The Lancaster County Hazardous Materials Team, in conjunction with the LEPC has initiated a HazMat 2-9 Associate Membership classification to supplement and enhance existing hazardous materials response efforts throughout the county.

County wide, local industrial response teams, fire companies and EMS associations are being trained to assist more directly in HazMat 2-9 response operations within their jurisdiction. Personnel receive training in HazMat 2-9 response procedures, protocols and equipment capabilities as well as hands-on training to assist in suit-up and decon operations. Additional training up to and including Hazardous Materials Technician level training is also being offered to these individuals.

Members of these organizations who have received this basic training are then solicited to join HazMat 2-9 as associate members. Associate membership status allows those individuals to be covered under HazMat 2-9 insurance while assisting in HazMat 2-9 operations, which allows for involvement that is more direct in team activities. Associate members assisting at an incident may also be included as part of the state mandated minimum response requirements for advanced hazardous materials team dispatch and response. In a time of declining volunteer activity, associate members trained in basic response procedures can greatly enhance response capabilities throughout the county in a timelier manner.

Through this training, associate members already on-scene as part of their fire company, EMS or industrial team response can initiate standard HazMat 2-9 response protocols for scene control, equipment set-up and investigative operations in preparation for HazMat 2-9 arrival. In the event of large-scale emergencies, associate members could be called upon and utilized in place of or prior to out-of-county mutual aide assistance.

The LEPC, in an effort to support this initiative has agreed to provide discounted SARA fees to industrial facilities that support this effort. The HazMat 2-9 organization offers discounted response charges to these organizations as well.

This is an effort to reach out and utilize all of Lancaster County’s resources to provide the best response capability possible. Please consider supporting this effort in any way that you can by contacting us at the address above.