2024 Oklahoma Hazardous Materials Conference Registration

Providing Hazardous Materials training and education to those who are involved in the response to emergencies involving hazardous substances.  This model for hazardous materials training is designed to protect responders, workers and the communities they serve from the impact of hazardous materials release.

 

There is no cost to attend this conference.  All training is FREE!!!

 

***Registration Check in will be located at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center***

Locations

Conference Center

Edmond Fire

Career Tech

Our Courses

Back to Basics – Grounding and Bonding

The program will follow the recommendations as set by the NFPA 470 standard and discuss the misunderstand of what ground resistance is why we do it first.  Then, by demonstration, the instructor will show how we set up a grounding field for the damaged container, grounding field for the recovery container and appliances and how…

Back to the Basics Air Monitoring

In this class we will discuss: Basic monitoring methods including colorimetric (pH and Colorimetric Tubes), direct reading instruments (Combustible Gas Indicator, Chemical Specific, Photo Ionization Detector) Advantages, use and limitations on basic monitoring method technology, approach technique, response time (Passive vs Active), observed results (chemical specific and interferences) Triaging the source material Interpreting the results…

Can I Become the Incredible Hulk

In this presentation, we will discuss basic knowledge of radiation. – Bad Days – looking back when radiation took a wrong turn – What is radiation and where does it come from, manmade vs natural – When was it first discovered and by whom – Basic terminology – Uses, good and bad – Protection from…

Curbside Chemist

Curbside Chemist is an 8-hour class that focuses on the classification of an unknown product using chemical test strips and other items that can be found around the fire station. Participants will be instructed in the use of chemical test strips to identify an unknow sample. Participants will have the opportunity to use these techniques in the classification…

Deficiencies in Hazmat

Deficiencies in hazmat education requires ongoing efforts to improve curriculum standards, enhance practical training opportunities, allocate sufficient resources, stay updated on emerging hazards, and provide holistic support for hazmat responders. Collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and professional associations is essential to drive these improvements and ensure the effectiveness of hazmat education programs.

Hazardous Identification Testing Systems (HITS)

The basics of research is one of the most important but confusing subjects on a hazardous materials incident.  Using the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HITS) the technician will be able to identify chemical properties of a substance or compound by simple field testing.  Conducting basic testing such field papers, flammability, and solubility the technician then…

HAZWOPER Refresher

This refresher course is designed for employees who are involved in cleanup operation both volunteer and emergency; along with storage, disposal and treatment of hazardous substances uncontrolled waste sites.

Hybrid Decon Awareness

Used by hundreds of Military, Fire, HazMat, EMS, Police and other response agencies across the world! This Decon method is built upon decades of research by the military and federal agencies. Hybrid Decon will allow you and your team to conduct decon using the newest technologies and allows you to save time, personnel, logistics, sustainment…

Industrial Fire & Spill Response for Manufacturing Facilities

This course provides: Industrial, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas Firefighting Tactics Overview of Commercial Building Fire Response Strategies Large Area Search & Rescue, Fire Behavior & Ventilation Tactics Incident Command ICS 200 Review Protocols Water Supply, Interior & Exterior Operations & Hose Stretch Tactics Radio Communications & Fireground Tactical Benchmarks Tactical Safety, Industry Best-Practices & Safety…

Instructor Series – How Not to Suck When Teaching Hazmat (Part I)

We’ve all been in a class where the teacher was more toxic than the chemicals being discussed. We like to call this “Acute Toxic Instructor Syndrome.”  In this course, we discuss different methods of instruction that will help keep students more engaged.  We outline various methods to help attendees remember key points and maintain attention…

Back to the Basics Air Monitoring

In this class we will discuss:

  • Basic monitoring methods including colorimetric (pH and Colorimetric Tubes), direct reading instruments (Combustible Gas Indicator, Chemical Specific, Photo Ionization Detector)
  • Advantages, use and limitations on basic monitoring method technology, approach technique, response time (Passive vs Active), observed results (chemical specific and interferences)
  • Triaging the source material
  • Interpreting the results
  • Additional consideration (Thermal imaging cameras, radiation, hierarchy of monitoring method)

 

The goal of this course is to give the participant an opportunity to troubleshoot (while incorporating the use and limitations of the monitoring methods), triage and identify if a hazardous materials condition exists or is absent, while interpreting the results.

 

CO2 Emergency Response

This discussion will go over Carbon Dioxide in a total aspect. We will begin with the physical properties of this NON-cryogenic liquified gas. We will discuss the difficulties with identification via containers and how previous knowledge may have to be revised with this product. We will then discuss what the fire code has done to address this hazard and how this can assist first responders that may need the tools on their rig to quantify the hazard. We will close out with a discussion on how to approach and address a CO2 emergency for agencies of any size.

Presentation Objectives
Learn the physical and chemical properties of Carbon Dioxide. Identify containers that may be found that will contain Carbon Dioxide. Identify options on how to respond to CO2 emergencies safely and even use CO2 for effective response.

Detection of CWAs, PBAs, TICs and TIMS with Flame Photometry

Come learn how flame photometry can be useful in detection of CWAs, PBAs, TICs and TIMS in the gas, vapor, aerosol, liquid and solid states.

Devil in the Detail

It is often the small details which can make incidents difficult or challenging. These details can

prolong an operation or foil an otherwise straightforward response. In this course we will

identify commonly confused information and other simple errors that can have costly

consequences.

 

First on Scene to a Propane Incident & Have Nothing to Work With

As a firefighter you have the potential to be dispatched to something new or a call you don’t have specialized equipment for. What happens when you’re the first department on scene to at a propane incident and have nothing to work with. This program with discuss tactical options for just such an incident. You have more than you think would be my guess. We will look at evacuations, vapor management, management of heat sources allowing a tank to cool or manage how much it warms up.  We’ll discuss the why, where, and how to correctly apply water. We will discuss freeze patching and the challenges of making it work well. We’ll look at past incidents and to see what happened and what we can learn from them and much more. One of your best tools is sitting on your shoulders, let’s put some more fuel for thought in it.

Hold My Matches and Watch This

Hold your matches and watch this!  A highly interactive demonstration of the physical and chemical properties of flammable liquids and flammable gasses.  During these sessions, participant will witness flash point, flammable range, vapor pressure, boiling point and vapor density.  Additionally, we will be demonstrating the dynamic tendencies of flammable vapors when they encounter oxygen and ignition sources to create the “Boom” that tends to surprise us if we don’t fully understand the hazards of our response situation.

Hydration, You’re Either a Hero or a Hemorrhoid

This session focuses on the health and safety of emergency crews when operating in hot environments. The temperatures can be anywhere from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 120, the issues are the same.

With so much attention on firefighter health and wellbeing there has been a lot of effort on reducing the exposure to toxic materials at emergency incidents. Whether the scene is a hazardous materials event, or a residential fire, repeated exposure to toxins can cause long term diseases such as cancer. This presentation will focus on the need for proper hydration in the detoxification process as well as the importance of maintaining hydration to prevent after incident heart attacks and strokes.

In this session we will explore why the sauna is NOT an option for “sweating it out”, investigate hydration drinks and powders, talk about the sweating process, and how these issues influence the health and wellbeing of the first responder

Large Scale Flammable & Combustible Liquid Fires

In this hazmat session, the student will increase their understanding of various firefighting and hazmat response tactics when dealing with Flammable & Combustible Liquids. This will include an overview of Incident Command Strategies for Flammable Liquid Hazardous Materials events, the use of firefighting foam and preparation for emergency incidents in the areas of residential, transportation, industrial and commercial firefighting.

This program will cover the basics regarding emergency response techniques, spill response operations, dealing with control valve leaks and shutoffs, as well as foam proportioning devices and application techniques. We will also discuss new hybrid technical decon methods for dealing with flammable liquid events. We will review the various challenges in fighting all types of fires and hazmat spills from railcars, tanker trucks, combustible storage tank facilities, and manufacturing process areas.

Modular Metering

Metering can be confusing, but we have a knack for detangling the mess.  We will explain it simply and have member leave with a full understand of how and why metering is done.  In this conference length prese4ntation on metering, we will review the metering technologies of electrochemical, catalytic bead, photoionization detection.  Come check out the short version of our full day course.

Moving From HAZMAT TECH to HAZMAT Specialist in WMD Incidents

Purpose: This instruction block is formatted to assist the first-in fire service officer, law enforcement agency, or emergency manager in understanding how to leverage domestic military support assets during WMD, illicit clandestine laboratory, or significant industrial hazmat disasters. The course aims to break the stigma of requesting domestic military support and enhance the local incident commander’s ability to make the right calls, at the right time.

Scope: The course will cover pertinent information to include considerations during scene size-up to help determine the need or utility of requesting military assets, what assets are available to an IC once the request is made, what to expect upon arrival of the asset/s, and the proper channels for requesting these assets. This class will include a review of multiple cases when military hazardous materials technicians were used to quickly identify hazards, advise and assist the incident commander in bridging the gap between local, state, and federal assets, and assess risk to the community

Surviving and Thriving a Career as a 1st Responder

This presentation discusses the “Common Reactions” to workplace stress and trauma to illustrate the pitfalls of the First Responder work environment. The effects of job-related trauma as well as how to take control of your “off-duty” time will also be discussed. This course is easily adapted for presentation to different types of First Responder groups who may have different assignments and duties but often share similar “Common Reactions to Stress and Trauma”. Class interaction is encouraged by the Course Instructor.

  • Workplace stress comes in many forms that are often presumed to be “part of the job”. We discuss the cumulative toll these stressors have while providing useful tools to build resistance.  Cumulative Career Traumatic Stress (CCTS) often accumulates for First Responders through their entire career and doesn’t automatically “expire” upon retirement.
  • Trauma comes in many forms and can be more or less severe to individuals or groups even though they were at the same event. Understanding that both positive and negative reactions to trauma are normal provides relief to those who are often reluctant to share their concerns. Encouraging open conversations and discussing events with peer support, family, and friends is an important part of the course.
  • The course also provides First Responders with tools and resources to aggressively build a resilient lifestyle.

The Lost Art of Mentorship, Are We Failing Our Own

Session Summary: At the firehouse we have many conversations around the kitchen table. It does not matter if it was a complicated extrication, HazMat incident, Fire or even a bread and butter incident. But if you really were listening, you were listening to generational experience. Sometimes the senior person starts the conversation, or the junior responder asks a question. However it starts, you are in the process of a mentorship, a relationship, a valued time of learning and you may not even realize it.

The conversations that transpires around the kitchen table are as valuable as initial training, and in some cases more so. A conversation that is basically mentorship spiced with education and a bond between responders. Do you have a mentorship program, a system for secession, or informal display of future leadership. In this session we will share several ways mentorship can occur. We will discuss, how one can start a program, but more important are the details of how to start the conversation. Lets have a conversation……

Course Objectives: This session will look at the following objectives:

Upon completion the responder should.

  • Value how a mentorship program can influence the next generation
  • Illustrate similar experiences for a positive secession plan
  • Describe ideas for starting the conversation and the directions outlined
  • Recognize the discussion for learning lessons and building relationships

The Politics of Hazmat

The goal of this class is to teach the student about people issues that will affect your hazmat call, team and agency. It’s about the people. IT’S ABOUT TRUST…  Without the right people in the right position on the right day making the correct decision or being allowed to implement the correct course of action, everything will be more difficult and possibly fatal. Human Interaction (Politics) prior to the call, during the call and after the call in some cases will be the focus of the class. Politics both externally and internally as it relates to your hazmat team is critically important.

Up In Smoke, Marijuana Grow House Response HAZARDS

Marijuana grow houses are houses or other locations in rural, urban, and residential areas that are converted for the purposes of growing marijuana. Indoor marijuana grow operations are regularly found by law enforcement and appear to be increasing in numbers. This course is intended to bring to light the hazards and assist in developing an incident action plan when responding to these types of incidents.

Clean and Mean: Hazmat Decon Unleashed

The course provides an overview of hazardous materials decontamination procedures and protocols. Students will learn the principles of decontamination, including identifying and containing hazardous materials, implementing decontamination procedures and ensuring the safety of individual and the environment. Topics covered include decontamination equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination methods and decontamination site management.

Curbside Chemist

Curbside Chemist is an 8-hour class that focuses on the classification of an unknown product using chemical test strips and other items that can be found around the fire station. Participants will be instructed in the use of chemical test strips to identify an unknow sample. Participants will have the opportunity to use these techniques in the classification of several unknow products. The course will also demonstrate advanced sampling techniques using FTIR and RAMAN technologies in conjunction with test strips.

Deficiencies in Hazmat

Deficiencies in hazmat education requires ongoing efforts to improve curriculum standards, enhance practical training opportunities, allocate sufficient resources, stay updated on emerging hazards, and provide holistic support for hazmat responders. Collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and professional associations is essential to drive these improvements and ensure the effectiveness of hazmat education programs.

HTAC – Hazmat Tactical Analysis Cards, Using the Science, Not the Fear in Hazmat Response

This course is designed to prepare local emergency responders to systematically organize and operate during hazardous materials situations.  This one-day course uses a systematic algorithm to disseminate chemical properties using the NIOSH Pocket Guide, Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s) and many other chemical resources that may be used during a hazardous materials incident. With these skills it will make the emergency responder aware of the significant decision-making points responders will need for critical thinking for site safety for emergency responders and the public. The student will learn to develop incident action plans, tactical objectives, and determine safe operations by interpreting chemical properties found in the NIOSH Pocket Guide or any other chemical property reference material. This course will aid in improving plans for emergency response operations throughout incident response.  In addition, this course will assist in devising a system for operational planning to support decision-making skills in the early hours of a hazardous materials incident.

Navigating a Statewide Foam Task Force

We will examine the framework within which New York State assembled its taskforce, highlighting key stakeholders, legislative mandates, and operational protocols. We will discuss the hurdles encountered along the way, including budget constraints, and stakeholder resistance, and explore the strategies employed to overcome these obstacles.

Additionally, with the growing call to transition to fluorine-free foam solutions, this course will delve into New York State’s approach to embracing innovative alternatives. We will discuss the evaluation criteria for alternative foams, the process of implementation, and the ongoing monitoring and adaptation required to ensure effective firefighting capabilities while minimizing environmental impact.

On-Scene Risk Management

We always try to plan our responses but often we forget about Mr. Murphy. Risk Management is more than just coming up with SOPs and SOGs. This guided discussion will look at various scenarios and real life incidents, where despite our best plans, we had to adapt for the safety of our responders while still meeting the needs of the IC. It will be a chance for participants from various backgrounds to discuss how they might attempt mitigation and to learn from each other.

Static Electricity “Common Problem” and “Uncommon Knowledge”

We always try to plan our responses but often we forget about Mr. Murphy. Risk Management is more than just coming up with SOPs and SOGs. This guided discussion will look at various scenarios and real life incidents, where despite our best plans, we had to adapt for the safety of our responders while still meeting the needs of the IC. It will be a chance for participants from various backgrounds to discuss how they might attempt mitigation and to learn from each other.