Hazardous Materials Hotline©
July 27, 2026
New Technologies
MIT has developed a baseball sized detection device that can detect chemical threats, the U. S. Navy has developed a field portable system for testing biological threats, and the InterAgency Board has published guidance to assist with the assessment and purchase of infrared chemical detection.
Discussion: For responders, detection devices that are both rugged enough for field deployment and accurate are critically important, while managers also need to balance costs of purchase, maintenance, and training.
Expansion of Liquid Propane
A recent study questions the assumptions of propane release from the liquid phase of compressed propane.
Discussion: The research addresses the assumption that the release rate reflects the expansion rate of liquid propane.
Hazardous Materials Operational Risks
Additional articles related to hazardous materials risk in the transportation and within the chemical process industry.
Discussion: The articles follow a recent trend in reporting regarding the increase in frequency of hazardous materials incidents and the prediction that this trend is accelerating. These trends impact community hazard assessment, training, staffing, and equipping response personnel and emergency planning.
CSX Rail Training Facility Opens
CSX Railroad has opened a rail-centric, hazardous materials training facility in Jacksonville FL. This
facility will provide training for emergency responders and support personnel.
Discussion: The new facility adds to the rail programs offered in the field by rail operators and the SERTC program which operates out of Pueblo, CO.
Training and Educational Opportunities
There are a variety of open training and educational opportunities opening in the near future. The Naval Postgraduate School has no-cost, on-line self-study courses, Virginia Hazmat Conference, Continuing Challenge Hazardous Materials Emergency Workshop, HotZone Hazmat Conference, and the 12th Symposium on Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment are coming up in the near future.
Discussion: Training and education continue to serve as the cornerstone of personnel development related to the hazardous materials trade. These opportunities provide the chance to meet individuals from organizations outside of your area who can share new and unique ideas and techniques.
EPA Seeking to Update EPCRA
The Environmental Protection Administration has proposed changes to EPCRA in order to align with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard.
Discussion: The HazCom Standard requires employers to share hazard information to workers. The proposal requires employers to perform specific actions which may impact emergency response and planning.
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.
