Hazardous Materials Hotline©
December 3, 2025
PHMSA News
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has released its inspection and enforcement priorities to help guide its enforcement and regulatory focus. PHMSA has also updated its special permits page, allowing for easier search of special permit containers.
Discussion: PHMSA continues to work to improve the safety of hazardous materials in transport. Responders and emergency planners should become familiar with PHMSA, its capabilities, and resources.
CSB Releases Video of ITC Terminal Fire
The Chemical Safety Board has released a video of the fire at the ITC bulk storage facility. The final report on the fire, which burned for 3 days, can be found here.
Discussion: CSB reports and investigations are critical for reducing the risk to chemical facilities and communities. They also provide information to support planning, training, and preparedness.
Reference and Educational Materials
Dekra has placed a Guide to Chemical Reactions and Thermally Unstable Materials reference on its corporate website. As with all reference materials, information provided should be vetted and confirmed prior to application. The Idaho National Lab has placed an interactive periodic table on its website. Clicking on an element provides information on the element and some interesting trivia nuggets.
Discussion: Research and education remain the cornerstone of response and access to information remains critical to emergency response and planning.
Novichok Agent Detection Research
A recent article highlights the challenges associated with detection of Novichok agents, with a focus on their recent use.
Discussion: The report evaluated technologies effectiveness and the properties of these agents and their implications for responders and receivers.
CBRNE World Threat Map
CBRNE World maintains a map of current threats and incidents
Discussion: Awareness of current threats allows for planning and preparedness activities and can guide response, exercises, and training.
Preparedness Rural and Urban
A recent article questions the ability of urban areas to respond to a chemical weapons attack and a different article discusses the lethality of manure pits in the rural environment.
Discussion: Hazardous materials are present in every community, regardless of size, and responders and emergency planners should be aware of the threats and hazards in their communities and drive training, exercises, preparedness, and response activities based on their unique needs.
Chemical of the Week
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (crotonaldehyde and difluoromethane) are out. Besides their unusual names, they are more common than you may realize. The COW provides weekly chemical research training, reflecting incident research during initial response to hazardous materials incidents.
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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.
