Online HAZMAT Courses:
An Efficent and Cost-Effective Training Method

HAZMAT Law
The Federal Government’s Hazardous Materials Regulations committee and the Department of Transportation monitor HAZMAT requirements and training for all businesses and their employees, including firefighters and first responders, who may encounter hazardous materials in the context of their job. A HAZMAT is classified as any substance or material that poses an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property. These materials can be as obviously toxic as mercury or as seemingly harmless as edible food flavorings.

These toxic substances are initially assigned a classification depending on their level of toxicity, which ultimately designates how they are handled. Before any transportation may take place, proper packaging and labeling procedures must be undertaken by a qualified HAZMAT official.

Training Requirements
Anyone who may potentially be exposed to hazardous materials on the job is required to be fully trained in their handling. Firefighters and other first responders have specific training requirements based on their jobs. The emergency responder must consider the following during any emergency "event" or hazardous material response:

• Protect human life, the environment, and then property
• Respond safely and competently within the appropriate level, resources, and capabilities
• Ensure that each level of responder is prepared

Since the presence of many chemicals can be very dangerous, training is taken seriously and is carefully regulated. Training is put in place to increase safety awareness among supervisors and firefighters and to reduce the number of hazardous material related incidents.

All training courses are required to cover preventative measures, incident and post-incident procedures, negligence, liability, planning, and emergency response plans. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets codes and standards that are followed by many fire departments and firefighters across the country. The NFPA includes standards on incident response safety as well as HAZWOPER awareness, HAZMAT spill prevention and control, and HAZMAT transportation.

Initial training must take place before a firefighter is in a situation where he can be exposed to a hazardous substance. Recurrent training in the form of shorter courses must take place at least every three years. If the date to complete recurrent training is missed, the initial training course may have to be taken again. This requirement depends on the firefighter’s understanding of safety precautions and procedures on site. They will be required to take the next refresher course available.

Throughout training, keeping records is critical. Federal regulations require that records be kept of all firefighters’ and first responders’ training and refresher courses. This protects the department, the station, and the firefighter in the event of an incident.

Online Courses
The HMR has determined that online HAZMAT courses are acceptable in addition to or replacement of conventional training options. They are more than sufficient as a supplement for recurrent courses, but can also be instituted as the entire training program for a variety of reasons. Many industries, including fire and EMS, have begun using online training as an alternative to traditional courses because of increased efficiency and lower prices.There are many online courses available, both fire-industry specific courses as well as courses that fulfill OSHA, DOT and other federal and state regulatory agency training requirements.

Pace
In any situation where people are learning together, many will pick up the information and skills faster than others. When it comes to something as dangerous as toxic chemicals, you do not want to leave anyone behind. With online training courses each firefighter is able to take his time learning the material and may repeat sections as necessary. If there is a student who picks things up quickly, he or she is able to move forward in the course quickly. Self-pacing creates a better learning experience for everyone involved.

Price
In addition to reducing travel fees, overtime, engine wear and tear, and time spent away from the station or field, the price of online courses is lower than that of conventional courses. Some conventional courses may cost over $200 for an 8-hour General Awareness course, while some advanced certification courses cost over $700. (Hazardous Materials Transportation Compliance, 2006)

Schedule
Taking courses online may also reduce scheduling conflicts. Traditional training courses may require gathering large groups of firefighters at an offsite location. This cuts into valuable department and personal time, while adding to the cost of travel. Online courses are taken anywhere there is Internet access. Homes, stations, and libraries become classrooms any time of day or night. Firefighters are able to train when they have the time to sit and focus, rather than during a rushed course in an unfamiliar place.

Efficiency
The overall efficiency of online HAZMAT courses is unmatched by any other traditional style course. Each firefighter is able to learn at his own personal pace, during a time that is convenient for him, for a lower price than the traditional courses. The certifications and courses are just as good or better while the convenience is unbeatable.