The Chlorine Institute Inc (CI), working with the Union Pacific (UP) Railroad, will conduct a free program Oct 28, 2009, in Memphis TN 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 UP’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.
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 UP 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 onsite. The day will start at 8 am, and participants will rotate through sessions until conclusion at 4 pm.
An industry team will provide hands-on training, including instruction on how to use the emergency kits and tools designed to cap leaks in various 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 website; click on “Meetings & Events” and then on “2009 TransCAER Event.”