Industry Resources: Safety Information

The U.S. ethanol industry takes the safety of its employees, community neighbors, and the first responders tasked with confronting ethanol incidents very seriously. We have a very good track record and intend to keep it that way.

To ensure the continued safety of those who come in contact with ethanol, the Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to offer resources for ethanol biorefineries and first responders alike to help mitigate the impacts of ethanol incidents. Members can find additional information in the Member Center.

Ethanol: Response Considerations

With the ethanol industry experiencing significant growth year after year, it is inevitable that this domestic made fuel will be incorporated into the lives of American’s one way or another. Don’t be caught in an ethanol related emergency unprepared. If you have a background in hazmat safety, this training package will be extremely beneficial with information about ethanol and other fuel related incidents, giving the sources to be knowledgeable and prepared for any emergency situation.

This package includes an instructor’s guide and student manuals to create interactive workshops, with supporting videos and other presentation materials. This diverse training package will help to provide a complete look at all the considerations and issues to ethanol related fires, spills and other emergencies. The package will also include guidelines for fire departments that have ethanol production facilities in their communities.

The training program itself consists of seven modules, each focusing on a specific and important aspect of ethanol response. The topics include a basic understanding of characteristics of ethanol and other fuels; transportation and transfers of ethanol fuels, principles of fire fighting foam and bulk storage considerations. The interactive workshops give those being trained a chance to test what they have learned periodically throughout the program making training certification easy.

Incorporating this course will provide an advantage to those in the hazmat related field. Take the time to become prepared for any ethanol and other fuel related incident. You won’t be disappointed. For more information, please visit the Emergency Ethanol Coalition Response (EERC) website at http://www.ethanolresponse.com/ or contact Kristy Moore at kmoore@ethanolrfa.org.

Training Manual:

Introduction to Ethanol Training Module

Module 1: Ethanol and Ethanol-Blended Fuels

Powerpoint for Module 1 (PDF format)

Module 2: Chemical & Physical Characteristics of Ethanol and Hydrocarbon Fuels

Powerpoint for Module 2 (PDF format)

Module 3: Transportation and Transfer of Ethanol-Blended Fuels

Powerpoint for Module 3 (PDF format)

Module 4: Storage and Dispensing Locations

Powerpoint for Module 4 (PDF format)

Module 5: Fire Fighting Foam Principles and Ethanol-Blended Fuel

Powerpoint for Module 5 (PDF format)

Module 6: Health & Safety Considerations for Ethanol-Blended Fuel Emergencies

Powerpoint for Module 6 (PDF format)

Module 7: Tank Farm & Bulk Storage Fire Incidents

Powerpoint for Module 7 (PDF format)

Videos:

1. Ethanol: Response Considerations (to be used in conjunction with the above training manual): PC users can click here to view the video (Windows Media Player). Mac users can click here (QuickTime). You can download a free version of WMP here, or QuickTime here.

2. Responding to Ethanol Incidents: This 20-minute video provides the information first responders, and firefighters in particular, will need if they are called to an ethanol incident. PC users can click here to view the video (Windows Media Player). Mac users can click here (QuickTime). You can download a free version of WMP here, or QuickTime here. To download the order form, click here.

EERC

Additionally, the RFA is working with the EERC to build a library of emergency and environmental information to help educate and prepare the first response community. To visit the EERC website, click here.

Ethanol Safety Seminars: The RFA, in partnership with several industry entities, will be hosting a series of Ethanol Safety Seminars in 2012 at various locations throughout the U.S. This course was developed to give first responders, hazmat teams, fuel transporters, and safety personnel an in-depth look at proper training techniques needed when responding to an ethanol-related emergency. The seminars are FREE to attend. Each location will have a morning session, 9:00am - 2:00pm and an evening session, 5:30 - 10:00pm to best accomdate attendees' schedules. Lunch and dinner will be provided. The upcoming Ethanol Safety Seminars are detailed below. To register, go to www.rfa.traincaster.com.

5/22/2012 – Rockford, IL
Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center
7801 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
Sponsors: CN and Adkins Energy
View Flyer

6/13/2012 – Dubuque, IA
Dubuque County Emergency Responder Training Facility
14928 Public Safety Way
Dubuque, IA 52002
Sponsors: CN, IRFA & Big River United Energy
View Flyer

6/14/2012 – Waterloo, IA
Hawkeye Community College
Room 107A
1501 East Orange Rd.
Waterloo, IA 50704
Sponsors: CN, IRFA, Homeland Energy Solutions, Golden Grain Energy, and Absolute Energy
View Flyer

7/11/2012 – Raleigh, NC
NC Joint Forces Headquarters
NC Emergency Management Central Briefing Room
1636 Gold Star Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607
Sponsors: NS & Novozymes
View Flyer

7/30/2012 - Sioux City, IA
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Cargill Auditorium (Room D103)
4647 Stone Ave
Sioux City, IA 51106
Sponsors: CN, IRFA & Siouxland Ethanol LLC
View Flyer

8/1/2012 - Fort Dodge, IA
Iowa Central Community College
Career Education Building Room 108 & 110
One Triton Circle
Fort Dodge Iowa 50501
Sponsors: CN, IRFA & Little Sioux Corn Processors, LLP
View Flyer


Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/24/4438495/attention-maxxinistas-1000th-tjmaxx.html#storylink=cpy
8/22/2012 – Decatur, IL

8/22/2012 - Decatur, IL
Richland Community College
National Sequestration Education Center - Conference Room
3349 North President Howard Brown Blvd.
Decatur, IL 62521
Sponsors: CN, NS and ADM

8/29/2012 – Defiance, OH
Defiance County Emergency Management Agency
22491 Mill St.
Defiance, OH 43512
Sponsor:  Defiance County Emergency Management Agency

9/10/2012 - Willmar, MN
Willmar Education and Arts Center
Auditorium
611 SW 5th St.
Willmar, MN 56201
Sponsor: BNSF

9/13/2012 – Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County Emergency Services
Emergency Operations Center
400 North Lexington Street
Pittsburgh, PA  15208-2521
Sponsor: NS

10/2/2012 – Elgin, IL
Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL 60123
Sponsor: CN

10/29/2012 - Birmingham, AL
Sponsor: BNSF

11/29/2012 - Forth Worth, TX
Tarrant County College - Northwest Campus
Fire SErvice Training Center - Auditorium Room
Room 1101
4801 Marine Creek Parkway
Ft. Worth, TX 76179
Sponsor: BNSF

The RFA started the Ethanol Safety Seminars in December 2010. Here is a list of previous locations:

12/14/2010          Harrisburg, PA
2/10/2011            Boston, MA
2/10/2011            Worcester, MA
4/6/2011              Charlotte, NC
4/12-13/2011       Mobile, AL
5/3/2011              Houston, TX
5/4/2011              Beaumont, TX
6/6/2011              Stockton, CA
5/15/2011            Portland, OR
8/3/2011              Indianapolis, IN
8/22/2011            Cleveland, OH
8/22/2011            Painesville, OH
10/21-22/2011     Pekin, IL
11/8/2011            Findlay, OH
3/27/2012            Forsyth, GA
4/18/2012            Chattanooga, TN
5/7/2012              Spartanburg, SC

RFA Safety Bulletin for E15: Quick Reference Guide for First Responders can be found here.

RFA Safety Bulletin for Ethanol Placarding on Railcars can be found here.

TRANSCAER: The TRANSCAER program is an excellent and free training program with helpful information for responding to transportation incidents. For more information, click here.

Education and Training: The Univeristy of Illinois Fire Service Institute offers classes designed to help one prepare for working with the ethanol industry to prevent, plan for, and respond to ethanol emergencies in facilities and transportation. For more information, click here.

US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration: PHMSA has published an advisory to assist the first response community in identifying ethanol blended fuels. This advisory has important information for both industry and emergency response personnel for responding to ethanol related incidents. To view the advisory, click here.

Bureau of Explosives (BOE): The BOE was founded in 1907 by the railroad industry to serve as a selfpolicing agency to promote the safe transportation of explosives and other hazardous materials. For more information on the BOE and the services available, click here.

The RFA Plant & Employee Safety Committee is developing recommendations that will assist ethanol plants in meeting Process Safety Management Standards (PSMS). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the proper training of plant personnel in the safety procedures of an ethanol plant. OSHA requires and the RFA recommends that each plant establish a PSMS.

The following is a beginning list of items that should be included in the PSMS of an ethanol plant. Additionally, ethanol plants are encouraged to be aware of state specific requirements. The RFA recommends ethanol plants put a strong company emphasis on plant and employee safety.