Site Information | The Cooperative Hazardous Materials Education (COHMED) Program is an outreach activity of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration's (RSPA), Office of Hazardous Materials Initiatives and Training. It works to foster coordination, cooperation, and communication between Federal and state agencies and tribal nations having regulatory and enforcement responsibility for the safe transportation of hazardous materials.
COHMED was initiated jointly in 1986 by the States and U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration. COHMED is comprised of Federal, state and local agencies, and industry from the US and Canada. COHMED is committed to improving hazardous materials transportation safety, and provides technical assistance, training and information for the development of Federal, state, and local enforcement programs, and fosters national uniformity in regulation and enforcement.
COHMED is an intergovernmental/industry partnership serving as a focal point for information sharing on hazardous materials transportation issues and delivery of services. Through education and training, the states and local governments are provided with information and resources to enhance existing programs and develop new ones to improve hazardous materials safety.
Hazardous materials present unique challenges to enforcement personnel and emergency responders. Effective preparedness and mitigation are fundamental to the reduction of exposure to the population and response forces. To improve preparedness and response capabilities to hazardous materials emergencies, COHMED cooperates with other Federal and state agencies, enforcement personnel, emergency planning managers, responders, academic institutions, interest groups, and private industry. |