Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are substances or materials, which, because of their
chemical, physical or biological nature, pose a potential risk to life,
health, or property if they are released.
Hazardous materials are used, transported or stored throughout Anne Arundel
County. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Department of
Transportation, and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) all
cooperate in the setting of standards for the safe use and movement of
hazardous materials and regulate their presence in the community. Hazardous
substances pose no threat to the citizens of the community or the
environment if they are properly stored, containered, handled and
transported.
Facilities holding any of the EPA listed "Extremely Hazardous Substances"
in quantities above specific threshold planning quantities must report their
inventory within 60 days and then annually by March 1 to MDE, the LEPC, and
the Fire Department. Facilities required to have a Materiel Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) for a hazardous chemical defined by OSHA must also report their
inventory annually by March 1 if they hold more than 10,000 pounds. This
information is reported on either Tier I or Tier II inventory forms. The
LEPC, in conjunction with the Fire Department, is working to assure full
compliance with these requirements of the law.
A Hazardous Materials (HazMat) incident is an accidental release of toxic
materials, fluids, or vapors into the environment creating a potential
hazard.
If you suspect a hazardous materials incident, call "911".
When a hazardous materials emergency occurs, the County Fire Department is
the lead agency for response. The Department operates a specially trained
Hazardous Materials Response Unit outfitted with equipment to handle major
HazMat incidents. The County Emergency Operations Plan contains specific
planning guidance, developed in conjunction with the LEPC, for coordination
of County response to HazMat incidents. The Deputy Chief of Special
Operations of the Fire Department is designated as the "Community Emergency
Coordinator." Regular reviews are made of HazMat response procedures, and
HazMat exercises are conducted periodically.
Public notification of a HazMat incident will be accomplished by activation
of the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) for announcements on local radio and
TV stations.
In the event of a HazMat Incident citizens may be instructed by government
officials to either shelter in place or to evacuate an area, depending on
the nature of the incident and weather conditions.
Fire and police vehicles with loudspeakers may be used to go through
affected neighborhoods providing instruction on evacuation or shelter in
place.
Shelter in place will be the preferred action in those cases where citizens
might be placed in greater danger if they were to go outdoors into a toxic
plume than if they remain inside taking advantage of the clean air within
the building. When instructed to shelter in place turn off heat,
air-conditions and fans; close vents, windows and doors, and seal any
cracks. Keep your radio or television on for further instructions. When
the danger is past you will be advised that it is safe to open your home or
building for ventilation and to go outside.
Evacuation of an area may be indicated when there is advance warning of a
hazard, the possibility of explosion, or the danger of long-term exposure.
Police and fire responders using sirens, loudspeakers and door-to-door alert
will advise residents of the evacuation. An assembly area or shelter will
be designated by the Incident Commander, and the best routes to reach the
assembly or shelter are will be identified.
Motorists encountering vehicular accidents involving hazardous materials
should avoid driving through any spilled materials, smoke, or vapor clouds.
Report the accident as soon as possible by calling 911. Close your vehicle
windows, and turn off air conditioner, vents, or heater until you are sure
there is no danger of contamination. If police or fire personnel are on the
scene, follow their directions. Keep your radio tuned to a local radio
station to receive any EBS announcements regarding the incident.
You have a right to know. The SARA Title III legislation requires that
LEPC's establish procedures for receiving and processing requests from the
public for information on hazardous materials in the community.
Citizens wishing to know more information may contact the Fire Department
Emergency Management office at (410) 987-4010 ext. 315 or 316.
Any Questions? E-Mail: ehvfc12@hotmail.com
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Last updated March 16, 2006