Grafton prepped for hazardous waste emergencies

Grafton participates in Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response training

Training aims to reduce risk and town’s insurance costs

(June 13, 2013) – Grafton recently sent a representative to participate in a Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standards training, held on May 15 at the Police Station in Grafton. The full-day training session provided participating municipal employees with critical information about how to recognize and respond to emergencies involving hazardous waste. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recommends this training for public works, water and sewer workers, as well as custodians, wastewater employees and science teachers. The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Agency (MIIA), the property and casualty insurance provider for the Town of Grafton and the other participating municipalities presented the program free of charge as a membership benefit.

During the interactive training session, participants learned the basics of HAZWOPER regulations and received an overview of chemical labeling, Material Safety Data Sheets, and signage and hazard information that can be analyzed to determine the controllability of a hazardous waste incident. They also learned about the basic toxicology terms typically found in data sheets and labeling information; helpful resources and guidebooks that can be used for addressing hazardous waste emergencies; and available forms of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for dealing with a range of chemical emergencies.

“This is another good example of public partnerships that could save lives of public safety officials and citizens at large,” noted Grafton Town Administrator Timothy P. McInerney. “I am proud that our staff is trained to deal Hazardous Emergencies and willing to prepare for and help in an event- large or small.”

Mabbett and Associates, Inc., a recognized and award-winning leader in environmental, health and safety consulting services presented the training in partnership with MIIA. Blackstone employees participated in this and other no-cost MIIA training and educational courses to enhance safety and reduce risk. Upon completion of the training programs, the town is eligible to receive insurance premium credits through the MIIA Rewards Programs, reducing its property and casualty insurance costs.

About MIIA

MIIA is the non-profit member-based insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), insuring nearly 400 cities, towns, and other public entities in the state. In fiscal year 2012, nearly 8,000 city and town employees participated in nearly 400 MIIA-sponsored technical trainings and management seminars offered throughout the state. Member municipalities' efforts yielded more than $2.6 million of premium credit collectively through the MIIA Rewards incentive program for a 10-year total of over $17.3 million. For more information please visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.