USDOT agencies unveil online training for first responders to hazardous rail spills

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration yesterday announced the launch of the Transportation Rail Incident Preparedness and Response (TRIPR) program, an online training resource that provides emergency responders with information and best practices related to rail incidents involving hazardous liquids such as crude oil and ethanol.

The "off-the-shelf" training can be used anywhere in the nation, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

TRIPR was developed in conjunction with other public safety agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and leverages the expertise of rail carriers and industry subject matter experts to better prepare first responders to safely manage incidents involving flammable liquids.

The TRIPR curriculum focuses on key hazmat respond functions and incorporates three animated training scenarios along with introductory videos to help instructors generate discussions. Each module contains a PowerPoint presentation, Student Workbook and Instructor Lesson Plan.

PHMSA plans to host a series of open houses throughout the country to promote the TRIPR curriculum.

"TRIPR is the result of a concerted effort between federal agencies and rail safety stakeholders to improve emergency response organizations' ability to prepare for and respond to rail incidents involving a release of flammable liquids like crude oil or ethanol," said PHMSA Administrator Marie Therese Dominguez.