Fire Inspection and�Code Enforcement
8th Edition�Inspector I
Chapter 10 — Hazardous Materials
�Learning Objective 1
Explain the application of hazardous materials regulations.
10–1
Understand why hazardous materials present a challenge for fire inspectors.
10–2
Physical hazard materials burn, accelerate burning, and either detonate or deflagrate
Release of a health hazard material can injure or incapacitate the public or emergency responders
(Cont.)
Understand why hazardous materials present a challenge for fire inspectors.
10–3
Over half of the IFC and NFPA®1 are focused on hazardous materials or processes
IFC Chapters 50 through 67 and NFPA® 400 focus on preventing and minimizing incidents
(Cont.)
Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C
Understand why hazardous materials present a challenge for fire inspectors.
10–4
(Cont.)
Regulations emphasize reporting the storage and use of hazardous materials above certain quantities
Model codes mandate the permit applicant to submit a properly prepared Hazardous Materials Management Plan or Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement
Businesses that fail to report the storage of hazardous materials are violating the jurisdiction’s fire code
Hazardous waste materials can be chemical compounds that are mixtures of used industrial products; complicates classifications
Understand why hazardous materials present a challenge for fire inspectors.
10–5
Hazardous materials responses generally require that responding personnel be specially trained and equipped to manage a chemical release
Such incidents may also require additional time to mitigate
The IFC and NFPA® 400 both require that a business designate a fire department liaison or emergency response coordinator
Be vigilant of small changes in containment and piping.
10–6
Ask how the stored material will affect the tank, piping, or the valves that contact the solid, liquid, or gas considered to be hazardous
Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington D.C
Pressure relief is an important element in any hazmat system.
10–7
Stored hazardous materials are always assumed to be capable of being exposed to fire
A pressure relief can be heat-activated or one that responds to an increase in pressure
Can also be a design where the container safely vents under controlled fire exposure
Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington D.C
Many hazardous materials present flammable or reactivity hazards.
10–8
Protection can include locating the materials in fire-resistant enclosures
Fire-resistive construction may be required to separate rooms or areas where hazardous materials are stored or used
Model codes require that an automatic sprinkler system protect the building or area
Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington D.C
(Cont.)
Many hazardous materials present flammable or reactivity hazards.
10–9
Goal of the codes is to protect the stored material from a fire; limit the risk of its involvement
An inspector will need to rely on a particular NFPA® standard for a given class of hazardous materials to determine if the sprinkler discharge density and design area are correct for the stored materials
Know which hazmat activities and processes may be exempt from regulation.
10–10
Hazardous materials transportation
Pesticides, fungicides, and rodenticides
Certain building systems
Hazmat transportation is outside the scope of the IFC and NFPA® 400.
10–11
DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulate hazardous material transportation and its pipeline in the U.S.
IFC and NFPA® 400 regulate facilities that store, package, or use hazardous materials
Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington D.C
Another exemption is the application of pesticides, fungicides, and rodenticides.
10–12
The EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), approves the use of these materials in the U.S.
Exemption does not limit the inspector’s authority to apply the fire code to the storage or manufacturing of these materials
Certain building systems that store or use hazardous materials can be exempt.
10–13
Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington D.C
In the IFC, mechanical refrigeration, fuel oil storage, and stationary storage battery systems are generally exempt from the hazardous materials provisions
Be familiar with local codes and the standards applicable to hazmat storage, use, and handling.
10–14
The IFC and NFPA® 400 adopt a number of standards by reference
Other standards provide guidance to the fire inspector in ensuring the proper classification of gases
REVIEW QUESTION
Name some of the ways in which hazardous materials regulations are applied.
10–15
�Learning Objective 2
Identify some of the applicable codes and standards that apply to hazardous materials.
10–16
Be able to identify some of the applicable codes and standards that apply to hazmat.
10–17
ICC
NFPA®
(Cont.)
Be able to identify some of the applicable codes and standards that apply to hazmat.
10–18
API (American Petroleum Institute)
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials)
(Cont.)
Be able to identify some of the applicable codes and standards that apply to hazmat.
10–19
CGA (Compressed Gas Association)
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
REVIEW QUESTION
List some of the codes and standards that apply to hazardous materials.
10–20
�Learning Objective 3
Explain the classification system used for hazardous materials.
10–21
Understand the classification of hazardous materials.
10–22
Verifying proper chemical classification is similar to inspecting an existing building
Generally, the inspector will review any property or permit information
One information source is the building’s Certificate of Occupancy, which may indicate
(Cont.)
Understand the classification of hazardous materials.
10–23
Classification is the first step in regulating hazardous materials
SDS do not always provide enough information
NFPA® 1 and the IFC give fire inspectors the authority to require more information
A single compound or hazardous material may have multiple hazards
When a material presents multiple hazards, fire codes require all of the hazards be addressed
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
NOTE
Inspectors are commonly asked to assist in classification because it may be faster and easier than trying to correct errors. They should exercise caution to avoid giving incomplete or inaccurate information.
10–24
Know what classification resources are available to inspectors.
10–25
Hazardous Materials Expert Assistant software
Appendix E in the IFC
Wireless Information System For Emergency Responders (WISER)
Hazardous materials are broadly classified into two major categories.
10–26
Physical hazard materials
Health hazard materials
REVIEW QUESTION
What are some of the resources available to assist inspectors in determining hazardous material classifications?
10–27
�Learning Objective 4
Describe the classification and properties of physical hazard materials.
10–28
Physical hazardous materials are those that burn, accelerate burning, detonation, or deflagration.
10–29
Characteristics
Inspectors need to be familiar with physical hazard materials.
10–30
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Compressed and Liquefied Compressed Gases
Flammable Solids or Gases
Organic Peroxides
Oxidizers and Oxidizing Gases
Pyrophorics
Unstable (Reactive) Materials
Water-Reactive Materials
Cryogenic Fluids
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flammable and combustible liquids are the most common class of hazardous material an inspector will encounter.
10–31
Classified as flammable or combustible liquid when it contains carbon and hydrogen
Classified as either flammable or combustible based on flash point and boiling point temperatures
Flash point must be evaluated and considered in assessing the overall flammability hazard of a liquid
(Cont.)
Flammable and combustible liquids are the most common class of hazardous material an inspector will encounter.
10–32
Do not burn: the vapor they release can be ignited and burn
These liquids exhibit much higher heat release rates than ordinary combustibles
Fires involving these materials are far more difficult to control
When a container or other vessel leaks, the liquid will begin to evaporate, depending on the atmospheric temperature
Occupants should store flammable and combustible liquids such that their Lower Flammable Limit (LFL) is never exceeded
Know how flammable and combustible liquids are used.
10–33
Motor vehicle fuels
Food preparation
Lubricants
Semiconductor fabrication
Coatings
Creating plastics
This wide availability is one reason why this class of hazardous materials is the most misused and has contributed to numerous injuries and deaths
REVIEW QUESTION
What makes flammable and combustible liquids the most "misused"?
10–34
Know the two major concerns for compressed and liquefied gases.
10–35
Physical and health hazards of the stored gas
Design, construction, and protection of the compressed gas container or cylinder
Know the three categories of compressed and liquefied gases.
10–36
Nonliquefied compressed gases
Dissolved gases
(Cont.)
Know the three categories of compressed and liquefied gases.
10–37
Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington D.C
Liquefied compressed gases
REVIEW QUESTION
Describe the three categories of gases.
10–38
Know the characteristics of cryogenic fluids.
10–39
Process of converting gases into liquid form through refrigeration is known as cryogenics
Cryogenic liquids, or cryogens, have a boiling point of -130°F �(-90°C)
Also known as refrigerated liquids, especially while they are in transit
Inspectors need to know common cryogenic fluids.
10–40
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Helium
Argon
Neon
Krypton
Xenon
Liquefied natural gas (LNG)/methane
Carbon monoxide
Inspectors need to know advantages of cryogenic fluids.
10–41
Ability to modify a material's liquid-to-gas volume ratio
A cryogenic cylinder of liquid oxygen can hold 12 times more gas than a pressurized cylinder of oxygen
Valuable simply because they are extremely cold
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
Inspectors need to know the hazards associated with cryogenic fluids.
10–42
Inherent hazard of the particular gas, which may be intensified when it is in liquid form
High liquid-to-vapor ratio
Extremely low temperatures
WARNING
All cryogenic liquids (except oxygen) are either asphyxiants or toxic.
10–43
Cryogenic liquids and gases create a flammability hazard because they can burn or explode.
10–44
Hydrogen is very easily ignited and particularly hazardous
If cryogenic liquids are trapped within a confining space such as a pipe or other container without adequate venting, the liquid will vaporize, expand, and cause a violent pressure explosion of the confining vessel
A pressure-relief device should be installed on every length of pipe between two shutoff valves
All pipes carrying cryogenic liquids must be designed so that they slope up from the container
Know what materials pipes and fittings should be made of to handle cryogenic material.
10–45
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Copper
Monel® nickel-copper alloy
Know the physical dangers cryogenic materials can pose to inspectors.
10–46
Can inflict severe burns upon contact with exposed skin
Inhaling gases can severely damage the respiratory tract
Vapors can damage the eyes by causing the water in the eyes to freeze
Inspector must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
When cryogenic liquids are released into the atmosphere, they will refrigerate any moisture in the air and create a visible fog
REVIEW QUESTION
What hazards are associated with cryogenic liquids?
10–47
Inspectors need to be familiar with flammable solids and gases.
10–48
Flammable solids have an ignition temperature of less than 212ºF (100ºC)
According to the IFC, flammable solids are any solids other than explosives that are capable of causing a fire through the following actions
(Cont.)
Inspectors need to be familiar with flammable solids and gases.
10–49
A variety of materials are loosely categorized as flammable solids
Inspectors need to be familiar with spontaneously combustible materials.
10–50
Pyrophoric materials
Self-heating materials
Understand dangerous-when-wet materials.
10–51
When they come in contact with water, they are likely to become spontaneously flammable or produce flammable or toxic gas
Magnesium phosphide is an example of a dangerous-when-wet material
Must not be stored in locations or in such a manner where they can become combustible or dangerous
Flammable solids that are metals require a Class D extinguisher nearby.
10–52
NFPA® 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, includes requirements on extinguisher sizes and travel distances
Additionally, the inspector should consult the SDS to determine the appropriate fire extinguishing agent according to the manufacturer’s specifications
Know flammable gases that can be compressed, liquefied compressed, or dissolved.
10–53
Ethane
Hydrogen
Isobutane
Propane
Know what conditions result in gases being classified as “flammable”.
10–54
It is ignitable at atmospheric pressure when in a mixture of 13 percent or less by volume in air
It has a flammable range of at least 12 percent in air at atmospheric pressure, regardless of its lower limit
REVIEW QUESTION
What actions can make flammable solids capable of causing a fire?
10–55
Inspectors need to be familiar with organic peroxides.
10–56
Only exist as solids or liquids
Release energy in the form of heat
Used to introduce energy into chemical reactions so more useful compounds can be created
Present fire and reactivity hazards
Degree of the hazard depends on their classification
All organic peroxides have a limited shelf life.
10–57
Shelf life can be reduced if recommended temperature limits are not maintained
Once shelf life is reached, the material should be disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
An expired organic peroxide can become unstable
Model fire codes assign hazard classes for organic peroxides.
10–58
The lower the Roman numeral classification, the greater the decomposition, reactivity, and burning rate hazards the organic peroxide presents
REVIEW QUESTION
Explain the hazard classifications of organic peroxides.
10–59
Know the characteristics of oxidizers and oxidizing gases.
10–60
Solid and liquid oxidizers and oxidizing gases do not burn
An oxidizer yields oxygen or other chemical compounds that promote or initiate combustion
If an oxidizer is heated or contaminated, it can initiate a self-sustained reaction and can result in an explosion or violent decomposition
Other oxidizers can be
Fire code-compliant storage and use of oxidizers is designed to separate them from incompatible hazardous materials.
10–61
Oxidizers should never have contact with any petroleum-based materials because the reaction will be immediate and violent
Understand the naming convention of oxidizers.
10–62
How it works
Examples include
Know the hazard categories for solid and liquid oxidizers.
10–63
Based on their ability to accelerate burning
Their rate of decomposition, and if their decomposition can ignite combustible (Class A) materials
The higher the Arabic numeral rating, the greater the hazard the solid or liquid oxidizer presents
Oxidizing gases can support and accelerate combustion more than air.
10–64
They can exist as compressed or liquefied gases
Oxygen can be converted into an oxidizing cryogenic fluid
Cryogenic oxygen is commonly used for respiratory therapy and can be found in home health care liquid oxygen containers
REVIEW QUESTION
What are the hazard categories of solid and liquid oxidizers based upon?
10–65
Inspectors need to understand pyrophorics.
10–66
Category of solid, liquid, or gaseous hazardous materials that are a significant physical hazard
A material is classified as pyrophoric when it autoignites in air at temperatures of 130°F (55°C) or less
Do not require an ignition source
Because air contains moisture, pyrophorics ignite upon release in air
Some are also water reactive
(Cont.)
Inspectors need to understand pyrophorics.
10–67
Commonly present other physical and health hazards
Some pyrophoric gases and liquids exist
Most materials are solid metals
Some isotopes of plutonium and uranium are pyrophoric
(Cont.)
Inspectors need to understand pyrophorics.
10–68
Model codes require automatic sprinkler protection in buildings housing pyrophoric materials
Requirements for pyrophoric gases are found in NFPA® 55 and NFPA® 318, Standard for the Protection of Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities
Model fire codes also reference Compressed Gas Association Standard G-13, Storage and Handling of Silane and Silane Mixtures
REVIEW QUESTION
Name some examples of pyrophoric materials.
10–69
Inspectors need to understand unstable (reactive) materials.
10–70
Solids, liquids, or gases that can react adversely due to changes in temperature, pressure, mechanical, thermal shock
Most oxidizers and organic peroxides are also classified as unstable (reactive) materials
Can be found in the manufacturing of plastics, including expanded foams and urethane compounds
Blowing agents that create foam plastics are commonly classified as unstable (reactive)
(Cont.)
Inspectors need to understand unstable (reactive) materials.
10–71
Classified based on
REVIEW QUESTION
What do unstable materials react to?
10–72
Inspectors need to understand water-reactive materials.
10–73
Can react violently or explosively if it comes in contact with moisture or water
Model fire codes regulate water-reactive solids and liquids
There are no water-reactive gases
Many pyrophoric metals are also water reactive
Inspectors need to understand explosives and blasting agents.
10–74
Capable of producing a sudden, violent expansion of gases that may be accompanied by a shock or pressure wave
Explosives exist in solid or liquid states
Explosives classification system in the IFC and NFPA® 495 is based on the UNDMGC and US DOT regulations
All explosive materials that meet the UNDMGC criteria are designated as Hazard Class 1 materials
Further categorized based on the type of hazard they present
REVIEW QUESTION
List the states in which explosives and blasting agents exist.
10–75
�Learning Objective 5
Explain the classification of health hazard materials.
10–76
Toxicity limits in model fire codes are lower than DOT and TC regulations.
10–77
Health hazard materials include items where a single brief exposure to the hazardous material can result in death, injury, or incapacitation
Under DOT and TC rules it is a toxic inhalation hazard (TIH)
This illustrates why a DOT label or placard cannot always be used as a basis for classifying hazardous materials in fire codes
Highly toxic and toxic materials are capable of producing serious illness or death once they enter the bloodstream.
10–78
It is imperative that inspectors become aware of the possible toxic effects of a material and ensure that they are wearing appropriate PPE
WARNING
During inspections of facilities where toxic materials are being manufactured, stored, or shipped, an inspector must have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training in its use when there is any possibility of being exposed to these products.
10–79
Inspectors need to be familiar with hazardous material toxicity data.
10–80
LD50
LC50
(Cont.)
Inspectors need to be familiar with hazardous material toxicity data.
10–81
Resources
Highly Toxic materials include
Toxic materials include
REVIEW QUESTION
How are highly toxic and toxic materials classified?
10–82
Corrosives exist in all three physical states.
10–83
Used in water and wastewater treatment; metal finishing; extraction and processing of minerals
Classification in the model fire codes is assigned when the material causes irreversible alteration or visible destruction to human skin
At higher concentrations, corrosives are a health hazard because contact on skin or eyes can cause burns
Classification criteria used in the fire codes is the same as the UNDMGC criteria
A material classified as corrosive by DOT or TC has the same classification in the fire codes
Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C
WARNING
Avoid contact with corrosives or corrosive spills. These materials rapidly dehydrate water from the skin while simultaneously reacting with proteins to inflict burns. Materials like sodium hydroxide attack and destroy proteins in the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream, causing injury to the central nervous and circulatory systems.
10–84
REVIEW QUESTION
How are corrosives classified in fire codes?
10–85
A mixture is a substance that contains two or more materials that are not chemically combined.
10–86
Mixing chemicals can change their chemical and physical properties like their boiling or melting point
Can also change the hazard classification of a material
Mixing two chemicals can create a new compound with its own unique hazards
REVIEW QUESTION
How does mixing two or more materials impact hazard classification?
10–87
Inspectors need to know the characteristics of incompatible materials.
10–88
Definition
Reaction
Identifying incompatible storage
Inspectors need to know what to do when incompatible storage is found.
10–89
Considered separated if
Exemptions
REVIEW QUESTION
What is required to identify the appropriate storage classification of incompatible materials?
10–90
�Learning Objective 6
Describe the code requirements for the marking of hazardous materials for identification by emergency responders.
10–91
Inspectors need to understand markings and resource guides.
10–92
Markings
SDSs
Placards and material numbering systems used by
(Cont.)
Inspectors need to understand markings and resource guides.
10–93
Inspectors must be familiar with the
Know how to use the
Become familiar with safety data sheets (SDS).
10–94
Formerly known as material safety data sheet (MSDS)
Detailed information bulletin prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a chemical to describe or give information about hazards
Inspectors can acquire an SDS from several sources
Used worldwide and must include the sixteen sections
May still see some SDSs that were developed to ANSI standards, OSHA standards, or Canadian standards
REVIEW QUESTION
List some of the resources inspectors must be familiar with and know how to use in order to identify hazardous materials.
10–95
Understand the history of transportation placards, labels, and markings.
10–96
A result of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) of 1994 and other agreements
Trucks carrying products that include hazardous materials move freely among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
To help regulate this movement of vehicles and materials, adopted the UN Recommendations regarding transportation placards, labels, and markings for identifying hazardous materials or dangerous goods
Majority of the placards, labels, and markings used to identify these materials are very similar in each country
These recommendations enhance safety
The UN system enables an inspector to readily categorize hazardous materials based on the risks they pose.
10–97
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
(Cont.)
The UN system enables an inspector to readily categorize hazardous materials based on the risks they pose.
10–98
Class 5
Class 6
Class 7
Class 8
Class 9
Each class has a specific placard that indicates a material’s hazard class by number or name.
10–99
The number must be displayed in the lower corner of placards corresponding to the primary hazard class of a material
The UN also has a system used in conjunction with illustrated placards in the North America.
10–100
Each hazardous material is assigned a unique four-digit number
This number is often displayed on placards, labels, orange panels, and/or white diamonds
(Cont.)
The UN also has a system used in conjunction with illustrated placards in the North America.
10–101
On orange panels, letters “UN” may precede the number
Yellow-bordered pages section in the ERG provides a key to the four-digit identification numbers
Use the number and the ERG to determine appropriate response information
Number also appears on shipping papers; should match the numbers displayed
Courtesy of Rich Mahaney
Know which container packages in North America display UN numbers.
10–102
Rail tank cars
Cargo tank cars
Portable tank cars
Bulk packages
Vehicle containers containing large quantities (at least 8,820 lbs or 4 400 kg) of hazardous materials
Certain nonbulk packages (for example, poisonous gases in specified amounts)
DOT regulations address some additional categories of substances.
10–103
Other regulated materials (ORM-Ds)
Materials of trade (MOTs)
Fumigated loads
Understand why knowledge of DOT information is important.
10–104
Must record information about these substances during an evaluation of a facility or industrial location
A basic understanding of the UN system enables an inspector to quickly recognize most hazardous materials or dangerous goods
Knowledge of the standard systems used in the U.S. is important in order to accurately recognize these hazards
Inspectors need to be able to read DOT placards.
10–105
Description
Where they are seen
There are important facts to remember regarding placards.
10–106
Shippers are required to provide placards
Drivers may not know what they are carrying
Exemptions
(Cont.)
There are important facts to remember regarding placards.
10–107
Some private agriculture and military vehicles may not have placards
Hazard class or division number corresponding to the primary or subsidiary hazard class of a material must be displayed in the lower corner of a placard
Other than the Class 7 or DANGEROUS placard, text indicating a hazard is not required; text may be omitted from the oxygen placard only if the specific ID number is displayed
Inspectors need to be able to read DOT labels.
10–108
Description
(Cont.)
Inspectors need to be able to read DOT labels.
10–109
Where they are seen
Subsidiary labels
Inspectors need to be able to read DOT markings.
10–110
Description
Inspector duties
REVIEW QUESTION
Compare and contrast DOT placards, labels, and markings.
10–111
Be familiar with OSHA identification requirements for the workplace.
10–112
OSHA’s Hazard Communications Standard (HCS) requires employers to identify hazards in the workplace; train employees how to recognize them
Requires employers to certify that all hazardous material containers are labeled, tagged, or marked correctly
Does not specify what identification system to use
Emergency responders and inspectors may encounter a variety of different labeling and marking systems