The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District responds to emergency and non-emergency hazardous materials incidents. Such incidents include actual or potential spills, leaks, and exposures to substances that pose a threat to life, health, and/or property. District personnel are certified as Hazardous Materials First Responders and are trained to recognize a hazardous material incident, placing the safety of the public and emergency responders as the foremost priority.

In addition to Hazmat First Responder personnel, the District provides a highly trained Hazardous Materials Response Team (Hazmat Team). The mission of the Hazmat Team is to reduce the impact of hazardous materials incidents on life, the environment and property. The Team is made up of thirty-one California State Certified Hazardous Materials Technician/Specialists and is an all risks hazmat team capable of specialized entry, chemical analysis and hazard mitigation. The Hazmat Team is based at Station 35 on Silver Oak Lane in Blackhawk, where the specialized Hazardous Materials Response Unit (HM35) is housed.

Emergency Procedures

The general rule in working with hazardous materials is to act quickly and to isolate and deny entry or exposure. Time is critical, but do not act so quickly that you endanger yourself or others at the scene. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Try to keep people away from the spill or leak and limit exposure to anyone.

What is a Hazardous Material?

A hazardous material is a substance that, in any quantity, poses a threat to life, health, the environment or property. More than four billion tons of materials classified as hazardous are shipped throughout the United States each year. Hazardous materials commonly shipped in the United States include:

• Explosives (materials that combust or detonate)
• Compressed gases (pressurized flammable or nonflammable gas)
• Flammable liquids (those with a flash point of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Combustible liquids (those with a flash point greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Flammable solids (non-explosive solid material that burns vigorously and can be ignited readily)
• Oxidizers (substances that give off oxygen or act like oxygen and stimulate combustion)
• Poisonous gases, corrosives, (materials that destroy skin)
• Radioactive materials

For more information, contact the Training Battalion Chief.