First Responder Operations Level II Syllabus

Our 8 Hour First Responder Operations - Level II training program provides designated "first responders" with the initial hours of training per 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii). First responders, respond to releases of hazardous materials as part of an initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment. They are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without actually trying to stop a release. Their function is to contain a release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures. The program will give special emphasis on OSHA's definition of an incidental spill versus OSHA's definition of an emergency response spill.

The program shall be customized for your responders, and will be performance-based per OSHA. Classroom instruction will be combined with field exercises that enable trainees to demonstrate basic proficiency with the required skills. To ensure that trainees will be able to transfer the skills from the course to the job, the field exercises will simulate their actual jobs or tasks as closely as possible.

The following outline represents a proposed curriculum:

Regulation Overview & Hazard Identification
Review OSHA hazardous waste operations and emergency response activities Final Rule 29 CFR 1910.120, with emphasis on Level II First Responder requirements. Discuss how labeling systems: NFPA and HMIS, DOT labels and placards, and hazardous waste markings help determine the hazards associated with a hazardous material.

Chemical Hazards
Explain how to identify chemical and physical characteristics of materials and how to recognize hazardous situations using background and on-site information.

Toxicology & Monitoring Instruments
Discuss common toxicological terms, routes of exposure, and organ systems' response to toxic chemicals. Discuss allowable exposure limits. Review how to characterize the atmosphere with air monitoring instruments.

Respiratory Protection
Explain the physiology of the human respiratory system. List the types of respiratory hazards, and list the advantages and limitations of various respiratory protection systems. Review selection criteria for air purifying and supplied air systems.

Personal Protective Equipment
Review the EPA levels of protection and explain the criteria for selecting the proper protection for a job involving potential contact with hazardous materials.

Emergency Response Procedures & Incident Command
Describe the priorities and steps for emergency spill response action. Understand how to work within the incident command system given the responsibilities and limitations of a Level II first responder. Special emphasis on incidental spills versus emergency response spills.

Site Control & Decontamination
Identify work zones and demonstrate the proper decontamination procedures.