PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to identify emergency service personnel who demonstrate sufficient knowledge and competency in the performance requirements necessary to recognize a hazardous materials/WMD as well as functioning in situations that may pose a risk to health or the environment. The NFPA 472 Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents identifies the minimum requirements for a person at the initial level of progression. Personnel who, in the course of their normal duties, could encounter an emergency involving hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and who are expected to recognize the presence of the hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction (WMD), protect themselves, call for trained personnel, and secure the scene.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

A person submits a completed application to the Kentucky Fire Commission. The candidate shall remit the prescribed written testing sitting fee, attempt a written examination of 20 multiple choice, true/false or matching questions and participate in a skills exam scenario utilizing the US Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook. Upon successful completion of the written exam and the scenario, provided all documentation and fees are submitted and prerequisites are satisfied, the candidate shall become eligible to recieve an accredited certification from the Kentucky Fire Commission.

COMPETENCY AREAS TESTED

Detect the presence of a hazardous material/WMD, identify name, UN/NA ID number, placard or other distinctive markings, initiate protective actions and proper notifications.

PREREQUISITES

None identified.