The United States Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently announced it was providing more than $4 million (U.S.) in grants to Hazardous Materials Instructor Training (HMIT) and Supplemental Public Sector Training (SPST).
The HMIT grants fund the training of instructors who then train private-sector hazardous materials employees. The SPST grant funds national non-profit fire service organizations to train instructors to conduct hazardous materials response training programs for local responders.
“Enhancing the safe transport of hazardous materials by highway, rail, water, and air is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “These grants are force multipliers in helping communities get more local first responders and employees prepared for transportation incidents involving hazardous materials.”
The following HMIT grants were awarded for 2017:
- The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Corporation for Re-Employment and Safety Training ($729,197)
- The International Chemical Workers Union Council ($399,608)
- Sustainable Workplace Alliance ($817,950)
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service ($708,239)
- Short Line Safety Institute ($500,000)
For 2017, one national non-profit fire service organization, the International Association of Fire Fighters was awarded a grant of $931,000.
“Well-trained first responders play a critical role in any hazardous materials incident, and this grant funding supports their efforts to protect their communities,” said PHMSA Acting Administrator Drue Pearce. “These grants are part of our comprehensive approach to improving the safe transportation of hazardous material across the country.”
