Haz Mat Tech Curriculum

[torichardson]

We are currently evaluating Haz Mat Tech Curriculums / Training Programs in an effort to come up with a standardized training program for a number of Depts / Agencies that are working on combining Haz Mat response for a large Metropolitan / County response area.

Can you please advise:
1. What curriculum or training program (EPA, IAFF, local program) you are currently using to train your Haz Mat Technicians/Specialist?

2. Is the training done in-house or do you use an outside agency?

3. At what level (Dept, County, State) is the curriculum or training program recognized?

4. What are your continuing education or recertification requirements?

5. What is your team setup and response?

Thanks in advance for your response and help!

Mike Richardson
Capt / Training Officer
St Matthews FD, KY

[Rainman4u2]

Hi!

Currently I am taking IFSI's (Illinois State Fire Institute)Hazmat classes. We have made it through Awareness, and Ops. Currently we are half way through the Technician A class. These classes are taught by instructors who are certified through IFSI. Our team is comprised of local agencies that are part of our MABAS division. We are only going to be called out when the "box" is pulled.

I'm not sure how your training is, but our's is: Awareness-8hrs, Ops-40hrs,Tech A-46hrs, Tech B-40hrs(I think), and 16hrs for Incident Command, and finally, 8hrs for Terrorism response. All of this is followed by a mock incident by the state. If we pass the "test" we are allowed to go when needed.

I'm not sure at this time what our resirt is.

I'm not sure if this helped, but I hope it did in some way.

[volunteercareer]

Techs-160hr CSTI (California Specialized Training Insitute) curriculum in 4 blocks A,B,C, and D.

Specs- an additional 2 blocks F&G 80hrs. 24 hr Refreshers every year.

Right I am an instructor at the operations level and a Tech taking an additional 80hrs of chemistry. I will be taking the Specialist blocks this fall.

[SafetyPro]

Originally posted by volunteercareer
Techs-160hr CSTI (California Specialized Training Insitute) curriculum in 4 blocks A,B,C, and D.

Most of the departments in our area use CSTI as well. It's run through the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and is recognized state-wide. Most departments only have the FRO level, which is generally taught by independent instructors (ours is a retired LAFD Captain). The departments that have true HazMat Teams generally send their folks to the training that's done by CSTI itself, but also may bring in an instructor.

[firechief]

The hazardous materials response program in Oregon (Office of State Fire Marshal) has recognized the IAFF program. This program is good quality and can be offered in modular form. The program is also good for recertification training in specific areas.

[torichardson]

Thanks to everyone for the replies!

So far I have reviewed about 6 different curriculums/training programs to include; IAFF, ISFSI, EPA, OAI, FL State, NY State. Thanks to your replies I may be adding another 3-4 to the list for research.

I have taught in 3 different States under at least 4 different curriculums / training programs and while they all seem to more or less cover the content that NFPA 471-473 outlines there are some major differences in how the programs are delivered. As your responses have confirmed some programs only require about 40-60 hours of training for Tech, while others require well over 100 hours of training.

The big question in my book is how much is enough? I prefer the approach of showing competency versus simply counting hours in a classroom, but you have to start somewhere with at least a minimum number of training hours. While 40 hours has seemed to be the “Gold Standard,” I personally don’t really believe that it is adequate. However it is going take more than my personal opinion to convince an Administration that personnel need to be involved in at least an 80-120 hour training program.

If you are currently involved with a training program that goes over the 40 hour “Gold Standard”, please let us know so we may have some supporting arguments for getting our Haz Mat Tech Training expanded so we can do the job as it needs to be done.

Thanks,
Mike Richardson

[hmscat02]

NJ has an 80 hours program. It is sponsored by the NJSP. They also have two 40 hour specialist programs.