Introducing the NEW PEAC-WMD Version 5.0!

And a whole new aristatek.com website too!

Released this month, this is the latest upgrade of the best HAZMAT information system ever!

The new PEAC-WMD Version 5.0 for Windows and the Pocket PC was recently released.  With the same look and feel as previous PEAC-WMD versions, this new application has several new beneficial features, even more hazardous materials in the database, and also includes several standard HAZMAT reference sources right in the stand-alone PEAC-WMD program!

This patented new version includes all the capabilities of the previous versions – the one-of-a-kind proprietary vapor cloud modeling in the PAD calculator, QuickList, chemical protective clothing (CPC) database, and explosion calculator.  Significant increases have been made in the substances in the database as with past updates. 

The pesticide database has been expanded, not only in the number of substances, which now includes all of the extremely hazardous pesticides, but the data content has increased to provide the user with the critical information needed.

The radioactive isotope database has just about doubled in size with additional listings on Gamma energies and daughter isotopes, plus the calculation of travel distances for Beta particles in different conditions.

The CPC index has been updated with ~2,400 additional entries.

Along with the addition of a substantial increase in the number of hazardous materials added to the database, the user now has the benefit of assessment tools that give the First Responder additional information previously not available to protect themselves and the public. 

·        Problems encountered at real-world incidents, such as when different chemicals come in contact, can now be evaluated with guidance as to what potential reactions may occur.

·        Another concern, when multiple hazardous materials are involved in a single incident, is how to keep track of which substances are involved and how to quickly jump from one substance to another as the incident unfolds.  Now the user can create a separate list of just the substances involved, save the list, and retrieve it later.  The list still allows display of all the information available from the application; it just puts the required substances in a “Working Entries” list.

·        For the same incident where multiple substances are involved another question is which substance posses the greatest hazard to personnel or the public.  With a single click the “Working Entries” list can generate a “Threat Matrix” that displays quickly but clearly what are the different hazards presented by each substance in the group. 

·        Instant access to the DOT ERG and its “Table of Placards and Initial Response Guides to Use On-Scene” are just a click away.  Once the correct placard type is identified, another click provides the basic procedures to use when dealing with the hazardous material.

·        If the unthinkable happens and the First Responder has to manage a mass casualty event caused by some unknown agent, the NBC Indicator Matrix can assess the symptoms displayed by the victims and provide an indication of the type of agent that may be involved.

·        Every IC (Incident Commander) strives to meet the recommendation of using three reference resources when making decisions at a HAZMAT incident.  The PEAC-WMD application naturally provides the multiple databases which have always been available, and now expanded.  In addition, the user now has access to standard references from within the application as a separate resource displayed in its original form.

·        The First Responder always has forms, checklists, SOPs, procedures or information specific to their organization they have to access during an incident.  The PEAC-WMD application provides an easy method to import those materials to the application and be viewable and printable directly from the application.

As always, the PEAC technology is based on reducing the burden of the IC during a HAZMAT or WMD event by making available the required information in simple and easy-to-digest pieces.  Whether the information is from a database, performing calculations, or the ability to assess and analyze a set of conditions, the objective is to simplify the entire process for the IC, and to access the results easily and fast. 

Saving Seconds – Saves Lives!

THE NEW FEATURES

The Reactivity List The “Chemical Reactivity List” allows the user to select different chemicals or substances and see how they will react in different pair combinations.  It will show which pairs react, and the potential reactions that will occur.

The Working Entries List The “Working Entries List” lets the user create a separate list of chemicals and substances that can be saved, retrieved, and edited later.  Lists can be created for a variety of purposes to meet the needs of the user for the particular event.  An example is recording the hazardous materials stored in a specific location during an inspection.  The list can be recalled and displayed later if an incident occurs at the location. Another example would be if multiple chemicals are involved in an incident.  As the substances involved are identified, with a single click , the entry is added to the list.  The user can then display the list and access any of the info from the PEAC databases.  The advantage is that whether the list contains 2 or 20+ substances, they’re all quickly assessable.  It’s similar to the Quicklist but now you can create the Quicklist and give it a name for later recall.

The ERG Placards When the only identifying markings on a hazardous material container is a placard, the user has quick access to the proven DOT ERG methodology. The new PEAC-WMD version now has the DOT ERG placards found in the “Table of Placards and Initial Response Guides to Use On-scene”.  When dealing with incidents, the user can scroll through the placards, click on the applicable placard group, and retrieve initial response information as found in the ERG “orange pages”.

The Threat Matrix The “Threat Matrix” utility allows the user to display or view a “snapshot” of selected chemicals in a table. With just one click, the user can sort them as needed according to the threat deemed most important.  The user can also click on any one chemical to toggle between it's specific information and the Threat Matrix. The “Threat Matrix” provides information for each entry from the PAD value from the ERG “green pages”, NFPA 704 hazard classification system ratings for health, flammability, stability, and the published IDLH value.

The NBC Indicator Matrix When an event involving mass casualties is encountered and the cause can’t be determined by container markings or sensor/detector systems to give positive identification, the responder is left with symptoms as the best indicator.  The “NBC Indicator Matrix” allows the user to specify observed symptoms of mass casualties and assess the possible agents that could have ‘probable cause’ for the event.

Reference Information Meeting the guideline to use three different references resources can be cumbersome and time consuming.  The PEAC-WMDv5 program now includes most of the commonly used reference sources.  These are: the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), the ATSDR’s Medical Management Guidelines (MMG), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Pocket Guide (NPG), and the USCG’s CHRIS Manual.  The user can access and use these references right in the self-contained PEAC-WMD program.  For users that are required to have such references for incident documentation, they are readily available, where and when the user needs them.  The user can also print pages from them, which can be easily attached to reports and forms.

  

The Search utility Sometimes there are no labels, no sensor/detector, or analytical technology to identify a released substance.  Then the user must deduce by other means what the substance might be.  The “Search” utility allows the user to enter physical properties or characteristics of a substance, or symptoms observed in people exposed to the substance, and display a list of entries from the database that match the search terms.

  

Global & Indexed Information No software application has all the information a responder uses on a regular basis, particularly the information unique to their organization and information that may change periodically.  Now the responder is given the freedom they’ve been looking for.  One of the most notable new features of this version is also referred to as User-Defined information.  The user can now input their forms, documents, and references into the PEAC‑WMD program.  Any html (.htm, .html) and text (.txt) file can be integrated into the program.  "Global" data is information the user wants access to regardless of what substance is selected.  The "Indexed" data is information that the user attaches to a specific chemical and only appears when that chemical is selected.

Other new features In addition, the new PEAC-WMD program will automatically create “log” files.  Every time the user accesses the program, an activity log is updated.   As before, every time the user calculates a PAD for an incident, a “results file” is created.  Now these files can be recalled, viewed and printed from within the PEAC‑WMD program. AristaTek has not only added thousands of chemicals and substances to the database, but there are also additional filters for easier and quicker retrieval of information. There are added glossary and “zoom” features to the PEAC-WMD program.  The Glossary capability can be turned on and off. When on, terms found in the glossary will be highlighted. A definition for those terms will be displayed when the user clicks on the selected item.  The “zoom” icon allows toggling between full and split screen views. The new PEAC-WMD Version 5 looks only slightly different in the Windows desktop format.  The layout and appearance is basically the same. Additional icons have been included to account for the new features.  The fonts and text sizes also make it easier to read the information in the PEAC program. The Pocket PC format also looks and functions the same, but has much more to see.  The new icons are added to the bottom, and like the desktop format, there is a lot more color.  It has all the functions, features, and capabilities of the Windows (desktop) version.  Even though the program looks the same, new technology and data handling has gone into the making of this new version. One of the immediate benefits allows the user to customize the program for their own uses and needs. The new release has changes behind the visual appearance that the user does not really get to see.  These "behind the scene" features will give the application more power and flexibility which will be more evident to the user in future updates and releases.

OUR NEW WEBSITE We also have a new website. There is a new look with new pages, and functions that allow licensed users of the PEAC-WMD program to view new training videos, obtain installation validation codes and download program updates. There are many other features and pages on the AristaTek website.  A few more features may be added and updated in upcoming months.  As product updates are developed, they will be available for download directly from the website. The new database structure utilized in the PEAC‑WMD application will allow the user to download upgrades and additions to the database directly from the AristaTek web site.  With the new User-Defined data importing capabilities, AristaTek will periodically post new data files that can be imported directly into the application and automatically become available the next time the application is started.

MORE GOOD NEWS

There are also new ruggedized laptops, tablets, and PDAs in the market.  These are ideally paired with PEAC-WMD Version 5 to go into the most hazardous situations.  For more information, go to http://www.tds.com/ and http://www.itronix.com/.  These products provide the features you need, combined with the specifications you require, and the latest technology.  This is an excellent opportunity to upgrade hardware as well.

The PEAC-WMD V5 for both Windows and PPC includes a new tutorial and a new User's Guide on the CD which are installed onto the user's computer.  The upgrade CD for Windows also has a series of training videos that can be viewed to assist in the training process and to help in maintaining proficiency of all personnel using the application.   This simplifies the training requirements and ensures personnel are utilizing the PEAC-WMD tool in a consistent and proper manner regardless of their level of experience. Similar training videos for the Pocket PC version will soon be available for download from our website.

With the addition of the logging feature, supervisors and evaluators of exercises can assess personnel proficiency in using the PEAC-WMD tool and gauge what retraining, if any, needs to be scheduled.

Take a look at the new PEAC-WMD V5 and see why it is standard issue equipment – the must-have HAZMAT information system.

Copyright 2004 AristaTek, Inc., All rights reserved.