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The special webinar presentation provided an overview of the ISO’s fire department training requirements, best practices for tracking ISO training, and examples of other items that need to be tracked for compliance. Please click here to watch the webinar, which was presented in combination between TargetSolutions and the IAFC.

TargetSolutions and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) recently teamed up to deliver a special webinar presentation, “How to Track Fire Department Training with a Purpose.”

Nearly 300 individuals registered for the webinar, which broke down how fire departments can effectively utilize technology to track training, specifically Insurance Services Office (ISO) requirements. Tim Riley, a retired chief and current Product Specialist for TargetSolutions, delivered the presentation.

While presenting an overview of TargetSolutions’ ISO tracking capabilities, Riley touched on key points, such as ISO’s general training requisites, how to meet those requisites, and perhaps most importantly, how to track training and compliance.

“(TargetSolutions) gives the individual a snapshot view, so they know exactly where they stand on meeting the ISO’s goals in a given year and what type training they lack. Now, you as a training officer can know the status of your people and what kind of training they need to meet the goals.”

Tim Riley, Product Specialist, TargetSolutions

In addition to ISO requirements, Riley also dived into the importance of adequately tracking OSHA training, Fire & EMS continuing education, career tracking, NIMS (National Incident Management System) training, and qualification training.

During the hour-long presentation, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions. Here is a collection of those questions:

Is electronic documentation all that is needed, or is there still a need for hard copies of records for ISO?
The electronic form has been accepted recently and that’s all that’s really needed. ISO, when it’s doing inspections now, sends you a form ahead of time. Most of the time when you get there you can have your reports run and printed out for the inspector.

Are chief officers required to maintain 192 hours for ISO?
If the chief officer is required to respond on a first alarm, such as the battalion chief or the district chief, yes. The fire chief, the deputy chief, those individuals who come out after the fact, they’re not required to meet the 192 because they’re not going to be in the hazard zone. That’s what you have to look at it. It’s who’s going to be in the hazard zone.

What is the definition of a “hazardous zone”?
My best definition is, are you going to be entering a structure that is on fire while the fire is still burning? The hazard has not been mitigated.

Are there any requirements for administrative staff who are firefighters?
If they are working online and they are responding to first alarms then they are required to meet the standards. The biggest question you have to ask yourself is “is this person going to be entering the hazard area?” If this person is going to enter the hazard area while the hazard exists then they have to meet the training requirements.

Does the ISO not accept EMS training?
Absolutely, that is correct. Even though it is 87 percent of the job, it’s not fire-related training and it’s not related to mitigation of the hazard.

Can a training facility also house a station crew or does it need to be a standalone?
The requirements do not say that it doesn’t have to be a standalone. It just has to be on two acres of property with a three-story tower and some kind of burn room or burn prop. It can include a fire station or it could be standalone.

Does ISO offer a handbook which details all these requirements, similar to an NFPA manual?
Yes, if you go to the ISO mitigation website you can print out the new schedule and all the training requirements appear on pages 37 and 38.

If you would like more information on TargetSolutions’ ISO tracking capabilities, please click here or contact us at (800) 840-8048.

Ergonomics is focused on minimizing injuries and stress in the workplace by enhancing the relationship between employees and their work environment.

Poor posture, incorrect positioning of computer equipment, and forceful exertions are leading factors when it comes to workplace injuries. Whether it’s in a traditional office setting, or out in the field, ergonomics are an important aspect for maintaining a safe working environment.

TargetSolutions’ Manage Credentials application allows organizations to package engaging online training content, including engaging online training courses, surveys, policies, and other custom content to achieve compliance and minimize workplace ergonomic issues.

“If people don’t understand how to properly operate in their work environment, especially in regards to how they’re positioning themselves, how they’re lifting, how they’re even using their computer or sitting in their chair, it can cause musculoskeletal disorders,” said TargetSolutions’ Client Services Manager Jennifer Jones. “I think the number one issue organizations face in regards to ergonomics is lost work time due to injury.”

To learn more about how TargetSolutions’ online training benefit your organization, please contact us today at 1-800-840-8048.

TargetSolutions’ extensive catalog of online training courses covers topics such as harassment, injuries, driver safety, and hazards in the workplace. Whether it’s preventing accidents or managing volatile behavior, maintaining a consistent training program is integral for reducing claims and liability.

Here are 10 of TargetSolutions’ top online safety courses for reducing claims and liability:

•    Sexual Harassment Awareness
•    Back Injury Prevention
•    Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention
•    General Office Ergonomics
•    Workplace Diversity
•    Anger, Violence, and Conflict in the Workplace
•    Bloodborne Pathogens Safety
•    Personal Protective Equipment
•    Driving Safety
•    Discipline and Termination

If you would like more information about TargetSolutions’ online safety training, please contact us today at (800) 840-8048.

Otay Water District, a water, recycled water, and sewer service provider serving the communities of southeastern San Diego County, has been with TargetSolutions for more than 15 years. With a need to maintain certification requirements and compliance, Otay found that utilizing TargetSolutions’ online training management system not only exceeded their needs, but simplified them as well.

“TargetSolutions has given us the ability to quickly and effectively deliver training to the organization,” said Otay’s Safety and Security Specialist Oscar Ramirez. “The platform gives us the ability to automate employee registration, credentialing and recordkeeping,”

Otay’s Utility Maintenance Supervisor Chad Thompson cites the benefits of the system’s user-friendly applications.

“As a supervisor, I like it because we can pick what applies to what we’re doing in the field,” Thompson said. “If we had a recent back injury, it’s a good way to have a refresher with a back safety course or one of those applicable topics.”

Are you ready to start streamlining your agency’s continuing education and recordkeeping? Contact TargetSolutions at (800) 840-8048 to learn more.

What makes TargetSolutions the ultimate tool for managing training? It’s the system’s engaging online courses and powerful applications created by our team of talented developers and subject matter experts.

In 2015, TargetSolutions worked hard to enhance the platform’s capabilities and provide the best support possible. Here are some of most notable accomplishments from 2015.

Top Courses from 2015

Every year, more and more courses are completed on the TargetSolutions’ platform. In 2015, more than 1.7 million courses were taken by TargetSolutions’ users. Several of the most popular titles from the past year include Child Abuse: Mandated Reporter Training (formerly called Reporting Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Children), Sexual Harassment Awareness, and Bloodborne Pathogens Safety.

TargetSolutions updated and enhanced dozens of courses during 2015, while also releasing several packages of new training material, including a professional development training catalog and 12 new firefighter training courses, giving TargetSolutions nearly 260 hours of training for fire departments with 160 hours of EMS recertification.

New Accreditations and Accomplishments in 2015

In June of 2015, 36 new EMS recertification courses from TargetSolutions were approved for credit by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS).

With 25 states now accepting TargetSolutions’ online training courses for Law Enforcement credit, TargetSolutions announced the creation of a new Advisory Board in September to help meet the needs of 21st century police officers.

By December, TargetSolutions’ training for firefighters was accepted in Minnesota, Kentucky and Missouri. These approvals make 11 states that accept TargetSolutions’ online firefighter courses for recertification, with others in the approval process, as well as all 50 states permitting utilization for EMS continuing education.

All-New Reports Application Released in 2015

In August, the highly anticipated all-new Reports application was released. The comprehensive overhaul of the platform’s reporting tool, Generate Reports, as well as updates to the user interface, were designed to make TargetSolutions more intuitive, easy to use and effective.

“TargetSolutions is always striving to limit the amount of work platform managers need to do in the system. We want TargetSolutions to be working for you while you’re working on other things for your organization.”

Misty Pratt, Product Manager, TargetSolutions

In addition to the All-New Reports application, TargetSolutions released two new help videos from the TS Fire Academy. The System Overview and the How to Manage Users videos were created to help educate employees on operating TargetSolutions. Keep an eye out for more help videos in 2016!

Memorable Events from 2015

The year started out in January with TargetSolutions’ Customer Appreciation & User Group Workshop at the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. At the event, four clients took home special awards for their outstanding utilization and contributions to the platform, including Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department’s Cheryl Roberts, Fresno Fire Department’s Christine Boozer, Lacey Fire District 3’s Mike Heikes, and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Dan Froelich. This year’s event will be held at the same location on Feb. 2.

In November, TargetSolutions hosted the first-ever Risk Summit. The three-day training workshop featured engaging speakers, platform training sessions, one-on-one tutorials, and a live presentation of the TS Academy. In addition to the comprehensive training for platform managers at the Summit, TargetSolutions awarded the City of Roseville’s Lorrie McClain with the Power User Award and Otay Water District’s Oscar Ramirez with the Milestone Achievement honor after using the platform for 15 years.

For TargetSolutions, the inaugural event offered up a fantastic opportunity to meet face-to-face with platform managers.

“We are really hoping that our clients take away that we value them, and that we want to hear from them and we love their feedback. We want to support them and really show them the platform; provide them with some resources they can take back to their organization and share that with others.”

Amy Albanese, Account Manager, TargetSolutions

This year, TargetSolutions will be hosting more special events for clients to learn about the platform. Please click here to stay up-to-date with upcoming events.

As a self-proclaimed “people person,” customer service comes naturally for Debbie Pringle. That’s why she is meshing so well as an account manager with TargetSolutions. After being hired in May of 2015, Debbie has quickly assimilated to the company’s culture and is flourishing in an environment where customers’ need are always the top priority.

“I’ve really enjoyed building relationships with clients,” Pringle said when asked about her new role. “It’s a privilege to work with the clients who serve in public safety and it makes my job more special.”

As a mother of three and an avid cook and baker of everything from salmon to carrot cake, Debbie’s outstanding attitude is helping her be successful. Here is more about Debbie from a recent Q-and-A:

What are some of your interests outside of work?
I spend a lot of my free time with my family. We go to the movies a lot and we spend a good amount of time at the beach. I also love to sing. When I was younger I used to record myself singing and hand out tapes to people as if I were a famous singer. I love to draw too, not that many people know that about me.

If you were able to trade places with a movie character, who would it be and why?
Willy Wonka or Forrest Gump. They both believe life is like a box of chocolates. Who doesn’t love chocolate?

You just won the billion dollar jackpot. What’s your first course of action?
I would buy a huge house, most likely in Seattle. I feel like I would really love the weather in Seattle because I love the rain. I have enjoyed the San Diego sunshine my whole life but I would love it if it rained just a bit more.

What is your favorite food?
My favorite food would be Italian because I’m obsessed with pizza. I would have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What is your favorite movie?
Die Hard with a Vengeance is by far one of my favorites. It’s such a funny movie.

Do you have any catchphrases?
“Here I come to save the day!”

Mountains of paperwork, checklists, and mandatory training are a few of the burdens hiring managers face on a regular basis. While it’s easy to get lost in the clutter of hiring new employees, TargetSolutions’ online training management system simplifies and streamlines the process.

TargetSolutions’ New Hire Onboarding Solution combines various features inside the platform, including the File Center, the Activities Builder and the Manage Credentials application, to streamline the delivery, completion and documentation of all assignments. Automatic alert notifications, e-signature accountability, and real-time assignment monitoring, ensures new hires and managers alike can enjoy a simplified and efficient onboarding process.

“Using TargetSolutions for your new hire onboarding process can help you save both time and money. It helps you reduce the amount of hours that you spend manually tracking down all of the requirements that are necessary for new hire onboarding.”

Jennifer Jones, Client Services Manager, TargetSolutions

“The biggest hit for an organization is they’re able to take their online training content through TargetSolutions and couple that with the records management piece,” said Jones. “So they’re able to do both training content as well as manage things like new hire paperwork, meetings, and things of that nature.”

If you are looking to simplify your organization’s onboarding process, please contact TargetSolutions today at (800) 840-8048.

The City of Roseville, located in the Greater Sacramento Area of Northern California, utilizes the TargetSolutions platform across all of its public agencies, including fire, police and water. During the inaugural TargetSolutions Risk Summit this past November, the City of Roseville’s Lorrie McClain was presented with the Power User award for the city’s impressive utilization of the online training and management system. TargetSolutions had the opportunity to speak with McClain about how her city is using the platform.

Here is a transcription of the interview:

Which departments of the City of Roseville use TargetSolutions?
We are a full-service city. We have fire, police, we have our own energy plant. We have water, wastewater, public works. Every single department uses TargetSolutions.

How many different users are on the system?
At any one time we have 1,046 regular employees and then we have up to 800 temporary and seasonal employees, at any one time. Mostly in the summer months.

Tell me a little bit about the biggest challenge that you had before TargetSolutions and how the platform is helping you solve it.
It’s really hard to organize and afford in-person training and to get to the masses because a lot of our employees are in the field rather than in an office environment or in front of a computer or have the ability to go somewhere for in-person training. This allows us to bring the training to them at a more appropriate and convenient time whether it’s online training in front of the computer or reading admin’s regs or doing specific training. That could include TargetSolutions courses or courses that we create, or maybe they do tailgate settings where they do it as a group and then we go ahead and record the training later.

Tell us some of the ways you guys are using TargetSolutions to get the most out of it.
I think the most important thing we did is develop a core team where we have a representative from every department so that each department’s needs are utilized. We work together to create content and see what everybody needs so we could get every department on board and actually use it. We started out doing a presentation to all of the department heads saying “hey, this is what the product is, this is what we want to use it for, will you buy into it?” and they all agreed to buy into it. It then trickled down to their managers and supervisors that this is our learning management system, this is city-wide adopted, this is what we’re using as a learning management system, so then different departments weren’t off doing their own thing. We were all using the same system and that’s what basically the city mandate was.

Talk a little bit about all the different types of training you’re delivering with TargetSolutions.
We do everything from the supervisor-mandated sexual harassment training that has to be done every two years to the 700 training for those that it applies to. Police officers have specific training that’s geared toward them, whether it’s code 3 driving or canine training that all officers need to know about, it’s done on a weekly basis. The electric department does very specific NERC training for our power plant users that covers anything from simple administrative regulations and updates that are mandated by the city’s manager’s office for all employees to reading and acknowledging a document. That gives us documentation of the mandated training, either state or federal, that is required to be done every two or three years annually.

For more information on the TargetSolutions platform, please contact us at today at (800) 840-8048.

Is your organization using TargetSolutions to manage fire department training? Or are you still searching for the right tool for streamlining training management?

Either way you will want to circle Tuesday, Feb. 2 on your calendar as TargetSolutions has scheduled its annual networking and training workshop during Firehouse World in San Diego.

Please join us atop the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter at the Altitude Sky Lounge between 2 p.m and 5 p.m. for this special event. Come learn from TargetSolutions account managers about the platform’s powerful capabilities for scheduling, delivering and tracking training.

In addition to one-on-one training and a platform discussion, attendees will have the chance to network and hear directly from other agencies that are utilizing TargetSolutions for fire department training.

“This is a great opportunity for training officers, chiefs and captains to meet with TargetSolutions representatives and learn more about the platform. Attendees will also be able to meet with peers who are using the system and hear how they are able to maximize the platform. It’s always amazing how much learning takes place when the ideas start to flow during these events.”

Phil Coons, Sales Director, TargetSolutions

This special event will also feature complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres served from one of San Diego’s most scenic downtown locations, the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter’s Altitude Sky Lounge.

Please click here to reserve your seat for the TargetSolutions Networking & Training Workshop. If you have any questions, please contact us today at (800) 840-8048.