HAZARDOUS MATERIAL PROTECTION

Gough AR, Markus K. 1989. Hazardous materials protections in ED Practice Laws and logistics. Journal of Emergency Nursing 15 477. 

This chapter describes the hazardous material protection program at Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico (SNL7NM) and its implementation at the Technical Area V Hot Cell Facility (HCF). The hazardous materials within the facility are identified and the types of hazards they might pose to workers, the public, and the environment are discussed. The applicable safety requirements, controls, and administrative policies and programs instituted at SNL/NM and within the HCF with respect to hazardous materials are also discussed. 

The HCF hazardous material protection program complies with the applicable parts of SNL/NM Industrial Hygiene Program and Chapter 6, Industrial Hygiene, of the SNL ES H Manual (SNL 1998). Isotope production activities apply the Hazard Communication Program defined in Chapter 6, Section D, Hazard Communication Standard, of the SNL ES H Manual. Other activities, such as standard laboratory operations, apply the Laboratory Standard defined in Chapter 6, Section E, Laboratory Standard, of the SNL ES H Manual. 

Although the SNL/NM site programs for hazardous material protection are the responsibility of the ES H Center, the HCF Department Manager is responsible for ensuring that all hazardous material program requirements are met. If questions arise v respect to hazardous material protection at the HCF, the HCF Supervisor or Department Manager consults with the ES H Center personnel prior to the commencement of activities. 

The HCF Department Manager has the responsibility for proper conduct of all HCF operations and must prepare the fadlity for work activities, facility operations, and maintenance activities. This includes ensuring that all proper procedures and equipment are in place prior to commencement of work activities and that personnel are properly qualified. With respect to hazardous material protection, the HCF Supenrisor and HCF personnel, along with ES H Center personnel, ensure that operations with hazardous materials are conducted safely. The line of management responsibility for operab on of the HCF is described in Chapter 17 of the SAR. 

HCF personnel may be required to wear respirators for hazardous material protection if, based on ES H personnel review, a particulate material hazard is suspected. The HCF Supervisor could require organic-type respirators if a suspected organic vapor hazard exists. 

Any other types of specialized protective equipment needed would be identified as part of the hazard assessment. Such equipment might include body protection for hazardous materials, protective equipment for material handling, protection for welding activities, or protection from exposure to biological agents. 

When synthesizing a fiowsheet, the designer should consider carefully the problems associated with operation under extreme conditions. Attenuation will result in a safer plant, providing the attenuation does not increase the inventory of hazardous materials. If the inventory does not increase, then attenuation not only will make the process safer but also will make it cheaper, since cheaper materials of construction and thinner vessel walls can be used and it is not necessary to add on so much protective equipment. 

Fire Protection Guide on Hazardous Materials, 9th ed.. National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass., 1986, pp. 49—51. 

Shipment of hydrazine solutions is regulated in the United States by the Department of Transportation (DOT) which classifies all aqueous solutions between 64.4 and 37% N2H4 as "Corrosive" materials with a subsidiary risk of "Poison". Hydrazine has been identified by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the DOT as a hazardous material and has been assigned a reportable quantity (RQ) of 0.450 kg (1 lb) if spilled. Dmms for the shipment of these solutions must bear both the DOT specification "Corrosive" and "Poison" labels in association with the markings "RQ Hydrazine Aqueous Solution UN 2030." Aqueous solutions of 37% concentration or less are a hazard Class 6.1, UN 3293, Packing Group III and require "Keep Away From Food" placards and labels. 

Included ia the OSHA regulations are standards for safe work practices such as lock-out/tag-out and confined space entry, personal protective equipment, storage of hazardous materials, welding process, forklift operation, and requirements for fire protection. Basically, all activities within a chemical facihty are covered by OSHA standards. 

Hazardous Materials Response Handbook, National Fite Protection Association, 1989. 

Chloroformates are shipped in nonretumable 208-L (55-gal) polyethylene dmms with carbon steel overpacks or high density polyethylene dmms. Eor bulk shipments, insulated stainless-steel tank containers and tmcks provide secure protection. Tank tmck and rail car quantities are shipped using equipment dedicated for these types of products. Materials such as isopropyl chloroformate, benzyl chloroformate, and j -butyl chloroformate that require refrigeration are precooled when shipped in bulk containers. Bulk shipments that are precooled must proceed to the destination without layover. Dmm shipments of IPCE, BCE, and SBCE must be shipped in refrigerated containers. Many of the chloroformates are only shipped in tmck load shipments. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations control the shipments of chloroformates, as described in Table 3. 

Pollution Prevention the use of materials, processes, or practices that reduces or eliminates the creation of pollutants or wastes at the source. It includes practices that reduce the use of hazardous materials, energy, water, or other resources and practices that protect natural resources through conservation or efficient use. 

This section provides an overview of important definitions and terminology that the Hazardous Materials Worker and Emergency Response Personnel should know. Emergency response at sites other than hazardous waste clean-up sites are emphasized. Under OSHA s 29 CFR1910.120 emergency response personnel (that will take some action to control the situation other than call for help) shall be trained to a competence to protect themselves and other employees in ... 

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