New training model delivers off-the-shelf and bespoke courses for hazardous materials responders

The National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC) has launched a hazardous materials (hazmat) training solution providing off-the-shelf and bespoke training, delivered either in person, via distance learning or a combination of both.

Members of the UK Fire and Rescue Service were among the first candidates to attend the Hazardous Materials Adviser Initial course, the inaugural offering from the Hazmat Academy.

NCEC has become aware through its close relationship with incident responders and hazmat leads that not all organisations are able to deliver the same level of training as they once did. Training has been heavily impacted because of financial constraints placed upon response teams over the past decade and the consequent reduction in staff levels. This has the potential to cause issues where a team may not be fully prepared for the incidents it is faced with.

Ed Sullivan, NCEC’s Hazmat Academy Manager, said: “Chemical incidents happen around the world every day. As an ex-fire and rescue service officer, I know how important it is that we have access to world leading training to enable responders to be fully prepared to deal with incidents, as well as the opportunity to learn from each other’s experience of dealing with them. The Hazmat Academy is built on the foundation of real-life lessons leading to a safer and more competent response from all of us.”

The aim of the Hazmat Academy is to enable anyone who may have to respond to an incident involving hazardous materials to do so safely and effectively. The academy will help responders to meet their training goals with flexible learning opportunities that allow candidates to select the most suitable modules. Being able to offer bespoke courses also means that organisations can select modules that are relevant to their response teams.

All courses related to hazardous materials align with the UK’s National Operational Guidance’s foundation for hazardous materials, health and safety legislation, and industry best practice. They are accredited by the International Organisation for Industrial Emergency Services Management (JOIFF).

The industry chemical response training courses have all been accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The courses are adaptable and can also be written to comply with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for non-UK organisations. 

For more information and to discover the full range of courses, visit www.thehazmatacademy.co.uk. You can also email [email protected] or use the form on the right hand side to discuss any requirements.