SAFETY: Tank car equipment manufacturer Kelso Technologies has completed testing of an emergency response kit which first responders can use to cap and contain chemical leaks from a tank wagon’s valve assembly or connections in the event of an incident.
The Kelso ERK was developed in partnership with hazardous materials specialists from a Class 1 railway. The compact and lightweight design fits in two containers rather than the three of current systems, meaning it takes up less space on emergency response vehicles and can be handled by one person. No additional application tools are required, and a friction reduction system lowers the torque needed to apply the valve cap. Colour-coded valve caps assist first responders with selecting the proper valve cap under emergency conditions.
It is designed for both pressurised tank cars carrying commodities such as chlorine, liquefied petroleum gas and anhydrous ammonia, as well as non-pressurised tank cars.