Courses

NFPA 470 Hazmat Operations Mission-Specific Competencies Series: Evidence Preservation and Public Safety Sampling

Course Outline

When hazmat incidents involve criminal activity—illicit labs, WMD attacks, environmental crimes, or suspicious packages—responders must balance immediate safety concerns with preserving evidence for investigation and prosecution. Contaminating evidence, breaking chain of custody, or failing to recognize a crime scene can compromise both public safety and criminal cases.
Signet North America’s 16-hour NFPA 470 Hazmat Operations Mission Specific Competencies Series: Evidence Preservation and Public Safety Sampling course equips operations-level responders with the skills to recognize potential crime scenes, collect public safety samples, and preserve forensic evidence at hazmat/WMD incidents. Working under the guidance of hazmat technicians or allied professionals, participants will learn to conduct sampling operations that meet both operational and legal requirements for incidents involving suspicious letters and packages, illicit laboratories, WMD attacks, and environmental crimes.

Course Objectives

Signet North America’s Evidence Preservation and Public Safety Sampling course addresses criteria found in 2022 NFPA 470 Chapter 8, Hazardous Materials/WMD Operations Level Responders Assigned Mission-Specific Responsibilities (NFPA 472) section 8.5 Mission-Specific Competencies: Evidence Preservation and Public Safety Sampling.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
  • Identify hazmat/WMD incidents requiring evidence preservation and notify appropriate agencies
  • Conduct public safety sampling operations using proper PPE, detection devices, and sampling equipment
  • Preserve forensic evidence and maintain chain of custody in accordance with legal requirements
Agency Equipment Encouraged: Due to the hands-on nature of this program and the AHJ-specific focus of the content, attendees will have opportunities throughout the course to utilize equipment they may already have. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own agency’s sampling equipment, detection devices, and PPE to learn the specific capabilities and limitations of their actual operational equipment.

Course Content

This 16-hour program meets competencies outlined in NFPA 470 Chapter 8.5 for Mission-Specific Evidence Preservation and Public Safety Sampling. Topics include:
  • Recognizing potential crime scenes: illicit labs, environmental crimes, WMD incidents, suspicious packages/letters
  • Notification requirements and coordination with law enforcement and investigative agencies
  • Legal and regulatory framework for evidence collection and preservation
  • PPE selection for sampling operations in criminal environments
  • Sampling equipment, detection devices, and techniques for various materials and scenarios
  • Sample packaging, labeling, and decontamination procedures
  • Chain of Custody
  • Hands-on exercises and scenarios

Recommended Audience

Previous hazmat response training to at least the NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations level is required. Participants receive a Certificate of Completion from Signet North America, documenting 16 hours of training that meets NFPA 470 Chapter 8.5 Mission-Specific Competencies for Evidence Preservation and Public Safety Sampling.

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Contact Us Directly

Thank you for considering Signet North America for your hazmat needs. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to our customers. Below are the various ways you can reach out to us!

  • +1 877 875 2921
  • info@signetnorthamerica.com
  • 2133 W. Guadalupe Drive, Pueblo West, CO, United States, Colorado

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