Norfolk Southern Corporation’s (NS) safety train visited Greenville, S.C, where it held advanced training in handling potential rail incidents involving hazardous materials for 213 area emergency responders. The event was held at the NS’ Greenville rail yard with representatives from 18 area agencies attending the safety training sessions.
David Schoendorfer, NS system manager hazardous materials, said, “The safety train is a mobile technical training center – a vocational school – for the continuing education of first responders and representatives of government agencies who support Norfolk Southern’s commitment to incident-free handling of hazardous materials. It’s a whistle-stop train that helps keep our communities safe.”
Attending the classes were fire departments from Bradley County, Crosswell, Easley City, Gantt, Greenville City, Mauldin, Parker, Pickens, Piedmont Park, Poplar Springs, Silverstreet, South Greenville, Taylors, and Wade Hampton. Sheriff’s offices from Greenville County and Spartanburg County and the Anderson County Hazmat Team also attended.
“This is essential training for every community with train tracks going through its town,” said Captain Mike Marlow, a 30-year veteran of the Greenville City Fire Department who brought 90 of his firefighters to attend the classes. “We are now better prepared to respond in the event of a railroad emergency with the knowledge of how to stay safe around trains and rail equipment.”
The safety train, part of NS' “Operation Awareness and Response” initiative, is visiting 18 cities in 13 states during its inaugural tour this year. To date, 1,423 emergency responders have received professional instruction on the train. Responders can choose to attend one of the free four-hour classes offered over a three-day period that include instructor-led and hands-on learning. The train has two boxcars converted into classrooms, four types of railroad tank cars used in transporting all types of chemicals, and two specially equipped flat cars.
“Norfolk Southern has a great safety record, but in the unlikely event of a train derailment involving hazmat, we want to make sure the communities we serve are prepared,” Schoendorfer added. “We are focusing on areas where we have significant hazmat shipments. It’s a best business practice to help with preparedness.”
The train’s next stops will be October 11-13 in Atlanta; October 25-27 in Chattanooga; November 8-10 in Slidell, La.; and November 12-13 in Columbia, S.C., during the Southeastern HazMat School. To register in advance for upcoming training, visit the NS website.