The Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in partnership with the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) and Range Resources developed a first responder training program specifically targeted for Marcellus Shale gas production. Members of Range’s Environmental, Health and Safety team, including Range’s Security Manager Hugh White, played an integral role in the development of the “Well Site Management for First Responders” curriculum that is being taught across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
As part of the partnership, Range hosted a tour of various stages of operations in Washington County, Pennsylvania to educate and inform State Fire Academy instructors and staff. The instructors are conducting training programs with first responders throughout the state. The instructional sessions builds on past efforts over the years and allowed the instructors to interact with subject matter experts in all areas of natural gas development, identify equipment on operating well sites, and gain insight on environmental and safety protocols employed by the industry.
Over the last few years Range has organized and hosted multiple safety stand downs across Pennsylvania for local first responders and contractors. These events have focused on worker and community safety and emergency preparedness with area first responders.
Commenting on the event, White said “Our philosophy at Range is straightforward: to be good stewards for the environment and the communities where we live and work. This sort of ‘train the trainers’ sessions allows a continued dialogue with the first responders of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to remain fully prepared in the unlikely event of an emergency situation. Safety comes first at Range and that commitment is shared by our nearly 1,000 employees and the hundreds of companies who partner with us to responsibly develop domestic natural gas and oil.”