THMG525 – Smells, Swell and Tells

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THMG525 – Smells, Swell and Tells

December 05, 2025

After a recent class, we got to think about how, in hazmat, we’re always told to avoid using our five senses. But honestly, we don’t always follow that advice ourselves. In this episode, we dig into how your senses might actually help you out in certain situations. Give it a listen!

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Episode Overview

Mike and Bob explore the controversial but unavoidable reality of using your senses, especially smell and sound—during hazmat operations. While formal training warns against relying on them, real-world responders know that scent, sight, and sound can offer critical early warnings. This episode walks listeners through how to responsibly integrate sensory clues into size-ups, what smells mean chemically, and why understanding these signs can enhance safety—if applied cautiously.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

3:57 – 5:50 | Using Senses: Theory vs. Field Reality