Hanford Mission Integration Solutions announced updates to the respiratory protection course at Hanford's Volpentest Hazardous Materials Management and Emergency Response (HAMMER) Federal Training Center.
In keeping with the commitment to create a safe and effective learning environment for Hanford workers, the EM Richland Operations Office contractor, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS), recently made an innovative update to its respiratory protection course, according to a March 28 news release.
“Hanford’s HAMMER Federal Training Center provides realistic training paired with constant improvements to ensure our workforce has the knowledge and skills to complete work safely,” Environmental Management Program Manager Angela Stoddard said in the release. “The trainers develop innovative educational methods to provide advanced safety training experiences.”
The new program offers a more hands-on and interactive approach to teaching the advantages and limitations of respiratory protection equipment to participants, the release reported. Instead of traditional lectures, attendees are organized into groups and sent on a scavenger hunt throughout various rooms. The objective is to solve riddles related to the learning objectives before their air bottles run dry.
This innovative teaching technique helps to engage participants and provides them with a more immersive and enjoyable learning experience, the release said. HMIS and HAMMER instructors are dedicated to ensuring Hanford workers have access to the best possible training programs, improving their safety and reducing workplace accidents.
As the largest environmental cleanup project in the world, the Hanford Site is home to a vast array of hazardous materials and other potentially dangerous substances. The HAMMER Federal Training Center plays a crucial role in preparing Hanford workers to safely and effectively manage these hazardous materials, reducing environmental risks and promoting workplace safety, according to the release.
By adopting creative and innovative teaching methods, HMIS and HAMMER can provide Hanford workers with the training and resources they need to remain safe and productive on the job, the release said. The respiratory protection course is just one example of their commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards of safety and education at the Hanford Site.
“Using innovative training reinforces learning objectives and provides an opportunity to experience and overcome the equipment limitations, such as communication, mobility and visibility,” HAMMER Director Paul Vandervert said in the release.
