RIST begins collecting information and conducting interviews with responders once the incident has concluded.

Where are RISTs located?

Who will use the information RIST gathers and for what purposes?

How are team members affiliated with the IAFC?

Will the survey RIST completes be a critique of the local response?

Will the Incident Commander have a final say on the report that is turned in by the RIST Leader?

What is the RIST's authority?

How long will RIST be in the local jurisdiction?

Can RIST members provide any support such as technical advice, logistics, etc?

Will the participating agencies receive a copy of items reported to the IAFC and/or DOT/PHMSA?

Will there be any cost to the jurisdiction where the incident occurs to have RIST present?

I would like to participate in the Hazmat Fusion Center's development.  What is the next step?

I have a complaint. Who is your supervisor?

Where are RISTs located?

• Team members are located throughout each of the PHMSA regions.

Who will use the information RIST gathers and for what purposes?

• The information is 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 smart practices, realistic training programs/packages, and information to industry on improving shipping and process safety.

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.

Will the survey RIST completes be a critique of the local response?

• No. The information collected by RIST is not a critique of scene operations, will not be used to affix any blame or make any accusations. The information will be collected and turned over to the National Hazmat Fusion Center for review. Staff will analyze the information and extract items that may be used for lessons learned or smart practices. This will then be disseminated to the hazmat community, but will not include any identifiers.

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 local authorities during their process; so they will have the opportunity to offer input, but will not have a final say regarding content of the report to be submitted.

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.

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.

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.

Will the participating agencies 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 participating agencies.

Will there be any cost to the jurisdiction where the incident occurs to have RIST present?

• No. RIST response is funded through the Cooperative Agreement between IAFC and DOT/PHMSA.

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 our staff for more information.

I have a complaint. Who is your supervisor?

• All concerns or comments regarding RIST personnel should be directed to Amber Wells, RIST Coordinator, 703-880-5121 or awells@iafc.org.