Hanford Fire Department Trains With Waste Treatment Plant to Ensure Readiness

Hanford Site firefighters are training on emergency response at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant as part of their readiness training for startup of waste treatment.

RICHLAND, Wash. — Hanford firefighters are training in emergency response with teams at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) as the site gets ready to start treating radioactive waste from large, underground tanks.

The Hanford Fire Department, operated by Hanford Field Office (HFO) contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions, started working with plant staff last year to plan and participate in several emergency preparedness drills. The drills included all fire department teams that used real equipment in the simulations.

“Drilling and training in emergency response are key parts of demonstrating our readiness to start treating waste from Hanford tanks,” said Tim Haddick, HFO director of Security and Emergency Services. “Drills enhance our ability to continue protecting our workforce and the community.”

Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant personnel give Hanford Site firefighters an in-depth look at the plant’s layout and hazards to prepare for responding during an emergency.

With waste treatment bringing new radiological and chemical hazards at the plant, training is evolving. Radiological control technicians and firefighters are practicing controlling contamination when workers remove their protective gear following use. Firefighters are also walking through plant facilities to learn the layout and consult with experts on technical issues.

"Holding so many drills really helps us calibrate with the facility,” said José Garcia, the fire department’s battalion chief. “When the drills started, it took some time to iron out expectations from both the facility and the fire department. Our performance in response to different scenarios continues to improve."

-Contributor: Melissa Ver Steeg