Classify Hazardous Materials Involved in the Incident and State their Physical Properties

Polyurethane is formed by di- or tri ply-isocyanate (R− (N=C=O) _n) with a polyol (R′− (OH) _n) (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2013). They are compounds classified as reaction polymers. Due to polyurethane contains two types of monomers that polymerize one after the other they are known as copolymers. A polyol is long, flexible segments that give soft and elastic polymers. Isocyanates are reactive materials mixed with the polyol to form a foam.

What is the Chemical Incompatibility that Caused the Incident?

Components of isocyanate that is methylene diphenyl diisocyanate MDI and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) are highly reactive. They are difunctional meaning they have two isocyanate groups per molecule making them unstable (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, n.d.). This is why they react quickly when welding sparks come in contact with them resulting in environmental pollution.

According to the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), How Should the Incident Commander Respond?

The incident commander (IC) should ensure that shelters are created a distance from where the incident takes place. Moreover, the IC should outline the main priorities. Furthermore, the IC should define occurrence objectives and all-purpose direction for handling the occurrence. Additionally, the IC should approve the site safety and health plans when a disaster happens as in the above case (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, n.d.). The IC should ensure adequate safety measures are in place. The IC should approve a request for additional resources to deal with the incident. Nevertheless, the IC has to estimate the potential impact of the event. Finally, the IC should complete an incident report and documents in accordance with local or state requirements.

Which Corrective Action Plans Should Be Put in Place to Prevent another Hazardous Event from Happening

Employees should be educated on understanding conditions which might create hazards and how to manage if a disaster happens. Employees should be taught on ways to ascertain and weigh options for regulating hazards (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, n.d.). The use of threat control plans should learn to guide the assortment and enactment of controls. Companies should formulate policies with procedures that focus on protecting workers during emergencies. Companies should evaluate the effectiveness of existing protection rules if they continue to provide protection.

References

International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. (2013). What are polymers? Retrieved from https://iupac.org/polymer-edu/what-are-polymers/

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. (n.d.). Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). Retrieved from http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/library/erg