Hazardous Materials Hotline©
December 26, 2025
Training, Education, and Conference Information
The National Fire Academy has opened the application period for the spring quarter. The Florida
Hazardous Materials Symposium and Teams Competition takes place next month and there are still openings for teams that wish to compete. Looking further down the road, the Southwest Fire Conference is coming in late January, the NVFC Training Summit has announced its line up of sessions, the IAFF’s Strive for Excellence Conference is open for registration, South Carolina’s Special Operations Conference is happening in April, and FDNY’s Search and Rescue Field Symposium comes in May.
Discussion: Training and education continue to be force multipliers and conferences allow the
opportunity to meet peers from throughout the nation and world and learn how common problems are being addressed in other areas.
CSB Releases Recommendations
The Chemical Safety Board has preliminary recommendations following August’s fatal explosion at US Steel and an update on Nitrous Oxides releases in 2024 and 2025.
Discussion: CSB reports and investigations are critical for reducing the risk to chemical facilities and communities. They also provide information to support planning, training, and preparedness.
Electric Battery and Storage Systems
The US National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary findings of a Lithium-Ion battery fire on the CV Genesis Star XI. CNN has reported on the Chinese University of Hong Kong reporting the development of an improved lithium-ion battery that reduces the risk of fire.
Discussion: Incidents involving energy storage systems continue to increase in frequency, with the pace of deploying systems outstripping response understanding and capabilities.
OSHA Interpretations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released seven documents to assist with guiding OISHA compliance to improve worker health and safety.
Discussion: Clear guidance provides direction for reducing workplace injury and death, providing focus for risk managers.
PHMSA Hazardous Materials Data and Statistics
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has updated their data pages. The pages provide information on the scope of hazardous materials use and incidents throughout the United States.
Discussion: This information, including commodity flow information, provides a baseline for emergency planning, preparedness, and training.
Chemical of the Week
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (phosphoric acid and triacetone triperoxide) are out. The COW provides weekly chemical research training, reflecting incident research during initial response to hazardous materials incidents.
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About the Author:
Dave Donohue is a hazardous materials course developer, educator, and trainer with experience at the local, regional and national level. He is also a Master Exercise Practitioner, firefighter, and emergency manager.
