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 RFA Member Center.

Responding to Ethanol Incidents:  The RFA, collectively with the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC), produced a video entitled "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.

Instructions for viewing and download:

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.

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.   RFA is also currently working on training manuals to assist at the fire department level to better inform and educate the emergency response community for an ethanol related incident. 

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.

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.

For information on the 21st Annual American Association of Railroads/BOE Hazardous Materials Seminar, scheduled for May 20-22, 2008 in St. Louis, MO, 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.

• Process Safety Management Standards
  www.osha.gov
• Recommendations to help reduce the number of O-Ring related NARs in Fuel Ethanol transportation by rail (PDF file)
  Carolina Seal, Inc., McKenzie Valve & Machining Co., and the RFA
• American Association of Railroads (AAR) Safe Loading and Unloading Tank Car Methods (PDF file)
  http://nar.aar.com/
• OSHA enforcement policy of the PSM standard distilleries and related facilities in SIC 2085
  3/14/2003
  www.osha.gov
• Safety Requirement Pursuant to OSHA
  www.osha.gov
• Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Hazardous Materials Safety Training Information
  Includes DOT Standards, Enforcement, Emergency Response Guidebook, Registering as a HAZMAT Shipper, Spill Response, Training Information, etc.
  hazmat.dot.gov
• DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation (HMT) Security
  Includes HAZMAT Transportation Security Awareness Training material
  hazmat.dot.gov/riskmgmt/hmt/hmt_security.htm