The Chlorine Institute, Inc. (CI), working with the Union Pacific (U.P.) Railroad, will conduct a free program on Oct. 28, 2009, in Memphis to train front-line emergency responders on how to deal with transportation accidents involving chlorine and related chemicals.
The CI TransCAER® training, which will be held at the U.P.’s Memphis Yard, is intended for firefighters, police and others who may be involved in hazardous chemical emergency response, such as water treatment operators. Registration is limited; advance registration is requested by October 2.
“This training is vital for all emergency responders – top of the organization to bottom — who are responsible for or may become involved with a transportation emergency involving chlorine or CI’s other mission chemicals,” said Frank Reiner, CI vice president of transportation and emergency preparedness. “It is part of the Chlorine Institute’s ongoing stewardship effort to enhance public safety and minimize public inconvenience in the event of a chlorine emergency.”
The training will include hands-on and classroom activities, and a complimentary lunch. Trainees will receive certificates upon completion of the course. Presentations will cover the emergency response fundamentals of chlorine, caustic soda, sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and hydrochloric acid.
The U.P. training car and chlorine, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda tank cars will be used for the breakout sessions. Bleach, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda tank trucks also will be on site. The day will start at 8 a.m. and participants will rotate through sessions throughout the day to conclusion at 4 p.m.
An industry team will provide hands-on training, including instruction on how to use the special emergency kits and tools that are designed to cap leaks in various types of chlorine containers. Attendees also will learn the basic requirements for safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail, along with instruction on the primary elements of how local emergency responders can best cope with a rail emergency. Enlisting the aid of a CI CHLOREP (Chlorine Emergency Plan) team will be covered.
More information and a registration form may be downloaded from CI’s Web site, www.chlorineinstitute.org; click on “Meetings & Events” and then on “2009 TransCAER Event.”
