Hazmat

Will Hazmat Teams be Affected by EPA ‘Forever Chemical’ Rule Changes?

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In late August, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a preliminary document, which indicated the agency wants to classify “forever chemicals” as hazardous substances. These perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are part of EPA’s overall effort to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — known as PFAS. EPA says PFOAs and PFOSs are two of the …

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Professional Development: Tips on How to Get Your Program Started

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To be a student of the job means you chase unfamiliar factors tirelessly until you find a solution or answer. Seeking the answer on how to start and manage a Professional Development Program became my newfound passion in the fire service. The development and implementation of this program began as a priority for McHenry Township …

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Lithium-ion Battery Safety and Tactics

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The increase in popularity of battery-operated mobility devices, like scooters, skateboards and bicycles has meant a dramatic increase in fires in New York City caused by lithium-ion batteries with sometimes fatal consequences. Lt. John Cassidy, Haz-mat Company 1, discusses the dangers of these batteries, tactics and procedures operational units can take at these incidents. Battalion …

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Drones in Fire Departments: The Step-by-Step Process to Create a Drone Program

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Given the size of the city of L.A., the potential bureaucratic hurdles required to actually launch something so new were significant. In this article, we’ll share the step-by-step process that was followed for the LAFD’s drone program approval to be expedited, so that the department could have UAVs at their disposal to help with the …

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Four Tips to Prepare for Energy Storage System Incidents

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Futurists often say that if you want to know what tomorrow will bring, look at what’s happening on the fringes today. Massive energy storage systems, also known as electric energy storage, are not what we think of as the bread-and-butter hazmat call — like, say, a leaking tanker would be. Yet, that very well could …

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3 Tips for a Safer Illegal Drug Lab Response

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While it would be paranoid to expect a version of Breaking Bad’s Walter White and Jesse Pinkman wreaking havoc in every community, illegal drug labs do exist — and they are hazmat situations. It is important to remember that in addition to law enforcement and fire incidents, these are hazmat threats. Here are three ways to …

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NFPA 2021 Needs Assessment of US Fire Service

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This report shows that while some fire service needs have been declining, many have remained constant or increased. Fire service needs exist for departments of all sizes and in every area, including staffing, training and certification, facilities, apparatus, personal protective equipment (PPE); and health and wellness. In general, the smaller the community protected, the greater …

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2021 hot takes: Counting down the top 5 comment-generating EMS1 articles

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LISTEN: Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson count down the top five stories that generated the most debate and buzz by readers this year. Okla. FF disciplined for transporting burned child in engine // Unvaccinated Wash. firefighters will no longer be able to respond to medical calls // Toxicologist: You can’t just touch fentanyl and overdose …

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