1. (a) The effective date of this section shall be January 1, 1999.
2. (b) A hazardous materials technician is defined as an individual who performs emergency response to an occurrence which results in, or is likely to result in, an uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance where there is a potential safety or health hazard (i.e., fire, explosion, or chemical exposure). A hazardous materials technician responds to such occurrences and is expected to perform work to handle and control (stop, confine, or extinguish) actual or potential leaks or spills. The hazardous materials technician assumes a more aggressive role than a first responder at the operations level in that the hazardous materials technician will approach the point of release. The hazardous materials technician is expected to use specialized chemical protective clothing (CPC) and specialized control equipment.
3. (c) Within one year of the effective date of this section, an individual may apply for certification as a Hazardous Materials Technician and is eligible to take the commission examination for hazardous materials technician, upon documentation to the Commission that the individual has completed the Hazardous Materials Technician training meeting the minimum requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(iii) or National Fire Protection Association Standard 472 (1997 edition, or earlier).
4. (d) All individuals holding a hazardous materials technician certification shall be required to comply with the continuing education requirements in §441.17 of this title (relating to Continuing Education Requirements for Hazardous Materials Technician).

Source Note:The provisions of this §453.1 adopted to be effective September 1, 1997, 22 TexReg 7904; amended to be effective August 10, 1999, 24 TexReg 6098.