PHMSA awards hazmat training grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has awarded more than $4 million in grants for a handful of hazardous materials training programs.    The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has awarded more than $4 million in grants for a handful of hazardous materials training programs.
   The grants are part of the fiscal year 2017 Hazardous Materials Instructor Training (HMIT) and Supplemental Public Sector Training (SPST) programs.
   The HMIT grants fund the training of instructors who then train private-sector hazardous materials employees, while the SPST grant funds national nonprofit fire service organizations to train instructors to conduct hazardous materials response training programs for local responders.
   “These grants are force multipliers in helping communities get more local first responders and employees prepared for transportation incidents involving hazardous materials,” Transportation Security Elaine Chao said in a statement.
   HMIT grants were awarded to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Corp. for Re-Employment and Safety Training ($729,197), the International Chemical Workers Union Council ($399,608), Sustainable Workplace Alliance ($817,950), the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service ($708,239), and Short Line Safety Institute ($500,000).
   The International Association of Fire Fighters received an SPST grant in the amount of $931,000.
   The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) will use its grant to form a Hazardous Materials Training Academy for industry representatives of the short line and regional railroad industry.
   “Through the SLSI, the academy will provide classroom training, hands-on instruction, response exercises, and support individual railroads in training their personnel,” said Tom Murta, the institute’s executive director. “Our program will enhance the training currently provided in the industry.”