2010 Winter Weather Advisory

Transcription

1 2010 Winter Weather Advisory

2 Winter Has Arrived! Temperatures are cooler/downright cold! Ice may exist even when ambient temps are above freezing, especially in early mornings or following a hard freeze Slippery conditions may be anywhere!

3 Things to Consider Know what weather to expect, but be prepared for sudden changes. Winter weather can change quickly Dress appropriately for the weather expected, and have other needed items available (coats, shoe accessories for ice, hats, warm gloves, etc)

4 Things to consider during Winter operations Transportation Safety Rules/Recommended Work Guidelines-Wear shoe accessories when walking on snow or ice, but DON T wear them indoors or on concrete or steel walking surfaces Beware of hazardous footing conditions at all times! Do not introduce any substance into the brake pipe for deicing or any other purpose (no alcohol in the brake lines!) Beware of ice, water or oil on handrails, walkways and handholds When driving, increase following and stopping distances!

5 Things to consider during Winter operations When clearing ice and snow, maintain footing and balance to prevent falling/slipping injuries! Use shovels and tools to clear ice properly-take breaks as needed and DO NOT overexert! Maintain situational awareness when working near tracksalways expect the movement of a train, engine, car or other equipment at ANY time on ANY track and in ANY direction!

6 Preventing Ice Buildup on Brake Shoes ABTH Rule Required Running Brake Test During Inclement Weather During inclement weather conditions which may cause snow or ice build up to occur between brake shoes and wheels, periodic running air brake tests must be performed to insure proper braking effort is being provided. Whenever snow is up to or above the top of the rail or inclement weather where icing conditions may exist and train is approaching: a meeting, passing or waiting point or a signal indication which will require the train to stop

7 Preventing Ice Buildup on Wheels, Cont. ABTH Rule (Cont) The engineer must make a brake pipe reduction sufficiently in advance of that location to determine that the brakes are working properly. If brakes do not provide sufficient braking effort, the train must be stopped by a full service brake application and full dynamic braking effort. If braking effort still does not appear to be sufficient, the locomotive engineer must make an emergency brake application without hesitation. After stop is made, train must be inspected to determine if brake rigging and shoes are free of snow and ice before proceeding. (Refer to Rule for procedure for conducting a running air brake test.)

8 Approaching Road Crossings Watco System Special Instructions, Instructions for Winter Train Operations item 5: In heavy snow conditions, Trains must approach grade crossing prepared to stop if rail is not visible over the crossings. A member of crew on the ground must watch train over crossing. Do not shove cars through drifts of snow or on crossings packed with snow and ice. See SSI for complete Winter Train Operation Instructions

9 Instructions for Winter Train Operations Extreme caution should be used in setting out cars. Use the locomotives to go into back tracks and sidings first, then, and only then, shove in with loaded or empty rail cars, as tracks which are used on less than a daily basis have the possibility of the crossing and tracks freezing over and causing a possible derailment.

10 Instructions for Winter Train Operations Train crews must be cautious throughout winter months about not riding cars into sidings and back tracks on the building side of the track, due to the danger of snow sliding from the tops of the buildings, creating additional hazards. Again, the possibility of a rail car derailing and resulting in injury to switching personnel is preventable if we follow the above instructions and use a little extra care and judgment in the winter months. Note-This has already cost one railroader his life this year! (MN, Jan 2010)

11 Instructions for Winter Train Operations In extreme cold, supervisors and crew members must make determinations for each train whether or not to limit train length, especially on heavy grades. Supervisors must also determine whether or not to reduce train speeds to account for the possibility of broken rail at extremely low temperatures.

12 Getting On/Off Moving Equipment (Excerpt from T-8) Mount or dismount moving equipment only when dry secure footing conditions exist and at a speed of 4 MPH or less, except in cases of emergency. If dry secure footing conditions do not exist, all equipment must be stopped when mounting or dismounting.

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34 Reminder-Stay Focused! This posting is a reminder to stay focused as we transition into the winter months. Stay focused on what you are doing. It is important to take care of your body during cold weather-stay warm, and stay hydrated! In colder temperatures, you may not feel the need to drink water as often as you would when it is warmer-your body still needs water to function, EVEN in cold weather! Many rules and special instructions outline winter operations-know and follow the rules and special instructions that relate to your activities. Remain alert and attentive this winter season!