WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP #1 - 1:00 PM FRIDAY

WORKSHOP 1A - Ethanol Emergencies
(Maday) With the rapidly increasing amount of ethanol production in the United States, and the increase of “Unit Trains” of ethanol being shipped throughout the country, proper shipping of this commodity has become significant focus of the Transportation Industry. The increase of ethanol shipments has also raised questions by Emergency Response organizations throughout the country on how to plan and prepare for incidents involving large quantities of Ethanol, along with the need to gain better understanding of ethanol fuel mixtures. This presentation will address these concerns and provide the attendees information on the measures that are being taken to assist the Ethanol Industry on preparing their shipments for movement, and increase their ability to avoid “Non-Accidental Releases” (NAR’s) of ethanol in transportation. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 1B - Midland Manufacturing Tour - Part 1
(Royall) Students will be driven by motor coach to tour Midland Manufacturing in Skokie, IL, the manufacturer of most rail car valves in use today. Participants will have a rare opportunity to see how the various types of valves are made. Plant personnel will conduct a training class on valve emergencies. Class size is limited to 20 participants. The bus will leave the hotel at 12:30 PM. You must ride on the bus both to and from the tour site. [Part one of a two-part workshop]

WORKSHOP 1C - Haz Mat Team Safety Officer - Part 1
(Rudner & Emery) What does it take to be the Haz Mat Team Safety Officer? Estimating potential harm, assessing risks, developing a safe Incident Action Plan, monitoring unmanaged risks, and evaluating tactical operations are but a few of the essential tasks. This session will cover roles & responsibilities, collecting data and evaluating information to ensure team safety. Realistic scenarios using Code3D will challenge participants and raise their awareness of safety practices. [Part one of a two-part workshop]

WORKSHOP 1D - MC-331 Cargo Tank Emergencies - Part 1
(Moore & Wolfe) The MC-330/331 is a versatile piece of equipment that is often considered to be the high-pressure heavyweight of the cargo tank world. Often associated with propane, the truth of the matter is that this cargo tank transports a variety of commodities including those designated as a “Poison Inhalation Hazards.” This class will take a hard look at everything from deceiving silhouettes to BLEVE concerns. Join the pros at Safe Transportation Training Specialists for a presentation that will include the use of unique cargo tank models, and curbside flaring exercises designed to educate and entertain. [Part one of a two-part workshop]

WORKSHOP 1E - Down and Dirty Suit Drill
(Foster & Wojnarowski) This challenging course is designed for anyone who wants to get down and dirty in suits. Emergency responders will gain confidence and knowledge in responding to releases or potential releases while wearing PPE to mitigate three hands-on evolutions; 1) timed eye/hand coordination exercise; 2) pipe leak simulator; 3) leak rack simulator. Participants will use appropriate tool combinations to repair or stop the leaks while maintaining safety using the leak props. Each session will be limited to 15 participants and new Level A training suits will be provided. SCBA’s are required for this class and students must provide their own SCBA. [90 minutes].

WORKSHOP 1F - MC338 Cargo Tanks
(Praxair) These tankers carry an assortment of bulk gases, including oxygen, hydrogen, liquid nitrogen, and helium. Praxair will bring a MC-338 tanker to provide hands-on experience learning where the vents and valves are located and how the safety features work. Learn about the construction features and operation of cryogenic tankers as they impact emergency response considerations with both first responders and haz mat teams. This “real world” perspective will give you an idea what to expect when you respond to an incident involving the MC-338 tanker. This is a rare opportunity to “borrow” proven techniques and methods to enhance your response capability. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 1G - Street Smart Safety Officer
(Callan) This session gives the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) street-smart techniques to be more effective at a hazardous materials incident. Too often we are "book smart" - we can give you the chemical formula of a haz mat - but can't tell you if where we're standing is safe! This program develops a proven technique to determine safe zones, adequate operations and a better ability to recognize and identify hazards at a hazardous materials scene and act to prevent accidents or injuries from occurring. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP #2 - 3:00 PM FRIDAY

WORKSHOP 2A - Tank Car Product Removal and Transfer
(Wright) While most emergency responders are not expected to do tank car product removal, they will be providing oversight as part of the incident command system. This program will address various options for removing product from damaged tank cars from the oversight perspective. It will address liquid and vapor transfers, flaring, venting, and vent and burn. Hot and cold tapping will be mentioned as a means of getting access to the product in the container. Program will cover potential risks, preferred conditions, safety precautions, and general procedures for each removal method. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 2B - Midland Manufacturing Tour - Part 2
(Royall) The bus will leave the hotel at 12:30 PM. You must ride on the bus both to and from the tour site. [Part two of a two-part workshop]

WORKSHOP 2C - Haz Mat Team Safety Officer - Part 2
(Rudner & Emery) [Part two of a two-part workshop]

WORKSHOP 2D - MC-331 Cargo Tank Emergencies - Part 2
(Moore & Wolfe) [Part two of a two-part workshop]

WORKSHOP 2E - Down and Dirty Suit Drill
(Foster & Wojnarowski) Each session will be limited to 15 participants. This is a repeat of Workshop 1E. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 2F - MC338 Cargo Tanks
(Praxair) This is a repeat of workshop 1G.

WORKSHOP 2G - Street Smart Haz Mat Response
(Callan) This popular class covers the “Street Smart Haz Mat” tactical decision-making based on the safe, unsafe, and dangerous model found in the textbook Street Smart Haz Mat Response. This approach is highly effective for first responders and technicians for evaluating and sizing up hazardous materials. The class will allow the students to use the information through practical exercises and apply the knowledge of street-smart tips in real-life situations. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP #3 - 8:00 AM SATURDAY

WORKSHOP 3A - Union Pacific Rail Yard Tour - Part 1
(Maday) Participants will be bussed to the Union Pacific’s Northlake rail yard for a behind-the-scenes tour of a rail yard, including the “hump” yard, where the computer makes up a train; the inter-modal yard where containers are loaded and unloaded on stack trains; the diesel shop where locomotives are repaired; the rip track where rail cars are fixed and the command center. Washout signs will be demonstrated. This is a rare and unique perspective of rail operations. Limited to 40 participants. The bus will leave the hotel front entrance promptly at 8:00 AM. You must ride on the bus both to and from the tour site. [Part one of a two-part workshop. You must sign up for Workshop 4A]

WORKSHOP 3B - Detection Olympics
(Ybarra) Four teams of 4 individuals each will rotate through “hands-on” training stations manned by product specialists from Smiths Detection, MSA, RAE Systems and Response Biomedical. Teams will collect samples and identify “unknowns” set up at each station with detection instruments appropriate for that particular scenario. Technical assistance and “hands-on” training on each instrument will be provided. Limited to 16 participants. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 3C - JHAT: HazMat/WMD Security for Special Events
(Patrick) Has your Haz Mat team ever been requested to "standby" for a Special Event? What are the expectations for your team? How are large special events such as Olympics managed from the Haz Mat/WMD perspective? This workshop will focus on Haz Mat planning for Special Events and the use of Joint Hazard Assessment Teams. In addition, numerous case histories will be presented discussing actual incidents at nationally recognized events. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 3D - Cargo Tank Emergency Response MC307 & DOT407 - Part 1
(Wolfe & Moore) Often misunderstood and surrounded by myths is the ever-present highway cargo tank! This course is designed to unveil the myths and provide the responder with useful information that can be applied at MC-307/DOT-407 Cargo Tank incidents. If you have ever enjoyed an episode of "How is it Made", then you are going to love this class. We explore everything from cargo tank construction to the highway roll-overs. Join the Pros at Safe Transportation Training Specialists, for an enlightening presentation that will include the use of unique cargo tank models and hands-on demonstrations, designed to educate and entertain. [Part one of a two-part workshop]

WORKSHOP 3E - Software and Internet Technology For Haz Mat Response
(Sharp & Osborn) This workshop will highlight state of the art software and Internet websites that are extremely helpful to hazmat response teams. Topics will include planning software for hazardous sites and special events, hazmat team activation systems, plume modeling, chemical research, technical conversations & charts, and information sharing. Attendees will be provided with copies of numerous free and trial software subscriptions. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 3F - Ethanol and Ethanol Blended Fuels - Emergency Response and Safety Issues
(Butters) The dramatic increase in the production, transportation, and storage of ethanol and ethanol blended fuels has increased the potential for an incident involving this flammable liquid. This session will include an overview of the ethanol industry, emergency response considerations involving a spill or fire at fixed facility or in transportation, and tactical and other operational resource considerations. Recent foam tests by the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition regarding the effectiveness of various foam concentrates, and newly developed training materials will be also be discussed. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 3G - How New Products are Meeting Changes in NFPA 1994 Requirements
(Mann) This presentation will review the revision that occurred during the 2007 edition of the standard and the significant changes in requirements that resulted. Many users are not fully aware of the relationships between the NFPA standards 1991, 1992 and 1994 and in which situations the different products should be utilized. This presentation will also guide users to truly understand the standards and their differences. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP #4 - 10:00 AM SATURDAY

WORKSHOP 4A - Union Pacific Rail Yard Tour - Part 2
(Maday) The bus will leave the hotel front entrance promptly at 8:00 AM. You must ride on the bus both to and from the tour site. [Part two of a two-part workshop]

WORKSHOP 4B - Dealing With the Masses
(Snell) Many fire departments are being faced with the issue of how to manage a mass casualty incident with limited support. Dealing with masses of people is not only an operational issue, it is also a logistical issue. How you respond to this type of event can be the difference between success and disaster. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 4C - Special Operations and Risk Assessment Process
(Hawley & Patrick) In an interactive session focused on reality, this session will discuss the use of a risk-based response to WMD incidents. An overview of several concepts that should be implemented in an appropriate WMD response will be provided. Previous incidents, trends overseas, and current threats will also be discussed. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 4D - Cargo Tank Emergency Response MC307 & DOT407 - Part 2
(Wolfe & Moore) [Part two of a two-part workshop]

WORKSHOP 4E - Wireless Technologies For Hazardous Materials Response
(Sharp & Osborn) Wireless technology can be your best friend or worst nightmare when responding to a hazardous materials incident. This workshop will cover outfitting hazmat teams with mobile wireless communications system including: cellular voice/data, satellite communications, vehicle based wi-fi hotspots, mesh networking, and wireless video solutions. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 4F - Learn Haz Mat in 90 minutes
(Aguirre & Gorman) HazMat IQ System is a revolutionary and extraordinarily simple to use decision-making model that incorporates a set of color coded Smart Charts that enable responders to make rapid (in seconds) risk assessments at chemical emergencies. Additionally, the Smart Charts alert the responder to the inherent hazards of specific chemical families, PPE selection, and air monitoring equipment. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 4G - Criminal Use of Hazardous Materials
(Royall) This workshop will focus on a series of mini-case studies involving the criminal use of hazardous materials. Challenges involving code violations, illegal waste storage and disposal, drug lab production, and even armed resistance are adding unexpected risks to America’s Responders. To expand the student’s understanding, the presenter will lead a facilitated discussion covering the unique characteristics of these unusual Hazardous Material incidents. Complicating factors such as locating a responsible party, preserving evidence, and coordinating closely with the authority or agency having jurisdiction are important responsibilities. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP #5 - 1:00 PM SATURDAY

WORKSHOP 5A - Rail Damage Assessment
(Day) This course is designed for first responders and those required to assess damage to tank cars and storage vessels during the first hours of an incident. The class covers a brief history of tank cars, metallurgical terms for responders, tank car construction, and types of damage that have occurred at past derailments. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 5B - The New and Improved NFPA 472 (2008)
(Snell) NFPA 472 is the most widely used NFPA standard in the world. Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents is the “Gold Standard” for haz mat team members. The 2008 edition is official and in effect. Learn first hand what, if any, changes will affect your team and understand the intent of the changes. 472 committee members will be on hand to address your questions and any concerns. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 5C - Haz Mat By The Numbers
(Hawley) Have you ever wondered what the term vapor pressure actually means? In your Haz Mat technician class you may have written down the definition, and discussed it, but were you actually taught how to apply this term? This session focuses on vapor pressure and many other “terms” that relate to chemical and physical properties,. Not only on what the words actually mean, but more importantly how they can impact your health and safety. By truly understanding some simple terms responders can make PPE decisions, isolation and evacuation decisions, and determine the severity of the event. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 5D - Intermodal Container Emergency Response
(Hand) Intermodal containers began making their way into American industry during the 1970s. Since that time they have become increasingly popular and bring a different challenge to rail, marine, and highway transportation. This workshop on intermodal containers will deal with pressurized and non-¬pressurized intermodal portable tank containers as well as other types of intermodal transportation containers. This course will identify the regulations and codes that govern intermodals, the various types of intermodals and their design features, markings, and closures. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 5E - Emergency Characterization of Unknown Materials
(Houghton) This is a hands-on workshop in which participants will identify the hazardous characteristics of an unknown material without actually identifying the substance. Working in small groups, participants will receive several "unknown" hazardous materials and process them through simple screening tests that reveal hidden hazardous characteristics. Emphasis is placed on characteristics that can help shape response strategy during a hazardous material emergency. The workshop is based on one of six strategies presented in the book "Emergency Characterization of Unknown Materials". [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 5F - Learn Haz Mat in 90 minutes
(Aguirre & Gorman) This is a repeat of Workshop 4F [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 5G - Dealing with Heat Stress
(Zeigler) This workshop addresses heat stress – when & how does it happen. Heat stress is a common hazard for fire, EMS and Haz Mat responders; it is caused by the responder’s workload, the weather, and the PPE. Even without PPE, heat stress is a hazard. First responders need to understand and anticipate when heat stress can occur, and how to conduct effective rehab. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP #6 - 3:00 PM SATURDAY

WORKSHOP 6A - Tank Car Construction Awareness
(Day) Hands-on class covering the common leak sources and repairs to valves and fittings on general service and pressure tank cars. Bring gloves. The Union Pacific Railroads “Domemobile” will be used to provide hands-on experience [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 6B - Bonding and Grounding: What Is It, Why Do It, and How Do We Do It?
(Rudner) This presentation will layout the What’s, Why’s, and How’s of Grounding and Bonding. The program will follow the recommendations as set by the NFPA 472 standard and discuss the misunderstanding of what ground resistance is and why do we do it first. Then by demonstration the instructor will show how we set up a grounding field for the damaged container, grounding field for the recovery container and appliances and how to bond them together. This is an interactive program that will ask the student to discuss the subject. Bring your ground density meter with you to this workshop and make sure you know how it works. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 6C - Haz Mat Around The World
(Hawley) This session provides an overview of HazMat and Emergency Response in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Emergency responders are the same worldwide, but the equipment and capabilities differ dramatically. In many cases they are protecting significant numbers of people with lower numbers of responders. Some of the apparatus is unique, but in many ways comparable to our system. We will provide an overview of their response systems, significant issues, and apparatus and highlight unique experiences. An overview of the current status of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power plant will also be covered. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 6D - Highway Cargo Tank Damage Assessment & Emergency Response Considerations
(Hand) Highway cargo tank incidents are one of the most frequently encountered types of hazardous materials emergencies. Bill Hand will draw on his long career as a member of the Houston Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team to provide actual case histories of highway cargo tank incidents for the students to assess and make tactical decisions. This will be an interactive workshop and students will have ample opportunity to make emergency response decisions. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 6E - Emergency Characterization of Unknown Materials
(Houghton) This is a repeat of Workshop 5E. [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 6F - Get Back To Basics
(Ybarra) In this age of high-tech equipment, how do we deal with information overload? What do we really need to know and how do we apply it? [90 minutes]

WORKSHOP 6G - WISER
(Brooks) To meet the needs of the emergency responder during a hazardous materials disaster, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) has developed two free public health tools. WISER (Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders; wiser.nlm.nih.gov) is an application created specifically for use by emergency responders during hazardous materials incidents. REMM (Radiation Event Medical Management; remm.nlm.gov) is a new portal and assessment tool for use by physicians during a radiological accident. The goal of this site is to provide information that can be used quickly and efficiently to orient and guide health care providers during a mass casualty radiation event. [90 minutes]