ITRA Technical Rescue Congress 2026

HazMat Hazardous Materials Response

A practical introduction to the operational reality of a HazMat team, including spill and leak control, protective suit familiarisation, decision-making and casualty rescue.

2–3 Hours Approx. 15 Participants No Previous Experience Required

Workshop Organizer

Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros do Porto

Delivered by the Escola do Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros do Porto.

The workshop will be led by experienced HazMat instructors from the Porto Professional Fire Brigade, providing participants with direct contact with operational techniques and equipment used by a specialist hazardous materials response team.

About the Workshop

Experience the operational reality of HazMat response.

This workshop introduces participants to the way a HazMat team operates through practical activities and direct interaction with specialist equipment.

Spill & Leak Control

Practice techniques used to control hazardous material spills and leaks.

Protective Suits

Familiarisation and adaptation exercises using chemical protective suits and respiratory protection.

Decision Making

Understand operational decision-making in hazardous materials incidents.

Casualty Rescue

Explore considerations associated with rescuing casualties in a HazMat environment.

Workshop Format

Three practical stations.

The workshop is planned around three practical stations, each lasting approximately 45 minutes.

The group size will remain approximately 15 participants. Due to the practical nature of the activities, some participants may observe during one station and rotate into an active role during the following station.

Duration 3 stations × 45 minutes

Group Size Approximately 15 participants

Level No previous experience required

Workshop Lead Rúben Rocha

Participant Information

What you need to know before attending.

Clothing

Participants should bring comfortable clothing and a change of clothes.

Physical Requirements

Participants should be able to crouch, kneel and operate inside a sealed protective suit while using SCBA.

Equipment Provided

Simulators, chemical protective suits and respiratory protection equipment will be provided by the workshop organizer.

Safety Consideration

Participants should be aware that working in sealed protective suits and respiratory protection may be unsuitable for individuals affected by claustrophobia.

Workshop Gallery

Train. Decide. Respond.

A look at the practical training environment of the Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros do Porto, combining HazMat decision-making, protective equipment and operational simulation.