FIRE 203 - Intro to Hazardous Substances in Emergency Response

Course Description

  • Recommended Prep: FIRE 101, 102, and CHEM 105

This course introduces definitions, terminology, and emergency response considerations of the hazardous materials field. Determining safety precautions and tactics, understanding classification of toxic materials; transportation and storage; fire and health hazards of hazardous substances in emergency response are topics included. May be taken on a CR/N basis.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of FIRE 203, the student will be able to:

  • Describe atomic structure, electron configuration, chemical bonding, ionization, covalent bonding and use of the Periodic Table of Elements to enhance understanding of what happens at the molecular level of the chemistry of hazardous materials
  • Identify and describe the hazards of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives.
  • Describe the theories of fire and fire extinguishment
  • Identify and describe the hazards of flammable and combustible liquids
  • Identify and describe the hazards of compressed gases
  • Identify and describe the hazards of combustible solids
  • Identify and describe the hazards of cryogenic gases
  • Identify and describe the hazards of oxidizing agents
  • Identify and describe the hazards of plastics
  • Identify and describe the hazards of corrosives
  • Identify and describe the hazards of unstable materials such as organic peroxides and monomers
  • Identify and describe the hazards of toxic, radioactive, and explosive compounds
  • Identify and describe the hazards of water and air reactive materials
  • Use the North American Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) as a reference source to identify and to form an action plan when hazardous materials are encountered in the field
  • Identify and describe the hazards of biological, chemical, and radiological weapons of mass destruction