Inside CHEMTREC: Chemical Emergency Management Support for First Responders and Shippers
Host Sean Grady talks with Kevin Lavezzo of CHEMTREC about the side of the chemical world most people never see, but responders rely on when accurate information matters. They unpack what CHEMTREC actually does, including how its Emergency Operations Center triages calls, uses tools like the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), and connects callers with product experts.
Lavezzo explains a common misconception: first responders can call CHEMTREC for help without paying a fee, and the team will still work to support a response even when company information is incomplete. The conversation also covers how CHEMTREC supports compliance for shippers, manages safety data sheets, provides hazmat and regulatory training, and coordinates parts of incident response through partners.
They also dig into real-world challenges, from language barriers and global response complexity to responder skill gaps with monitors and interpreting SDS details, plus emerging trends like lithium-ion battery incidents and severe weather impacts on transportation.
Thanks to our Sponsors: Cascade Environmental, E-Tank & Pump, and WASTELINQ.
Associate Director, Operations Center
Kevin is the Associate Director, Operations Center at CHEMTREC where he has over eighteen years of experience in the Emergency Operations Center. Kevin started at CHEMTREC as an Emergency Services Specialist while serving as a volunteer firefighter/EMT in Prince Georges County, Maryland and worked his way up through the ranks to his current role. Over his career, Kevin has assisted thousands of callers with chemical incidents and emergencies across all phases of the lifecycle of a chemical product. These have involved stakeholders and interested parties both domestically and internationally including first responders, medical providers, transporters, military and government agencies, chemical industry partners, warehousers, and private citizens. Kevin recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental health and safety and a ST/CHMM certification. He is certified as a HAZWOPER trainer, hazmat technician, tank car specialist, highway emergency response specialist, CHLOREP responder and obtained firefighter I/II, fire officer, fire instructor.
As the Associate Director, Operations Center he leads and manages a diverse staff with a wide range of experience and backgrounds that handle chemical incidents, emergencies, and other types of incidents from around the globe. He works to ensure that his staff have the training, technology, and information needed to be highly effective communicators who provide helpful and accurate information for decision support and write clear and complete reports for customers.
