(a) A Hazardous Materials Technician is defined as an individual who performs emergency response to an occurrence which results in, or is likely to result in, an uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance where there is a potential safety or health hazard (i.e., fire, explosion, or chemical exposure). A Hazardous Materials Technician responds to such occurrences and is expected to perform work to handle and control (stop, confine, or extinguish) actual or potential leaks or spills. The Hazardous Materials Technician assumes a more aggressive role than a first responder at the operations level, in that the Hazardous Materials Technician will approach the point of release. The Hazardous Materials Technician is expected to use specialized Chemical Protective Clothing (CPC)  and specialized control equipment.     
      (b) All individuals holding a Hazardous Materials Technician Certification shall be required to comply with the continuing education requirements in §441.17 of this title (relating to Continuing Education for Hazardous Materials Technician).     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §453.1 adopted to be effective September 1, 1997, 22 TexReg 7904; amended to be effective August 10, 1999, 24 TexReg 6098; amended to be effective November 5, 2000, 25 TexReg 10752; amended to be effective November 28, 2007, 32 TexReg 8533