Description: News Release - 07/28/2000 - Volunteers Needed to Pilot On-line Hazmat Training Program

An on-line awareness level hazardous materials training program has been developed by the George Meany Center's (GMC) Hazmat Training Program for Railway Workers in cooperation with the AFL-CIO, BMWE and 6 other rail unions. It is intended that, in the near future, the program will be made accessible via the Internet to rail workers nationwide who have not had access to the direct, classroom training provided by the rail worker's training program. The on-line program will address learning objectives required by both OSHA and DOT. This information will be invaluable to protecting yourself and your co-workers in the event of a hazardous materials emergency. It is anticipated that the on-line format will greatly increase access to training for approximately 165,000 rail worker potentially at risk of occupational exposure to hazardous materials.

In order to improve the effectiveness and interactivity of the on-line program, the GMC is asking for volunteers to complete a pilot program and provide feedback and comments for improving and refining the on-line course. Volunteers are being recruited from rail union members who have received no prior hazmat training through the GMC's hazmat training program. Upon completion of the pilot and refinement of the course, the program will be made accessible to all rail labor members via the Internet.

The pilot program is scheduled to begin August 7, 2000. The entire course will take approximately 8 hours to complete and participants can complete the course at their own pace, over several on-line sessions. Participants will have 3 weeks to complete the course. The program will be accessible 24/7 to allow rail workers the flexibility of accessing the course at their convenience. Participants who are selected by GMC and complete the course will be invited to attend a four-day hazmat training program October 8-12, 2000 in Silver Spring, MD. Travel, lodging, meals, and a daily stipend ($428.00 upon completion of the 4-day course) will be provided for all volunteers who attend the 4-day class in Silver Spring. This incentive is provided to encourage selected volunteers to complete the on-line pilot program.

Your feedback, both pro and con, is essential to the future of this important project. If you are interested in volunteering for this pilot, please provide your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address to the GMC via e-mail at railway@erols.com or fax 301-431-6464. Program staff at the GMC will select participants from among all participating rail unions and will contact selected participants directly with information necessary to access the on-line course.

BMWE members who have not yet participated in the Railway Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program are encouraged to volunteer for this pilot program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact BMWE Director of Education and Safety, Rick Inclima, at 1-800-848-8830, ext. 626 or e-mail at Ricki@BMWE.org. You may also contact the GMC hazmat office directly at 301-439-2440.

In Solidarity,
Rick Inclima
Director of Education and Safety