The hazardous, materials problem is not a new one. It has been around since the advent of the flammable liquids used to fuel our automobiles. Oils, gases, and other materials used to heat our homes; and raw materials to make the products we demand as consumers. The problem has been escalating at an alarming rate.

 Firefighters and other emergency responders must be aware of these new hazards and hazardous materials and how to handle them safety.

Today’s firefighter must learn the characteristics of these new hazardous materials and how they can harm him, his colleagues, the taxpayers, any and all innocent bystanders, the environment, and exposed property.

A firefighter must accept the position of number-one exposure or else be ineffective in doing his assigned task. If not properly protected, he will be injured or killed and unable to effect life rescue.

With 20,000 to 50,000 new chemicals developed each year, many thousands of them entering the stream of commerce, a firefighter may object to the statement that he should learn the hazards and characteristics of each, and the objection is well taken.

 It is possible to learn the general hazards and characteristics of 18 classes of hazardous materials and the cross hazards within them.

As long as you can place a particular chemical within a particular hazard class, you will have a head start on handling the incident safely.