USA: Norfolk Southern’s safety train has begun a 23-city tour to provide free emergency response training to first responders including fire and law enforcement departments, medical services and hazmat response teams, military and homeland security personnel and railway customers and suppliers.
The train comprises a specially branded locomotive, two vans converted into 30-seat classrooms, examples of DOT-105, DOT-111, DOT-112 and DOT-117 tank wagons and two 89 ft intermodal flat wagons. Each 4 h training session includes classroom instruction and hands-on training inside the locomotive and on the wagons.
Last year Norfolk Southern provided training for around 5 600 people in 18 states. ‘We’re committed to moving all materials on our railroad safely’, said John Irwin, Norfolk Southern Assistant Vice-President, Safety & Environmental. ‘Important components of our safety culture include building relationships with first responders in the 22 states where NS operates and providing in-person educational opportunities like the Operation Awareness & Response train.’
