The International Association of Fire Chiefs and its Hazardous Materials Committee convened a roundtable with 40 of the nation's leading authorities on hazardous materials. The final report, which establishes the direction for action and discussion by the hazmat community, is now available.

The roundtable reviewed current issues, including consequence planning, management and response; identification methods; operations and efficiency; training; securing information; and the universal task list and target capabilities list.

"Working together and working with common goals, public safety will help deter catastrophic events and human loss," said IAFC President Chief Bill Killen.

The roundtable also addressed contingency planning, response partners, federal interaction, funding, public relations/education, technology, procedures, research and training.

Participants reiterated that the USFA should be the single point of contact for all hazmat and terrorism resources for first responders. As the IAFC has been a primary stakeholder in providing homeland security and protection, it should continue to deepen its involvement in all phases of the planning and operations of DHS, according to the recommendations of the roundtable. The participants also strongly supported the National Fire Service Intrastate Mutual Aid System and Mutual Aid System Task Force initiatives to improve mutual aid.

Funding for this roundtable is through a cooperative agreement between the USFA and the IAFC. For more information regarding issues and trends in hazmat mitigation and control, download the PDF report from here.