The IAFC Hazardous Materials Committee serves as the association’s subject-matter expert on hazardous materials and dangerous goods. The committee provides strategic leadership on emerging risks, response practices, training, equipment, policy, and regulations affecting the fire and emergency service.
Through collaboration with federal agencies, policymakers, industry leaders, standards organizations, and other partners, the committee works to ensure first responders have the information, training, tools, and resources needed to safely and effectively manage hazardous materials incidents.
Core Responsibilities
Monitor Emerging Hazmat Risks
Identify national and international trends, technologies, and emerging hazards that may affect hazardous materials preparedness and response.
Advise IAFC Leadership
Provide the IAFC Board of Directors with expert guidance and recommendations on hazardous materials policy, preparedness, and response.
Advance Policy & Regulations
Review federal legislation and regulations and work with Congress and federal agencies to ensure the needs of first responders and their communities are represented.
Improve Training, Tactics & Equipment
Evaluate emerging response practices, equipment, technologies, and training needs to help strengthen responder safety and operational effectiveness.
Learn From Major Incidents
Analyze significant hazardous materials incidents and translate lessons learned into information that can improve future preparedness, training, standards, and response.
Strengthen National & Industry Partnerships
Collaborate with government agencies, standards organizations, chemical and transportation industries, and public safety partners to improve hazardous materials safety and preparedness.
Advancing Hazmat Preparedness & Response
Hazardous materials incidents continue to evolve as new technologies, fuels, chemicals, transportation methods, and industrial risks emerge. The committee connects real-world fire service experience with national policy, research, standards, and industry expertise to help departments prepare for these changing hazards.
Committee members contribute subject-matter expertise to national working groups and standards-development efforts and collaborate with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).
The committee also works with chemical, petroleum, transportation, and other industries to strengthen safety, information sharing, training, and emergency response.
Key Initiatives
The Hazardous Materials Committee supports and advises a range of IAFC programs and national initiatives, including:
- International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference
- Emerging and alternative-fuel response initiatives
- Hazardous materials training and responder education
- National standards and best practices
- Federal hazardous materials policy and regulations
- Data and information sharing for first responders
- Industry and government partnerships
- Lessons learned from significant hazmat incidents
International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference
The committee provides subject-matter expertise and strategic guidance for the IAFC International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference, helping shape educational content around the evolving challenges facing hazardous materials professionals.
The annual conference brings together hazmat responders, instructors, industry experts, government agencies, and fire service leaders to share knowledge, examine emerging threats, and strengthen hazardous materials preparedness and response.
Making a Difference for the Fire Service
The Hazardous Materials Committee helps turn frontline experience into national action.
By identifying emerging threats, sharing lessons learned, influencing policy and standards, and strengthening partnerships, committee members help improve responder safety and ensure fire departments are better prepared for hazardous materials incidents.
This work ultimately supports safer responders, stronger departments, and more resilient communities.
Get Involved
IAFC members with hazardous materials expertise can help shape the future of hazmat preparedness and response by contributing their knowledge and experience to the committee’s work.
Participation provides opportunities to collaborate with subject-matter experts, contribute to national discussions, and help advance policies, standards, training, and resources that benefit the broader fire and emergency service.
