First Responder

[Double0]

I've been asked if I want to be a first responder for my sort (for hazmats). I don't know anything about hazmats really. I'm sure they would teach me. My questions are,

What does the physical include?
Do I get better pay?

Basically. Why should I say yes? ( my sup said I didn't have to) I mean I like learning new things. I've learned so much in just a year. What are the pros and cons, because my first thought was yes, now I don't know what to think. Any input and feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Turdferguson]

Physical requirements are you have to pass a SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) test.
Here they do not make any extra per hour. Not considered " skilled" job

 

[Savvy412]

Don't do it . Everyone regrets it .

 

[cosmo1]

Physical requirements are you have to pass a SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) test.
Here they do not make any extra per hour. Not considered " skilled" job

No extra cash unless there is a real mess to clean up.

 

[Indecisi0n]

You put leaking packages in a driver release bags and go about your day.

 

[PT Car Washer]

Don't do it . Everyone regrets it .

A lot of extra hours for training and cleaning up messes after everyone else has left. More opportunities' to double shift because of vacations or the other sorts responder quit. Most people do regret it really soon.

 

[Box Ox]

I've never met a part timer who was glad they volunteered for extra or other duties offered by the Company. You'll be taken advantage of every time. Especially if the gig involves cleaning up some of the worst crap you can be exposed to for no additional pay.

 

[Double0]

That's pretty much what I thought. Thanks for the feedback, I don't think ill say yes lol. There doesn't seem to be any benefit. I agree if they know I volunteered for it they could try to take advantage of me later.

 

[DriverNerd]

I was a responder for 4 years before I became a driver, and I really liked the job. It was always different, work went by fast, and I got a bunch of overtime. That all being said, unless you specifically are wanting an opportunity for more hours there is no benefit to being a responder over any other job. It's still a dirty, sweaty job.

 

[just chillin']

Physical requirements are you have to pass a SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) test.
Here they do not make any extra per hour. Not considered " skilled" job

i believe they did away with the SCBA requirement and equipment. an outside company is now called in for any spills that require that

 

[QualityLoads]

Expect to use a lot of kitty litter

 

[Turdferguson]

i believe they did away with the SCBA requirement and equipment. an outside company is now called in for any spills that require that

They wouldn't let me do it because I couldn't pass the lung capacity part of it

 

[rod]

They wouldn't let me do it because I couldn't pass the lung capacity part of it

Damn---you would think a turd would be more than qualified to clean up crap.

 

[Turdferguson]

Damn---you would think a turd would be more than qualified to clean up crap.

I am lazier than the average turd though

 

[just chillin']

They wouldn't let me do it because I couldn't pass the lung capacity part of it

i passed the first year and i was a back up that never got trained proper and luckily never had to respond. failed the second year and gave it up

 

[Wally]

Split driver left a yellow bottle. Come fetch it.

 

[FrigidFTSup]

i believe they did away with the SCBA requirement and equipment. an outside company is now called in for any spills that require that

It is still required here. Perhaps not in larger centers though.

 

[oldngray]

It is still required here. Perhaps not in larger centers though.

My building never had SCBA. The designated responders could spread absorbent and clean up small spills. The fire dept was only a few minutes away to take care of anything requiring breathing equipment. For other problems like fuel spills there was an outside contractor.

 

[FrigidFTSup]

My building never had SCBA. The designated responders could spread absorbent and clean up small spills. The fire dept was only a few minutes away to take care of anything requiring breathing equipment. For other problems like fuel spills there was an outside contractor.

Here we require it because the closest contractor is probably a couple hours away. I had to go through the process when I did my stint on preload.

 

[just chillin']

my bad...found out yesterday its not district/local wide. it is just our building and another that did away with the tanks. not sure why.