WASHINGTON — The Short Line Safety Institute has named Chris Machenberg as its hazardous materials program director, the organization announced today (Dec. 15).
Machenberg, a veteran of nearly 30 years in the rail industry, has worked as a conductor, engineer, yardmaster, and trainmaster, with increasing levels of responsibility for hazardous materials shipments and safety. He has served on the Association of American Railroads Tank Car Committee, including one term as its chairman, and most recently was the Federal Railroad Administration’s deputy staff director, hazardous materials-field operations.
“We are pleased to have Chris join our team,” Tom Murta, executive director of the Short Line Safety Institute, said in a press release. “His experience from a boots-on-the-ground craft employee to the highest levels of hazmat program management in the rail industry, coupled with his experience at FRA, will benefit any railroad that takes advantage of our hazardous materials training programs.”
Machenberg will succeed John Walsh, who is retiring in January. “John’s impact on our program offerings has been transformational, and has benefited railroads and first responders across the country,” Murta said. “We wish John the very best in his retirement.”
Said Machenberg, “The Short Line Safety Institute has a proud history of delivering meaningful and well-received hazmat training to short line railroads and first responders. In my career, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong safety culture, coupled with consistent and exceptional training delivers results. I’m looking forward to assisting the industry in reducing risk and increasing preparedness for any hazmat incident.”
The Short Line Safety Institute is a nonprofit organization that conducts assessments and provides training and research for the short line industry. To date, it has provided training to 5,603 individuals from 1,053 organizations through 202 training events. More information is available at its website.
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