NAR Reduction Program

Overview

The AAR's North American Non-Accident Release (NAR) Reduction Program is designed to capture U.S. and Canadian data on non-accident releases, maintain a computerized data base of these incidents, and encourage industry to address the causes of the releases.

A hazardous materials non-accident release (NAR) is the unintentional release of a hazardous material while in transportation, including loading and unloading while in railroad possession, that is not caused by a derailment, collision or other rail related accident. NARs consist of leaks, splashes, and other releases from improperly secured or defective valves, fittings, and tank shells, and also include venting of non-atmospheric gases from safety relief devices. (Effective January 1997, normal safety venting of atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen is no longer considered a NAR.) The vast majority of reported NARs involve small quantities.

All information concerning the incidents reported in this program is held strictly confidential by the AAR and will not be released to anyone without your consent. Any statistics released by AAR with respect to incidents occurring over time will be aggregate numbers, and will not identify the individual shippers or carriers involved. Summary data is available to enable you to track your individual progress in reducing NARs.

The AAR looks forward to continuing progress in this cooperative, inter-industry program to address a problem of mutual concern. If you have any questions about the program, the next meeting, or for more information about how your company can get involved with the program, please email nar@aar.com or call 719-584-0749.