“Partnership” seeks to increase haz-mat responder safety
The newly organized Partnership for Fire Fighter Safety is dedicated to increasing safety for hazardous-materials responders and has support from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). A consortium of representatives from industry; fire service organizations; and federal, state, and local government, the Partnership`s objective is to make responders more aware of the training materials, services, and other resources available through industry and fire service organizations. The group is compiling a catalog of resources, which will be promoted to the fire service through fire service publications; speakers at fire service meetings; displays at conventions; and outreach to national, state, and local fire service organizations. In addition, instructors and speakers, 24-hour technical guidance, and training materials–curricula, videotapes, pamphlets, guidebooks and posters–are available for free or at low cost from industry groups to fire departments and other emergency responders.
Present Partnership members include the Chemical Manufacturers Association, Chlorine Institute, Compressed Gas Association, Fertilizer Institute, National Propane Gas Association, International City/County Management Association, U.S. Fire Administration, and National Fire Academy. Carl Johnson, president of the Compressed Gas Association, chairs the Partnership.
If requested to do so, the Partnership will organize “firefighter advisory committees” to help industries create and test training safety materials.
Fire departments and fire service organizations desiring to be on the Partnership`s mailing list, or any industry organization wishing to obtain information on becoming a Partnership member, should contact Karen Suhr, Partnership for Fire Fighter Safety; 1319 F St., N.W., Suite 301; Washington, DC 20004; (202) 393-3240.
Source: Fire Control Digest, Washington Capital News Reports, Inc., Fairfax, Virginia, Vol. 21:10, Oct. 1995.
