7.3.2 (M M M) Hazardous Materials Awareness Training
At a minimum, the agency provides initial hazardous materials awareness level training to all telecommunicators and defines in-service training requirements.
Commentary:
The purpose of this standard is to provide telecommunicators with the basic knowledge to recognize a hazardous materials situation and provide first responders with appropriate information, such as placard numbers, shipper information, weather information (temperature, wind direction, wind speed). Also, telecommunicators need to understand basic protection measures to provide information or instructions to callers and others to prevent unauthorized or unknowing persons from entering a possible contamination zone.
The agency should establish appropriate training requirements for telecommunicators related to the handling of hazardous materials incidents, including the use of available resources to assist responders, such as the Emergency Response Guidebook. Training may be tailored based on the duties of each personnel classification. (M M M)
DEFINITION
First Responder: The term “first responder” includes a firefighter, law enforcement officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, telecommunicator or other individual (including an employee of a legally organized and recognized volunteer organization, whether compensated or not), who, in the course of their professional duties, responds to public safety incidents or emergencies.
