STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMISSION (SERC)

TRAINING TASK FORCE

Department of Environmental Protection

Carr Building , Room 170M

3800 Commonwealth Blvd.

Tallahassee , Florida 32399

 

October 5, 2006 9:30 a.m.

 

Present :

LEPC 2: Chris Rietow (for Richard Smith)

LEPC 3: Don Sessions

LEPC 5: Joe Schenk

LEPC 6: Jennifer Hobbs (for Jerry Smith)

LEPC 7: Chuck Carter (for Dan Bartle)

LEPC 8: Ernie Hiers

LEPC 9: Doug Wolfe

LEPC 10: Chris Bushman

LEPC 11: Don Perdue, TTF Chair

Mike Jacobs (Department of Health)

Greg Lee (Department of Environmental Protection)

Mike Murphy ( Florida Fire Chiefs' Association)

Dan Wouters ( Florida Association of Hazardous Materials Responders)

 

Members absent :

LEPC 1: Richard Delp

LEPC 4: Todd Smith

 

I. INTRODUCTIONS

 

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and members of the TTF and the audience introduced themselves.

 

II. 2006 STRATEGIC PLAN ACTION ITEMS

 

Publications

 

•  Availability of Documents : Mr. Doug Wolfe explained that the intent of this initiative was to obtain a secure, electronic portal for the storage of plans, policies, procedures, SOPs and other sensitive materials used by hazardous materials teams throughout the state. It was previously determined that Threatcom was an alert notification system not capable of storing documents. The Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) system is an option under consideration; however, access requires approval by each Regional Domestic Security Task Force Chair. Other options are currently being explored and a recommendation should be made shortly.

 

•  Secure Database Portal : Mr. Tim Date reported that the statewide hazards analyses database project is underway. The Compliance Review Unit has obtained space on one of the Division of Emergency Management's (DEM's) networks. CAMEOfm and a several hazards analyses have been loaded on their network. This is a first step in a long process due to reformatting county data from over 3,200 Section 302 facilities into a consistent format. This system may be one option for storing the SOPs, etc., as discussed as item (1), above.

 

•  Hazardous Materials SOP Book : Mr. Wolfe had nothing new to report on this item. A funding source has been identified by the Florida State Fire College (FSFC) but the planning meeting has not yet been scheduled.

 

Systems and Relationships

 

•  Radio Interoperability : Mr. Mike Jacobs reported that the pursuant to Chapter 401, Part 1, F.S., all licensed Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers and hospitals with emergency departments are required to have emergency communications. This endeavor was accomplished by the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Bureau of EMS is conducting regulatory inspections. He also stated that there has been a move from wide band to narrow band; every health department will have Med 82 capacity. The equipment is being installed currently and will be tested. Mr. Perdue asked whether it would be possible to get an update on the testing of the equipment. Mr. Jacobs noted that the network build-out will take approximately one and one-half years but can provide an update on the status of the build-out at the next meeting.

 

•  Documenting Training Provided by LEPCs : Ms. Sheri Powers stated that this initiative is complete. The LEPCs are encouraged to register as training providers on the FSFC's database (FCDICE).

 

Training

 

•  Awareness/Operational Level Programs : The Awareness Level Training Program update is now complete and consists of Student Manuals, Instructor Guides, Power Point Presentation, DVD (also available in VHS), Certificate of Completion, etc. All documents are available on compact disc (CD). The documents will also be available on the SERC's website and staff is researching the capability to place the video on the website as well. As before, this product meets the SERC Guidelines and OSHA Awareness Level training requirements. To be considered a qualified instructor, the general standard previously adopted by the SERC is that an individual be trained to one level higher than the level they are teaching (in this case, Operations Level). A recommendation was made and approved to forward a copy of the training package to the State Working Group (SWG) as well as the Domestic Security Oversight Council for endorsement.

Depending on the availability of funds, the Operations Level Training Program will be the next project.

 

•  Training Materials : Ms. Powers distributed a CD containing a copy of the FSFC's 24-hour advanced clandestine lab curriculum.

 

•  Training of Hospital Personnel : This item is on hold pending the filling of a position knowledgeable on this topic at the Florida Hospital Association.

 

•  Training of Major Hazmat Operators : Mr. Mike Murphy requested this item be tabled until April, 2007 meeting.

 

Updates

 

•  Hazardous Materials Response / Terrorism Threat Response : Mr. Wolfe stated that the NFPA 472 will not be finalized for at least another six months. The draft version is currently posted on www.nfpa.org for review. Law enforcement officials made numerous comments on the draft. Mr. Wolfe stated that approximately five or six new disciplines were incorporated into the NFPA competencies.

 

In addition, Mr. Perdue reported that NFPA 471which covers the response to a hazardous materials incident will be eliminated and appropriate sections will be incorporated into

NFPA 472. NFPA 472 addresses competencies of an individual responding to an incident.

 

•  Personal Protective Equipment : Mr. Wolfe stated that the Interagency Board for DHS has begun to align terminology used for chemical protective clothing which has been used for years (Levels A, B, C and D). Levels A, B, C, and D classifications do not indicate how well one is going to be protected. NFPA 1991 and NFPA 1994 define performance basis much better with a different classification system. NFPA 1994, Class 2, for example, does a better job of addressing law enforcement personal protective ensemble requirements.

 

•  HazMat Team Assessments : See Reassessment of Hazardous Materials Teams see below.

 

Needs Analysis

 

•  NIMS Compliance : Ms. Powers reported that the National Response Team (NRT) is not updating its criteria for the LEPC plans at this time. A handout from the NRT was distributed regarding the use of the Incident Command System and recommended actions.

 

Mr. Perdue reminded the TTF that part of its job is to look at training issues across the state with regard to hazardous materials. The National Incident Management System (NIMS), in particular, is a big concern across the state and he requested the TTF members be vigilant in assisting agencies to address NIMS requirements.

 

•  Emergency Planning and Response Software : Mr. Dwayne Mundy made reference to a document at their places containing an extensive list of planning and response software available to download onto a personal computer.

 

•  Surveys : Mr. Perdue stated that the TTF considered conducting a training needs assessment a couple of years ago but decided not to duplicate efforts since the SWG was conducting a training needs assessment at that time. There was general consensus that a better understanding of training needs statewide is needed. A motion was made, seconded and approved to request approval from the SERC to submit a letter to the SWG identifying the specific information needed by the TTF and requesting that the SWG collect the information as part of its next needs assessment. The information collected will then be shared with the TTF.

 

Funding

 

ERG and NFPA Training Cycles : It is often asked how often the ERG and NFPA documents are updated and how those updates affect training within the state. The ERG, for example, is updated every four years - what training is required to address changes that are made to the ERG? Mr. Perdue requested DEM to investigate how such updates could impact the content of the current training documents adopted by the SERC and what financial commitment would be necessary to update the documents on a regular cycle.

 

 

 

 

Standards & Certification

 

Define Tox-Medic : A question was raised as to whether there would ever be a state definition of Tox-Medic. Mr. Jacobs responded that it may be a “typed asset” rather than a definition within a statute or administrative code. Mr. Perdue requested that Mr. Wouters and Mr. Murphy investigate this in coordination with the SWG.

 

III. REASSESSMENT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEAMS

 

Mr. Wolfe stated that the reassessment of 35 teams assessed in 1999-2000 will begin in approximately two weeks. All team points of contact will be notified as to the proposed schedule. A conference call will be conducted and teams will be informed of the information the assessors will be requesting. Mr. Murphy requested that it be made clear that this is not related to domestic security funding.

 

The results of the assessments would not be released with the team names. However, each team will be given a detailed analysis with a summary of the overall scoring system, details on their specific analysis and how they can improve their deficiencies. The deadline for this project is December 31, 2006.

 

IV. FLORIDA HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONDERS (FLAHR) UPDATE

 

Mr. Wouters stated that $5.5 million has been set aside for the replacement of Personal Protective Equipment which was distributed in the past. The SWG will be reviewing PPE for the various disciplines based on the duties they are required to perform. A meeting will be held in November and he invited the TTF to attend to provide input. Mr. Wouters will send an e-mail announcement to Ms. Powers to forward to the TTF.

 

The SWG was tasked to adopt a standardized training curriculum for all hazardous materials teams. The purpose of this substantiates the need for future funding and establishes a standardized system for mutual aid response. The focus at this time is the hazardous materials and the USAR teams. Mr. Wouters asked if there is already a standardized training curriculum for hazardous materials technicians for the State of Florida . The SERC has previously endorsed the 160-hour voluntary certification program developed by the FSFC. At this time, there is no exclusive training program one must complete to be recognized as a Hazardous Materials Technician. The required competencies must be achieved and demonstrated annually.

 

V. ISSUES FOR SERC

 

The item to be sent for SERC consideration is the letter to the SWG regarding the hazardous materials training needs assessment discussed under “Needs Analysis” on page four.

 

VI. OTHER BUSINESS

 

There was no other business discussed.

 

VII. SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING

 

The next scheduled meeting is January 4, 2007.