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The Railroad Research Foundation (RRF) recently received two grants from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

One will help fund a joint project with the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association to help regionals and short lines that transport hazardous materials comply with federal requirements.

Federal regulators, industry representatives and Class Is have prioritized the development and implementation of risk reduction solutions to overcome multi-route complexities associated with haz-mat shipments, according to the RRF. That effort has resulted in the Rail Corridor Risk Management System, a FRA-funded project designed to help Class Is and IIs assess their haz-mat vulnerabilities and reduce security risks associated with haz-mat transportation, RRF officials said in a prepared statement.

With its partner, Norfolk Southern Railway, the RRF also received a FRA grant to develop a process designed to help NS employees avoid electronic device distractions while on the job to reduce the risk of accidents, incidents, injuries and fatalities. Employed at NS' Inman Yard in Atlanta, the process involves education about the dangers of distractions and peer support for appropriate use of electronic devices.

"Through projects like reducing the distractions of electronic devices and developing security strategies for moving hazardous materials between Class I and Class II railroads, the RRF demonstrates its ability to handle a variety of research endeavors on behalf of the industry," said RRF Senior Program Director Sharon Cole.