Department of Fire and Rescue Hazardous Materials E-learning System

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

On January 1, 2012 the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue implemented a system for maintaining the qualifications for hazardous materials first responders by providing a consistent and unique approach to hazardous materials training for all career staff that exceeds the federal standards and regulations for such training. This training system incorporates a monthly online e-learning course created by the departmental hazardous materials professional staff that allows personnel to access and review the information at their own pace directly from their worksite. This program greatly exceeds the federal requirements for training with minimal impact in employee time and costs. It also enhances responder safety and the services the department provides to the community. Since incorporating this approach, the hazardous materials program staff have witnessed a more consistent hazardous materials response by the first responders who initially respond to hazardous materials incidents. This has resulted in a quicker and safer resolution to emergency calls with a faster return to normal operations while minimizing the impact of these incidents on the environment and property.