TTC OPERATED BY ENSCO
ALTERNATIVE POWER, Figure 1. Training course in progress at the ARTC located at the TTC.
SPECIALIZED RESPONSE
Addressing the critical need for specialized hazmat training in lithium-ion battery and hydrogen railway vehicle emergencies. n the ever-evolving landscape of transportation technology, the emergence of lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen-fueled vehicles marks a significant advancement. However, this progress brings new challenges in emergency response, particularly in the railway sector. The Ambipar Response Training Center (ARTC), nestled in Pueblo, Colo., at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. RISING DEMAND FOR SPECIALIZED HAZMAT TRAINING To achieve greenhouse gas emission goals, the rail industry is currently embarking on a transformative pursuit of alternative energy sources for railway transportation. 26 Railway Age // December 2023
But the increase in lithium-ion battery and hydrogen railway vehicles underscores the need for specialized hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response training to ensure a safe and sustainable transportation future. The ARTC, located at the largest transportation testing and training facility in the world, is poised to utilize best practices from other modes of surface transportation and apply them for the railway industry through direct emergency response expertise and hands-on training to local HAZMAT responders. LESSONS FROM PAST ACCIDENTS Lithium-ion batteries have been used in commercial products for more than 25 years. They are used to power many modern devices we are all familiar with,
such as power tools, laptops, appliances and automobiles. Due to their widespread use, we have a significant amount of information about incidents. More than 25,000 incidents of fire or overheating in lithium-ion batteries have occurred over a recent five-year period, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Additionally, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) issued a Marine Safety Alert in March 2022 regarding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries. Just like marine transportation, the freight railways will not only need to be capable of responding to emergencies involving railway vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries, but also the increasing transportation of consumer goods that utilize the batteries, as well. railwayage.com
TTC Operated by ENSCO
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BY LEE NELSON, DIRECTOR, AMBIPAR RESPONSE TRAINING CENTER (ARTC); AND MATTHEW DICK, P.E., CHIEF OF STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT, ENSCO, INC.