Both nationally and internationally there has been a long-standing requirement that persons engaged in the transport of dangerous goods shall receive training. Nevertheless, training deficiencies continue to be a major finding in hazardous materials transportation incidents and violations (HMCRP Report 1: Hazardous Materials Transportation Incident Data for Root Cause Analysis). The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has published guidance for developing a hazardous materials training program as well as numerous training modules and training aids to assist in improving the quality and effectiveness of hazardous materials employee training. However, research is needed on the impact of different instructional strategies, media, delivery techniques, and testing techniques; and, most importantly, there is a need for metrics to measure and evaluate hazardous materials training effectiveness. 

 

 

The objective of this research is to develop a guide that describes methodologies, metrics, and best practices used to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and instructional methods (including preparation and delivery) used to impart hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation safety and security regulatory requirements to public- and private-sector hazmat employees.

 

Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks.

 

 

(1). Identify representative examples of domestic and international industry and government hazmat transportation training programs and instructional methodologies that include evaluations of hazmat transportation training programs for public-and private-sector hazmat employees. (2). Describe and evaluate existing evaluation methodologies and metrics, including gaps or deficiencies, for the examples identified in Task 1. (3). Based on the results of Tasks 1 and 2, prepare a guide to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and instructional methods used to impart hazmat transportation safety and security regulatory requirements to public- and private-sector hazmat employees. The guide should include methodologies, metrics, and best practices for evaluating the effectiveness of training preparation, content, and delivery methods taking into account such factors as risk-based analysis, function-specific roles, and transport mode. (4). Prepare a list of 40 subject matter experts and users for the Task 6 Peer Exchange and a draft agenda. Provide the rationale for the subject matter experts and users nominated. (5). Within 8 months of contract award, prepare an interim report documenting the results of Tasks 1 through 4 for review by HMCRP. The contractor will meet with the HMCRP approximately 1 month later to discuss the interim report, the guide, and the Task 6 Peer Exchange. (6). Validate the guide by designing and conducting a 1-day Peer Exchange at the National Academies Beckman Center in Irvine, California (including invited participants and panel members). HMCRP will be responsible for all meeting and hotel logistics, travel expenses for participants, confirmation of attendance, and expenses related to meals and lodging. The contractor will be responsible for covering all other costs, such as invitations, agenda, electronic presentations, and handout materials. (7). Based on the results of Task 6, revise the guide. (8). Prepare a final report documenting the entire research effort and the stand-alone guide on how to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and instructional methods used to impart hazardous materials transportation safety and security regulatory requirements to public- and private-sector hazmat employees.

 

STATUS: Available on request.