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Preparedness · Hazardous Materials Training

The Hazardous Materials Training Unit provides hazardous materials training to first responders throughout the State of Washington. As described in RCW 70.136.030, the Washington State Patrol is designated as the Incident Command Agency in any hazardous materials incident on or along any state route or interstate freeway corridors, as well as within any jurisdiction that has not designated an incident command agency. The Washington State Patrol is also directed by RCW 70.136.035 to provide assistance at the scene of hazardous materials incidents where a separate agency is designated as the incident command agency.

Hazardous Materials Awareness, Operations, Technician, Chemistry, and On-Scene Incident Command training is funded by a federal grant from the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) program.

HazMat Course Offerings


There is no registration charge of any of these classes. Meals and lodging will be the responsibility of the student attending. For further information on any of the listed courses or schedule, please contact the Hazardous Materials Unit at:

Training Prerequisites - A Minimum of Hazardous Materials Operations is required for attendance to the On-Scene Incident Command, the Awareness and Operations Train-the-trainer, and the Technician courses.

 


Hazardous Materials On-Scene Incident Command

    Course Schedule

  • October 24-26, 2008, Yakima Fire Dept. Training Center
  • December 15-18, 2008, WSP Academy; Shelton
  • January 21-23, 2009, Kent Fire Department
  • February 9-12, 2009, WSP Academy; Shelton
  • April 20-23, 2009, Vancouver Fire
  • June 15-18, 2009, WSP Academy; Shelton
  • September 25-27, 2009, Spokane 10

* Classes at the WSP Academy in Shelton begin at 1300 on the first day of the class and end at 1200 on day 4.

This Course is designed to meet the training requirements in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 (q)(v) and WAC 296-824 for incident commanders at a hazardous materials incident. Our course is designed to give participants the knowledge and skills necessary to manage all types of hazardous materials incidents. It will provide emergency responders and industrial personnel with incident operations and management responsibilities the tools to effectively manage emergency incidents.

    Course Content

  • Identifying the Problem
  • Protective Clothing and Equipment
  • Analyzing the Problem
  • Utilization of Resources
  • Hazardous Materials Regulations
  • Evacuation vs. Shelter-in-Place
  • Planning for the Hazardous Materials Incident
  • Media Relations

HazMat Materials Technician

    Course Schedule

  • April 6-10, 2009, Fire Training Academy; North Bend
  • June 22-26, 2009, Fire Training Academy; North Bend
  • September 14-18, 2009, Fire Training Academy; North Bend

This 40 hour class which is compliant with WAC 296-824, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 and NFPA recommended competencies will include the following subjects:

  • Recognition and identification (review)
  • Response chemistry
  • Environmental regulations
  • Radioactive materials
  • Toxicology
  • Medical surveillance
  • Air monitoring and equipment
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Decontamination procedures
  • Medical monitoring
  • Spill control / containment
  • Practical field exercise
  • Written examination

Chemistry for Emergency Response

    Course Schedule

  • December 1-5, 2008, Bellingham Fire Department
  • March 2-6, 2009, Spokane 10

This 1 week course is designed to prepare the responder to function safely at the scene of a hazardous materials incident by understanding the potential hazards. This is accomplished by gaining recognition of chemical nomenclature and basic principles of chemistry in order to assess risks to responders and the public. The course seeks to convey to first responders or prevention personnel a sound understanding of the basic chemistry of hazardous materials to permit them to correctly assess the threat posed by hazardous materials incidents that may occur accidentally or intentionally.

Problem-solving sessions and interactive discussion cover topics such as salts and inorganic non-salts, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives, and hydrocarbon radicals. Applying the science of chemistry to thermodynamics, volatility, and combustion provides real-world opportunities. An understanding of basic chemistry is helpful to receive maximum benefit from the course.

 


Awareness-Operations Train the Trainer

    Course Schedule

  • November 17-19, 2008, Tumwater Fire Department
  • February 16-18, 2009, Spokane 10
  • August 17-19, 2009, Kent Fire Department

This 24 hour course will prepare instructors to deliver hazardous materials response training at the Awareness and Operations levels. It is designed to meet the training requirements for those trainers of individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property or the environment and includes the new NFPA 472 competencies.

Participants will be involved in both technical training and exercises to practice the skills needed to teach a safe and competent response to hazardous materials emergency. Topics include Hazard and Risk Asssessment, Selection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment, Basic Control Measures and Decontamination.


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