Hazardous Materials Hotline©
August 7, 2026
Research Help Needed – EFO Project
Manny Washington, from Orlando Fire is working on an EFO research project related to Lithium-Ion
battery incidents. If you are a company or chief officer in a department of between 101 and 500
members who has knowledge or experience with Lithium-Ion batteries from a response or policy
perspective, he would like to talk to you. You can contact him at emanuel.washington@orlando.gov
or call 305-761-9452.
Discussion: Research into Lithium-Ion batteries is needed and this effort will add to the growing body
of knowledge to assist responders, emergency planners, and others prepare for and respond to these incidents.
Hazardous Materials Transportation News
Several recent items of interest related to the transportation of hazardous materials. A recent article
has noted that container ship fires occur about once every 17 days, with misidentified cargo as a major
root cause. PHMSA has proposed altering the reporting and approval requirements for low-energy
explosive materials. Lastly, the University of Findlay has no-cost training available to help shippers
understand and apply the hazardous materials transportation regulations to reduce the impact of
hazardous materials incidents in transportation.
Discussion: Hazardous materials in transport continue to remain a concern for responders and
emergency planners.
Emerging Technology Risks & Opportunities
Recent reports have highlighted the use of emerging technologies and their risks, including the use of
artificial intelligence to create new viruses and other weapons, a recent incident where an explosive
laden drone was found at an airport in the vicinity of a weapons shipment, a report on how UAVs are
being used to support chemical warfare use in Ukraine, another article on the emerging threat of
artificial intelligence and CBRN, a report and recommendations for response to fire in EVs released by
FSRI, and direction being given to autonomous vehicle developers to improve the interaction between
Avs and emergency incidents. DHS Science and Technology is seeking input for research projects for
their SAVER program.
Discussion: The articles follow a recent trend in reporting regarding the increase in frequency of
hazardous Response and emergency planners should be aware of emerging issues and threats and
developing strategies to address the hazards and risks. The SAVER program allows responders to
identify their needs with regard to emerging technology with DHS conducting research and reporting
their findings.
CSB Investigation Update
The Chemical Safety Board has released an investigation update of the fatal hydrogen sulfide release at
Woodland Pulp earlier this year. They have also released a full report on the 2024 KIK Consumer
Product/Bio-Lab incident in Conyers GA.
Discussion: CSB investigations and reports remain an effective means of reducing risk and supporting
training and education for response and industry personnel.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The InterAgency Board continues to host the chemical of the week (benzyl alcohol, chlorine trifluoride, and dichloroethane) and bi-monthly podcasts, along with the Hazardous Materials Hot Line archive. They make for great training and situational awareness.
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About the Author:
Dave Donohue is a hazardous materials course developer, educator, and trainer with experience at the local, regional and national level. He is also a Master Exercise Practitioner, firefighter, and emergency manager.
