WMD Radiological/Nuclear Course for 

HazMat Technicians PER-241

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HazMat Technicians PER 241

Suppor

The technician-level weapons of mass destruction (WMD) course prepares the hazardous materials (HazMat) 

technician to respond to an incident involving a radiological or nuclear WMD, such as a Radiological Dispersal 

Device (RDD, or “Dirty Bomb”) or an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND). This course is delivered at the Nevada 

Test Site to jurisdictions approved by Federal Emergency Management Agency/National Preparedness 

Directorate (FEMA/NPD) and their Centralized Scheduling and Information Desk.

Course Description:

The HazMat course provides the attendees with an awareness of the fundamentals of radiation, health 

effects, recognition, and terrorist use of radiation and radiological material. HazMat technicians are given 

hands-on experience with radiation fields while learning the basic operation of radiation detectors and 

dosimeters. Attendees are taught how to use these instruments to conduct surveys of personnel, 

vehicles, facilities, and outdoor areas. The hands-on activities blend cognitive knowledge of 

radiation and instruments with survey techniques used in detecting the presence of 

tions Su

radiation, locating radioactive material, and measuring levels of radiation and 

radiological contamination. 

HazMat technicians are taught operational considerations for working 

in high radiation areas, limiting responder radiation doses, and rescuing

contaminated victims. Attendees form operational teams that deal 

with cadre-evaluated, realistic drills involving the probable Operati

terrorist use of radiological material. The course culminates 

with an evaluation exercise requiring attendee teams, under 

a unified command, to respond to a terrorist attack that 

has dispersed radiological material at the target facility. 

This is a “live agent” course using actual radiological and 

nuclear materials. This course is designed and monitored 

so that attendees receive only minor radiation doses r

(lower than a chest X ray or a typical round trip airline 

ism 

O

(lower than a chest X-ray or a typical round-trip airline 

flight across the U.S.).

Course Length: 32 hours (four 8-hour days)

r Terror

Surveying an actual Radiological Exposure Device (RED) in a 

contaminated area during a training exercise. 

ounter

C

Rendered image of potential WMD attack
Target Audience:

The target audience includes attendees 

with technician-level training representing 

the following disciplines:

◊ Law Enforcement

◊ Emergency Medical Services

◊ Emergency Management Agency

◊ Fire Service

◊ Hazardous Materials (HazMat) 

◊ Public Works

◊ Governmental Administrative

◊ Public Safety Communications

◊ Health Care

◊ Public Health

◊ Other skilled support personnel

who provide immediate support 

services during prevention, response, 

and recovery operations Decontamination exercise on simulated victims of an RDD.

Certificate:

A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the course, acknowledging 3.2 continuing education units (CEUs) 

through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). A letter verifying CEUs can be provided upon request by contacting 

the Counter Terrorism Operations Support (CTOS) registration desk.

Eligibility:

This course is primarily intended for responders trained to the HazMat technician level. It is the responsibility of the 

jurisdiction to select qualified course participants.

Prerequisites:

Although not required, attendees should be State-Certified Hazardous Materials Technicians.

Course Delivery:

The course is delivered at the CTOS Program training facilities on the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear 

Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) Nevada Test Site.

Cost:

All training, travel, lodging, meals, and course materials are provided at no cost to eligible participants.

Enrollment Information:

In order to attend a training class delivered by one of the FEMA/NPD training partners, a request must be provided to the 

designated U.S. Department of Homeland Security training point of contact. For the Training Coordinator in your area, 

please contact the FEMA/NPD Help Line at 800-368-6498. 

For More Information, Contact the Registration Desk at:

National Nuclear Security Administration/Nevada Site Office

Counter Terrorism Operations Support Program

P.O. Box 98521, M/S NLV126, Las Vegas, NV 89193-8521

702.295.3224 • 702.537.2639 Fax

E-mail: ctosreg@nv.doe.gov

www.ctosnnsa.org

DOE/NV--1205-REV2.1

January 2009