Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the National Hazardous Materials Fusion Center (Hazmat Fusion Center) and its purpose?
   • The Hazmat Fusion Center is the central location nationally for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information about Hazmat emergency response.
   • The Hazmat Fusion Center ties together the Hazmat training network, analysis of significant Hazmat incidents, exploration of Hazmat technology, and continued development of Hazmat tools and resources.
   • The Hazmat Fusion Center will offer a national communications network for Hazmat responders to share information in the areas of responder safety, training, and lessons learned.
   • The focus of the Hazmat Fusion Center is on the safety of the emergency responder at Hazmat incidents.
   • The Hazmat Fusion Center is being built from the bottom-up to reflect the needs of Hazmat responders.
   
   
2. What are the benefits and what does the Hazmat Fusion Center have to offer me?
   • Provide a database that incorporates every Hazmat team in the nation so they may communicate with each other more effectively.
   • Share knowledge about Hazmat incidents nationally.
   • Share lessons learned nationally without criticism or condemnation.
   • Develop best practices for Hazardous Materials response.
   • Provide a basis for realistic approaches to training.
   • Provide Regional Incident Survey Teams (RIST).
   • Develop an effective and responsive communications tool(s) for the Hazmat community.
   • Provide critical information that could one day save your life and the lives of your team members.
   
   
3. Where will the National Hazardous Materials Fusion Center be located?
   • International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) headquarters 4025 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033
   
   
4. Who is involved with establishing the Hazmat Fusion Center?
   • There is a National Hazardous Materials Fusion Center Advisory Work Group. Members are comprised from:
     • International Association of Fire Chiefs
     • International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
     • National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM)
     • National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
     • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
     • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/National Fire Academy (NFA)
     • U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
     • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
     • Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA)
     • Industry.
     There are also regional focus groups and Hazmat Fusion Center work groups.
   
   
5. Who will manage the daily operation of the Hazmat Fusion Center and the information collected?
   • The Hazmat Fusion Center reflects the partnership between the PHMSA and the IAFC with the IAFC Hazmat Fusion Center staff managing the day-to-day operations.
   
   
6. Will I be able to get Hazmat training information through the Hazmat Fusion Center?
   • Yes. The training recommendations will be based on analysis of the incidents that are reported to the Hazmat Fusion Center. This will lead to the development of response specific training packages which should provide a more realistic approach to training.
   • There will also be web links available which will allow access to other training packages and programs available through the internet.
   
   
7. My state already has a "fusion center". Will the National Hazardous Materials Fusion Center be linked to or through the one we already established?
   • Yes. The Hazmat Fusion Center will be seeking linkage with fusion centers throughout the nation.
   
   
8. What is the difference between my state fusion center and the National Hazardous Materials Fusion Center?
   • The National Hazmat Fusion Center is focused on the safety of Hazardous Materials emergency responders no matter what their primary discipline and improving the safety of Hazardous Materials transportation. The Hazmat Fusion Center will also address the "everyday" Hazmat accidents that occur across the country.
   • Current state fusion centers are funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with a primary mission of homeland security.
   
   
9. How do you plan on collecting information on Hazmat incidents?
   • A secure internet portal and 800 phone system for voluntary, but strongly encouraged, reporting.
   
   
10. Will the data and information collected be secure?
    • Yes. An access system is being developed which will restrict indiscriminate searching.
    
    
11. Who will have access to the raw data?
    • National Hazmat Fusion Center staff.
    
    
12. Who will use the information and for what purposes?
    • At the Federal level:
      • PHMSA, FRA and FMCSA will use the information to improve risk analysis of Hazmat transportation incidents. This will improve PHMSA's and FRA's ability to better focus outreach, training and resources to the response community and to improve the safety of Hazardous Materials 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.
        
        
      • How does this fusion center differ from the DHS Lessons Learned Information System (LLIS)?
        • The National Hazmat Fusion Center works in concert with the LLIS. The LLIS will serve as the repository for the Hazmat incident survey reports.
        
        
      • How can I find out more information?
        • Visit www.hazmatfc.com
        • Contact Hazmat Fusion Center staff
        
        
      • How can I get involved to assist with the process?
        • Submit data and any lessons learned from responses.
        • Invite RISTs to conduct a survey in your jurisdiction
        • Let others know about the National Hazmat Fusion Center.
        
        
      • What are the next steps?
        • RIST surveys nationwide
        • Bringing the web portal to operational status