S.M.A.R.T. Laboratory
HAZWOPER Training

In January of 2005 ten employees of the S.M.A.R.T. Lab went through a 40-hour HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) Training. They learned how to identify, handle, transport, and cleanup a hazardous waste site or emergency according to 29 CFR 1910.120 OSHA requirements. Here are several pictures of their response to an emergency drill at the end of the course. More information about this class can be found at http://global.k-state.edu/conf/hazwoper/.

HAZMAT crew returning from investigating an unknown leaking drum.  They are wearing a completely sealed Level A suit.
HAZMAT crew returning from investigating an unknown leaking drum. They are wearing a completely sealed Level A suit.

Entry Team 2 is suited up and waiting to go into the Hot Zone when needed.
Entry Team 2 is suited up and waiting to go into the Hot Zone when needed.

A decon team in Level B suits are decontaminating a member of Entry Team 1 after they have left the Hot Zone.
A decon team in Level B suits are decontaminating a member of Entry Team 1 after they have left the Hot Zone.

Special care must be taken to not spread any contamination.  The Level A suits are difficult to work in and require assistance when moving through decon.
Special care must be taken to not spread any contamination. The Level A suits are difficult to work in and require assistance when moving through decon.

The Level A suit is discarded directly into a trash bag when doffed.
The Level A suit is discarded directly into a trash bag when doffed.

Level B suits are not completely sealed like the Level A suits, but both use an SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) to protect the worker's lungs.  Level C suits lower the breathing protection to just a respirator.
Level B suits are not completely sealed like the Level A suits, but both use an SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) to protect the worker's lungs. Level C suits lower the breathing protection to just a respirator.

Wearing the Level A suits really takes it out of a person.  Adam shows just how sweaty you can get.  Reports have said that some people have poured sweat from their boots after being in a Level A for just 1 hour!
Wearing the Level A suits really takes it out of a person. Adam shows just how sweaty you can get. Reports have said that some people have poured sweat from their boots after being in a Level A for just 1 hour!

Aaron and Adam are explaining what they have witnessed inside the Hot Zone to the Emergency Director (Martin Ohmes).
Aaron and Adam are explaining what they have witnessed inside the Hot Zone to the Emergency Director (Martin Ohmes).

Walter McNeil and Rylan Ortiz were responsible for keeping records of all communications and for directing information to the appropriate personnel.  They are both wearing disposable Tyvex suits.
Walter McNeil and Rylan Ortiz were responsible for keeping records of all communications and for directing information to the appropriate personnel. They are both wearing disposable Tyvex suits.



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Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering
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