Level IV: Hazardous Materials Specialist Training
Hazardous materials specialists are individuals who respond with and provide support to hazardous materials technicians.
Their duties parallel those of the hazardous materials technician, however, those duties require a more directed or specific knowledge of the various substances they may be called upon to contain.
The more skilled hazardous materials specialists will generally serve as the senior members of hazmat teams. At this level, they are the most highly skilled and trained responders having the broadest knowledge of hazardous substances.
The hazardous materials specialist would also act as the site liaison with Federal, state, local and other government authorities in regards to site activities. Hazardous materials specialists must have received at least 24 hours of training equal to the technician level and in addition have competency in the following areas and the employer must certify hazardous materials specialists:
- know how to implement the local emergency response plan,
- understand classification, identification and verification of known and unknown materials by using advanced survey instruments and equipment,
- know the state emergency response plan,
- can select and use proper specialized chemical personal protective equipment provided to the hazardous materials specialist,
- understand in-depth hazard and risk techniques,
- can perform specialized control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available,
- can determine and implement decontamination procedures,
- can develop a site safety and control plan, and
- understand chemical, radiological and toxicological terminology and behavior.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-5. Which level of training do the responders having the broadest knowledge of hazardous substances receive?
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