Chemistry of Hazardous Materials Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chemistry of Hazardous Materials - Case Study Example The characteristics of the hazardous substance in the four containers are determined through NFPA system. The system gives the procedure of identifying the relative levels of the three hazards; chemical reactivity, health, and flammability (Meyer, 2010). The HazMat team experiences several hazardous situations. The puncture tank may contain flammable fumes or chemicals thus it is hazardous because it may result in combustion. The corrosive materials can also negatively affect members of the HazMat team the fumes can cause skin irritation, and respiratory tract infection and inflammation. Strong oxidizing substances have the ability to corrode and thus if not handled properly can burn the skin tissues. Strong acids and bases also show corrosive characteristics and may burn the skin. All the three substances engage in chemical reactions that can produce dangerous substances, like hazardous fumes that cause respiratory tract irritation (Meyer, 2010). A lot of restraint should be exercis ed at the accident scene. Only members of the HazMat team should be allowed to access the site with the punctured tank and the three other tanks containing hazardous materials (Meyer, 2010). The members of the team must wear full protective gear. The gas masks are aimed are preventing the inhalation of dangerous fumes or hazardous chemicals. The reflectors jackets prevent skin contact with the hazardous materials. The other individuals who wish or want to access the accident scene must be told to wear adequate personal protective types of equipment. The protective types of equipment include; eyeglasses, gas masks, reflector or dust coats, gloves, and safety boots. The eyeglass minimizes eye irritation, through minimizing the contact between the eye and hazardous fumes. The reflector clothing reduces corrosion by hindering contact between the skin and the hazardous substances.