Chapter 8 Introduction to Reference Sources

1. California Specialized Training Institute Haz Mat Technician 1BApplied Chemistry • Chapter 8 • Introduction to Reference Sources

2. Session Objectives • The student will be able to: • Identify the types of reference sources • Identify the types of response information available • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each reference source

3. Haz Mat Reference Sources • There are many sources of information • texts • data sources • electronic databases • organizations • The key to success is knowing: • What information is needed • How to access it • How to properly interpret and utilize it

4. Haz Mat Reference Sources • A working knowledge of the involved chemicals is needed to make sound decisions on: • Protective actions • Chemical protective clothing • Methods of decontamination • Specific tactical intervention operations • Air monitoring equipment and other tools • Control zone locations • First aid and medical procedures

5. Haz Mat Reference Sources • The most useful references are: • Easy to access information • can be quickly selected and data retrieved • Accurate • can be relied upon with confidence • Understandable • the information is formulated in a manner easily understood and interpreted • Training on the use of each reference is a must!

6. Haz Mat Reference Sources • Emergency responders must be: • Properly trained in the use of the reference material • Properly trained in the interpretation of the data • Thoroughly familiar with the various types of reference sources • Proficient, through practice and review

7. Haz Mat Reference Sources • The key to success is knowing how to research with speed, confidence, and accuracy: • Determine what technical information is needed • Select the proper source of reference material • Know how to access (look up) the data • Know how to interpret, convey, and apply the information with success

8. Haz Mat Reference Sources • Examples of influencing factorsare: • Weather • Chemical characteristics of substance • Type and integrity of container • Toxicity threat, including contamination

9. Types of Information • Physical properties • Chemical properties • Toxicological information • Chemical formulas • Synonyms • Protective clothing recommendations ?

10. Types of Information • Evacuation and isolation recommendations • Regulatory information • Incompatibility charts or tables • Detection methods and instrument recommendations • Intervention and protective action recommendations • Container construction, access to and function of valves, shutoffs.

11. Physical Properties and their Abbreviations • Vapor density (VD; Vap.D) • Vapor pressure (VP; Vap.P) • Flash point (FP; Fl.P) • Flammable range (FR; ExR; LEL; UEL) • Boiling point (BP; BoilP) • Water solubility (SOL; WSol; PolarSol)

12. Physical Properties and their Abbreviations • Color (Col) • Physical state (Sol; Liq; Gas; Vap) • Specific gravity (Sp.Gr.) • Temperature (Temp.; Co; Fo) • Molecular formula (mf) • Molecular weight (MW; mw)

13. Chemical Properties and their Abbreviations • Corrosivity (Cor; Corr; pH) • Toxicity (PEL; TLV; STEL; LD50; LCt) • Reactivity (React) • Pyrophoric (Air React) • Hypergolic (Hyp) • Hygroscopic (Hyg) • Polymerize (Poly; Decomp.Temp.) • Decomposition (Decomp)

14. Principle Reference Sources • References can be obtained from three principle sources: • Printed Sources • Electronic Sources • Individuals (e.g., a technical specialist)

15. Printed Reference Sources • Printed sources are the largest category • Some are gradually being converted into electronic versions • Demand for printed references will remain the primary source • Are still faster to use than electronic • Are less expensive • Many specific types of data are only available in printed references • Are highly mobile

16. Printed Reference Source Types • A Database Type - representing specific property data • Guidebook Type (Action Guide) - General descriptive, concentrating on emergency actions • A Highly Specific or Specialty Reference - Dealing with a vary narrow topic • Regulatory Type - Codes, ordinances, national standards

17. Electronic Reference Sources • Types of electronic reference source • On CD-ROM (most popular today) • On diskette • Via the Internet • Via the telephone (hardwire) link to a downloadable database (not the same as using the Internet)

18. Electronic Reference Sources • Some are not found in a printed form • Are only accessed through an electronic medium • Chemical Manufacturers Electronic Directory of Trade Name Products • Another example • the library of over 200,000 MSDSs managed by CHEMTREC • available only via telephone (hardwire) downlink to a fax machine

19. Specialist Reference Sources • Are individuals who have technical information • Or who have access to information available through no other source • Specialists include: • plant managers • safety engineers • loading dock foremen • toxicologists

20. Reference Sources • A printed and electronic reference library should be maintained • These libraries should be kept up to date • need replacement periodically • Information is constantly changing • some change very little • Condensed Chemical Dictionary • some change greatly • SAX

21. Reference Sources • Use a minimum of three references • No reference contains all the information required • Not all agree • A variety of reference sources may be required • Always err on the side of safety

22. Printed Reference Sources • Points to consider when selecting and using reference sources • Newly published first editions often have errors • Sources over five to seven years old are considered out of date and should be replaced • Always be alert to new editions and new sources of information

23. Summary • Identify the types of reference sources • Identify the types of response information available • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each reference source