Description: This course is geared for first responders that respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous materials as part of the initial response. Through lecture and practicals students are trained to respond in a defensive fashion to contain the hazardous material from a safe distance, to keep the material from spreading, and prevent exposures. Students will gain a basic hazard and risk assessment, how to select and use proper personnel protective equipment, basic hazardous materials terms, basic control, containment and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available, and basic decontamination procedures and termination procedures.

Training Audience: Anyone who has the potential to respond to Hazardous Materials

Prerequisite(s): Must be 16 years old and have either Hazardous Materials Awareness or Hazardous Materials Awareness Refresher.

Age 16 to 18, students must possess proper work permit from your sending school district. They must be turned on the first day of training. Earlier submissions are ok.

Course Length: 32 hours

Textbook: IFSTA Hazardous Materials for First Responders, Sixth Edition and ERG. Manuals will be loaned to the student for the class.

Equipment Needs: Note-taking material and full PPE (helmet, gloves, turnout coat and pants, boots, protective hood, and safety glasses/goggles), SCBA (with spare cylinder)

Pennsylvania Department of Health Continuing Education Hours: Critical Patient Care: 2 hours, Other: 6 hours

Course Contact: Matt Fink, Fire Training Manager, office: (610) 344-5017 or via email at jfink@chesco.org.