Two days of CPD learning and networking at Ricardo's Hazmat Conference 2025

Over 125 delegates attended Ricardo’s annual Hazmat Conference on 21 and 22 May 2025. Here, Ollie Maughan, Chemical Response Trainer and conference co-ordinator, reflects on another successful event!

Day 1 – Keynote Speeches and Hazmat-Focused Sessions

Ed Sullivan, Head of Ricardo’s Chemical Response Training and the conference’s chairperson, opened the conference with a thank you note to all delegates, speakers, and exhibitors – particular thanks go to conference supporter, JOIFF, for their support in promoting the conference, and Ambipar Response for their continued sponsorship. Ed spoke on the upcoming challenges and importance of Continued Professional Development (CPD) within the Hazmat community.  

Dave Walton, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service followed Ed with a particularly insightful keynote session, reinforcing the need for CPD conferences such as Hazmat, which provide the opportunity and platform for shared learning and networking.

The remainder of the morning  consisted of speaking sessions focussed on topics such as the challenges ahead for alternative fuels in the marine environment, and incident preparedness & response delivered by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Day 1 – Afternoon Workshops and Case Studies

The afternoon was filled with a variety of workshops that covered case studies to practical forensic and chemical analysis. Ricardo and the National CBRN Centre jointly delivered a practical, two-part workshop that began with forensic scene analysis and ended with hands-on chemical analysis. Following this were practical workshops exploring an incident where an Ethanol tanker rolled over - a case study presented in collaboration with Essex Police - and a Radsafe response to incidents involving radiological material, a session presented in partnership with the Radsafe board and EDF.

International speakers from Phoenix Fire Department and the Environment Agency also delivered highly engaging, interactive workshops. 

Conference Dinner and Quiz

After a full day of learning, attendees enjoyed a three-course conference dinner. The evening concluded with the much-loved hazmat-themed quiz, offering a relaxed and engaging close to Day 1.

Day 2 – Sessions on Lithium-Ion Fires, International Case Studies, and Research Insights

Day 2 opened with a series of parallel sessions covering topics such as:

• Low frequency high risk events
• Scientific research on casualty behaviour during hazmat incidents.
• International case studies from the USA and Canada
• Future risks and mitigation strategies for lithium-ion battery fires and explosions

With contributions from leading research institutions and international fire departments, the morning was packed with valuable insights for delegates across all roles in the hazmat community.

Day 2 – Afternoon Interactive Case Study

The final session showcased a multi-agency case study involving Ricardo, Devon & Cornwall Police, and Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service. Together, they presented a real-life incident involving sodium nitrate ingestion, highlighting the importance of coordinated emergency response.

Conclusion

In summary, Hazmat 2025 was another exceptional conference, praised by many attendees for its topical programme and well-organised structure.

Dave Walton, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Deputy Chief Fire Officer, said: “As ever, I derive the most benefit and learning from the case studies. These are so powerful because of the profile of the conference and the ability of the organisers to attract practitioners.”

Kevin Deveson, JOIFF Chairman, commented: “The strength of the conference lies in the technical information shared by subject matter experts, the breakout sessions, and the chance to connect with peers.”

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service shared: “I gained valuable insight into improving my understanding of partner agencies' roles in hazmat incidents.”

Looking Ahead to Hazmat Conference 2026

Registrations for Hazmat Conference 2026 open on 1 July 2025, where registrations before 30 September will benefit from super early bird rates!

Register below to be notified when ticket sales go live!