Palmetto Railways Hosts Emergency Responder Training with Short Line Safety Institute
Palmetto Railways to start train operations along Salkehatchie Rail Line through Hampton and Colleton Counties
Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Palmetto Railways partnered with the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) to host a week-long hazardous materials emergency response training program for regional first responders and railroad employees. The program took place June 8–12.
The training brought together 69 first responders and 21 Palmetto Railways employees for classroom instruction and a field incident exercise designed to strengthen preparedness and coordination during railroad-related emergencies.
Participants represented Palmetto Railways, Charleston County Emergency Management Division, Charleston Fire Department, Goose Creek City Fire Department, Moncks Corner Fire Department, North Charleston Fire Department, Central Berkeley Fire & EMS, North Berkeley Fire Department, South Berkeley Fire Department, Bonneau Rural Fire Department, and HEPACO.
The training was provided by SLSI at no cost to participating organizations, and combined classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and interactive experience-based discussions tailored to meet the needs of first responders. The program is supported by funding from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)’s Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) Grant Program.
Led by SLSI instructors with extensive hazardous materials transportation safety experience, the course covered:
- Safety on railroad operating property
- Safety considerations at the scene of a rail incident
- Railcar identification and construction
- Hazardous materials placards and markings
- Understanding train documentation and shipping papers
The week culminated in a field incident exercise that allowed participants to apply classroom lessons in a realistic rail emergency scenario. The exercise emphasized interagency coordination, incident command, hazard recognition, and effective communication among railroad personnel and emergency responders.
“Safety is our highest priority, and strong partnerships with local emergency response agencies are essential to maintaining safe rail operations and protecting our communities,” said President & CEO, Patrick McCrory. “This training provided valuable opportunities for participants to strengthen their knowledge, build relationships, and practice coordinated response procedures in a realistic environment. We appreciate and are thankful for the Short Line Safety Institute and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s technical support in providing this training to our local first responder partners, emergency support contractors and our employees.”
“The Short Line Safety Institute was pleased to be able to support Palmetto Railways in this proactive approach to regional first responder training. First responders benefit from exposure to specific railroad operations; it is crucial to the success of a response. Following classroom training, first responders were able to apply newly gained knowledge to a practice scenario, interacting with railroad personnel,” said Tom Murta, Executive Director of SLSI. “Palmetto Railways’ initiative in preparing area first responders to meet the challenges they may encounter when responding to an incident will serve the public well.”
SLSI works with short line, regional, and passenger railroads nationwide to advance safety culture and operational excellence through training, education, and technical assistance programs.
By hosting this training, Palmetto Railways continues its commitment to safety, preparedness, and collaboration with emergency response partners across South Carolina.
About Palmetto Railways
Palmetto Railways, established in 1969, promotes the economic viability of the State of South Carolina by providing safe, efficient and cost-effective rail solutions to facilitate the movement of freight and to support economic development efforts. Palmetto Railways also provides technical assistance and consulting services in railroad matters to state, local and municipal governments. As a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Palmetto Railways is a Class III terminal switching and short line railroad located in Charleston, S.C., serving the Port of Charleston and multiple industries based in the five-county region of the Lowcountry. Palmetto Railways lines have direct access to both Eastern Class I railroads, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern.
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