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What information sources should emergency responders use?
Adequate information about on-site 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. The EPA has issued a Chemical Safety Alert 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.
There are numerous information sources available that can help first responders, including (but not limited to):
- Chemical Reactivity Worksheet
- DOT North American Emergency Response Guidebook
- EPA/CEPPO
- Hazardous Materials Guide
- International Chemical Safety Cards
- Medical Management Guidelines for Acute Chemical Exposures
- NIOSH Pocket Guide
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