HazMat technician: How this certification shows higher AFFF exposure

It is the responsibility of HazMat Technicians to respond to chemical incidents as well as to control, contain, and clean hazardous materials. Direct PFAS exposure pathways can be established from AFFF and contaminated materials. The specialized nature of HazMat work intensifies exposure risks compared with general firefighting roles.

Class B foam is routinely handled by HazMat teams during fuel and chemical fires. Fire departments require HazMat crews to manage foam application, mixing, and containment during such incidents according to their operational manuals and standard operating procedures. Firefighters who work as HazMat Technicians are exposed to more intense and prolonged conditions than those in other firefighting roles.

Direct exposure pathways in HazMat operations

When performing their duties, HazMat Technicians are exposed to multiple routes of exposure:

• Dermal Contact: Skin exposure occurs when HazMat Technicians handle open foam containers, contaminated absorbent materials, hoses, or protective gear. Specialized tasks, including foam system maintenance, pump operations, and tank draining or cleaning, bring technicians into direct contact with concentrated AFFF residues. Exposure to these concentrated products results in significantly higher body burden than in incidental contact scenarios.
• Inhalation and Aerosolization: Foam application and testing procedures create airborne mist and aerosolized droplets containing PFAS. During hot zone foam operations, HazMat Technicians face significant inhalation risks from these contaminated particles.
• Equipment Maintenance Exposure: Maintenance tasks for HazMat operations, such as servicing foam proportioners and apparatus foam tanks, expose workers to AFFF residues on a regular basis. The maintenance procedures of the department provide clear evidence that chemicals were repeatedly contacted during these duties.

How HazMat certification strengthens your claim

Your HazMat certification demonstrates that you have had specific responsibilities involving hazardous-materials control and foam operations regularly. When combined with duty logs, this certification creates a direct task-to-exposure link that claims reviewers recognize as having high value.

There are often contemporaneous and detailed records associated with HazMat work. Reports of incidents, hazardous materials permits, decontamination logs, maintenance sheets, and foam inventory records all support claims of repeated or concentrated AFFF contact. The retention of this documentation is often required by operational procedures, so it can be accessed for legal purposes.

Critical documentation for HazMat technicians

Evidence supporting HazMat-related claims includes:

• HazMat certification or training certificates showing qualifications and dates
• Hot-zone assignments listing you as a foam applicator, foam-system operator, or decon lead
• Purchase orders and safety data sheets for AFFF concentrates at your station
• Maintenance logs for foam proportioners and apparatus foam tanks
• Decontamination and hazardous-materials after-action reports

Your records demonstrate not only that AFFF was present, but also that you handled concentrated foam products directly as part of your duties.

ELG Law understands HazMat exposure claims

AFFF exposure poses a significant risk to HazMat Technicians, and ELG Law is aware of these responsibilities. Through our 35 years of experience in toxic exposure cases, we know how to build compelling claims using your certification, training records, and operational documentation.

Our team works with occupational health experts who are familiar with the unique exposure pathways HazMat Technicians face. For free case evaluations, we review incident reports, maintenance logs, and certification records. Learn how your HazMat certification can strengthen your AFFF exposure claim and maximize your compensation by contacting ELG Law today.