Hazardous Materials Ops Refresher – Initial Response and PPE (HMOR24-C) - Fall PSTC - 2026

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 and OSHA 29CFR 1910.120. Course Description: Provide refresher 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 to protect 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. This course covers two chapters in the textbook, Chapter 7, Planning the Initial Response, and Chapter 10, Personal Protective Equipment. After required classroom course work is completed, the students participate in supervised drills in hazardous materials emergency response materials, either skill sheets or additional Mission-Specific training. These options are provided as a la carte menu selection to refresh/introduce on one of the following mission specific subject areas: (1) Air Monitoring, (2) Product Control, (3) Mass Decontamination, (4) Technical Decontamination, and (5) Victim Rescue and Recovery or (6) Personal Protective Equipment. Test questions are optional; one (1) skill sheet for the chosen Mission Specific Option is required. The combined Hazardous Materials Identification (PSFA ERG/SDS) worksheet is required to be completed for this refresher course. Instructors should coordinate with the requesting organization to determine which mission specific content will be instructed. Reference(s): IFSTA Hazardous Materials for First Responders, Sixth Edition, Chapters 4 and 5. Student Equipment/Supplies: Pen/pencil & notebook, Personal Protective Equipment and Respiratory Protection as issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The PSFA Facial Hair Policy will be enforced for those using respiratory protection. Competency Evaluation Mechanism(s): 100% Class Attendance. Student performance on practical skill evolutions and written examination grade (minimum passing grade of 100% skill required for successful completion of the course). Lecture / Lab: 3 lecture / 3 Lab / 0.6 CEUs Prerequisite(s): HMOJB or HMO24