This was one of hundreds of first responder trainings and public events that the CN Dangerous Goods team coordinates every year to ensure the safety of its employees and communities along its network. The team also supports incident management best practices, regulatory compliance related to the safe transport of dangerous goods, and other emergency preparedness and prevention programs.

Harrison Yard – with nearly 400 employees and 1,300 railcars processed daily – is the second largest CN yard in the U.S. During the recent training, first responders received a hands-on tour of two locomotives, fuel storage areas and the on-site rail car and locomotive repair shops. They also learned the ins and outs of a rail yard, including how the refueling and used oil recovery operations work, and procedures related to locomotive and crew safety.

“The tour provided a real-world appreciation for the scope and scale of our operations,” says Vaughan, who has worked at CN for 10 years and is a former firefighter. “Taking time for advance preparation and planning helps improve response times and builds first responders’ knowledge. Should a CN employee ever need to call 911, the yard visits ensure first responders know where to go, what to expect and how to provide help.”

Dangerous Goods Team in Numbers

CN was also the first Class 1 railroad to offer active incident training facilities, to provide hands-on exercises and equipment to simulate emergencies like derailments. The facilities are at CN’s Training Campuses in Winnipeg, MB, and Homewood, IL.

Learn more about CN’s Dangerous Goods team, training and resources for first responders and communities.