In this episode, Jake and Bob, sit down to chat about exposure limits, looking at them through an industrial hygienist’s lens and a “Haz Mat Response” perspective. We’ll cover a mix of the common ones, the lesser-known ones, and a few you might not really care about, but knowing them can help you sound sharp when you’re talking with people on scene.

Also, quick heads-up: the show’s format is shifting a bit. We’ll be bringing on regular guests, and some episodes will have Bob and/or Mike stepping back so others can jump in with their own takes and opinions. We hope you enjoy the change, stick around, and keep growing with us.

We're not going to plan on doing these often, but periodically it's nice to let everybody know what's going on with what we're doing, where the show's going, and get your input. Take a listen.

We had great traction with the last AI episode, so we dived a little deeper and created a miniseries on the topic. More to come on this one, so strap in, this landscape is shifting quickly.

We had great traction with the last AI episode, so we dived a little deeper and created a miniseries on the topic. More to come on this one, so strap in, this landscape is shiftingquickly.

EPISODE SPONSORS
Rigaku Analytical Devices
Rigaku provides handheld Raman analyzers for first responders facing unknown hazards. Their 1064 nm Raman technology reduces fluorescence interference, enabling chemical identification in under a minute—even in difficult samples. Rigaku’s fourth-generation platform expands accessory support to help teams assess hazards faster and safer.
https://www.rigakuanalytical.com
Teledyne FLIR Defense
CBRNE threats don’t wait for safe locations. Teledyne FLIR Defense equips responders, security professionals, and military personnel with real-time detection tools for mobile, fixed, and covert deployment. From handheld trace detectors to autonomous bio-monitors, their technology ensures rapid threat recognition and evidence-quality documentation in any environment.
https://defense.flir.com
908 Devices
908 Devices delivers handheld chemical analysis tools addressing fentanyl exposure, toxic industrial hazards, and global security threats. Responders use these devices to rapidly detect, identify, and monitor thousands of chemical hazards—bulk or trace—directly at the point of need.
https://www.908devices.com
ObexionFR
ObexionFR is a mobile solution for lithium-ion battery fires developed by former FDNY HazMat experts. It neutralizes fires by addressing heat, oxygen, and fuel—cooling batteries, isolating oxygen, and preventing re-ignition while maintaining safe gas levels.
https://www.obexionfr.com
Fire Suppression Solutions (FSS)
Fire Suppression Solutions, based in Slinger, Wisconsin, is the U.S. master distributor for advanced suppression technologies. Their partnership with LifeSafe Technologies delivers TRF (Thermal Runaway Fluid), proven through testing to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires. Products include A & B fire solutions and BSI-rated systems across 10 categories, including lithium-ion batteries.
https://www.firesuppressionsolutions.com
TRAINING & RESOURCES
thehazmatguys.com
thehazmatguys.com/training
thehazmatguys.com/contact
BOOKS & PRODUCTS
NHERD Volume 1 — link
NHERD Volume 2 — link
Are You Compliant? — link
Building a HazMat Team — link
You Suck at Teaching HazMat — link
NERHD: The Game — link
MEDIA NETWORK
Hazard Class — link
Industrial Strength: Haz Mat Harder — link
MERCH
thehazmatguys.com/store
FOLLOW
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Don’t just get on the job. Get into it.™Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Sport Rock & Workout

Guests

John Glazier

• Packaging Engineer (RIT graduate)

• 25+ years in chemical and dangerous goods packaging

• Representative at DGO, specializing in lithium-ion battery containment and transport

• Expert in third-party testing, thermal runaway mitigation, and DOT-compliant packaging

Contact:

• Email: jglazier@dgo.com

John Orlando

• Retired Fire Marshal with FDNY (27 years)

• Former Supervising Fire Marshal specializing in origin-and-cause investigations

• Founder of Orlando Safety Solutions

• Instrumental in developing NYC’s lithium-ion battery task force

• Focused on responder exposure, toxic gases, and real-world fire behavior

Contact:

• LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook (search John Orlando – Orlando Safety Solutions)

Some more info on this product:

https://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Obexion-FR-Product-Sheet.pptx

https://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Obexion-AG-Info-Sheet.pdf

https://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DGeoxSoteria-Testing-Report-30-gallon-poly-drum-Final.pdf

https://www.labelmaster.com/obexionfr

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

0:17 – 2:04 | Introductions & Backgrounds

• Meet the guests and their professional paths

• John Orlando’s transition from fire suppression to fire investigation

• Why lithium-ion batteries became a major focus post-2016

2:05 – 6:22 | The Battery Fire Problem

• Why lithium-ion battery fires are underreported

• The rise of e-bikes, scooters, and consumer devices

• Limitations of sand, water, vermiculite, and salt baths

6:23 – 11:20 | Why Traditional Methods Fall Short

• Weight and transport challenges of water- and sand-filled drums

• Re-ignition risks due to stranded energy

• Firefighter exposure to toxic gases and VOCs

11:21 – 13:44 | A New Approach to Mitigation

• Introduction to reactive substrates like Accugrain

• How materials activate at ~60°C

• Filtering toxic gases, acids, and VOCs during thermal runaway

13:44 – 17:00 | Testing, Data, and Validation

• Third-party lab testing at 100% state of charge

• Simulating worst-case “jet engine” thermal runaway scenarios

• EPA testing showing reduced HF and VOC levels

17:01 – 19:55 | The Scale of the Problem

• Why every structure fire is now a lithium-ion incident

• Fire statistics continuing to rise year over year

• The disconnect between awareness and reality

19:56 – 20:49 | Managing Large Battery Volumes

• Handling hundreds of batteries safely

• DOT-compliant poly bins designed for high-energy loads

• Long-term storage and roadway transport considerations

20:50 – 23:22 | Deployment for First Responders

• What should be carried on chief vehicles vs. hazmat units

• Why fire departments—not civilians—should handle overpacking

• Making battery mitigation as standard as axes and Halligans

23:22 – 24:06 | Closing Thoughts & Contact Info

• Where responders can learn more

• Encouragement to test, verify, and adopt safer solutions

• Final thanks and wrap-up

Key Takeaways

• Lithium-ion battery fires are not rare events—they’re embedded in modern fire response.

• Traditional suppression methods may cool flames but do not neutralize toxicity or re-ignition risks.

• Reactive materials that cool, encapsulate, and filter gases can dramatically improve responder safety.

• Every department should rethink its standard equipment loadout to include battery mitigation tools.

We had great traction with the last AI episode, so we dived a little deeper and created a miniseries on the topic. More to come on this one, so strap in, this landscape is shifting quickly.