Chairman's Introduction


Chairman’s Introduction to Investigating Hazardous Materials The Delaware County Hazardous Material Advisory Council (HMAC) and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) developed this curriculum for elementary and secondary teachers to use as an educational tool. Hazardous materials are involved in many ways in our daily lives. Whether you are a truck driver transporting products over the highway, a passenger in a car traveling the interstate along with the various chemical carriers, cleaning the house with products purchased from the local store, or, living or working in and around a manufacturing facility, you have the potential to become involved with a hazardous substance. Hazardous materials are a part of many of the things we use and consider as necessities in our daily lives. Many of these materials, though labeled as hazardous, are truly only hazardous when mishandled, or, used in a careless or reckless manner.		Hazardous materials require special attention whether they are being utilized in the workplace or in the garage. This curriculum is designed to acquaint young people, those who will be the next generation of firefighters, fire chiefs, police officers, and elected officials, with the properties of hazardous materials. Its purpose is to instill a respect for the various materials, an understanding of how to safely handle and respond to hazardous material and the value of planning to help protect the community. The Hazardous Material Advisory Council and the LEPC would like to thank Elizabeth A. Lordi, who prepared the Grades 3-5 unit and Faith G. Kline, who prepared the Grades 7-8 unit for their fine work. Their background, experience and general interest in the project helped assure a quality product. In addition, special thanks goes to the member of the HMAC and LEPC who helped to spearhead the project:

Tom Killion, Delaware County Council/Co-chair LEPC Edwin J. Truitt, Delaware County, Director of Emergency Services Gerald J. Mulville, Coordinator Emergency Management Tom Micozzie, Hazardous Materials Coordinator Don Zoladkiewicz, Sun Company Carol Jean Bruner, Esschem Jim Jeffery, Borough of Media		Bill Robinson, Chief of Police - Upper Chichester Township Lt. Doug Dillon, US Coast Guard Robert Chambers, Meredith Management Group Dana Di Russo, Delaware County Emergency Services William I. Mengel, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Paul J. Durkin, Public Relations Consultant Edward T. Doyle, Jr. Ph.D., Chair, Delaware County LEPC

Chairman’s Introduction to Investigating Hazardous Materials