David Binder of Tanner Industries Inc was presented the TRANSCAER Chairman’s Award September 22 during the Massachusetts Association of Hazardous Materials Technicians 19th annual training conference, in recognition of his dedication and support as chairman of TRANSCAER’s (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) anhydrous ammonia training program.
TRANSCAER, a voluntary, nationwide outreach effort that helps communities prepare for and respond to hazardous material transportation incidents, launched its nationwide Anhydrous Ammonia Training Tour earlier this year, to educate and train officials in states across the country on emergency response to anhydrous ammonia release incidents. To date, 800 hands-on training workshops have been held in 37 states across the country, with numerous other workshops scheduled through 2012, providing information and tools intended to prevent or mitigate incidents involving ammonia in communities where it is stored, shipped, or used.
“I am pleased to honor David for the active role he has taken to ensure the success of this trailblazing training program in cities and states across the nation,” said Rollie Shook, chairman of the National TRANSCAER Task Group and Global Emergency Services Leader for Dow Chemical Co. “The success of this tour has relied heavily on David’s outstanding leadership, and as such I am pleased to present him with this year’s Chairman’s Award.”
As Director of Quality, Safety & Regulatory Affairs and Lead Trainer in the Ammonia Safety & Emergency Response Training (ASERT) program for Tanner Industries, Binder has facilitated ammonia safety and emergency response training programs throughout the world for industry, fire department, emergency response, and emergency management personnel.
Since 1992, Mr. Binder has been involved in the ammonia industry and emergency response training and planning. He is a member of the National TRANSCAER Task Group and currently serves as the Chair of the Philadelphia Local Emergency Planning Committee and Chair of the Responsible Distribution Committee of the National Association of Chemical Distributors.