CHAPTER 44 - Hazardous Materials
Where is at EMT at highest risk for exposure to phosphine gas? A. A methamphetamine lab B. A military base C. A hardware store D. A high pressure cylinder
A
The EMT would best describe a hazardous material as: A. Any material that poses a threat to life B. Any material that is explosive in nature C. Any material that can contaminate the environment D. Any material capable of injuring more than 50 people
A
What does the "M" in the mnemonic TRACEM stand for? A. Mechanical B. Machine C. Medical D. Maximum
A
What is one of the most common criminal uses of hazardous materials that the EMT is likely to encounter? A. A methamphetamine lab B. X-ray radiation C. A pressure cooker bomb D. ANFO
A
When relying on your senses to determine whether a hazardous spill has occurred, you should: A. Assume that the area around any leak is hazardous B. Approach the spill only to rescue a known victim C. Not approach close enough to smell the material D. Approach the spill from upwind
A
Which mnemonic can be used to help remember the types of damage that can be caused by hazardous materials? A. TRACEM B. CHEMTREC C. NFPA D. FMCSA
A
Which statement demonstrates that the EMT has a proper understanding of basic operations at the scene of a hazardous materials emergency? A. "Life or health of the EMS providers should never be risked if the threat is only to the environment." B. "Identification of the material is not important, since the approach is the same for all materials." C. "It is critical to remove the patients as quickly as possible from the incident site." D. "If you cannot see or smell a chemical, the chance of one being present is very low."
A
You are at a scene where a radioactive material is emitting alpha rays. As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that the proper shielding from these rays can be achieved by: A. Clothing B. Lead C. Concrete D. Aluminum
A
You are working the scene of a collision involving a tractor-trailer that is hauling an unknown chemical. After it has been determined that no material has been spilled, the rescue chief asks you to get the truck's shipping papers. Where would these papers most likely be located? A. Cab of the truck B. Shipping vault on the trailer C. Electrical box between the tractor and the trailer D. Rear compartment on the tanker
A
You have arrived at the scene where a tractor-trailer overturned into a small ravine adjacent to the freeway. As you exit the ambulance and are donning your gloves, the driver of the truck approaches and informs you that he was hauling radioactive medical wastes and warns you that there is a car underneath the overturned trailer. Given this situation, what should you do immediately? A. Move the ambulance upwind and uphill of the scene B. Determine whether any radioactive material has been released C. Attempt to identify the material and type of rays being emitted D. Position the ambulance in front of the vehicle to block oncoming traffic
A
You have arrived on the scene of a chemical leak at an industrial park. The placard on the leaking container has a "1" in the blue diamond and a "4" in the red diamond, which means the material is: A. Flammable but represents a low health hazard B. Explosive with a high health hazard associated C. A flammable liquid with radioactive properties D. A solid that is very flammable
A
What should immediately increase your suspicion of a hazardous materials incident? A. Colored vapor cloud B. An out-of-control wildfire in a wooded area C. Smoke coming from the driver area of a vehicle involved in a head-on collision D. Fire that starts on the lowest level of a structure
A A colored vapor cloud is among the visual indications of a hazardous materials incident. A number of visual clues can indicate the probable presence of a hazardous material: smoking or self-igniting materials; extraordinary fire conditions; boiling or spattering of materials that have not been heated; wavy or unusually colored vapors over a container of liquid material; characteristically colored vapor clouds; frost near a container leak (indicative of liquid coolants).
Which is commonly encountered by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a clandestine drug laboratory? A. Methamphetamine B. PCP C. Heroin D. Cocaine
A Among the most commonly encountered activities in clandestine drug laboratories are the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine and marijuana.
How does contamination occur in a radiation incident? A. When you come into contact with the source of radiation contamination, such as radioactive particles B. Touching the skin of a patient who has radiation sickness from exposure to gamma rays C. Exposure to a patient who has received a high-dose of X-rays D. Exposure to X-rays
A Contamination occurs by coming in direct contact with the source of the radioactivity or with radioactive gas, liquids, or particles. While a victim of a radiation accident is not "contagious" or infectious and generally will not endanger a rescuer, you are at risk of becoming contaminated if the patient still has radiation particles on his skin or clothing.
Which letter in the mnemonic TRACEM refers to nuclear fuels and by-products of nuclear bombs? A. R B. C C. T D. A
A TRACEM refers to the types of damage from hazardous materials. The acronym stands for the following T - for Thermal: heat sources, burning, and radiant heat; R for Radiological: nuclear fuels and by-products, nuclear bombs; A for Asphyxiation: lack of O2 due to chemical vapors, heavy gases; C for Chemical: toxic or corrosive chemicals; E for Etiological: biological hazards; M for Mechanical: trauma from bullets, shrapnel, and so on.
What does the A in the mnemonic TRACEM stand for? A. Asphyxiation B. Acid C. Acerbic D. Acrid
A The acronym TRACEM can be used to remember the types of damage that can be caused by hazardous materials: thermal, radiological, asphyxiation, chemical, etiological, and mechanical.
The manufacture of butane hash oil is commonly associated with injuries from: A. explosions. B. radiation. C. fumes. D. chemical reactions.
A The problem for responders is that such production methods can result in flammable or explosive gases used in confined spaces near potential ignition sources. Injuries resulting from such production methods include burns and explosions
In addition to time, distance, and quantity, what else is a protective factor against radiation exposure? A. Shielding B. Fresh air C. Antidote D. Decontamination
A The protection against radiation exposure includes time, distance, shielding, and quantity. Protecting yourself from exposure to radiation includes consideration of the following factors: Time - the less time spent near the radiation source, the less radiation exposure. Distance - the farther you are from the radiation source, the lower the radiation dose. Shielding - the denser the material between you and the radiation source, the greater the protection. SCBA and protective clothing or simple examination gloves may be all that is required to adequately shield yourself from the radiation. In some cases, lead shields are required. Increasing the time and distance factors can reduce the amount of shielding needed. Quantity - decreasing the amount of radioactive material in the area will decrease exposure. Remove the patient from the radioactive material or remove the radioactive material from the patient.
Into which category of hazardous materials do weapons of mass destruction, which utilize chlorine gas, fall? A. Class 2 Toxic and Flammable Gases B. Class 8 Corrosive Substances C. Class 4 Flammable Solids, Dangerous When Wet, Spontaneously Combustible D. Class 1 Explosives
A WMD, which utilize chlorine gas, would be listed as Class 2 Toxic and Flammable gases. Other more common chemicals that could be used by a terrorist are listed in Class 6 Toxic and Infectious Substances or Class 7 Radioactive Materials.
A patient has received burns to his arm from a beta particle exposure. This type of damage would be classified as: A. Radiation poisoning B. Radiation injury C. Radiation sickness D. Radiation exposure
B
How long can a person who has radiation sickness expect to have symptoms? A. The symptoms do not typically resolve B. Up to 7 or 8 weeks C. A few days D. Symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks are considered radiation poisoning
B
If the red diamond on a National Fire Protection Association placard contains a "4," the EMT should recognize that the material within this container is: A. Radioactive B. Very flammable C. A gas D. Liquid
B
On the scene of a hazardous materials emergency, which individual is best suited to provide command and coordination of assets at the incident? A. Hazardous materials technician B. Hazmat specialist C. Paramedic D. Fire service rescue technician
B
While a factory employee is moving a container of a radioactive liquid, some of the liquid splashes onto his arm. This situation is best be described as: A. Contagion B. Contamination C. Exposure D. Infection
B
You have been trained to the OSHA level of "First Responder Awareness." With this level of training, which activities are you qualified to perform? A. Provide detailed instructions on how to contain a spill of an unknown liquid B. Recognize a potential hazardous materials emergency and call for the appropriate resources C. Stop and patch a leak in a broken valve emitting an unknown gas D. Direct the operations at a hazardous materials emergency until the chemical is identified
B
A weapon of mass destruction would most likely fall into what category of HAZMAT? A. Organic peroxides B. Toxic and infectious substances C. Corrosive substances D. Oxidizers
B 9 Hazard classes are: Class 1 - explosives Class 2 - gases Class 3 - flammable and combustible liquids Class 4 - flammable solids Class 5 - oxidizing substances, organic peroxides Class 6 - toxic substances and infectious substances Class 7 - radioactive materials Class 8 - corrosives Class 9 - miscellaneous hazardous materials The more common chemicals that could be used by a terrorist are toxic or infectious substances. They are listed in Class 2 Toxic and Flammable Gases, Class 6 Toxic and Infectious Substances, or Class 7 Radioactive Materials.
Which of the following is a potential hazard for personnel responding to a marijuana grow operation? A. Chemical fumes B. Electrical hazards C. Explosion hazards D. Radiological exposure
B A marijuana grow or production operation often involves the cultivation of numerous marijuana plants indoors. As such, they require special lighting conditions that can pose an electrical hazard to responders.
A standardized 4-sided diamond that designates hazardous material is called a(n): A. triage tag. B. placard. C. warning sticker. D. plaque.
B A placard is a four-sided, diamond-shaped sign used to designate hazardous materials in transit on roadways. The placard contains important information that can aid the EMT in determining the best course of action. Often, a placard will display a four-digit United Nations identification number that can be used to identify the hazardous material. The color of a placard also indicates what class of hazard is contained within. A legend that indicates whether the material is flammable, radioactive, explosive, or poisonous is also commonly displayed.
What must be done before leaving the warm zone and entering the cold zone in a hazmat incident? A. Don a fresh protective suit. B. Shed all contaminated clothing. C. Request permission from incident command. D. Don a self-contained breathing apparatus.
B Before entering the cold zone at a hazmat incident the rescue team who was previously in the hot zone must be decontaminated and shed all their contaminated clothing.
What is considered to be a valuable informational resource when dealing with hazardous materials incidents? A. NSA B. CHEMTREC C. FEMA D. DHS
B CHEMTREC is a 24-hour hotline operated by the Chemical Manufacturer's Association. CHEMTREC (Chemical Transportation Emergency Center) is a public service division of the Chemical Manufacturer's Association and another important resource. Officials at CHEMTREC can answer any question and advise you on how to handle any emergency involving hazardous materials. They will even locate the shipper of the hazardous materials for appropriate follow-up. You can reach the CHEMTREC emergency response line around the clock, 7 days a week, by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-424-9300.
In which situation should an EMT avoid any risk to life or health at the scene of a hazardous materials incident? A. All patients can be categorized as minor or delayed. B. The event is a threat only to the environment. C. The only patients involved are those who are employees of the organization responsible for the spill or release. D. The event includes only uncooperative bystanders.
B Even when all precautions are taken, there are some inherent risks in caring for patients exposed to hazardous materials. However, in no case should you approach the scene if the event is a threat only to the environment.
How long does it usually take for symptoms of MOST hazardous material exposure-related illnesses to manifest following exposure? A. Months B. Hours C. Years D. Weeks
B Most signs, symptoms, and problems related to hazardous materials exposure occur within hours following exposure.
When there are only localized areas of damage resulting from radiation exposure, what is the condition called? A. Radiation contamination B. Radiation injury C. Radiation sickness D. Radiation poisoning
B Radiation injury is localized, rather than causing widespread problems. Radiation injury is a local injury that is generally caused by exposure to large amounts of less penetrating particles, such as beta particles. General signs and symptoms include hair loss, skin burns, and generalized skin lesions. Radiation sickness is caused by exposure to large amounts of radiation. Symptoms start anywhere from a few hours to days following exposure to the radiation and, depending on the dose, can last anywhere from a few days to 7 or 8 weeks. Radiation poisoning occurs when the patient has been exposed to dangerous amounts of internal radiation. The result is a host of serious diseases, including cancer and anemia.
What does the C in the mnemonic TRACEM stand for? A. Cancerous B. Chemical C. Choking D. Caustic
B T - thermal R - radiological A - asphyxiation C - chemical E - etiological M - mechanical The acronym TRACEM can be used to remember the types of damage that can be caused by hazardous materials: thermal, radiological, asphyxiation, chemical, etiological, and mechanical.
In which area at a hazmat incident are normal triage, stabilization, and treatment of patients who have been decontaminated performed? A. Command post B. Cold zone C. Warm zone D. Temperate zone
B The cold zone, also known as the support zone, is immediately adjacent to the warm zone. Before entering the cold zone from the warm zone, rescuers should shed all contaminated protective gear and patients should be as fully decontaminated as possible. By design, the cold zone should not contain any contamination, but since contamination can still enter the cold zone, you should continue to exercise caution and take measures to protect your equipment and vehicle. By the time patients enter the cold zone, life-threatening problems should have been initially managed. Continue emergency care. Triage patients to determine the order of care, perform necessary treatment, and stabilize patients prior to transport.
Into which category of hazardous materials do weapons of mass destruction commonly fall? A. Corrosives B. Toxic and flammable gases C. Organic peroxides D. Flammable solids, dangerous when wet, or spontaneously combustible
B The more common chemicals that could be used by a terrorist are toxic or flammable substances. They are listed in Class 2 Toxic and Flammable Gases, Class 6 Toxic and Infectious Substances, or Class 7 Radioactive Materials.
A train carrying radioactive materials has derailed. The radiation safety officer informs you that you will be transporting a 31-year-old male who was exposed to the radioactive waves emitted by the material. As such, you should recognize that: A. You will need special clothing to protect yourself from radiation B. The patient will be vomiting and will have lost his hair C. The patient represents no contamination threat to you D. The patient will require immediate decontamination
C
An intoxicated driver drove his car into the side of a slow-moving train, hitting a tanker car. You recognize the need to call CHEMTREC to get information on what is contained within the tanker. Which piece of information is it critical to provide to this agency so it can respond with helpful information? A. Type of railroad car involved B. Name of the railroad carrier C. UN identification number D. Accident location and train identification number
C
On the National Fire Protection Association hazardous materials classification placard, the blue diamond represents: A. Fire hazard B. Specific hazard C. Health hazard D. Reactivity
C
What is the LEAST reliable way to determine the presence of hazardous materials? A. Safety Data Sheets B. WISER C. You senses D. A placard on a container
C
What is the level of training for those who respond to the release of hazardous materials so as to protect people, property, and the environment? A. Hazardous Materials Technician B. Hazardous Material Specialist C. First Responder Operations D. First Responder Awareness
C
When working in the "warm" zone, the EMT must remember that: A. Water used in this zone does not have to be contained B. Patient care is not performed in this zone C. Protective gear must be worn in this zone D. Contamination is no longer a threat in this zone
C
Which class of chemicals would a terrorist likely use in an attack? A. Class 5 Oxidizers B. Class 8 Corrosives C. Class 2 Gases D. Class 4 Flammables
C
You and your partner are the first emergency personnel on the scene of an overturned tanker truck. The driver appears motionless in the cab of the vehicle. You also note liquid leaking from the rear-valve assembly of the tanker trailer. After properly positioning your ambulance, your immediate priority is to: A. Determine which chemical is contained in the tanker B. Assess the driver for life-threatening conditions C. Evacuate people from cars near the tanker D. Provide manual cervical spine motion restriction for the driver
C
What is the definition of "hazardous material"? A. Any material that is radioactive. B. Any material that is poisonous if ingested. C. Any material that poses a threat to life, health, or property. D. Any material that is explosive or flammable.
C A hazardous material is defined as one that in any quantity poses a threat or unreasonable risk to life, health, or property if not properly controlled during manufacture, processing, packaging, handling, storage, transportation, use, and disposal. Hazardous materials include chemicals, wastes, and other dangerous products. The principal dangers hazardous materials present are toxicity, flammability, and reactivity.
While on scene at a residence, you notice a strange odor and a soda pop bottle that appears to be swelling under pressure. You should: A. open the cap. B. question the occupants. C. isolate the area. D. remove the bottle from the home.
C Anytime a container is encountered that appears to be under pressure and undergoing a chemical reaction, it should be isolated and never handled.
What should be established FIRST at a hazardous materials incident? A. Triage units B. Decon units C. Safety zones D. Patient care areas
C As an early priority at the scene of any hazardous materials emergency, safety zones are established in which rescue operations and a specific sequence of decontamination procedures take place. Some EMS areas use the circular model for depicting safety zones. You may not be able to see or smell the hazardous material. Always assume that the area surrounding a spill or leak is dangerous and avoid entry unless you are wearing appropriate protective gear.
Which statement BEST explains the use of your senses to detect hazardous materials? A. While all hazardous materials have characteristic odors, not everyone is capable of detecting them. B. Visual clues, such as smoke and vapor clouds, are highly reliable in detecting hazardous materials. C. Not all hazardous materials give sensory clues to their presence. D. Using your senses is the most reliable way to detect the presence of hazardous materials.
C Because not all hazardous materials have reliable sensory clues, and because relying on your senses can be dangerous, using your senses is not the preferred way to detect the presence of hazardous materials. You may not be able to see or smell the hazardous material. Some are odorless and colorless, while others have anesthetic properties and will deaden your senses. Never rely on your senses alone - sight, smell, taste, or touch - to detect a hazardous material. Always assume that the area surrounding a spill or leak is dangerous.
Which hazard is represented by the yellow area on an NFPA placard? A. Health B. Flammability C. Instability (reactivity) D. Oxidation
C Blue - health hazard Red - fire hazard Yellow - reactivity hazard White - symbols for additional info (radioactive, oxidation, PPE, etc) The NFPA system uses a diamond-shaped placard with four diamond-shaped areas within it on fixed containers of hazardous materials. It identifies potential danger with the use of background colors and numbers ranging from 0 to 4. The blue diamond is a gauge of health hazard; the red, fire hazard; and the yellow, reactivity hazard. The white diamond is used for symbols that indicate additional information, such as radioactivity, oxidation, need for protective equipment, and so on.
Which finding is LEAST likely following radiation exposure? A. Sores in the throat and mouth B. Appetite loss C. Hypertension D. Weight loss
C Common signs and symptoms of radiation include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhage, weight loss, appetite loss, malaise, fever, and sores in the throat and mouth.
What describes the roles of hazardous materials specialists? A. Actually plug, patch, or stop the release of a hazardous material. B. Keep at a safe distance and help to stop the emergency from spreading. C. Provide command and support activities at the site of a hazardous materials incident. D. Are trained to recognize a problem and notify the appropriate agencies.
C Hazardous Materials Specialist training provides rescuers with advanced knowledge and skills. They provide command and support activities at the site of a hazardous materials emergency. First Responder Operations level of training is for those who initially respond to hazardous materials emergencies to protect people, property, and the environment. Hazardous Materials Technician is an extensive level of training for rescuers who actually plug, patch, or stop the release of a hazardous material.
To which level of training are MOST EMTs trained, as a minimum? A. First Responder Operations B. Hazardous Materials Technician C. First Responder Awareness D. Hazardous Materials Specialist
C Most EMTs are required to be trained to the First Responder Awareness level. This level is for those who are likely to witness or discover a hazardous materials emergency. They are trained to recognize a problem but are not expected to take any action other than call for proper resources and prevent others from entering the scene. First Responder Operations level of training is for those who initially respond to hazardous materials emergencies to protect people, property, and the environment. Hazardous Materials Technician is an extensive level of training for rescuers who actually plug, patch, or stop the release of a hazardous material. Hazardous Materials Specialist training provides rescuers with advanced knowledge and skills. They provide command and support activities at the site of a hazardous materials emergency.
Which statement regarding sensory clues to a hazardous materials incident is LEAST accurate? A. A fire that is out of proportion to the fuel provided by the structure is suspicious for hazardous materials involvement. B. Boiling of materials that have not been heated should indicate to you the presence of hazardous materials. C. Using your sense of smell is a reliable method of detecting hazardous materials. D. Frost near a container leak is an indication of hazardous materials involvement.
C Not all hazardous materials have a noticeable odor, and relying on smell to identify a hazardous material can be dangerous. You may not be able to see or smell the hazardous material. Some are odorless and colorless, while others have anesthetic properties and will deaden your senses. Never rely on your senses alone - sight, smell, taste, or touch - to detect a hazardous material. Always assume that the area surrounding a spill or leak is dangerous.
As an EMT at the scene of a hazardous materials incident, you will treat any life threats in the A. cold zone. B. hot zone. C. warm zone. D. exclusion zone.
C Rescue work done in the warm zone consists of lifesaving emergency care, such as airway management and immobilization. The hot zone, also known as the exclusion zone, is where contamination may actually be present. It generally is the area that is immediately adjacent to the accident site and where contamination can still occur. In areas with a specialized hazmat team, only members of that team should enter the hot zone. The cold zone, also known as the support zone, is immediately adjacent to the warm zone. Before entering the cold zone from the warm zone, rescuers should shed all contaminated protective gear and patients should be as fully decontaminated as possible.
By which mechanism would a patient with radiation injury pose a risk of exposing the EMT? A. Any contact with a patient exposed to X-rays B. Contact with the patient's mucus membranes C. Contamination particles that are still on the patient D. Contact with the patient's blood or body fluids
C The danger of being exposed to radiation occurs from particles the patient has on his body. Radiation does not spread like an infectious or contagious disease.
What is the highest level of training for hazmat incidents under OSHA regulations? A. Red leader B. Hazardous materials director C. Hazardous materials specialist D. Material safety data sheet coordinator
C The highest level of training is hazardous materials specialist. Hazardous Materials Specialist training provides rescuers with advanced knowledge and skills. They provide command and support activities at the site of a hazardous materials emergency. First Responder Operations level of training is for those who initially respond to hazardous materials emergencies to protect people, property, and the environment. Hazardous Materials Technician is an extensive level of training for rescuers who actually plug, patch, or stop the release of a hazardous material.
What is the highest priority regarding hazardous materials rescue when the material is yet unidentified? A. Provide patient care. B. Decontaminate clothing, equipment, and the vehicle. C. Protect the safety of all rescuers and patients. D. Immediately remove patients from a hazardous area.
C The highest priority concerning hazardous materials is to protect the safety of all rescuers and patients.
Which is a common weapon used in terrorism? A. Corrosive substances B. Caustic agents C. Toxic substances D. Flammable liquids
C The more common chemicals that could be used by a terrorist are listed in Class 2 Toxic and Flammable Gases, Class 6 Toxic and Infectious Substances, or Class 7 Radioactive Materials.
What is required on the exterior of a tanker truck carrying hazardous cargo? A. A cargo manifest B. An NFPA 704 placard C. A DOT hazard placard D. Shipping papers
C U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require vehicles containing hazardous materials to be marked with specific hazard labels or placards. A vehicle driver must have shipping papers, which identify the exact substance, quantity, origin, and destination. A DOT hazard placard is required to identify hazardous materials being transported.
What is considered the LEAST reliable method to detect the presence of hazardous materials? A. Looking for a placard with a four-digit UN identification number B. Checking with a freight train engineer for the shipping papers of all cars in the train C. Using your senses D. Asking a business owner for safety data sheets
C Using your senses is the least reliable, and possible most dangerous, way to detect hazardous materials.
A small truck has gone over an embankment. The driver has a head injury and is confused, but is able to tell you that he is hauling N-acetyl-para-aminophenol. Which resource would provide you with the best initial information about this chemical? A. TREC-CHEM EMS Guidebook B. Truck driver C. Medical direction D. Emergency Response Guidebook
D
A worker has been exposed to beta rays given off by a radioactive material, but is not contaminated. He presents to you when the fire department carries him out from the industrial plant in which there was an explosion and partial building collapse. What should you do first? A. Quickly assess for any radiation burns B. Decontaminate the patient C. Determine the exact material to which he was exposed D. Initiate your primary assessment
D
At the scene of a hazardous materials emergency, you have been assigned to the cold zone. In this zone, which type of activities will you be performing? A. Rescue and initial decontamination B. Removal of contaminated rescue gear C. Initial decontamination and triage D. Triage, vital signs, and medical histories
D
The driver of a truck carrying a radioactive substance accidentally came in contact with the material after getting into a crash on the freeway. You are first on the scene, and a quick observation indicates that the driver still has the powder on his arm. Your immediate action would be to: A. Rinse the powder off the arm and wrap it with a sterile dressing and roller gauze B. Provide basic care, but avoid touching the patient's arm C. Place the patient in the ambulance, but avoid touching him en route to the hospital D. Instruct the patient to remain still and wait for the radiation safety officer
D
Which class of hazardous materials includes radioactive sources that may be exploited by terrorists in an attack? A. Class 1 B. Class 3 C. Class 6 D. Class 7
D
A hazardous material is defined as a material that A. cannot be shipped beyond state lines. B. requires special paperwork to transport. C. cannot be stored at regular room temperature. D. in any quantity causes a threat or risk to life.
D A hazardous material is defined as one that in any quantity poses a threat or unreasonable risk to life, health, or property if not properly controlled during manufacture, processing, packaging, handling, storage, transportation, use, and disposal. Hazardous materials include chemicals, wastes, and other dangerous products. The principal dangers hazardous materials present are toxicity, flammability, and reactivity.
The EMT responds to a call for an inhalation injury from pool chlorine chemicals. Which type of substance would this be considered? A. Flammable B. Corrosive C. Infectious D. Oxidizing
D An oxidizing substance such as pool chlorine can cause inhalation injuries. A corrosive substance would be hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. Flammable substances would include gasoline. Infectious substances would include insecticides.
What will NOT provide you protection from exposure to a source of radiation? A. Distance B. Time C. Shielding D. Prophylactic ingestion of iodine within the week prior to exposure
D Factors to consider in protecting yourself from exposure to radiation include: 1) time, 2) distance, 3) shielding, and 4) quantity. Iodine offers some limited protection from exposure to the thyroid gland but does not protect you from exposure.
Your patient was contaminated with radiation in an industrial accident. There is NO radiation safety officer available. What is an acceptable alternative for ensuring this patient gets care? A. Transport the patient with your ventilation system set to exhaust air from the patient compartment. B. Place the patient in a decontamination shower, remove all of his clothing, and wash him with soap and water. C. Request a physician to respond to the scene. D. Place the patient in a body bag, zipped up to his neck, cover his head with a cap or towel, wipe his face with disposable wipes and place the wipes in a sealed bag.
D If no RSO is available and you must transport the patient, do the following: place the patient in a body bag, zipped up to his neck, cover his head with a cap or towel, wipe his face with disposable wipes and place the wipes in a sealed bag.
What is the LOWEST priority information to provide when consulting with CHEMTREC? A. The weather conditions B. Your telephone callback number C. Your name D. The name of the person who initially called 911
D It is not a high priority for CHEMTREC to know the name of the person who first notified 911. When contacting an organization, be prepared to provide the following information: your name, callback number, and fax number; nature and location of product; UN identification number or name of product(s); name of carrier, shipper, manufacturer, consignee, and point of origin; type of container and size (rail, truck, housed, open); quantity of material; local weather conditions; number of injuries and/or exposures; emergency services that are present or are responding.
Which agency is responsible for the regulations in "29 CFR 1910.120" as it relates to hazardous materials response? A. CHEMTREC B. HMRC C. CDC D. OSHA
D OSHA issues the regulations of 29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standards.
In which area is lifesaving emergency patient care begun in a hazardous materials incident? A. Hot zone B. Cold zone C. Safety zone D. Warm zone
D Specially trained hazardous materials personnel can begin emergency lifesaving care while the patient is undergoing decontamination in the warm zone. The warm zone, also known as the contamination reduction zone, is immediately adjacent to the hot zone. While the hazardous materials may not actually be in the warm zone, there is still danger of contamination from the patients and rescue personnel who have exited the hot zone. For that reason, all personnel in the warm zone must wear appropriate protective gear. The hot zone, also known as the exclusion zone, is where contamination may actually be present. It generally is the area that is immediately adjacent to the accident site and where contamination can still occur. To help limit the spread of contamination, a single point at which all rescue personnel enter and exit the hot zone is established. An emergency exit is designated to be used in case the scene deteriorates rapidly.
What bit of information can be referenced in the Emergency Response Guidebook? A. Chemical labels B. NFPA 704 placards C. Safety data sheets D. DOT hazard placards
D The Emergency Response Guidebook is used to identify hazards marked by DOT placards. The book lists more than a thousand hazardous materials, each with a four-digit UN identification number cross-referenced to complete emergency instructions.
What does the T in the mnemonic TRACEM stand for? A. Trouble B. Toxic C. Transparent D. Thermal
D The acronym TRACEM can be used to remember the types of damage that can be caused by hazardous materials: thermal, radiological, asphyxiation, chemical, etiological, and mechanical.
What is the lowest priority when you determine that a patient may have been exposed to a radiation source? A. Protect the safety of all rescuers. B. Decontaminate clothing, equipment, and the vehicle. C. Provide patient care. D. Immediate transport to the ED.
D The priorities in this case are: 1) protect safety of all rescuers and patients, 2) provide patient care, and 3) decontaminate clothing, equipment, and the vehicle.
What BEST describes the required contents of shipping papers associated with hazardous materials? A. The levels of toxicity, flammability, and reactivity B. Health hazards, flammability hazards, explosion hazards, and special hazards C. Route of exposure, signs and symptoms, classification, and chemical structure D. Name of the substance, quantity, origin, and destination
D The required information for shipping papers is the exact name of the substance, quantity, origin, and destination. Additional information on the shipment can be obtained from placards and cross-referencing with the Emergency Response Guidebook.
In addition to toxicity and flammability, what else is among the harmful properties of hazardous materials? A. Conversion B. Solubility C. Instability D. Reactivity
D The three principal ways hazardous materials are dangerous are through their toxicity, flammability, and reactivity.
What is the 24-hour resource operated by the Chemical Manufacturer's Association? A. SDS B. HAZTECH C. CHEMTRANS D. CHEMTREC
D CHEMTREC, a 24-hour hotline for hazardous materials resources, is a service of the Chemical Manufacturer's Association. CHEMTREC (Chemical Transportation Emergency Center) is a public service division of the Chemical Manufacturer's Association and another important resource. Officials at CHEMTREC can answer any question and advise you on how to handle any emergency involving hazardous materials. They will even locate the shipper of the hazardous materials for appropriate follow-up. You can reach the CHEMTREC emergency response line around the clock, 7 days a week, by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-424-9300. The SDS is kept on file at the site where the hazardous material is used. It identifies the chemical, health hazard data, hazardous ingredients, special protection and other information and procedural data.
