Why HAZMAT Training is Necessary For Rescue Professionals

Our roads and rail lines are circulatory systems of our society, delivering millions of commodities and raw materials to their location every day. Many of these products include hazardous ingredients that require special documentation, packaging, labeling and transport regulations. US and international law requires that those involved in the handling, transport and packaging of these ingredients receive HAZMAT training and certification. This is the very training required by fire fighters and police officials as well. Since Sept. 11, HAZMAT training has taken important prominence in the preparation of all emergency officials. HAZMAT training is necessary for rescue professionals because they are often the first on the scene.

Types

3 main types of HAZMAT training exist, including IMDG for international ocean shipments, IATA for international air shipments, and 49 CFR for domestic US rail, truck, barge, ocean and air shipments. Ideally, training should be obtained for all forms of transport so that emergency responders can be prepared for anything.

Know Your Materials

One of the first lessons in HAZMAT training is to know what materials are hazardous in the first place. First responders are the first to arrive at the scene, so they are often the first to detect a hazardous material. It's important to know when you are dealing with something that calls for a team of specialists. Small HAZMAT situations can be stemmed by spraying a protective foam or spreading a drying compound over spills, but more serious contaminants may require isolating an area and calling in a special clean up team. Knowing what substances to look for is the first step in making that call.

Time Frame

For employees handling hazardous materials, training must take place within 90 days of employee start date. It typically takes 3 to 4 business days for each mode of transport. 49-CFR training and IMDG ocean training must be done every 3 years. IATA air training must be done every 2 years. Re-certification takes less time than the initial training, generally being completed in a day or 2. All training requires a written exam that will need to be passed for certification.

Changing World

The world moves pretty fast, and we're required to keep up with it, whether you are a first responder or just handle hazardous materials as part of your job. In this day and age of terrorism, it's important to be up on the latest training so you can quickly react to any situation.