Norfolk Southern/Conrail Rail Connection–Bucyrus, Ohio - Surface ...

3.4.2 Transportation of Hazardous Materials
Systemwide, approximately 5.6 percent of NS traffic is composed of hazardous materials. Train
operation always involves a possibility for train accidents or incidents. However, NS’ track and
equipment inspection and maintenance programs, employee training programs and the low speed of the
trains over the connection would minimize this potential.
3.4.2.1 Carrier’s Safety Practices
Train accidents involving damage as low as $6,300 must be reported to the Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA). The number of FRA-reportable train accidents per million train-miles for NS
for 1991 through 1995 are listed in Table 3.5.
Table 3-5
Norfolk Southern Train Accident Rates per Million Train Miles
Year
Rate
1991 2.86
1992 2.65
1993 2.23
1994 1.97
1995 1.93
In 1995, NS’ train accident rate was 1.93 accidents per million train miles, approximately half the
national average rate of 3.71 accidents per million miles for Class I railroads.
Safe transportation protects the resources of the customers and communities served as well as the
resources of the railroad. NS has independently adopted proactive programs to improve the safety of
hazardous materials transportation. This action has resulted in superior safety records for NS compared
to industry averages.
As part of their efforts to continually improve safety performance in transportation, NS is involved in
Responsible Care® Partner. The Responsible Care® program was established by the Chemical
Manufacturers Association (CMA) in 1988 as a proactive self-regulating approach to improving health,
safety and environmental performance. The Responsible Care® Partnership program extends
Responsible Care® requirements to non-CMA members including transportation companies which
apply to join. Partners must align internal management practices to meet or continuously improve
toward meeting established codes. The codes include: Community Awareness and Emergency
Response; Process Safety; Pollution Prevention; Safe Distribution; Employee Health and Safety; and
Product Stewardship.
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