Hazardous Materials Operations (HMO24) - Fall 2026 - PSTC

Course Goal: The goal of this program is to provide the emergency responder with the training needed to comply with First Responder Operations Level training identified in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 470 - 2022 edition, professional qualifications standard. (Students who successfully complete the course can then apply and take the Pennsylvania Voluntary Fire Service Certification Program – Hazardous Materials Operations Certification Test and those successful will be certified as an Operations Level first responder.) Course Description: Provide training for first responders that respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, and the environment. Personnel are trained to respond in a defensive fashion to contain the release from a safe distance, to keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures. They must understand basic hazard and risk assessment, how to select and use proper personnel protective equipment, basic hazardous materials terms, basic control, containment and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available, and basic decontamination procedures and termination procedures. Reference(s): IFSTA Hazardous Materials for First Responders, Sixth Edition, Chapters 4-10, & 13. Each student is required to have access to IFSTA’s Hazardous Materials for First Responders, 6th Edition Student Textbook. While not required, the Hazardous Materials for First Responders Exam Prep is a valuable tool to help prepare for each lesson in the course and for the certification exam. Competency Evaluation Mechanism(s): 100% Class Attendance. Student performance on practical skill evolutions and written examination grade (minimum passing grade of 100% skill and 70% written exam required for successful completion of the course).Student Equipment/Supplies: Pen/pencil & notebook, Personal Protective Equipment and Respiratory Protection as issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). IFSTA Press Hazardous Materials for First Responder, 6th Edition is required to be in the student’s possession for the duration of the class. The PSFA Facial Hair Policy will be enforced for those using respiratory protection. Lecture / Lab/ Test: 20 lecture / 11 Lab / 1 Test / 3.2 CEUs Prerequisite(s): HMA or HMAOR