Rio Hondo’s Continuing Education program held it’s very own HAZWOPER First Responder Awareness (FRA) class on March 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room S129 taught by Professor Steve Katnik. This specific HAZWOPER class followed under the 8-hour course.
The class rewarded those who attended with a Cal EMA State Certification (CST). The purpose of this certificate is to hold standing title to be in charge until the First Response Officer (FRO) arrives to the scene.
In an effort to alleviate the problem where hazardous materials would arise, duties as a FRA would include using your 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook to guide those around you on proper handling of the situation as well as being able to locate and understand placards.
Having knowledge on perceived situations can only take you so far, so Professor Katnik escorted all of the attendees to the staff parking lot, located north of the C lot, and provided different demonstrations.
These demonstrations included mixing glucose (sugar) with Sulfuric Acid, mixing break fluid with Potassium Permanganate, mixing break fluid with Glycerine and combining Sodium Metal with water to observe how it reacts.
Not only does having a CST benefit in any event of an emergency, but it also can be used in accordance to applying for jobs in certain Biology fields.
If interested in any of the provided information, there will be a follow up 40-hour HAZWOPER class to become FRO certified between the end of spring semester and summer session. Contact the Continuing Education program at (562) 463-4606. Ask for Jennifer Lee for more information.