The HazMat Guys

We had an awesome chat with our buddy Jake Ryks, who's kicking off his new podcast, Hazard Class. We're thrilled to support him in making this happen. Jake's doing incredible work for emergency responders, offering both entertainment and education in a lively and captivating style. Make sure you subscribe to this podcast!

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:

ObexionFR

Another tremendous battery containment product that is making storage safer check it here

Agilent

See through more with the Agilent Resolve handheld Raman system check it out here

Just in case you've been hiding under a rock, we’re now out and about doing in-person training. Don’t let your agency miss out on this act! Click here to see our expanding catalog of offerings, or you can skip right to the chase, and click here to get the ball rolling.

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Welcome to the November 19th, 2024 edition of The Newsletter Podcast with Jack and Jane! Brought to you by The HazMat Guys.

We’re diving into the top hazmat news stories from the past week, breaking them down through the lens of hazmat responders. Let’s get into it!

Articles covered:

• Hazmat vehicles under the scanner: 5-day inspection blitz conducted by Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
• Prince George County firefighters manage tractor-trailer crash and Hazmat spill
• Shelter-in-place for Weslaco residents caused by chemical leak has been lifted
• 4 residents, 1 firefighter hospitalized after hazmat incident reported in Montgomery County

In this episode, we rummage through our mailbag and pull out two intriguing questions. One is like a thermal imaging camera, while the other tackles the tricky situation of finding PPE compatibility when the manufacturer's specs aren't available, and time is ticking. Can you rely on the chemical's genre instead? We dive deep into this topic and explore how being unprepared can sometimes lead to surprising solutions. Tune in to hear our take on it!

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:

ObexionFR

Another tremendous battery containment product that is making storage safer check it here

Agilent

See through more with the Agilent Resolve handheld Raman system check it out here

Just in case you've been hiding under a rock, we’re now out and about doing in-person training. Don’t let your agency miss out on this act! Click here to see our expanding catalog of offerings, or you can skip right to the chase, and click here to get the ball rolling.

If you would like to advertise with us, click here to get on our mailing list and find out about what we can offer to get your company's message in front of more eyes.

You can get even more content than the audio-only version you are enjoying here! Upgrade your account to go PREMIUM to get the video, early release, and monthly happy hour with us by clicking here.

Our hazardous materials training manual is finally available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Thanks!

Follow us on the socials:

Facebook

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LinkedIn

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Thanks for listening and watching!

Don’t just get on the job, get into the job!™

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode, the hosts delve into a series of listener questions from the hazmat community, tackling complex and curious scenarios involving thermal imaging cameras (TICs) in unique hazmat environments. From navigating vapor clouds to understanding the limitations of TICs in extreme weather conditions, they dissect real-world questions and community insights on the effectiveness of TICs. The episode also explores compatibility concerns in hazmat gear, and the use of specialized meters in unknown chemical environments, sparking discussions on best practices and potential experimentation in hazmat protocols.

• [00:00] Introduction to the Mailbag Edition
• The hosts introduce this episode’s format, featuring listener-submitted questions focusing on hazmat scenarios involving thermal imaging cameras, compatibility of PPE, and more.
• [04:35] Community Insights on Thermal Imaging Cameras in Vapor Clouds
• A listener question about using TICs in a large vapor cloud event spurs a detailed discussion. The hosts explore an ammonia leak video that illustrates how cold air can entirely block infrared detection, limiting the TIC’s utility in dense vapor conditions.
• [08:06] Thermal Imaging Camera and Cold Air: An Unlikely Barrier
• The hosts dive into the science of how cold air can hinder a TIC's ability to detect heat, contrasting it with the camera’s performance in smoke. They theorize why cold vapor clouds differ from smoke and raise intriguing physics questions about TIC functionality.
• [14:22] Testing TICs in Adverse Weather Conditions
• Curious about TIC limitations, the hosts brainstorm ways to test TICs under various weather conditions, including fog, rain, and humidity. They humorously suggest experiments involving liquid nitrogen and heavy rain to see how TICs perform.
• [16:25] The Essentials of Hazmat Compatibility Charts
• A practical question addresses how hazmat teams can determine PPE compatibility without a physical compatibility chart. The hosts share tips on accessing manufacturer websites and using chemical families to assess compatibility, emphasizing adaptability in the field.
• [19:58] Carrying Meters Inside Suits: A Worthwhile Strategy?
• Discussing whether bringing a meter inside a hazmat suit is practical, the hosts weigh the pros and cons. They consider the types of meters that might be useful and address potential challenges, such as false alarms due to suit humidity and oxygen level fluctuations.
• [22:20] Community Call-Out: Experimenting with TICs
• The hosts invite listeners to share their own TIC experiments or unique scenarios encountered in the field. They encourage the community to get involved, sending photos or videos of TIC performance under extreme conditions to enrich future episodes.

• “It opened up a whole Pandora’s box of questions!” – One of the hosts reflects on how one simple inquiry led to a deeper dive into the complex world of thermal imaging physics.
• “Let’s myth-bust this!” – The hosts’ enthusiasm for practical testing shines as they brainstorm unconventional tests to verify TIC limitations in various conditions.

• Car containing pressurized cylinders, lithium ion batteries explodes in New York City
• A car explosion occurred in the New York City borough of Queens on a Friday morning due to a pressurized cylinder stored inside the vehicle that failed, causing a fire and subsequent blast. The explosion happened at approximately 6:47 a.m., as reported by the New York City Fire Department on Facebook. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but the explosion did cause damage to five nearby cars and five houses.
• The car, an Infiniti QX56, belonged to Dinell Harricharan, who was on Long Island at the time of the incident. He had parked the vehicle outside his younger brother's house overnight. The car was used for their plumbing business, and equipment used for work, including an acetylene tank, was accidentally left inside, which led to the explosion. Normally, the acetylene tank is removed and stored safely in a garage each evening, but it was not removed on this occasion.
• Lithium-ion batteries stored in the car were not compromised, and the FDNY hazmat unit took precautions by packing them away. The explosion occurred just minutes before Dinell's brother, Jeremy Harricharam, was planning to use the car to take his wife, mother, and child out before starting his workday. Jeremy expressed shock at the timing of the incident.
• Fire officials suspect that gas from a ruptured canister inside the car ignited when Jeremy remotely started the vehicle using his key fob from inside the house. Unfortunately, the damage to the car is not covered by insurance, leaving Dinell Harricharan to start over financially. He expressed the importance of the car to their business and the need to rebuild and finance a new vehicle.
• Monkeys escape from Alpha Genesis research facility in South Carolina
• A police search is currently underway in Yemassee, Beaufort County, South Carolina, after 43 Rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from a research facility on Wednesday night. The facility, Alpha Genesis, specializes in providing nonhuman primate products and bio-research services. According to the company's website, the escaped monkeys are a group of very young females that have never been used for testing and are too young to carry diseases.
• Alpha Genesis is actively working to recapture the monkeys by enticing them with food, and police have set up traps and are using thermal imaging cameras to locate the animals. The Yemassee Sheriff’s Department has advised residents to keep their doors and windows secured to prevent the monkeys from entering homes. Residents are also instructed to call 911 if they encounter any of the monkeys and not to interact with them.
• Alpha Genesis is known for conducting clinical trials on monkeys, including treatments for brain disease disorders, and operates one of the largest nonhuman primate facilities in the United States. The company also manages a colony of 3,500 monkeys on Morgan Island, also known as Monkey Island, off the coast of South Carolina.
• This is not the first time primate escapes have occurred in the area. Previous incidents include an escape in May of this year and another in 2016 when 19 monkeys evaded security at Alpha Genesis but were recaptured six hours later. Additionally, in 2022, three monkeys escaped following a traffic accident in rural Pennsylvania.
• The company has not yet responded to requests for comment from NBC News. The report was compiled by Patrick Smith, a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.
• Man convicted of conspiring to commit 9/11-style attack on behalf of terrorist group
• A jury has convicted Cholo Abdi Abdullah, a 34-year-old man, of conspiring to steal a passenger jet and execute a 9/11-inspired terrorist attack under the direction of the Somalian terrorist group al Shabaab. Abdullah was found guilty on six counts, including conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and conspiring to murder U.S. nationals. He faces a potential life sentence.
• Abdullah had pledged allegiance to Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen, known as al Shabaab, a militant Islamist group based in Somalia. According to prosecutors, he underwent training with the group, learning to use AK-47 assault rifles and explosives at various safe houses in Somalia. He was involved in a plot to hijack a commercial plane and crash it into a U.S. building, echoing the September 11, 2001, attacks.
• From 2017 to 2019, Abdullah attended a flight school in the Philippines to obtain a commercial pilot license. He researched pilot jobs, potential targets such as the tallest buildings in a major American city, and methods to open a cockpit door from the outside. He also investigated how to acquire a U.S. visa and communicated encrypted messages to his al Shabaab handler, detailing post-9/11 hijackings.
• Al Shabaab, which has pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda, launched a series of terrorist attacks in 2019 in retaliation for the U.S. decision to move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem. These attacks included a deadly assault on a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, on January 15, 2019, which killed 21 people, including a U.S. national who had survived the 9/11 attacks. The group also attacked U.S. military facilities in Somalia and Kenya, resulting in American casualties.
• The FBI investigated Abdullah's involvement in the 9/11 copycat plot. He had been in the custody of law enforcement authorities in the Philippines since July 1, 2019, before being brought to New York to face charges. On Monday, he was further convicted of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiring to commit aircraft piracy, conspiring to destroy aircraft, and conspiring to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Abdullah had pleaded not guilty to all charges in 2020. His sentencing is scheduled for March 10. An attorney for Abdullah did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The report was authored by Marlene Lenthang, a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
• Exclusive | Russia Suspected of Plotting to Send Incendiary Devices on U.S.-Bound Planes - WSJ
• The news story details a concerning development involving incendiary devices that were shipped through the logistics company DHL and ignited at two separate locations in Europe. According to Western security officials, these devices are believed to be part of a covert Russian operation. The ultimate goal of this operation was to start fires aboard cargo or passenger aircraft that were destined for the United States and Canada. This is perceived as an escalation in Moscow's sabotage campaign against Washington and its allies.
• The incidents occurred in July, with one device igniting at a DHL logistics hub in Leipzig, Germany, and the other in Birmingham, England. The explosions at these logistics centers prompted an urgent and widespread international investigation to track down those responsible for orchestrating this operation. The situation underscores the heightened tensions and the lengths to which state actors may go to disrupt and challenge their adversaries. The report highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggles and the use of unconventional methods to exert pressure and create instability.
• White supremacist planned to blow up electricity station using drone laden with explosives, U.S says
• The news story reports on the arrest of Skyler Philippi, a 24-year-old from Columbia, Tennessee, who is accused of attempting to destroy an electricity substation in Nashville as part of a white supremacist plot. According to authorities, Philippi planned to use a drone equipped with a bomb to attack the energy facility, aiming to disrupt the regional power network and cause societal chaos. This act was intended to further his extremist agenda, which aligns with accelerationist views—a theory held by some far-right extremists that advocates for societal collapse to create a racially homogeneous state.
• Philippi has been charged with the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and the attempted destruction of an energy facility. He appeared in court and is scheduled for another appearance on November 13. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence.
• The FBI investigation revealed that Philippi had previously considered a mass shooting at a YMCA facility but later shifted his focus to targeting critical infrastructure for greater impact. He communicated with FBI sources about his plans and shared parts of his manifesto with an undercover agent, expressing his belief in "radical armed struggle" to protect his ideology.
• Philippi was arrested on November 2 by undercover agents who posed as co-conspirators. At the time of his arrest, he had a drone ready with an armed explosive device. Prior to his arrest, he participated in a Nordic ritual and expressed his desire for his actions to be remembered historically.
• The story highlights the influence of far-right extremism and the use of Norse mythology in such ideologies, noting Philippi's interest in pagan folklore and his homemade shirt with the message "Death for Odin." The case is being handled by the Justice Department, and Philippi's public defender has been contacted by NBC News for comment.

In commemoration of our new show being stood up named INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH PODCAST we took a dive into the world of a incident that happened where Nitrogen was released. We take a look at the incident, give our hot takes on it. Take a listen

And be sure to look for both Hazard Class Podcast featuring Jake Ryks and Industrial Strength Podcast found wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:

ObexionFR

Another tremendous battery containment product that is making storage safer check it here

Agilent

See through more with the Agilent Resolve handheld Raman system check it out here

Just in case you've been hiding under a rock, we’re now out and about doing in-person training. Don’t let your agency miss out on this act! Click here to see our expanding catalog of offerings, or you can skip right to the chase, and click here to get the ball rolling.

If you would like to advertise with us, click here to get on our mailing list and find out about what we can offer to get your company's message in front of more eyes.

You can get even more content than the audio-only version you are enjoying here! Upgrade your account to go PREMIUM to get the video, early release, and monthly happy hour with us by clicking here.

Our hazardous materials training manual is finally available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy.



Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Thanks!

Follow us on the socials:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

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Thanks for listening and watching!

Don’t just get on the job, get into the job!™

• UPDATE: Dodge County Deputy treated for exposure after hazmat spill on Hwy 56
• The news story reports on an incident involving a hazardous materials spill near Hayfield, Minnesota. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) responded to a situation where anhydrous fumes were detected crossing Highway 56. The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. on a Wednesday evening.In response to the leak, deputies blocked off Highway 56 while a hazmat response team from Olmsted County worked to contain the leak. Due to the size of the leak, law enforcement also checked on neighboring residents to ensure their safety. The cleanup operation was successful, and the road was reopened around 5 a.m. the following morning.
• During the incident, a DCSO deputy who was first on the scene reported feeling unwell and was subsequently transported to Mayo Clinic Saint Marys for treatment of anhydrous exposure. The deputy was treated and released around 4 a.m. and is reportedly doing well.
• The Minnesota State Patrol, Hayfield Fire Department, Brownsdale Fire Department, Blooming Prairie Fire Department, and the Olmsted hazmat response team all assisted in the containment and cleanup efforts.
• The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) had closed both lanes of Highway 56 between County Road 1 and Highway 30 due to the spill, which was caused by an anhydrous tanker leak. A detour was put in place and was expected to last through the early morning hours.
• The story highlights the coordinated response by multiple agencies to manage the hazardous materials spill and ensure public safety. The road closure and subsequent reopening were part of the efforts to address the situation effectively.
• Hazmat call at Seminole County early voting site prompts investigation
• The news story reports on a hazmat situation that occurred at an early voting site in Seminole County, Florida. The incident took place at the Seminole County Public Library located at 215 N. Oxford Rd in Casselberry. Hazmat teams were called to the scene after reports of a suspicious odor were detected around a ballot box.
• Upon receiving the report, the Seminole County Fire Department responded promptly, surrounding the library with fire trucks and specialized hazmat vehicles. The initial concern was that the odor might indicate the presence of hazardous chemical substances.
• However, after a thorough investigation, officials found no evidence of any chemical hazards. As a precautionary measure, all 14 poll workers present at the site were evaluated for any health issues. One poll worker was transported to the hospital, but this was due to hypertension and not related to any hazardous substances.
• The situation was ultimately deemed a false alarm, but the response highlights the caution exercised during the election period to ensure the safety of both poll workers and voters. The incident was covered live by WESH News, with reporter Hayley Crombleholme providing updates from the scene.
• At least 3 people sickened in hazmat incident outside apartment building in downtown LA - ABC7 Los Angeles
• The news story reports on a hazardous materials incident that occurred in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, October 31, 2024. At least three people became ill due to exposure to a hazardous substance. The incident took place in the 300 block of East Second Street, where firefighter-paramedics responded shortly after 11:30 a.m.
• The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) stated that several individuals reported feeling ill both inside and outside an apartment building, following potential exposure to an unspecified substance on a sidewalk. The substance was later identified as cocaine laced with fentanyl.
• The incident occurred during a police operation, where officers were involved in some activity that led to the spilling of a white powder on the sidewalk outside an apartment in Little Tokyo. Two civilians were taken to the hospital, but their conditions were not immediately known.
• The LAFD's Hazardous Materials Task Force was called to the scene as part of standard protocol. A spokesperson from the Alhambra Police Department mentioned that officers were executing a search warrant at the location, but no further details about the warrant were provided, and it was unclear if it was related to the hazmat incident.
• As a result of the incident, Second Street was closed between Central Avenue and San Pedro Street, with no estimated time for reopening. Drivers were advised to use alternative routes.
• The cause of the illnesses was still under investigation at the time of the report. The news story also offers a subscription to ABC7's breaking news newsletter for real-time updates.
• Missouri battery plant fire, explosion in Fredericktown | ksdk.com
• A fire broke out at the Critical Mineral Recovery facility, a battery recycling plant located just outside Fredericktown, Missouri, on Wednesday afternoon. The facility, which processes lithium-ion batteries, experienced a significant fire that led to the evacuation of nearby residents due to concerns about smoke and potential explosions from the batteries.
• The fire was reported at 1:37 p.m., and by Wednesday evening, it was mostly contained. The facility's fire suppression systems and an emergency water vessel were insufficient, necessitating additional water supplies from the county and city. The fire prompted the closure of Route 72 to allow firetrucks to shuttle water to the site.
• Madison County's emergency services issued an evacuation order for residents north and northwest of Village Creek Road and Madison 217, advising those within the smoke plume to shelter indoors. The city of Fredericktown was not directly affected by the evacuation order.
• The facility's parent company, Interco, confirmed that all 75 employees were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources dispatched a crew to monitor air quality and potential environmental impacts.
• Local agencies, including at least 25 fire departments, assisted in controlling the fire. Fredericktown Mayor Travis Parker noted the facility's importance to the community, as it employed many local residents. The fire caused extensive damage, and it is uncertain if any part of the facility can be salvaged.
• Evacuees, including Scott Bates and his family, sought refuge at Silvermines General Baptist Church and the Madison County Health Department. The Fredericktown R-1 school district kept students indoors and allowed parents to pick up their children without penalty.
• The incident highlights the challenges of managing fires involving lithium-ion batteries, which can produce toxic gases and pose explosion risks. Despite the loss of the facility, the community expressed relief that there were no injuries. The fire's impact on the local economy and community is significant, given the facility's role as a major employer in the area.

We had a brief but insightful chat with William Schooner and Carla Sheppard from PHMSA. We dove deep for about 30 minutes, but there's still plenty more to cover. They'll be back for more, so tune in to learn how grants can benefit your department. Lots of resources are shared in this episode.

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:

KULR Technology

A great new battery technology that is exciting the community, check it out here.

ObexionAG

Another tremendous battery containment product that is making storage safer check it here

Agilent

See through more with the Agilent Resolve handheld Raman system check it out here

Just in case you've been hiding under a rock, we’re now out and about doing in-person training. Don’t let your agency miss out on this act! Click here to see our expanding catalog of offerings, or you can skip right to the chase, and click here to get the ball rolling.

If you would like to advertise with us, click here to get on our mailing list and find out about what we can offer to get your company's message in front of more eyes.

You can get even more content than the audio-only version you are enjoying here! Upgrade your account to go PREMIUM to get the video, early release, and monthly happy hour with us by clicking here.

Our hazardous materials training manual is finally available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Thanks!

Follow us on the socials:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Thanks for listening and watching!

Don’t just get on the job, get into the job!™

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/electric-fire-truck-burns-down-fire-station/

https://kfor.com/news/local/scary-oklahoma-christian-university-hazmat-incident-sends-13-to-hospital/

https://www.abc12.com/news/local/hazmat-crews-investigate-bright-green-substance-in-flint-river/article_cf1d665c-9353-11ef-8da0-63575b642d86.html

https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/local/2024/10/26/truck-fire-closes-i-5-in-eugene-hazmat-teams-called-for-diesel-spill/75868502007/

Join us as we chat with two of our go-to experts, Bobby and Ronnie, who are exercise gurus collaborating with us to deliver both tabletop and large-scale exercises to your community. We explore our recent activities in Alabama, discuss the expenses involved in these drills, and explain how we can offer them to you at no cost. This episode kicks off a two-part series in Freemium. Enjoy the listen! Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:

KULR Technology

A great new battery technology that is exciting the community, check it out here.

ObexionFR

Another tremendous battery containment product that is making storage safer check it here

Agilent

See through more with the Agilent Resolve handheld Raman system check it out here

Just in case you've been hiding under a rock, we’re now out and about doing in-person training. Don’t let your agency miss out on this act! Click here to see our expanding catalog of offerings, or you can skip right to the chase, and click here to get the ball rolling.

If you would like to advertise with us, click here to get on our mailing list and find out about what we can offer to get your company's message in front of more eyes.

You can get even more content than the audio-only version you are enjoying here! Upgrade your account to go PREMIUM to get the video, early release, and monthly happy hour with us by clicking here.

Our hazardous materials training manual is finally available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Thanks!

Follow us on the socials:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Thanks for listening and watching!

Don’t just get on the job, get into the job!™

https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/2-people-taken-hospital-after-hazmat-incident-whitman-restaurant/VCV2SZYX6ZHPZLU2JXO2MD3DX4/

https://www.wmtw.com/article/auburn-maine-hazardous-material-spill-fire-ms-ambrogio/62640831

https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/petro-truck-stop-beaumont-hazmat-situation-19844937.php