NS multi-state safety train tour under way

First responders in 23 cities from 15 states will benefit from free training with Norfolk Southern’s safety train during 2018, part of the railroad’s Operation Awareness & Response program, which provides first responders with training on how to safely respond to a potential rail incident.

The safety train consists of a dedicated locomotive, two boxcars converted into classrooms, three tank cars used in transporting all types of chemicals, and two flat cars equipped with intermodal containers and multiple tank car valve arrangements that simulate leaks.

The safety train tour kicked off April 3 in Hattiesburg, Miss., with three days of training at the NS rail yard. Additional stops on the 2018 tour include communities in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

At each location, NS hazardous materials specialists lead a four-hour course that combines classroom instruction and hands-on training on a locomotive and railcars. Emergency personnel learn about railroad operations, basic safety precautions, initial-response procedures, types of rail equipment, and whom to contact in an emergency. Following completion of the course, qualified emergency responders can download AskRail™, a free mobile application that provides immediate information about railcars carrying hazardous materials should a rail incident occur.

NS annually offers training to first responders in communities served by the railroad through programs such as TRANSCAER® (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response), a national network that promotes the safe transportation and handling of hazardous materials. The OAR program builds on these efforts by providing additional training opportunities such as classroom seminars, web-based courses, on-line resources, table-top drills and full-scale exercises.

“Our safety train is helping Norfolk Southern build and strengthen relationships with first responders across our network,” said System Manager Hazardous Materials David Schoendorfer. “We want them to be equipped with the tools and resources they need to safely do their jobs when responding to potential rail incidents. It’s all about helping our communities be prepared and safe.”

The complete 2018 training schedule is available at the OAR website.