ABSTRACT
A Hazardous Material Apparatus is a specialized piece of firefighting equipment used by firefighters responding to calls involving potentially hazardous materials. Due to the ever-evolving nature of dangerous goods, these vehicles are highly customized to fit the needs of the fire department responsible for the apparatus. In the United States, NFPA regulation details the Recommended Practice for Responding to Hazardous Materials Incidents. Although no specifications are given for the HAZMAT vehicle, the document does outline some of the equipment required including a radiation detector, pH meter, and other air sampling devices. HAZMAT vehicles also often come with a portable lab complete with sinks and fume hoods that allow for the analysis of samples collected at the scene. Essentially a mobile laboratory allows early on-site scientific analysis, and monitoring will to speed up the detection process and allow firefighters and other emergency services to provide the correct response for the particular incident.
