Resource offers best practices for oil-by-rail emergency response

Washington – A new document aims to help emergency responders safely respond to crude oil rail transportation incidents.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration and the U.S Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy collaborated on the Commodity Preparedness and Incident Management Reference Sheet, which includes information on how emergency services personnel can prepare for and respond to rail transportation emergencies involving crude oil.

According to the document, transportation of crude oil by rail has become more common due to increased production of oil from shale reserves in states such as North Dakota and Texas.

The document addresses the following topics:

• Transportation and planning considerations
• Hazard summary
• Railroad safety procedures
• Emergency procedures