The York County Chiefs’ Association shares the recent completion of a Hazardous Materials Response Technician Course by firefighters representing five Maine counties.
The course was sponsored by the York County Fire-EMS Office, a division of York County Emergency Management, in cooperation with York County Community College in Wells, which hosted training.
Students learned basic chemistry, hazard classification, transportation requirements for hazardous material, and operation of detection and monitoring equipment for hazardous substances. They also learned techniques for patching and plugging leaks, decontamination, and the selection and use of personal protective equipment.
The course met training standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Twenty-eight firefighters graduated on Thursday, Aug. 5. Sixteen graduates work for departments within York County or with the York County Hazmat Response Team. The Level III Team trains to respond to all incidents involving known industrial chemical hazards. The Team is headquartered in Alfred and is managed by the York County Office of Fire and EMS Assistance, a division of the York County Emergency Management Agency.
Twelve graduates work for Maine departments outside York County.
Funding for the training was provided by the Maine State Emergency Response Commission.