Hazardous Materials First Responder (Awareness Level)

(A) First Responder, Awareness Level (FRA): First responders at the awareness level are individuals who are likely to witness or discover a hazardous substance release and who have been trained to initiate an emergency response sequence by notifying the proper authorities of the release. They would take no further action beyond notifying the authorities of the release. First responders at the awareness level shall have sufficient training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas:

1. An understanding of what hazardous substances are, and the risks associated with them in an incident.
2. An understanding of the potential outcomes associated with an emergency created when hazardous substances are present.
3. The ability to recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency.
4. The ability to identify the hazardous substances, if possible.
5. An understanding of the role of the first responder awareness individual in the employer’s emergency response plan (including site security and control), and the U. S. Department of Transportation’s Emergency Response Guidebook.
6. The ability to realize the need for additional resources, and to make appropriate notifications to the communication center.

At the completion of this training session, the participants will be acquainted with the following information:

• Introduction to Hazardous Material at the FRA Level.
• “SAFE” Acronym Theme
• DOT Haz Mat Classes and Examples
• Multiple Hazards and Health Effects of Each Class
• Common and Typical Hazardous Materials
• Pertinent Authorities and Regulations
• Hazardous Materials Recognition and Safety
• Signs, Markings, Placards, Labels, Shipping, and MSDS.
• Safety, Isolation and Notifications (SIN)
• Basic Command, IDHA and Action Plans (IA)
• DOT Emergency Response Guidebook
• Other Reference Guides
• Key Physical and Chemical Terms

To receive state certification, each participant must successfully complete a written examination and a course evaluation.