Hazardous materials are a reality in many industrial and commercial environments. Whether handling chemicals, fuels, or other hazardous substances, the potential risks associated with an accidental spill, leak, or exposure demand a robust and well-coordinated hazmat response strategy.

Emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, medical crises, and even security threats, can strike a workplace at any moment. In such moments, accountability becomes the cornerstone of an effective response. Without it, chaos ensues, putting lives at risk and slowing recovery efforts.

Another spring has sprung, and with it the weather is changing very rapidly. One day it is golf weather and the next you are shoveling snow. It seems every year at this time, folks are saying we have lost our ammonia charge and need to order some quickly.

As we all know, it is imperative that we can rely on our Emergency Response Plans. This is no groundbreaking concept. Yet we often find that we have these cumbersome documents but cannot access the information quickly. Time management directly impacts the outcome of an event.

A Minnesota Coop located in Randolph and Montgomery Minnesota. This Minnesota Coop stores anhydrous ammonia in excess of 10,000 lbs.

Recently, I was asked a question in my class concerning HAZMAT computer-based training. Due to our current situation involving Sheltering in Place, the question seems eerily relevant.

Here we are all together, in 2020, facing an unprecedented global situation referred to as the coronavirus pandemic or COVID-19.  Most everyone in the world is being affected by this pandemic at very personal levels.  It has touched our finances, health, vitality and emotions at an unprecedented level and never experienced by any of us in this generation. 

My wife and I went camping a few nights ago and the low temperature was supposed to be 39 degrees with a forecast of clouds and rain moving in during the morning hours. With that information, we knew a couple of things had to be accomplished before nightfall, which was in an hour.

In the 1970’s, California was suffering from catastrophic wildfires. There were numerous fire battalions fighting multiple fires simultaneously, and virtually no communication between them. This caused teams to be pinned down by consuming fires with no means of escape.

HAZMAT teams are crucial when your facility houses and uses hazardous materials. Creating a HAZMAT team on site at your facility is important and involves planning and preparation. There are many items you will need to consider when initially setting up your team. These tips are specific to a facility using ammonia, but can be applied universally with slight variances.