TRANSCAER Rail, Highway & Industrial HazMat Response Workshop

Locomotive Operations – What Responders Need to Know - Gain firsthand insight into locomotive operations and the critical information emergency responders need during a rail incident. Participants will explore locomotive safety features, emergency shutdown procedures, crew responsibilities, common hazards, and key operational considerations. Railroad personnel will discuss how to work effectively with train crews, identify locomotive components, understand electrified and mechanical hazards, and access critical information needed to support a safe and coordinated response.

Station A – DOT 407 Cargo Tank - Explore the design, safety features, and emergency response considerations of a DOT 407 cargo tank. Conducted using a DOT 407 cargo trailer provided onsite by Groendyke. This training focuses on familiarization with various valves and fittings on cargo trailers, and potential leak points.

Station B – Firefighting Trailer & Live Fire Demonstration - Observe and participate in foam application techniques used to control and suppress flammable liquid fires. This station includes an overview of foam systems, trailer capabilities, firefighting strategies, and a live fire demonstration highlighting safe and effective foam deployment.

Station C – Fixed Facility, Commodities, Transportation, & Industrial Firefighting Considerations - Gain insight into facility operations and the hazards associated with specific chemicals or industrial processes. Industry representatives will discuss risk management practices, transportation, emergency response considerations, and lessons learned while providing hands-on interaction with facility or commodity-related resources. 

Station D – MC 331 Cargo Tank - Examine the construction and features of an MC 331 cargo provided by Farmer’s Oil Company, Inc. tank commonly used to transport liquefied compressed gases such as propane. Participants will identify tank components, understand product-specific hazards, review transfer operations, and discuss emergency response tactics for transportation incidents.

Station E – Confined Space or High-Angle Rescue - Experience specialized rescue operations involving confined spaces or elevated environments. Participants will review hazard identification, rescue equipment, patient packaging techniques, and operational considerations while observing or participating in practical rescue scenarios.

Station F – Sidewall Tear Scenario – Rollover Prop - Participants will work through a simulated cargo tank or tank car sidewall tear using TRANSCAER’s new rollover prop. The exercise focuses on hazard assessment, product behavior, leak mitigation considerations, responder safety, and tactical decision-making during a transportation-related hazardous materials incident.

Station G – Train Consist Drill - Develop rail response skills through a hands-on train consist exercise. Participants will learn how to interpret train documentation, identify hazardous materials in transit, locate critical information, and use available resources to support safe and effective incident response decision-making.