Hazardous Materials Hotline©
March 30, 2026
Training News
There are a number of training and exercise opportunities available, including the IAFC Hazardous Materials Teams Conference, SC Special Operations Conference, Michigan HazMat Responder Conference, and the National Homeland Security Conference.
Discussion: Continual training and education is a critical element of excellence in performance. There is also a new wave of scholarships that are available or expanding over the next few months that will provide responders funding to attend training. These include the CVFRA Scholarship, Texas HEAT, US Heat, and, coming soon, the Maryland HEAT scholarships.
Responding to Flammable Gas Incidents
The IAFC has partnered with the Propane Education and Research Council to provide information and training for emergency personnel who may respond to flammable gas incidents. This includes their information bulletin, awareness video on using gas detection equipment, and on-line awareness training for emergency response.
Discussion: Emergency response personnel are routinely called to emergencies involving flammable gas with initial responders making critical decisions, engaging in high-risk activities, and comprising a bulk of the injuries and deaths of responders. This training is geared towards supporting emergency response and reducing risk to response personnel.
National Academies Press
This is an oldie but a goodie. The National Academies of Sciences is reinforcing the Guidebook for Conducting Local Commodity Flow Studies. This publication provides important information for conducting CFS and reinforces their critical role in assisting communities with addressing their risk and gaps.
Discussion: This should be on every emergency planners bookshelf and referred to regularly, as communities seek to identify hazards and reduce risk from hazardous materials in the transportation environment. This is just one of the many publications that can be purchased or downloaded from the NAP.
Emergency Response Plan Webinar
Occupational Health and Safety is hosting a free webinar on building emergency response plans on April 9, 2026.
Discussion: While often overlooked, emergency response plans provide the framework for response, staffing, equipping, and funding services. These crucial documents provide the framework for which community risk is addressed.
Ammonia Engines Pass Critical Test
Ammonia continues to be explored as a fuel for marine engines, with the first, 2-stroke, ammonia powered engine passing testing.
Discussion: While still in the early stages, ammonia is being explored as a fuel for marine transportation and highway transportation. Emergency responders and planners should maintain awareness of this trend and its impact on their community.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (methyl ethyl ketone and gasoline) are out as is the latest IAB Podcast, where we discuss responder health and safety. For suggestions, comments, or questions on the podcast, email podcast@interagencyboard.org.
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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.
