Training is an essential priority for any subject that one wish to become proficient in. The HAZMAT training field is no exception to this. However, due to the serious and strenuous nature of HAZMAT response, it is important to safely execute training in a way that doesn’t damage gears or health.
Often times one of the most costly things one can do to the response gear is ruining it while in training, rendering it useless during an actual event. Ripping and tearing the issued PPE during a training that could have been planned better, hurts no one but the members.
From bunker gear scraping across a concrete truck bay to a plastic CPC being torn from an ultra-impossible scenario that the training officer threw can become costly and wasteful.
Using mimicked chemicals
Many times training facilities or classes boast the fact that live agents are used
"I may strike a nerve with this one, so prepare yourself now. I feel that most chemicals we commonly deal with as HAZMAT responders can be mimicked with much safer alternatives – rather than using the real things." Many times training facilities or classes boast the fact that live agents are used, and this peaks much interest for the student.
Degrading the PPE for the sake of real meter readings and visual cues is a costly degradation to bestow upon gear that one will decon and possibly re-don in the near future and assume it will protect oneself adequately.
Visual cues are able to be exaggerated, and meter readings manipulated without exposing gear, and potentially oneself, to harmful materials that everyday becomes part of a long list of carcinogens.
Gas detection equipment
Another consideration during training is that of the gas detection equipment. It is no secret that gas detection equipment can be very costly, and sometimes hard to replace. While learning how to use and interpret a detectors efficiently is imperative; a mistake while training could render some out of service for quite some time.
Experts are always looking for ways to make detection more realistic, whether through cross sensitivity or simulation. Sometimes, however, an overzealous approach to making meter equipment respond to atmospheric stimuli – can end up costing in burned sensors, and possible damage to the front line equipment. Simulation is the future of training, and gas detection is no exception to this.
Age of the internet
Everyone are bombarded with self-proclaimed subject matter experts, who claim their tactics are the only way
Time and time again, especially in this glorious age of the internet one is in, everyone are bombarded with self-proclaimed subject matter experts, who claim their tactics are the only way, or that their way of approaching specific problems is pretty much be all end all.
Sifting through these mirages and other facades can prevent one from potentially wasting time, or not being open to other ways of thought about particular subjects.
True statements
These statements are true not only for HAZMAT, but fire, and pretty much any other subject if one looks hard enough only. It’s great to try new tactics, and store them in the toolbox for the next time the alarm goes off, however, keep an open mind.
While one may love his or her leather helmet, one must be very open to the possibility that technology may be to the point where one needs to hang it on a wall and choose safety over looks.
Necessity of training
In closing, training in a necessity for everyone, no matter what industry one is in. From oil and gas to emergency response, staying up to date on the skills and tactics is a must if one is to remain successful.
One should keep an open mind, and protect the equipment. These are the biggest keys to remember while training. Or one may find himself or herself with an expensive bill, and a rookie who really didn’t learn anything.
