HAMMER: Training to save lives and avert disasters
The Volpentest HAMMER Federal Training Center has achieved world-class status and is recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) for best practices in site-wide safety standards, subject matter expertise, worker-trainer programs, partnerships, safety culture, and as a best-in-class facility.
HAMMER’s mission is training to save lives and avert disasters. HAMMER operates as a renowned partnership, and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka has designated HAMMER as “the single most important partnership between Labor and management in the country.”
In 2017, HAMMER developed the Industrial Hygiene Technician Fundamentals training program to address tank farm vapors and other hazardous work at Hanford. The program was developed with worker involvement and is designed to ensure workers receive high-quality, consistent training that prepares them to work safely. HAMMER also conducted two successful health physics technician trainee program cycles and two rookie fire recruit classes in 2017.
Meaningful worker involvement is key to HAMMER’s success. Workers are involved in all aspects of program development and problem solving, which fosters respect, trust, partnership and collaboration. With new projects on the site and large portions of the Hanford workforce reaching retirement age, HAMMER anticipates significant increases in training. HAMMER delivers rigorous, immersive training to ensure new workers are confident and prepared for the risks they face on the job.
HAMMER’s Emergency Services team was activated in August in response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and the team continues to provide energy support in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lifesaving efforts included supporting restoration of critical energy infrastructure, emergency power generators for hospitals, and fuel for emergency responders.
HAMMER’s critical DOE support garnered interest from Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, who toured HAMMER last summer with Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Congressman Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., and Congressman Greg Walden, R-Ore.
In September 2017, HAMMER celebrated its 20th anniversary, with a celebration and remarks from Gov. Jay Inslee, along with labor, tribal and government leaders.
As part of the celebration, HAMMER dedicated its Indigenous Restoration Area in honor of tribal leaders Bill Burke of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Russell Jim of the Yakama Nation, and the late J. Herman Reuben of the Nez Perce Tribe. Their commitment, leadership and support served as a foundation of HAMMER’s partnerships.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who joined the ceremony via video stated, “HAMMER’s mission is critical to the lives and well-being of Hanford workers.”
As Hanford moves into its next phase of cleanup operations, HAMMER will be here to support workers through quality training.
This story was originally published April 1, 2018 at 5:34 PM with the headline "HAMMER: Training to save lives and avert disasters."