CHMM (IHMM) cheat sheet

DOT hazard classes 1-9: 1 explosives, 2 gases (2.1 flammable, 2.2 nonflammable, 2.3 toxic), 3 flammable/combustible liquids, 4 flammable solids/spontaneously combustible/dangerous when wet, 5 oxidizers and organic peroxides, 6 toxic and infectious substances, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosives, 9 miscellaneous.

OSHA HAZWOPER 29 CFR 1910.120 applies to cleanups, RCRA TSD operations, emergency response, and corrective actions; 1910.1200 (HazCom) applies to general workplace chemical exposure; 1910.119 (PSM) applies at or above threshold quantities of highly hazardous chemicals.

Flash point: lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor sufficient to form an ignitable mixture near its surface; combustible liquids have flash points at or above 60 C (140 F) under NFPA 30, flammable below that threshold.

LFL/UEL define the flammable concentration range in air; vapor density greater than 1 means vapors collect in low areas, and vapor pressure rises with temperature, increasing release potential.

IDLH is the maximum concentration from which escape without irreversible health effects is possible in 30 minutes; use it to select respirators and set evacuation triggers, not as an exposure limit.

GHS/OSHA HazCom 2012 requires 16-section SDS, standardized pictograms, signal words (Danger/Warning), and hazard statements; labels must include product identifier, hazard statements, pictograms, signal word, precautionary statements, and supplier identity.

NFPA 704 diamond: blue health, red flammability, yellow instability, white special (OX, W, SA); scale 0-4 where 4 is most severe; it is a firefighting/emergency reference, not a substitute for SDS data.

Risk = probability x consequence; use exposure assessment (air monitoring, sampling, modeling) plus toxicity data to characterize risk; hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE.

DOT placards are required for shipments meeting Table 2 thresholds or any quantity of Table 1 materials; placards must match the hazard class, and shipping papers must list UN/NA number, proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group.

Incompatibility rules: segregate oxidizers from flammables, acids from bases, water-reactives from aqueous systems, and cyanides/sulfides from acids (toxic gas release); store corrosives below eye level in secondary containment.

RCRA hazardous waste characteristics: ignitability (D001), corrosivity (D002, pH <=2 or >=12.5 or steel corrosion >6.35 mm/yr), reactivity (D003), toxicity (D004, TCLP); listed wastes are F, K, P, U codes.

Container management: closed except when adding/removing waste, in good condition, compatible with contents, labeled with 'Hazardous Waste' and accumulation start date; 90-day large quantity generator, 180-day small quantity generator (270 with satellite rules).

Satellite accumulation: <=55 gallons (or 1 quart liquid D001-003 acute) at or near the point of generation, under operator control, labeled with contents/hazard, dated when 55-gallon limit reached.

Land disposal restrictions (LDR) require treatment to meet treatment standards before land disposal; universal treatment standards apply, and dilution is prohibited as a substitute for treatment.

Treatment technologies: incineration (destroys organics, generates ash/scrubber residue), stabilization/solidification (binds metals), neutralization (acids/bases), oxidation/reduction, and biological treatment; match technology to waste characteristics.

SPCC and stormwater: facilities storing oil above thresholds need SPCC plans; industrial stormwater permits require SWPPP with BMPs and monitoring for hazardous material storage areas.

DOT packaging: packing groups I (great danger), II (moderate), III (minor); UN packaging codes (e.g., 1A1) identify type, material, and performance level; use only packaging authorized for the material's PG.

Secondary containment sizing commonly 110% of the largest container or 10% of total volume, whichever is greater, for liquid hazardous materials storage.

Incident command system (ICS) roles: incident commander, safety officer, operations, planning, logistics, finance/administration; span of control 3-7 with 5 optimal.

Emergency response levels under HAZWOPER: defensive (evacuate, contain from a safe distance without contact), offensive (aggressive, requires full PPE and training), and post-emergency response; do not exceed training level.

ERG guide: use the 4-digit UN/NA number to find the guide number; initial isolation and protective action distances apply to TIH (toxic inhalation hazard) materials and depend on small vs. large spill and day vs. night.

Spill response sequence: recognize/identify, notify, isolate/deny entry, protect in place or evacuate, control (dike, absorb, shut off source), contain, clean up, decontaminate, document.

Levels of PPE: Level A (fully encapsulating, SCBA), Level B (chemical-resistant suit, SCBA), Level C (air-purifying respirator, chemical-resistant suit), Level D (work uniform); select based on hazard and IDLH.

Decontamination: establish hot/warm/cold zones; gross decon (remove clothing, wash), secondary decon, and monitoring; prevent cross-contamination and contain runoff.

Reportable quantities (RQ): CERCLA release of a hazardous substance at or above its RQ within 24 hours to the National Response Center; also notify state/local; Clean Water Act oil sheen reporting applies to navigable waters.

Air monitoring instruments: combustible gas meter (LEL), oxygen meter (19.5-23.5% acceptable), photoionization detector (VOCs), colorimetric tubes; calibrate before use and interpret in context of the material.

RCRA generator status: very small quantity generator (<=100 kg/mo), small quantity generator (100-1,000 kg/mo), large quantity generator (>=1,000 kg/mo or >1 kg acute spill residue); status drives accumulation time, reporting, and training requirements.

Biennial report (even years) required for LQGs and TSDFs; manifest (Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest) tracks waste from generator to TSDF, with exception reporting if no return receipt within 35 days (SQG) or 45 days (LQG).

CERCLA/SARA Title III: EPCRA Tier II inventory report due March 1 annually for facilities with hazardous chemicals at or above thresholds; TRI Form R due July 1 for covered facilities.

Clean Air Act: Title V operating permits for major sources; NESHAP/MACT standards for hazardous air pollutants; risk management program (RMP) for regulated flammable/toxic substances above thresholds.

Clean Water Act: NPDES permits for discharges; SPCC plans for oil storage; stormwater pollution prevention plans for industrial activity; report oil spills to the NRC.

TSCA regulates chemical substances, including PCBs (40 CFR 761) and asbestos; requires inventory reporting, new chemical notification (PMN), and import/export certification.

DOT training and security: hazmat employees must be trained every 3 years (recurrent) and tested; security awareness training required; retain training records.

Recordkeeping: retain manifests 3 years, training records 3 years, Tier II 3 years, and monitoring records per permit; keep inspection logs and corrective actions documented.

OSHA injury/illness logs (300/300A/301) and HAZWOPER medical surveillance records must be retained per 29 CFR 1910.1020 (30 years for exposure records).

Waste management hierarchy: source reduction > reuse > recycling > energy recovery > treatment > disposal; source reduction is preferred under RCRA and the Pollution Prevention Act.

Pollution prevention (P2) means reducing or eliminating waste at the source through process changes, material substitution, and improved housekeeping; it is distinct from recycling and treatment.

Green chemistry principles: atom economy, less hazardous synthesis, safer solvents, energy efficiency, use of renewable feedstocks, design for degradation, and real-time analysis for pollution prevention.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) phases: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation; used to compare alternatives and avoid burden shifting.

Waste minimization metrics: pounds of waste per unit of production, percent reduction, and cost savings; track by waste stream and report to management and regulators as required.

Recycling and universal waste: batteries, lamps, mercury-containing equipment, and pesticides may be managed under streamlined universal waste rules (40 CFR 273) with labeling and accumulation limits.

Energy and water efficiency: conduct audits, recover waste heat, use closed-loop cooling, and implement leak detection; these reduce both emissions and operating cost.

Environmental management systems: ISO 14001 uses plan-do-check-act with aspects/impacts analysis, objectives and targets, and management review; integrate with compliance auditing.

Exposure limits: OSHA PELs are legally enforceable; NIOSH RELs and ACGIH TLVs are recommended; TLV-TWA is 8-hour time-weighted average, TLV-STEL is 15-minute short-term, and ceiling is never to be exceeded.

Dose-response: toxicity depends on dose, route (inhalation, dermal, ingestion, injection), duration, and individual susceptibility; acute vs. chronic effects differ.

Toxicology terms: LD50 (lethal dose 50%), LC50 (lethal concentration 50%), NOAEL, LOAEL, carcinogen, mutagen, teratogen, sensitizer, and target organ effects.

Exposure calculation: TWA = sum(Ci x Ti) / total time; compare to PEL; mixed exposures may require additive effects for similar target organs.

Respiratory protection: use only if engineering controls are infeasible; requires fit testing, medical evaluation, training, and cartridge change schedules; supplied air in IDLH or oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Dermal exposure: gloves must be matched to chemical (breakthrough time), and permeation data should guide selection; remove contaminated PPE immediately.

Medical surveillance: required for HAZWOPER, asbestos, lead, benzene, and other specific standards; includes baseline and periodic exams and exposure records.

Heat and physical hazards: monitor heat stress (WBGT), noise (85 dBA action level), and confined space (permit-required, atmospheric testing before entry).