Norfolk Southern Corporation’s (NS) safety train recently hosted 143 Slidell, La., area emergency responders in advanced training in safely handling hazardous material rail incidents.
“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,” said David Schoendorfer, Norfolk Southern’s system manager hazardous materials. “It’s a whistle-stop train that helps keep our communities safe.”
“Norfolk Southern has a great safety record, but in the unlikely event of a train derailment involving hazmat, we want to help make sure the communities we serve are prepared. It’s a best business practice to help with preparedness,” Schoendorfer added.
The safety train held safety training for emergency responders from the Bogalusa Fire Department, Fort Pike Fire Department, Live Oak Manor Volunteer Fire Department, McComb Fire Department, and St. Tammany Fire Districts 1, 3, and 4. Representatives from the hazardous materials teams of Airgas and BASF also attended the event.
Captain Greg Kelly with the St. Tammany Fire District #1 in Slidell, a 21-year fire service veteran, participated in the training with 106 members of his department. “The Norfolk Southern Operations Awareness & Response course was excellent with the instructors sharing their extensive experience and training,” said Kelly. “Proper and regular training is extremely important for us to be able to protect our citizens and our personnel. Meeting and training with the other responders was a great opportunity to build better working relationships.”
The train is visiting 18 cities in 13 states during its tour this year. At every location, emergency responders can choose from among three days of free training that includes instructor-led and hands-on learning. The train includes two boxcars converted into classrooms, four types of railroad tank cars used in transporting all types of chemicals, and two specially equipped flat cars.
The dedicated safety train is part of the NS “Operation Awareness and Response” initiative. In 2016, NS has trained more than 4,000 local emergency responders throughout its operating territory. Further information can be found at www.joinNSoar.com.