Adequate information about onsite chemicals can make a big difference when choosing safe response strategies. Generally, emergency responders rely primarily on safety data sheets (SDSs). However, SDSs may not provide sufficient information. Several years ago, EPA issued a publication EPA-F-99-006, “Use Multiple Data Sources for Safer Emergency Response,” to increase awareness of SDS limitations and to help responders identify additional sources of chemical information.
One of the shortcomings of SDSs is that they only describe the product’s hazards. Once the product is in use, reactions with other chemicals and changes in temperature, pressure, or physical/chemical characteristics can change or increase the hazards. The SDS content on emergency response procedures, fire, and reactive hazards may no longer be sufficient for responder use.
SDSs are often vague, use technical jargon, lack information, and have data that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. To deal with these problems, many fire department hazardous materials teams follow the "Rule of Three," which requires that three sources of information be consulted before a response decision is made.
The following information sources on the Internet may help emergency responders:
- ATSDR topic page, "HazMat Emergency Preparedness Training and Tools for Responders"
- ATSDR topic page, "Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents (MHMIs)"
- Chemical Reactivity Worksheet from the Center for Chemical Process Safety
- EPA CAMEO Chemicals Software
- EPA topic page, "Emergency Response"
- EPA topic page, "Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)"
- FEMA publication, Hazardous Materials Incidents: Guidance for State, Local, Tribal, Territorial, and Private Sector Partners
- International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) from NIOSH
- National Toxicology Program topic page, "Data & Resources"
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Responders should also consider the following tools when trying to determine what a released substance is:
- The location of the release,
- The shapes and colors of containers,
- Any markings and color codes,
- Human senses (other than taste or touch),
- Labels and markings,
- Shipping papers,
- PHMSA publication, Emergency Response Guidebook, and
- Air monitoring and field survey instruments.
