BNSF News

Rules of the Week

2007-12-13

TRANSPORTATION

Question: Do you test an Air Turbine Driven ETD the same as a Battery Operated ETD?

Answer: The answer can be found in ABTH 102.13.3.

No, they are not tested the same. When using an air turbine ETD, air pressure trapped in the air hoses while performing the above emergency test is depleted quickly by the air turbine. Therefore, for additional volume, the emergency valve function test must be performed after closing the angle cock ahead of the last car. A successful ETD emergency function test can be determined by listening for the last car’s emergency application.

Important Issues to Remember:

Due to air turbine the air pressure is depleted quickly and an additional volume of air is needed to perform the test.

MECHANICAL

Question: What are the requirements when backing a vehicle?

Answer: The answer can be found in Mechanical Safety Rules and Policies, Rule S-12.8 Backing.

Position the vehicle, when possible, to avoid backup movement. Before backing, inspect areas to the rear to ensure that no persons or obstructions are in the path of movement.

When backing vehicles other than automobiles and pickup trucks:

Important Issues to Remember:

Vehicle operations is one of our 7 Safety Absolutes. Don’t proceed unless you have checked and know that the way is clear. Always stop if unsure, distracted, or if the person directing movement can no longer be seen. Do not proceed until you verify it is safe to do so.

ENGINEERING

Question: When would MW employees be restricted by signal indications?

Answer: The answer can be found can be found in MWOR Rule 6.58, Automatic Interlockings.

Automatic interlockings may be equipped with a maintenance of way release box. Comply with the instructions in the maintenance of way release box at these locations before entering the limits of the interlocking.

A signalman may authorize movement through an automatic interlocking by providing proper protection on all routes. If a signalman does not provide protection, comply with the following.

At locations not equipped with a maintenance of way release box, comply with the following:

If on-track equipment shunts the track and the automatic interlocking displays a proceed indication:

• Stop before passing the signal.

• If the signal continues to display a proceed indication, proceed if there is no conflicting movement.

If the on-track equipment shunts the track and the automatic interlocking displays a red or dark aspect:

• Stop before passing the signal.

• Remain at the signal while the employee in charge or an employee qualified on these rules operates the time release according to the instructions posted in the release box.

If, after operating the time release, the signal displays a proceed indication, on-track equipment may proceed through the interlocking if there is no conflicting movement. If the signal displaying a proceed indication changes to an indication requiring a stop, stop at once.

If, after operating the time release, the signal does not clear, on-track equipment must not proceed through the interlocking until an employee ensures that there are no conflicting movements.

When more than one piece of on-track equipment that shunts the track is involved in the movement, each piece of on-track equipment must apply this rule separately.

If the on-track equipment does not shunt the track at an automatic interlocking:

• Stop before passing the signal.

• Move through the automatic interlocking only after determining that there are no conflicting movements. If necessary, an employee must go to the crossing and protect the movement.

Important Issues to Remember:

MW Main Track movements are made within established "Authority" or "Protection" limits, and when moving under Yard Limits requirements (6.13.1).

MW equipment do routinely pass some red signals without stopping. (i.e. moving within Track and Time authority limits).

MWOR does often require MW to "stop before passing signal" or "authority extends only to the signal governing movement," but this refers to signals at a specific location, not the actual signal indication (i.e. Authority limits designated by signals, switches, and when approaching signaled interlockings).

MW never "moves" or "proceeds" using only clear signal indication as authority.

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