Did you know that local public health staff can be called upon to help manage hazardous materials incidents in their communities? It could be as minor as directing a resident to safe mercury thermometer disposal options, or a major chemical or drug exposure involving responders from multiple state and local agencies. Hear from some of those agencies, and from experienced local public health colleagues. They’ll share best practices for navigating hazardous materials response when you’re not the first responder, but you'll inevitably become involved.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this training program, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the different types of hazardous materials they may encounter in the field.
• Identify appropriate hazardous materials responding agencies and partners
• Explain local public health roles in hazardous materials response

Speakers:

• Matt Brennan, Foxborough Health Department

• Heidi Porter, Bedford Health Department

• Cathy Kiley, MassDEP Emergency Planning and Response Coordinator

• William Qualls, State Police Clandestine Lab

• Chief John Davine, Northampton Fire Dept. and Hazardous Materials Response

Program Agenda 

10:00 - 10:15   MHOA Updates

10:15  - 10:30  Stories from the field - Local Public Health

10:35 - 10:50   MassDEP

Break

11:00 - 11:35  Hazardous Materials Response and State Police Clandestine Lab

11:35  - 12:00   Panel questions

Lunch will follow the program. Chicken, beef and vegetable kabobs will be served with rice and vegetables.

CEUs available: 2.4 CHO/CPH, RS/ REHS; and 2 RN CEUs