NTSB recommends safety steps for rail transport of hazmat materials

摘要

The National Transportation Safety Board Nov.29 recommended several steps designed to reduce the impact of rail accidents involving trains carrying hazardous materials.The recommendations stem from the Board's findings about the causes of a Jan.6 accident in Graniteville,S.C.,which released a cloud of chlorine gas,killing nine people.The Board also recommended steps to reduce the chance of accidents in general.On hazardous materials,NTSB said the Federal Railroad Administration(FRA)should require railroads to implement various operating measures,such as putting tank cars toward the rear of trains and reducing speeds through populated areas to "minimize impact forces from accidents."