
Safeware Partners with Security and Emergency Response Training Center for FEMA-Sponsored AFFIRM Training Course
Safeware partners with SERTC to launch FEMA sponsored training entitled AFFIRM PER-327, an advanced training course on alternative fuels and flammable incident response and management.
Lanham, MD - June 5th, 2024
Safeware Inc., a leading safety solutions provider, is proud to announce a training collaboration partnership with the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC), a premier facility dedicated to providing high-quality training and education in hazardous materials transportation emergency response. The course, Alternative Fuels and Flammable Incident Response and Management (AFFIRM), held in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Training and Education Division, will prepare responders for all types of flammable commodity emergencies from crude oil to lithium batteries.
As the global landscape evolves with an increasing emphasis on sustainable energy sources, alternative fuels have become more prevalent across various industries. While these fuels offer numerous benefits, they also introduce significant safety challenges due to their flammability and potential for hazardous incidents. Recognizing this critical need for advanced safety measures, SERTC and Safeware have developed the AFFIRM (PER-327 in the SERTC curriculum) to empower organizations with proactive strategies for mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of personnel and assets.
“By combining MxV Rail’s research and railroad industry knowledge, four decades of SERTC hazmat training expertise, and Hazard3’s real-world experience with alternative fuels, we’re creating the world’s most realistic flammable emergency response class,” states Brandon-Dean Morris, General Manager of Outreach and Education for SERTC.
The intensive five-day course focuses on comprehensive risk assessment capabilities, providing organizations with tailored insights into potential hazards associated with alternative fuels and flammable substances. While crude oil and derived products have traditionally been the focus of training for flammable commodities, alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol, hydrogen fuel cells, and electrified vehicles are becoming increasingly common nationwide. This course will fill the gap in training and preparedness for these types of incidents via classroom instruction and immersive full-scale, live-fire scenarios that simulate incidents involving these materials.
“Partnering with SERTC for the AFFIRM training is an exciting opportunity,” said Gary Sharp, Vice President of Training for Safeware. “Our goal has always been to collaborate with leading trainers to achieve the best results for responders, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our mission.“
Safeware remains committed to advancing safety standards and providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of industries worldwide. The launch of the AFFIRM PER-327 underscores our dedication to excellence in safety technology and our unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and assets.
The course, funded by FEMA and administered by SERTC instructors, provides comprehensive training spanning 40 hours over five (5) days at SERTC’s facility in Pueblo, Colorado. It includes two (2) days of Safeware and Hazard3 training, covering Pressurized and Cryogenic Fuels, Electrified Vehicles, and Battery Storage Systems. The multi-year contract is scheduled to begin in October 2024 and will run through 2026.
For more information about the AFFIRM PER-327 training course and Safeware’s comprehensive safety solutions please visit SERTC’s website and Safeware’s website.
About Safeware Inc.: Safeware is a leading provider of safety solutions, specializing in assessing, distributing, and training advanced technologies to mitigate risks and enhance safety across various industries. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Safeware remains at the forefront of safety excellence, empowering organizations to protect lives, assets, and the environment.
About SERTC: As a trusted partner in safety preparedness, SERTC offers comprehensive training programs, hands-on exercises, and cutting-edge resources to equip emergency responders with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage hazardous incidents and protect public safety. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors, SERTC is committed to promoting safety, security, and resilience in the transportation industry and beyond.