Hazardous Materials Management - Response

Union Pacific's process follows the Incident Command structure and protocol which requires analyzing the problem, planning the response, implementing the plan, and evaluating and adjusting the response as necessary. Additionally, our Response Management Communication Center (RMCC) is a 24-hour, 365 days a year, emergency response center where critical call dispatchers follow a pre-defined protocol to manage calls from employees, the public, law enforcement, and others across Union Pacific's 32,000-mile network. RMCC is the first call for hazardous materials releases as well as safety concerns, vehicles stopped on railroad tracks, fires, and other incidents requiring emergency response. RMCC follows all regulations regarding notification to local, state, and federal agencies in the event of an accident and works closely with first responders throughout an incident

Union Pacific has a wide network of qualified people to respond to any emergency and includes:

  • A highly trained hazardous materials responder team to coordinate the response approach for hazardous materials emergencies.
  • A network of private response contractors who are carefully vetted and audited annually to ensure readiness. Most contractors are highly qualified with firefighting or United States Coast Guard Oil Spill Recover Organization (OSRO) certifications.
  • To supplement the response, air monitoring contractors quickly provide real-time data to public responders. Additionally, hazardous materials management team can deploy contractors who are subject matter experts in toxicology, industrial hygiene, medicine, nursing and environmental protection.
  • Response equipment in the form of firefighting trailers, foam caches, air monitoring equipment, and specialty tools to ensure resources are readily available.