Recruit Training Initiative

First Responder Operations for hazardous materials emergency response is required by OSHA and NFPA. It is also widely acknowledged that the best time to provide this key information to new fire/rescue members is during their initial training sessions.

Reaching recruits during the early phases of their training means they will learn safe work practices early in their careers. This early learning can directly translate into safer, more effective members who reduce their risk of serious illness and occupational disease.

The IAFF First Responder Operations hazardous materials training program is now being made available specifically for recruit fire fighter populations. This program, funded through a unique partnership of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recognized as the most effective way to train new fire/rescue members in this critical area.

This high-quality training has been specifically designed to provide new candidates with the best hazardous materials response training available -- training which integrates traditional fire fighting issues with an understanding of special response considerations for hazardous materials.

A thorough presentation includes the basics of hazardous materials with a special emphasis on integrating health and safety principles. It's accomplished at a level that is easy to understand; team participation and active learning are key program concepts.

View this IAFF HazMat/WMD RTI Video for more information. Here are just some of the reasons why you should contact us today:

• Offers 24 contact hours of highly informative and interactive training...not the minimal eight-hour version delivered at more than 50 percent of America's fire academies.

• Exceeds the requirements of OSHA 1910.120 and the 2005 NFPA 472 standards and EPA & DOT.

• Provides two top-quality IAFF instructors who have received extensive training in all aspects of the First Responder Operations curriculum.

• Includes all the materials (texts, PowerPoint® presentations, videos and CD-ROM) needed for the training program at no cost to the sponsoring department.

• Includes field tested pre- and post-course exams, along with comprehensive post-training quality assurance and student examination result reports.

• Strongly emphasizes health and safety principles for fire fighters/paramedics in a defensive context.