Hazmat & CBRN Glossary
Hazardous materials incidents demand precise terminology before a single responder enters the hot zone. This hub covers identification, classification, decontamination, protective action decisions, and the CBRN framework used by both civilian hazmat teams and military-trained responders.
Topics covered: DOT hazard classes, UN/NA numbers, ERG use, isolation and protective action distances, decon procedures, PPE levels A-D, IDLH/PEL/TLV, BLEVE, radiation basics, and hazmat ICS.
79Published terms
79 terms, A-Z
Alphabetical. First 24 shown - click "Show all" to expand.
C (36)
CBRN ReconnaissanceView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical AgentView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.chemical agent classificationView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.chemical agent detectionView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical Agent Monitoring System (CAMS)View definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical CompatibilityView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.chemical compatibility chartView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.chemical exposure assessmentView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.chemical exposure limitView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical Exposure MonitoringView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.chemical exposure pathwayView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.chemical hazard classificationView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.chemical hazard communicationView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical Indicator TapeView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical Protective Clothing (CPC)View definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical Protective EnsembleView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.chemical reactivityView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical Spill KitView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical Transport RegulationsView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Chemical Warfare Agent (CWA)View definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Containment BoomView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Containment StrategyView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contaminant persistenceView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contaminated areaView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contaminated personnelView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contaminated runoffView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Contaminated WasteView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contamination assessmentView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Contamination Control AreaView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contamination control lineView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contamination control planView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contamination control strategyView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contamination control zoneView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contamination footprintView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contamination mitigationView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.contamination reduction zoneView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.
D (10)
decontamination agentView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Decontamination CorridorView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.decontamination footprintView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.decontamination planningView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Decontamination ProcedureView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Decontamination SolutionsView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Decontamination StationView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.decontamination triageView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.decontamination unitView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.decontamination zoneView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.
E (2)
H (5)
Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS)View definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Hazardous Materials IncidentView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.hazardous materials responseView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.hazardous materials response planView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.hazardous materials response teamView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.
I (3)
P (4)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)View definition, usage notes, and related operational context.plume dispersion modelView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Protective Action DistanceView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Protective Action ZoneView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.
R (6)
Radiation Dose RateView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Radiation ShieldingView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Radiation Survey MeterView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.Radiological Detection EquipmentView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.radiological dispersal device (RDD)View definition, usage notes, and related operational context.radiological hazardView definition, usage notes, and related operational context.
S (2)
T (2)
V (3)
Hazmat and CBRN Terminology: Identification, PPE, and Protective Actions
The language of hazardous materials response is built on standardized identification systems — DOT placards, UN/NA numbers, and the Emergency Response Guidebook — that allow first responders to make protective action decisions before a substance is fully identified. Getting the terminology right determines whether a responder enters in Level A or stays at the perimeter.
This hub covers the full operational vocabulary: hazard classification, PPE levels A through D, isolation and protective action distances, decontamination procedures, IDLH/PEL/TLV thresholds, and the CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) framework used in both civilian and military hazmat operations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Hazmat & CBRN
What is the difference between PPE Level A and Level B?
Level A provides the highest respiratory and skin protection: a fully encapsulating vapor-tight suit with SCBA inside. Level B provides the same respiratory protection (SCBA) but less skin protection — a non-encapsulating chemical-resistant splash suit. Level A is used when vapor/gas skin hazard is unknown or confirmed; Level B when the hazard is primarily liquid splash.
What does IDLH mean in hazmat response?
IDLH stands for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health — the maximum airborne concentration of a substance from which a person could escape within 30 minutes without irreversible health effects. IDLH values, published by NIOSH, are used to set entry criteria and determine required respiratory protection.
How do you use the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)?
Identify the UN/NA number or placard on the vehicle, find the corresponding Guide number in the ERG, and reference the guide for initial isolation distances, protective action zones, and first aid. The orange-bordered pages give Guide-specific advice; the green pages list chemicals with large-spill isolation distances.
What is a BLEVE?
A BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) occurs when a container holding a liquid above its boiling point fails catastrophically — typically from external heat exposure. The sudden pressure release causes the liquid to flash to vapor and ignite, producing a massive fireball and high-velocity shrapnel. Propane tanks and tanker cars are common BLEVE risks.
What is decontamination and when is it required?
Decontamination (decon) is the process of removing or neutralizing hazardous substances from responders, victims, and equipment before they leave the warm zone. It is required any time personnel exit a contaminated area. Technical decon is used for responders; emergency decon (mass water rinse) is used for large numbers of contaminated civilians.
Explore Other Categories
Expand your reference with adjacent operational domains.
Training/reference only. Always follow your department SOP/SOG and official standards. See Disclaimer and Editorial Policy.