IS YOUR BUSINESS VISION 20/20? The HazMat Option

IS YOUR BUSINESS VISION 20/20

The HazMat Option

By Perry Beaty, HazMat Responder Network/FlowStop

Successful businesspeople are constantly thinking outside the box for new paradigm opportunities for business growth and health. What could be a more natural “fit” for towing companies than spill clean-up at a wreck site? As a premier tower and company owner in Charlotte, NC from 1970 through 1998, it became apparent that spill cleanup companies were few and far between. The scarcity and unreliability of cleanup services could result in several hours wait time-time that insurance companies were reluctant to pay for. The local EPA prohibited the removal of damaged tankers, containers, and cargo by anyone other than certified 40-Hr. Hazwoper. This was the compelling factor in deciding to start my own cleanup company.

What started to speed up the wreck recovery as well as the spill cleanup became the catalyst for answering cleanup calls in several counties. After developing a response plan along with necessary equipment, a new corporation was formed apart from my towing and recovery business.

Response time to the scene no matter time of day or day of the week was significantly quicker than the local authorities were accustomed to. Therefore, my cleanup services were suggested to the spill generator by the EPA officials covering the spill. Many responses for cleanups were not associated with a traffic accident. Trucking companies that used my towing service became my instant client base.

Towing, recovery, and spill clean-up were entrenched in my DNA not to mention the increased revenue the duo generated for my companies. In the following years, others in the towing industry began asking

about this “union” of businesses, and I was asked to “share” my knowledge and experience. They say, “necessity is the mother of invention.” I began fabricating tools and equipment that proved to be crucial to effective and efficient spill containment and remediation. This product line along with a patent on storm drain plugs became “FlowStop.”

The Spill Response / Cleanup business became a profitable standalone company that enlarged its scope of performance to include pressure washing fuel islands at truck stops and trucking terminals, also loading dock mishaps.

In 2013, I became certified to instruct the 40-hr. HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations Emergency Response) certification program. Hazmat Responder

Network (HRN) was introduced in 2014. The focus on CFR 1910.120 covers OSHA, EPA and DOT requirements. Completion of required hours

and curriculum along with hands-on simulation of spill scenarios has proven to be a successful foundation for business expansion into spill cleanup and remediation for towing and recovery professionals.

HRN is committed to staying abreast of new tools, products and information for the Network (HRN) alumni. Quick, efficient job completion of spill events is paramount. Timely cleanup of contaminants and/or debris disrupting traffic flow is a first responders’ priority. With hands-on training, HRN equips attendees to do just that! At HRN, we refer to preparedness as being “COMBAT READY!“

It’s advisable to be selective when deciding to offer HAZWOPER training/certification to employees. Just as heavy-duty towing and recovery and light-duty towing are best suited to those with skill sets, the same is true for HAZWOPER cleanups. Depending on the size of your operation, determine how many employees you may need to get certified. HRN currently offers classes east of the Mississippi and keeps class location and dates posted. It may be to your advantage to send two students at a time. The class starts on a Thursday evening from 7:00 PM till 10:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 8:00 AM till 6:00 PM. The weekend class scheduling is to minimize diminished personnel

during the busy weekday schedule. The certification is issued to the individual and not to the company. OSHA standards require all those engaging in emergency response spill cleanups be 40-hour HAZWOPER certified.

A yearly 8-hour re-certification is required to keep your HAZWOPER certification current. HRN regularly posts opportunities for re-cert and has developed curriculum above and beyond basic refresher information. Tanker awareness, newest tools, and cleanup products will be introduced and utilized in hands on simulation.

As indicated in the name, HAZMAT RESPONDER NETWORK, is a network of trained and certified alumni. Many have utilized the network aspect and teamed up to help with problematic or large contaminate releases.

Now with the basic HAZWOPER training complete, it is highly suggested NOT to accept calls for spill response until all bases are covered regarding equipment and supplies. This takes time for some companies to become thoroughly prepared for response work.

Spill response is a “team sport” meaning more than one HAZWOPER certified technician will be utilized at the scene of a cleanup. As covered in the required curriculum, “teams” of at least 2 technicians may be required depending on the size, scope and/or complexity of the spill or release.

Equipment that is intrinsically safe, properly cared for, organized, properly labeled and thoroughly “decontaminated” from prior use will ensure a more efficient and timelier cleanup site. Preparation in advance of arriving on scene is crucial. Incident Commander (IC), Fire Captain or EPA representative will determine your level of involvement based on “hot zone” conditions and your level of preparedness. HRN alumni have engaged in cross-training with local fire departments and invited local EPA officials to their facilities to show “combat ready” capabilities. It is to your advantage to develop a healthy and respectful working relationship with local officials.

It is advisable to find out in advance where to take properly contained contaminates for disposal. The necessary testing and steps for disposal manifests are covered thoroughly in class time sessions.

HRN provides in-depth, step-by-step procedure instruction to help ease the transition into your new cleanup business. Your success in the cleanup/remediation business is the focus of class time as well as hands-on simulation scenarios at HAZMAT RESPONDER NETWORK!!