Hazmat First Responder Awareness (FRA) Level I Responder Refresher

First responder awareness level. 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 the awareness level shall have sufficient training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• An understanding of what hazardous substances are, and the risks associated with them in an incident.
• An understanding of the potential outcomes associated with an emergency created when hazardous substances are present.
• The ability to recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency.
• The ability to identify the hazardous substances, if possible.
• An understanding of the role of the first responder awareness individual in the employer's emergency response plan including site security and control and the U.S. Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook.
• The ability to realize the need for additional resources, and to make appropriate notifications to the communication center.

This course has been updated to align with the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook, which offers crucial information needed by hazmat employees and first responders during the initial phase of any transportation emergency involving hazardous materials or dangerous goods. Key updates include new animated scenarios that cover critical topics such as “Protective Actions” and “Isolation Distances.” These enhancements ensure that participants are well-prepared to handle emergencies effectively and safely.