Hazardous Materials Hotline©
March 17, 2026
Training News
There are a number of training and exercise opportunities available, including through the Short Line Safety Institute, IAFC Hazardous Materials Teams Conference, and the New England Hazardous Materials Conference. The Center for Construction Research and Training has a number of live and recorded webinars that may be of interest, especially with respect to highway safety. For trainers, there is a webinar on making training stick in early April, CHEMTREC is looking for speakers for its fall conference, and the International Oil Spill Conference is seeking presentation proposals.
Discussion: Continual training and education is a critical element of excellence in performance.
Terrorism
With recent hostilities in the Middle East, the threat of terrorism has increased. The Department of National Intelligence has released a primer on TATP for emergency responders, the InterAgency Boards Chemical of the Week has research sheets on a variety of materials of interest, including TATP, DHS Science and Technology has released an article on strengthening security at chemical facilities, and Foreign Affairs has developed a reading list to gain background on Iran.
Discussion: From an emergency response standpoint, the difference between terrorism and other incidents, such as chemical emergencies or active shooter, often reflects simply intent. Responders should be aware of areas and facilities that may be targeted and continue to maintain a high level of situational awareness. If/when the National Fire Academy reopens, their self-study terrorism course is a good place to start, followed by Initial Response to Terrorism, which can be taken on campus or hosted by states and local departments.
CDC/NIOSH News
The CDC and NIOSH have a number of new reports and documents that may be of interest. A report on exposure to chemical weapons by fishermen off the coast of New Jersey, a PPE study of near miss while wearing SCBA, and a new LODD report.
Discussion: The CDC/NIOSH continue to provide critical information and research, supporting emergency response and responder health and safety.
Chemical Sector Grows
The Census Bureau is reporting that the chemical manufacturing sector grew last year, while manufacturing overall continued to shrink.
Discussion: Chemicals continue to serve a critical role in the nations economy and with that increase, opportunities for incidents also increases.
Coming to a Road Near You-Autonomous Trucks
A recent report on The Today Show, highlights the use of autonomous trucks for shipping in the US. This follows the recent request for input from the DOT, seeking comment on regulations for autonomous vehicles in hazardous materials shipping
Discussion: Autonomous trucking continues to be a goal of the shipping industry and responders and planners should be aware of advances and comment on proposed regulation.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (cyclohexanethiol and ethyl alcohol) are out as is the latest IAB Podcast, focusing on 4-gas meters. The COW provides weekly chemical research training, reflecting incident research during initial response to hazardous materials incidents. You can subscribe here.
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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.
