Cedar Rapids firefighters get tank car safety training

Learning how to respond to a rail-related hazardous material incident, two Cedar Rapids firefighters completed an advanced tank car safety training earlier this month in Pueblo, Colo.

The training included in-class instruction and hands-on experience for 26 emergency response personnel from 11 states.

'This is the most in-depth and specific training we have had,” said Jason Andrews, district chief with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.

The Union Pacific Railroad conducted the training and paid all of the expenses.

Participants trained for five days, learning how to assess tank car damage, make repairs and control the release of dangerous substances from a damaged rail car. Participants also learned how to identify the types of tank cars and the various fittings and safety appliances on tank cars.

'It just adds one more tool to their toolbox that helps them day to day, and the response has been fantastic,” said Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis of the training.

While the vast majority of hazardous material calls in Cedar Rapids are small and car-related, Andrews said there always is the possibility of a rail-related accident. 'We don't want to be reactionary,” Andrews said.

Andrews said there is a concern for rail-related accidents in Cedar Rapids and throughout Eastern Iowa due to the large volume of hazardous materials that moves throughout the state. He said hazardous materials include gasoline, chlorine, acids, corrosives and solvents.

Andrews said the two firefighters will share the information with the rest of the fire department.

Davis said the training allows firefighters to learn what to expect and how to respond to a hazardous materials accident. And with the hands-on experience, he said emergency personnel often have more confidence responding to a hazardous material situation.

Andrews said the training is an invaluable asset to the fire department and is a great example of a public-private partnership that helps keep the community safe while making a company's operations more efficient.

In the past, Andrews said the department has completed rail transportation training, but this is the first time it has participated in the advanced tank car safety training with Union Pacific.

'Our personnel are always excited to receive specialized training,” Andrews said.