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Members of the Hazmat 101 List (tm) were invited to participate in an online survey and offer feedback about the value of the Hazmat 101 List. This article summarizes the survey responses. The survey was run between April 26 through May 17, 2005. A total 97 persons (8% of all members) completed the survey. The response percentage is typical for most surveys. The survey results show that its list members consider the list a great value.
Background
The Hazmat 101 List is an email discussion list dedicated to hazardous
materials (also known as dangerous goods) and transportation safety issues.
People who join the list are usually interested in learning about these issues
and sharing their knowledge with colleagues. To keep the quality of the
posts relevant and focused the list is moderated. Moderated means that all posts
must be manually approved by a list moderator. Having the list moderator is also
a blessing for preventing SPAM which can have a deleterious effect on the
quality of the posts and the quality of list members. The list is also
monitored and supported by List Stewards. The list stewards are knowledgeable
members with specialized expertise who agreed to serve the list and its members
in various support functions.
The Hazmat 101 List was founded in 1999 as a one way mail list for distributing safety newsletters. It was converted to a discussion list in 2001. Since then list membership has grown to 1355 members as of May 16, 2005. It is the only known email list that focuses on hazardous materials and transportation safety.
More information about the hazmat 101 List is available at the Hazmat 101 Web (tm): http://www.hazmat101.com To become a member click on the join button, below
What do the survey responses reveal?
What else to the survey results indicate?
All responses are summarized below. And they are interesting. Answer type of
responses were edited for proper spelling. Other than that, they are listed
verbatim.
| Industry/private emergency responder | 9% |
| Public responder (EMT, Firefighter, Law Enforcement) | 30% |
| Consultant | 17% |
| Government-enforcement | 3% |
| Government-other | 7% |
| Trainer/Educational association | 10% |
| Shipper (public or private) | 6% |
| Carrier-rail | 0% |
| Carrier-highway | 1% |
| Carrier-air | 0% |
| Carrier-water/ocean | 0% |
| Freight forwarder | 0% |
| Other | 17% |
| USA | 81% |
| Canada | 6% |
| U.K. | 3% |
| India | 2% |
| Turkey | 1% |
| Spain | 1% |
| South Africa | 1% |
| Peru | 1% |
| Netherlands | 1% |
| Hungary | 1% |
| Australia | 1% |
| 5 Best value | 21% |
| 4 | 50% |
| 3 | 28% |
| 2 | 1% |
| 1 Least value | 1% |
| None to <5% | 1% |
| 5%--<10% | 6% |
| 10%--<40% | 12% |
| 40%--<70% | 19% |
| 70%--100% | 62% |
| None to <5% | 20% |
| 5%--<10% | 31% |
| 10%--<40% | 31% |
| 40%--<70% | 17% |
| 70%--100% | 2% |
1. Access to an extensive variety of backgrounds and views. 2. Exposure to related links I would have missed otherwise. 3. Info is cataloged at 1 convenient location for future reference.
1) I like the way some of the answers are given 2) Most of the answers is a learning curve to me 3) As a beginner in the hazmat setup I still have a lot to learn so any thing that I can learn is a plus point to me
Get quick info on recent accidents Get background info and pictures on recent and older accidents Get some burning personal questions answered Contact wit DG colleagues all over the world, spread over many fields of experience.
Be aware of the latest regulatory developments Be made aware of DG incidents Interesting discussions
Ideas and opinions of list members
Almost immediate response to regulatory questions. Not just one person's opinion, but many. It is free!
Excellent discussion group. A great way to get information and ideas.
Networking Current topics Refresh Information
Great resource for questions and suggestions
Broad base of knowledge to draw upon, helpful members, informative and timely
Update on regulatory changes. Sounding board for Hazmat related questions. Overview of entire Industry
Information, Training Issues,
Keep up to date on emergent safety issues.
1. Keep up to date on areas I don't deal with every day. 2. Another source for up to date regulatory information (very helpful). 3. Provides information for in-house auditing. 4. Excellent quality of list stewards and monitors.
Allows me to see how things are handled in other countries. Usually answers questions before I get them because someone has a similar question on the list. Allows for networking with others.
When I need information the list has helped. I have found information that my company was not aware of to include changes in regulations.
occasionally find useful tidbits here that don't show up on other listserves
1. Very high level of expertise and experience of list members 2. Prompt replies to questions 3. Broad coverage of postings ..... not limited to just one field (DOT, OSHA, EPA, fire code, etc.)
1. Different perspectives on hazmat ! 2. Useful reference information ! 3. Good hazmat accident info!
To Have updated information. - Interchange experiences.
I get useful information about regulatory changes. I get useful information about what others are doing in similar situations. I am able to post my questions.
Education through discussion Help in search of info Sharing of knowledge
I am not a list member. I just learned about this list this week. But haven't yet learned how to sign up.
Interesting commentary.
Being informed of new or changed regulations.
It a dynamic source of info that I can't receive any other way...
Information exchange Source of best practice Updates on relevant issues
Good reference material suggestions Real life examples of regulator issues Real life solutions
Keeps me aware of new laws. Keeps me aware of changing laws. Makes me aware of challenges and hazards I haven't considered.
1. Industry Information 2. Expert advice 3. Information sharing
Views from outside my specific field, keeping current, practical applications
1) The discussions cause me to consider a wide variety of situations. 2) Tremendous amount of collective information and wisdom.
Info from persons very knowledgeable in hazmat issues. Links to news articles. Notices of regulatory activity.
Everyone is sharing knowledge, learning about standards, learning about practices.
Great, timely info from Pros in the trenches. I love it.
1.Education from others 2.What goes on other places 3.Regulation changes
Broad variety of topics being discussed. Access to individuals with a wealth of hazmat experience and expertise. Made aware of new resources being used by other hazmat workers.
I use my membership as a method of maintaining my knowledge and upgrading it.
A lot of current information, much regional, that I would not see otherwise. A large and willing group of folks many of whom bring expertise and answers to thorny as well as mundane problems. A quality check on my interpretations and actions without having to even ask , just seeing the replies to issues I have addressed makes me better at my job
New Internet links useful in everyday work; News, Info, etc.
1) Valuable info for educational use. 2) Variety of info. 3) Keeps me up-to-date with new developments.
Source of information Knowing a resource is available Being able to select what information I chose to keep
1. I can keep in touch with regulatory changes 2. Valuable information on hazmat incidences 3. The access to many years of experience of the other members
Immediate, varied, new concepts
Different ways to do something, perspectives, material
General knowledge gained. Ability to post a question and get very good returned information. The networking capabilities of this list.
Enjoy subject Enjoy learning
Related to the degree I have + educational resources + even came across continuing education credits +
Notification of chemical incidents Indication of where legislation in other countries is heading Useful and accurate comments by many contributors on meeting legislative requirements and technical matters
1. Able to get lot of fresh information. 2. Able to find new web sites. 3. Useful information available for training purposes.
1. Another resource for information on hazmat issues. 2. Diverse opinions on issues
Saves research time. Allows me to ask recognized experts. Provides advance notice of upcoming requirements.
Great information on incidents, regulatory activity, and issues affecting the community.
1. updates on hazardous materials events of interest 2. information about regulatory activity
1. Networking 2. Get answers to questions 3. Learn new information and resources
Always Learning new things
As a Canadian regulatory expert, this list gives me a great view of the American regulatory experts opinions and different questions.
Information sharing Knowledge of changes and training
1] Networking with colleagues with similar/like issues (commonality) 2] Educational approaches that are real world applicable (usability) 3] Testing of flame-proof suits from verbal assaults (high dramatics)
Opportunity to learn from the list and to share my take on things borrowed from 30 years of workplace safety and security experience, education, and training.
1. Training on line 2. Library on line 3. Analysis and discussions from incidents or accidents
1. I get a 'flavor' of what is important to the First Responder community. 2. I contact members offline to make aware of the detection equipment we offer.
Advice from persons with diverse relevant experience. Opportunity to ask questions. Keeping up with regulatory changes and trends.
1. Wealth of Information from members. 2. Wide range of list members. 3. Global effect.
1. Hearing about current topics, training, and equipment 2. Hearing about news items 3. Reading the worldwide summaries
Access to people with experience
Use of information for my team lesson learned, training information, keeping aware of regulation changes
1. gives latest information through discussion 2. update on regulatory/legal aspect 3. very useful for training.
Pass on information New training ideas Other views
Reading and discussing of many types of hazmat issues. Ability to get expert opinions Members have Large variety of specialties and experience
Source of information Ability to discuss issues with international feedback Excellent cross section of industry, responders
Networking Information resource Current events
Someone else tracks DOT regulatory activity and sends me summaries. A place to ask questions. A place to answer questions and thus exercise areas of knowledge not employed frequently in my current position.
Networking Current technology New/varied techniques
Excellent source of information
sounding board with experience for tough questions; different perspectives on similar problems; good references for training materials
Current requests for info
Current, diverse, helpful
Has improved my awareness of safety concerns Has put me in contact with others in the field It also shows me we all have similar problems
1. Get mail for topics I don't care about (Transportation and regulation)
Sorry PC, I can only think of one minus: sometimes I do not really have time to read the messages coming in every day, and because I do not want to miss interesting things I get a choking feeling
No complaints here.
NONE
Occasional volume of non topic related email
None
Most messages do not have relevance to me. Too much non productive criticism. Users need to edit out headers footers etc from messages before sending
Sometimes there are two many answers covering the same information.
Wading through a lot of stuff unrelated to my interests and function.
1. Poor spelling, grammar, word usage sometimes makes it difficult to decipher what the question/issue really is. 2. Privacy concerns regarding Yahoo for archive, file access. 3. Occasional "flaming" although this is not as prevalent as on some other lists.
The biggest negative and the issue with allow lists like this is some people take things too personnel. I can not think of anything else at this time.
So people love to hear themselves talk.
None
None of significance
1. Spam 2. stupid emails 3. over zealous salespeople
Most users are from United States and I am in Europe. - Few people involved in vessels.
A lot of the e-mails don't pertain to my situations, so they aren't useful.
It is an investment in time
None
A lot of information received about areas of the topic not relevant to my current role - therefore removed myself from daily messages.
Lots of information and emails to read. That's about it, but worth it for the info I get!
None
1) A lot of traffic.
A lot of messages on topics I don't do work on (shipping issues).
Mostly the abbreviations I don't know, I think some answers are sent to the private e-mail address of the owner of the message, not the group
Absolutely none
1.Members expressing personal opinions
Many discussion topics don't apply directly to my situation. Topics frequently posted by people simply looking for a quick and easy answer, not to learn anything about being a better equipped and informed hazmat worker. Questions posted by people who don't stick around and contribute to the group.
Too much material to easily keep up with. Lack of technical review of the material. I found one answer riddled with major and minor discrepancies
None
1) Sometimes to many responses to question. However everyone's opinion is of value. Some members explain better then others. 2) Dislike nit-picking other members. 3) Sometimes responses aren't concise and to the point. Keep it simple and user-friendly.
Broad scope-information that doesn't apply to me Getting messages that contain members bickering Lots of mail on Friday afternoon
1. The availability of my email address to spammers
Subjects covered to which I have no interest,
Some repetitive messages, rants, etc
Sometimes arguments or differences of opinion drag on. The rare spam or self fulfilling message. Could only come up with two, sorry, it's just that good!
Don't work in the Hazardous Material Field - Gets a little too advanced at times - Can't really help anybody with questions in HazMat -
Many of the postings are US orientated and are less relevant in countries outside USA Some postings are inaccurate and misleading (though these are usually quickly corrected)
1. Certain unnecessary exchange of arguments among list members. 2. Some of the information are not useful for me/or not applicable to my country. 3. Afraid of virus through some of the messages.
1. Whole lot of incomplete, incoherent, or erroneous postings. 2. As in all e-mail list services, take all advice with a grain of salt. 3. Lot of postings.
Many of the posts are outside my specific area of interest, but overall, I appreciate the value.
1. need to access Yahoo to read some information 2. some information about reported accidents is not helpful
No minuses for me!!!
No time to keep up with messages
Posts not pre-divided/identified into primary categories (E. vs. H. vs. S) User profiles not available to ascertain efficacy of posting entity Time it takes to sort through the lists' rust to get to its diamonds
Having someone jump on me as opposed to merely disagreeing with me
1. Personal discussions 2. Only English 3.
1. Have to put up with egos (welcome to the real world). 2. Either because of fear, security, or cowardice, many do not identify themselves.
Wading through e-mails that do not apply. Some of the personal sniping that has been occurring. Sheer volume (keeping mailbox cleared)
Can't think of any.
1. Getting duplicate messages from HazMat WMD 2. Endless and sometimes pointless discussions about minutiae 3. Vendors getting in their plugs
Complaints from list members posted to the whole group
Currently none
1. specific information on specific chemicals are not obtained. 2. information on availability of certain software to assess toxicity/hazardous chemicals based on chemical groups will be of great help.
Some seem to tell only about themselves.
Can't think of any
Would like to see more Canadian content
Spam (but everyone has that problem) Netiquette
Off-topic messages
Amount of "chit-chat" and garbage email
Can not think of any
Lacking in first responder information. To much Shipping information.
???
Continuous chain of emails
Irrelevant information, poor etiquette, sales marketing
Only one a little two much down your throat and stops people from speaking up
Needed info on setting up Rad. monitoring procedures. List was given to me off site, and was right on the money! Found out about free training from the list. I have utilized that initial link at least 10 times!
The e-mail that went out on the mistake by one of the members was a big inspiration for me. It gave me a new outlook on some things that can go wrong on a plant
Background info on the Tennessee NOx tanker accident, of which I had only found the pictures and missed the story. Thanks to the site I came in contact with the officer who was in charge of the hazmat operation. This contact has resulted in an article that will soon be published in several fire fighter magazines, hoping this info will be of benefit to operational units
Finding a web site with relevant information
Used as examples in classes I teach
Setting up a service trailer. Opinions on transport and storage issues.
I live in a town that has 21 railroad grade crossings. We are always on the lookout for news on hazmat transportation by rail. This information is then included in our drills.
Have used information from list in keeping classes that I teach current for my students
Equipment recommendations
I have to write a air monitoring for confined spaces course for my dept and I found many useful links through the list.
Training found online, or where to find information on line
Got into LLIS which has useful information regarding antiterrorism. I work with a laboratory consortium for response to chemical terrorism.
Shipping information for small sample of material needing to go to laboratory for analysis prior to recycling.
I have used many of the links both at the Emergency scene and in my daily duties at my full time job.
A regulation change brought us aware of our impact.
Discussion in June/July 2004 regarding the possible need to put required SSI language on DOT Security Plans for shippers and carriers. I went ahead and added the language to our plan based on the discussion.
I teach a DOT basic hazmat class ... I use some of the stories as examples to communicate to first time students the abundance and proximity of hazmat accidents.
Find out codes applied to one system.
I was looking at NFPA 1561 regarding Incident Command, and thought to check with this list Got another very useful perspective on Hazmat Incident Command
Research for information on a recent hazardous materials course
I've used the resources that people have referenced
The NIMS links were very helpful in getting me updated on actions I needed to take to become compliant.
One of our clients was asking questions on the list and we could she what they were asking. This actually helps us know indirectly what someone is needing, or wanting.
Assisting in training presentations
1) Downloaded, installed and examined 'wiser' on a PDA.
Down-loaded article and used it in training class as case study/example.
Mostly I am learning but I am not sure if I can use something I learned from this group.
Dispatcher's Guide to WMD; recent training photo link, pubic domain
As a trainer keeping up to date is difficult, information on incidences that effect the way we do our job, being able to relay this information to those working in the field
Have only been on for a week and in my current job this is mainly for educational value not application so there is nothing I have pulled into my files quite yet but I was able to provide clarifying information to one question
I get link to downloading of many useful docs.
It lead me to a source that listed the latest determination of carcinogens
1. A reference to a URL that led to valuable information for me.
Product research
showed my boss a couple of opinions, changed a process here
Was able to pick up on a very interesting training class I had been looking for.
Jobs throughout the years had me complete basic fire extinguisher guidelines. I came across a fire extinguisher program via HazMat 101. I completed it online & received documentation. Thank you.
I have used the information gained from postings in risk assessments and HAZOPS
I am able to use some of the information in my audit work and training.
Used information to write safety/security plan for HAZMAT shipments.
updates on regs for shipping helps me in my day to day
PC's PowerPoint on Hazmat transport was very useful
There are too many, let me simply tell you that I really appreciate this list and I wish it will stay for a long time.
Training
FR snippets that are of interest to me
Discussion about Fire Codes.
Standards, OSHA, EPA, NFPA
1. One of my customers shared with the group something that was important to him, but I didn't think was that too important. It taught me to work on being a better listener.
I have received help on transportation issues.
1. Able to expand on information and knowledge in the field.
I keep track of developments with the identification, arrest, and interrogation of al-Qaeda members
At my facility we are required to use Operating experience in prejob briefs
1. Compliance Checklists and Guides 2.National Transportation Safety Board Publishes Accident Investigation 3.Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment 4.: Education, training and careers in toxicology and environmental
Numerous times questions are asked and answered that are relevant to my position
A list of questions for dispatchers concerning WMD came along as our dispatchers were discussing compiling such a list. The document answered their questions and provided another resource.
Received good feedback on my request for help.
My city has multiple railroad grade crossings. A lot of Hazmat is transported through town.
Possible changes to tank car
Example form for SCBA inspections helped me redo my forms
Brought relevant regulations to my attention
I asked for info on MSDS sheet and, got the answer right away, that I passed on.
I stumbled across this site while searching for other material. I am only in this group a few months and I have found it a great source for information. As with all sites not all information is related to everyone's field of experience. I have passed the information on the group along to others and will continue to do so.
None right now.
Practical exercises or information.