Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Practice Exam

What term describes materials under pressure that may be flammable or poisonous?

1. Gases

2. Solids

3. Liquids

4. Oxidizers

The correct answer is: Gases

The term that best describes materials under pressure that may be flammable or poisonous is gases. Gases are often stored in pressurized containers and can pose risks due to their ability to expand rapidly, create flammable mixtures, or release toxic fumes when released into the environment. This is particularly relevant in emergency response situations, where awareness of the nature of these materials is critical for safety and effective handling. Flammable gases can ignite when they come into contact with an ignition source, while toxic gases can pose immediate health hazards through inhalation. The volatility and dispersal properties of gases make them particularly hazardous under pressure, differentiating them from solids and liquids, which do not typically share the same risk profiles in this context. Understanding the characteristics of gases is essential for public safety telecommunicators when responding to incidents that involve hazardous materials.