SAN JOSE, Calif., 24 October 2006. RAE Systems Inc., a provider of rapidly deployable sensor networks for identifying safety and security threats in real time, has introduced HazRAE Version 3.0.

HazRAE is a chemical/biological/radiological and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) decision support and cross-referenced database application that provides first responders and industrial users with real-time answers ranging from traditional hazardous materials incident response to terrorist-related incidents. HazRAE's technology is the first software tool of its type to earn the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's SAFETY ACT designation as an effective anti-terrorism product.

"HazRAE is now deployed with more than 250 first responders, in particular, hazardous material teams who encounter unknown substances in their work," says Thomas Negre, director of instrumentation products for RAE Systems. "It is being used in industrial settings where chemical, biological, and radioactive agents are used. HazRAE lets users customize pre-plans for known response scenarios. For both responder and industrial applications, HazRAE provides a way to quickly identify what is present, how to respond, and what precautions to take, all in a portable or PC based solution."

HazRAE 3.0 enables users to search through more than 5000 chemicals, agents, and compounds by either name or by description to bring the total of cataloged compounds to more than 96,000.

HazRAE can run on Windows PCs or handheld devices. Users can also search by simple descriptions such as a "greenish gas, heavier than air."

New features include a Blast Tab that provides improvised explosive device (IED) and improvised nuclear device (IND) standoff information, as well as detonator search and identification capabilities.

Also included are road/rail/cargo container placard identification tools to decode the contents of a container and where it came from. The new linked Signs & Symptoms and Discovery tabs narrow down possibilities even faster.

Reachback capabilities give users access to the latest internet databases for chemical properties, health effects and response guidelines. Additionally, HazRAE users can save customized references in the HazRAE application database.