New Training Tools Executive Summary

HazSim Hazmat Simulation Training System

As a combination department, we experience regular turnover of department members

and need to ensure that all new members are meeting minimum standards for a variety of

operations. Hazardous Materials is an area of the department that is often overlooked and can be

an overwhelming topic for some. It has also been shown as a topic that needs greater attention

based on the last assessment of department members.

Hazmat is a small, but important part of our responsibilities. We have many trains that

pass through our district, as well as mutual-aid districts that carry a variety of hazardous

materials. This is in addition to an interstate transportation system, several target hazards, and a

rural farming community that all have the capability of creating hazmat incidents of varying

scales. NFPA 472 and outline the requirements for hazmat operations level personnel and NFPA

1072 outlines skills operations level personnel should be able to perform.

NFPA 472 states:

NFPA 1072 states:
 As such our department would be well served by a hazardous materials simulation

training system in addition to our current training on the use of and interpretation of meter

readings using four-gas monitors. The recommended system simulates all gas, chemical, and

radioactive (CBRNE) environments, something that is difficult to do with our current system or

lack thereof. This hands-on, realistic, and interactive hazmat simulator experience increases the

effectiveness of training for not only hazmat, but confined space, another application for use of

portable detection devices to monitor the environment.

The HazSim system also allows for remote formative assessments of users. Instructors

can send questions related to evolution in real time and student answers questions via touch

screen on HazSim. They also include a questions package, where there are sets of questions

focused on specific training areas.

An additional positive for the HazSim system is the trade-in program. As the system and

equipment progress, we can trade our used equipment in towards the purchase of a newer

system.

The HazSim Pro 2.0 system would cost $14,399.99 for two student devices and one

convertible instructor server. For additional fees beyond the grant, HazSim provide a four (4)

hour on-site implementation of the HazSim System by a certified HazSim Implementation

Specialist for a price of $2,400. A manufacturer's extended warranty includes protection from

defects for up to three (3) years at a cost of $999.99.

Prepared by:

Brandon Hageman