WASHINGTON, D.C. –  More than 60,000 emergency responders across 37 states have received training in the safe handling and distribution of anhydrous ammonia by TRANSCAER® (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response), a voluntary national outreach effort that focuses on assisting communities in preparing for and responding to a possible hazardous material transportation incident. 

The Anhydrous Ammonia Training Tour is the first nationwide, product-specific training module of its kind. Launched in the spring of 2011, the program concentrates on a number of topics, including ammonia properties, transportation protocol, equipment handling and emergency response in the event of a release. The tour focuses on regions of the country where the use of anhydrous ammonia in agriculture and refrigeration applications is prevalent.

To supplement the needs of emergency responders, more than 28,000 TRANSCAER® Anhydrous Ammonia DVDs have been distributed nationwide.

TRANSCAER®, through continued work with The Fertilizer Institute and more than 200 volunteers from chemical manufacturers, transportation industry leaders, distributors, and federal, state and local government agencies, will continue the tour through 2012.

TRANSCAER® members consist of volunteer representatives from the chemical manufacturing, transportation, distributor, and emergency response industries, as well as the government.

TRANSCAER® is sponsored by the Association of American Railroads, American Chemistry Council, CHEMTREC®, The Chlorine Institute, Inc., Renewable Fuels Association and The Fertilizer Institute.

For more information on TRANSCAER’s Anhydrous Ammonia training, visit http://transcaer.com/aa-tour.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $720 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation’s largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure. For more information, visit http://www.americanchemistry.com

For more information, contact: Patrick Hurston, American Chemistry Council (ACC) Phone: (202) 249-6506 Email: patrick_hurston@americanchemistry.com