Lansing, Michigan – The Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division, Hazardous Materials Training Center will be conducting the inaugural "Hazmat Team Challenge" on Monday, October 11, 2004, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan.

Ten hazardous materials teams from Michigan, neighboring states, and Canada will be competing for the Hazmat Team Challenge Cup. The "Challenge" champion team will receive individual medals and a prize package, to take home to their community, estimated to be worth $10,000. This prize package includes equipment that will supplement their emergency response resources.

This Olympic style competition will require the four-person teams to rotate through 10 stations set up to test their ability in performing the skills of a hazardous materials technician. The team members will be scored on their performance in applying chlorine control kits, setting up safety procedures, identifying potentially lethal products, and performing as a team through a five-station obstacle course.

This event, modeled after the California Hazmat Olympics, will become a tradition in the State of Michigan for the hazardous materials community. Hazmat teams will have the opportunity to network with and see the Regional Response Teams in action. This event was also designed to provide evaluation and credit for the mandated eight hours of annual refresher training required under MIOSHA Part 432.

The Challenge will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m. Awards will be given at 7 p.m. at a welcome reception for the 2004 Summit Conference, "Working Together for a Safer Community." The 2004 Summit Conference will begin on Tuesday, October 12, 2004.

Watch for further information about this Michigan State Police sponsored emergency management conference.