Development of a multi-stage training program for the Fire and Rescue Force Tanzania, based on an analysis of current and future threats from chemical accidents in Tanzania

Abstract

Background. Hazardous materials (HazMat) accidents involving chemical substances occur regularly in Tanzania and pose significant challenges to the Fire and Rescue Force (FRF) as the primary response organization. Objective. This research aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of chemical hazards, identify training deficiencies, and explore the limitations of available resources within the FRF to identify the challenges from chemical accidents for the FRF in Tanzania and to develop a concept for a multi-stage training program for task forces. Long-term goal. The long-term objective of this work is to initiate a cooperation between the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW) and the Analytical Task Force (ATF) of the Hamburg Fire Brigade to establish the developed concept. Research relevance. This work specifically considers the everyday conditions in Tanzania and the resulting challenges in context of the transferability of international approaches, based on the authors’ experience from his internship and activity as an instructor in Tanzania. Due to the long-term goal, this research can serve as a foundation for enhanced collaboration of institutions in Germany (including ATF and HAW) with the inclusion of the FRF. Methodical approach. To achieve the objective, field research, applicable dangerous goods regulations and the evaluation of the product portfolios of Tanzanian chemical suppliers were combined. Reports and internal FRF documents were evaluated using SWOT and TOWS analyses to assess the effectiveness of the existing training program. Visits to various fire stations in Tanzania enabled an up-to-date assessment of material resources. Contributions from the German partners provided valuable approaches on how they could contribute to the implementation of HazMat training in Tanzania. Against the background of the Tanzanian situation, approaches to (HazMat) training from Germany and the USA were also examined for their adaptability. Furthermore, approaches to international cooperation in this field were considered. Results/conclusions. The results of the research indicate a wide range of chemical hazards, with UN classes 2 and 3 being the most prevalent, particularly in the context of transportation accidents. Further, the analysis identified deficiencies in training, especially in the correct utilization of advanced HazMat equipment and the application of scientific knowledge during HazMat operations. The inadequate status of required equipment, namely the lack of simple measurement instruments, additional personal protective clothing and missing tools to handle collapsed tanks as well as equipment for advanced decontamination, underscores the pressing need for the implementation of a structured training program in conjunction with equipment support. The proposed cooperative approaches, which includes the scientific exchange between the HAW and FRF as well as material-specific training conducted by the ATF in Tanzania and in Germany, offers the potential to remedy these deficits. To actualize this potential and to improve the operational capability of the FRF in responding to HazMat accidents, the developed multi-stage training program is designed. The program consists of two stages addressing current conditions by differentiating between fire stations near historical or potential HazMat focal points and those in wider areas of Tanzania. Additionally, it includes five stages aimed at enhancing the existing training framework through anticipated developments. These stages integrate HazMat topics into the basic firemanship course, provide equipment-specific training, and offer advanced modules for leadership, instructor, and specialist training. The prerequisite for the successful implementation is that country-specific requirements are consistently taken into account. Such requirements include limited financial resources, little previous schooling, no basis for online training, the language barrier, and a currently missing training infrastructure for advanced theory and practical instructions.