Area first responders attended a hazmat training hosted by The Center for Rural Development.
Around 20 area first responders recently attended hazmat training hosted by The Center for Rural Development.
First responders from Somerset-Pulaski County Special Response Team, Eubank Fire Department, Vicco Fire Department, and Continental Refining Company (CRC) received training on how to respond to incidents involving flammable liquids transported by rail.
“Any additional training that we can do benefits us,” said Doug Baker, Somerset-Pulaski County Special Response Team Chief. “It is a real asset to have The Center bring this training to us.”
In August, CRC announced they would be taking advantage of the Norfolk-Southern TBT terminal as a way to receive crude oil and petroleum products. In response, Baker said he wanted to take advantage of the flammable liquids training.
George Delpidio, instructor with the Transportation Technology Center, Inc, teaches local first responders the different hazards of flammable liquids.
“This curriculum is new, so we wanted to get this training in as quickly as possible,” Baker said.
The eight-hour course, Responding to Incidents Involving Flammable Liquids Transported by Rail, is designed to assist first responders in recognizing the significant aspects of flammable liquid emergencies with rail transportation and the difficulties involved in containing large quantities of flammable liquids.
Participants were introduced to the chemical and physical properties of the flammable liquids transported by rail, the hazards released during incidents, and the mitigation techniques used for these types of hazards.
The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, KY and the Transportation Technology Center Inc. – Security and Emergency Response Training Center (TTCI – SERTC) in Pueblo, CO received funding from the Department of Transportation PHMSA Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) to deliver the course in rural communities throughout the country.
For more information, visit www.sertc.org or contact The Center at 606-677-6000.
