Tactical Chemistry – Dr Hazmat Inc

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Tactical decisions at hazardous materials emergencies are heavily influenced by the released chemicals and their properties. Using NFPA 470 (2022) Chapters 34 and 38 as the framework, we will make tactical decisions at hazardous materials incidents fall into place using chemical demonstrations, scenario-based exercises, and hands-on chemical identification exercises using a variety of air-monitoring and sample identification equipment. We will examine the effect of chemical class, concentration, and complexity of mixtures on detection, identification, and product control. The class is highly interactive with students leading the direction of the class as we discuss multiple scenarios culled from the news and experience to illustrate the chemistry of hazardous materials.

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Learning Objectives:

• Incorporate chemical knowledge into response tactical decision making using actual incidents as table top exercises.
• Understand how chemical and physical properties affect response decisions at hazardous materials releases.
• Understand how product chemistry affects the ability of air monitoring, detection, and identification devices to accurately detect and identify materials at various concentrations and purities at hazardous materials incidents.