Tank Car Safety and Rail Emergency Response Course for First Responders

Course Objectives

• Summarize necessary safety precautions used when working on or near railroads.
• Interpret the information given on railroad transportation paperwork.
• Identify the various components of rail cars and locomotives and the risks associated with each.
• Recognize the various markings used on rail cars and explain their relevance to response personnel.
• Identify the features of general service (non-pressure) and pressure tank cars and predict the type of materials transported in them.
• Assess the various types of damage that rail cars incur during an incident and their relevance to response personnel.
• Identify toxic/poison inhalation hazards and other materials that are considered Rail Security Sensitive Materials (RSSM); and
• Determine and demonstrate an appropriate response to various incidents that may occur during the transportation of hazardous materials, flammable, or combustible liquids by rail.

Field Exercises

The practical portion is split into three parts, each building towards the next.

1. Protective housings, valves, interior cutaways of appurtenances and rail cars, emergency devices, and other props to give participants an understanding of the inner workings of rail cars and their components.
2. Bonding and Grounding
3. Practical skills area including a simulated exercise where participants will use the skill sets and knowledge gained to respond to a realistic emergency with full incident command system (ICS) staffing, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and other emergency equipment.