Hazardous Materials

The IAFC Hazardous Materials Committee serves as the IAFC's subject matter expert regarding hazardous materials and dangerous goods. In that capacity, the committee:

Monitors and identifies trends in the fire and emergency response community and industry with regard to emergency response to hazardous materials incidents both nationally and internationally.
Monitors and provides recommendations with regard to development of new equipment and associated training and tactics.
Develops lessons learned from major incidents.
Advises the IAFC Board of Directors on policy issues relating to hazardous materials response.
Works closely with Congress and federal agencies to ensure that federal law, regulations, and policies are written and implemented to meet the needs of the fire and emergency service and the communities they protect.

Projects

Plans the annual International Hazardous Materials Response Team Conference.
Hydrogen Leadership Panel
Ammonia Emergency Response Project
Tank car redesign
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Target Capabilities
Partners with other organizations to help develop training materials and advisory information on the response to alternative fuels, including ethanol-blended and biodiesel fuels.
Assists with the development of the Hazardous Materials Fusion Center to serve as a data and information sharing network for first responders, federal and state agencies and the private sector resulting in enhanced decision-making for the mitigation of hazardous materials incidents and better preparation for anticipating future incidents.
Represents the IAFC on the NFPA 472 process committee.
Advises Congress on major legislation concerning hazardous materials transportation and storage.
Works with the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the development of federal initiatives and regulations to improve the training for and response to hazardous materials incidents.
Coordinates with federal investigative agencies, such as the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board and the National Transportation Safety Board, to improve the preparedness and response to hazardous materials incidents.
Cooperates with the chemical, petroleum, and transportation industries to improve safety, security, and provide training to emergency responders.
Participates in international organizations, such as CTIF, to learn about international hazardous materials response tactics, equipment, and training.