dangerous activity. result in serious movements toposition yourself outside the rails. open knuckle...
TRANSCRIPT
Dangerous activity.
Shortcuts can result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Always pre-plan movements to identify potential hazards.
PPE
General Guidelines
Inspection
Handbrakes
Switches and Derails
Couplers and Coupling
Mounting and Dismounting
Hand Signals
Pedestrians/Traffic
Hardhats
Eye Protection
Hearing Protection
Foot Protection
Gloves
Reflective/High Visibility Clothing
Radios (holster)
Trained and authorized personnel operate a track engine/locomotive/track mobiles.
Only move cars with presence of switchman.
Switchman –
block all vehicle crossings during rail movement.
Maintain safe speeds.
Employees should not be on top of moving railcars.
Be aware of close clearances(adjacent
tracks, buildings, etc.).
Pre-use inspections of locomotives, track engines, track mobiles.◦
Fluid levels◦
Lights◦
Fire Extinguisher◦
Sander◦
Brakes◦
Controls◦
Horn◦
Others???
Routine inspections of:◦
Switches◦
Derails◦
Ties◦
Rails◦
Safety Devices/Signage
Strobes
Audible Systems
Close clearance/live tracks.
Can be applied manually or by the trains air system.
Proper guidelines for setting handbrakes◦
applied when 1 or more cars are set off on a section of track
One Car = one handbrake
Two Cars = Two handbrakes
More than Two Cars = sufficient # need to be set.
Communicate with engine operator.
Climb ladder to point even with brake wheel.
o Hands freeo Three-point contact
Turn wheel until the chain is tight.
Climb down ladder
Move to location visible to the engine operator.
Tension on the handbrake chain.
Spacing of the brake pad to the wheel.
Communicate with engine operator.
Climb ladder to point even with brake wheel.
Use free hand to disengage by turning wheel. Keep hands clear of spokes.
Dismount using 3-point contact.
Be careful when dismounting cars (debris, trip hazards, movement on adjacent tracks).
Several clues if brakes still engaged:
◦
High pitch sound◦
Sparks◦
Chattering Brake Pads◦
Sliding Wheels
Operating Switches◦
Check for movement on opposing tracks.◦
Check switch points for obstructions◦
Unlock or unlatch switch ◦
Move handle by using proper lifting techniques (be aware of snow and ice)◦
Lock switch if required.
Found mainly on industry or storage tracks
Used so that cars don’t roll on to mainline tracks or impact hazmat cars being loaded or unloaded.
Never move past a blue flag.
Blue flags only removed by those who placed them.
Placed on Tracks when:
Maintenance is being performed.
Cars are being loaded or unloaded.
“Out of Service”
cars or tracks.
Durable
Blue in Color
Rectangular
At least 12”x15”
Bear word “Stop”
at least 3”
in white
lettering
Prevent movement of cars:◦
Loading/Unloading Boxcars◦
Hazmat Loading/Unloading◦
Cars on grade◦
Often used in conjunction with a blue flag
Three Components
◦
Coupler◦
Knuckle◦
Cut Lever
Coupling Safe Speed is 4 mph.
Safe distance for walking around end of cars is 10 feet.
Crossing between uncoupled cars -
minimum safe distance is one car length.
Consult your company’s distance requirements
Position yourself outside the rails.
Open Knuckle◦
Lift Cut Lever◦
Proper draw bar adjustment (utilize proper lifting techniques).
Direct movement of the engine.
Radio communication between operator and switchman.
Report when last car reaches 1/2 the distance since the last report.
Verify Couple -
“stretch the slack”
Stationary Equipment◦
Analyze ladder
◦
Grab ladder w/both hands (hands free)
◦
Face direction of the climb
◦
Analyze the area where you will be stepping off (debris, holes, packing material, etc.)
◦
Dismount one step at a time. Do not jump from equipment
Choose a safe ladder to mount.
Grab ladder with both hands
Step up with the trailing foot.
SAFEST PLACE TO RIDE A CAR IS AT THE TRAILING END OF THE LAST CAR IN THE
CUT.
Recommended -
wait for cars to come to complete stop.
Pick a safe spot for dismounting.
Ensure that speed is slow enough.
Dismount with trailing foot first.
BE AWARE OF CLOSE CLEARANCES, MOVEMENT ON ADJACENT
TRACKS
May vary by facility.◦
Hand Signals
(radio check)◦
Radio
Radio usage in addition to hand signals is preferred.
May need to use flashlight if done at night.
Forward:
Reverse:
Stop
Coupling
All vehicles and personnel must stop at crossings and look in both directions.
Blue flags must not be removed.
No vehicles parked within 8 feet of railroad tracks.
Never step on rails, derails, switches, etc.
Always look both ways prior to crossing tracks. Can sometimes be difficult to hear railcar movement.
Do not walk between rails even for short distances.
Never crawl, pass under or between stationary railcars.
Persons should not cross tracks at switch points.
Always be aware of the potential for movement of cars.
Movement can be silent.
Review your facilities specifics on:◦
Blue Flags◦
Mounting moving/stationary equipment◦
PPE requirements◦
Equipment Inspections◦
Communication methods at your facilities◦
Hazards specific to your operation
Preplanning is critical!
