Los Alamos National Laboratory to host hazmat challenge to test first responder skills

The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is set to host 10 hazardous materials response teams from Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Nebraska for the 21st annual Hazmat Challenge, pitting each team against one another in a series of graded, timed exercises from July 10 to 14.

The event, held at Los Alamos’ Technical Area 49 in New Mexico, features a series of challenges that involves participants responding to simulated hazardous materials emergencies in the areas of rail and highway transportation, aircraft, biological laboratories, industrial piping, confined spaces, and a skills-based obstacle course finale.

Teams will be scored based on their ability to perform specific response skills through a 10-station obstacle course while using encapsulating personal protective equipment.

“The Hazmat Challenge provides a training venue for laboratory and regional hazmat responders where they are able to test and expand their technical response capabilities in a demanding but safe environment,” Jeff Dare, group leader for LANL’s Emergency response Group, said. “The scenarios this year will provide unique challenges for the teams.”

Beginning in 1996, the Hazmat Challenge was created to hone the skills of LANL hazmat team members. The overall winning team will receive a traveling trophy while top-scoring teams for individual events will receive permanent trophies. Additionally, separate trophies will be awarded to the three top scoring teams from the obstacle course finale.

Funding for the event is provided through federal grants through the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.