Beyond the Placard: Hands-On Highway Cargo Tank & Rail Car Emergency Response

Classroom Sessions

First Arriving Officer: Designed to provide officers with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage the initial two hours of a rail incident. Participants will learn where to find critical information, who to contact for support and resources, and how to systematically analyze an incident to make informed and defensible decisions.

Plugging & Patching: Highway cargo tank incidents require specialized skills and hands-on experience. This course combines classroom instruction with practical training using TRANSCAER's Highway Tanker Simulator, giving responders the opportunity to practice plugging and patching leaks, controlling product releases, and managing cargo tank emergencies in a safe, realistic environment.

Hands-on Stations

1. Magnaseal & Ladder Patch- Practice applying Magnaseal and securing a ladder patch to control product releases to quickly control and stop hazardous material leaks from damaged containers and cargo tanks. 
2. Patching (Near Cold Tapping) - Learn practical leak-control techniques by installing patches and evaluating product control options during simulated hazardous materials incidents.
3. Indian Springs ERK - Work directly with the Indian Springs Emergency Response Kit (ERK) to identify, deploy, and utilize specialized leak control and containment equipment for transportation emergencies.

ICS Drill Scenarios 

1. Betts Valve - Practice identifying and controlling leaks involving cargo tank Betts valves while evaluating product control and response options in an incident scenario.
2. Cold Tapping - Practice cold tapping operations used to safely transfer product from a damaged tank when traditional leak control methods are not feasible.
3. PRV Leak - Respond to a simulated pressure relief valve (PRV) leak on a rail car, applying incident assessment, hazard recognition, and leak mitigation decision-making in a realistic transportation emergency scenario.