Hazardous Materials Hotline©
January 5, 2025
Training, Education, and Conference Information
The National Fire Academy has opened the application period for the spring quarter. The 9th annual North American Active Assailant Conference is coming to Detroit, the Vital Signs EMS Conference dates have been announced, and the InterAgency Board’s events calendar has a variety of educational opportunities listed. The World Health Organization has released several no-cost courses, including CBRN Considerations for Mass Gatherings and guidelines for prehospital care of contaminated victims during armed incidents.
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.
Historical Disasters
A number of historical incidents have been documented and shared for review. These include The Buncefield Disaster, the Romeoville Refinery Blast, and Response Technologies Haz Mats in History, including the Waverly TN BLEVE. For those who like to listen to podcasts the Science Diction podcast on Chemical Threats, the Haz Mat Files, and Haz Mat Command provide additional opportunities. Feedspot has even listed out their favorite hazardous materials podcasts for your review.
Discussion: Reviewing historical incidents and podcasts provides unique training that can inform tactical decision-making, emergency planning, and preparedness activities.
Electric Battery and Storage Systems
China, the largest manufacturer of electric powered vehicles and the leader in electrical storage, has codified the need to produce fire safe systems with the creation of 294 standards related to battery safety, including a requirement for “no fire/no explosion” battery production.
Discussion: As the leader in electrical storage system production and use, these rules will have an outsized effect on the safety of electrical storage systems world-wide. Responders and emergency planners should make themselves familiar with the emerging technologies and their impact in their communities.
Deep Water Exposure Hypertension Study
A recent study of workers in the Deep Water Horizon incident has indicated a correlation between clean up activities and hypertension.
Discussion: The study builds on previous research, indicating a link to aromatic hydrocarbons and cardiovascular outcomes, reinforcing the need for incident and exposure prevention for both communities and responders.
Chemical of the Week
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (phosphoric acid and formaldehyde) 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.
