The HazMat Guys

Fresh off our Baltimore keynote, From Compliance to Competency, this episode digs into why moving beyond simple compliance matters for real growth, better practice, and more meaningful engagement. We got some strong traction and thoughtful responses from the audience, we wanted to continue the conversation around compliance versus competency in a deeper way. In this episode, we explore the philosophical side of what it means to shift from checking boxes to building true capability. The discussion reflects on how compliance can create a baseline, while competency points toward understanding, application, and lasting improvement. If you’re interested in professional development, organizational learning, leadership, training, or the mindset behind better systems, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why competency should be part of the conversation.EPISODE SPONSORSRigaku Analytical DevicesRigaku 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.comTeledyne FLIR DefenseCBRNE 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.com908 Devices908 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.comObexionFRObexionFR 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.comFire Suppression Solutions (FSS)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.comTRAINING & RESOURCESthehazmatguys.comthehazmatguys.com/trainingthehazmatguys.com/contactBOOKS & PRODUCTSNHERD Volume 1 — linkNHERD Volume 2 — linkAre You Compliant? — linkBuilding a HazMat Team — linkYou Suck at Teaching HazMat — linkNERHD: The Game — linkMEDIA NETWORKCommand Media Network — linkHazard Class — linkIndustrial Strength: Haz Mat Harder — linkMERCHthehazmatguys.com/storeFOLLOWFacebook — linkInstagram — linkLinkedIn — linkYouTube — linkDon’t just get on the job. Get into it.™Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Sport Rock & Workout

We're not going to plan on doing these often, but periodically it's nice to let everybody know what's going on with what we're doing, where the show's going, and get your input. Take a listen.

We had great traction with the last AI episode, so we dived a little deeper and created a miniseries on the topic. More to come on this one, so strap in, this landscape is shiftingquickly. EPISODE SPONSORSRigaku Analytical DevicesRigaku 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.comTeledyne FLIR DefenseCBRNE 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.com908 Devices908 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.comObexionFRObexionFR 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.comFire Suppression Solutions (FSS)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.comTRAINING & RESOURCESthehazmatguys.comthehazmatguys.com/trainingthehazmatguys.com/contactBOOKS & PRODUCTSNHERD Volume 1 — linkNHERD Volume 2 — linkAre You Compliant? — linkBuilding a HazMat Team — linkYou Suck at Teaching HazMat — linkNERHD: The Game — linkMEDIA NETWORKHazard Class — linkIndustrial Strength: Haz Mat Harder — linkMERCHthehazmatguys.com/storeFOLLOWFacebook — linkInstagram — linkLinkedIn — linkYouTube — linkDon’t just get on the job. Get into it.™Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Sport Rock & Workout

GuestsJohn Glazier• Packaging Engineer (RIT graduate)• 25+ years in chemical and dangerous goods packaging• Representative at DGO, specializing in lithium-ion battery containment and transport• Expert in third-party testing, thermal runaway mitigation, and DOT-compliant packagingContact:• Email: jglazier@dgo.comJohn Orlando• Retired Fire Marshal with FDNY (27 years)• Former Supervising Fire Marshal specializing in origin-and-cause investigations• Founder of Orlando Safety Solutions• Instrumental in developing NYC’s lithium-ion battery task force• Focused on responder exposure, toxic gases, and real-world fire behaviorContact:• LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook (search John Orlando – Orlando Safety Solutions)Some more info on this product:https://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Obexion-FR-Product-Sheet.pptxhttps://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Obexion-AG-Info-Sheet.pdfhttps://thehazmatguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DGeoxSoteria-Testing-Report-30-gallon-poly-drum-Final.pdfhttps://www.labelmaster.com/obexionfrSegment Breakdown & Timestamps0:17 – 2:04 | Introductions & Backgrounds• Meet the guests and their professional paths• John Orlando’s transition from fire suppression to fire investigation• Why lithium-ion batteries became a major focus post-20162:05 – 6:22 | The Battery Fire Problem• Why lithium-ion battery fires are underreported• The rise of e-bikes, scooters, and consumer devices• Limitations of sand, water, vermiculite, and salt baths6:23 – 11:20 | Why Traditional Methods Fall Short• Weight and transport challenges of water- and sand-filled drums• Re-ignition risks due to stranded energy• Firefighter exposure to toxic gases and VOCs11:21 – 13:44 | A New Approach to Mitigation• Introduction to reactive substrates like Accugrain• How materials activate at ~60°C• Filtering toxic gases, acids, and VOCs during thermal runaway13:44 – 17:00 | Testing, Data, and Validation• Third-party lab testing at 100% state of charge• Simulating worst-case “jet engine” thermal runaway scenarios• EPA testing showing reduced HF and VOC levels17:01 – 19:55 | The Scale of the Problem• Why every structure fire is now a lithium-ion incident• Fire statistics continuing to rise year over year• The disconnect between awareness and reality19:56 – 20:49 | Managing Large Battery Volumes• Handling hundreds of batteries safely• DOT-compliant poly bins designed for high-energy loads• Long-term storage and roadway transport considerations20:50 – 23:22 | Deployment for First Responders• What should be carried on chief vehicles vs. hazmat units• Why fire departments—not civilians—should handle overpacking• Making battery mitigation as standard as axes and Halligans23:22 – 24:06 | Closing Thoughts & Contact Info• Where responders can learn more• Encouragement to test, verify, and adopt safer solutions• Final thanks and wrap-upKey Takeaways• Lithium-ion battery fires are not rare events—they’re embedded in modern fire response.• Traditional suppression methods may cool flames but do not neutralize toxicity or re-ignition risks.• Reactive materials that cool, encapsulate, and filter gases can dramatically improve responder safety.• Every department should rethink its standard equipment loadout to include battery mitigation tools.