Course Description
This course is required for all personnel that may approach a spill in an emergency response with intentions of stopping and/or containing the flow.
Alaska, Oregon, and Washington States have each adopted Occupation Safety and Health Act (OSHA) laws requiring employers to inform their employees of hazards in the workplace (known as HAZCOMMS) and conduct training to protect their safety and health when responding to spills of hazardous substances (29 CFR 1910.120). These States also have regulations implementing the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 1990) requiring vessels and facilities handling, storing, or transporting oil to have oil spill prevention and emergency response contingency plans.
Purpose of Training
This training program will:
- Certify personnel as a Hazardous Material Technician
- Provide employees with the safety and health training required to assist in limited oil spill
response activities.
Scope of Training
Although this course covers a broad range of subjects, it is primarily designed to satisfy regulations for oil industry worker health and safety while responding to oil spills. This course teaches spill response operations and safety training for personnel responding to stop, contain, and clean-up oil spills from their vessel or facility as described in its contingency plan. This course meets all contingency plan requirements.
The Syllabus includes:
- Background on Federal and State hazardous materials regulations
- Techniques and options for effective hazardous communications at all levels
- Basic Toxicology information as necessary for workers to protect themselves
- Respiratory systems and other human susceptibility to different materials
- Understanding and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- First Aid and CPR;Firefighting techniques and hazards
- Response and Contingency Plans;Behavior and Effects of oil spills
- Dispersants, burning, and bioremediation
- Containment and recovery equipment use.
This is a classroom lecture/seminar format with hands on field demonstrations. Training includes shore facility and vessel perspectives. Class composition will dictate emphasis from petroleum storage / transport to fishing or shipbuilding. Following completion of this course the individual is required to have eight hours of refresher training annually. |
