I am a firefighter and I am interested in hazmat. Can anyone tell me what that part of firefighting is about?
Answers:
Hazmat:
Stands for-Hazardous Materials
Class length: 4 hours generally
What is it about:
Learn how to use the standard book designed to teach a user how to use the book.
You will learn to use the book by using a chemical name and search the book to find out what to do with citizens,
if the chemical is flammable, hazardous, and where to find them.
For ex. you see a tanker carrying gasoline and it wrecks and liquid is all the ground. The book provides how to take care of the chemical, and will show you what type of placards you will see. There are symbols for everything. It will provide how far you should keep distance from the substance and if you should wear SCBA.
The book is called Emergency Responce Guidebook
The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2004) was developed jointly by the US Department of Transportation, Transport Canada, and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of Mexico (SCT) for use by firefighters, police, and other emergency services personnel who may be the first to arrive at the scene of a transportation incident involving a hazardous material. It is primarily a guide to aid first responders in (1) quickly identifying the specific or generic classification of the material(s) involved in the incident, and (2) protecting themselves and the general public during this initial response phase of the incident. The ERG is updated every three to four years to accommodate new products and technology. The next version is scheduled for 2008.
This class is rather boring and highly easy. I have taken this class atleast 2 times so far to stay updated because there are so many new chemicals coming out every day.
You will learn more though on how to use the book just by looking at placards on object to refer them in the book to say how destructive they can react.
Hazmat stands for "Hazardous Materials"
It has to do with chemicals - gases, explosives, etc - that are particularly dangerous.
When you see them suited up in what looks like bulky aluminum foil suits? That's for Hazmat.
Best of luck.
Most Firefighters are trained to the awareness level. Which includes learning how to use the ERG and identifying different hazardous materials and performing evacuations if necessary.
The next level is the operations level which requires at least 160 hours of specialized training in handling and mitigating hazardous materials. They learn how to wear the level A, B, & C suits and work in them. This training is required by NFPA 442.
The next level is HazMat Technician, wich is the team leader. This person is trained at an even higer level to take a crew into a HazMat enviroment. Training for this is also covered in NFPA 442.
The final level is the HazMat Incident Commander. This person is responsible for the overall HazMat incident and personell operating within the area.
Firefighters trained above the awareness level are usually part of a regional HazMat team and may be deployed to areas outside of their deparmant due to the cost of training and equipment. Most departments can't afford to have a team at their disposal or on staff, so they usuall rely on a regional team.
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