HomeMy WebLinkAbout104.002e - Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT)
ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
COMMITTEES AND TEAMS
104.002e HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM
(HMRT)
EFFECTIVE: SEPTEMBER 2008
Current Revision Date: 03/11/21 Next Revision Date: 03/11/23
Author’s Name/Rank: Devin McGuire, Battalion Chief Review Level: 2
Administrative Support:
Evelyn Yin-Zepeda,
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to institute guidelines for the establishment and
organization of a department Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT).
APPLICATION
It is Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) policy to provide hazardous
materials, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response capabilities for the
mitigation of emergency operations.
Note: Reference Administrative Manual, Section 104.002, Specialty
Team General Guidelines for information pertaining to all specialty
teams.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
In order to provide hazardous materials response capabilities, the Department will
maintain an HMRT. The HMRT will meet as needed, to address improvements for the
HMRT response to:
Fixed facility responses.
Fixed facility spills.
Transportation vehicle releases.
Transportation vehicle spills.
Emergency responders’ decontamination.
Section 104.002e
Page 2 of 4
Mass casualty decontamination.
Emergency civilian decontamination.
Hospital decontamination.
Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts.
Public notifications.
Public evacuations.
Rescue of entrapments.
Terrorist events.
HMRT members will meet initial and annual training requirements to enhance job skills
and ensure CFR 1910.120, CCR 5192 and Cal OSHA requirements are being met.
Members may also be required to perform other assigned duties as deemed
appropriate by the team coordinator.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
The HMRT currently consists of the following members assigned to the designated
HMRT station:
6 Captains.
12 Engineers.
3 Firefighters.
Per MOU: (3) The Fire Department Administration will endeavor to maintain a
minimum HMRT staffing level of 9 Fire Captains, 12 Firefighter Specialists and 6
Firefighters. Fire Administration shall attempt to maintain a minimum daily HMRT
staffing level of five (5) persons that are certified to the level of Hazardous Materials
Technician or Specialist, which will be assigned to the designated Hazardous
Materials station(s).
The Fire Chief deems the number of non-assigned team members necessary to carry
out the Department’s mission.
Section 104.002e
Page 3 of 4
There are four functional positions within the HMRT:
HMRT Coordinator.
HMRT Equipment Manager.
HMRT Training Manager.
HMRT Prevention Manger.
PROCESS
The selection of team members is based on the process listed in Administrative
Manual, Section 104.002 (Specialty Teams General Guidelines). Members interested
in qualifying for HMRT must have a Hazmat Technician or Hazmat Specialist
certification. Members may also be required to obtain an Assistant Safety Officer or
Weapons of Mass Destruction certification depending on OES typing requirements.
Once selected for the HMRT, members are required to stay current with industry
standards. This ensures members provide the highest level of competent response
to hazardous material incidents. Team members are required to reach certification
status by meeting the minimum certification requirements.
Annual Certification Requirements:
1. Completion of 42 hours of (CE) Continuing Education within past year.
a. CE will be scheduled by HMRT coordinator.
2. Participation in quarterly HMRT meetings annually.
a. Time spent at HMRT meetings count towards CE.
b. Missed meetings can be made up by contacting coordinator and
reviewing minutes, on own time.
3. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of PPE and
equipment.
a. Determined through monthly training and annual confidence
course.
Section 104.002e
Page 4 of 4
4. Successful completion of a biannual hazmat physical.
a. OSHA compliant physical provided by the City of Fresno.
b. Physicals are administered on duty.
c. Performed in November and December prior to Biennial Transfer
Draw. (Administrative Manual, Section 101.003, Transfer Draw)
d. Physical and all related follow-ups must be completed prior to the
biannual transfer draw.
e. Failure to complete physical prior to the draw disqualifies the
member to draw a HMRT station.
f. Members may request a physical in the off year, which is provided
by the City, off duty and on the members’ own time.
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
Administrative Manual
Section 104.002, Specialty Teams General Guidelines
Standard Operating Procedures
Section 202.008, Hazardous Materials Response Plan
Current MOU between the City of Fresno and Local 202
29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
CCR 5192 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Appendix C