VelocityEHS Offers HazCom & Chemical Safety Support for Emergency Responders, Businesses and Others Affected by Hurricane Delta
10/09/2020
VelocityEHS is providing free access to critical chemical safety and hazard communication information for those impacted by Hurricane Delta. For a limited time, disaster relief agencies, emergency responders and businesses (customers and non-customers) operating in the affected areas can visit http://www.EHS.com/disaster and access millions of safety data sheets (SDSs) in the MSDSonline database to locate critical safety information for chemical hazards that may be encountered during rescue and recovery operations in the wake of Hurricane Delta. A dedicated toll-free telephone number (1-844-308-7011) has also been set up to help those who need a safety data sheet, but don’t currently have internet access.
Hurricane Delta Updates
At the time of this article, Hurricane Delta is making landfall in Louisiana in roughly the same southwestern part of the state where Hurricane Laura hit just six weeks ago. It is expected to bring sustained winds in excess of 105 mph and life-threatening storm surges which could be as high as 11 feet in some places. First responders operating in the storm's affected areas, as well as those responsible for recovery operations could be exposed to any variety of chemical hazards created as a result of damage to buildings and other facilities where hazardous chemicals are used or stored.
Immediate & Continued Chemical Safety Risks
Hurricane Delta’s projected path will take the storm across the state of Louisiana, Northern Mississippi and potentially beyond over the next few days. It is likely to cause damage to industrial and commercial facilities which store or use hazardous chemicals, creating the potential for dangerous chemical reactions, releases and exposure risks for communities in Hurricane Delta's path.
Safety data sheets (SDSs) provide hazardous chemical users with accurate information about the health and environmental risks associated with those substances. While OSHA requires employers to have these SDS documents and make chemical hazard and safe handling information accessible to workers during their work shifts, a common practice is to store these SDSs in paper binders only, making them potentially inaccessible in the event of evacuations and flooding.
Without the chemical safety information included in SDSs, it’s difficult, if not impossible to understand the full impact of any releases or exposures to the surrounding community, and hinders emergency responders’ ability to respond to fires and chemical releases. Having access to SDSs and understanding what chemical hazards may be encountered is essential to protecting the lives of our first responders and recovery workers during the difficult time ahead.
If you require information about the chemical hazards present in your community, you can reach out to your SERCs, your State Emergency Response Commissions.
Let VelocityEHS Help!
Initially launched in 2017 in response to Hurricane Harvey, the MSDSonline Hazardous Chemical MSDS/SDS Access program has provided immediate, easy access to critical chemical safety information to hundreds of businesses and relief organizations affected by major natural disasters. Through the aid of our mobile-optimized, industry-leading database of MSDSs and SDSs, more first responders, businesses, facilities and organizations are able to better protect their communities from any additional hazardous health repercussions.
Our Emergency Response Services (ERS) also makes it easy to ensure your employees always have the critical safety and exposure response information they need, especially during natural disasters and major accidents.
Visit http://www.EHS.com/disaster to learn more.
