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Hazardous Materials

What are Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)?

Hazardous materials are chemical substances, which if released or misused can pose a threat to the environment or health. These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research and consumer goods. Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage to buildings, homes and other property.

Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and stored in homes routinely. These products are also shipped daily on the nation's highways, railroads, waterways and pipelines.

Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation or industrial accidents.

A hazardous materials incident can occur anywhere. Communities located near chemical manufacturing plants are particularly at risk. However, hazardous materials are transported on our roadways, railways and waterways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident.

Hazardous Materials Warning Placards

The U.S. Department of Transportation employs a labeling and placarding system for identifying the types of hazardous materials that are transported along the nation's highways, railways and waterways. This system enables local emergency officials to identify the nature and potential health threat of chemicals being transported into or through the community.

Were a chemical accident to occur, local emergency officials and the fire department would be able to determine the proper emergency response procedures for the situation by the type of placard or warning label.

Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act

Authorized by Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), the Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was enacted by Congress to help local communities protect public health, safety, and the environment from chemical hazards.

It requires emergency planning and "Community Right-to-Know" industry reporting on the storage and releases of hazardous substances. The Community Right-to-Know provisions help increase the public's knowledge and access to information on chemicals at individual facilities. States and communities, working with facilities, can use the information to improve chemical safety and protect public health and the environment.

Local Emergency Planning Committees

EPCRA also requires that each community establish a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to be responsible for developing an emergency plan for preparation and response to chemical emergencies within the community. LEPCs are made up of stakeholders from private-sector business and industry, public safety agencies and governmental entities, and should include (at a minimum):

  • Elected local officials
  • Emergency management
  • Police, fire, and health professionals
  • Environmental, transportation, and hospital officials
  • Business facility representatives
  • Representatives from community groups
  • Media

Tier II Reporting

Under EPCRA, businesses and facilities are required to submit Tier II forms to provide state, local officials and the public with information on potential hazards. Tier IIs are filed annually with the Missouri Emergency Response Commission (MERC) between January 1st and March 1st and include chemicals that were present at the facility during the previous year.

In conjunction with Tier II forms, fees are collected from the filers. Funds received by the MERC are processed and reallocated back to the local jurisdictions and to agencies that directly impact local hazardous materials response and mitigation.

Citizen Planning & Response to a Hazardous Materials Incident

Before

Learn to detect the presence of a hazardous material. Many hazardous materials do not have a taste or an odor and may be a colorless gas. Some materials can be detected because they cause physical reactions such as watering eyes or nausea. Some hazardous materials exist beneath the surface of the ground and can be recognized by an oil or foam-like appearance.

Be ready to evacuate. Plan several evacuation routes out of the area and places you and your family frequent, i.e. work, school, daycare, etc.

Ask about industry and community warning systems. Have disaster supplies on hand:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency food and water
  • Nonelectric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan and a plan for reuniting after the disaster if family members are separated from one another, i.e. if the event occurs during the day when adults are at work and children are at school. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

During

Listen to local radio or television stations for detailed information and follow instructions carefully. If you hear a siren or other warning signal, turn on a radio or television for further emergency information.

If you are requested to stay indoors ("shelter in place"):

  • Bring pets inside
  • Close and lock all exterior doors and windows
  • Close vents, fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible
  • Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems
  • If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or a towel
  • Go into your pre-selected shelter room
  • Seal gaps under and around the following areas with wet towels, plastic sheeting, duct tape, wax paper or aluminum foil:
    • Doorways and windows
    • Air conditioning units
    • Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
    • Stove and dryer vents
  • Fill up bathtubs or large containers for an additional water supply and turn off the intake valve to the house
  • Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated

If you are caught outside:

  • Stay upstream, uphill, and upwind - try to go at least ½ mile (8 - 10 city blocks) from the danger area
  • Do not walk into or touch spilled liquids, airborne mists or solid chemical deposits
  • Try not to inhale gases, fumes or smoke
  • If possible, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask while leaving the area
  • Stay away from victims until the hazardous material has been identified
  • Once safe, call 911 to report the incident

If you are in a motor vehicle:

  • Stop and seek shelter in a permanent building
  • If you must remain in your car, keep windows and vents closed, and shut off the air conditioner or heater

If you are asked to evacuate:

  • Do so immediately - follow the routes recommended by authorities
  • Stay tuned to a radio or TV for updates
  • If time allows, close all windows, shut all vents, and turn off HVAC systems
  • Take your disaster supplies
  • Help neighbors who may need assistance (infants, elderly, people with access and functional needs)

Evacuation decisions are based on the type and amount of chemical released, how long it will affect the area, time needed to evacuate, weather conditions, and time of day.

Monitor local media and alerts. Remain in shelter until authorities say it is safe.

After

  • Listen to local radio or TV stations for the latest emergency info
  • Go to a public shelter if told to evacuate or if home is unsafe
  • Act quickly if exposed to hazardous chemicals - follow local decontamination instructions and seek medical help
  • Seal exposed clothing and shoes in containers
  • Alert anyone in contact with you about potential contamination
  • Return home only when it is safe to do so
  • Ventilate your home - open windows and turn on fans
  • Contact authorities for instructions on land/property cleanup
  • Report any lingering vapors or hazards to emergency services

Household Hazardous Materials

Before

Storing and handling hazardous materials at home safely reduces risk. Keep household chemicals where children can't access them. Examples include:

  • Aerosols: hair spray, deodorant
  • Nail polish/remover
  • Toilet bowl cleaners
  • Furniture polish
  • Cleaning products
  • Pesticides
  • Automotive products (antifreeze, motor oil)
  • Batteries, mercury thermometers, fluorescent bulbs
  • Flammable products (kerosene, propane, lighter fluid)
  • Paint thinners, turpentine
  • Lawn and garden products (herbicides, insecticides)

Best practices:

  • Keep products in original containers with labels
  • Do not store in food containers
  • Never mix hazardous products (e.g., bleach + ammonia)
  • Avoid using products near open flame
  • Clean spills immediately
    • Let fumes from rags evaporate outdoors
    • Wrap and dispose of rags in sealed bags
  • Dispose of chemicals correctly
  • Save Poison Control number: (800) 222-1222

During

If there is a danger of fire, explosion, or contamination:

  • Get out immediately
  • Stay upwind of the area
  • Watch for symptoms of toxic exposure:
    • Breathing difficulty
    • Eye/skin/throat irritation
    • Skin color changes
    • Headache, blurred vision
    • Dizziness, clumsiness
    • Cramps, diarrhea

If someone is experiencing toxic poisoning symptoms or has been exposed to a household chemical, call Poison Control: (800) 222-1222. Have product info ready.

Consult the containers of the substance in order to provide requested information.

Follow the emergency operator or dispatcher’s first aid instructions carefully. Do not give anything by mouth unless advised to do so by a medical professional.

After

Discard clothing that may have been contaminated. Some chemicals may not wash out completely.

Environmental Emergency Response

If you are involved in or witness an environmental emergency, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 573-634-2436.

The Environmental Emergency Response (EER) Section is the department’s front line of defense against releases of hazardous substances, natural or man-made disasters and threats to homeland security. EER fulfills the department’s duties outlined in legislation commonly known as the Spill Bill. The legislation appears in Missouri's revised statutes: Chapter 260, Sections 260.500 - 260.550. EER's responsibilities include addressing any material released to land, water or atmosphere that may impact the environment and public health.