The Short Line Safety Institute’s materials cover a range of topics related to Safety Culture and HazMat. Browse our Safety Tips below for guidance on how to improve safety at your railroad.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has the authority to issue one-time movement approvals (OTMA) for bulk packages/packaging that no longer conform to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 171-180).
Check out this hazmat safety tip to learn more about OTMAs and how the process works.
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Blue signal usage is covered under CFR 49, part 218, and should be employed when any employee or contractor is engaged in the inspection, testing, repair, and servicing of rolling equipment whose activities require them to work on, under, or between such equipment and subjects them to the danger of personal injury posed by any movement of such equipment.
Check out this safety tip to learn more about the requirements for placement of a blue signal, and reviews securing a track using a locking device or a derail.
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Routinely reviewing protocol for hazardous materials releases is a great topic for safety briefings. Check out this hazmat safety tip to learn more about non-accidental releases (NARs) and necessary response actions to take when they occur.
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While not inherently dangerous, the rail environment contains a unique infrastructure and moving equipment. It’s better to know before you go when responding to calls for service on railroad property. Check out this hazmat safety tip to learn more.
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Conduct job safety briefings to ensure employees are aware of the occupational health and safety risks associated with the job that they perform. Check out this safety tip to learn more.
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“D.E.C.I.D.E.” is a process framework for hazardous materials emergency decision making. Check out this hazmat safety tip to learn more.
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Check out this safety tip to learn more about fostering mutual trust between employees and the railroad.
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Fact-gathering endeavors during a hazardous materials emergency response should focus on: train, surroundings, and coordination. Check out this hazmat safety tipto learn more.
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Check out this safety tip to learn more about Practical Drift Management.
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Three clear priorities exist during a hazardous materials emergency response. Check out this hazmat safety tip to learn more.
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Use this safety tip to review the important distinctions between the two categories of tank cars in use in the United States: General Service Cars and Pressure Service Cars, and how to identify the type via specification markings.
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The latest Hazardous Material Safety Tip provides a helpful overview for your team, outlining the sections of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG).
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There are several steps that must be adhered to each and every time roadway workers are required to foul a track or tracks. This Safety Tip discusses basic guidance when doing so.
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The latest Hazardous Materials Safety Tip is the third in a series, reviewing the documentation required for the movement of Hazardous Materials.
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This Safety Tip discusses our perceptions. Accurately conveying the intent and purpose of rules and instructions to employees will improve their understanding of safety rules and overall work performance.
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This Hazmat Safety Tip reviews the necessary elements that railroad personnel should check for and review related to Emergency Response Information as part of reviewing shipping papers.
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This Safety Tip discusses when rolling stock and on track maintenance equipment is in the clear.
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This first Safety Tip in the hazmat series discusses required documents including shipping papers.
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This Safety Tip discusses who is responsible for your safety and that of your coworkers.
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For railcars containing hazardous materials, this Safety Tip discusses basic tips for conducting a safety and security inspection.
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This Safety Tip provides guidance on preventing one of the most common workplace causes of injuries.
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This Safety Tip describes the specific requirements that help keep employees and equipment safe when a shoving movement is to be made.
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Proper back safety ergonomics and techniques are important and must be part of ongoing training. Check out this safety tip to learn more.
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