Emergency Response Assistance Canada and propane industry offer Canadian first responders LPG Firefighting Training free-of-charge

CALGARY, July 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Emergency Response Assistance Canada (ERAC), in conjunction with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) today launched a comprehensive training program aimed to ensure that Canada's first responders are prepared for incidents involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

"Although LPG transportation incidents are very rare, Transport Canada wants to see industry supporting first responders," says Spencer Buckland, President ERAC. "By offering LPG Firefighting Awareness online training free-of-charge, ERAC and our industry Plan Participants ERAP plan holders are demonstrating full support of Canada's first responders."

The first component of the program, LPG Firefighting Awareness online training, will be offered free-of-charge by ERAC. Upon successful completion of the 11-module online awareness training, first responders can then enroll in the LPG Level 1 Mobile Operations training course. ERAC will bring the LPG Level 1 Mobile Operations two-day curriculum to fire departments across Canada. The curriculum is based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and will consist of both classroom and live-fire exercises using a mobile prop trailer owned and operated by ERAC. The cost of the two-day LPG Level 1 Mobile Operations training is $350, plus taxes, per student.

"The OAFC works diligently with partners like ERAC to ensure firefighters receive opportunities for quality, affordable training," said OAFC President, Stephen Hernen. "The LPG Firefighting Training program offered by ERAC is another step in keeping communities and first responders safe from incidents involving LPG, and we are thrilled to see ERAC and the propane industry, spearhead LPG training for Ontario's firefighters."

In addition to offering LPG Firefighting Training, ERAC is also offering its Plan Participants the opportunity to sponsor a fire department, in their province or territory of choice, for the LPG Level 1 Mobile Operations training course. The minimum sponsorship of a fire department will be $350. ERAC Plan Participants can also donate propane in the form of a dollar amount or product donation and delivery, for use during the LPG Level 1 Mobile Operations training.

For more information on ERAC LPG Firefighting Training, go to erac.org > Training & Events > LPG Firefighting Training.

About Emergency Response Assistance Canada (ERAC):

Emergency Response Assistance Canada (ERAC) is a not-for-profit emergency preparedness and response organization. Experts in designing emergency response assistance plans (ERAPs), ERAC is instrumental in assisting hundreds of oil and gas and transportation organizations. From coast to coast ERAC provides highly trained and skilled responders, equipment and industry best practices for road or rail incidents involving flammable gases and liquids. ERAC is a subsidiary of the Canadian Propane Association (CPA).

SOURCE Emergency Response Assistance Canada

CONTACT: Media inquiries: Natalie Green, Communications Consultant, ERAC, 403-619-8563, ngreen@nataliegreen.ca