For first responders unable to attend in-person training courses, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is now offering an online version of its Ethanol Emergency Response course. Offered in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs and TRANSCAER, the two-hour training course covers content from the recently updated “Training Guide to Ethanol Emergency Response.”

Although targeted to emergency responders, the course is available to anyone interested in ethanol emergency response. Those who take the course will come away with knowledge related to ethanol and ethanol-blended fuels, including the use, chemical and physical characteristics, transportation modes, transfer operations, basics of foam, suggested responder tactics and strategies and environmental issues.

“The International Association of Fire Chiefs is very proud and pleased to continue our partnership with the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition and their online Ethanol Emergency Response Training program,” said Bob Royall, chair of the IAFC Hazardous Materials Committee. “This valuable program provides excellent ethanol training. Topics include vital information about ethanol and ethanol-blended fuels, including chemical and physical fuels, storage and transportation, and health and safety considerations. The site is also a great place to find resources such as training videos, DVD extras, and a training toolkit all aimed at helping keep America’s first responders safe.”

The training course is being co-funded under an Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grant received by RFA and IAFC.

RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen, added, “Safety remains one of RFA’s top priorities. Since 2010, we have hosted more than 170 ethanol safety seminars in 29 states, training emergency responders how to proper respond to ethanol incidences. However, there is still a need to reach a broader audience for ethanol emergency response training, which is why we are offering this online training course. It is important that those responsible for the safety of their communities are well prepared and trained to respond to ethanol-related emergencies.”

The training can be found on the IAFC Academy website by clicking here. For more information on the EERC and the training being offered click here.