IHMM Certifies First Hazmat Workers to Complete CHMP Program
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management, the credentialing organization for hazardous materials professionals, has announced the awarding of certificates to the first 15 hazmat workers to qualify under the new Certified Hazardous Materials PractitionerTM (CHMPTM) program. They are:
- Stephen Bekanich, Luzerne County EMA, Wilkes Barre, Pa.
- Ryan Blackburn, Hydro-Klean, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa
- Michael Blessitt, Pollution Control Industries, East Chicago, Ind.
- James Joseph, Dorety, Fisher Associates, PC, Rochester, N.Y.
- Albert Fisher, PSEG EH&S Resource Recovery, Gibbstown, N.J.
- Christopher Fulmer, General Physics Corp, Pine Bluff Arsenal, Pine Bluff, Ark.
- David Hall, Roche Molecular Systems, Branchburg, N.J.
- James King, MKM Engineers, Inc., Stafford, Texas
- Brenda Mahan, Defense Logistics Agency, Modesto, Calif.
- Stephen Pichler, Adhesives Research, Inc., Glen Rock, Pa.
- David Rice, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
- Kenneth Rost, Signet North America, Pueblo, Colo.
- William Tomlinson, Professional Training Associates, Inc., Duquesne, Pa.
- George Vassallo, Pfizer, Inc., Groton, Conn.
- Edward Ward, General Physics Corp., White Hall, Ark.
IHMM introduced the CHMP program in October 2007 to give front-line hazmat workers a means of obtaining professional recognition for their knowledge and skills. The organization said it worked closely with subject-matter experts and professional psychometricians to develop an examination that reflects the proper scope and depth of knowledge that hazmat practitioners must master in this field to be regarded as highly skilled. The certification exam covers hazmat identification, handling and shipping; emergency planning and response; sampling and analysis; site investigation and remediation; and project management.
"IHMM congratulates these new certificants on their excellent grasp of the essentials of working with hazardous materials," said IHMM Executive Director Dr. John Frick. "We applaud our new CHMPs' ability to successfully meet our high standards and hope they will encourage their colleagues to sit for the CHMP examination."
To qualify for the exam, candidates must have at least five years of relevant experience, or an Associate of Applied Science degree and three years of relevant experience. The CHMP exam is offered throughout the year at testing centers across the United States by means of computer-based testing. IHMM noted that, as with any certification with merit, the CHMP credential does have an expiration date affixed to it. Every five years, the certificant must renew his or her credential by documenting both continued employment in the field and participation in professional development activities to stay current with new information and changes in the field.
IHMM charges a non-refundable $100 application fee to determine candidates' eligibility to sit for the exam. Candidates who are eligible must pay an exam fee of $250. Those who pass the exam and sign a Code of Ethics can then become certified. There is an annual fee of $70 that must be paid at that time and each year thereafter to maintain one's certification record. IHMM also offers the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager® (CHMM®) credential, which it established in 1984. For more information and application forms, call (301) 984-8969 or visit www.ihmm.org.