Baltimore, Maryland | June 17-21
The International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference is hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). This is an annual, four-day, event that provides attendees with the latest classroom, hands-on, and field trip-based training on topics covering all aspects of hazmat. 908 Devices is excited to attend the IAFC conference, and will be presenting in multiple workshops at the show! We look forward to meeting you there.
We Have Your Best Defense in Chemical Identification | Visit Us at Booth #611
Our knowledgeable team will be demoing our devices for chemical detection and identification that ensure you can successfully meet the needs of today’s challenging environment. Don’t our latest 3-in-1 technology, VipIR, that eliminates guesswork for your chemical analysis. Gain a single confident result with just one sample.
Don’t Miss Our Workshops!
Chris Weber, PhD
Dr. Hazmat Inc
Get to Know Chemical Processes Used in Illicit Labs
Wednesday, June 17 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Illicit labs are often complex incidents to respond to due to the presence of a variety of chemicals, glassware, equipment, and chemical processes. Hazmat responders are typically unfamiliar with these situations which increases the danger to responders and the public. We will explain how these chemical processes work, set up several processes step-by-step in the workshop, and show the chemical processes in action. Students will have the opportunity to engage in recon, air monitoring, sampling, and chemical identification activities at simulated labs running active systems. Come join us to gain real world experience before you find yourself on such an incident.
Tactical Chemistry
Thursday, June 18 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Holiday Ballroom 1
Tactical decisions at hazardous materials emergencies are heavily influenced by the released chemicals and their properties. Using NFPA 470 as the framework, we will make tactical decisions at hazardous materials incidents fall into place using chemical demonstrations, scenario-based exercises, and hands-on chemical identification exercises using a variety of air-monitoring and sample identification equipment. We will examine the effect of chemical class, concentration, and complexity of mixtures on detection, identification, and product control. The class is highly interactive with students leading the direction of the class as we discuss scenarios culled from the latest news to illustrate the chemistry of hazardous materials.
Tony Acuri,
908 Devices
FTIR for HazMat Response. Gas, Liquid, and Solid Identification to Complete the Puzzle
Thursday, June 18 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Holiday Ballroom 5
As new technology becomes more prevalent, HazMat Technicians must determine how this added information fits into the puzzle. Learning the basics can be daunting. This session will provide a basic overview of FTIR analysis for chemicals in Gas, Solid and Liquid states. Utilizing instruments from 908 Devices, students will test live chemicals and learn how these instruments can help us to protect ourselves, the public and the environment.
Jeremy VanAuker,
Senior Field Forensic Application Scientist
908 Devices
Field Identification of Controlled Substances
Friday, June 19 | 2:15 PM – 4:15 PM, Paca
A trend towards increasing potent synthetic and designer opioids, cathinones, cannabinoids, and other substances has affected the ability to detect and identify controlled substances in the field. Synthetic drugs tend towards higher potency, and therefore lower concentration in mixtures. This dangerous combination has fueled a significant rise in overdose deaths, highlighted in the DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign. Learn how synthetic and designer drugs have fueled a trend towards counterfeit pills, a rise in lethal overdoses, and how field detection technology has evolved to keep pace with these trends.
Gas and Vapor Identification: Integrating FTIR into Modern HazMat Response
Saturday, June 20 | 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM, Paca
Field identification of solids and liquids using FTIR is well established, but recent advances have expanded FTIR’s role into real-time gas and vapor analysis—fundamentally changing how HazMat scenes are assessed. Modern handheld FTIR systems can now overcome long-standing challenges such as water vapor and CO₂ interference while achieving the sensitivity needed for toxicologically relevant concentrations. This workshop explores how gas-phase FTIR provides highly specific, quantitative identification of airborne hazards and how it integrates with traditional air-monitoring equipment such as PIDs, multi-gas meters, and colorimetric tubes. Through field case studies and practical examples, participants will learn how FTIR enhances situational awareness, confirms unknowns, and supports critical tactical decisions including PPE selection, isolation zones, and remediation strategies during complex chemical incidents.
Seeing the Whole Picture: Multi-Technology Field Analysis for Modern HazMat Response
Saturday, June 20 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, Holiday Ballroom 5
Field identification of solids and liquids using FTIR is well established, but recent advances have expanded FTIR’s role into real-time gas and vapor analysis—fundamentally changing how HazMat scenes are assessed. Modern handheld FTIR systems can now overcome long-standing challenges such as water vapor and CO₂ interference while achieving the sensitivity needed for toxicologically relevant concentrations. This workshop explores how gas-phase FTIR provides highly specific, quantitative identification of airborne hazards and how it integrates with traditional air-monitoring equipment such as PIDs, multi-gas meters, and colorimetric tubes. Through field case studies and practical examples, participants will learn how FTIR enhances situational awareness, confirms unknowns, and supports critical tactical decisions including PPE selection, isolation zones, and remediation strategies during complex chemical incidents.