The Train Derailment Chemical Spill Response Annex Introduction

The three main priorities that the National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides for any emergency response operation are: to save lives, stabilize the incident, protect property and the environment. These three priorities are supported by the guiding principles of flexibility, standardization and unity of effort (NIMS, 2018). These priorities and principles, therefore, will serve as the foundation of this Train Derailment Chemical Spill Response Annex. This Annex will describe the role and expectations of all relevant partners in the response, the interagency collaboration process and procedures that all responding partners will be required to participate in to help prevent, respond to, mitigate and manage a train derailment chemical spill in our community.

Operational Guidelines

First responders must give dispatch a sense of the level of seriousness of the situation in order to prepare the appropriate response. A 3 level classification system is recommended to ensure the right units are dispatched (Henle Hazmat Training & Consulting, 2016).

Level 1 incident will categorize minor derailments, no spills or fires, and all chemicals apparently still contained in their cars. Threat to life, property and environment is likely to be unknown. A local response will be required.

Level 2 incident will categorize clear train derailment with chemical leak apparent but no fire. Potential threat to life, property and environment...

A multi-unit response will be required, including Hazmat Team.
Level 3 incident will categorize train derailment with chemical spill and fire. The scene will constitute a major risk to life, property and environment. Local, state and federal response will be required, including specialist/technical teams—i.e., a multi-agency emergency operation.

FEMA (2002) also recommends a two-step process for identifying whether a terror event has occurred: “1) Identifying the event as a known, suspected, or threatened terrorist or cyber terrorist attack; and, 2) Assuring notifications to agencies are made” (p. 3-1).

The Incident Commander will be responsible, moreover, for following these steps: 1. Size-up the situation. 2. Conduct hazard analysis. 3. Assess the Risk. 4. Identify Strategic Goals (Objectives) 5. Implement Tactics and Strategies 6. Debriefing (Henle Hazmat Training & Consulting, 2016).

Relevant Partners

Jurisdictional Lead Agencies

For Level 1 Incident:

Local Fire Department—the FD will take jurisdiction lead as Incident Commander and establish chain of command with local police.

Public Works—will report up the chain of command through local FD for prevention and response clean-up facilitation to a limited degree, giving place and jurisdiction to County Emergency Management.

County Emergency Management—will coordinate with County Sheriff to monitor the response and oversee management of the…