Introduction To Hazardous Material Recognition and Safety
Target Audience
Hospital staff, hospital safety staff, first responders, fire, police, Red Cross, MRC volunteers, emergency services staff.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Course Description
Chemicals are found everywhere. They purify drinking water, increase crop production, and simplify household chores. But chemicals can also be hazardous to humans or the environment if used or released improperly. Hazards can occur during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal. The community is at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into the environment where people live, work, or play.
This course will introduce participants to the basics of hazardous materials recognition in workplace, environment, industrial and commercial settings. They will learn about the ways risk assessment techniques are applied to mitigate a hazardous materials incident, what equipment is used, and the precautions taken during a critical event. Participants will learn to recognize common terms, DOT Placard Hazardous material warning cards, and hazardous containers, and a list of common injuries experienced by hazmat responders will be discussed. Participants will also learn about precautions workers can take to reduce exposure to common and serious hazardous materials.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Define the term "hazardous materials."
- Describe three types of hazardous materials commonly found in hospitals, clinics, work and industrial settings.
- Identify how hazardous materials can harm people, the environment, and property.
- Recognize a hazmat incident through basic clues, warning signs, placards, labels, shipping papers, and material safety data sheets.
- Identify, from a safe distance, the hazardous substance(s) present at the incident.
- Explain the meaning of at least six DOT Placard Hazardous Material warning cards which participants may see in their work environments.
- State the role of the first responder.
- Explain three safety measures participants can utilize to protect themselves from hazardous materials.
- Identify precautions to take to minimize exposure and injury.