This course was designed to allow emergency
responders to meet those requirements as set forth in the OSHA Regulations and promulgated by the EPA.
The regulations state that all emergency responders must have annual
refresher training to maintain their competency or must demonstrate their
competency to their employer at least annually.
The course is not designed to instruct all
components of the Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness Level, but
to address and review those key items that must be understood by all
responders. The course will also address any new issues, regulations,
codes, etc. that may have been introduced during the year. The course will
be reviewed each year, and any changes in response procedures or the above
mentioned regulations will be implemented into the curriculum.
Class participants will be given the
opportunity to review the key components of hazardous materials response.
They will discuss the definition of hazardous materials and the risks
associated with response. Identification of hazardous materials, placards
and labels and containers will be reviewed, hazard classes and divisions
along with the potential harm from different materials will be reviewed, and
shipping papers and other means of positive identification will be
discussed.
Class participants will also review the
military markings utilized, fixed facility markings, material safety data
sheets, and the proper use of detection clues. Issues addressing response
to terrorism incidents, and safe and effective response procedures will be
reviewed. The North American Emergency Response Guidebook will be utilized
by the students with all sections of the guidebook explained and reviewed.
Each individual will have the opportunity to validate for themselves their
knowledge of all subject matter by participating in three segment question
and answer evaluations.
The course will enforce the proper response
methods to be used and will make sure they understand that they are to take
no further action beyond notification of the proper authorities of the
emergency with the exception of those specific steps that are set forth in
the first responders emergency response plan as deemed proper by the
individual’s employer.