Radiological Hazardous Materials Response

Radiological Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Program In-service

The Radiological Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Program (RadHMPP) in-service training class is mandatory for each local government that receives a Radiological Hazardous Materials Response Kit from DNS. To meet the requirements, at least one representative must attend the class and be listed as the point-of-contact with the Department. Policies, procedures, accident reporting, basic radiation, and instrumentation are topics covered during training. RadHMPP kit distributions are coordinated with the county Emergency Services and Disaster and/or Emergency Management Agency Coordinators/Directors on a pre-established schedule.

Radiological Hazardous Materials Response - Basic A

Radiological Hazardous Materials - Basic A is an introductory level class designed for all types of local government responders, responsible for initial assessment and response efforts necessary for the protection of the public. Students will be instructed in the basic fundamentals of radiation, methods of protection, radiological instrumentation, labels and placards, and use of the Emergency Response Guidebook. This class is appropriate for First Responder through Technician level qualified hazardous materials team members or personnel. Classes are divided evenly between lecture and hands-on application of lessons learned. Average class length is 2.5 hours.

Radiological Hazardous Materials Response - Basic B

Radiological Hazardous Materials Response - Basic B is designed for response staffs with a working knowledge of radiation principles and commonly used radiation detection instruments. Class participation in demonstrations and exercises highlight radiological principles and procedures. Emphasis is placed on radioactive materials transportation, establishing hazard zones, decontamination considerations, and entry procedures. This class is appropriate for First Responder through Technician level qualified hazardous materials team members or personnel. Classes are divided between lecture and hands-on instruction. Average class length is 3.0 hours.

Radiological Hazardous Materials Response - Intermediate A

Radiological Hazardous Materials Response - Intermediate A incorporates the knowledge gained through attending DNS' basic training classes with introductory instruction on commonly used radioactive sources. Students perform safety-based calculations, application of standard hazardous materials response procedures, and participation in mini-scenarios to emphasize and apply lessons learned. This class is appropriate for Operations through Technician level qualified hazardous materials team members or personnel. Classes are divided between lecture and hands-on instruction. Average class length is 3.0 hours.

Radiological Hazardous Materials Response - Intermediate B

Radiological Hazardous Materials Response - Intermediate B is comprised of a limited lecture session coupled with in-field scenario play. A brief overview of important safety and procedural issues, followed by a scenario briefing, leads to the establishment of a working response to a radiological incident scenario and critique. Each requesting agency must assign a local representative(s) to work with DNS training staff on development and implementation of the scenario. It is strongly recommended that the radiological scenario be incorporated into a scheduled activity and/or combined with a required training objective. This class is appropriate for Operations through Technician level qualified hazardous materials team members or personnel. Average class length is 3.0 hours.

Radiological Assessment and Coordinated Emergency Response (RACER) Joint Exercise Participation and Evaluation - Full or Partial Scale

The DNS RACER team participates in both full (multi-agency) and partial (single agency) scale joint exercises with a variety of local governments and first responders. Exercises are co-developed, coordinated, and implemented. Scenarios must include a radiological hazard and utilize the Incident or Unified Command Systems. Requests for exercise participation should be made a minimum of three months in advance. Exercise length ranges between 4-8 hours depending on the level of participation. DNS requests that joint training be conducted concurrent with exercise activities whenever possible.