8-Hour HAZWOPER First Responder Operations (FRO) Refresher Course

Hours 8 Hours

Description

Target Audience:   

This course is designed for first responders at the operations level who respond defensively to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances. It’s intended for those who aim to protect nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of a hazardous materials release. This includes workers such as emergency responders, hazmat teams, and other professionals who have previously completed the First Responder Operations (HAZWOPER) certification and need to maintain their credentials. 

Course Description:   

NATEC’s HAZWOPER First Responder Operations Refresher course provides an in-depth review and update on the essential health and safety practices related to hazardous materials incidents. This training ensures compliance with OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard 29 CFR 1910.120, CCR Title 8 5192, and NFPA recommendations for the First Responder Operations level. 

Key topics covered in this comprehensive refresher include: 

– Introduction to Hazmat Emergency Response: Overview of hazmat incidents, emergency responder training, and the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). 

– Hazardous Materials Identification: Recognizing hazmat incidents through DOT placards, labels, manifests, container types, and other recognition clues. 

– Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Overview: Familiarity with the ERG, its origins, content, and application in hazmat incidents. 

– Managing Hazmat Incidents for the FRO: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS), NIMS, and first responder incident command. 

– Basic Actions for First Responders: Safety protocols, hazard and risk assessment, and first responder actions. 

– Advanced Container Identification: Recognizing various hazmat containers, including road trailers, rail cars, and storage tanks. 

– Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Overview: Understanding the importance, selection, and use of PPE in hazmat incidents. 

– Decontamination and the FRO: Understanding decontamination types, methods, and emergency guidelines. 

– FRO Mitigation: Proper defensive strategies including evacuation, identification, and notification  

OSHA’s intent is that employees should complete their refresher training within twelve months of their initial training. The employer must have a “statement of training” or “statement of competency” for annual refresher training or competency for all employees trained in emergency response. This training suffices as document of competency.  

The course combines lectures, group activities, exercises, and a written exam to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the topics. By the end of this training, participants will be re-equipped with the knowledge and best practices to ensure safety during hazardous materials incidents, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.