The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) yesterday concluded a four-day hazardous materials response course for frontline ranks drawn from Regions Three, Four and Six.
The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) programme is designed to train 33 frontline personnel and establish the Fire Service’s first dedicated team for hazardous materials incidents, a release from the GFS said. These include chemical fires and other emergencies in which hazardous substances could expose firefighters and members of the public to toxic materials.
A specialist team from Business Crisis Consultants Limited, led by Principal Garth Vicent, delivered the training. The course combines classroom instruction and practical exercises. Participants learnt to identify hazardous substances using safety data sheets, assess risks at an emergency scene and select appropriate protective equipment, including respiratory protection.
The training also covered air monitoring, decontamination and the safe containment of hazardous releases. Participants are learning to use the Incident Command System to assign responsibilities and coordinate the response when multiple teams or agencies are involved, the release added.
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