BNSF News

Rules of the Week

2007-12-03

TRANSPORTATION

Question:What is required on the signal awareness form?

Answer: The answer can be found in System Special Instructions, item 43.

All block signal names or aspects, yellow or yellow/red flags and trackside warning detector exceptions must be recorded. Record the following:

• CLEAR signals - Name or aspect.

• All other signals - Name or aspect of the signal, the train speed and time signal passed.

• Flags - Name and location of each flag, the train speed and time flag passed.

When speed indicator is not visible to the conductor, the engineer must call out the speed, in addition to the signal name or aspect, if other than CLEAR. Should the conductor be unable to record a signal aspect due to other activities, this fact must be noted on the form, including the reason.

When operating on an Approach or Diverging Approach signal indication, the engineer must notify the conductor when the train speed has reduced to the required speed. The conductor must note the time the train has reduced to the required speed on the signal awareness form and repeat the time to the engineer. A job safety briefing between the conductor and engineer must confirm understanding that the train may be required to stop at the next signal.

At the completion of each trip all forms must be turned in as directed by the Division General Manager.

Important Issues to Remember:

All signals must be recorded in ink. For all signals other then clear, the time and speed the signal was passed must be record. Additionally, a second time must be recorded for Approach or Diverging Approach of the time the train has reduced to required speed.

ENGINEERING

Question: May I carry tools in my hand while climbing a ladder?

Answer: No. The requirement for ladder climbing with tools can be found in Maintenance of Way Safety Rules, Rule S- 9.7.1: Climbing with Tools or Materials.

Do not climb ladders with tools or materials in your hands; use a hand line.

Position tools or materials on a scaffold or platform where they will not fall or be knocked off.

Important Issues to Remember:

The danger from losing grip on the ladder while climbing can result in a fall from elevation and the danger of falling tools or material to employees below will be reduced by adhering to this rule.

MECHANICAL

Question: Is it required that we do only the BNSF approved stretches?

Answer: The answer can be found in Mechanical Safety Rules and Policies, Rule S-1.4.7 Physical Exertion

Employees must only use BNSF approved stretches when stretching at the beginning of the shift, before physical exertion, after rest breaks, and after a long period of sitting or maintaining the same posture. Employees are to stretch without exceeding personal capabilities, but must participate to the extent of their ability or as directed by a physician. Stretches following rest breaks may consist of a subset of the approved stretches.

Always use safe lifting practices when lifting, carrying or performing other tasks that might cause back pain, injury or property damage. Do not use excessive force to accomplish tasks. If one person cannot manually handle a load safely, then use mechanical assistance. Where mechanical assistance is not readily available, request assistance or stop and obtain the mechanical means necessary to complete the task.

Important Issues to Remember

We all know stretching is mandatory at the beginning of the shift. However, frequent stretching throughout your shift is even more important throughout the day during this season of colder weather. Approved stretches include any of the BNSF approved stretches illustrated on recent posters as well as those stretches provided to certain locations by the Proactive Injury Prevention group.

BNSF Headquarters

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com