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.

Attention Ethanol Shippers: The Renewable Fuels Association, together with POET Ethanol Products and VSP Technologies (formerly Virginia Sealing Products), are leading a grant sponsored effort to improve the safety of the rail transport of fuel ethanol. The goal of the “Manway Gasket and Assembly Research Project” is to eliminate non-accidental releases (NARs) from occurring at the railcar manway and obtain overall improved Gasket Reliability, through controlled assembly using an optimized Manway Assembly Process. The survey data will be collected and aggregated by the RFA’s General Counsel. The information will only be used to develop improved practices for the entire industry; all responses will be collected anonymously, will be designated as confidential and will remain with the RFA’s General Counsel.

Please click here to take the survey by May 17, 2010.

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.