(54c) Bringing the Real World into the Classroom: A Risk-Based Assessment of the Train Derailment in East Palestine, Ohio

Process safety in the Chemical Engineering capstone design series at the Rochester Institute of Technology has typically been limited to HAZOP (Hazards and Operability) study of the designed units. Although this has been deemed sufficient to meet ABET requirements, we were interested in expanding our focus to include a risk-based analysis of contemporary incidents which would help students link concepts discussed in the classroom to those in the real world. To that end, our student teams were tasked with performing a risk assessment of the release of toxic gases caused by derailment of the Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio. Their assessment of the incident proceeded along the following fronts: (1) determination of the risk level associated with the incident; and (2) preparation of a risk management plan for transportation of hazardous chemicals by railroad. Over the course of the group activity, the students learned about risk matrix evaluation and the risk management program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. The structure of the assignment and associated reading materials as well as student performance and feedback from survey questions will be discussed in the presentation.