The draft programme for Hazmat 2019 is now available to view below or can be downloaded.
Download the programme
Delegates will be able to participate in two of the five available workshop sessions. The outline of the workshops planned are below.
Workshop A
Air quality measurements during a major incident
Run by: Environment Agency and Ricardo Energy & Environment
Max per session: 24
After a review of the Buncefield fire in 2005 it was decided that a capability be put in place to undertake air quality measurements at short notice in the event of future major incidents.
Subsequently the Environment Agency set up several teams around the country with equipment to monitor air quality, which were located to enable rapid response to an incident. The measurements are designed to enable appropriate action to be taken to protect public health and assess any environmental impact that an incident may have. These measurements are one part of a response structure that includes emergency services, Environment Agency, Public Health England, MET office and numerous other agencies.
This workshop outlines the where the capability sits within the incident response structure, the mechanisms for its activation and will discuss the capabilities of the team and practically demonstrate the portable monitoring equipment and mobile laboratory used to undertaken air quality measurements.
Workshop B
Radiation detection and monitor selection
Run by: Colonel Denis GIORDAN – C.T.I.F (International association of fire and rescue services) and the Savoie Fire department; France and Frederic Meyer – Mirion Company
Max per session: 20
This workshop will include a practical comparison (by experiment) of different types of radiation detection monitors to demonstrate the differing capabilities of a range of types of monitor for different types of radiation sources. It will enable delegates to understand the differences between monitors and choose the best detectors during situations of uncertainty (non-specific detectors, unknown radiation source) and certainty (specific detectors, known radiation source). Dose rate measurements and spectrometry will also be discussed.
Workshop C
Hazard categorisation (field chemistry)
Run by: Tactical Hazmat
Max per session: 24
Back by popular demand – ‘Street Smart’ chemistry! This hands-on session will focus on basic tests and observations that can easily be applied at the scene of an incident. As with previous year’s Hazmat Master Class, this will be a hazard categorisation session using basic field chemistry techniques. This session will encompass both theory and practical elements.
Workshop D
Stabilise, contain and protect using Vetter Hazmat Emergency Pneumatics
Run by: Hazmat Training Ltd in association with Vetter Hazmat Emergency Pneumatics
Max per session: 20
This workshop will focus on emergency response tactics and equipment that are available to stabilise, stop and contain hazmat leaks and spills. It will highlight how Vetter equipment can assist responders to protect the environment as well as refreshing the underlying principles of pollution control. The session will include case studies and practical demonstrations.
Workshop E
Multi-agency response to a WW2 chemical warfare agent exposure (from a hazmat perspective)
Run by: Dr Shaun Green – Green Risk Assessment Ltd; SM Stefan Douglas – Leicestershire FRS; SM Richard Ellis – Nottingham FRS; GM Jason Lawley – Lincolnshire FRS
Max per session: 36
In Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, members of pubic were exposed to a suspected chemical warfare agent (CWA). After the removal of canisters (verified to contain mustard gas), a Fire and Rescue Service Hazardous Materials Detection, Identification and Monitoring (HDIM) team was deployed to find evidence of land contamination and estimate any further risk to the public.
Herein, we report the first successful operational detection and identification of a CWA by UK Fire and Rescue Services, and the associated risk assessment process to provide proportionate advice regarding toxicity hazards and risks, and suitable control measures, as requested by Gold Command.