Mr. George Burk will present his moving story at this year’s general session. In May 1970, he was the sole survivor of 14 passengers in a military plane crash. The crew was en route to Spokane, Wash., to conduct an operational analysis. Ascending through 3000 feet, the aircraft experienced rapid decompression and massive structural failure, crashing in the hills near Sonoma, Calif. He suffered severe burns and multiple internal injuries and spent 90 days in intensive care and 18 months in the hospital. While in intensive care, he had two near-death experiences. He walked across the bridge and saw the door and the light. He knows we have guardian angels. He was medically retired from the Air Force in 1971. His awards include the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Award for Outstanding Employee with a Disability, Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability, Department of the Navy Outstanding Employee with a Disability, Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award and the Adrian College (Mich.) Alumni Achievement Award. This session will inspire you and help you realize the difference you make in the lives you save.
Entry operations at hazmat incident are inherently dangerous. Incidents that require the use of a Level-A ensemble place even more dangers and constraints on personnel. Maneuverability, visibility, dexterity and communications are all compromised. There are many problems related to suit usage that may be encountered during entry operations. Are you as an entry team member aware of the various problem situations that may develop, and are you familiar with procedures to address them? This workshop will explore some of the many techniques used to self-rescue responders working in this environment; the session will be both classroom and practical application. Glen D. Rudner, Hazardous Materials Officer, Virginia Department of Emergency Management; Paul J. Cusic, Lieutenant, Baltimore County Fire Department, Baltimore, MD; John N. Frost, Lieutenant Hazardous Materials Coordinator, The Woodland Fire Department, The Woodlands, TX; Ralph Royall; Joseph J. Leonard, Chair, Planning and Operations Subcommittee, Greater Houston Local Emergency Planning Committee, Friendswood, TX; Justin Royall, Driver Operator/EMT/Hazardous Materials Technician, The Woodlands Fire Dept, Highlands, TX; R.W. “Bob” Royall, Chief of Emergency Operations, Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, Crosby, TX; Richard J. Sarudy, Hazardous Materials Coordinator, Baltimore City Fire Department, White Hall, MD; Brian Wagner, Master Firefighter, National Institutes of Health Division of Fire and Rescue Services, Bethesda, MD
When responding to a chemical event, it’s critical that the material be identified as soon as possible. It’s so important that the recent NFPA 472 update requires that even operational level-trained responders have a good understanding of basic air-monitoring equipment. This is a hands-on program using live chemicals in a tabletop format that will provide first responders the skills they’ll need when faced with a hazmat incident. Frank Docimo, CEO, Docimo and Associates, LLC
The #1 objective will never change: hazmat responders must be RICH: Recognize, Identify, Chemical, Hazards. We’ll examine the states of matter, physical and chemical properties, and reactions. Remember: safety always comes first! H. Dieter Heinz, Hazardous Materials Specialist/Educator, Heinz Training & Consulting, Inc.
Technologies ranging from pH paper to PID meters are critical components of air-monitoring protocols. This session presents the basic concepts of these technologies with an emphasis on their practical advantages and limitations, including detection limits and cross-sensitivities. A strategic layered air-monitoring protocol will be presented and interactive scenarios will help participants understand how to leverage the readings of various detectors and identifiers to effectively mitigate real-world incidents. Mark L. Norman, Ph.D., Applications Manager, Smiths Detection; Armando Bevelacqua, Hazmat, Technician, District Chief-Special Operations, Orlando Fire Department, Clermont, FL
The CAMEO suite of programs—CAMEO, ALOHA, MARPLOT and Landview—have been around for over 20 years. This workshop will explore alternative uses of the programs, including enhancing training by ALOHA modeling, using advanced searches to categorize chemicals and using provided data for risk and damage assessment. Uses of the programs for natural disasters will also be demonstrated. Albert M. Valerioti, Director of Training, (Ret.), Waterbury Fire Department, Waterbury, CT; Robert J. Bradley, Battalion Chief, Middletown Fire Department, Cromwell, CT
This program will introduce missions and responsibilities between fire and law enforcement while working at a chemical emergency. Guidelines and recommendations will be addressed and shared throughout this program for personnel protection, evacuation assistance, law-enforcement special operations/hazmat involvement, etc. Robert Stephan, Battalion, Chief, Hazmat Team Leader/BC, Montgomery County, MD Department of Fire Rescue Services, Chevy Chase, MD
This program will introduce EMTs and paramedics to an organized approach for the assessment and treatment of patients poisoned by hazardous materials. We begin with a review of the human body’s systems and how they react to various poisons. Then the concept of hazmat toxidromes, which are broad collections of signs and symptoms indicative of specific classes of poisons are introduced. Finally, you will learn about poisoning-treatment paradigms and how using them can give the hazmat medical responder an organized approach for treating any poisoned patient. Norcott H. D’Esterre, Paramedic, Union EMS, Indian Trail, NC; Rob Schnepp, Assistant Chief, Alameda County Fire Dept, San Leandro, CA
The session will highlight the challenges of fires inside a biosafety-level laboratory. Inherently, these labs contain the most hazardous biological materials in various stages of development. Topics such as regulations, building construction, design limitations and tactics will be discussed. A fire-in-the-lab scenario will follow a brief lecture. Brian Wagner, Master Firefighter, National Institutes of Health Division of Fire and Rescue Services, Bethesda, MD; Thomas Gibson, Assistant Chief of Operations, National Institutes of Health Division of Fire and Rescue Services, Bethesda, MD; Andrew Boyle, Master Firefighter, National Institute of Health Division of Fire Rescue Services, Bethesda, MD.
Hazmat/WMD specialists have a unique combination of training, education and experience that is valued by commercial and industrial businesses as well as government agencies. If you are thinking about offering your services as a consultant, are currently working on the side or are ready to start your second or even third career, this workshop will be of interest to you. During the workshop, we’ll explore the pros and cons of consulting, how to start up a company, insurance and legal requirements, marketing your services and many other mysteries of the banking and business world. Michael Hildebrand, CSP, Consultant, Hildebrand and Noll Associates, Inc.; Gregory Noll, CSP, Consultant, Hildebrand and Noll Associates, Inc.
Is heat stress inevitable in WMD/CB suits? Can it be managed? Does increased comfort mean less protection? Here is a refreshing new look at this long-debated subject. The attendee will see the data and draw the conclusion. This session will include classroom time and an interactive demonstration. Chris Weyl, Associate, W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Introducing first responders to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s First Responder Technologies Program (R-Tech), we’ll discuss the main elements of the R-Tech program and how first responders can participate. The presentation will introduce some new and emerging technologies of interest to hazmat incident responders. Finally, the session will include an opportunity for first responders to share ideas about technologies they’d like to see developed. Jose Vazquez, Director, R-Tech, DHS S&T
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Secure Transportation (OST), will provide an opportunity for OST federal agents to discuss in detail the OST mission, responsibilities and response assets to an emergency event involving an OST nuclear shipment. Federal agents will also address questions related to what-if scenarios of an accident, incident or terrorist attack against an OST shipment. Greg Reinke, Federal Agent
Technology is changing at an alarming rate! Does your IT group give you the support you need? Why can’t users install programs or printers on laptops and desktops? Do you have high-tech equipment on your trucks that doesn’t work? This session is designed to shine a light on what you can do to better understand what drives your IT team, how to get them to understand your need and some easy to implement solutions to get all your technology working. Monique Robertson-Lewis, Sprint Information Technology
This session will introduce the new features in the NLM hazmat tool WISER. The Identify Unknown Substance feature now includes transportation identification based on DOT placard and type of road trailer or rail car. WISER for Windows provides GIS support for visualizing protective distance: enter your location and a map will display with an overlay representing the initial isolation and protective action distances for a substance of interest. Richard Brooks, Director, Cecil County Department of Emergency Services, Elkton, MD; Marco De Palma, Next Century Corp
The hazmat response discipline is both tremendously complex and intricate. There are a number of items that must be understood by responders to successfully mitigate a crisis. This session will explore tools that will help with the decision-making process during a hazmat incident. Kenneth Hughes, Captain, Baltimore County Fire Department, Towson, MD; William Spencer-Strong, Division Chief, Baltimore County Fire Department, Towson, MD
Whether you’re a first responder, technician or any other type of emergency responder, you have to be street smart to survive. The presentation uses a common sense approach to handling dangerous chemicals and is the application of response principles learned and developed from countless case histories. Street Smarts delivers practical, experienced-based training for the emergency responder to successfully handle hazmat emergencies. Michael Callan, Director, Callan & Company
The US Army Edgewood CB Center (ECBC) published two reports on mass casualty decontamination after a terrorist chemical attack as part of the Nunn Lugar Domenici Domestic Preparedness Program. These studies "Guidelines for Mass Casualty Decontamination During a Terrorist Chemical Agent Incident" and "Guidelines for Cold Weather Mass Decontamination" are now about 8 years old. The US Army CBRN School now requires an updated version of these studies for their development of decontamination doctrine and they have tasked ECBC to update the original studies. Accordingly, ECBC formed and lead a team to update the original studies. The focus of this study is all hazards (chem, bio, rad, unknown) decontamination and was compiled with input from community responders, Army responders, DoD medial expertise, and DoD chem-bio technical expertise. The intent of the decon study is to serve as the basis for Army doctrine, but it's written to be applicable to both DoD and civilian response organizations. William Lake, US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center
Satisfy your appetite while learning about the latest innovations in the hazmat industry. This is the perfect chance to network with colleagues as you sit down for a bite to eat and then check out what’s hot in the exhibit halls.
Selecting and using flash-fire protective garments requires knowledge of the hazard, how flash-fire protective garments are tested and their limitations; it’s more than wearing a first-responder coverall. This seminar will provide and demonstrate key information first responders should know about flash-fire protective clothing. We will use movies of actual flash-fire simulations on an instrumented mannequin to demonstrate the importance and value of protective clothing specifically designed for fire and thermal protection. James P. Zeigler, Ph., D., Research Associate, DuPont Personal Protection
Combustible gases and vapors are one of the most common gaseous threats for hazmat responders. This course will discuss the operation and limitations of wheatstone bridge catalytic bead LEL sensors, infrared combustible sensors, thermal conductivity combustible gas sensors, dilution fittings and even using photo-ionization detectors (PIDs) for assessing combustible environments. It will help you understand when to trust and use each technology. Christopher Wrenn, Sr. Director of Sales and Marketing, Environics USA
This session will focus on the activities of the National Hazmat Fusion Center since the Hazmat Conference 2008. Thomas J. Wells, Program Manager, IAFC; Amber Wells, RIST Program Coordinator, IAFC; Kelly Wolfe, Data Program Manager, IAFC
Imports of chemical products into the United States from foreign couriers have increased by over 300 percent (in dollars) in the past 10 years. As the number of imports increases, so does the potential for incidents. The ability of first responders to deal effectively with these incidents depends on their ability to obtain accurate and timely information about the shipments. This session will explore what CHEMTREC and others are doing to enhance the quality of the information available to first responders, to educate foreign shippers about the information responders need and to educate first responders on how to access information. Rick Raksnis, Director, Operations Center, CHEMTREC
Hazmat responders are presented with many challenges when operating at a mercury-spill emergency. These challenges include air-monitoring capabilities, protection, recovery and removal. This program will introduce response guidelines and emergency handling techniques for mercury-related spills. Gregory Socks, Captain, Training Coordinator/Hazardous Materials Officer, Montgomery County, MD Special Operations Hazmat, Chevy Chase, MD
Many more hazmat incidents occur in small containers than in bulk storage or transportation-containment vessels. In the absence of a label, hazmat responders can get a general idea of what is in a container (or at least the hazards) based on the material of construction, shape, safety devices and other attachments. This session will present different forms of chemical packaging, the safety devices that may be found on them and how to handle small packaging emergencies. Catherine Blair, BS, CEM, Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Mississauga, Mississauga, ON; Rem Gaade, Chief of Special Operations (Ret.), Toronto Fire Department, Oakville, ON
This session is for incident commanders, hazmat officers, entry team officers, research officers and anyone else who will be entering a hot zone. We will cover research for chemical exposures of entry-team members and will include an open discussion on entering a hot zone without medical protocols and RIT teams for hazmat incidents. Domenick P. Iannelli, CBRN Response Specialist, Pentagon Force Protection Agency
Has your team ever been asked to stand-by for a special event? What’s the plan? What are you expected to do? What do they do at big events like political conventions, the Olympics and the Super Bowl? This session will focus on planning for special events and tools used by hazmat teams to effectively respond during these operations. Presentation will be facilitated by FBI Hazardous Materials Response Unit and U.S. Secret Service responders experienced with such events. Steven G. Patrick, Senior Hazardous Materials Officer, FBI Hazardous Materials Response Unit; Michael Eversole, U.S. Secret Service
There are unique hazmat hazards associated with the manufacturer of semiconductor devices. Some of the most dangerous chemicals in the hazmat business are encountered in responses to semiconductor facilities. This course describes the entire semiconductor manufacturing process and each unique hazmat hazard. Dominic Pompa, Fellow Engineer, Northrop Grumman
This program will investigate two incidents that are related: Graniteville, S.C., and Waverly, Tenn. This session will focus on the lessons we should have learned from Waverly that might have saved lives in Graniteville. H. K. “Skip” Carr, President, H. K. Carr & Associates, Inc.
First responders are tasked with making rapid life-saving decisions, often based on limited information. Instrument reliability data—true positive and false positive rates—are required in virtually all industries impacting human health, except for hazmat response. Understanding how your software determines a result is critical for understanding the reliability of that result. This session will address reliability data through ROC curves, using recent chemical weapons testing as an illustration. Christopher D. Brown, PhD, Director of System Analytics and Applications, Ahura Scientific, Inc.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and exhibits during this laid-back reception. This is your chance to meet one-on-one with vendors and learn the ins and outs of the hottest products on the market. Plus, this reception is the perfect chance to catch up with old friends and introduce yourself to new colleagues as you share ideas and best practices.
The perennial favorite is back again, with a twist. Come compete or cheer on your fellow hazmat responders. The twins from Texas will once again be running the world-famous Jeopardy match—a very hazardous event. See three teams compete for the title of World’s Most Knowledgeable Hazmat Responders. In addition to the Jeopardy match, Greg Socks and a few unique friends will be showcasing the latest in hazmat fashion, which should be described very loosely. The fashion show will be another unique event, interspersed with the Jeopardy match. Both events are always fun—now presented in this format, it should be double the fun.
