RESOURCES
Check out resources offered by Aristatek to learn more about PEAC Software and how we can better serve your mission. Request technical briefs, explore frequently asked questions, access the Newsletter Archive, and see what those in the industry are saying about PEAC.
TECH BRIEFS
PEAC has a library of technical briefs highlighting a variety of threats and disasters PEAC software can help mitigate and avoid from the start. See the full list below and request a copy by submitting the form below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the acronym PEAC stand for?
Palmtop Emergency Action for Chemical. PEAC is pronounced PĒĒK as in mountain peak. The original release of the software in late 1996 was written for an Apple Newton MessagePad 130, which was one of the first commercially available handheld computer or PDA (personal digital assistant) products, hence the “Palmtop” in the name.
Can the software be purchased using federal grant programs from US DOT and US DHS grants?
Yes, PEAC qualifies for both US Department of Transportation HMEP (Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness) grants and for most of the FEMA Preparedness Grant funding.
PEAC software is directly named as an ‘Allowable Expense’ in the US DOT HMEP grant language so long as the application states the software will be used for planning and training for HAZMAT emergencies.
Since PEAC meets multiple topics on the FEMA AEL (Approved Equipment List) category for Information Technology. A list of specific grants can be found on the RKB (Responder Knowledge Base) web site at www.rkb.us. Some of the commonly used grants are listed below:
- 1. Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP)
- 2. Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)
- 3. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program
- 4. Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
- 5. DHS Homeland Security Grant Programs (HSGP)
- a. Citizen Corps Program (CCP)
- b. Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) Program
- c. Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG)
- d. State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)
- e. Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Program
Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activity (LETPA) – focuses upon the prevention of terrorist attacks and provides law enforcement and public safety communities with funds to support intelligence gathering and information sharing. States are required to ensure that at least 25 percent of their SHSP award funds and at least 25 percent of their UASI award funds are dedicated towards law enforcement terrorism prevention-oriented planning.
Are there training materials or classes provided with the purchase of the software?
Yes – each copy of the software includes three resources to support an agency in fielding the application in their organization:
- A pdf file of the PEAC User’s Guide that documents the entire application and includes numerous screen shots and examples of how the application’s features are accessed and discussion as to the circumstances when a feature is applicable to specific hazards.
- A comprehensive tutorial that steps a user through all features of the application that includes numerous annotated screen captures.
- A library of video vignettes that run through individual features to demonstrate how a feature is executed.
There are also live monthly training webinars called PEAC ‘Training Tuesday’. All current PEAC customers are invited to these live sessions that cover a plethora of HAZMAT topics and corresponding PEAC features. If you are a customer and wish to be on our invite list for ‘Training Tuesday’ click here. (LINK TO TRAINING PAGE)
Live, off-site and on-site, instructor lead training is also available at an extra cost. Click here to learn more (LINK TO TRAINING PAGE)
Contact us at 877-912-2200 or at sales@arisatek.com if you have any additional questions about grants for PEAC.
What are the minimum hardware requirements for offline desktop Windows version of PEAC software?
Minimum
- Processor: Minimum of a 1.0 GHz Single Core (Intel compatible processor)
- OS: Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 or 11 (32 & 64 bit)
- .NET: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0, included as part of installation if not resident
- RAM: 2.0 GB
- Hard Drive: about 1 GB of available hard disk storage for data files, executable, and typical minimum offline map installation
Recommended
- Processor: 2.5 GHz MultiCore
- OS: Windows 7, 8,10 or 11 (32 & 64 bit)
- .NET: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0
- RAM: 4.0 GB
- Hard Drive: 1 GB of available hard disk storage for data files and executable
- Internet connectivity (recommended, but not required)
- Integrated GPS (recommended, but not required)
Hardware
Any laptop/tablet/computer running in a Windows OS environment.
If you have specific questions about your hardware, please contact our Tech Support staff and they can provide assistance.
Can we overlay the calculated exclusion zones or safe standoff distances for different hazards onto a map?
Yes. The desktop Windows version of PEAC software provides access to two different mapping tools that automatically overlays a calculated result on a map for locations.
The first tool referred to as the PEACMap Tool.
The second tool is an interface to the Google Earth application.
PEAC desktop software also creates ESRI shape files for the calculated polygons displayed on maps, which can be imported into third party mapping applications, such as ArcGIS. The PEAC software provides the CAP (Common Alerting Protocol) capability, which is an XML-based data format for exchanging public warning and emergencies between alerting technologies and frequently accepted by EOCs. The CAP file is generated automatically when a computational tool is used to create an exclusion zone or safe standoff distance.
What are your reference sources for the database?
This is a list of the primary references used to create the PEAC database and all of the following references are in the public domain.
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
- US Department of Transportation’s Emergency Response Guidebook
- 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 172, Hazardous Materials Table
- National Fire Protection Association, Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials
- CHRIS Manual (Chemical Hazards Response Information System), U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Coast Guard
- CAMEO, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C. and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA.
- DOD-supplied information for chemical warfare agents and precursors.Comment: Information learned as the result of the 1999 AristaTek contract with the Department of Defense was checked against information in the public domain. Only information in the public domain has been incorporated into the PEAC tool.
- Internet Source: ChemFinder (www.chemfinder.com)
- Material Safety Data Sheets for specific chemicals
- Lide, D. (editor). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75th edition, 1996. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.
- Dean, John (editor). Lange’s Handbook of Chemistry, either 12th (1979) or14th (1992) editions, McGraw Hill, N.Y., N.Y.
- Perry, R.H. and C.H. Chilton. Chemical Engineers Handbook. 5th edition, 1963. McGraw Hill, N.Y., N.Y.
- Daulert, T.E. and R.P. Danner. Physical and Chemical Properties of Pure Chemicals. 1992. Hemishere Publishing Company, Washington D.C.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. NTIS Chemistry Webbook. 1998.
- Budavari, Susan (editor). The Merck Index. 12th Edition. 1996. Merck and Company. Whitehouse Station, N.J.
- American Industrial Hygiene Association. Emergency Response Planning Guidelines for Chemicals. 1999.
- Craig, D.K., J.S. Davis, D.J. Hansen, A.J. Petrocchi, T.J. Powel, and T.E. Tuccinardi, Jr., 2000. “Derivation of Temporary Emergency Exposure Limits (TEELs). Journal of Applied Toxicology 20 11-2
- Waste Types 1 through 100 (UN numbers 9301 through 9400).
Comment: The North American Emergency Response Guidebooks (both 1996 and 2000 editions) lists UN numbers 9301 through 9400 for Waste Types 1 through 100. These are Canadian designations. The meaning of these designations has been incorporated into the PEAC tool using information supplied to AristaTek FAXED from Transport Canada. - Forsberg, K., and L.H. Keith. Chemical Protective Clothing: Permeation and Degradation Compendium. 1995. Lewis Publishers, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl.Comment: Permission was obtained from the publisher to incorporate information on chemical protective clothing into the PEAC tool.
How are data updates and facility data updates provided?
When a user launches their PEAC desktop software and is connected to the Internet, PEAC will automatically alert the user that ‘updates’ are available with the option to download at that time or a later date.
Updates is PEAC web software are automatically provided upon logging in.
How can I view an online demonstration?
AristaTek welcomes and encourages prospective customers and even current customers to take advantage of the online demonstration resources we offer. For most situations within a couple of minutes our staff can display PEAC software running on their PC and let the customer see first hand how the application and its many features are organized.
Can I install my own form templates?
Yes, but only with assistance from our Tech Support staff.
The pre-installed forms which are primarily the NIMS / ICS forms and the Chemtrec Hazardous Materials Exercise Request form can be augmented with additional form templates. The benefits to the users are the convenient access to regularly used forms that can be saved with information fields populated either at the scene or later in the office. The forms can be recalled, edited, printed or emailed to share with others as needed.
Please contact our Tech Support staff for more information on the specifics.
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
Major Greg Parker, Deputy Commander, 62nd CST WMD
“Recently we were involved in LARECON, a major exercise demonstrating many different technologies. The exercise was in Thibodaux, LA and the surrounding areas. LARECON was a huge success and the project is still ongoing.
During the exercise, our unit participated in the mock drill in which there were multiple incidents at multiple sites. The PEAC system proved once again to be an extremely useful tool in our toolbox, allowing the commander and staff to make quick informed decisions that would have saved lives if this had been a real situation.”
Clay Carter, Captain, Sacramento Fire Department (Special Operations Division)
“I have to tell you that my coworker, Joe Bales, cannot say enough nice things about your company. Every time that I have called you are tops in customer service. As you know we have three teams in the City of Sacramento and the folks in the field really…really enjoy using PEAC.“
Mitchell Gibbs, Manager, Emergency Services
“TEAM-1 Emergency Services is the leader in Spill Response in Ontario if not all of Canada. We are involved in chemical spills and releases to the natural environment on a daily basis. On a recent call to assist a local Police Service with the safe mitigation of a Clandestine Drug Lab, the PEAC system was put to the test.
When dealing with toxic chemicals it’s frustrating that there is no real one source of information to coordinate a response. One must search the NFPA, the NIOSH Guide the NAERG and then the product manufacturing catalogues for gloves, boots etc.
PEAC combines that information and provides it immediately.
Once we have identified the chemicals through the use of an IR Spectrometer, we access the PEAC system. This gives our HazMat Technicians the tools to safely enter, and provide mitigation of these toxic messes. To have the information available on a high tech device so we don’t have to flip through book after book is invaluable.”
We endorse the use of the Aristatek PEAC-WMD system and use it for all of our HazMat calls.
In our line of work we get calls from manufactures to try out their products and we have found Aristatek to be the best system and the best company for support.”
Matt Ratliff, Sterling Heights Fire Department
“WOW! The up-grade is fantastic. I will be training our HazMat team the 20th and 21st of this month. I showed it to a CBRNE operations class yesterday. They were very impressed!”
James Belcher, CN Railroad
“We had a derailment that included HazMat. On arrival, I worked with the Fire and Police Departments to coordinate activities necessary to get everything back in proper working order. The handheld pc with your software saved a lot of time and steps.
Using a battery operated HP printer and the infrared printing option, I was able to provide documentation for all facets of our operation, satisfying concerns of Police and Fire Officials. It was a great help, so much easier than pouring through the ERG, NIOSH and other books that we would typically use.”
Lenny Nesbitt, Fire Chief, Calhoun Fire Department
“The Calhoun Fire Department has been using PEAC for several years. I personally became aware of your unit several years ago at FDIC in Indy while instructing for ESE Training Associates, (we are now GSM Training Associates). The Calhoun, Gordon County, Dalton, Whitfield County, and Chatsworth Fire Departments have a Joint Regional Special Operations Team (Northwest Georgia Special Operations Team), that specializes in HazMat Response, Dive Rescue / Recovery, and Search and Rescue.
Our team was tasked to participate in the recent G-8 Summit held on Saint Simons and Sea Islands, Brunswick, Savannah, and the surrounding area. We were one of two “civilian” or non-military HazMat teams on duty. Our assignment was to provide initial HazMat response on Saint Simons Island, where we were stationed, for the local fire department, and also we were to provide backup and Decon for the 4th CST (4 th Military Civil Support Team) that was assigned duty on Sea Island where the dignitaries stayed and held the Summit.
The PEAC system was a very vital tool that we have trained with and were to use in our efforts of response at the G-8. The PEAC system, we felt would give us much needed, quick response information in a wide variety of situations dealing with many types of products. We were confident in the PEAC systems information and reliability due to having used it on other local calls and responses.
The 4th CST and our Team have trained together on many drills and have had live incidents that we have had the occasion to use the PEAC system. Each time it has proved to be a valuable tool in dealing with the problem at hand. In the case of the G-8 we had to be prepared to deal with anything from a protester with liquid bleach, to a type of explosive devise with other items attached, and the PEAC system provided us with information on most items that we thought that we could encounter. We feel that it is a very good tool for use in the Public Safety Response arena.”
MSG Rahem Batts, CBRNE Staff, 82nd Airborne Division
“The PEAC system provided the 82d Airborne Division Chemical Staff with a very useful tool to determine potential TIC/TIM hazards throughout Iraq. The system provided critical information in a timely manner to combat units in the field. It proved to be a valuable database for the entire division combat team in terms of its size and the user-friendliness of the program.”
Phil Currance EMT-P, RHSP Central NMRT-WMD
“I have been using the PEAC software package since 1997. The program has always been fast, user friendly and informative. The latest version, PEAC WMD, is an amazing update. Improvements have been made to both the index and the depth of information presented.
The new index format makes it extremely easy to search for chemical name and synonyms. Information has been upgraded to include chemical warfare information, meth-lab chemicals, radiological isotopes and explosive information. The depth of information is extensive. It now includes chemical information including ionization potential, for the use of photo ionization air monitoring devices, PPE and emergency response information.
The protective action distance (PAD) is the quickest and easiest to use plume-modeling function that I have ever seen. I use the software on both my laptop and my PDA. The PDA version allows me the flexibility to have the information that I need immediately available wherever and whenever I need it. The PEAC WMD software is my first choice when I need information during pre-planning or when responding to an emergency situation.”
Mike Callan, Callan & Company, Ltd. Middlefield, CT
“One of the impressive things to me about PEAC is that the developers did not just design the system in a vacuum. They went out to the HazMat and fire fighting community and got their input to develop a tool to serve needs in the real world.”
Daniel J. Robbins, LTC, Commander, 71st CST-WMD
“I have had your product for two years, and now have the WMD upgrade. The PEAC is one of the most important tools that I use. It is extremely helpful in determining safety and stand-off areas. I also use it throughout the incident for information such as chemical properties, chemical weapons precursors, and radiation isotopes.
The PEAC is very helpful tool for the HAZMAT Chief and the Incident Commander who have limited time for researching multiple manuals for information.”
Robert J. Stuart, CPT, MS, GaARNG, 4th WMD-CST, Survey Team Leader
“I’ve just spent a few days working with the demo version of PEAC-WMD and also used it during Technical Escort course at Redstone and have been pleased with the results and the ease of use. Even though the original PEAC program was revolutionary, the new program focused on WMD should serve to make our jobs much easier. Having this database on the pocket PC platform makes it ideal for minimizing the load in a rapid response.
Hope to acquire at least one of these per response vehicle on the team within the next budget cycle. Thanks for your help.”
Louis Ritter, Emergency Preparedness Planner/MMRS Coordinator, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
“When our Hazardous Materials Team requested that I purchase an upgrade for their PEAC 2.0 for their Palmtop, I downloaded a trial for myself, just to see what the software could do for us. I was so impressed by the amount of available information; I not only requested the Palmtop upgrade but also purchased a PEAC WMD license for our Mobile Command Center. There are many programs on the market that offer the same information contained in the PEAC software package but none of them compare to the simplicity of operation offered by PEAC.”
Sue Taylor, Fire Chief
“Ehrenberg Fire District is located on the western border of Arizona on Interstate 10. Being on one of the main truck corridors, we have major truck traffic and the obligatory truck travel plaza. We have responded to this travel plaza several times and have encountered many different HazMat situations. I believe purchasing PEAC is the best thing that has happened to help rescuers with dangerous chemicals and situations. It is so simple to use and provides much needed information with a few strokes of the pen. All the volunteers in my Department find the PEAC to be an excellent resource tool and are able to utilize it quickly and easily.”
Larry Kautzman, MPC, Colstrip, MT
“Since we have received our PEAC we have only had a couple of occasions to actually put it to use in other than a learning mode, and it performed admirably. We have started to use it to retrieve chemical information sheets, rather than go to our own computer data base, or attempt to find a reliable search engine for the World Wide Web to obtain MSDSs. Our CPD Fire Brigade find both the hose and foam calculators to be valuable tools.”
Chuck Massie, HAZ-MATTERS, Rapid City, SD
“I want to let you know that I am pleased to be able to show the PEAC to the students in the HAZWOPER class I taught this week. In one exercise each person had to use several different resources to gather specific information on different chemicals. Each student began using the various resource books that were available. Every student was eagerly waiting their turn to pull up their chemicals on PEAC. Before the exercise was over everyone had learned how to use the PEAC. All agreed that it was definitely the best source of information and the handiest piece of equipment with such useful information.”
George Peters, Wilton Fire Department, CT
“Our Department held a Hazardous Materials Operations Level Refresher with both on-duty and off-duty personnel. At the end of the refresher there was a drill. Three personnel were assigned to research, two with our usual reference manuals and one on the phone to a chemical spill referral service. The only information provided to the participants were the shipping papers containing six chemical names and the fact that it was a leaking liquid that smelled like ammonia.
I stood off to the side and, with less than one hour of previous practice, used PEAC. I was able to run the list by myself, identify the leaking chemical, select the proper level of protective clothing and determine the size of the recommended evacuation area based on our local on-scene situation.
Your PEAC unit let me do all of that faster than the research team could identify the chemical. It is very simple to use, fast, accurate and overall, very impressive.”
Vance Bennett, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, San Luis Obispo, CA
“We ran across PEAC and gave it a try in some of our HazMat technician and specialist classes. We now use three systems in those classes. Which one do responders use in our exercises? PEAC.
It gives them the information they need right away and they don’t have to have a computer there to do it. They get what they want from a handheld device with long battery life and a truly easy-to-use operation system. All of this with virtually no training.
PEAC gives responders information they need immediately in a package that takes up no more room than a cellular phone and doesn’t require expensive and time-consuming support.”
Gerald L. Brooks, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Wabash County Health Department
“I received the training on the PEAC WMDv5 Decision Support Tool on August 28, 2007, in Houston, TX. The PEAC arrived at my office on August 30, 2007. On Friday, September 7 (exactly a week and a day later), we had the first HAZMAT incident to which we deployed the PEAC.
The MABAS 52 Hazmat Team responded under mutual aid to the Grayville, IL Fire Department. A semi-tractor trailer hauling high-calcium lime caught fire when its load became wet in a rainstorm. The driver received treatment for first and second degree burns causing a endothermic reaction.
When I first responded, I found several members of our Team scouring hazardous materials references trying to identify the substance involved. When I advised the IC that I had the PEAC, the IC advised me to respond to the scene.
At the scene, there was a lot of confusion as to the exact nature of the material involved. The fact that one victim received burns caused us to have an over abundance of caution on how to proceed. When we finally received the correct information on the product carried on the truck, I was able to use the PEAC and advise the IC as to its properties, hazards, and appropriate level of PPE. The IC was initially skeptical of the information because the PEAC was new and untested. However, EPA and the product manufacturer verified the information by phone.
We were able to stand down from our full HAZMAT response and rescind the evacuation order for the surrounding community in Grayville. Needless to say, we have a new-found respect and confidence in the PEAC WMDv5. It is now a routine tool in our HAZMAT response. The MABAS 52 Hazmat Team is made up of volunteers from area fire departments. The Wabash County Health Department is also a member and fills the roles of Safety/Science Officer using the PEAC as our primary reference resource. We also have access to WISER, CAMEO,ALOHA, and MARPLOT on our laptop computer.
The Incident made front page news in “The Navigator and Journal Register,” Volume 13-140, Number 5-37, Wednesday, September 12, 2007.
This grant was so beneficial, we applied for another CEDAP grant this year and were fortunate enough to win approval for another technological tool for our HAZMAT Team. In 2009, we should receive a Radiation Detection First Responder Kit.”