Nine firefighters from Garland, Texas, recently completed a hazardous materials (hazmat) technician certification class. This certification equips them with the necessary skills to handle and contain dangerous chemicals during emergencies according to a report by the City of Garland.
Hazardous materials are substances that may be flammable, explosive, or harmful to people's health. A certified hazmat technician is trained to identify and manage such substances accordingly. The courseware includes the identification of dangerous materials based on their containers and markers per the City of Garland report.
A hazmat technician's role is vital to assess dangerous substances and minimize the hazard to the public. Protective suits and gear are required for these technicians to safely handle these substances safely. On completing their work, a thorough decontamination process is overseen before they can remove their protective equipment.
The Garland Fire Department will be intensifying these efforts next year with plans to offer more training for their members. They also plan to establish a full-time hazmat team at Station 2, though this is subject to budget approvals for equipment acquisition.
