CSX Launches Free Interactive Training for First Responders

CSX recently launched a free, online training program to educate emergency personnel on how to safely respond to incidents on and around railroad property and equipment. The site at www.csxsafe.com, is the first of its kind, launched by a U.S. railroad for this audience.

The educational section of the site is organized into four parts, providing basics on Safety, CSX Operations, Initial Response and Railroad Equipment.

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CSXSAFE offers participants the opportunity to gain an understanding of how railroads operate, including some of the hazards of working around the rails and necessary protocols to keep responders safe. This web-based program takes less than an hour to complete, and is intended to provide important information to public agency personnel in fire and police departments, rescue and emergency medical organizations.

"Every day, emergency workers put themselves in harm's way to protect the public in homes, office buildings, factories, agricultural facilities and other locations, each with distinct hazards," said Mike Lunsford, CSX director-chemical safety. "CSXSAFE is one of the ways we help these brave men and women by educating them on the unique challenges posed by railroad operations. Emergency personnel have to know a great deal about a variety of different industries and settings, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to learn about ours."

The educational section of the site is organized into four parts, providing basics on Safety, CSX Operations, Initial Response and Railroad Equipment. Upon completion of the training modules, participants take a quiz, print a certificate of completion and are able to browse through upcoming in-person training opportunities being offered across the CSX network.

"For those who don't work for the railroad, our equipment can be intimidating and some safety risks may not be apparent," said Cliff Stayton, director of Community Affairs & Safety. "This training is designed to help emergency workers make good decisions quickly and know who to call to get help."