Baldwin EMC Hosts HAZWOPER Training
August 05, 2010
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Baldwin EMC's HAZWOPER training participants watch a demonstration of proper decontamination techniques.
As of Saturday, August 7, 19 Baldwin EMC employees along with local contractors and representatives from 10 electric co-ops in Mississippi and other parts of Alabama have completed training in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, or HAZWOPER standards. Due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, this training is necessary for these employees to be able to work in areas that could be contaminated with oil following hurricane-related flooding.
During the training, participants learned about the safety precautions they must take in the presence of washed-up oil and the proper handling of oil-contaminated materials. They also received hands-on instruction in decontamination and how to properly wear required safety attire and equipment, including protective Tyvek® suits and air tanks. The program lasted a total of 64 hours, including 40 hours of classroom learning and 24 hours of instruction in the field.
E.A. "Bucky" Jakins, Jr., chief executive officer of Baldwin EMC, said this training is a new but entirely necessary part of the co-op's hurricane preparation process. "If a hurricane does hit before the oil spill is cleared, we want our crews to have the necessary training and credentials ahead of time, so they can begin power restoration without delay," Jakins said.
Jakins added that the workers who receive this training can serve as the OSHA-required on site supervisors for crews from other areas that come to help with power restoration after a major storm. "It was important that we not only train our employees, but employees from other companies and co-ops also," Jakins said. "If the worst does happen, these outside employees will be a vital resource we can call on for assistance."
The training was conducted John Sutton, chief operating officer for North Baldwin EMS, and Phil Bryars, chief of the Bay Minette Fire Department.