The InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability

Episode 7: NFPA Standards Development is out now! Check it out on all major podcast platforms!

https://interagencyboard.org/podcast/

If you have comments, need more information, or have a topic you’d like us to examine in a future episode, email [email protected]

⏳𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝟏𝟗𝟏⏳

On May 25, 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 crashed at O'Hare Airport, killing 273 people. An engine separated during takeoff due to structural fatigue caused by improper maintenance. As the deadliest aviation accident on U.S. soil, it led to massive changes in engine mounting designs. For responders, the intense jet fuel fire presented an overwhelming mass casualty and hazardous materials challenge.

Response to such aviation disasters relies on specialized gear categorized in the SEL. Section [20]: Intervention Equipment includes requirements for high-capacity Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and specialized nozzles for hydrocarbon fires. Additionally, Section [01]: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ensures responders can operate in "warm zones" where they may be exposed to toxic combustion products and hazardous fuels during rescue operations.

Want more info about the IAB? Check us out at: https://interagencyboard.org/

Want to check out the IAB’s interactive Standardized Equipment List (SEL)? Check it out at: https://sel.iabfoundation.org/SELint.aspx

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The InterAgency Board honors the military heroes who gave everything to protect our nation. On this Memorial Day, we remember their ultimate sacrifice and stand united in gratitude for their service. Their bravery inspires our continued commitment to national security and preparedness.

Check out the latest Hazardous Materials Hot Line!

May 22, 2026 – InterAgency Board Over the past several years, researchers have identified wildfire smoke as a conduit for spreading microorganisms. While the impact has not been fully identified, research indicates that smoke may be a source of disease for both responders and the general public.

Episode 6: Hazardous Materials in History #1 is out now! Check it out on all major podcast platforms!

https://interagencyboard.org/podcast/

If you have comments, need more information, or have a topic you’d like us to examine in a future episode, email [email protected]

Congrats to IAB member Carl Makins and his team at Avon Protection for receiving the 2026 CWMD Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Consortium Innovation Prototype Award for its Hood/Mask Interface (HMI) prototype, developed as part of the U.S. Department of War’s Advanced System for Protection and Integrated Reduction of Encumbrances (ASPIRE) program.

This prototype was developed to improve the interface between CBRN respirator masks and hood garments, reducing vulnerable points. The concept provides full integrated head and neck coverage to ensure secondary barriers against contaminants.

Carl Makins, US DOW R&D Project Manager at Avon Protection, said, “This Avon Protection solution represents a major step forward in protective equipment design by combining engineered materials, collaborative development, and layered defense principles to enhance protection in hazardous environments.”

Read the full press release here:https://lnkd.in/eEDxECvz

Check out the latest Hazardous Materials Hot Line!

https://interagencyboard.org/may-11-2026/?fbclid=IwVERFWARxualleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeMhXDRyg00TsJyzhDyZ387pItg8xxG5U1PraIG2rRiJQEoTS-6iqtfVFhoQ8_aem_JLOk46yFI8Sfe1E2ryhWiA

May 11, 2026 – InterAgency Board The UN is looking at creating 4 divisions under class 9 placarding requirements. The divisions would break out environmentally hazardous substances, energy storage devices, low hazard energetic articles, and other class 9 materials.

Today we honor the unwavering courage of firefighters worldwide for International Firefighters’ Day. These dedicated professionals risk everything to protect our communities and natural resources. We recognize the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and their families. To those on the front lines, we offer our deepest gratitude. Thank you!

Episode 5: Introduction to Strategic Planning for Fire and Emergency Services is out now! Check it out on all major podcast platforms!

https://interagencyboard.org/podcast/

If you have comments, need more information, or have a topic you’d like us to examine in a future episode, email [email protected].

Check out the latest Hazardous Materials Hot Line!

April 30, 2026 – InterAgency Board FEMA has announced that its funding reserves have been reached and it is limiting funding multiple projects. The guidance provides direction for Immediate Needs Funding, which is triggered when reserve funding drops.