Page 561 - Encyclopedia of Business and Finance

eobf_N 7/5/06 3:16 PM Page 538

National Transportation Safety Board

Mark Rosenker, vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, on the site of an Amtrak train derailment April 7, 2004.
AP IMAGES

NTSB also enjoys an international leadership role, resulted in a DOT’s Research and Special Programs
specifically in regard to accidents involving cruise ships or Administration Agency (RSPA) rule prohibiting passen-
foreign-flag vessels in U.S. waters, or U.S. planes or U.S.- ger-carrying aircraft from transporting oxygen generators
made aircraft overseas. NTSB has thus contributed signif- as cargo. In the wake of natural gas pipeline accidents in
icantly to increasing levels of safety for individuals Catskill, New York, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, cast-
worldwide. iron pipe monitoring and replacement programs were
implemented by two major gas-distribution companies.
To focus attention on NTSB recommendations with
The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) has acted to have
the potential to save the most lives, NTSB has created its Boeing 737 rudder systems modified based on NTSB rec-
“Most Wanted List” of improvements in transportation
ommendations stemming from the USAir Flight 427 inci-
safety, which includes areas where rapid improvement is dent in Pittsburgh. In response to an NTSB-issued
considered essential. This list includes requiring railroads
emergency recommendation based on its 1996 Child Pas-
to install collision avoidance systems, having natural gas senger Protection Study, the automobile industry attached
distribution companies install excess-flow valves in high- labels and sent warning letters to owners about the dan-
pressure residential systems, having data recorders with gers posed to children by air bags.
increased parameters installed on ships and airplanes, and
Recognizing a need for highly trained investigators,
requiring fire detection and suppression equipment in air-
the NTSB Academy was established on the George Wash-
plane cargo compartments.
ington University campus in Ashburn, Virginia, in 2003.
NTSB’s safety recommendations have resulted in The academy provides training for both NTSB employees
many safety improvements, and those in positions to serve and representatives of the diverse transportation commu-
as change agents have adopted more than 82 percent of nity. The academy curriculum is designed to facilitate
NSTB recommendations. For instance, recommendations objective, technically advanced, and independent investi-
stemming from the ValuJet Flight 92 accident in Florida gations of transportation accidents, using critical thought,

538 ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE, SECOND EDITION