Short Line Safety Institute offers hazmat training program

The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) has developed a hazardous materials instructor training program, which will be provided at no cost to short lines and regionals.

The new program will complement training railroads currently offer to their hazmat employees, said SLSI Executive Director Tom Murta in a press release.

"Through this program, SLSI will provide the resources necessary to ensure railroad employees understand the requirements for transporting hazardous materials," he said.

The training is being made available through a grant from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Class Is, short lines and rail hazmat transportation experts provided input in the design of the curriculum.

Training is flexible to meet the needs of any size railroad. Materials may be presented directly to a single railroad, a group of railroads or as a drill or exercise. Most offerings in this phase will be a "train-the-trainer" format, SLSI officials said.

In their safety culture assessments with SLSI, many short lines identified hazmat training as an area of need.

To schedule a hazmat training program, send an email to HMIT@shortlinesafety.org.