Training to confront the risk: Philadelphia unions unite to prevent hydrofluoric acid (HF) catastrophe

During the stress and turmoil of emergency responses to major disasters, it is extremely difficult to coordinate between on-site responders and off-sight fire fighters rushing to the scene. To minimize these dangers, the USW and the Tony Mazzocchi Center for Health, Safety and Environmental Education are teaming with the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Service Employees International Union, the American Federation of Government Employees and other unions to address on-site and off-site issues for plant workers, emergency responders and first receivers (i.e., EMTs and hospital workers). During the past year, these partners have engaged collectively in the development of a worker training program on prevention, preparedness and response related to sites with very large volumes of highly hazardous chemicals -- initially two petroleum refineries using hydrofluoric acid (HF) in one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas. We will report on: participatory curricula integration, a discussion guide encouraging an in-depth analysis of the realities facing workers in their various roles, and a checklist for improving prevention and emergency response preparedness for at-risk sites. We will also report on a pilot program that will produce recommendations to management at the respective facilities and organizations.