Are Hazmat Meters Making Technicians Worse at Hazmat?

Modern hazmat meters are extraordinarily capable, but are technicians becoming too dependent on them? Mike’s hot take is that the hazmat community is losing some of its command of chemical and physical properties, investigation, and critical thinking as advanced meters increasingly provide the answer.

The crew looks at what happens when metering reaches a dead end, why technicians should form a theory before going downrange, and how training can deliberately remove equipment to force problem solving. The goal is not to reject technology. It is to make sure the technician can still connect the dots when the meter fails, gives no useful reading, or the incident falls into the unusual five percent.

Key Moments
00:00 Mike’s hot take
03:20 Are technicians too dependent on meters?
08:15 Mastering fundamentals before advanced technology
11:02 What happens when the meter gives no answer?
15:46 Are we training technicians to depend on meters?
17:59 Train without the easy tool
21:58 Oxygen deficiency and unknown gases
24:14 Next hot take: hazmat decon

Episode Sponsors
Rigaku Analytical Devices
Rigaku provides handheld Raman analyzers for first responders facing unknown hazards. Their 1064 nm Raman technology reduces fluorescence interference, enabling chemical identification in under a minute—even in difficult samples. Rigaku’s fourth-generation platform expands accessory support to help teams assess hazards faster and safer.
https://www.rigakuanalytical.com
Teledyne FLIR Defense
CBRNE threats don’t wait for safe locations. Teledyne FLIR Defense equips responders, security professionals, and military personnel with real-time detection tools for mobile, fixed, and covert deployment. From handheld trace detectors to autonomous bio-monitors, their technology ensures rapid threat recognition and evidence-quality documentation in any environment.
https://defense.flir.com
908 Devices
908 Devices delivers handheld chemical analysis tools addressing fentanyl exposure, toxic industrial hazards, and global security threats. Responders use these devices to rapidly detect, identify, and monitor thousands of chemical hazards—bulk or trace—directly at the point of need.
https://www.908devices.com
ObexionFR
ObexionFR is a mobile solution for lithium-ion battery fires developed by former FDNY HazMat experts. It neutralizes fires by addressing heat, oxygen, and fuel—cooling batteries, isolating oxygen, and preventing re-ignition while maintaining safe gas levels.
https://www.obexionfr.com
Fire Suppression Solutions
Fire Suppression Solutions, based in Slinger, Wisconsin, is the U.S. master distributor for advanced suppression technologies. Their partnership with LifeSafe Technologies delivers TRF (Thermal Runaway Fluid), proven through testing to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires. Products include A & B fire solutions and BSI-rated systems across 10 categories, including lithium-ion batteries.
https://www.firesuppressionsolutions.com

Training & Resources
Main website
Training
Contact

Books & Products
NHERD Volume 1
NHERD Volume 2
Are You Compliant?
Building a HazMat Team
You Suck at Teaching HazMat
NERHD: The Game

Media Network
Command Media Network
Hazard Class
Industrial Strength: Haz Mat Harder

Merch
https://thehazmatguys.com/store/#materials

Follow
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube

Official Tagline
Don’t just get on the job. Get into it.™

Music Credit
Music from #InAudio
https://inaudio.org/Sport
Rock & Workout