In 1980 a chemical spill shut down the Oakland Bay bridge for 12 hours while responders waited on a laboratory to identify the material. Two years later a small group in California developed a method for identifying chemicals in the field. Now, many hazmat responders have used the HazCat Kit to quickly figure out just what the hell they are dealing with. HazTech’s Director of Operations Troy Cochran sat down to talk to us about the company’s mission, past, present and future.
What inspired your initial idea?
HazTech Systems and the HazCat Kit were born out of a dangerous and critical need — first responders didn’t have a reliable, portable solution to identify unknown chemicals in the field. Our founder, Bob Turkington, a senior chemist working for Cal OSHA, saw firsthand the risks hazmat professionals face when trying to make life-saving decisions, without the right tools. His vision was clear: create and assemble a first response kit that provided organized laboratory-level chemical testing and identification procedures.
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The Turkington Kit was put into the hands of San Francisco Fire responders and for the first time it gave the responder fast, accurate, and complete answers for citizen and responder safety. That commitment to responder safety and efficiency has been the heart of HazTech Systems ever since.
How did that idea evolve into what we see today?
We have continued to honor the legacy of HazTech Systems by modernizing the HazCat Kits for today’s threats. We launched the QuickCat DOT/RCRA kits, and the HazCat 2.0 and HazCat 2.0 WMD kits, we have developed new and updated reagents, redesigned our manuals for better usability, and expanded our training programs. Today, HazCat is more accurate, user-friendly, and versatile — while staying true to its original mission.
What did you learn from early failures?
Early on, we realized that simplification of tests combined with the best chemistry gets the best results. Those lessons shaped how we do business today. We simplified the kit layout, added intuitive instructions, and supported training programs that help support team confidence. Our early challenges taught us the value of listening to responders on the ground. Every improvement since then has come from taking that feedback seriously.
What have you learned from taking your product into the hazmat market?
Hazmat teams don’t have time for guesswork. Every second counts and every decision can save lives. We’ve learned that innovation is only valuable, if it’s reliable, and tailored to the realities of field work. Every change we make — whether it’s updating reagents or creating new kits — comes directly from the needs of responders.
What has been the most profound story you have heard from a customer?
“For as long as I have been using it, it has never given me a wrong identification.” This was part of a conversation I had with an individual at the IAFC Hazmat Conference. As he passed by our booth he turned to me and introduced himself, explained how he has been in hazmat for over 30 years, and how useful our product has been to him and his teams. We pride ourselves on our level of accuracy, but to hear that firsthand, from someone who has used our kits in the field for that long, and has not once received an incorrect identification, that is what excites us at the core of our company.
What’s the biggest misconception about the HazCat role in emergency response?
Some people think HazCat is “old-school” compared to expensive electronic detectors. However, the truth is, the HazCat Kit fills a role no technology can replace. The HazCat Kit is the only single device that can do field detection without relying on power, batteries, calibration, or wireless connectivity. In the middle of nowhere — or when electronics fail — HazCat still gives responders accurate answers they can trust. Also, the modern technology we have is great. I love seeing innovation, especially when it comes to saving lives and keeping our country safe. We see HazCat as a necessary complementary tool in conjunction with other tech equipment — not a competitor.
For a hazmat team, what’s the biggest barrier to the responder for using the HazCat?
The biggest barrier has often been the perception that HazCat takes too long to learn. Some teams feel intimidated by a “wet chemistry” kit. That’s why training is at the heart of what we do. We’ve invested heavily in simplified procedures, clearer instructions, and hands-on training programs. Most teams become proficient after just one class, and our kits are designed so that responders can follow step-by-step instructions. We also provide 24/7 assistance to all responders, helping them safely and efficiently identify and respond to any hazmat incidents they may face.
What problem keeps you up at night?
I think a lot about the chemical threats that responders will face tomorrow. In some areas, hazmat teams are underfunded, understaffed, and often lack access to affordable and reliable tools. Knowing there are responders out there without the equipment they need to keep themselves and their communities safe is something I would like to change. That’s why our mission is bigger than just selling kits — it’s about making sure every responder has access to the right tools at the right time without having to worry about allocating large percentages of their budgets.
What does the near-term future look like for your company?
Right now, we’re focused on expanding the reach of the HazCat Kit. We’re also growing our training programs, creating more partnerships with fire departments, police agencies, military units, and available academia courses. The next year is about building connections and equipping as many teams as possible with the tools they need. We are developing new products that I believe will become indispensable in chemical identification.
What does the long-term future look like for your company?
Long-term, HazTech Systems is building toward becoming the “go-to partner” for chemical identification and hazmat readiness worldwide. We’re developing new products, faster testing methods, and modernizing our infrastructure. We see a future where every response team, every waste facility, and every major emergency unit has a HazCat on board — because it’s that essential.
What’s your boldest prediction for HazCat’s future role in hazmat and emergency response?
I believe HazCat will become the standard chemical identification toolkit across North America — used by every major hazmat team. Within the next decade, I see HazTech Systems as the leading name in field chemical identification, not just in the U.S. but globally. Our boldest prediction is simple: As a responder, you won’t leave on a call without a HazCat in your truck.
