Last week I received an email from the Technical Committee Chair for Hazardous Materials Response Personnel, Greg Noll. Through his contacts he receives and forwards many situations and scenarios regarding hazardous materials emergency responses from around the country.
This one in particular struck me on several levels. The first is a “lesson learned” video which was developed and sent out on YouTube® for all to view. The Phoenix Fire Department has displayed this type of “out-in-the-open” character for many years. Let’s not bury it or not tell anyone for fear of embarrassment or something far worse. Let’s get it out there so all can learn.
The second is the fact that this incident occurred at a place that we are very familiar with and is so much a part of our culture. It doesn’t have to be a McDonald’s, Burger King, Popeye’s, or any other quick service food establishment. Hazardous materials situations can happen in the most common of places. Think outside the box and know what is in your response district.
The third is the type of chemical that is so abundant and so much part of the way we breathe—literally. Carbon Dioxide, CO2.
Some facts about CO2:
- Typically found in a gaseous state
- Colorless, Odorless, Tasteless
- Pressurized into liquid state
- DOT Placard: Green, category 2, non-flammable
- NFPA 704 Marking System: 3 Health, 0 Fire, 0 Reactivity, 0 Special Hazard
- Expansion ratio nearly 3000 to 1
- Displaces O2, asphyxiant
- Cryogenic
Please take the time to view the video. It is approximately 18 minutes.
This would make for a great coffee break training session for any emergency response team.
Tom McGowan
NFPA Staff Liaison
Finally someone is reaching out! We are trying to educate people, Oxygen Monitors would have saved these people from getting sick or dying. This is such a serious matter.
When there is a CO2 leak, this depletes and replaces breathable oxygen with a dangerous and very unsafe gas.
They need something that will last. Our O2 monitors have a 10+ year sensor with no need for maintenance or calibration which are completely dummy proof.
Use an O2 monitor, and never worry about a lack of oxygen again!
Posted by: Brandon | February 01, 2012 at 05:41 PM
Visit www.MonitorOxygen.com to read more about how we can save lives.
Posted by: Brandon | February 01, 2012 at 05:42 PM