Training is an essential part of tank farm operations. In fact, it is required to stay in regulatory compliance. More importantly, most spills are the result of operator error. Training can significantly reduce the number of spills and reduce the impact if you have one.
RAFS offers a comprehensive list of training topics and courses. Rural Alaska Fuel Services Training courses include:
HAZWOPER (40hr, 24hr & 8hr)
HAZardous Waste OPerations and Emergency Response training is essential for any person who may be involved in handling or response to a hazardous material or fuel spill. Beginning in 2017, the Coast Guard has been citing bulk fuel operating entities who do not have at least some qualified individuals with current HAZWOPER certification.
Confined Space Entry
Do you want your operators to be more valuable to you? Confined space certification allows your operator to be properly trained to enter a permit required confined space such as a bulk fuel storage tank. We will teach them how to safely work in such conditions to become a bigger asset to you and your tank farm.
First Aid & CPR
As a first responder to an emergency it may be a matter of life and death. We understand how important it is to have first aid and CPR training in rural Alaska. Often in an emergency the first responder is the lifeline for an injured person until a medivac can respond which can take hours. In rural Alaska this is a critical skill to have in an emergency
Person-in-Charge
PIC training is required for at least one individual at your facility to take on fuel, according to 33 CFR 154.710. The Coast Guard has some very specific criteria for the compliance to be met in this training. RAFS will make sure that your operators gain the knowledge needed, keep in compliance, and minimize potential for a costly fuel spill with the PIC training.
Spill Drills
Four spill drills are required to be performed and documented annually. One of these must include full deployment of spill equipment.
- Full Deployment Drill – Includes the deployment of boom and other response material that may be required by the spill scenario. This is the perfect opportunity to take an inventory of your spill response equipment as listed in your Facility Response Plan.
- Phone Notification Drill — The phone notification drill trains operators to know when and how soon to report a spill as well as be prepared to give the required information to the correct agency.
Tank Farm Security
Tank Farm Security training is the best way detect and prevent Fuel Theft and Vandalism. With fuel often being priced from $5-$10 a gallon, it is of the upmost importance to detect and prevent theft of fuel. Also, proper training can keep curious kids and vandals from causing damage or a costly spill from occurring on your facility.
Home Heating Oil Training
Home heating fuel is a challenge in Rural Alaska. Proper storage and handling are critical to safe use and operation of home heating fuel systems. RAFS has developed a course to train homeowners in safe operation of home heating fuel systems and how to address spills that may happen, including where and how to report them.