The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service is boosting its technical capability to better protect the community, with 19 firefighters graduating from a new, intensive two-week HAZMAT Technicians Course.
HAZMAT incidents in the state have increased by more than 20% in recent years.
The newly developed course provides firefighters with advanced skills in HAZMAT response including detection, analysis, decontamination, and incident management.
Intensive training of these specialist skills ensures the MFS remains equipped to respond to complex and high-risk hazardous material incidents across the state, said MFS Commander, Special Operations, Joe Hansen.
“Participants undertook both theoretical and practical assessments designed to enhance their ability to assess, interpret, and respond to hazardous situations safely and effectively and better protect the community of South Australia,” said Mr Hansen.
“The development and delivery of this new course is a great testament to the professionalism and dedication of our highly trained Special Operations team at the MFS.”
The course is delivered by the MFS Special Operations department at the Angle Park Training Centre
Upon completing the course, graduates are certified to operate on the MFS’s specialist HAZMAT appliances and respond to industrial chemical spills, transport emergencies, and other unknown substance incidents.
“The MFS is focused on ensuring we are prepared to respond to hazardous material events safely and that our crews can bring these incidents to a swift and effective end,” said MFS Chief Officer, Jeff Swann.
“I am proud to see firefighters committed to ongoing learning that strengthens capability and delivers lasting benefits for the community.”
With defined legislated responsibility, the MFS leads the operational response to HAZMAT incidents in South Australia, providing incident control, technical expertise and public safety oversight within its fire districts.
The HAZMAT Technicians Course is part of the MFS’ ongoing commitment to maintaining a high level of specialist response personnel.
“With the number of incidents involving hazardous materials increasing, it makes sense we have more staff specially trained to deal with the increased threat,” said Minister for Emergency Services, Rhiannon Pearce.
“Locally designed and delivered, this new course ensures our firefighters are properly trained to meet the needs of the South Australian community.”
