Hazardous Materials Hotline©
January 28, 2025
Electrical Storage Systems Fires
Two new documents related to electrical storage systems, fires, and hazards have been released. A report in Fire Protection Engineering details the health impacts of thermal runaway and Fire Protection Authority Australia has released guidance regarding the use of fire extinguishers and blankets during fires involving lithium-ion batteries. Lastly, the Fire Protection Research Foundation is hosting a webinar focused on explosion prevention and control of electrical storage systems.
Discussion: The hazards associated with electrical storage systems continues to evolve as has the science related to extinguishing fires. Responders and emergency planners should become familiar with the changing landscape related to these types of incidents.
Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month
As cancer awareness month draws to a close, responders should be familiar with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention resources, including direction on turnout gear removal, cancer awareness toolkit, and the NFR champions page.
Discussion: Cancer remains an occupational hazard of fire fighting and chemical exposure occurs ate every fire. Reducing risk should be a top priority for responders, risk managers, and program leadership.
Risk and Benefit Accompany Spread of Artificial Intelligence
Militantwire is reporting an increase in the use of artificial intelligence in terror plots in 2025 while at the same time, reports of the use of artificial intelligence to create anti-pathogen bacteria are also being shared.
Discussion: As artificial intelligence becomes more common, emergency planners will need to incorporate artificial intelligence threats into their risk profile matrix.
Industrial Scientific Offers Confined Space Air Monitoring Guide
Industrial Scientific has published The Complete Guide to Gas Detection in Confined Spaces and is offering it for download.
Discussion: Confined space air monitoring continues to remain a challenge for both industry and emergency responders, with would be rescuers often falling victim to hazardous atmospheres in confined spaces.
Environmental Education Grant
The Environmental Protection Agency has released a notice of funding opportunity for environmental education projects. These projects include community risk reduction efforts related to hazardous materials.
Discussion: While often overlooked, hazardous materials CRR efforts can reduce the risk and impact of hazardous materials incidents on the community.
Chemical of the Week
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (methyl isocyanate and paracetic acid) are out. The COW provides weekly chemical research training, reflecting incident research during initial response to hazardous materials incidents. You can subscribe here.
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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.
