Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Flashcards

The green pages of the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook contain:

Answer: Initial isolation and protective action distances

The green pages list isolation and protective action distances for toxic-inhalation and water-reactive materials.

What is the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)?

Answer: The minimum vapor-in-air concentration that can ignite

Below the LEL, the mixture is too lean to burn.

A leaking gas has a vapor density greater than 1. Where is it most likely to accumulate?

Answer: In low areas such as basements, pits, and cellars

Vapors heavier than air sink and collect in low, enclosed spaces.

When FDNY arrives at a building hazmat incident, what is the FLSD's main responsibility?

Answer: Report to the FDNY Incident Commander with building information, SDSs, and the occupant status

The FLSD supports the FDNY Incident Commander by giving building information and hazard details.

What is the primary hazardous gas concern in a lead-acid battery room during charging?

Answer: Hydrogen gas buildup

Charging lead-acid batteries releases flammable hydrogen, so the room needs ventilation.

An e-bike lithium-ion battery in a building lobby begins hissing and smoking. What should the FLSD do?

Answer: Evacuate the area, call 911, and keep people away because thermal runaway may cause fire or explosion

Lithium-ion thermal runaway can cause violent fire and toxic gases, so occupants must be moved away and FDNY notified.

What is the flash point of a liquid?

Answer: The lowest temperature at which it gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture near its surface

At its flash point, a liquid's vapors can ignite briefly if an ignition source is present.