January 26, 2004—Each year more than three billion tons of hazardous materials (hazmats) are transported throughout the U.S. by truck, rail, pipeline and water without incidence, and, that amount increases each year. To arm people with key safety information on hazmats, the non-profit American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) free “Hazardous Materials Safety Information Guide” explains what hazmats are; what happens when an accident occurs; the role of the Local Emergency Planning Committees and other agencies; key contacts, and much, much more.
A recent U.S. Congressional Resolution (S. 245) passed in support of ASSE and North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week held in May stated, ‘with the continued threat of terrorism and the potential use of hazardous materials it is vital for Americans to have information on these materials.’
“This guide was developed for the public, employers and employees alike to arm them with helpful information before an accident should occur,” ASSE Southern Nevada Chapter President Christer Backlund, CSP, said. “It provides important and helpful information for all.”
Nevada, according to a 2000 U.S. Department of Transportation Hazmat Safety State Summary ranked 39th out of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories, in the number of hazmat incidents that happened that year. Nevada had 60 incidents resulting in one death and $348,929 in damages. Ohio ranked number one with 1562 incidents resulting in two major injuries, eight minor injuries, two deaths and $1,000,897 in damages. Texas was number two with 1451 incidents resulting in five major injuries, 40 minor injuries, one death and $4,273,584 in damages. In all, there were a total of 17,514 hazmat incidents in 2000 resulting in 18 major injuries, 228 minor injuries, 13 deaths and causing $72,727,595 worth of damages. However, each day more than 800,000 hazmats are shipped in the U.S. and 94 percent are carried by truck.
Should one witness an accident involving hazmats, federal officials say the general public should first call 911, as noted in the guide. And at the time of the incident, if one can identify the size and color of the placards on the transport vehicle without endangering their own safety, to provide that information to the authorities.
As for safety precautions, there are State Emergency Response Commissions (SERC) and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) in most communities across the U.S. LEPCs are made up of local emergency service personnel, occupational safety and health professionals, and local officials who work to prevent and plan responses to accidental or deliberate chemical incidents. One’s local LEPC can be found by checking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Web site.
For round-the-clock reporting of an incident, the U.S. National Response Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is where all chemical, radiological and etiological discharges into the environment should be reported by calling 1-800-424-8802.
To obtain a free copy of ASSE’s ‘Hazardous Materials Safety Information Guide’ call ASSE customer service at 847/699-2929 or e-mail. The guide can also be downloaded or printed from ASSEs Web site.
