Hazardous Materials Hot Line December 20 Edition

Hazardous Materials Hot Line ^© December 20, 2024

Hazardous Materials Team Competition

In conjunction with the Florida Hazardous Materials Symposium there will be a hazardous materials team competition.    

Discussion:  Team competitions provide an excellent opportunity to identify training gaps as well as measure team performance against peers.  The Florida competition is limited to 14 teams, with winning teams receiving awards and bragging rights.  Any team interested in participating is encouraged to visit the competition website and register. 

CTOS On-Line Courses Available

The Counter Terrorism Operations Support (CTOS) announces the release of FEMA approved, self-study courses available through its website. 

Discussion:  CTOS offers a variety of field delivered, resident, and on-line courses geared towards first responders and first receivers.  These courses provide a cost-effective method for maintaining currency and gaining new information related to low frequency, high consequence incidents.

NFA Application Period Open

The National Fire Academy has opened registration for classes running from April through June 2025. 

Discussion:  The NFA offers no-cost training that has been approved for both CEU’s and academic credit.  Attendees receive lodging and may be eligible for a travel stipend to reduce the economic cost of attending.  The courses at the NFA provide training that is, by law, not available at the local or state level and which are often considered the gold-standard for emergency services education. In addition, there are vacancies for some courses in the January through March academic period.     

Battery Safety for the Holiday Season

The U. S. Fire Administration, UL, and Fire Safety Research Institute have released public education and information resources to help address battery fire safety during the holiday buying season. 

Discussion:  With the increasing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in consumer products, the number of incidents involving them is also rising.  A recent report highlighted that there are an average of two incidents on planes each week.  Public and responder education may reduce the number of incidents and their impact.  For responders, the National Fire Academy has released a short, self-study course on energy storage systems. 

CSB Releases Guidance on Preparing Facilities for Cold Weather

With winter upon us, the Chemical Safety Board is reminding facilities to prepare for cold weather and its impact.

Discussion:  Emergency planners, LEPCs, and responders should work closely with hazardous materials facilities to ensure that they are prepared for weather incidents and the impact of weather on facilities, personnel, and processes.