Frequently asked questions

Our philosophy is that because different people learn in different ways, we offer a number of avenues for training:

• We offer several on-line training resources (videos, and interactive slides).
• Getting started guides, guided walk-throughs and other computer-based training comes with the system.
• Tool-tips are embedded throughout the system.
• The system comes with a 200+ page fully illustrated user manual.  Every screen, button and function in the system is documented with usage examples.
• Web, email, telephone: have a technical or operational question regarding the system?  Supported users can browse our notification-based support system, questions can be emailed to our knowledgeable technical support staff, and we're also happy to answer questions via telephone.
• Factory training (either directly) or through our network of certified trainers is also available.
• HazMasterG3 has been adopted by and is taught as a part of various mission-specific national level civilian and military courses, both in the US, with NATO and other countries.  Contact us for a list of current courses.

Yes. HazMasterG3 can run in virtually any java-enabled web browser. We've certified its use in Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer, and it should run in other browsers as well.

However, remember that in any situation where you lose Internet access, you'll lose access to HazMasterG3 when accessing it via web-browser. If this is a concern, a HazMasterG3 license to the software running on your local computer/device requires no internet access.

• HazMasterG3 can interchange data with MS-Office, OpenOffice and a range of other applications on MS-Windows, Android, iOS and Windows Mobile.
• HazMasterG3 complies with varies IETF standards, including SMTP (for email), and HTTP protocols.
• HazMasterG3 is FEMA/OASIS CAP 1.1 XML compliant for messaging and reporting.
• HazMasterG3 has earned DHS Certification and Designation as an Approved Anti Terrorism Technology.  It is the only mobile CBRNE/HME/IED decision support system to have earned this certification.
• HazMasterG3 is compatible with the US Army/Marines Joint Battle Command Platform-Handheld (JBCP-H), and is the only CBRNE/HME/IED decision support system compatible with JBCP-H.
• HazMasterG3 is the only DoD COE/JTA compliant mobile CBRNE/HME/IED decision aid available, and can run in any environment certified to run HPAC 4.0 or later.
• HazMasterG3 is both NIMS and ICS compatible.
• HazMasterG3 directly supports 12 of the 15 National Planning Scenarios outlined in HSPD-8.
• HazmasterG3 has successfully gone through the Joint Services EOD MTAB process.

This question is frequently asked by first responders.  Its useful to step back and consider why civilian response agencies contemplate plume modeling.  The obvious answer should be when making risk based assessments for protecting civilian populations (including especially vulnerable populations).  As such, responders need to consider liability and litigation issues when making these decisions.  Using government published, peer reviewed methodologies that have standing in a court of law (inevitably where liability and litigation issues are resolved) are important factors.  Where this data exists and has been published, at Alluviam we strive to conscientiously implement this guidance.  Where data has not been openly published, but analytical approaches exist that are supported by subject matter experts within the community and government, Alluviam has made significant investments in implementing algorithms whose results parallel the analytical results used by these subject matter experts.

Inevitably, responders will ask us about 3rd party proprietary plume models that claim to estimate exclusion zones for chemical releases that are smaller than US Government published models.  The motivation is that smaller exclusion areas imply less economic impact.  ALOHA and the DOT's Emergency Response Guide (ERG) are frequently mentioned, along with several other US DOD models.  The real problem with these 3rd party proprietary models becomes evident when considering liability and litigation after people have been injured, or worse.  In these instances, one of the primary considerations becomes whether or not recommendations made by responders were based on guidance that has standing in a court of law and is backstopped by the US Government.  Today in the US, in civilian courts, only EPA's ALOHA and the DOT's ERG have standing.  Neither the DOD models nor other third-party models have standing in a court of law.  When making decisions on plume modeling, these are important considerations.  HazMasterG3 is the only mobile CBRNE/HME decision support system that has earned US DHS Certification as an Approved Product for Homeland Security.

Latest Research on Catastrophic Releases of Chlorine

The Jack Rabbit II Project’s Impacts on Emergency Responders [Final Report]
Catastrophic Releases of Liquefied Compressed Chlorine 2015 – 2016
At U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground, Utah
September 30, 2017

Accuracy of the Current ERG Protective Zone Distances (see page 13 of the final report)
Downwind guidance found in the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) was found to be reliable and accurate to 11 km. See Table 1. Variations in concentrations from detector to detector at 11 km is attributed to the naturally occurring turbulent boundaries of the plume and a characteristic non-uniform concentration of outdoor plumes due to air mixing and distance from the source.

(Continued on page 15 of the final report)
At first glance this data would lead you to believe that the ERG is too conservative in the upwind environment. In defense of the ERG, Dr. Brown makes the point that due to so many unpredictable variables including terrain, direction of the jet release and potential channeling effects, “conservative isolation and protective action distances are intentional to protect vulnerable populations” (Personal Communication, August 7, 2017). The UVU Team supports the approach and the upwind distances that are found in the current ERG regarding rail tank car releases of chlorine.