Hazmat Training Debrief gives you a quick recap of interesting hazmat training going on. This week we look at recent training E-Med Training Services conducted a training in South Carolina. Company owner J. Travis Carricato tells us what they did and how it went.
What agency led the training?
Training was led by E-Med Training Services, which hosted a joint, open-enrollment 40-hour Fire Brigade Leader/OSHA HAZWOPER On-Scene Incident Commander course. Attendees represented diverse sectors including oil and gas, power generation, chemical manufacturing, recycling, and general industry. This national group of professionals brought a wide range of experiences and facility-specific challenges to the table.
Where was it held?
Training was conducted in Columbia, S.C. at one of our long-term training partner sites, which holds responsibilities for all-hazard response, including hazmat technician-level mitigation operations. This facility provides an ideal environment for immersive, scenario-based training that reflects real-world emergency response challenges.
What was the set-up time?
Approximately two days were needed to set up simulation software, coordinate instructor roles, and stage technology and resources for table top evolutions and scenario-based training.
How many were trained?
Fifteen emergency response professionals successfully completed the training.
What hazmat levels were the trainees?
Trainees were preparing for or currently operating at the OSHA Hazwoper On-Scene Incident Commander level (29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(v)). This advanced level focuses on decision-making, resource coordination, and scene leadership.
Also Read: HazSim Customer Profile: E-Med Training Specialists
What were the training objectives?
The course was designed to:
- Reinforce incident command principles under the NIMS/ICS model and the JPRs required in NFPA 1081 and legal requirements of OSHA 1910.120(q).
- Develop IC-level leadership confidence through immersive decision-making based on simulated emergencies of actual site processes.
- Teach ICs and responders how to interpret air monitoring data for actionable decisions.
- Link federal compliance requirements to everyday hazmat response situations.
What evolutions did trainees do?
Trainees participated in simulated incident scenarios that included:
- Simulated incidents involving leaks and fires from railcars, tankers, vessels and containers carrying flammable liquids, gases, toxic and unidentified substances.
- Full-scale tabletop exercises involving evacuation, hazard control, and unified command.
- Live, real-time air monitoring decision drills to isolate zones and implement response protocols, such as containment of fire water runoff.
What technology was used?
E-Med Training integrates advanced tools to enhance realism and engagement.
SimsUShare simulation software allowed trainees to virtually respond to incidents at facilities modeled after their own.
HazSim Pro 3 provided live, wireless air monitoring data during evolutions, giving the IC immediate feedback on decisions such as deploying teams into hot zones or establishing safe perimeters.
What were the biggest successes?
The greatest success was witnessing incident commander candidates evolve in real time, translating air monitoring data — such as LEL spikes, carbon monoxide levels, or oxygen displacement — into confident tactical decisions. The immersive simulation training environment, powered by HazSim Pro 3 and SimsUShare, created a safe space for trainees to make mistakes, ask questions, and grow as leaders based on actual information from the field.
HazSim Pro 3 provided realistic, interactive simulations of hazardous materials scenarios, allowing responders to practice using virtual detection equipment that mimics real-world devices. This hands-on approach enabled trainees to experience the consequences of their decisions in a controlled setting, enhancing their readiness for actual incidents.
SimsUShare offered customizable, photo-realistic fire and hazmat scenarios, enabling trainees to engage in dynamic incident command exercises. By simulating various emergency situations, responders could develop and refine their decision-making skills in a risk-free environment.
Together, these technologies bridged the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application, ensuring that our trainees are better prepared to handle complex emergencies with confidence and competence.
What would you do differently next time?
With participants from eight unique facilities nationwide, it was a challenge to understand each site’s specific processes and hazards beforehand. In the future, we plan to collect pre-training facility insights and SOPs so we can better tailor scenarios to real-world conditions. As instructors, we’re committed to learning from our students and each session to continuously improve our impact.
What else did you learn?
One of the most critical findings during training is that many industrial responders are unaware of their legal responsibilities under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(q). This isn’t just academic — it’s mission-critical. Here are some examples.
- 1910.120(q)(3)(iv): Responders must wear positive pressure SCBA when exposed to inhalation hazards until air monitoring shows it’s safe to downgrade protection.
- 1910.120(q)(3)(vii): The IC must designate a safety officer who is knowledgeable about the operation and responsible for scene safety.
- 1910.120(q)(6)(iii)(B): Responders must be trained to identify and verify materials using proper field instruments.
We don’t just mention these requirements — we embed them into our training structure. Every scenario is an opportunity to connect real-life actions to regulatory mandates. This focus ensures compliance, boosts confidence, and reduces organizational liability in the event of an actual emergency.
