Hazardous Materials Awareness Flashcards

During pre-burn reconnaissance you find several unlabeled, rusted 55-gallon drums in the unit. What is the best action?

Answer: Isolate the area, keep fire away, and notify the appropriate authority

Unknown containers must be treated as hazardous; isolate, exclude from the burn, and report.

Which situation found during burn preparation could indicate a clandestine methamphetamine lab?

Answer: Discarded lithium batteries, camp-fuel cans, tubing, and stained containers

Meth labs commonly leave solvent cans, batteries, tubing, and chemical-stained containers, which are toxic and potentially explosive.

Old structures inside a burn unit may contain siding or shingles made with which hazardous material that becomes a respiratory hazard if burned or broken?

Answer: Asbestos

Asbestos-containing materials can release fibers when disturbed or burned, posing inhalation hazards.

Smoke from burning poison oak or poison ivy is hazardous mainly because it carries which substance into the lungs?

Answer: Urushiol

Urushiol oil can be carried on smoke particles and cause severe respiratory and skin reactions.

Which is generally the most significant acute toxic gas exposure for holding and ignition crews in prescribed fire smoke?

Answer: Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is the primary acute gaseous hazard in wildland smoke exposure.

Fire behavior near overhead power lines is hazardous partly because dense smoke can do what?

Answer: Conduct electricity and cause arcing to the ground

Heavy smoke contains charged particulates that can allow current to arc from lines to the ground.

A downed power line is found inside the burn unit. How should it be treated?

Answer: As energized until the utility confirms it is de-energized

All downed lines are treated as energized until the utility verifies otherwise.