The California Highway Patrol and the Western Propane Gas Association have completed the training of 1,700 emergency personnel to deal with tanker-trailer truck crashes.

The CHP and WPGA recently completed a 24-month statewide training project for the CHP and local law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, heavy-duty tow operators and hazardous materials officers.
The Emergency Response Training Program was funded by a $133,284 state Office of Traffic Safety grant.
"Our first priority in a tanker-trailer crash is to ensure the public is protected from a hazardous spill. Our second is to get the road cleared and traffic flowing again," said CHP Commissioner D. O. "Spike" Helmick.
Tanker trailers frequently carry hazardous liquids such as propane gas, gasoline, diesel, chlorine, anhydrous ammonia and other chemicals. From 1994 to 1997, the CHP responded to 24 hazardous materials incidents involving tanker-trailers.
"Spills from tanker trailers can cause traffic congestion even if the contents are harmless materials such as water, milk and molasses. The liquids create a slippery road surface and can cause spinouts and slowdowns," Helmick said.
Once emergency personnel understand how a tanker trailer is constructed, they can clear the crash using the quickest, safest procedures.
The Emergency Response Training Program included CHP instruction about its role at a tanker-trailer crash scene. The CHP must ensure injured people receive appropriate care, the public and environment are safe and the crash is thoroughly investigated.
The WPGA instructed responders on hazardous material safety, cargo tank identification and construction, the specific properties of liquid propane gas and correct procedures for dealing with an emergency.