CHP and Propane Industry Team Up for Emergency Response Training

Business Wire, Oct 30, 2000

News Editors/Transportation Writers

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2000

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) are beginning the second phase of a program to train emergency response personnel in the handling of overturned tanker-trailers on the highway.

"An overturned tanker-trailer filled with liquid propane has the potential for death and injury to motorists and emergency responders," said CHP Commissioner D. O. "Spike" Helmick. "Proper handling saves lives and protects the environment from a harmful spill."

Over 600 law enforcement officers, firefighters, heavy-duty tow operators, hazardous material specialists and other regulatory personnel throughout California will be trained during 2000 and 2001, according to WPGA Executive Director Mary Reynolds. A total of 1,200 will have completed the free training program during the term of the grant, partially funded from federal money awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The program has a unique teaching aid: a cutaway tanker-trailer that allows emergency response and liquid propane gas industry personnel to get "up close and personal" with the pumps, valves, piping and emergency fittings found on highway tankers.

The training includes a classroom session where attendees learn about hazardous material safety, cargo tank construction, tanker identification and the properties of liquid propane gas.

The CHP portion of the classroom training emphasizes proper care and transportation of injured persons from the scene and traffic safety and congestion relief around the crash site. To request more information or to schedule a training program in a local area contact WPGA's Executive Director Mary Reynolds at 916/447-9742.

The California Highway Patrol is a law enforcement and traffic safety agency reporting to Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Maria Contreras-Sweet and Governor Gray Davis.