IAFC Establishes Hazmat Database
A new data center is being established by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
The effort to collect information about hazardous materials is being mirrored after the Firefighter Near Miss Program, said Ed Plaugher, director of IAFC's national programs.
While the partnered agencies have different missions, safety is paramount, Plaugher said, adding that definitive data is important for responder safety.
Gleaning information about the specific incident such as the substance involved and response will prove vital when it comes to enhancing training opportunities.
Plaugher said officials will use the information to establish policies as well as operational guidelines.
Responders to a hazardous materials incident will be asked to share information as they do now with the National Firefighter Near-Miss Program.
"Regardless of how small, we want to hear about it," he said, adding that a specially trained team of hazmat experts may respond as well to gather information.
That team has not been established as yet, however.
Amy Hultman, Near-Miss project director, is working to establish a secure network for the Hazmat Fusion Center.
"Sharing information about an incident could save someone's life," he said, adding that the inclusive database is long overdue.
More information about the project can be obtained at IAFC