Episode Overview

In this episode of Hazmat Harder, Randy, Jeff, and Steve continue their series on “containers that look like drums but aren’t.” The focus is on methyl iodide, an extremely hazardous chemical shipped in keg-style stainless steel containers with keyed, closed-loop dry-break valve systems.

The team explains the chemistry behind methyl iodide, why these specialty containers exist, and how gasket failures, proprietary tools, and human error can escalate into serious hazmat events—including a real-world Level A suit over-pressurization incident handled live during response.

Segment Breakdown & Detailed Timestamps

00:27 – 01:02 | Welcome & Introductions

• Randy introduces the show and hosts

• Team background and industrial hazmat experience

01:03 – 01:27 | Continuing the Container Imposters Series

• Recap of prior episode

• Introduction to “drums that aren’t drums”

01:28 – 02:32 | Methyl Iodide Packaging Overview

• Overpack drum vs internal keg-style container

• Visual comparison to beer kegs

• Why responders may misidentify the container

02:46 – 05:45 | What Is Methyl Iodide?

• Highly toxic, mutagenic, corrosive compound

• Alkylates DNA with no antidote

• Colorless liquid that darkens with light exposure

• Converts to hydroiodic acid upon contact with moisture

• Exposure risks: inhalation, absorption, ingestion

• Rapid narcosis and vapor hazards

05:57 – 07:26 | Closed-Loop Dry-Break Coupler System

• MAV closed-loop transfer design

• Nitrogen inerting to prevent ignition

• Dip tube discharge into large process vessels

• Eliminating oxygen from the system

07:27 – 08:47 | Keyed Connections Explained

• Comparison to beer keg taps

• Why methyl iodide connections are chemically keyed

• Prevention of cross-contamination

• Dedicated upper and lower valve system

09:26 – 11:25 | Container Construction & Valve Design

• Stainless steel keg (33 L and 50 L options)

• Optional polyurethane coating

• Integrated microvalve system

• Lower valve factory-installed

• Upper valve retained by end user as engineering control

11:26 – 13:44 | Gaskets, Compatibility & Dry-Close Performance

• Importance of gasket material compatibility (MOC)

• Swelling and degradation risks

• Dry-close system leaves <1 mL of residue

• Comparison to Epsilon-style valves

13:45 – 16:53 | Failure Scenario: Gasket Roll-Out

• Gasket swelling prevents valve reseating

• Open venting methyl iodide

• Failed attempts to reseat valve

• Vapor migration to lower floors

• Facility isolation and atmospheric monitoring

17:08 – 18:37 | Vendor Recommendation: Hot Swap

• Vendor advises live valve replacement

• Existence of documented hot-swap procedure

• Team concerns about normalized failure

18:38 – 21:45 | Specialty Tool Nightmare

• Discovery of proprietary valve-removal tool

• Three-week lead time to obtain

• Tool damaged by excessive force

• Second three-week delay

• Vendor removed; in-house team resolves issue

22:40 – 24:36 | Key Lessons Learned

• Keg-style containers require dedicated tooling

• Tools should be onsite—not discovered during emergencies

• Specialty vendors are not always safer or better

• Frequency of use matters when planning response readiness

24:37 – 29:19 | Level A Suit Over-Inflation Incident

• Suit fails to exhaust air

• “Michelin Man” effect from pressure buildup

• Ear pain and suit integrity risk

• RIT team intervention using trauma shears

• Emergency suit venting, taping, decon

• Root cause: exhaust valve reinstalled backwards during inspection

29:34 – 31:02 | Wrap-Up & Listener Engagement

• Importance of RIT teams and adaptability

• Invitation for listener stories:

o Specialty container tools

o Suit malfunctions

o Vendor failures

31:03 – 32:11 | Contact Info & Teaser

• Email and podcast engagement options

• Preview of next episode: more specialty containers

Contact the team:

• [email protected]

• [email protected]

Stay safe. Stay sharp. Hazmat Harder.

Episode Overview

This episode kicks off a new mini-series on storage containers, starting with a deep dive into totes / Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs). The crew breaks down common tote materials, failure points, and operational risks, then walks through real-world case studies involving ultra containers and chemical reactions. Blending technical insight with field stories and humor, the episode focuses on how everyday handling decisions can quickly turn into hazmat responses.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

0:00–1:35 — Welcome & Mini-Series Introduction

The hosts introduce the new mini-series on storage containers, explaining that Part 1 focuses specifically on totes commonly used in industrial environments.

1:36–2:43 — What Totes Are Made Of

Discussion of common tote construction materials, including:

• High-density polyethylene
• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel
• Hybrid designs
• Material selection depends on chemical compatibility, storage duration, and environmental conditions.

2:44–4:37 — Common Tote Failure Points

The crew outlines frequent causes of tote failures:

• Damaged seals and faulty drain valves
• Forklift impacts and structural damage
• Improper venting and pressure buildup
• UV degradation from outdoor storage
• Improper stacking and heat exposure

4:38–5:31 — Drain Valves: A Frequent Weak Link

Focus on drain valve failures caused by wear, tear, and non-manufacturer replacement parts—often a primary source of leaks.

5:32–9:35 — Ultra Containers Overview

An in-depth look at ultra containers, including:

• Cylindrical internal tanks for complete draining
• Protective plastic superstructures
• Higher pressure-rated caps
• Ability to handle higher specific gravity materials
• Lifting lugs that allow hoisting instead of forklifts

9:36–11:01 — Why Ultra Containers Still Create Hazmat Calls

Despite their advantages, ultra containers can still fail, leading to hazmat team activations and complex mitigation decisions.

Case Studies

11:02–17:53 — Case Study 1: Tipped Ultra Container with Bleach

A delivery error leads to an ultra container of high-strength sodium hypochlorite tipping off a loading dock:

• Hydraulic pressure damages the pressure relief cap
• Product leaks while the container is inverted
• Stability and responder safety become primary concerns
• Mitigation involved controlled lifting with a chain fall and cap replacement

18:29–22:55 — Case Study 2: Contamination & Exothermic Reaction

An ultra container begins heating and streaking due to contamination:

• Brown residue traced to iron oxidation
• Exothermic reaction caused by iron contamination inside bleach
• Defensive monitoring with a thermal imaging camera
• Container ultimately removed from service

23:15–28:45 — Case Study 3: Muriatic Acid Vapor Release

A partial tote of high-strength muriatic acid releases visible vapors:

• Faulty pressure relief device allowed continuous venting
• Decision made to temporarily plug the device rather than replace the tote
• Response tailored to short-term use and limited movement

Episode Overview

In Part 3 of the training series, the Industrial Strength Podcast crew shifts focus from internal and partner-based training to a frequently overlooked resource: educational institutions. From community colleges to major universities and regional training centers, the team breaks down how industrial and non-municipal responders can access high-quality hazmat, fire, leadership, and incident management training—often without building it all in-house. The episode blends practical advice, regional examples, and the crew’s usual humor to help responders expand their training toolbox.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

0:00–1:17 — Welcome & Series Context

The hosts set the stage, explaining this is Part 3 of their training discussion series, following episodes on internal team training and external partner training.

1:18–2:21 — Why Educational Institutions Matter

They introduce the idea that colleges, universities, and state programs often provide excellent responder training that many industrial teams don’t realize is available.

2:22–3:19 — Beyond Technician Skills: Leadership & Officer Development

Discussion shifts to leadership gaps: where industrial officers, supervisors, and team leaders can find structured leadership and management education.

3:20–5:27 — Community Colleges as Hazmat Training Hubs

The team talks about community colleges offering 40-hour HAZWOPER, refresher courses, fire brigade classes, and leadership training—often with minimal administrative burden for departments.

5:28–6:23 — Large Universities & Advanced Offerings

Examples include major universities providing not only HAZWOPER but also environmental management and supervisory-level hazmat courses, especially useful for large or complex incidents.

6:24–7:49 — Regional Differences in Training Availability

They note how training resources tend to cluster regionally, with strong offerings on the East Coast and around industrial hubs.

7:50–10:13 — Major Training Centers (Texas Focus)

A deep dive into large-scale responder training centers that offer the full spectrum: awareness, ops, tech, command, chemistry, transportation emergencies, pipelines, and oil spill response.

10:14–11:34 — Specialized & Advanced Hazmat Programs

The hosts discuss advanced schools focused on air monitoring, decontamination techniques, and incident management, and what “advanced” really means for experienced teams.

11:35–13:21 — Midwest Regional Training Centers

Attention turns to large Midwest institutions that deliver hazmat, fire, medical, and specialty training—sometimes even bringing courses directly to departments.

13:22–15:17 — Accessibility for Industrial Responders

A key point: many of these programs accept industrial credentials, not just municipal IDs, opening doors for private-sector responders.

15:18–16:26 — DOT & Regulatory-Focused Training

They highlight more niche offerings like DOT hazmat regulations workshops, which use collaborative, discussion-based learning instead of lecture-heavy formats.

16:27–17:39 — Identifying Training Gaps

The crew emphasizes evaluating your team honestly: where are the weak spots, and can outside educational programs fill those gaps better than internal training alone?

17:40–18:42 — Funding, FEMA, and Grants

They discuss FEMA grants and FEMA-provided training, including both in-person and online options that can offset cost and travel barriers.

18:43–22:28 — Online Training & Closing Thoughts

The episode wraps with a look at online college courses and virtual training, acknowledging their convenience while balancing the value of hands-on learning—plus plenty of banter to close things out.

Episode Overview

In this part two episode of the Industrial Strength Hazmat Show, Steve, Jeff, and Randy dive deep into the value of external training for industrial hazmat teams. Building on the internal training conversation from part one, the trio explores how partnerships with municipal, regional, and military units, as well as external organizations and vendors, enhance response capabilities, create networking opportunities, and improve access to specialized gear and knowledge.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

0:31 – 1:48 | Intro and Recap

• Hosts introduce themselves and recap part one of the training discussion.
• Steve tees up the focus on external training.

1:49 – 4:00 | Internal vs. External Training Philosophy

• Differences between municipal (NFPA) and industrial (OSHA) training standards.
• Importance of exceeding minimum requirements and collaborating with external departments.

4:01 – 6:51 | Challenges and Limitations with Mutual Aid

• Discussion on the limited value of relying on volunteer/on-call departments due to response delays.
• Internal teams often resolve incidents before external help arrives.

6:52 – 10:14 | Benefits of Joint Training Scenarios

• Advantages of inviting municipal teams to regular hands-on training.
• Emphasis on networking and operational familiarity.
• Equipment sharing and learning from other teams’ strategies.

10:15 – 13:27 | Regional Response Teams and Their Role

• Structure and limitations of metro or regional hazmat teams.
• Response delays and integration with industrial teams.

13:28 – 16:36 | Industrial Teams on Regional Rosters

• Unique ability for industrial team members to join regional teams.
• Highlighting the high number of trained technicians on their team.

16:37 – 20:08 | Military and National Guard Hazmat Resources

• Military units as top-tier partners in training and gear.
• Regional and federal training opportunities, like Shut Up and Train and FOOLS.

20:09 – 24:17 | Conferences & Vendor Networking

• State, national, and federal hazmat training conferences.
• Learning opportunities and gear discoveries (e.g., magnesium handling).

24:18 – 27:00 | The Power of Informal Networking

• After-hours conversations as fertile ground for innovation.
• Example of how this show itself was born from informal discussions.

27:01 – 29:01 | Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

• Tease for part three of the training series.
• Invitation for listeners to be guests on future episodes.
• Contact methods shared.

Guest & Host Info

Hosts:

• Steve – Hazmat technician with deep experience in industrial response.
• Jeff – Veteran hazmat technician with a technical and practical mindset.
• Randy – 18-year hazmat and fire veteran, juggling multiple specializations (fire, medical, confined space).

Episode Overview

In this episode of Hazmat Heart, hosts Steve, Randy, and Jeff dive deep into one of the most crucial topics for any hazmat team—training. Drawing from their rich backgrounds in industrial hazmat response, the trio explores how effective training is structured, the standards that guide it, and how teams can go beyond mere compliance to achieve true proficiency. Whether you’re new to training or leading an experienced team, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to level up your program.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

00:00 - 01:19 | Welcome & Episode Setup

• Introductions from Steve, Randy, and Jeff.
• Introduction to the episode’s focus: crafting effective industrial hazmat training.

01:20 - 04:49 | The Importance of Training & OSHA 1910.120

• Discussion on why training deserves its own episode.
• Overview of OSHA 1910.120 (HAZWOPER) training requirements.
• Training frequency: compliance vs. proficiency.

04:50 - 08:53 | Training Levels: Awareness, Operations, Technician, Specialist

• Exploring training levels: Awareness, Ops, Tech, and Specialist.
• Differences in training hours across states (e.g., NY requiring 120 hours).
• The pros and cons of training everyone to technician level.

08:54 - 12:27 | Site Practices & Training Frequency

• How their site structures training: quarterly, 8-hour sessions (32 hours/year).
• The minimum participation requirement (75% attendance).
• Creative approaches: Hazmat Olympics for engaging hands-on learning.

12:28 - 15:03 | Training Design & Recordkeeping

• Planning, feedback, and not repeating the same drills.
• Importance of training records for audits and evaluations.

15:04 - 19:45 | The Role of the Trainers

• Jeff, Randy, and Steve share their role as trainers on top of full-time jobs.
• Planning training up to a year in advance.
• Organizational support and constraints.

19:46 - 25:04 | Medical Requirements & Fit Testing

• Discussion on physicals, pulmonary tests, and annual medical evaluations.
• Fit testing and respiratory health monitoring.

25:05 - 28:16 | Final Thoughts & Contact Info

• Acknowledgement that this is just part one of the conversation.
• Tease for part two and encouragement to explore OSHA 1910.120.
• Ways to contact the team via Apple Podcasts, YouTube, email, or the website.

Key Moments & Quotes

• “There’s compliance, and then there’s proficiency.” – A recurring theme throughout the episode highlighting the difference between doing the minimum and doing it right.
• “Eight hours a year doesn’t sit well with me.” – Randy shares his thoughts on how inadequate minimal compliance training can be.
• Hazmat Olympics – A creative and effective way to make training more engaging and fun.

Guest Information

• Steve – Hazmat Technician with 4+ years in industrial response.
• Randy – Hazmat Specialist with 18 years in industrial firefighting and hazmat.
• Jeff – Co-host and fellow hazmat trainer with deep operational insight.

Have feedback, questions, or want to share how your team approaches training?

Email: [email protected]

Website: hazmatharder.com

Leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or YouTube

Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for Part 2 of this critical training discussion!

In this high-stakes episode of Hazmat Harder, the team sits down with Steve Kelly, a seasoned hazmat specialist from New York with 22 years of experience in the semiconductor industry. The crew dives into dangerous chemical responses, energetic materials, and PPE challenges in environments filled with pyrophoric and corrosive substances. With vivid war stories, technical deep-dives, and mutual appreciation for hazmat chaos, this episode delivers a masterclass in industrial incident response.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

• [0:00 - 1:32] Introductions & Banter
• Hosts Steve, Randy, and Jeff kick things off
• Guest introduction: Steve Kelly from New York
• [1:33 - 3:10] Steve's Background
• 22-year career in industrial hazmat and firefighting
• Transition into semiconductor safety and hazmat education
• [3:11 - 5:13] Department Dynamics
• Discussing shift size, department resources, and volunteer support models
• [5:14 - 9:42] Pyrophoric Explosion Incident
• Breakdown of a severe chemical incident involving exotic compounds
• Detailed response strategy, glove layering, and SDS research
• Post-incident cleanup complications and learning curve
• [9:43 - 13:16] Chemistry Behind the Blast
• Discussion of trichlorosilane, diborane, and germanium
• Energetic materials, covalent bond separation, and reaction heat
• Engineering adjustments post-incident
• [13:17 - 14:51] Runaway Manganese Chemistry
• Hosts share a past incident with manganese dioxide and acetone
• Unintended oxidation state change leads to fireball
• [14:52 - 17:26] PPE Strategy & Cleanup
• Gear usage from Tyvek suits to full encapsulation
• Using cleaning contractors vs. internal response
• Conservative cleanup methods and material disposal
• [17:27 - 20:22] Pipe Fire & Air Purge Failure
• Another flash fire incident from poor purging
• Fire traveled down piping, blew check valve, flung scrap metal
• [20:23 - 24:31] Air Monitoring Equipment
• Use of halogen meters, multirays, PIDs, and Draeger tubes
• Sensor issues, maintenance tips, dry storage strategies
• Introduction to Honeywell SPM Flex for acid detection
• [24:32 - 26:25] Acid Mixing & Temperature Control
• In-house etching chemical production
• Use of chillers to manage reactive exothermic mixtures
• [26:26 - 27:31] Mercury Response & Detection Tools
• Experiences with mercury, Draeger chips, and legacy equipment
• Training relevance and tool evolution
• [27:32 - 29:03] Equipment Maintenance & Support
• Overview of in-house vs. outsourced maintenance
• Vendors, bulb life strategies, and calibration frequency
• [29:04 - 32:21] Community Awareness & Mutual Aid
• Tier 2 chemical notifications
• Involving local departments in drills and live training
• Community outreach without raising corporate alarms
• [32:22 - 33:03] Thermal Oxidizer Fire
• Massive exhaust unit ignites during shift
• Successful CO₂ knockdown, no injuries, full containment
• [33:04 - 35:47] Wrap-Up & Preview
• Invitation for Steve Kelly to return
• Tease of next episode's focus on mutual aid & training

Guest Information

Steve Kelly

• Hazmat Instructor for New York State Fire (Homeland Security)
• Former industrial firefighter specializing in semiconductor facilities
• Passionate about air monitoring, chemical safety, and live training
• Based in Dutchess & Ulster County, NY

Episode Overview

In this second part of the "Triple Threat Calls" series, hosts Steve, Jeff, and Randy dive into the final and arguably most hazardous scenario of a multi-chemical response: a compromised set of drums containing trichloroacetyl chloride. With their signature humor and field expertise, the team recounts the risks, strategies, and technical decisions they faced during this particularly challenging hazmat call.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

0:29 – 1:29 | Intro and Hosts Check-In

• Casual banter between Steve, Jeff, and Randy

• Recap of previous episode's covered chemicals: TMP and Pyridine

1:30 – 3:11 | Incident Context

• Arrival to find not one but three simultaneous hazmat scenarios

• Introduction of DIBAL (Diisobutylaluminum Hydride) as a nearby threat

3:12 – 4:28 | Hazard Overview

• Discussion of DIBAL's moisture sensitivity and explosive potential

• Identification of the actual leaking substance: trichloroacetyl chloride

4:29 – 6:13 | Drum Condition and Visual Assessment

• Blistering paint, bottom chime leaks, and compromised integrity

• Image references (top/bottom of drums, seal cap damage)

6:14 – 9:44 | Response Strategy & Safety Concerns

• Decision to overpack all six damaged drums

• Concerns over drum stability and risk of rupture during movement

• DIBAL determined to be in a returned (mostly empty) cylinder

9:45 – 11:30 | PPE and Entry Plan

• Full Level B suits with SCBAs

• Pre-staging of overpacks and spill pallets

11:41 – 16:17 | Tactical Execution

• Forklift and pallet jack usage

• Real-time adjustments due to equipment constraints

• Step-by-step drum relocation and overpacking

16:18 – 19:48 | Air Supply and Entry Team Management

• 47-minute on-air operation

• Efficient team handoff and vermiculite application

19:49 – 24:24 | Tools of the Trade

• Deep dive into spill containment pallets and vermiculite

• Safety advantages and absorbency properties

24:25 – 28:04 | SCBA Usage and Team Advantages

• Benefits of 60-minute bottles vs. standard

• Reduced team fatigue and fewer rotations

28:05 – 30:35 | Staffing Strengths and Mutual Aid

• Importance of having a large, well-trained team

• Comparison with municipal hazmat capabilities

30:36 – 33:32 | Wrap-Up and Future Plans

• Reflection on lessons learned and tools used

• Tease for next episode featuring a special guest and mini-series on storage container failures

Episode Overview

In this action-packed episode of Pirate Talk, the Hazmat Hardware crew—Steve, Jeff, and Randy—recount one of their most intense days on the job. What began as a single call turned into a triple-threat scenario, all within one shift. With humor, technical insight, and a few shots to celebrate a birthday, the team breaks down a multi-incident response involving trimethyl phosphate, pyridine, and more. It’s an episode full of real-world hazmat experience, operational insights, and the kind of behind-the-scenes chatter only this team can deliver.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

• (0:31 – 2:30) | Intro & Birthday Shots
• The team kicks off with humor, intros, and shots to celebrate a birthday. Pirate talk sneaks in early.
• (2:46 – 3:56) | Tonight's Topic: Triple Threats
• Introduction to the episode’s theme—three separate hazmat events handled in one shift. Discussing team capacity and mutual aid.
• (3:57 – 5:00) | The Triple Incident Day
• Context: three calls in a single 8-hour shift, with all events unfolding in the same location.
• (5:13 – 10:48) | Incident #1: TMP (Trimethyl Phosphate) Drums
• Overview of response to leaking TMP drums.
• Decon strategy, PPE decisions, and storage protocols.
• Use of rags and damp cloths for cleanup, detailed methodology, and discussion on safety vs. operational efficiency.
• (10:49 – 15:31) | Waste Handling & Suit Justification
• PPE breakdown: why Level B suits were used from the start.
• Practical reasons for choosing higher PPE due to evolving scenarios.
• (15:49 – 24:12) | Incident #2: Pyridine Odor Complaint
• Strong odor reported during unloading.
• Detailed drum inspection protocol: plastic wrap removal, bung checks, dust cap discussion, tool use.
• Lessons on over-tightening and how to avoid long-term damage.
• (24:13 – 27:05) | PPE & Metering Decisions
• Why meter detection wasn’t used upfront.
• Justification to the chief and real-world experience weighed against SOPs.
• (27:06 – 29:46) | Wrapping Up & Reflection
• Summary of learnings and decision-making under pressure.
• Leadership trust and in-field autonomy.
• (29:47 – 31:25) | Teaser for Part 2 + Call to Action
• The most dangerous and dramatic part of the day is saved for the next episode.
• Cliffhanger: “butt-pucker” imagery and a preview of photos to come.
• Listener feedback and contact info.

Key Moments & Quotes

• “We showed up for one [call] and took on three.”
• “This is a room for problem children drums… like prison. Pulled out of Gen Pop, put in isolation.”
• “Donkey kicks come later.”
• “Every once in a while, a blind squirrel finds a nut.”

Episode Overview:

In this unique episode, the Industrial Strength Podcast team veers off the typical "bread and butter" hazmat call to explore non-water-based fire suppression methods, inspired by a curious phone call involving acetic acid. From historical oddities like carbon tet hand grenades to modern clean agent systems like Halon and Sapphire, the crew dives into chemical science, suppression theory, and practical use cases for industrial and domestic applications.

Segment Breakdown with Timestamps:

(0:32 - 2:09) – Intro & Inspiration

• Technical issues kick off the episode.
• A surprising call from Uncle Chris sparks the topic: “Can acetic acid fight fire?”

(2:10 - 8:06) – Acetic Acid Decomposition & Fire Suppression

• Chemistry of acetic acid at different temps.
• At low temps: CO₂ production = fire suppression.
• At high temps: Flammable byproducts = fire fuel.
• Debates whether it could be used in early-stage fires.

(8:06 - 12:18) – Carbon Tetrachloride Hand Grenades

• A flashback to historical firefighting tech.
• Glass grenades filled with carbon tet to smother flames.
• Why it was banned: Toxicity, phosgene production, and ozone depletion.

(13:46 - 17:50) – Modern Clean Agents: Halon Systems

• Halon 1301/1211 for Class A, B, and C fires.
• Fast-acting, residue-free, electronics-safe.
• Banned for ozone depletion (Montreal Protocol), but still used in aviation/military.

(17:50 - 22:30) – Sapphire Systems: Halon’s Eco-Friendly Cousin

• Uses Novec 1230 fluid: clean, people-safe, zero ozone impact.
• Works in under 10 seconds, suitable for data centers, hospitals, clean rooms.
• Not suitable for open/outdoor or high-ventilation areas.

(24:07 - 25:55) – Fire Suppression Balls

• Modern, throwable powder-based suppression devices.
• Explode on heat contact, releasing fire suppressant.
• Used in Europe, ideal for homes, warehouses, kitchens.

(25:56 - 35:26) – Practical Applications & Final Thoughts

• Comparisons drawn to fire extinguishers—but throwable and automatic.
• Potential for use in hard-to-access or high-risk zones.
• Wrapping up with a humorous struggle through technical glitches and comms failures.

Resources & References:

• Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer: https://ozone.unep.org
• Novec 1230 Fluid (Sapphire System Agent): https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00024345/
• History of Carbon Tet Fire Grenades: https://www.firefightermuseum.com

Episode Overview

In this kickoff to a new mini-series on "First Calls," the team revisits a perplexing chemical incident involving a mysterious white cloud inside a chemical operations building. What starts as a routine product workup turns into an emergency response puzzle involving volatile chemical reactions, PPE decisions, and an operator who noped out mid-incident.

Through firsthand storytelling and expert banter, Steve, Randy, and Jeff dive deep into what happened, how they assessed the situation, and what they’d do differently in hindsight.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

(0:30 – 1:36) Introductions

Meet the hosts – experienced hazmat technicians and specialists from industrial backgrounds.

(1:36 – 2:54) Setting the Scene

Steve introduces the incident: a white cloud appears during a routine process, prompting ERT involvement.

(2:54 – 4:23) Initial Assessment & Suspect Chemicals

The team identifies chemicals involved – including chlorine, butyl lithium, THF, EVE, TFAA, and TEA – and starts evaluating possible reactions.

(4:23 – 6:12) Layout & Room Design

Details about the process room design – including reinforced walls and blowout sections – and its implications for containment and safety.

(6:12 – 9:02) Chemical Reactions & Smoke Source Theory

Randy provides insight into how TFAA and TEA may have reacted in a humid environment, creating an acid-base reaction and generating white smoke.

(9:02 – 11:13) Eyewitness Vanishes

A key operator flees the scene as the night shift arrives, leaving the ERT without firsthand information about what happened.

(11:13 – 13:13) Mitigation Strategy

Without a clear cause, the team decides to finish charging the remaining TFAA to remove a variable and stabilize the situation.

(13:13 – 16:19) PPE Selection & Suit Debate

A debate on Level A vs. Level B protection, and the real-world PPE used by operations vs. emergency response.

(16:19 – 20:23) Steve’s First Call – In the Hot Seat

Steve describes his PPE during this, his very first call, and how he was suited up in a hybrid setup of air jacket and waders.

(20:23 – 21:36) Final Observations & Discovery

After the smoke dissipates, the root cause is revealed: a leaky manway gasket venting vapors into the room.

(21:36 – 25:06) Hypothetical Entry & Decon Talk

The crew discusses how they’d handle an emergency entry: meters to bring (PID, pH paper, colorimetric tubes) and decon procedures (water vs. sodium bicarbonate).

(25:06 – 26:14) Communication Failures

A previous shift had noticed similar smoke events multiple times… and never reported it.

(26:14 – 28:32) Wrap-up & Teasers

Banters, jokes, and what’s coming next – fire extinguishing with chemicals!

Chemicals Discussed

• TFAA (Trifluoroacetic Anhydride) – Hygroscopic and highly reactive with water, produces acids.
• TEA (Triethylamine) – A strong base, highly reactive with acids.
• Butyl Lithium, THF, EVE – Additional hazardous players.
• Reaction Suspected: Acid-base interaction accelerated by humidity.

Email us at [email protected]

Stay tuned for the next episode: “Fighting Fire With... Chemicals?”

And as always... Hazmat harder.