Welcome to the 1-Year Anniversary episode of the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh, is joined by our very first guest of the podcast, Wendy Buckley, founder, president, and CEO of STARS HazMat Consulting. Together they discuss the importance of proper Hazmat training, understanding packing groups, placarding, and having the correct and current SDS. Wendy also provides updated information from the East Palestine, OH derailment from 02/03/23 regarding the remediation of the vinyl chloride, and what we can learn from it. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% Globally!
• Don announces the podcast’s new Platinum Sponsor, the Aldon Company!
• The American Railroading online store is live for you to get your American Railroading merch!
• Guest Wendy Buckley was the first guest ever on the American Railroading podcast.
• Wendy explains that Hazmat in transportation is defined as “Something that poses an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property in transportation”.
• Rail is the safest way to transport freight by ground in the U.S. There are over 1.6 billion tons of freight moved by rail each year, of which 1% is involved in a derailment, and .001% involves a release of materials.
• Wendy provides updated information on the vinyl chloride material release and remediation from the East Palestine, OH train derailment of February 3, 2023, and what we as an industry can learn from it.
• Don and Wendy discuss the importance of proper Hazmat training, understanding packing groups, placarding, and having the correct and current SDS.
• Wendy emphasizes the need for transloading companies to train their employees on the differences between railcars and trucks to help mitigate the risks during and after transloading, including pre-trip inspections.
• Be sure to listen to Don’s new closing statement for each episode called “My Two Cents”.

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net/ 

https://americanrailroadingstore.company.site 

https://therevolutionrailgroup.com/ 

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.starshazmat.com 

https://www.aldonco.com 

https://www.aar.org