Key Takeaway: In partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, freight railroads created the free AskRail app, which provides first responders with timely data about what type of hazmat a railcar is carrying so they can make an informed decision about how to respond to a rail emergency safely. More than 2.3 million first responders nationwide have access to AskRail thanks to railroads’ partnerships with CHEMTREC, CANUTEC and Emergency Call Centers.

For decades, freight railroads and first responders have shared a fundamental commitment to the safety of the communities they serve nationwide. Each year, railroads work with government and industry partners to train first responders on responding to a hazmat by rail incident safely and quickly. In 2023 alone, freight railroads trained roughly 20,000 first responders in local communities nationwide. In addition, the industry will train 2,000 first responders at the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) in Pueblo, Colorado, the industry’s hazmat response training facility, which was recently updated with new and enhanced scenario planning and training.

To further support emergency responders, America’s Class I railroads, Amtrak, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Railinc and the AAR created the AskRail app in 2014. As a backup to the train’s consist and conductor, the app provides first responders immediate access to accurate, timely data about what type of hazardous materials a railcar is carrying so they can make an informed decision about how to respond to a rail emergency.

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Today, more than 2.3 million first responders have access to AskRail.

In light of recent accidents, AAR and the rail industry proactively conducted a critical risk assessment to evaluate how AskRail performed and identify areas for improvement. The assessment showed the need for a more centralized, universal approach to provide AskRail data directly to both professional and volunteer firefighters. In addition to greatly expanding the availability of AskRail, this new approach enhances continuity of access and information; ensures the reliability of communications streams and streamlines communications to allow for more efficient response.

CHEMTREC & CANUTEC: When responding to any type of hazmat incident, all professional hazmat-certified first responders are trained to use the CHEMTREC (in the U.S.) and CANUTEC (in Canada) 24/7 call centers for assistance in managing the incident. CHEMTREC and CANUTEC now have full access to AskRail data to better support first responders at the scene of a rail emergency.

Emergency Call Centers: 82% of U.S. fire departments are predominantly volunteer, safeguarding nearly 30% of the population (source: NFPA). Unfortunately, many volunteer firefighters lack hazmat training and may not be familiar with CHEMTREC or CANUTEC. Instead, their training emphasizes contacting Emergency Communications Centers (ECC) during emergencies. Railroads are actively integrating AskRail into ECCs to enhance coverage and information access. ECCs, with constant staffing and backup power, ensure that every first responder arriving at a rail emergency receives the necessary information for an effective response.

Before

Once approved, individual first responders downloaded AskRail to their mobile device. This was a challenge because not all firefighters have a firehouse email to sign up, internet access in the field may be limited and new phones would require an update or re-download.

Now

Local dispatchers (aka Emergency Communications Centers) integrate AskRail data into incident response comms with first responders arriving at the scene of the incident. This approach enhances continuity of access and information, ensures reliability of communications streams and streamlines communications for more efficient response.

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AAR Director of Hazmat Compliance, Andy Elkins, gives an in-depth look at the app.

Example Features
  1. Use a simple railcar ID search to see whether a railcar on a train is carrying hazmat and to view the contents of the entire train.
  2. View a map of nearby railroad mileposts, grade crossing locations, schools, hospitals and more and follow instructions for where to establish isolation zones.
  3. Access the DOT Emergency Response Guide and find emergency contact information for all Class I railroads, and Amtrak and available shortlines.
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How to Request

For security reasons, only qualified emergency responders who have completed rail emergency training sponsored by one of the Class I freight railroads or at SERTC can download and use the restricted features in the AskRail app. In addition, railroads can offer the app to known emergency responders along their routes. The industry encourages state and local Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) to integrate AskRail into operations.

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