New York City Fire Department
FDNY UNITS / Fire Academy / Hazardous Materials Training Unit

Firefighters in full chemical protective suits perform drills at the Bureau of Training

In 1996, the Hazardous Materials Training Unit trained members in Phase 3-Operations Level. This module included training in basic hazard and risk assessment techniques, an understanding of basic hazardous materials terms and a working knowledge of how to select and use personal protective equipment.

In addition, training was given in how to perform basic control, containment or confinement operations with stress on safely working within the limitations of the unit's resources and available personal protective equipment. This class was completed with instruction on implementation of basic decontamination procedures and an understanding of the relevant standard operating guide lines as well as termination procedures.

Firefighter in chemical protective suit trains in hazardous material responseAs of December 1996, the operations level training was completed. Currently the unit is involved in the Refresher Training Program. Both programs were designed to be fully compliant with U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 29 CFR Subpart H, Hazardous Materials; 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.

The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has certified all instructors as Operations Level- Hazardous Materials Instructors. Members completing 16 hours of HazMat instruction are given one semester hour in hazardous materials by the state Board of Regents (PONSI).

In 1996, the HazMat Training Unit instructed 2,546 members. This figure includes 48 Deputy Chiefs, 208 Battalion Chiefs, 143 Captains, 320 Lieutenants, and 1,827 Firefighters.

Additional information about the Bureau of Training:

Programs offered at the FDNY Fire Academy

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