Background

Some firefighters may provide hazardous materials response or chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) terrorism response.

Concerns/hazards

Exposure to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive agents can result in injury, illness or death.

Actions for employers

Employers should:

  • evaluate their hazardous materials response capability
  • ensure that firefighters are adequately trained and equipped to perform the hazardous materials response
  • document both the theoretical and practical training provided

Applicable regulations and acts

Read:

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
    • clause 25(2)(a) for providing information and instruction to a worker
    • clause 25(2)(d) for making workers aware of hazards
    • clause 25(2)(h) for taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers

Applicable standards

For information on response levels to emergencies involving hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction, read NFPA 472, Standard for competence of responders to hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction incidents, 2013 edition.