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Hazardous Materials Transportation Risks
Periodically the Harford County Local Emergency Planning Committee will conduct a commodity flow survey of the hazardous materials that are transported through Harford County by highway, pipeline and railway. The risks of a chemical accident are higher when the substance is not in a secure stationary facility. Harford County has two pipeline transport systems that cross the county, Colonial Pipeline transports petroleum and Columbia Pipeline transports natural gas. I-95 is a major highway where tons of hazardous materials are transported daily. Another major transport for hazardous materials is Route 1. CSX and Conrail both transport hazardous materials into the county on a daily basis.
When a commodity flow survey is done, the first step is to request information from the railroads and pipelines on there traffic amounts and materials. In concern for public safety against a terrorist or criminal act, these reports are released only to public safety officials. The next step is a placard count. Highway vehicles transporting over certain amounts of hazardous materials must be placarded with a warning symbol and a code that tells emergency responders what the vehicle is carrying. During a placard count members of the Harford County Hazardous Materials Response Team pick specific high traffic areas and count the placarded trucks. The codes are recorded and then later analysed to determine what risks are involved with transportation. The results are always educational and assist emergency responders in proper planning for a transportation emergency.
When is a chemical a hazardous material?
The Occupational, Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) identifies how a chemical becomes classified as hazardous. Any chemical that creates a health hazard to humans of any kind is classified as hazardous. Health hazards can be from immediate contact with the material or through long exposure to the substance. Chemicals that burn, explode or can start burning by themselves are classified as hazardous. Also classified as hazardous are chemicals that react with air, water or other chemicals to form heat or toxic gases.
The way chemicals are stored can also classify them as hazardous. Gases that are stored under high pressure, such as oxygen, are not an immediate threat to anyone. But if the container is ruptured, damaged or involved in a fire the container can become a deadly missile or an explosion hazard. Some chemicals are stored at very high temperatures and others can be stored in cryogenic or very cold temperatures. With those storage methods the risk of burns, fires and even frostbite are present if there is an accident.
A Current Listing of All EHS Facilities is Available
By Contacting the SARA TITLE III COORDINATOR at 410-638-4900
or e-mail your request to mkmoses@harfordpublicsafety.org
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