Norfolk Southern, BASF sponsor emergency preparedness training courses in North Carolina

More than 149 local emergency responders received hands-on training last month in Greensboro, N.C., as part of an emergency preparedness course sponsored by Norfolk Southern Railway and chemical company BASF.

Conducted at NS' Pomona Yard, the course was attended by responders from various rural fire departments and emergency services organizations. Training was provided through the TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) program, which involves a consortium of companies from the rail and chemical industries that voluntarily help communities prepare for and respond to potential hazardous material transportation incidents.

BASF provided instructors and a training tank car that's equipped with multiple domes and cutaways to enable responders to better understand the appearance and function of valves and fittings.

Responders received training in various aspects of rail and tank-car safety, including the proper way to apply handbrakes to prevent a rail car from moving in the event of an accident and the dangers involved with emergency equipment when approaching grade crossings.

NS plans to sponsor two other TRANSCAER emergency preparedness training courses in North Carolina this summer: one involving Dupont training cars in Spencer from July 30 to Aug. 1, and another involving BASF to be held in Charlotte Aug. 6-8.