Dear Editor:
I enjoyed the article (“Boot camp — SNBC puts newly hired drivers through regimented training program”) in your October 2009 issue. I have only one issue. The photographs show them using a plastic bucket. This is a big no-no, as it can carry a static charge. An incident occurred at the Flint hills loading facility in Austin TX where all it took was the rotation of the plastic on the handle, and it caused an explosion. If they are going to train new guys, they need to cover everything, or they may not even know of the danger.
Bryan Parkhurst
Dispatcher
Colorado County Oil Inc & 3L
Dear Editor:
First, thanks for the great article, Chuck. The positive chatter it generated was immediate. In fact, it was a complimentary comment from one of our biggest customers that opened up a safety meeting I attended last week!
In response to the letter above, I want to sincerely thank the contributor for his attention to detail. SNBC drivers are actually equipped with both plastic and metal buckets and are trained for the appropriate use of each. Our fleet carries a wide variety of products, many of which are non-hazardous. Those that are hazardous range from flammables to corrosives, so we have to be prepared for all scenarios. Mr Parkhurst's comments have prompted me to include fresh reinforcement material in our next round of fleet sustainment training.
Steve Torres
Safety Director
Schneider National Bulk Carriers (SNBC)