railroad emergency response - bnsf hazmat · railroad emergency response hazardous materials...

Railroad Emergency Response

Hazardous Materials

Awareness

Railroad Emergency Response Hazardous Materials Awareness ver 3.1

May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________

BNSF RESOURCE OPERATIONS CENTER 1-800-832-54521 | 1

Revision History

Version Date Changed By Summary

0.0 07/30/2015 John Salazar Outline and Styling Created

0.1 08/31/2015 John Salazar

Justin Piper Draft Review Editing


Justin Piper Incorporate SME Review Changes


Justin Piper Updated Tank Car Section

0.4 10/14/2015

John Salazar

Justin Piper

Patrick Brady

Incorporate SME Review Changes


Justin Piper Incorporate SME Review Changes

3.0 03/03/2017 Jeff Hankins General Updating

3.1 5/1/2019 Jeff Hankins General Updating


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________

2 | BNSF RAILWAY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AWARENESS

Section I – Introduction to Railroads and Hazardous Materials ................................ 4

BNSF Railway Company – Who and What We Are ..................................................... 5

Section II – Working Around Railroads and Equipment ............................................ 8

Basic Safety ................................................................................................................. 9

Responding to a Railroad Incident ............................................................................. 11

Section III – Assessing a Railroad Incident and Incident Command ...................... 14

Incident Notification Procedures ................................................................................ 15

Incident Command System ........................................................................................ 16

The DECIDE Process ................................................................................................ 18

Making an Assessment .............................................................................................. 19

Section IV – Product Identification ............................................................................ 20

Use Shipping Papers to Identify Hazardous Materials ............................................... 21

BNSF Train Documents ............................................................................................. 24

Hazard Communication through Marking and Placarding .......................................... 32

Section V – Railroad Equipment ................................................................................ 38

Locomotive Characteristics and Hazards ................................................................... 39

Alternating Current (AC) Locomotives ....................................................................... 40

Mechanical Refrigerator Cars .................................................................................... 42

Modern Refrigeration Box Car ................................................................................... 43

Tank Cars .................................................................................................................. 44

Insulation and Thermal Protection ............................................................................. 44

Tank Car Specifications ............................................................................................. 45

Low-Pressure (General Service) Tank Cars .............................................................. 46

DOT 117 Information ................................................................................................. 48

Pressure Tank Cars ................................................................................................... 50

Cryogenic Tank Cars ................................................................................................. 54

Tank Car Valves/Fittings ............................................................................................ 55


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Liquid Line/Valve ........................................................................................................ 57

Vapor Line/Valve ........................................................................................................ 57

Bottom Outlet Valve ................................................................................................... 58

Pressure Relief Device .............................................................................................. 59

Vacuum Relief Valve .................................................................................................. 61

Acid Service Fittings .................................................................................................. 62

Gauging Device ......................................................................................................... 62

Sample Line/Valve ..................................................................................................... 63

Thermowell ................................................................................................................ 63

Manway/Pressure Plate ............................................................................................. 64

Remote Monitoring Equipment ................................................................................... 65

Covered Hopper Cars ................................................................................................ 66

Open-top Hoppers and Gondolas .............................................................................. 67

LNG Tender ............................................................................................................... 69

Section VI – Additional Rail Transport Vehicles ....................................................... 71

Box Cars .................................................................................................................... 72

Flat Cars .................................................................................................................... 73

Intermodal Double Stack Well Cars ........................................................................... 74

Intermodal Portable Tank Containers ........................................................................ 75

Road Railer Equipment .............................................................................................. 76

Glossary – Physical Properties of Chemicals .......................................................... 77

Reports and Information ............................................................................................. 83

Hazardous Material Traffic Flow Reports ................................................................... 84

Top 25 Hazmat Commodities Transported by BNSF ................................................. 85

TRANSCAER® – Nationwide Community Outreach .................................................. 87

FRA GIS Web Application .......................................................................................... 88

FRA Rail Crossing Locator Mobile Application........................................................... 89

AskRail™ ................................................................................................................... 90

BNSFHAZMAT.com ................................................................................................... 91

Emergency Contact Information ................................................................................ 92


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________



May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


BNSF Railway Company – Who and What We Are

The BNSF Railway was created with the 1996 merger of Burlington Northern Railroad and the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. BNSF is a rail system encompassing 32,000 track miles, and operates in 28 states, primarily in the Midwest and western United States – plus three Canadian provinces.

BNSF is a dynamic transportation system moving fast intermodal freight between the Midwest and west coast harbors, as well as the Gulf coast. It is also a major conduit for coal and grain throughout the United States, and serves international customers in all market types. BNSF has a superior safety record for transporting hazardous materials. In recent years the annual number of hazmat shipments has remained above 1,500,000, but this traffic makes up less than 6 percent of the total BNSF traffic volume. Typically, fewer than a dozen shipments are compromised due to accident or derailment each year, yielding a success record of greater than 99.99 percent.

BNSF Railway System Map


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


A similar success record is mirrored by other railroads of North America. US Department of Transportation (DOT) safety records show that railroads and trucks transport approximately equivalent ton miles of hazardous materials, but highway transport records show 16 times more releases.

An important fact to remember is that virtually all tank cars in the United States are privately owned or controlled by the shipper. BNSF and other railroads work closely with shippers to move these shipments safely.

Although fairly rare, when incidents occur involving rail transportation of hazardous materials, the immediate response of emergency service personnel should be to prevent loss of life and personal injury, prevent property loss, and address environmental concerns. To perform this response safely and effectively, the types and quantities of hazardous materials involved and knowledge about their properties must be determined immediately. The response methods employed when handling a rail incident will depend upon the properties of the material involved, the condition of the containers, and existing conditions at the scene. The safety of each person involved must be considered at all times, while developing and carrying out an emergency response. Any response must be consistent with the skills and training of the responders.

The best form of information for materials being transported in a train is the train document. Train documents will be in the possession of the train crew. These documents are available in several forms:

A railroad waybill and train list (These contain the complete DOT description of the lading as well as the position of the shipment in the train).

Hazardous material emergency response information (This is included in the back portion of the train list).

Additional help for identifying hazardous materials shipments include placards, markings, and stenciling – found on the railcars, trailers and containers.

DOT regulations govern placarding of railcars, trailers, and containers. For tank cars that are transporting certain hazardous materials, such as chlorine or liquefied petroleum gases, the specific hazardous commodity must be stenciled on both sides of the tank car. Other materials require additional markings, such as Marine Pollutant or Hot.

Your observation of the scene can give information about the products involved, even if you do not have the shipping papers or the train documents. When making an assessment, consider clues that may be present.

The presence of vapor clouds indicate a release of product, and an evacuation of the area may be necessary. Vapor clouds can be released from tank cars, intermodal containers, trailers, and box cars.

A frosted line on a pressure tank car indicates that a compressed gas is leaking.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


The shape and type of the rail car can also aid in making an assessment.

When flammable liquids or compressed gases in tank cars, drums, or cylinders are involved in a fire, a potential additional hazard exists from ruptured packaging. A pressure container may rupture violently, and propel large pieces over a wide area. This is called a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion or BLEVE. If the contents are flammable, it will cause a sudden increase in the severity of the fire. In the last thirty years, pressure vessels of all types have had many improvements, including enhanced safety pressure relief devices, plus jacketing and thermal protection. This type of failure, however, could happen any time the container is exposed to direct flame impingement or prolonged fire conditions.

Remember, safety is your first concern! Avoid the urge to rush into a scene without fully assessing the situation. Be a part of the solution - don’t add to the problem.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Railroad Emergency Response Hazardous Materials Awareness ver 3.1 May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Basic Safety

One of the very first rules in any railroad operating rule book is:

“Expect a train or rail equipment to move on any track from either direction at any time.”

To all persons working around the railroad, this basic rule is a constant reminder to be ever vigilant for trains, cars, or equipment.

Some very easy steps can help assure the safety of all concerned.

Personnel Safety –

NEVER step ON a rail. Step OVER a rail. This is a major slip, trip, and

fall hazard.

NEVER stand BETWEEN the rails.

If it is necessary to climb on rail equipment, remember to maintain three points of contact at all times. Rail equipment ladders often curve around the profile of the car, and the first step up is a long way off the ground. When stepping down

from the last rung, DO NOT jump. A good plan is to use your own ladders.

Block the feet, and tie them off at the top of the car or equipment.

Locomotive steps should be considered ladders. Always face the equipment going up and down, and maintain three points of contact.

NEVER climb on the roof of a locomotive.

Incident Scene Safety –

Contact the railroad dispatching center, and report your emergency. Advise if train traffic needs to be stopped.

Identify yourself, your agency, your city/state, and location.

Report all emergencies including stalled vehicles, grass fires, structural fires, and medical emergencies near or on railroad tracks.

If you are at a derailment scene, beware of tipped and leaning equipment. Be especially aware of bent and stressed rail which can suddenly move and lash out. As the clearing operations begin, watch out for heavy equipment such as bulldozers and loaders.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Use railroad milepost numbers and/or railroad-highway crossing DOT Numbers (see photo).

When responding to any rail emergency, remember that rail equipment is very large, and does hang out over the edge of the track. Always park your vehicles

AT LEAST 25 FEET out from the

edge of any track.

The Emergency Phone Number for BNSF Railway is 1-800-832-5452.

When working any emergency on or near a railroad, always contact the railroad. Call from the scene by cell phone, if possible. Stay on the line with the railroad for updates and assurance that the railroad understands where your emergency is located.

Next, send flaggers out at least two miles, in both directions, along the track(s). This will ensure all trains will

be able to stop short of your emergency site. This provides added protection from train movements, should a train be in your area before receiving the stop message. Flaggers are not always needed, but responders should be ready to provide flag protection for the emergency.

When sending out flaggers, they should pick a location where they can be seen easily by approaching train crews. They should be wearing their uniform (shirt and badge, bunker gear, etc.), and they should be equipped with a flag, flashlight, or flare. They should take a stance to the left of the track, looking toward the direction from which you would expect a train. If a train is seen coming, begin making an underhand swinging motion, perpendicular to the tracks, with the flagging device chosen. Continue giving this signal,

until the crew acknowledges the signal, and begins to slow the train. Be advised that A TRAIN MOVING AT SPEED could require OVER ONE MILE TO STOP. Based on the sight distance, a crew observing the emergency stop signal could

near the flagger’s location, but the actual stop will be closer to the location of the emergency.



When the emergency is over, please remember to notify the railroad emergency center (or railroad officials at the scene) and give the all clear.

Responding to a Railroad Incident

When arriving on-scene, make sure to –

Locate the train crew.

The conductor will make the complete train list immediately available to you. Maintain contact with the conductor and crew, until they are relieved by railroad officials.

Responding railroad officials should also have copies of the train list or paperwork. Find a railroad officer to place in your command post.

Perform a good size-up of the scene. (What is actually involved, wind and weather, signs of leak or fire, visible damage to tank cars, etc.)


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Use the railroad’s emergency number to get in communication with, and stay in communication with the railroad. If the crew is disabled or unavailable, the paperwork is available via the emergency number and also via fax or email.

Confirm your location with the railroad operations center. Look for railroad mile posts and DOT grade crossing ID numbers. Provide Lat-Lon coordinates, if they are available.

Work with the railroad, CHEMTREC, chemical shippers, and manufacturers to confirm you have all the facts about what materials you may be dealing with.

Stay in touch with the railroad operations center. Most railroads have a GIS mapping system, and can plot your location, provide information to you on access routes, water ways, environmentally sensitive areas, and can provide 3-dimensional plume modeling for possible vapor clouds.

Utilize the railroad‘s hazmat responders, when they arrive on-scene. They can enhance your size-up, and can perform re-con and damage assessment. These railroad responders are personnel that have been specifically trained to perform this type of work.

Use ALL the resources available to you, to ensure a safe and efficient resolution to the response.

Concluding Thoughts on Responding to a Railroad Incident –

If you see a problem on a train or along the railroad right-of-way, call the emergency number for the railroad. Use the recommended safety practices listed above as guidelines for making a safe response to any type of incident involving a railroad.

If a call for assistance involves a train that is moving between stations, it may be prudent to request that the train stop at a point that is accessible for emergency response units. If hazardous materials are involved, advancing the train out of a populated or sensitive area will likely reduce potential exposures.

As a matter of good pre-planning, it’s a good idea to contact all the railroads that serve your jurisdiction to ensure that you have emergency phone contact numbers. It’s also important to know the locations where they pass through the area you serve. A color-coded map at your dispatching office can save time, and avoid confusion when an emergency occurs. See pages 72 and 73 for more information about resources, which can help agencies identify and plan for emergencies.



This page left blank intentionally.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________




Incident Notification Procedures

Train Incident Occurs

Conductor

Remains at scene to work with

emergency responders.

Provides train list with information

and locations on hazmat cars.

Train Crew

Survey scene, and notify Train

Dispatcher.

Train Dispatcher

Notifies all other trains in the area

and other rail personnel.

ROCC

Notifies local 911.

Continues to field incoming calls

from the scene.

Contacts BNSF LARS.

SID – Service Interruption Desk

Notifies State and Federal

agencies.

Pages or calls BNSF operations

and response personnel.

Calls for emergency response

contractors, per pre-arranged lists.

Fields incoming calls from

incident, updates status, and files

reports.

BNSF Hazmat Team Members

Report to Incident Command.

Work with IC and rail operators to

assess incident, and advise on

response tactics.

Response

Contractors

BNSF Division Operations,

Mechanical, and Track Personnel


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Incident Command System

An Incident Command System (ICS) is required by Federal regulation* under the National Incident Management System (NIMS). An ICS should be utilized for every hazardous materials incident, as it helps assure a safe, secure response.

These include:

Derailments

Leaking or venting tank cars (or other railcars)

Leaking or venting intermodal shipments

Leaks, fires, or accidents with railroad highway vehicles.

A common version of an Incident Command System is constructed as follows:

Hazmat/Dangerous Goods

Group

Environmental Group

Law Enforcement

Safety & Regulatory

Affairs

Risk Mitigation Group

Public Affairs Group

Damage and Freight

Claims

Incident Command System

Incident Commander

Safety

Logistics

PIO

Finance

Public Safety ICS

PlanningOperations

Railroad Incident Management

Senior Transportation Officer

Safety PIO

Transportation Risk ManagementMechanical Engineering



* Regulations requiring the use of an Incident Command System:

OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.120

EPA, 40 CFR 311

Department of Homeland Security requires the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Unified Command

Municipal Fire Chief

Safety PIO

Senior Transportation Officer

Railroad Branch

Planning Logistics Operations Finance

Transportation Mechanical

Engineering Risk Management

Fire

Fire Branch

Rescue


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


All responders are part of the ICS for an incident. However, for major emergencies where community agencies provide the Incident Commander, the railroad will designate a Liaison Officer to the Incident Command Post to facilitate communications.

If railroad personnel are the first on the scene of a derailment or hazardous materials incident, they will begin to:

Secure the Area – Utilize available personnel to restrict access to the

hazard area.

Establish a Hazard Zone – Consult the Emergency Response

Guidebook to establish an evacuation distance, if deemed necessary.

Begin Assessment – Assess from a safe distance, upwind, and uphill.

REMEMBER: If hazardous materials are involved, only trained and properly equipped hazmat responders should approach the incident to fully assess the situation.

The DECIDE Process 0F0F0F

1

DETERMINE if there is a hazard by placards, shape of container, location and by

freight bills or train list.

ESTIMATE harm without intervention.

CHOOSE response objectives.

IDENTIFY action options.

DO the best option.

EVALUATE progress - have the options achieved the desired results?

The DECIDE process is one of several good approaches to hazmat incidents. The goal

is simply to make responders stop and think before charging in. You must know what you

have, and have a plan of action. One critical element is to make sure to EVALUATE AT EVERY STEP through the process.

1 Credit: Ludwig Benner; Hazardous Materials Emergencies Events Analysis Inc.



Making an Assessment

Approach –

Restricted area.

Upwind.

Identification from a safe distance - from more than one location when needed.

Considerations –

Stay within your capabilities.

ALWAYS consider your OWN safety during the assessment!

Note the time of day.

Note the weather conditions.

Determine the wind direction and velocity.

Is rescue needed?

Obtain shipping documents.

Identify products potentially involved and the quantity of each.

Identify characteristics and hazards of the materials:

o Real hazards o Potential hazards

Determine any incompatibility of products involved.

Determine the hazard and movement of any vapor clouds, plumes, or smoke.

Determine the danger to other cars, trailers, buildings, etc.

Determine condition of railcars, containers, trailers, and shipping packages.

Evaluate for possible run-off to rivers, lakes, or sewers.

Develop a containment plan.

Resources –

Railroad Emergency Response, Hazardous Materials, and Environmental Teams.

CHEMTREC/CANUTEC.

Shippers and Consignees.

Contractors.

Other Agencies.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________




Use Shipping Papers to Identify Hazardous Materials

Railroad Waybill –

The waybill is the rail industry equivalent of a bill of lading – normally found in highway transportation. For railroad hazardous materials, a HAZMAT indicator, displayed as a box of stars or asterisks, will be found at the top of the waybill. This HAZMAT indicator is an easily noted warning that the lading contains hazardous materials.

The waybill will show the railcar identification letters and numbers. If a flat car is carrying intermodal equipment, those equipment initials and numbers will also appear on the waybill.

The origin shipper and destination consignee will appear, along with information on railroad station numbers and routing. The description of the hazardous material appears near the bottom of the waybill.

This includes the following examples:

Total Quantity (400 LB, 20 GA)

Package (1 TNK, 1 CLD, 50 DRM)

Identification Number (UN1075)

Proper Shipping Name (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

Hazard Class (1 through 9 or Combustible Liquid)

Packing Group Number (I, II, or III if applicable)

Additional Hazard Information (RQ, Poison Inhalation Hazard, Dangerous When Wet, Marine Pollutant)

HAZMAT STCC Number (a rail industry code, 7 digits starting with 48 or 49)

Emergency Contact Telephone Number (1-234-567-8900), shipper or CHEMTREC

Additional hazard information important to emergency responders is included with the (PIH) Poison Inhalation Hazard warning, in the form of Zones. PIH warnings are accompanied by a Zone (A through D), with a Zone A material posing the highest threat to life.

Packing group means a grouping according to the degree of danger presented by hazardous materials. Packing Group I indicates great danger; Packing Group II, medium danger; Packing Group III, minor danger.

Refer to the comparison of hazmat document fields for a shipper’s bill of lading and a railroad waybill on the following two pages.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________



May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


BNSF Train Documents

NOTE: Complete train documents will be in the possession of the train crew. All members of a train crew should be found in the lead locomotive of the train (excepting certain locations and operations that may still utilize a caboose). Most trains now have only two crew members.

Train documents are made up of several sections:

Header – Train symbol, locomotive consist, and locomotive data are found

at the top of the train document.

Train List – This is where cars comprising the train are shown. Cars in

BNSF trains are counted from the front of the train to the rear. This is for the convenience of the conductor who now rides in the lead locomotive, with the engineer. Various additional data concerning train makeup information will likely appear throughout and at the conclusion of the train list.

Railcars in a train are listed by sequence numbers, shown along the left edge of the train list. Found next to each sequence number is a group of letters and numbers, which identify the particular car by its own unique combination similar to a VIN or a license plate on an automobile.

NOTE: Car initials ending in an X are privately owned (i.e: GATX, DOWX). Equipment initials ending in a Z indicate a highway trailer (i.e: UPSZ). Equipment initials ending in a U indicate a freight container (i.e: JBHU).

Continuing along the top line additional fields are shown including:

L or E, indicating load or empty.

CONTENTS, showing abbreviations of commodities or, if the shipment is a hazardous material, the column will read HAZMAT.

All the hazardous material information found on a railroad waybill is on the train list. The train list is a sequential listing of waybills, all in one document. In addition to the DOT basic description, shipments which have a higher risk while in transportation will show a KEY SHIPMENT designation.

The last pages of the train list contain the hazardous emergency response information. This listing is produced using the 48 and 49 series STCC numbers for each hazardous material on the list. Each STCC number generates emergency response information at the time the train list was generated.

See examples of train lists on the following pages.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________




Example Crude Oil Trainlist

First Crude Oil Car

“Buffer Car” – Usually contains

sand

Head End Locomotives


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Rear of Train – Distributive

Power Unit(s)


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Hazard Communication through Marking and Placarding

Markings on railcars are made up of three categories: (See next

page)

Identification Numbers

Commodity Names

Hazard Warnings

For bulk shipments, ID numbers are most commonly displayed in the center of the alternate style placards. The ID number markings may also be displayed as four-inch, black numerals on an orange rectangular panel measuring six by sixteen inches. In addition, they may also be displayed on a white square-on-point configuration marking that is the same size as a placard. Regardless of display format, the ID number marking will be found on four sides of the car (both sides and both ends).

Commodity name/proper shipping name markings will be found in a contrasting color, on both sides of the car, in letters – a minimum of two inches high. All pressure tank cars are required to display the commodity name/proper shipping name, and certain other hazardous materials proper shipping names are required to be marked on the railcar. Optional displays may also be present for both hazmat and non-hazmat commodities, as many chemical manufacturers mark cars in dedicated service as an enhanced hazard communication.

Warnings may also be communicated by other markings on the car. These warnings alert responders to hazards associated with the transported hazardous material. Commonly used warnings include:

HOT

POISON INHALATION HAZARD

INHALATION HAZARD

MARINE POLLUTANT.

Placarding on Railcars: (See pages 33 and 34)

Most railcars carrying hazardous materials must be placarded. This does not include flat cars carrying trailer or container shipments of hazardous materials. The trailers or containers will be placarded, not the flat car. Some hazardous materials, when shipped in quantities under 1001 pounds in non-bulk packages, do not require placarding. DOT regulations concerning placarding of rail shipments provide several thresholds (based on weight) for hazardous materials being transported. Placards may not be required until a cumulative weight of a particular hazard class of product is reached. In contrast, certain



hazard classes require placarding for any amount of the commodity transported. (See Table 1 and Table 2 placarding requirements).

Tank Car Markings/Placards


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________




Table 1

Hazard Class or Division Number

and Additional Description

Placard

Name

1.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXPLOSIVES 1.1

1.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXPLOSIVES 1.2

1.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXPLOSIVES 1.3

2.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POISON GAS

4.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DANGEROUS WHEN WET

5.2 (Organic peroxide, Type B, liquid or

solid, temperature controlled) ORGANIC PEROXIDE

6.1 (Inhalation hazard, Zone A or B) POISON INHALATION HAZARD

7 (Radioactive Yellow III label only) RADIOACTIVE

NOTE: Table 1 hazardous materials MUST be placarded for any amount.

Table 2



Placard

Name

1.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXPLOSIVES 1.4

1.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXPLOSIVES 1.5

1.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXPLOSIVES 1.6

2.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FLAMMABLE GAS

2.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NON-FLAMMABLE GAS

3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FLAMMABLE

Combustible Liquid COMBUSTIBLE


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________




Placard

Name

4.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FLAMMABLE SOLID

4.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE

5.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OXIDIZER

5.2 (other than organic peroxide, Type B, liquid or solid, temperature controlled)

ORGANIC PEROXIDE

6.1 (other than inhalation hazard Zone A or B)

POISON or TOXIC

6.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (none)

8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CORROSIVE

9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLASS 9

ORM-D (none)

NOTE: Table 2 hazardous materials only require placarding in amounts of 1001 lbs. (454 kg) or more total weight of all hazardous materials in the shipment.



This page left blank intentionally.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________




Locomotive Characteristics and Hazards

A typical modern road locomotive weighs more than 200 tons, and is approximately 70 feet long and 16 feet high. The diesel fuel tank capacity varies from 2,000 gallons to 5,300 gallons.

The diesel/electric generating plants onboard can vary from 12 to 20 cylinders, and produce from 1200 horsepower to 4400 horsepower. The diesel engine turns a large DC generator or AC alternator. Expect operating potentials in the 600-volt range.

The electrical power is directed to traction motors, which are located between the wheels. Torque is applied to the axles through gear boxes that are a part of the traction motor assembly. These traction motors can have their fields reversed to act as brakes, when the locomotive is moving downhill or slowing the train to a stop. The excess electrical power generated, when these motors are modified, is consumed through resistor banks called dynamic brake grids, which are located on the upper car body. These electrical components can become extremely hot during operation, and sometimes overheat sufficiently to cause electrical fires.

The radiator and cooling system for the diesel engines contains more than 200 gallons of environmentally-friendly treated coolant water. The engine crankcase generally holds approximately 300 gallons of lube oil.

Two 36-volt DC, high amperage batteries are installed onboard the locomotive. They are connected in series for a total of 72 volts DC. This is a source of a corrosive hazard if the hardened cases are damaged in certain types of accidents.

In an emergency situation, there are two locations with emergency fuel cut-off buttons. The fuel cut-off buttons are located outside, on either side of the side frame, above the fuel tank and inside the cab on the back wall. They are large red buttons with a label stating “EMERGENCY FUEL CUT-OFF”. Pressing any one of these buttons will shutdown the locomotive diesel engine in a matter of seconds. It is also suggested to rotate the “Isolation Switch” (found near the red button in the cab) to the “ISOLATE” position. This is especially important for AC locomotives (as described in the following section).

To make the locomotive as electrically “dead” as possible, enter the cab, if it is safe to do so, and open the battery knife switch, which will be found on the back wall of the cab behind a door marked “Battery Switch”. If fire remains, utilize dry chemical fire extinguishers. For some fires, such as a crankcase explosion or turbo fire, there is not much action that can be taken beyond isolating the unit, and waiting until the fire

consumes itself. Due to the high voltage nature of locomotives, DO NOT use water.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Recommended Practices for Responding to and Fighting Locomotive Fires:

Be aware that locomotives have limited space in the cab, on the walkways, and to inside access panels.

Responders wearing PPE, SCBA, or bunker gear can have difficulty gaining access to many areas.

NEVER climb on the roof of a locomotive.

Take response actions from the ground or walkway.

Use dry chemical or CO2 fire extinguisher.

AFFF foam applications for ground fires or pooled fuel fires surrounding

locomotives ONLY.

Protect immediate exposures near the locomotive, i.e. dried grass, bridges, structures, etc.

Alternating Current (AC) Locomotives

AC locomotives are larger and more sophisticated than most DC units. These units exceed 70 feet in length, weigh in excess of 210 tons, and have more than 5,000 gallon fuel capacities. General Electric and EMC locomotive companies build similar units, with models designated such as AC4400CW, ES44-AC, SD70MAC and SD70ACe.

Their hazards are similar to DC units, with one striking difference. During the inverter and rectification process, 3000 volts capacitance is developed and stored. Along the long hood of some AC locomotives there are grills or screens visible from either side. Behind these grills are large banks of capacitors where the capacitance is stored. Other AC locomotives have the capacitors or diodes enclosed in a compartment immediately behind the cab.

Unlike DC units, just stopping the engine with the emergency fuel cut-off button will not deplete the stored capacitance. These areas are well marked with red warning signs. The 3000 volt potential will remain for several hours, unless the Isolation Switch is positioned, as described in the previous section, or if railroad personnel make entry to the cab, and initiate commands to the unit’s computer system to shut it down.

An additional consideration are the on-board computer systems. These are located in the nose of the locomotive and are called the ICE (Integrated Cab Electronics). Although these have electrical potential, they are also very expensive. Using dry chemical fire extinguishers is recommended if this equipment is involved.

See the diagrams that follow for DC and AC locomotives.



6-Axle DC Road Locomotive

High voltage inverters and capacitors or

diodes

General Electric ES44-AC

High voltage inverters and capacitors or

diodes

General Motors SD-70 ACe


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Mechanical Refrigerator Cars

NOTE: See photos on next page.

The mechanical refrigerator car (or “reefer car”) is a fully self-contained unit, which will provide internal temperatures from zero to plus 70 º F. Modern refrigerator cars use nose-mount "Thermo-King" type cooling units. The controls and stop switch for these cars are on the lower edge of the unit. (See photo lower right on following the page). Fuel capacities of these cars range are in the 600-gallon range and use diesel fuel. During winter months, these cars use No. 1 diesel fuel. During the summer months, No. 2 diesel fuel is used.

Refrigerator cars are insulated with foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation, and are lined with fiberglass. Polyurethane will burn, giving off a thick acrid smoke. However, it is self-extinguishing when the source of heat or fire is removed. When the doors of these cars are properly closed, there is not much danger of fire starting or continuing to burn with the car because there is insufficient oxygen to sustain combustion.

To shutoff the refrigeration unit during an incident, climb the short ladder on the cooling unit end of the car. The stop button is on the control box is on the lower edge of the unit refrigeration unit.

NOTE: Most modern refrigeration cars are satellite linked, and can be remotely controlled. Be sure and communicate with the railroad and the car owner that the unit has been shutdown, and communicate the reason for the shutdown.

For personal safety, be alert for refrigerator cars with the following sign on the outside of the door:

“CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE - WARNING –

NON-LIFE SUPPORTING ATMOSPHERE”

OPEN DOORS WIDE - WAIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE ENTERING

Observe the instructions of the following sign on the wall inside the car:

“CAUTION”

CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE - WILL NOT SUPPORT LIFE

FOR SAFETY’S SAKE:

1. OPEN DOORS WIDE.



2. REMOVE PLASTIC CURTAIN.

3. RUN REEFER 10 MINUTES BEFORE ENTERING.

Increasing numbers of cars of fresh produce, meat, and packing house products are being shipped with a “controlled atmosphere” of carbon dioxide, oxygen, or inert gases. Before entering cars bearing such signs, be sure to open the doors wide and give them a chance to air out.

Modern Refrigeration Box Car

Most of these units are auto-start thermostatically controlled, and can also be remotely started and controlled via satellite link.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Tank Cars

Tank cars transport bulk liquids, gases, and some solids, and are typically built with two features in common - circular cross section and rounded ends that are called heads. The heads of some tank cars may appear flat, when viewed from the side, but this is due to insulation and a jacket, or outer skin, applied for insulating material against the tank head.

The two main types of tank cars are pressure and non-pressure (or general service) tank cars:

Pressure Tank Cars – Have hydrostatic tank test pressure above 100

psi, and are constructed of highly ductile steel, ranging in thickness from 11/16” to 1-1/4”. A single protective housing on top of pressure tank cars is the common distinguishing feature. Pressure tank cars are used to transport compressed gasses and certain high-hazard liquids.

Low-pressure (General Service) Tank Cars – Have tank test

pressures at or below 100 psi, and are constructed of highly ductile steel 7/16” thick. Spotting features include multiple valves and fittings visible on top of the cars and often on the underside.

Two subsets of low-pressure tank cars are acid service tank cars and cryogenic tank cars. Acid service tank cars may have specialized fittings on top and an internal rubber lining. Cryogenic tank cars transport refrigerated liquids, and have operating pressures of less than 25 psi. Valves and fittings are generally enclosed in a cabinet on the side or under the car.

Insulation and Thermal Protection

Insulation alone is used to protect product temperature. Thermal protection is dense insulation that provide thermal resistance to the car so that that there will be no release of any lading within the tank car, except release through the pressure release device, when subjected to:

A pool fire for 100 minutes

A torch fire for 30 minutes.



Tank Car Specifications

Tank car specifications consist of a series of letters and numbers. The letters, such as DOT or AAR, identify the agency specifications to which the tank car is constructed and tested. The following three numbers are the class designation for the tank car, such as 105 or 111. The class designation is followed by an A, S, J, or T. The letter A has no significance, as it is merely a placeholder. The letter S indicates the car has head shields but no thermal protection. The letter J indicates the car has head shields and thermal protection enclosed in a metal jacket. The letter T indicates the car has head shields and non-jacketed thermal protection. The second number, where present, indicates the tank test pressure (in psi). The letter W indicates a fusion welded tank, and the letter F indicates a forge welded tank. If a numeric digit follows W, it further describes certain features of the car, such as a bottom outlet, an interior rubber lining, or the type metal used for tank construction.

A Sample Tank Car Specification 1F

2 follows below:

The specification of the car can be found on the right hand side of the car above the “Qualification Stenciling” (See illustration – next page).

2 Credit: AAR Field Guide, page 6


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Low-Pressure (General Service) Tank Cars

Low-Pressure Tank Cars, also referred to as General Service or Acid Service Tank Cars transport a wide variety of hazardous and non-hazardous commodities. These commodities are liquids or solids at normal atmospheric conditions. Tank test pressures are between 60 and 100 psi. Capacities range in size from 4,000 gallons to a maximum of 34,500 gallons. The tank thickness can range from 7/16” to 9/16” thick depending on the type and specification.

Common Low-Pressure Tank Car Specifications are DOT 111, DOT 117, and AAR 211. The DOT 111 is the most common Low-Pressure tank car. An AAR 211 tank car class is equivalent to DOT 111A except radioscopic examination of tank welds is not required; and thus, this car class is not used to transport hazardous commodities other than combustible liquids.

Tank Car Qualification/Specification Stenciling

Tank Car Specification



In 2009, the rail industry in conjunction with producers and shippers voluntarily instituted an interchange rule improving the specifications of the DOT 111 car called the CPC-1232 (below). The upgraded tank car was for all DOT 111 cars built after September 2011, used in flammable liquid service – packing groups I and II. The CPC-1232 called for a minimum 7/16” thick tank shell (if jacketed), TC-128B normalized steel, top fitting protection (protective housing), and a minimum of a half-height head shield. If the tank car was to be non-jacketed, the tank was required to be at a minimum 1/2” thick.

Low-pressure (General Service) Tank Car DOT 111A100W1

Low-pressure (General Service) Tank Car DOT 111A100W1 (CPC-1232)


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


DOT 117 Information

On May 1st, 2015, the USDOT/PHMSA issued a Final Rule regarding a new Tank Car Specification required for flammable liquids transported in “High Hazard Flammable Trains” (HHFT’s). These new Low-Pressure cars will have the DOT 117 specification (next page). Primary enhancements include the addition of ceramic thermal protection – protected by a 1/8” outer jacket, re-design of the bottom outlet valve handle – to be disengaged while in transportation, full height head shields, and increasing the thickness of the tank shell to a minimum of 9/16 inch. Also, the final rule indicates a retrofit option for older tank cars to achieve the same performance specification of the DOT 117. A timeline in the rule has been established for the retrofit schedule (next page).

Low-pressure (General Service) Tank Car -DOT 111 A 100 W1, Tank

Test Pressures up to 100 psi.



Table 3

Tank Car

Type/Service

U.S.

Retrofit

Deadline

Tank Car Type/Service

U.S.

Retrofit

Deadline

Non-Jacketed DOT-111 in PG I

January 1, 2018

Jacketed DOT-111 in PG I March 1, 2018

Non-Jacketed CPC-1232 in PG I

April 1, 2020 Jacketed/Non-Jacketed DOT-111 in PG II

May 1, 2023

Non-Jacketed CPC-1232 in PG II

July 1, 2023 Jacketed CPC-1232 in PG I and PG II

May 1, 2025

DOT 117 Tank Car


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Pressure Tank Cars

Pressure Tank Cars typically transport Hazardous Materials, including USDOT Hazard Class 2 materials (flammable, non-flammable, and toxic gases). Most commodities transported are gases at normal atmospheric conditions, but are kept under their own vapor pressure in the cars, as a liquid. If released, they will quickly volatilize into gas. The DOT 120 tank car is a pressure tank car which is being used by some shippers to transport liquids such as crude oil. Tank test pressures for these cars range from 100 to 600 PSI. Thickness of the tank shell can vary from 9/16” to 1 ¼”. Their capacities can range from 4,000 - 34,500 gallons.

Common Pressure Tank Car Specifications are DOT 105, DOT 112, and DOT 120. Chlorine (Hazard Class 2.3) is moved in a DOT 105 Tank Car (below).

DOT 105 (Chlorine Tank Car)



Other Hazard Class 2 materials commonly move in a DOT 112 Tank Car (below).

Chlorine Tank Car (Pressure) - DOT 105J 500W Tank Test

Pressure 500 psi

DOT 112 Tank Car


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Pressure Tank Car - Tank Test Pressures 100 psi to 600 psi



DOT 120J 200

From a distance, the DOT 120 looks like a DOT 117/CPC-1232, but the tank is constructed with 9/16” carbon steel with a 1/8” outer jacket, has thermal protection and insulation, as well as full-height head shields. All the welds are also inspected by x-ray. This tank car has been pressure tested up to 200 psi and is technically considered high-pressure, but carries low-pressure commodities. These cars have been designed to transport Crude Oil (Class 3).

DOT 120 Tank Car


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Cryogenic Tank Cars

Cryogenic liquids are transported in special tank cars with extra insulation and special valves. These include flammable gases, such as ethylene, and nonflammable gases, such as nitrogen and argon.

Note the absence of a protective housing on top of the DOT 113/AAR Spec 204 car. All loading and unloading valves are in the cabinet on the side of the car. The Argon vent pipe will extend from the cabinet to the top of the car. Venting of Argon and Carbon Dioxide is considered normal and will be indicated as such by stenciling on the sides of the car. On Carbon Dioxide cars, the regulating vent valves are located in the protective housing on top of the car. These cars may be either fully placarded or just display the identification number on orange panel markings.

DOT Spec 113 Tank Car for Refrigerated Flammable Gases

AAR Spec 204 Tank Car for Non- Cryogenic Refrigerated Liquids



Tank Car Valves/Fittings

A number of tank car fittings allow for the loading/unloading and safety of the car for

transportation. As a general rule of thumb, Low-Pressure cars may have the following

valves or fittings on the car:

Argon and Carbon Dioxide Cars (Venting Stencil)

DOT 111 (low pressure) Fittings

Arrangement

CPC 1232 /DOT 117/ DOT 120 Fittings

Arrangement


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


DOT 112 (high pressure) Tank Car

Fittings Arrangement

DOT 105 (high pressure – Chlorine) Fittings

Arrangement

Pressure Tank Car Typical Protective

Housing and Valve Arrangement



Liquid Line/Valve

The liquid line is used primarily to load or unload the tank car. An eduction line extends below the fitting to within 1 to 2 inches from the bottom of the car. This eduction tube allows for the car to be off-loaded by adding pressure to the tank car, which in turn forces the liquid out to a tank with lower pressure (pressure differential). With the exception of some acid service cars, most liquid lines have valves on top of the fitting.

Pressure cars have Excess Flow Valves as a safety shut off located between the eduction line and the pressure plate.

Next Generation Tank Car (High Pressure) valves have an internally sprung positive seal inside the tank car. The valves are descending rod style valves which push a rod into the spring check in order to open the valve.

Vapor Line/Valve

The vapor line ends directly below the fittings plate in the vapor space of the tank car. This fitting would be used to add or remove pressure from the car. Most Pressure cars have Excess Flow Valves as a safety shutoff located between the eduction line and the pressure plate. Chlorine cars do not have Excess Flow Valves on the vapor lines.

Next Generation Tank Car (High Pressure) valves have an internally sprung positive seal inside the tank car. The valves are descending rod style valves which push a rod into the spring check in order to open the valve.

“Next Generation Tank Car” DOT 105

(High Pressure)


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Bottom Outlet Valve

The Bottom Outlet Valve is used to load or unload the tank from the bottom. There are varying types of Bottom Outlet Valves including: Plug Valve, Quarter Turn Ball Valve, or Top Operated Bottom Outlet Valve. The valves are protected with a Skid Plate or are protected inside the tank car. The exposed “nozzle” below the valve is designed to sheer off in an accident to protect the valve and prevent commodity release. The DOT 117/DOT 120 will feature a newly designed bottom outlet valve handle which will be disconnected while the car is in transportation. Operation of the valve will require engaging the handle and valve stem. Most high pressure cars will not have Bottom Outlet Valves. One High Pressure car that does have a Bottom Outlet Valve is the DOT 120 tank car.

Standard Quarter Turn Bottom Outlet Valve

(with Skid Protection)

Standard Quarter Turn Bottom Outlet Valve (with

Skid Protection)



Pressure Relief Device

Every Tank car has a Pressure Relief Device (Valve or Vent) which is designed to protect the car for excessive pressure. They can be mounted on the tank shell or inside the protective housing. Reclosing Devices (Valves) are required for all DOT class 2, 3, 4, and 6.1 materials. Non-Reclosing Devices (Vent) may be found on some non-hazardous cars and hazardous material (except flammable/toxic) cars, such as those in Corrosive Service.

Valves can be either Internal (spring and components exposed to the commodity inside the tank car) or External (spring/components on the outside of the car). In Low-Pressure tank cars, the valves will typically be set to open at either 75 psi or 165 psi internal tank pressure. In Pressure tank cars, the valves will set to open at 75% of the tank test pressure, so DOT105J500W will have a 375 psi pressure relief valve. The set pressure will be found in the tank car qualification stencil located on the right hand side of the tank.

DOT 111, DOT 112 Tank Car Internal Pressure Relief Valve


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


CPC-1232/DOT 117 & DOT 120

External Pressure Relief Valve

DOT 105 Combination Pressure Relief Valve



Non-reclosing safety devices consist of an opening, closed by a frangible disc, designed to burst when enough pressure is applied from inside. A cover, with locking pin, over the vent will direct discharging lading downward, in the event of a ruptured disc. The disc does not close after bursting. Must rupture disk assemblies are equipped with surge protectors, which are specialized devices mounted inside the tank car just under the rupture disc. Surge protectors baffle the impact of sloshing acid caused by car movement. This baffling effect reduces liquid hammer pressures on the rupture disc, thus preventing premature failure and leaks.

Vacuum Relief Valve (only found on Low-Pressure Tank Cars)

Vacuum Relief Valves prevent excessive internal negative pressure (vacuum) from forming inside the tank. It opens, when needed, to allow air into the tank when a vacuum occurs and recloses when normal conditions are restored. VRV’s are set to open at different negative pressures as determined by the customer’s needs. Most of these valves are set to open at -0.75 psig to -5.0 psig.

Commonly, VRV’s can be found inside a protective housing or on the manway cover lid.

Non-Reclosing Vent (Rupture Disks)

Vacuum Relief Valves

(Non-Pressure Cars)


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Acid Service Fittings (Low-Pressure Tank Car)

Acid Service cars have Fill Holes which can be used to load or unload product through. It usually has either 3 or 4 bolts to secure the cover or a cantilever system, as shown below.

Gauging Device

Gauging Devices measure the amount of commodity in a tank – either in inage (amount of liquid in the tank % or inches), or outage (amount of vapor space in the tank). An Outage Scale (only on Low-Pressure Tank Car) can be commonly found inside the manway opening, readings on the scale of the Outage Scale indicate outage of the tank in percent.

A Magnetic Gauging Device utilizes an internal ball which floats on top of the liquid in the car. A rod with a magnet will engage the steel in the ball, when pulled past it. The rod has inches indicated on it, which correspond to the outage in the car.

Acid Service Fittings

Magnetic Gauging Device



Sample Line/Valve

Sample Lines are primarily used for facilities to take a liquid sample of the commodity in the tank car prior to offloading. This valve can be used to obtain a pressure of the tank car (1/4” NPT fitting).

Thermowell

Thermowells are closed tubes that extend into the liquid of a tank car. The tube is filled with antifreeze. The temperature of the antifreeze would represent the commodity temperature. The cap can be removed and a thermometer inserted into the tube.

Sample Line/Valve

Thermowell


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Manway/Pressure Plate

Low-Pressure Tank Cars will generally have manways which are primarily used as an access point to load or unload the car, but also can be used to enter the car for cleaning/inspections and making repairs. These manways can have either 6 or 8 bolts. A hard or soft gasket at the sealing surface of the manway lid and nozzle forms the seal. On a Pressure Tank Car, the manway is commonly referred to as a Pressure Plate, and is attached to the car with 20 bolts. All valves and safety devices, including the protective housing, are attached to a Pressure Plate on a pressure car. The DOT 120 Tank car (pressure car) has both a pressure plate with fittings and a manway which is enclosed in a protective housing.

Non-Pressure Tank Car – Manway Pressure Tank Car – Pressure Plate

DOT 120 Tank Car Protective

Housings



Remote Monitoring Equipment

Many tank cars, especially if transporting higher risk hazardous materials, have remote monitoring equipment. These GPS satellite tracking devices vary from simple to complex monitoring functions, such as merely placing the car geographically via satellite or cell link, or they may be designed to monitor internal pressure, temperature, and/or detect leaks or tampering. Any device is required to include a tag displaying car owner/shipper contact information.

A sample of some typical devices and their installation appearance are shown below and on the next page.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Covered Hopper Cars

Dry bulk hazardous materials are most commonly transported in covered hopper cars. However, any railcar may be transporting hazardous materials. Here are descriptions of the various car types and an indication of the commodities they most often transport.

Covered hopper cars transport bulk solids. They have flat or rounded sides, flat or angular ends, and two or more sloping bays on the bottom. A covered hopper car may have as many compartments, as the car has bays. Examples of materials shipped in covered hopper cars are grain, ammonium nitrate fertilizer, and soda ash.

Covered Hopper Car



Certain covered hopper cars, that are pneumatically unloaded, transport bulk granular solids. Some are built to tank car specifications, and are unloaded using pressures of 15 psi or greater. Examples of materials shipped in pneumatically unloaded covered hopper cars are carbon blacks and plastic pellets.

Open-top Hoppers and Gondolas

Open top hoppers and gondolas transport bulk ores and other solid materials. The typical gondola has a solid floor, fixed sides, and ends, and may have a removable cover to provide weather protection. Gondolas are not as tall as box cars, covered hoppers, and tank cars. Examples of materials shipped in gondolas are contaminated dirt, coal, pipe, scrap iron, railroad ties, and machinery.

Pneumatically Unloaded Covered Hopper

High Side Gondola


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


65 Foot Gondola

3 Bay, Bottom Discharge, Open Top Hopper –

Used for hauling coal, ores and minerals



LNG Tender

Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) is transported in specially built tank cars. These tank cars are insulated and vacuum-jacketed to keep LNG in a liquid state.

The LNG tender is designed with a carbon steel outer tank and a Stainless Steel inner tank (tank-with-in-a-tank). The space between the inner and outer tanks is insulated and is under vacuum. The insulation and vacuum reduce heat transfer from the outside, allowing the cryogenic LNG to remain in a liquid state. Each tank car is protected from over-pressure by two pressure relief devices (PRD) and two rupture (frangible) discs.

The BNSF Hazmat Team has an LNG Tender Response Playbook. This Playbook provides response protocols for the LNG Tender. Protocols are given for Non-Accident Release (NAR), Damaged Tank Car, Derailment, Fire Impingement, Liquid/Vapor Flaring Operation, and Transfer Procedures.

If a transportation incident involving LNG does occur, contact the BNSF Resource Operations Communication Center (ROCC) 24 Hr. Command Center, “Outside/Internal Notifications” at (800) 832-5452.

Bathtub Style, Rotary Dump, Open Top Gondola -

Used for hauling coal


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


LNG Tender


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Non-bulk and certain bulk packages of chemicals are transported by rail on flat cars and in box cars. Trailers and intermodal containers (with and without chassis) are transported on flat cars. Large items containing chemicals, such as rocket motors (explosives) and refrigerating machines (containing Freon and ammonia gases), are transported on flat cars without being packaged or are only wrapped or tarped for weather protection. Military shipments often consist of vehicles and equipment on flat cars with fuel and munitions on-board.

Box Cars

Box cars are enclosed rail freight cars with doors on both sides. Box cars are constructed primarily of steel, and may have a wooden interior lining. Box cars range in size up to 85 feet long – with capacities over 10,000 cubic feet.

Plug Door Box Car

Plug Door Box Car



Flat Cars

Flat cars are rail freight cars, which are primarily a flat surface riding upon a frame. Various types of transport vehicles, intermodal containers, and trailers containing freight of all kinds, as well as hazardous materials, are shipped on flat cars. When items such as machinery are transported on flat cars, they are often merely loaded onto the deck and chained down.

Containers may be distinguished from trailers, as they lack wheels, and are built with corner posts and fittings, which allow them to be secured in stacks and lifted by cargo handling equipment. Freight containers are used primarily to unitize shipments of packages, but some specialized designs are used to transport bulk solids. Most containers are moving in “double stack” configuration, which means that two containers are locked together at the corner castings and are transported in a well of a specialized flat car referred to as a Well Car.

Trailers on Flat Car or “TOFC”

Containers on Deck of an Articulated Spine Flat Car or “COFC”


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Intermodal Double Stack Well Cars

This equipment comes in a variety of configurations. Well cars are built as stand-alone single units, pairs, triple sets (three packs), and five units sets (5-pack sets). If connected in articulated sets, each unit looks like an individual car, but is really only part of the larger articulated unit. A3-Pack or 5-Pack set will be shown on train documents as only one car. A five unit (5-Pack) car will measure over 380 feet long. Each individual unit will have the same car reporting mark plus a letter. The letters will be A through E. An example would be BNSF 23445-A, BNSF 23445- E, BNSF 23445-D, BNSF 23445-C, BNSF 23445-B.

Double Stack Articulated Well Car (3-Pack)

Individual Double Stack Well Car



Intermodal Portable Tank Containers

Intermodal portable tank containers are smaller than tank cars (approximately 6,000 gallon capacity), and are enclosed in a frame. These containers are used to transport bulk liquefied and compressed gases, liquids, and solids. They have a circular cross section, and are enclosed with an open frame support structure. This frame is typically 8’ x 8’ x 20’ in size. The tanks are stainless steel. They are transported on flat cars or in the bottom well of double stack cars.

IM Portable Tank Loaded on Flat Car

IM Portable Tanks Loaded in a Well Car


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Road Railer Equipment

A modern adaptation of the highway trailer is the Road Railer, which is a heavy-duty chassis under an otherwise conventional trailer with rail wheels or bogey mount truck sets. These can be pulled in strings of up to 100 units.

Road Railer

Road Railer Bogeys



Acid Any chemical which undergoes dissociation in water with the formation of hydrogen ions. Acids have a sour taste and may cause severe skin burns. Acids turn litmus paper red and have pH values of 0 to 6.9

Alkali Any chemical substance which forms soluble soaps with fatty acids. Alkalis are also referred to as basic or caustic. They may cause severe burns to the skin. Alkalis turn litmus paper blue and have pH values from 7.1 to 14.

Appearance A description of a substance at normal room temperature and normal atmospheric conditions. Appearance includes the color, size and consistency of a material.

Auto-Ignition

Temperature

The lowest temperature at which a flammable liquid will spontaneously ignite, in normal atmosphere, without an external source of ignition, such as a flame or spark. This temperature is required to supply the activation energy needed for combustion.

Boiling Point The temperature at which a liquid changes to a vapor state, at a given pressure, and usually expressed in degrees Fahrenheit at sea level pressure. For mixtures, the initial boiling point may be given. Low boiling points generally present special fire hazards. Some approximate boiling points for materials are:

Propane......................... - 44º F

Anhydrous Ammonia..... - 28º F

Butane............................. 31º F

Gasoline........................ 100º F


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Bonding The interconnecting of two objects by means of a clamp and bare wire. Its purpose is to equalize the electrical potential between the objects to prevent a static discharge when transferring a flammable liquid or gas from one container to another. The conductive path is provided by clamps which make contact with the charged object and a low resistance flexible cable which allows the charge to equalize.

Combustible

Liquid

Any liquid having a flash point at or above 141º F (60.5º C), but below 200º F (93º C), except any mixture having components with flash points of 200º F (93º C) or higher, the total volume of which make up ninety-nine percent (99%) or more of the total volume of the mixture.

Corrosive A corrosive material is a liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alterations in human skin tissue at the site of contact. In the case of leakage from its packaging - a liquid that has a severe corrosion rate on steel. Two common examples are caustic soda and sulfuric acid.

Explosive A chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure or high temperature.

Flammable

Liquid

Any liquid having a flash point below 141º F (60.5º C), except any mixture having components with flash points of 100º F (37.8º C), or higher, the total of which make up ninety-nine percent (99%) or more of the total volume of the mixture.

Flammable

Solid

A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is liable to cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change or retained heat from manufacturing processing, or which can be ignited readily, and when ignited burns so



vigorously and persistently as to create a serious hazard.

Flash Point The temperature at which a liquid will give off enough flammable vapor to ignite if an ignition source is present.

Hazardous

Polymerization

Polymerization is a chemical reaction in which one or more small molecules combine to form larger molecules. A hazardous polymerization is such a reaction and when it occurs it is at a rate which releases large amounts of energy. If hazardous polymerization can occur with a given material, the MSDS usually will list conditions which could start the reaction and the expected time period before the polymerization inhibitor is used up.

Ignitable Capable of being set afire.

Impervious A material that does not allow another substance to pass through or penetrate it.

Incompatible Materials which could cause dangerous reactions from direct contact with one another are described as incompatible.

Oxidizer A chemical, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that initiates or promotes combustion in another material, thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygen or other gases. Chlorate, permanganate, and nitrate compounds are examples of oxidizers. Note that all contain oxygen.

Pyrophoric A chemical that will ignite spontaneously in air at or below a temperature of 130º F (54.5º C).

Reactivity A description of the tendency of a substance to undergo chemical reaction with the release of energy. Undesirable effects - such as pressure buildup, temperature increase, formation of noxious, toxic, or corrosive by-products - may occur because of the reactivity of a substance to heating, burning, direct


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


contact with other materials or other conditions in use or storage.

Solubility in

Water

A term expressing the percentage of a material (by weight) that will dissolve in water at ambient temperature. Solubility information can be useful in determining spill cleanup methods and fire-extinguishing agents and methods for a material.

Terms used to express solubility are:

Negligible..............< 0.1 percent

Slight..............0.1 to 1.0 percent

Moderate............1 to 10 percent

Appreciable…….. More than 10 percent

Complete...................... Soluble in all proportions

Specific Gravity The weight of a material compared to the weight of an equal volume of water; an expression of the density of the material.

Example: if a volume of a material weighs 8 pounds, and an equal volume of water weighs 10 pounds, the material is said to have a specific gravity of 0.8.

Insoluble materials with specific gravity of less than 1.0 will float on water. Insoluble materials with specific gravity greater than 1.0 will sink (or go to the bottom) in water. Most (but not all) flammable liquids have specific gravity less than 1.0 and if not soluble, will float on water. This is an important consideration for fire suppression and spill cleanup.

Spontaneously

Combustible

A material that ignites as a result of retained heat from processing, or which will oxidize to generate heat and ignite, or which absorbs moisture to generate heat and ignite.

Toxic (Poison)

Inhalation

Toxic or Poison Inhalation Hazard materials (TIH/PIH) are part of a DOT hazard class for extremely dangerous poisons. These



Hazard poisonous gases or liquids are of such a nature that a very small amount of the gas, or vapor of the liquid, is dangerous to life. Some examples include phosgene, hydrocyanic acid and chlorine.

Toxic

(Poison)

Toxic or poison substances that are not an inhalation hazard are in DOT hazard classes such as for liquid, solid, paste, or semi-solid substances. These are other than poisons or irritating materials which are known (or presumed on the basis of animal test) to be so toxic to humans, as to afford a hazard to health during transportation. Some examples are arsenic, cyanide, mercuric oxide and toluene diisocyanate.

Unusual Fire

and Explosion

Hazards

Hazards that might occur as a result of overheating or burning a specific material. These include chemical reactions or changes in chemical composition or any special hazard involved in extinguishing the burning material.

Vapor The gaseous form of a solid or liquid substance as it evaporates.

Vapor

Density

The weight of a vapor or gas compared to the weight of an equal volume of air; an expression of the density of the gas vapor. Materials lighter than air have vapor densities less than 1.0 (examples: acetylene, methane, hydrogen). Materials heavier than air (examples: propane, hydrogen sulfide, ethane, butane, chlorine, sulfur dioxide) have vapor densities greater than 1.0. All vapors and gases are likely to concentrate in low places - along or under floors, in sumps, sewers and manholes, in trenches and ditches - where they may create fire or health hazards.

Vapor

Pressure

The pressure exerted by a saturated vapor above its own liquid in a closed container. When quality control tests are performed on products, the test temperature is usually 100º F and the vapor pressure is expressed as


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


pounds per square inch, but vapor pressures reported on MSDSs use the metric system and are listed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) at 68º F (20º C), unless stated otherwise. Three facts are important to remember:

Vapor pressure of a substance at 100º F will always be higher than vapor pressure of the substances at 68º F (20º C).

Vapor pressures reported on MSDSs in mmHg are usually very low pressures; 760 mmHg is equivalent to 14.7 pounds per square inch.

The lower the boiling point of a substance, the higher its vapor pressure.

Volatility A measure of how quickly a substance forms a vapor at ordinary temperatures.

Water

Reactive

A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


Hazardous Material Traffic Flow Reports

Is your agency interested in doing a transportation risk analysis for your area? Do you need information for emergency planning or security planning? Do you need to know what the most commonly transported hazardous materials are for your area?

Within the purview of federal right to know acts and under the auspices of the TRANSCAER® initiative, emergency agencies such as: LEPCs, Fire Departments, Police Departments, State Emergency Management, State Environmental Management or any similar associated groups, may request hazardous materials traffic flow reports from BNSF Railway.

The data will be provided for your location either by station location or rail line segment. The report will be provided for the most recent four-quarter period. The data is presented on an Excel spreadsheet showing columns with: Standard Transportation Commodity Code (STCC), Proper Shipping Name and Hazard Class Number. The sheets are further divided in the right-hand columns by rail car (tank cars, hopper cars, etc.) and intermodal (trailers, containers and tank containers) for both loaded and residue shipments.

As the information is historical, it may not represent BNSF traffic flows during a short sample period or for different time periods within the four quarters analyzed. These differences result from possible changes in the BNSF customer base and logistical decisions on routing.

This data can be compiled and made available to bona fide emergency services agencies through written request. Homeland Security restrictions make it necessary that BNSF Railway know who is requesting this information.

The Hazardous Material Traffic Flow Report is available electronically through

www.BNSFHAZMAT.com



Top 25 Hazmat Commodities Transported by BNSF

This information is historical; it may not represent BNSF’s current Hazmat traffic or Hazmat traffic through your specific response area. Differences may be the result of changes in the BNSF’s customer base and/or logistical decisions on routing. The listing is not in order of shipments by volume. To request a full BNSF Hazmat Traffic Report, see the information on (page 83).

Table 4

UN

ID#

DOT

Haz

Class

Proper Shipping Name

UN

ID#

DOT

Haz

Class

Proper Shipping Name

1267 3 Petroleum crude Oil 2448 4.1 Sulfur Molten

1075 2.1 LPG 1805 8 Phosphoric Acid Solution

1170/ 1987/ 3475

3 Alcohols/Ethanol 1230 3 Methanol

3257 9 Elevated Temp. Liquid, N.O.S.

2055 3 Styrene Monomer, Stabilized

1993 CL Combustible Liquid, N.O.S. 3295 3 Hydrocarbons, Liquid, N.O.S.

1203 3 Gasoline 1017 2.3 Chlorine

1202 3/CL Gas Oil 1055 2.1 Isobutylene

1830 8 Sulfuric Acid 1814 8 Potassium Hydroxide, Solution

1824 8 Sodium Hydroxide Solution 2426 5.1 Ammonium Nitrate, Liquid

1268 3/CL Petroleum Distillates, NOS 1265 3 Pentanes

1789 8 Hydrochloric Acid 2187 2.2 Carbon Dioxide, Refrigerated Liquid

3077 9 Environmental Hazardous Substances, Solid, NOS

1005 2.2/2.3 Ammonia, Anhydrous

3082 9 Environmentally Hazardous Substances Liquid, N.O.S.


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________




TRANSCAER® – Nationwide Community Outreach

TRANSCAER® or Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response is a nationwide, non-profit, community outreach program supported by industries involved with the shipping, manufacturing, distribution and transportation of hazardous materials.

BNSF Railway is an active participant in the TRANSCAER® initiative, working with LEPCs, fire departments, police departments, state emergency planners and federal agencies. BNSF partners with chemical shippers and other carriers to promote emergency preparedness throughout the BNSF rail system and everywhere possible in the United States.

The purpose of TRANSCAER® is to:

Encourage partnerships between citizens and industry to develop an understanding of the hazardous materials moving through the community.

Help emergency planning groups identify the general types of hazardous materials moving through their community.

Provide guidance for local officials to develop and evaluate the community emergency response plan.

Assist with training and testing for emergency preparedness.

Despite preventive efforts, incidents do occur. A well informed community, working together with industry, is in the best position to respond effectively to such incidents. Proper response actions occur only if those involved have a clear understanding of individual responsibilities. These measures may save lives.

For further information about TRANSCAER® and the resources that are available from the organization, please visit the TRANSCAER® website at:

www.TRANSCAER.com


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


FRA GIS Web Application

It is important for local emergency planners to familiarize themselves with the local rail lines to know the ownership of the line and potential access routes for emergency response vehicles. The FRA publishes a free App available for most major mobile operating systems (Apple, Android etc.) that provides live mapping and data for all grade crossings including DOT crossing number and emergency telephone number of the operating railroad. The FRA GIS mapping system contains all highway-rail grade crossings where a public highway, road, street, private roadway, or associated sidewalk, intersects one or more railroad tracks at grade. The user can view the extent and types of railroad crossings at the city and county level. The map service is symbolized using different types of crossings, including pedestrian, private or public, above, at, or below grade.

For more information and local maps of rail systems in your response area visit the FRA website at:

http://fragis.fra.dot.gov/GISFRASafety/

FRA GIS Web Application – User Interface



FRA Rail Crossing Locator Mobile Application

The Rail Crossing Locator was developed to provide users with access to the highway-rail grade crossing database and map features from a mobile device. The tool allows users to locate crossings by USDOT Crossing ID, address or geo-location; access inventory records submitted by states and railroads; and view accident history.

Users can also select from multiple base map features and identify railroad crossings by special characteristics. Users may also use the app to find and call the Emergency Notification Number (ENS) in case of an emergency or a safety concern about a specific highway-rail grade crossing. The information accessed in the mobile application is derived from the Safety Data website using information submitted by States and Railroads. The Rail Crossing Locator App is currently available for Apple and Android Devices.

FRA Rail Crossing Locator – Mobile Application Download Website

https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0703


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


AskRail™

The AskRail™ mobile application serves emergency responders who arrive first to the scene of a rail emergency and need critical information about the contents of a railcar. BNSF Hazmat Responders can assist local first responders with registration to AskRail™.

This mobile app provides immediate access to accurate, real-time data about individual railcars on a train. This data can help emergency responders make informed decisions about how to respond on the scene of a rail emergency. AskRail™ is available in English in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The app is a collaborative effort between the AAR, AAR members, and Railinc Corp. The AskRail™ mobile application will be part of the standard training that emergency responders receive from all Class I railroads.

AskRail™ allows users to use a simple railcar ID search to see whether a railcar on a train is carrying hazardous materials. Emergency contact information for all Class I railroads and Amtrak can be viewed through the AskRail™ application. Also, reference resources, like the Emergency Response Guidebook, are available through AskRail™.

AskRail™ is a backup resource if information from the train crew or train consist/list is not available. For security reasons, access to the application is only granted to qualified emergency responders who will be the first on scene, or immediately support the first on scene. To request BNSF-approved access, download the app through your mobile device and follow the process for registration approval.

AskRail Query Screen



BNSFHAZMAT.com

BNSFHazMat.com is a website designed to be used by the community first responders,

contractors, and BNSF HazMat team members that work together to ensure HazMat

safety at BNSF and across our system.

The website will direct community responders to training opportunities, equipment

resources, reference materials, and to apps and links for valuable information.

Visit the website at:

www.BNSFHAZMAT.com


May 2019 ______________________________________________________________________


For on-scene safety, call direct to the involved railroad for assistance with any incident involving railroad property.

BNSF: 800-832-5452

Canadian National: 800-465-9239

Canadian Pacific: 800-716-9132

CSX Transportation: 800-232-0144

Kansas City Southern: 877-527-9464

Norfolk Southern: 800-453-2530

Union Pacific: 888-UPRR-COP (877-7267)

Chemical Assistance

The train list, waybill, or shipper’s bill of lading will provide an emergency contact phone number for almost all hazmat shipments. If that information is not available, commodity-specific assistance is available by calling one of the 24-hour chemical information assistance groups.

CHEMTREC: 800-424-9300

Canutec: 613-996-6666 (collect)

Railroad



For Incidents or Emergencies

Involving BNSF Railway Track,

Property, OR Equipment

Call the BNSF Resource

Operations Call Center

1-800-832-5452

(24-Hour)

Certificate of Completion THIS ACKNOWLEDGES THAT

HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED

RAILROAD EMERGENCY RESPONSE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AWARENESS

INSTRUCTOR

BNSF Hazmat

DATE