NVFC Hazmat

Overview • Upcoming Trainings • Courses • Request a Training • Resources • Contact

 

Overview
The NVFC, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), is offering a hazmat train-the-trainer program: Partners in Training (PIT) Crew. This project will help first responders gain the knowledge and skills they need to train others in their communities on hazmat safety and response. Through the partnership, the NVFC will provide 15 in-person training opportunities across the U.S. at no cost to departments. Experienced hazmat trainers and those new to the field are welcome to participate.

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Upcoming Trainings 

Find and register for upcoming trainings here.

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Courses
The NVFC is developing fifteen new train-the-trainer courses regarding hazmat safety and response. Course titles are listed below. Courses range from 3-7 hours and some contain a hands-on training component. For more information, including learning objectives, view the course catalog. NVFC P.I.T. Crew courses are designed to provide enhanced hazmat training delivery tips, techniques and resources that can be utilized in your organization for teaching at the awareness, operations, and technician levels.

7-hour courses:

  • Teaching Hazmat Basics
  • Tools in Hazmat TrainingFirefighters carrying a bucket for training
  • Scenario-Based Hazmat Training
  • Risk-Based Hazmat Training
  • Understanding Regulations and Standards Affecting Hazmat Training
  • Teaching Basic Decon

3-hour courses:

  • Teaching Hazmat on a Budget
  • Teaching Cargo Tank Awareness – MC 306 & DOT 406
  • Instructor Training on Placards, Labels, and Markings
  • Instructor Training for Flammable Gases
  • Instructor Training for Flammable Liquids
  • Instructor Training for Ammonia
  • Instructor Training for Chlorine
  • Instructor Training for Methanol
  • Instructor Training for Vinyl Chloride

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Request a Training

Please note: Now accepting applications for trainings for June 2025-September 2026. 

Interested in bringing an in-person training to your department or region? Complete this training application. Please note, to ensure an optimal training experience:

  • Requests should be made at least 12 weeks (3 months) in advance of proposed training date and include a proposed training location
  • Training must take place on a weekend (Fri., Sat., Sun)
  • Training site should be in a central location and easily accessible to students (25 students minimum)
  • Choose classes that will provide two full days of instruction
  • Site should have classroom-style seating and audio/visual equipment
  • Site should have hands-on-training site capabilities to conduct practical skills/drills (no props needed)
  • Hosting agency must help promote the training to ensure maximum, quality attendance
  • If requesting a training with a hands-on component, please note the additional site requirements:
    • Dedicated training space suitable for the event that will not be used by any other group at the time of the course (space to conduct the training(s) – classroom(s), restrooms, practical skills area, rehab area, parking for students and instructors, etc.)
    • Appropriate hook-ups resource(s) and access for the course (i.e., water supply, hoses, access to and/or for apparatus, training props, etc.), as detailed in the course description(s)
    • Availability of an on-site point of contact who can work with the NVFC and/or instructor(s) in advance to ensure all setup needs are met

If you, or your team, have any questions about these requirements, please do not hesitate to contact the NVFC. Our goal is to work with you to bring this training opportunity to your area. Our hazmat instructor team will work to answer any of your questions.

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Additional Training and Resources

Virtual Training

  • NVFC Roundtable Talk: Hazmat Response Training – Zooming in From National to Local | View recording 
  • Coming soon!: Risk-Based Hazmat Response on-demand virtual training in the NVFC Virtual Classroom

NVFC Hazmat Resource Folder – Access and download dozens of online guides, forms, and other tools – all in one place for your convenience.

Additional Resources

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Contact
Questions? Contact Rachel Buczynski, chief of training and education, at rachel@nvfc.org or 202-887-5700.

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