In case of emergency,
call members of Local 2337
UAW conducts first Hazardous Materials Technician Training in Puerto Rico
Whether it is a high-level hazardous materials leak or an incident involving weapons of mass destruction in Puerto Rico, trained UAW members know what to do.
About 25 members of UAW Local 2337 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, who work at the Junta de Calidad Ambiental (the Environmental Quality Board) in February completed the UAW's first Hazardous Materials Technician Training there.
At work these UAW members perform different functions. Some conduct environmental sampling of air and water. Others work in laboratories analyzing samples, and some are part of an emergency response team that would respond to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction or biological disaster in Puerto Rico.
Participants — including those with previous hazardous materials training — learned how to deal with high-level hazardous leaks and how to handle unknown chemicals. They also received instruction on the use of specialized monitoring and personal protection equipment necessary for safe and effective response to various hazardous situations.
Local union discussion leaders (LUDLs) led the 40 hours of instruction mostly in English and translated in Spanish when needed.
"The members were so happy to have the training here," said Yolanda Martinez, Local 2337 president. "They liked the fact that if they needed it, there was someone here who could translate in Spanish."
The class learned to navigate through the Spanish-language Emergency Response Guide book, brushed up on chemical terms and reviewed plans.
"Despite the difference in language between instructors and the group, we achieved effective communication," said participant Luis J. Ruiz, an agronomist, who studies the science of farm management and the production of field crops.
"The design of the course achieves the integration of theory and practice, which is very important for a greater understanding," Ruiz added. "I think that it was a rewarding course that will help me deal with emergencies."
The group learned how to properly put on and take off full-face air purifying respirators and how to don protective suits to prevent chemical exposure. They tackled the challenge of tightening bolts and repairing pipes while wearing heavy gloves.
"I greatly appreciated the opportunity to use and have contact with all the equipment needed for the different levels of emergencies in which we can be exposed," said Britzadia Morales, an engineer in training.
"The field practice was conducted as a team in an organized format," said Ines Rodríguez, an environmental permit officer. "I have taken this type of training before, and this was the best I have attended," she said.
In addition to the technical training, the group learned to work together as a team.
"Working in teams and swapping members each day was a great idea (because) it gave us the opportunity to learn not only from the teachers, but also from our colleagues," said Carilu Aquino, an engineer in training. "The one thing I learned the most in the course was to be safe first and foremost."
