James Leer
My emergency response and safety experience has expanded over 30 years in municipal code enforcement, volunteer fire service, volunteer hazmat response, and insurance loss control. I am a member of the Somerset Regional VFD and Somerset County Hazardous Materials Team 600. I am a full-time Senior Loss Control Consultant for a commercial and personal lines insurance company. I have been a Pennsylvania State Local Fire Instructor for over 25 years achieving Emeritus Instructor level with a focus on hazardous materials courses. I am certified Firefighter II, Fire Officer III, Instructor II, Incident Safety Officer, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Vehicle Rescue Technician. I am a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). My formal education includes an A.S. in Fire Science and Administration from Community College of Allegheny County, a B.S. in Safety and Environmental Management from Slippery Rock University, and a M.S. Safety Sciences – Technical from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Presentations:
“Frickin’ Laser”- Remote Methane Leak Detection
Conventional multiple gas detectors used for air monitoring at natural gas leaks require the responder to work in the area of the leak to obtain a reading. This exposes the responder to be in proximity of a flammable atmosphere. The use of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology allows the responder to assess natural leaks from a distance. This program will cover the operating principles, technology limitations, and tactical application of remote methane leak detection.
Completing the Puzzle of Classification and Identification
The assessment of hazardous materials requires putting pieces of a puzzle together to classify or identify the material. Detection and monitoring devices along with the six (6) identification clues play an important role in this task. Systematic scene assessment with proper selection and uses of these devices are necessary for this process. This program will cover device selection and application, scene assessment tips, risk-based response philosophy, and a four-component process to complete the puzzle to classify or identify a material.