Hazardous Materials in Marine Transportation: A Practical Course Thomas J. Haas and Jerzy J. Kichner Department of Science, US. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT 06320
Today's industries use materials that were unknown a century ago: synthetic plastics and fibers, explosives, corrosive acids, pyrophoric liquids, combustible metals, toxic and radioactive materials, highly flammable petroleum fuels, and many more. Much of this material is transported in both laree and small auantities over water. Since the Coast Guard is responsible for regulating the waterborne transportation of this material, Coast Guard officers must he fully aware of inherent dangers and safe handling practices associated with these materials. At the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, we are training our future officers for these duties in a course entitled "Hazardous Materials in Marine Transportation". This course is designed to give the cadet atheoretical base upon which to base future decisions regarding hazardous material transportation. We discuss three major areas in detail: chemical hazards, marine transportation, and environmental resoonse. Suhtooics include containment and safety systems, research and development, environmental protection, and domestic and international regulations. Guest lecturers, audiovisual materials, demonstrations, and field trips enhance course content. Cadets are also expected to complete a project in which they apply course material to a oractical, real-world situation. This article describes the c o k e content and student response to this educational experience. The Course At first dance. the chemistw of hazardous materials seems to he as varied as the number of chemicals. However, on closer examination. the hazards can be divided into three hasic groups: ~ l ~ e m i sreacti\,ity. al firr r x p h i i ~ mand , health. Thvsc are commcmls reitwed tn in the course as the "llnz Mats Bugs". We often introduce chemical reactivity by reviewing chemical terms and families, including acid-base, oxidizers, organic compounds, and radioactivity. Each topic is discussed in class using many examples to illustrate certain chemical wrincioles. We also investigate self-reactivity ,p~,lynlrriz.~titm). air rearti\,irv, rwctivity with mntrrinls of construction, and reactivity with other suhstunces. These lectures prf,psrr the cadet i w exercises utili?ing cargo c m pntil~ilititsto load a hypg,rhetiral vessel pruprrlg. Our second maiw tunic i. fire and exolosiot~hazards. In some instances, fire and explosion can be an unwanted byproduct of chemical reactivities and improper stowage of "oncompatible chemicals. In class, we present the theory behind fire and explosion. We cover the general characteristics and hazards of fires involving solids, liquids, and gases, and we discuss burning characteristics and hazards of flammable metals. The student is exnosed to the conceot of the fire tetrahedron and the interrelkonship of the components that make un this model. We then use the conceots to awwlv .. . extinguishing theories for different classes of fires. Movies and slides supplement the course lecture. The last of the "Haz Mats Bugs" is health. After a general definition and discussion on toxicity, we look a t chemical toxicities using parameters such as LDj0 (lethal dose that 34
Journal of Chemical Education
kills 50 percent of a test population) and Draize testing (skin irritancy and corrosion). We also cover transportation health guidelines such as the different classifications of poisons. Solvents, pesticides, and other substances for their acute toxic action as well as chronic effects in a long-term, low-concentration exposure are studied. The course then focuses on the soecific area of occuoationa1 health (industrial hygiene). e' discuss tbreshofd limit values (TLV's) in both aualitative and auantitative fashions and outline the controls used to minimize health risks from chemical exposure. Engineering, administrative, and personal protection measures are emphasized. Lectures dealing with the chemistry of hazardous materials take approximately one-half the semester. Once cadets have become familiar with these concepts, the course shifts to hazardous materials transportation problems. Marlne Transportailon Regulailons The Coast Guard is the primary government agency concerned with the transportation of hazardous materials by water. Although our course is not "regulations-intensive", cadets must have some knowledge of the regulations to understand the issues. We introd;ce laws a i d treaties that emoower the Coast Guard to regulate this transportation, and we examine the codification i f these laws and the general organization of other applicable regulations. In our section on "packaged" hazardous materials regulations, we provide in-depth discussions on the problems of offering a hazardous material for shipment through classifying, packaging, marking, labeling and placarding, and describine the material on shiooine .. oaoers. . We exolain how to use the Hazardous Material Table and compare international and U S . regulations. As an assignment, students are expetted to prepare a commodity for proper shipment under the regulations. In the "bulk" section, we discuss the general design of bulk-carrvina vessels, such as petroleum tankers, and the design ofmp&ialized vessels, s;ch as chemical tankers and liquefied gas tankers. Specific topics include cargo containment, vessel arrangement, cargo transfer systems, safety equipment, and specialized hazards associated with vessel desien. Concents from the first half of the course are related to actual engineering practices in vessel construction to minimize "Haz Mats Bugs". We briefly cover applicable regulations in vessel construction and operation and discuss uniaue cargo hazards specifically outlined in the regulations. ~ i e l dtripsUtotank vessels are &ranged when poGible, and we supplement the course material with slides, movies, and literature supplied by tankship companies. When this course segment is completed, we present an "overview" of the Coast Guard's role in commercial vessel safety, marine environmental protection, and port safety and securitv. We discuss the Coast Guard's organization a t the ~ e a d q u a r t e r slevel, and cadets visit a ~ o a ; Guard Marine Safety Office in the field. We also familiarize our cadets with the Coast Guard's CHRIS system (Chemical Hazard Response Information System) and stress its use for hazard
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assessment, personnel protection and containment, and treatment and recovery. Students are then given spill scenarios and asked to determine aonronriate .. . remedial action and organization. Hazardous waste manaeement is discussed hrieflv. We cover different methods ofwaste disposal, such as landfills and "state of the art" nlasma incineration. We also discuss the Coast Guard's invoivement in incinerating wastes a t sea.
Instruction Techniques Our teachine techniaues are as varied a s the course itself. Traditional le&res ar; often supplemented with laboratory demonstrations to illustrate chemical reactivitv. We also incorporate the "hands-on" experience by asking cadets to don protective clothing and operate a personal breathing apparatus. Guest lectur'es and field trips stimulate student interest and reinforce material presented in regular classes. We assign homework and give periodic examinations to monitor student progress and comprehension. As a group
project, cadets are given a letter which either requests authority to ship a chemical in hulk or proposes to change the existing shipping requirements. The group evaluates the chemical's hazards, proposes shipping and special operating reauirements. and finally develops the authorization for shipping. In this project, iadets use the basic chemical, toxicolopical, and engineering principles introduced throughout the semester. Beneflclal Knowledge T h e Hazardous Materials in Marine Transportation course is essentially a "capstone" for those cadets majoring in chemistry or applied science. It is also of great importance to naval and other engineers. Management maiors find the course helpful as an erective. Even though t h i s k a contemporarv and practical course oriented to the technical indikiduai, certain principles are strategically placed within the course context to benefit all students. Cadet evaluations indicate that the course is well received. The information we are able to teach will he used repeatedly in accomplishing the Coast Guard's mission as these future officers assume their duties.
Polymer Curriculum Development Award The joint Polymer Fducation Committee uf the I):visims 01 PuI!mrr ('hrm:stry and of Polymerrc Materials of the Amer~rnnChemi~.alSociety, in co8,prrarim with parricipar~np,mdusr~alrmnyanica. ir spon>orinp:S10.0~10in Awards t u expand the teaching of polymer chemistry and polymer engineering in existing curricula at colleges and universities. The awards will he made over three years. Proposals for the awards (not to exceed 10pages) addressingspecific objectives for introducing: polymer coursework, laboratories, student research, mare faculty involvement, or other novel approaches to increase emphasis on polymer chemistry and engineering will be reviewed. Proposed programs should lead to long-term efforts in polymer pedagogy. Proposals must be submitted by March 1, 1987; awards will be announced May 15, 1987. Proposals and requests for further information should be addressed to: William H. Daly, Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
Summer Employment Program in Polymer Science The Industrial Sponsors Group of the Division of Polymer Chemistry of the American Chemical Society is again sponsoring a summer employment program that provides outstanding juniors the opportunity to work in the field of polymer science with one of a select number of US-based Companies. As in 1986, the program involves a unique opportunity offered by the Plastics and Rubber Division of Mobay Corporation. The selected candidates will be sent to West Germany for a workhining assignment in the research laboratories of Bayer AG, Mobay's parent company. All transportation and lodging expenses along with a monthly salary will he paid by Mobay. Interested students should send a letter outlininng their Academic background, interests, and goals Personal interests and goals Foreign language and other special skills Current telephone number along with a transcript or equivalent listing courses and grades before February 1, 1987 to: Dr. G. E. Reinert, Mobay Corporation, Mobay Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9741.
Volume 64
Number 1 January 1987
35
