United States Office of Solid Waste EPA EPA-F-99-006
Environmental Protection and Emergency Response June 1999
Agency (5104) www.epa.gov/ceppo/
Use Multiple Data Sources
for Safer Emergency
Response
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing this Alert as part of its ongoing effort
to protect human health and the environment by preventing chemical accidents. EPA is striving
to learn the causes and contributing factors associated with chemical accidents and to prevent
their recurrence. Major chemical accidents cannot be prevented solely through command and
control regulatory requirements. Rather, understanding the fundamental root causes, widely
disseminating the lessons learned, and integrating these lessons learned into safe operations is
also required. EPA publishes Alerts to increase awareness of possible hazards. It is important
that facilities, SERCs, LEPCs, emergency responders and others review this information and take
appropriate steps to minimize risk.
PROBLEM ACCIDENTS
A critical consideration when In May 1997, a massive explosion and fire
choosing a response strategy is occurred at an agricultural chemical packaging
the safety of emergency facility in eastern Arkansas. Prior to the
responders. Adequate explosion, employees observed smoke in a
information about on-site back warehouse and evacuated. The facility
chemicals can make a big called local responders and asked for help to
difference when choosing a safe control smoldering inside a pesticide
response strategy. This container. The local fire department rapidly
information must include: name, responded and reviewed the smoldering
toxicity, physical and chemical product's MSDS. The MSDS lacked
characteristics, fire and reactivity information on decomposition temperatures or
hazards, emergency response explosion hazards. The firefighters decided to
procedures, spill control, and investigate the building. While they were
protective equipment. approaching, a violent explosion occurred.
Fragments from a collapsing cinder block wall
Generally, responders rely killed three fire fighters and seriously injured
primarily on Material Safety a fourth.
Data Sheets (MSDSs)
ALERT
maintained at the facility. In April 1995, an explosion and fire at a
However, MSDSs may not manufacturing facility in Lodi, New Jersey
provide sufficient information to caused the death of five responders. The
effectively and safely respond to explosion occurred while the company was
CHEMICAL SAFETY
accidental releases. This Alert is blending aluminum powder, sodium
designed to increase awareness hydrosulfite, and other ingredients. Even
of MSDS limitations, so that though the material was water reactive, the
first responders can take proper MSDS for the product advised the use of a
precautions, and identify "water spray... to extinguish fire." The
additional sources of chemical recommendation in the MSDS for "small fires"
information, which could help was to flood with water; however, "small fire"
prevent death or injury. was not defined, the amount of water necessary
was not specified, and no information dealt
with how to respond to large fires (which can
occur during blending processes).
2 Use Multiple Data Sources for Emergency Response June 1999
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The MSDS ONLY described the hazards
OSHA requires that MSDSs include:
associated with the product. In this case,
responders needed information on the hazards # Chemical identity (product by chemical and
associated with the reactivity during the blending common names);
process (which was significantly different from # Chemical and common names of all hazardous
the product). ingredients;
# Physical and chemical characteristics (such as
vapor pressure, flash, boiling or freezing
Emergency responders should note that the
points);
chemical information provided on an MSDS # Fire and explosion hazards;
usually presents the hazards associated with that # Reactivity hazards (how will the chemical
particular product. Once the product is placed in react with other chemicals, air, or water);
# Health hazards (acute and chronic, symptoms
a process some factors may change, resulting in
of exposure);
the increase/decrease, or elimination of hazards.
# Precautions for safe handling; and
These factors may include reactions with other # Control measures.
chemicals and changes in temperature, pressure,
and physical/chemical characteristics. The MSDS also must include the name and telephone
number of the individual who can provide additional
information on appropriate emergency procedures.
MSDSs in the WORKPLACE
In 1988, the Occupational Safety and Health
an emergency situation. Vagueness, technical
Administration (OSHA) required facilities storing
jargon, understandability, product vs. process
or using hazardous chemicals to comply with the
concerns, and missing information on an MSDS
Hazard Communication Standard. This standard
may increase the risk to emergency responders.
requires employers to provide employees with an
MSDS for every hazardous chemical present
MSDSs are provided by manufacturers, importers
onsite, and to train those employees to properly
and/or distributors. MSDS chemical hazard
recognize the hazards of the chemicals and to
information can vary substantially depending on
handle them safely.
the provider. Sometimes this discrepancy is due to
different testing procedures. However, whoever
MSDSs normally provide information on the
prepared the MSDS is responsible for assuring the
physical/chemical characteristics and first aid
accuracy of the hazard information. The following
procedures. This information is valuable for
chart summarizes information from various
employees to safely work with the chemical.
MSDSs for the chemical azinphos methyl and it
However, the content for MSDSs on emergency
illustrates how different sources can provide varied
response procedures, fire, and reactive hazards
and conflicting information. Information from the
may be insufficient for local responder use in
Computer-Aided Management of Emergency
Operations (CAMEO) Response Information Data
Sheets (RIDS)1 also is provided.
1 CAMEO RIDS is developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and EPA. RIDS contains a database of over 4,000 hazardous
chemicals, 50,000 synonyms, and product trade names, linked to chemical-
specific information on fire, explosive and health hazards, firefighting
techniques, cleanup procedures, and protective clothing.
3 Use Multiple Data Sources for Emergency Response June 1999
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Comparison of MSDS Data for Azinphos Methyl - AZM (CAS NO. 86-50-0)
MSDS ?A MSDS ?B MSDS - C MSDS - D CAMEO
RIDS
Hazard Health - 2 None listed Health - 3 Health - 4 Health - 3 (extremely hazardous)
ratings Flammability - 0 Fire - 2 Flammability - 0 Fire - 2 (ignites when moderately
Reactivity - 0 Reactivity - 2 Reactivity - 0 heated)
Reactivity - 2 (violent chemical
change possible)
Reactivity Stable under normal Depends on Stable material. Unstable Releases toxic, Will decompose
above 100 EF sustained
Hazards conditions characteristics of corrosive, flammable
Hazardous dust; decomposes temperature. Hazardous or explosive gases
polymerization under influence of polymerization will not Polymerization will
will not occur acids and bases occur not occur
Incompatibility High temperatures, Acids and bases Heat, moisture Heat, flames, sparks, Heat, UV light
oxidizers, alkaline and other ignition
substances sources
Fire Hazards Vapors from fire Combustible. Decomposes above Containers may Decomposes giving off
130 E F with gas
are hazardous Gives off irritating rupture or explode if ammonia, hydrogen and CO
or toxic fumes evolution and dense exposed to heat
(or gases) in a fire smoke. Dust explosion
hazard for large dust
cloud
additional information about chemical hazards and
proper response options in an emergency. It is
INFORMATION SOURCES FOR
essential that local response and planning officials
FIRST RESPONDERS know what these resources are and how to obtain
them quickly and effectively. One of the key
Many established fire department hazardous elements is the ability of the responders to
materials teams follow the "Rule of Three", which correctly interpret available data. Most are not
requires that three sources of information should chemists nor health professionals. Many of the
be consulted before a response decision is made. resources listed below can help with these
Listed below are resources available to help first interpretations.
responders plan the Rule of Three. This is not a
comprehensive list, but rather, a starting point. o Training - Local officials should ensure that all
responders have sufficient training in hazardous
o Chemical Inventories - Chemical inventory materials response. The National Fire Protection
records filed by the facilities in their Association (NFPA) 472 Standard on
jurisdiction under the Emergency Planning Professional Competence of Responders to
and Community Right-to-Know Act for basic Hazardous Materials Incidents specifies minimum
hazard and storage information. - It is a good competencies. State Fire Training Academies and
practice to gather information from various State Emergency Management Offices can
sources on the hazards and proper response for provide more information on training. This
those chemicals. This information can be used to training will form a foundation to better
enhance emergency response procedures between understand chemical information.
local officials and facilities. Newly required Risk
Management Program (RMP) information
provided by facilities will provide local responders o Pre-planning with facilities that store or use
with process and chemical hazards and facility- hazardous materials is critical to local officials and
specific response information. helps to identify specific concerns for each facility
and opportunities to prepare effectively for those
o Assistance From Others - Emergency personnel concerns, or to reduce existing risks.
and local officials have several avenues to obtain
4 Use Multiple Data Sources for Emergency Response June 1999
_____________________________________________________________________________
response and a potential disaster for local
Sufficient and correct information regarding responders and the community they are
chemicals in an accidental release may make the protecting.
difference between a successful emergency
ASSISTANCE FOR LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS
Emergency Phone Numbers:
National Response (800)424-8802 Serves as the national point of contact for reporting of releases and
Center spills; can quickly assist caller in reaching other response agencies,
such as EPA Regional offices, U.S. Coast Guard, State response
officials.
EPA Regional Office Regions: Responsible for receiving spill
24-hour Emergency reports within each Region and
Numbers determining whether a federal
I - 617/223/7265 CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
response to assist is necessary.
II - 732/548-8730 NJ, NY, PR, VI
Can provide assistance to local
III - 215/814-9016 DL, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV
and state officials on proper
IV - 404/562-8700 AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC TN
response activities, oversight of
V - 312/353-2318 IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
responsible party in cleanup
VI - 214/665-2222 AR, LA, NM, OK, TX
efforts, and that assure
VII - 913/281-0991 IA, KS, MO, NE
necessary resources are
VIII - 303/293-1788 CO, MT, SD, UT, WY
available.
IX - 415/744-2000 AZ, CA, HI, NV, GU, AS
X - 206/553-1263 AK, ID, OR, WA
State 24-hour Call the NRC or Regional Can support and assist local agencies if an incident is beyond local
Emergency EPA number for specific capabilities.
Numbers state numbers
CHEMTREC (800)424-9300 Public service of the chemical industry, can provide technical
assistance on proper response; contacts manufacturer or shipper to
link them with the incident scene; can facilitate communication
between technical experts and the incident scene.
Sources of Information
CAMEO RIDS http://www.nsc.org/ehc/ Developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
cameo.htm Administration (NOAA) and EPA, provides access to
(800) 621-7619 safety and emergency response information on more than
4,700 hazardous chemicals. Distributed by the National
Safety Council.
Chemfinder Webserver http://chemfinder. A single master list of chemical compounds, which
camsoft.com provides physical and chemical data, and then references
other sources with additional information.
Chemical Health & Safety http://ntp-server.niehs.nih. Health and safety information on over 2,000 chemicals
Data gov/main_pages/chem-hs. studied by the National Toxicology Program.
html
Chemical Reactivity http://response.restoration. Provides information on the reactivity of substances or
noaa.gov/chemaids/ mixtures of substances. It includes a database of over
Worksheet (New Product)
react.html 4,000 chemicals and their special hazards.
Cornell University http://msds.pdc.cornell.edu/ Electronic MSDSs from various manufacturers on over
issearch/msdssrch.htm 325,000 chemicals.
5 Use Multiple Data Sources for Emergency Response June 1999
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DOT North American http://hazmat.dot.gov/ A guide to aid first responders in (1) quickly identifying
Emergency Response psnsort.htm the material and (2) protecting themselves and the general
Guidebook public during an initial response.
Over 5,000,000 copies of the guide have been provided to
the local emergency response community.
EHS Chemical Profiles and http:www.epa.gov/ Information on the 300+ Extremely Hazardous Substances
Emergency First Aid Guides swercepp/cheminf.html in EPCRA, which includes physical/chemical properties,
health hazards, fire and explosion hazards, reactivity data,
and other response information.
Glossary of MSDS Terms http://ecologia.nier.org/ Includes 106 terms commonly found on an MSDS. Can
cgi-bin/msdsterm.pl also search for MSDSs for specific chemicals.
Hazardous Materials Guide http://www.usfa.fema.gov/ Information on over 1,750 materials, providing response
hazmat scenarios, identification of materials, glossary of terms,
and other references to effectively respond to an incident.
HazDat Database http://atsdr1.atsdr.cdc.gov: Developed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and
8080/hazdat.html Disease Registry, provides information on the release of
hazardous substances and the effects on the health of
human populations.
International Chemical http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ Concise and simple information on hazards on
Safety Cards ipcs/ipcscard.html approximately 1,000 chemicals.
Medical Management http://atsdr1.atsdr.cdc.gov: Aid for emergency room physicians and other healthcare
Guidelines for Acute 8080/mmg.html professionals who manage acute exposures from chemical
Chemical Exposures Patient incidents. Used to effectively decontaminate patients,
Information (FAQs) communicate with other personnel, and provide competent
medical evaluation and treatment.
NFPA http://www.orcbs.msu.edu/ Provides the NFPA chemical hazard labels system for
chemical/nfpa/nfpa.html indicating the health, flammability, and reactivity hazards
of chemical.
NIOSH Pocket Guide http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ Source of general industrial hygiene information on
npg/npg.html hundreds of chemicals including exposure limits,
properties, incompatibilities and reactivities, respirator
selections, symptoms of exposure, and emergency
treatment.
Vermont SIRI http://www.hazard.com Electronic MSDSs from various manufacturers on
approximately 200,000 chemicals
EPA/CEPPO http:www.epa.gov/ceppo Risk Management Programs/EPCRA information and
contacts
The following are a list of some federal statutes and
Statutes and Regulations
regulations related to emergency planning, release
6 Use Multiple Data Sources for Emergency Response June 1999
_____________________________________________________________________________
reporting, and hazardous materials worker protection. operations for release of, or substantial threats of
release of, hazardous substances.
EPA
Process Safety Management Standard [29 CFR
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to- 1910]- Highly hazardous substance in quantities at
Know or above a threshold quantity are subject to a
number of requirements for management of
?Emergency Planning [40 CFR Part 355] hazards, including performing a process hazards
Facilities that have listed substances above a analysis and maintaining mechanical integrity of
specified threshold quantity must report to their equipment.
Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC)
and State Emergency Response Commission Hazard Communication [29 CFR 1910.1200]
(SERC) and comply with certain requirements for Requires that the potential hazards of toxic and
emergency planning. hazardous chemicals be evaluated and that
employers transmit this information to their
?Emergency Release Notification [40 CFR Part employees .
355]- Facilities that release listed chemicals over
reportable quantities must immediately report the For additional information on OSHA
release to the LEPC and the SERC. standards contact OSHA Public Information
at (202) 219- 8151.
?Hazardous Chemical Reporting [40 CFR Part Web site: http://www.osha.gov
370]- Facilities that have chemicals at or above
threshold quantities must submit MSDSs to their
For More Information...........
LEPC, SERC, and local fire department and
comply with the Tier I/ Tier II inventory reporting
Contact the Emergency Planning and
requirements.
Community Right-to-Know Hotline
?Toxic Release Inventory [40 CFR Part 372]
(800) 424-9346 or (703) 412-9810
Manufacturing businesses with ten
TDD (800)553-7672
or more employees that manufacture, process, or
otherwise use listed chemicals above an applicable
Monday -Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, EASTERN
threshold must file annually a Toxic Chemical STANDARD TIME
Release form with EPA and the state.
------
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act Visit the CEPPO Home Page on the World
Wide Web at:
?Hazardous Substance Release Reporting [40CFR
Part 302]- Facilities must report to the http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/
National Response Center any environmental
release which exceeds reportable quantities. A
release may trigger a response by EPA, or by one
or more Federal or State emergency response
authorities.
OSHA
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency
Response Standard [29 CFR 1910.120]- Worker
protection requirements for emergency response
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