40-Hour HazMat Awareness and Operations Course 

Hazardous Material Awareness (8 hours)

This 8-hour course, based on NFPA® 470: Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Standard for Responders and NFPA® 1072 and 472 standards, will provide first responders with the knowledge and skills to: Understand what hazardous materials are and the risk associated with them in an incident; recognize the presence of hazardous materials in an emergency; understand the role of the emergency responder at the Awareness level, including site security and control; have an understanding of the U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook; realize the need for additional resources, call for appropriate assistance, to make appropriate notifications to the community. This course also includes a counter-terrorism curriculum. This course meets or exceeds OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(q).

Hazardous Materials Operations (32 hours)

The Hazardous Materials Operations course prepares Awareness-level responders for Operations-level Hazardous Materials response. This 32-hour course, based on NFPA® 470: Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Standard for Responders and NFPA® 1072 and 472 standards, provides to those who are or will be operating as a member of a fire department, law enforcement agency, EMS agency, emergency management agency, or other first responder agency, the basic skills needed to evaluate and work defensively at an incident involving the release of hazardous materials. The objectives of the course are to teach participants: basic hazards and risk-assessment techniques for Hazmat and CBRNE environments; selecting and using proper personal protective equipment provided to the first responder at the Operations level; performing basic control, containment, and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available; an understanding of the types of CBRNE and WMD events that may be presented to the first responder; and an understanding of the relevant standard operating guidelines and termination procedures. This course also meets or exceeds OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(q). Successful completion of Hazardous Materials Awareness is a prerequisite to this component of the course.

Prerequisite: Have obtained a medical evaluation in accordance with the Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. Each student MUST have a letter from their supervisor OR a copy of a medical certificate that clearly states that a medical evaluation has been completed and that the student is medically able to wear respiratory protection equipment.

• Be capable of lifting tools and equipment up to approximately 50 pounds, per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Be capable of standing and walking for prolonged periods.
• Be capable of donning, operating in, and doffing personal protective equipment to include being physically and mentally capable of wearing a respirator that conforms tightly to the face and/or equipment that encapsulates the head.
• Be capable of operating in confined spaces.
• Be capable of climbing stairs and/or ladders while wearing personal protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Students are strongly encouraged to complete online National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses 100, 200, 700 and 800 prior to class.  These courses are available on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website: https://training.fema.gov/nims/.

Required Equipment:

• All necessary Personal Protective Equipment for this course will be provided.
• Medical monitoring will be performed as needed prior to any training field activities. Medical monitoring must show a student’s blood pressure to be below the NFPA 1582 Stage 2 Hypertension standard (i.e., systolic pressure greater than or equal to 160 mm Hg or diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 100 mm Hg). Students who cannot meet this standard will not be allowed to participate in training field activities which are required to complete the course.
• Students are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and to wear study boots during field activities.

Course Fee: FREE for Louisiana and Federal First Responders

Dress Code: The daily training attire for all courses is long pants, closed-toe shoes, and short or long-sleeve shirts. As determined by the lead instructor, shorts are allowed during certain practical training exercises.

Lodging: Lodging is provided at no cost for students who reside outside of 50 miles from the training site.

Meals: Due to the remote location of JESTC, lunch is provided for all students, and additionally, breakfast is provided for students who require lodging at the Staff Development Center.

PLEASE NOTE: EVENING MEALS WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT!

Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation package with additional information before the class.

Questions: If you have questions or need more information, please contact us at [email protected] 

Download the Course Syllabus

Available Courses