TITLE:
Applying a “Hard Science” Disciplined Approach to Identify and Verify Chemical Properties for Safe Response, Handling, and Disposal
AUTHORS:
Clifford L. Holland
KEYWORDS:
Response, Chemicals, Safety, Testing, Properties, Emergency
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.7 No.3,
February
26,
2016
ABSTRACT: Personnel who may have to deal with the
uncertain nature and properties of unknown chemicals at an environmental
incident, hazardous waste site, industry or in a laboratory need a way to
identify the actual risks and hazards they may face. This applies whether the
personnel are emergency responders, forensic researchers or waste clean-up
crews. There is, however, a quick-check system to identify chemical properties of
labeled, unlabeled, unknown or mixed chemicals. The system uses pH paper,
starch paper and a source of flame such as a barbeque lighter or Bunsen burner.
The basic test takes less than 60 seconds and will identify or verify high-risk
properties such as whether substances are oxidizers or reactive to heat, air or
water, their range of flammability and their corrosiveness. The test results
provide vital information for responders to make critical decisions, whether
dealing with a laboratory spill or a full-scale hazardous material emergency.
Using hard science helps in dealing with time-critical issues, such as when, or
whether, to add water to modify a chemical reaction when a bad situation could
turn into a disaster. Whether working with laboratory or industrial chemicals
or responding to a major emergency, hard science can provide the information
needed to approach the scene, secure the area, and keep unprotected and
unauthorized personnel out. It identifies the physical and chemical properties
of known, unknown and newly formed substances and allows personnel to assess
the risk, hazards and potential scales of impact including when it is safe to
respond or take other appropriate action.