HAZWOPER: Preplanning, Emergency Management and Response
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 2:00pm ET - 1:00pm CT - 11:00am PT
In hazardous environments, the difference between a safe outcome and a critical failure often hinges on planning that happens long before an emergency begins. This webinar explores the real-world application of OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard through the lens of preplanning, hazard recognition, emergency response coordination, and recovery. Drawing from decades of experience, Dr. Dennis Terpin outlines common breakdowns in emergency management—such as untested plans, unclear leadership roles, and insufficient resources—and provides guidance for building a response system that is both proactive and adaptable to changing conditions.
Participants will gain a structured understanding of how to assess risks using tools like vulnerability analysis, exposure estimation, and the DECIDE process. The session also clarifies distinctions between incidental releases and HAZWOPER-triggering emergencies, and discusses proper selection and training of first responders, including awareness-level personnel, operations-level responders, and hazardous materials technicians. Whether you're responsible for preparedness, compliance, or response execution, this session will help you build a foundation for safer and more effective decision-making under pressure.
About the Speaker:
Dennis A. Terpin, PhD, OHST, EMT-P
Dr. Terpin, Author, International Speaker, Certified Fire Officer is the Retired Senior Industrial Hygienist and Emergency Manager at The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), He is a master level instructor for FEMA/DHS at the Center for Domestic Preparedness, and a guest lecture at The UIC School of Health and The University of Illinois Occupational Medical Residency Program, ASSP Safety Focus, Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Global Learning Summit BCSP, ACGIH Learning Pass, OH&S On-line, AGCIH webinars.
Dr. Terpin is the recipient of the 2014, Illinois Emergency Management Agency-Emergency Management Achievement Award, the 7- Gold Level DHS/FEMA/Center for Domestic Preparedness Excellence in the Training Program Instructor award and five Center for Domestic Preparedness 5.0 Perfect Instructor Awards. He was also honored with the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Currently he is the lead instructor for the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement in the Lahaina wildlife recovery efforts.
Sponsors:
Howard Leight hearing protection offers high-quality earplugs and earmuffs designed for industrial noise reduction. Known for comfort, durability, and superior noise-blocking technology, these products help workers prevent hearing loss and take a more proactive approach to their hearing conservation.
www.pip-hsp.com
Philips HeartStart AEDs are easy to use and provide quick treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. They guide users through the rescue process, including CPR and administering defibrillation therapy if needed, using intuitive prompts paced with the user’s actions. Philips has the right AED solution for any environment, indoors or out. https://www.usa.philips.com
3E delivers expertise and innovative technology that embeds data and intelligence about chemicals, regulations, products and supply chains, into the decision-making moments that matter most so you can achieve safety, sustainability, and speed to market. With our unique combination of data, expertise, technology, and our extensive global reach, 3E is the leader in EHS solutions for chemically-intensive industries. Learn more here.
FacilityOS (formerly iLobby)The global leader in facility, asset and visitor management, FacilityOS streamlines and automates facility, asset and visitor management operations to achieve regulatory compliance, enforce safety protocols and drive site security requirements. FacilityOS has earned the trust of millions of users across 50+ countries through its bold vision and commitment to putting clients first. https://www.facilityos.com/
