When can the table of initial isolation and protective action distances be used to determine control zones?

The table of initial isolation and protective action distances is specifically designed to provide emergency responders with critical information on how far people should stay away from a hazardous material incident to ensure safety. This table is applicable under conditions where the material involved presents a risk but has not been ignited.

When the material is not on fire, it allows the responders to accurately assess the potential for exposure, vapor dispersion, and other risks associated with the substance involved. This is crucial for establishing control zones, as the distances can be determined based on the specific characteristics of the hazardous material, which include factors like its toxicity, state (gas, liquid, solid), and potential for physical reactions.

In cases where a material is contained, stable, or being transported, different safety considerations may apply, and the table may not be relevant or effective due to the changing dynamics associated with those scenarios. For instance, contained materials may not pose an immediate risk unless a breach occurs, and materials being transported could present risks that vary based on their movement and containment conditions. Hence, the focus on non-combustion scenarios allows for the most accurate and protective distance determinations using the table.