle indicate?
Oxidizer (Class 5).
What’s the UN hazard class for explosives?
Class 1.
What’s the significance of a white placard with ‘Inhalation Hazard’?
Indicates a toxic gas.
What does a red and white striped placard indicate?
Flammable solid (Class 4).
What’s the placard number for anhydrous ammonia?
1005.
What color is a Class 8 placard?
Black and white (corrosive).
What does a green placard indicate?
Non-flammable gas (Class 2).
What’s the meaning of a 4-digit UN number on a placard?
Identifies the specific hazardous material.
What does a white placard with a radiation symbol mean?
Radioactive material (Class 7).
What label is required for flammable liquids in small containers?
Red flammable liquid label.
What’s the main difference between a label and a placard?
Labels are for small containers; placards are for transport vehicles.
What label is used for organic peroxides?
Half red, half yellow with a flame.
What does a marine pollutant label indicate?
A substance harmful to aquatic life.
What does a corrosive label depict?
A hand and metal being eaten by liquid.
What does a ‘Cargo Aircraft Only’ label mean?
The material cannot be shipped on passenger planes.
What does an inhalation hazard label indicate?
The substance poses a respiratory toxicity risk.
What’s the required label for radioactive materials?
Yellow and white radiation hazard label.
What label is used for explosives?
Orange with a symbol.
What rail car type transports pressurized flammable gases?
DOT-105/112.
What’s a key external feature of a cryogenic rail car?
Thermally insulated tank with a cabinet at one end.
What hazard is associated with a tank car carrying anhydrous ammonia?
Toxic inhalation hazard.
What does a protective dome on a rail car indicate?
Pressurized contents.
What is the function of an expansion dome?
Allows for thermal expansion of liquid cargo.
What type of rail car is used for caustic liquids?
Non-pressurized DOT-111.
Why do some rail cars have exposed fittings on top?
They carry non-pressurized hazardous liquids.
What rail car hazard is associated with chlorine transport?
Possible catastrophic rupture from overpressurization.
What rail car is used for solid hazardous materials?
Covered hopper cars.
What is the primary concern when a rail car BLEVE occurs?
Fireball, blast wave, and flying debris.
Which MC tank is used for high-pressure gases?
MC-331.
What hazard is common with MC-306/406 tanks in a rollover?
Spill due to weak rollover protection.
What cargo does an MC-312 tank typically carry?
Corrosives.
Why are MC-338 tanks heavily insulated?
To maintain cryogenic temperatures.
What does a horseshoe-shaped tank indicate?
MC-331 (pressurized gases).
What type of tank truck has multiple compartments?
MC-306/406 (fuel and liquids).
Why do MC-307/407 tanks have external rings?
To provide structural integrity.
What’s a major risk when heating a cryogenic tank?
Rapid expansion and overpressurization.
What type of tank truck is used for oxidizers?
MC-312 or specialized trailers.
What does an emergency shutoff valve do on an MC-331?
Stops the flow of pressurized gases.
What hazard class is a white placard with a skull and crossbones?
Class 6 (Poison).
What hazard does a yellow placard with a flame over a circle indicate?
Oxidizer (Class 5).
What’s the UN hazard class for explosives?
Class 1.
What’s the significance of a white placard with ‘Inhalation Hazard’?
Indicates a toxic gas.
What does a red and white striped placard indicate?
Flammable solid (Class 4).
What’s the placard number for anhydrous ammonia?
1005.
What color is a Class 8 placard?
Black and white (corrosive).
What does a green placard indicate?
Non-flammable gas (Class 2).
What’s the meaning of a 4-digit UN number on a placard?
Identifies the specific hazardous material.
What does a white placard with a radiation symbol mean?
Radioactive material (Class 7).
What label is required for flammable liquids in small containers?
Red flammable liquid label.
What’s the main difference between a label and a placard?
Labels are for small containers; placards are for transport vehicles.
What label is used for organic peroxides?
Half red, half yellow with a flame.
What does a marine pollutant label indicate?
A substance harmful to aquatic life.
What does a corrosive label depict?
A hand and metal being eaten by liquid.
What does a ‘Cargo Aircraft Only’ label mean?
The material cannot be shipped on passenger planes.
What does an inhalation hazard label indicate?
The substance poses a respiratory toxicity risk.
What’s the required label for radioactive materials?
Yellow and white radiation hazard label.
What label is used for explosives?
Orange with a symbol.
What label is used for explosives?
Orange with the appropriate hazard division number.
What label is required for a substance with a flashpoint below 100°F?
Flammable liquid label.
What’s the most penetrating type of radiation?
Gamma radiation.
What’s the primary shielding material for neutron radiation?
Water, polyethylene, or concrete.
What type of radiation can be stopped by paper?
Alpha radiation.
What is the unit of radiation dose measurement?
Sievert (Sv) or rem.
What is the maximum annual radiation dose for emergency responders?
5 rem (50 mSv) for normal operations.
What does a yellow Radioactive III label indicate?
High radiation levels (transport index >1.0).
What’s the biggest hazard of beta radiation?
Skin burns and internal contamination.
What type of radiation is emitted by cobalt-60?
Gamma radiation.
What does the term ‘half-life’ refer to?
Time for half of a radioactive substance to decay.
What’s the primary hazard of tritium exposure?
Internal contamination via inhalation or ingestion.
What does pH paper measure?
Acidity or alkalinity of a substance.
What’s the ideal pH range for neutral substances?
7.0.
What does KI paper detect?
Presence of oxidizers like chlorine.
What color does M8 paper change to in the presence of a chemical agent?
Green.
What does M9 paper detect?
Presence of chemical agents through color change.
What color does M8 paper turn for G-agents?
Yellow
What color does M8 paper turn for VX?
Dark green
What is M9 paper used for?
Detecting liquid chemical agents
What color does M9 paper turn when exposed to nerve or blister agents?
Red
What’s a limitation of M8 and M9 paper?
Cannot detect vapor or aerosol agents
What does a pH reading of 12 indicate?
Strong base
What does a pH reading of 3 indicate?
Strong acid
What does the oxygen sensor detect?
Oxygen-enriched or oxygen-deficient atmospheres
What’s the normal atmospheric oxygen level?
20.9%
What does an LEL sensor measure?
Lower explosive limit of flammable gases
What does the PID sensor detect?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
What gas can interfere with the CO sensor?
Hydrogen
What does the HCN sensor detect?
Hydrogen cyanide
What’s the primary limitation of a PID sensor?
Cannot detect methane or simple asphyxiants
What is the significance of a 10% LEL reading?
Potential explosion risk at higher concentrations
What happens if the O2 reading drops below 19.5%?
Atmosphere is considered oxygen-deficient
What gas can cause a false LEL reading?
Acetylene
What happens when an acid and a base mix?
Neutralization reaction
What gas is produced when an acid reacts with a metal?
Hydrogen gas
What’s the main hazard of organic peroxides?
Explosive decomposition
What’s the hazard of mixing bleach and ammonia?
Produces toxic chloramine vapors
What’s a characteristic of a polar solvent?
Mixes with water
What is the hazard of exothermic reactions?
Can cause thermal runaway
What does ‘hydrophilic’ mean?
Water-attracting
What type of bond forms between metals and nonmetals?
Ionic bond
What is a primary hazard of a strong oxidizer?
Can cause spontaneous combustion
What is the common hazard of alkali metals in water?
Violent reaction with hydrogen gas release
What’s the boiling point of propane?
-44°F (-42°C)
What’s the primary concern when heating a propane tank?
BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion)
What is the LEL of propane?
2.1%
What is the UEL of propane?
9.5%
What’s the vapor density of propane?
Heavier than air (1.5)
What is propane stored as in tanks?
Liquid under pressure
What’s the expansion ratio of propane when it vaporizes?
270:1
What’s the main risk of a propane leak in a confined space?
Explosion hazard
What’s the odorant added to propane for leak detection?
Ethyl mercaptan
What does it indicate if frost appears on a propane cylinder?
Indicates rapid vaporization and possible auto refrigeration
What is chlorine’s primary physical state at room temperature?
Greenish-yellow gas
What’s the IDLH for chlorine?
10 ppm
What’s the primary health effect of chlorine exposure?
Pulmonary edema
What’s the common industrial use of chlorine?
Water disinfection
What’s the hazard of mixing chlorine with ammonia?
Produces toxic chloramine vapors
How is chlorine stored and transported?
In pressurized cylinders or railcars
What’s the main concern when a chlorine cylinder leaks?
Dense vapor cloud near the ground
What PPE level is required for a chlorine gas leak?
Level A
What chemical can neutralize chlorine gas?
Sodium thiosulfate
What’s the primary monitoring method for chlorine?
Colorimetric tubes or electrochemical sensors
What nerve agent has the lowest volatility?
VX
What’s the primary exposure route for mustard gas?
Skin and respiratory system
What WMD agent smells like new-mown hay?
Phosgene
What’s the primary treatment for nerve agent exposure?
Atropine and 2-PAM chloride
What is the main hazard of ricin?
Inhalation or ingestion toxicity
What’s the primary symptom of cyanide poisoning?
Cellular asphyxiation
What WMD agent causes uncontrollable seizures?
Nerve agents (e.g., sarin, VX)
What chemical can neutralize blister agents?
Reactive skin decontamination lotion (RSDL)
What’s the main delivery method for biological agents?
Aerosol dispersal
What WMD agent disrupts oxygen transport in the body?
Cyanide
What hazard class is anhydrous ammonia?
Class 2 (Gas)
What hazard class covers radioactive materials?
Class 7
What hazard class is sulfuric acid?
Class 8 (Corrosive)
What class is used for infectious substances?
Class 6
What hazard class covers self-reactive substances?
Class 4 (Flammable Solids)
What hazard class is ammonium nitrate?
Class 5 (Oxidizer)
What hazard class is acetylene?
Class 2 (Flammable Gas)
What hazard class is gasoline?
Class 3 (Flammable Liquid)
What hazard class covers explosives?
Class 1
What hazard class is sodium cyanide?
Class 6 (Poison)
What’s the primary hazard of an ethylene oxide leak?
Flammable and toxic inhalation hazard.
What’s the key difference between a saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon?
Unsaturated hydrocarbons have double or triple bonds.
What’s the main hazard of hydrogen fluoride exposure?
Deep tissue burns and systemic toxicity.
What’s the major hazard of liquid hydrogen transport?
Extreme cold and explosion risk.
What does the term “pyrophoric” mean?
Ignites spontaneously in air.
What gas is commonly produced by decomposing organic matter?
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).
What’s the key feature of a polymerizing substance?
Can undergo a rapid, heat-releasing reaction.
What’s the hazard of a DOT-111 tank car transporting ethanol?
High fire and explosion risk.
What does a “dangerous” placard mean?
Mixed load of hazardous materials.
What does anhydrous mean in hazardous materials?
Lacks water, often highly reactive.
What’s the primary toxic effect of arsine gas?
Hemolysis (red blood cell destruction).
What’s the flashpoint of diesel fuel?
Around 126-205°F.
What’s the primary decon method for cyanide exposure?
Removing contaminated clothing and administering antidotes.
What’s the expansion ratio of liquid oxygen to gas?
860:1.
What’s the major hazard of sodium metal in contact with water?
Violent reaction producing hydrogen gas and heat.
What’s the main difference between red and yellow radiation labels?
Yellow indicates higher radiation levels.
What’s the hazard of a leaking chlorine railcar?
Dense, low-lying toxic gas cloud.
What’s the recommended evacuation distance for a propane tank fire?
0.5 to 1 mile, depending on tank size.
What’s the primary hazard of hydrofluoric acid?
Can penetrate skin and damage deep tissues.
What’s the significance of a TWA (Time-Weighted Average)?
Maximum exposure over an 8-hour workday.
What’s a common use for hydrogen peroxide in hazmat?
Oxidizer and disinfectant.
What’s the main reason for grounding and bonding during fuel transfers?
Prevent static electricity ignition.
What’s the biggest concern with an MC-331 propane truck in a crash?
BLEVE risk.
What is the IDLH for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)?
100 ppm.
What is the hazard of an incompatible oxidizer and organic material?
Can cause spontaneous combustion or explosion.
