Role of the First Responder
First responders at the awareness level are individuals who are likely to witness or discover a hazardous substance release and who have been trained to initiate an emergency response sequence by notifying the proper authorities of the release. They would take no further action beyond notifying the authorities of the release. First responders at this level shall have sufficient training or experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas:
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Understand what hazardous materials are and the risks associated with them.
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Understand the potential outcomes associated with an emergency created when hazardous materials are present.
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Be able to recognize the presence of hazardous materials in an emergency.
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Be able to identify the hazardous materials, if possible.
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Understand the role of the first responder awareness individual in the employer's emergency response plan.
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Be familiar with and know how to utilize the Emergency Response Guidebook – a guidebook for first responders during the initial phase of a hazardous materials incident.
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Be able to identify the need for additional resources and make appropriate notifications.
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