Hazardous Materials Response (HAZMAT)

Hazardous Material Responses Every day across North America thousands of dangerous products are transported by roadways, airways, waterways and rail. These hazardous commodities when safely transported present little hazard to the general public and first responders, but when accidents occur, the Fire Service is the first to be called.

Department of Transportation and CANUTEC The Department of Transport (DOT) is tasked with regulating the transport of dangerous goods in Canada. CANUTEC is the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre operated by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Directorate of Transport Canada. The Directorate’s overall mandate is to promote public safety in the transportation of dangerous goods by all modes. CANUTEC was established in 1979 and is one of the major safety programs Transport Canada delivers to promote the safe movement of people and goods throughout Canada. 

Hazardous Material Responses DOT Shipping Labels and Placards https://youtu.be/1Hh0QUZRk9Y Responding to HAZMAT Incidents https://youtu.be/mpww9z-tXAI HazMat Training https://youtu.be/437zDpGg-Bs Emergency Response Guidebook https://youtu.be/o88yg2dfTRg

Summary Hazardous Materials Incidents present a considerable danger to Firefighters, requiring the deployment of specially trained HazMat Teams and equipment. Fire Communicators can provide valuable assistance to HazMat Teams by providing them with vital information at the time of dispatch relating to the hazardous commodities involved in the emergency, as well as support once crews arrive through contact with supporting agencies such as CANUTEC. Accurate information relating to the specific dangerous goods involved as well as the appropriate methods for mitigating the emergency can greatly assist in the resolving the emergency situation.