# Training Delivers Hazardous Knowledge

/ Published May 23, 2024
Battle Creek MI, 
More than 80 individuals attended a week-long training session delving into hazardous waste, hazardous material and emerging chemicals led by Defense Logistics Agency Information Operations from May 14-17 in the historic Hart Doyle Inouye Federal Center.

                Group Session                            HMMS Program Manager Amber Upston-Gentry holds an impromptu break out session during a recent training.                            Group Session                            HMMS Program Manager Amber Upston-Gentry holds an impromptu break out session during a recent training.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Peter GentryVIRIN: 240515-D-OD896-5500

The training attendees comprised a diverse cross-section of the DoD’s hazardous materials program experts and other government agencies such as NASA, as well as industry partners and contracting support specialists.  It included briefings from industry leaders, specialist program managers from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, as well as DLA Disposition Services environmentalists who assist with the disposal of HM. 

Attendees could also attend electives for a wide variety of specialized training that helped users navigate hazardous management programs such as HMMS and Hazardous Materials Information Resource System.

                Briefer addresses audience during the HMMS Training.                            Briefer addresses audience                            Briefer addresses audience during the HMMS Training.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Peter GentryVIRIN: 240515-D-OD896-5504

Working to ensure the most enriching experience for attendees was a desired outcome for DLA HMMS Program Manager, Amber Upston-Gentry.

“This is where it all comes together,” Upston-Gentry said. “I wanted to bring all of the different players in one place so we could all learn and get on the same page together.”

The importance of properly managing and tracking hazardous materials was stressed by Patricia Underwood, director for Chemical and Material Risk Management for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment, Lead for Emerging Chemicals.

“The effective management of critical chemicals helps take care of our personnel,” Underwood stated. “It enables them to perform their job effectively, safely and it helps to promote transparency in our supply chain.”

                Answering Questions                            HMMS Deputy Program Manager Tara Page answers questions during a training session.                            Answering Questions                            HMMS Deputy Program Manager Tara Page answers questions during a training session.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Peter GentryVIRIN: 240515-D-OD896-5507

DLA manages the DoD systems that track and store information on hazardous material. HMMS provides complete tracking, management and reporting for hazardous waste. HMIRS is a central repository for safety data sheets and other critical information for hazardous materials and works in tandem with HMMS to seamlessly provide relevant data.

These systems provide both visibility and accountability that satisfies international, federal, state and local reporting and compliance requirements for government facilities.

To learn more about DLA’s commitment to DoD’s HM/HW community please visit the HMMS page