RIST Frequently Asked Questions

RIST will begin collecting information and conducting interviews with responders during the late stages of an incident or once the incident has concluded.

1. Where will the RISTs be located?
• Team members will be located throughout each of the PHMSA regions.


2. Who will use the information RIST gathers and for what purposes?
   • The information will be used for multiple purposes.
   • At the Federal level:
     • PHMSA, FRA & FMCSA will use the information to improve risk analysis of Hazmat transportation incidents. This will improve PHMSA's & FRA's ability to better focus outreach, training and resources to the response community and to improve the safety of Hazmat transportation. PHMSA will also use the information to aid in the creation of a research and development program which will focus on improved safety for responders, communities and the environment.
     • NFA will be able to use the information to determine training needs and develop new training programs. The information will also assist the NFA in reviewing the effectiveness of the different types of training available.
   • At the State and Local level:
     • Hazmat response leadership will be able to request data that can be used to assist in the assessment and development of Hazmat capabilities within their jurisdictions. State fusion centers will be able to request information to assist with assessments.
   • At the IAFC:
     • IAFC will use the information to better ensure responder safety to Hazmat incidents. The information will be analyzed to determine emerging trends and patterns. Information with an immediate impact on responder safety will be disseminated quickly to the Hazmat response community. The information will be used to develop after-action reports, lessons learned, guidance for best practices, realistic training programs/packages, and information to industry on improving shipping and process safety.
   
   
3. How are team members affiliated with the IAFC?
   • Team leaders are part time employees of the IAFC. Team members are individually contracted with the IAFC.
   
   
4. Who will supply the tools and equipment for the RISTs?
   • The IAFC will supply each team member with the equipment needed for deployment through the DOT-PHMSA grant. Personal cellular phones or pagers should be used for deployment notification purposes. Approved itemized expenses will be reimbursed.
   
   
5. How will the team members be notified?
   • Designated IAFC personnel will notify the appropriate team members via phone, pager and/or e-mail.
   
   
6. Will insurance coverage be provided to team members during deployment?
   • Insurance coverage during deployment will be outlined in your individual contract if applicable.
   
   
7. How will travel arrangements be made?
   • All flight arrangements, car rentals and lodging accommodations will be made by designated IAFC personnel unless otherwise specified.
   
   
8. May I drive my personal vehicle to the incident?
   • Yes. If the incident is within 250 miles from your location (or otherwise preapproved distance) you may opt to drive your personal vehicle. Mileage will be reimbursed according to the current federal rate.
   
   
9. May I rent a vehicle to drive to the incident?
   • Yes; this is preferred to ensure auto insurance coverage is active. You will be provided a rental upon arrival if traveling by air.
   
   
10. Where can I get a copy of IAFC's travel policies?
    • If you become a member of RIST a copy of the policy will be provided. Other general questions can be directed to the RIST Coordinator.
    
    
11. As part of the RIST, will I incur out of pocket expenses?
    • The majority of expenses will be paid for up front. All other allowable expenses will be reimbursed with proper documentation. Each member will be provided with a reimbursement policy.
    
    
12. What kind of authorization do I need from my employer or agency?
    • This information will be outlined in the individual contract with the IAFC.
    
    
13. Who will pay for my replacement if I am requested to respond for RIST?
    • This will be addressed on a case by case basis depending on your employment/contractual status with the IAFC. A Memorandum of Understanding or Agreement (MOU or MOA) with your primary employer can be established if necessary.
    
    
14. How long will my contract be effective?
    • Contracts will be reviewed on a regular basis. No contract will exceed a three year period, but will likely be renewed at the beginning of each funding period.
    
    
15. How much time per year can a team member anticipate for RIST assignments?
    • Time spent on assignment depends on significant incident frequency and request for call-out. It is estimated a team member may be active approximately 10 days per year. Time spent on the development of other RIST materials may average40 hours per year (this is in addition to time deployed).
    
    
16. Will the Incident Commander have a final say on the report that is turned in by the RIST Leader?
    • Report information will only be used in a constructive manner and will not be used to make accusations or affix blame to the responding jurisdiction. RIST personnel will collaborate with the IC during their process; so the IC will have the opportunity to offer input, but will not have a final say regarding content of the report to be submitted.
    
    
17. What is the RIST's authority?
    • RIST's authority is limited to being present and collecting information as outlined by the National Hazmat Fusion Center's Scope of Work.
    
    
18. How long will RIST be in the local jurisdiction?
    • This depends on type and scale of incident. The time parameters of an incident could be anywhere from 8 hours to 3 days. RIST is tasked with ensuring information is collected from each responding agency. RIST may request a 'site visit' to get a better understanding of the incident area and collect topographical information.
    
    
19. Can RIST members provide any support such as technical advice, logistics, etc?
    • No. RIST members are prohibited from acting in any command, operational, planning or logistical capacity.
    
    
20. Will the Incident Commander receive a copy of items reported to the IAFC and/or DOT/PHMSA?
    • Yes. A copy of the final report submitted to the IAFC will be made available to the Incident Commander.
    
    
21. What should I do if I'm interested in applying for a team position?
    • Applications and position descriptions are available for download from the RIST web page. Contact RIST Coordinator Amber Wells for additional information.
    
    
22. I would like to participate in the Hazmat Fusion Center's development.  What is the next step?
    • Submit data and lessons learned from responses, and let others know about the Hazmat Fusion Center. Please contact the Hazmat Fusion Center staff for more information.
    
    

Hazmat Fusion Center Program Manager: Thomas Wells, twells@iafc.org
Hazmat Fusion Center Program Coordinator: Kelly Wolfe, kwolfe@iafc.org
RIST Coordinator: Amber Wells, awells@iafc.org