Hazardous Material is defined as- A substance (either matter- solid, liquid, or gas – or energy) that when released is capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD) as define in 18 U.S. Code, Section 2332a, as well as any other criminal use of hazardous materials, such as illicit labs, environmental crimes, or industrial sabotage. NFPA 472 2013 Edition 3.3.29

Whether utilized in physical support or hot zone entry, the equipment used in mitigating hazardous materials incidents has advanced over the years. Today’s Level A and B hazmat suits are compliant with the highest standards set by the industry and serve to protect operational and technical personnel working around the product.

Portable decontamination units equipped for ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients make the hazmat scene safer by providing immediate care and rehab for entry teams and victims leaving the hot zone.

During initial incident analysis, chemical information entered into computer programs calculates hazard levels, flash points and toxic atmospheric movements based on chemical properties such as vapor pressure and viscosity, in concert with temperature and geography. This material assists officers on scene and provides vital information for prediction.

Awareness Level- Personnel who, in the course of their normal duties, could encounter and emergency involving hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction(WMD) and who are expected to recognize the presence of the hazardous materials/ weapons of mass destruction (WMD), protect themselves, call for trained personnel, and secure the scene. NFPA 472 2013 Edition 4.1.1.1

Operations Level- Personnel who responds to hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents for the purpose of protecting nearby person, the environment, or property from the effects of the release. There are mission specific Operations Level Competencies. Competencies for Operations level Personnel are considered defensive operations. NFPA 472 2013 Edition 5.1.1.1

Technician Level- Personnel who responds to hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents using a risk-based response process by which he or she analyzes a problem involving hazardous materials/ weapons of mass destruction (WMD), selects applicable decontamination procedures, and controls a release using specialized protective clothing and control equipment. Competencies for Technician level Personnel are considered offensive operations. NFPA 472 2013 Edition 7.1.1.1

The nine areas of specialty for Hazmat Technician:

• Tank Car Specialty
• Tank Car Specialist-Advanced
• Cargo Tank Specialty
• Intermodal Tank Specialty
• Marine Tank and Non-Tank Vessel Specialty
• Flammable Liquids Bulk Storage Specialty
• Flammable Gases Bulk Storage Specialty
• Radioactive Material Specialty
• Highway Emergency Response Specialist

To learn more about joining the LCDES Hazmat Team, please visit this page.