HazMat Ops refresher training

[Guest]

OK the OSHA standars do not show how many hours of traing you need for haz mat operational. Think it is funny that people say 8 hours of training 16 hours of training when it does not say any hours in the OSHA standard. Being a volunteer since 1991 who has the time to get the training they need every year. I believe in training but the hours for refresher class is a bit much. How does your dept. do there haz mat refresher and who does it for you?

Edited February 4, 2010 by Chiefbpfd41

[ohbdow1 6]

See if this helps...

OSHA & OFPC on HZMT.pdf

[dougeng41 1]

As you can see from the attached quotes taken today from OSHA's website the numbers you hear thrown around come from their requirements for intial training. The awareness level does not state any hours but as the last poster put up, FF's can not be trained to awareness.

The big thing most people do not realize is that you do not have to take a refresher course. OSHA allows you to demonstrate your competency BUT, you better be ready to DOCUMENT!, DOCUMENT!!, DOCUMENT!!! It can not just be a simple sheet the the dept. training officer/chief signs and says you did it.

So the easiest thing to do is take the classes.

The other issue with haz mat training is alot of individuals who ride the front right seat do not have enough initial haz mat training to meet the requirements to be a incident commander at a haz mat incident.

1910.120(q)(6)(ii)

First responder operations level. First responders at the operations level are individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release. They are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without actually trying to stop the release. Their function is to contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures. First responders at the operational level shall have received at least eight hours of training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas in addition to those listed for the awareness level and the employer shall so certify:

1910.120(q)(6)(v)

On scene incident commander. Incident commanders, who will assume control of the incident scene beyond the first responder awareness level, shall receive at least 24 hours of training equal to the first responder operations level and in addition have competency in the following areas and the employer shall so certify:

Refresher training.

1910.120(q)(8)(i)

Those employees who are trained in accordance with paragraph (q)(6) of this section shall receive annual refresher training of sufficient content and duration to maintain their competencies, or shall demonstrate competency in those areas at least yearly.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

There are numerous resources you can find online through search engines, etc. to assist you in accomplishing what you would like to get done. You can also contact DES and/or OFPC to see what they may be able to offer you in order of assistance, guidance etc.

You can never go wrong with reviewing the use of the ERG, reading of MSDS, sheets and defensive operations which can also be done as some hands on which keeps everyone involved.

[antiquefirelt 994]

We run an annual Countywide Ops refresher with 5 stations: Placard identification and ERG use, damming and diking, patient decon, Team Decon and one where crews go over a fuel delivery or gasoline tanker truck. This even takes about 6 hours and we run about 60 personnel through each time. With more people you need more stations and instructors. I've run the ERG/Placarding station for a few years and it proves to be necessary each time.