A new final rule will require railroads to install emergency escape breathing apparatuses (EEBAs) on freight trains that transport hazardous materials.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced Jan. 25 that railroads will be required to provide EEBAs for train crew members and other employees who could be exposed to an inhalation hazard during a hazardous materials release.
Under the final rule, railroads will also be required to ensure that the equipment is properly maintained and that employees are trained on its use.
The FRA stated that this rule “was advanced after the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine.”
‘Benefits of EEBAs established by past tragedies, research’
One major benefit of this rule, according to the FRA, is that it will allow for earlier public notification of a hazardous materials release, along with the benefits of heightened safety and prevention of injuries for covered employees.
Fatalities caused by inhalation of hazardous materials are rare, but train crew deaths from incidents involving releases of chlorine gas in 2004 and 2005 showed that such protections are necessary, the FRA said.
“As FRA continues to advance rail safety and address concerns related to the transportation of hazardous materials, this new rule will implement needed protections for the workers who transport these products around the country,” FRA Administrator Amit Bose said. “The safety needs and benefits of EEBAs have long been established by past tragedies and research, and this rule will provide rail employees with the knowledge and tools to minimize potential dangers.”
