Hazardous Materials Hotline©
October 1, 2025
Respirator Approvals Rescinded
As part of its Respirator Approval Program, NIOSH has announced the rescinding of approval of several
respirators.
Discussion: The program assesses respirator performance for use in the workplace. Personal
Protective Equipment is the 5th level of risk reduction and ensuring that PPE performs to standard is a
critical facet of the program.
Rail Safety Summit Postponed
Due to the federal shutdown, the Rail Safety Summit scheduled for October 7th has been postponed.
Discussion: The summit was planned as part of the ongoing effort to improve rail safety and reduce the impact of rail incidents on communities. At present, the summit will be rescheduled once the federal budget is approved.
Texas DOT Releases AV Video
The Texas Department of Transportation has released a video to help identify how first responders will interact with autonomous vehicles.
Discussion: As autonomous vehicles continue to enter the market, there have been reports of interactions during non-routine events, such as fire scenes, continue to be reported. Responders will need to be prepared to address the vehicles and their interference potential during incidents.
Chemical Safety Board
The CSB has released an update on the investigation of the August 2025 incident at U. S. Steel in Clarington, PA. The incident resulted in 2 deaths and multiple injuries and the CSB is continuing the investigation process and will publish a report of findings and recommendations in the future.
Discussion: The CSB continues to provide critical, risk reduction services with a focus on improving safety for facilities and communities. Emergency planners, risk reduction personnel, and responders should utilize these reports and findings to lower risk and improve response.
Urban Fire Forum
The Urban Fire Forum has released 5 documents from its September 2025 annual meeting. The papers address WUI generated conflagrations, providing guidance for advocating for safety in an environment where safety rules are being weakened or eliminated, developing a national apparatus standard to reduce cost and lead time for apparatus purchase and delivery, working to develop a unified voice for advocating for fire and emergency service needs, and supporting the reauthorization of FirstNet.
Discussion: The Urban Fire Forum brings together leaders from throughout the world and, due to the size of the departments and communities represented, the forum has a significant voice in identifying and addressing current and emerging issues.
Scholarship Opportunities
Both the Yvorra Leadership Scholarship and IPSLEI Scholarship programs are accepting applications.
Discussion: As education costs continue to rise, both of these programs provide alternative funding to assist with developing future emergency services leaders.
Chemical of the Week and Hazardous Materials Hot Line News
The InterAgency Board is now hosting both the Chemical of the Week and Hazardous Materials Hot Line.
Discussion: The hosting will allow access to archived editions and allow registration for accessing new editions of both publications as soon as they are published.
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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.
