Robert Coschignano
Robert Coschignano Robert B. Coschignano is a nationally recognized expert in hazardous materials response and education, with more than three decades of service in the fire and emergency services. Retiring as a Hazardous Materials Lieutenant from the City of Orlando Fire Department, Mr. Coschignano spent the majority of his career in Special Operations, overseeing response teams, developing training curricula, and managing large-scale incidents. He served as Program Manager for the Hazardous Materials Technician Program at Valencia College, instructing and mentoring future responders while developing advanced curriculum aligned with national standards. As a certified clandestine lab responder and WMD trainer, he has taught and evaluated students across the U.S., participating in high-level biological, chemical, and radiological preparedness efforts. Mr. Coschignano is President of HazMat 101 Consultants, co-host of the HazChat podcast. He is a contributing author to several nationally distributed hazmat guides and training resources and has been featured in Fire Engineering and Firehouse magazines. He has authored Hazards and Hindsight Reflections on Risk and Readiness and is Co-author of Chemical Card Guidebook. In 2022, he was awarded the prestigious IAFC Level A Instructor of the Year award for his continued contributions to hazardous materials instruction and responder development Derek Schaumann Derek Schaumann Mr. Schaumann has been in the fire service for 25 years and currently serves as District Chief with the City of Orlando Fire Department. He is a hazardous materials instructor and Program Manager for the Hazardous Materials Technician program at Valencia College. Mr. Schaumann has also worked for the Department of Homeland Security as an equipment/logistics specialist for a terrorism response team. Mr. Schaumann serves on the NFPA committee, and he is also DEA certified for Clandestine Labs response. Mr. Schaumann Co-host of the HazChat Podcast by HazMat 101 Consultants and holds an A.S. degree in Fire Science.
Presentations:
HazMat Roundtable (there’s more than one way)
HazMat Roundtable offers a unique setting for students to discuss real hazmat responses and exchange different ideologies to those responses. During this session, the students will have a chance to role play and learn that there may be more then one way to mitigate a hazard. The student will also learn how to reach out for suggestive solutions to real world incidents.
Click vs. Competence: How We Learn
In today’s hazmat training environment, balancing convenience and effectiveness is critical. This presentation explores the differences between online hazmat training (click-based learning) and hands-on practical skills development. Participants will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches and how each method impacts knowledge retention, skill competency, and overall preparedness in high-stress hazmat incidents. Topics: • The limits of "click-through" online training in developing tactical proficiency. • How practical, scenario-based training builds muscle memory and confidence under pressure. • Cognitive learning theories that explain why hands-on practice is essential for technical disciplines like hazardous materials response. • Strategies to integrate blended learning—leveraging the convenience of online education while ensuring practical competencies are not sacrificed. By the end of this presentation, participants will be equipped to evaluate their training programs, advocate for balanced approaches, and recognize the role that effective learning plays in hazmat safety and success.