What is a duty of the HMTUs?

The primary duty of Hazardous Materials Technical Units (HMTUs) is to initiate on-scene monitoring during hazardous materials incidents. This involves assessing the situation, identifying hazardous substances involved, and determining the extent of contamination to ensure the safety of both responders and the public. On-scene monitoring is crucial for making informed decisions about containment, mitigation, and evacuation, and it allows HMTUs to gather real-time data about the hazardous environment.

While preparing post-incident reports, conducting fire drills, and coordinating training for new recruits are important functions within the broader emergency response and fire service, these activities fall outside the specific responsibilities of HMTUs during active hazardous materials incidents. Their focus is strictly on immediate response operations, including recognizing hazards and implementing safety measures effectively. This specialization in real-time assessment allows them to fulfill their mission of managing hazardous materials incidents safely.