40-20-310. Training - rules

40-20-310. Training - rules. (1) On or before July 1, 2025, and at least once every three years thereafter, each railroad shall offer training to each fire department and other first responder organization having jurisdiction along tracks upon which the railroad operates in the state. In satisfying this requirement, a railroad may offer such training simultaneously to more than one fire department and other first responder organization.

(2) The training described in subsection (1) of this section must:

(a) Address the general hazards of hazardous materials, techniques to assess risks posed to the environment and to the safety of emergency responders and the public, factors an incident commander must consider in determining whether to attempt to suppress a fire or to evacuate the public and emergency responders from an area, public notification processes, environmental contamination response, resource coordination, and other strategies for initial response by emergency responders; and

(b) Include safety drills that implement suggested protocols or practices for emergency responders to use to safely accomplish the tasks described in subsection (2)(a) of this section. Each railroad operating trains in Colorado shall conduct at least one oil containment, recovery, and sensitive area protection walk-through; tabletop exercise; or functional exercise involving oil or hazardous substances every year, and at least one full-scale exercise every five years, in coordination with local emergency management organizations and local fire chiefs.

(3) The public utilities commission shall promulgate rules for the implementation of this section, including rules concerning training content, safety drills, communication, and railroad incident response requirements.

(4) In satisfying the requirements of this section, a railroad shall coordinate its efforts with local law enforcement agencies and the hazardous materials section of the Colorado state patrol.

(5) A class II or class III railroad may satisfy the requirements of this section by either:

(a) Entering into an agreement with a class I railroad to be a partner with the class I railroad in its program; or

(b) Adopting the training programs provided by the Short Line Safety Institute.