BNSF Contractor Orientation Course
Section One
This course can be duplicated for student handouts.

Once you have read all three sections and completed  the evaluation you will be forwarded a course completion card (within 14 days) and will be placed on the administration database page (within 48 hours). You must be on the administration database page to be allowed to work on-site at BNSF, for/with BNSF Engineering work groups, unless, as in the case of emergency or short notice work, special provisions are made to cover safety issues in a thorough on-site job safety briefing.  

If you are connected through a modem, this page may load slowly due to the photographs.

If you have not yet registered, please make sure that you go to the registration page and register. If you take this course and are not properly registered it may slow our response down in placing your name on the completion database.

Section One  

Contractors are to complete a Safety Action Plan. The Safety Action Plan Form is available from the Safety Action Plan Section. This plan includes the following information:

  • Identification of the BNSF Project Representative*
  • recent accident history    
  • areas of concern; e.g., strains and
           sprains, hand tool use, back injuries
  • plans to address areas of concern
  • employee training summary
  • emergency preparedness plans
  • fire prevention plans
  • job safety briefings  
  • on-site safety assessments
  • safety committees

* A BNSF Project Representative is the BNSF employee who coordinates a contractor's work activities or is the BNSF interface for the contractor while the contractor is on-site, e.g. Construction Engineer, Roadmaster, Structures Supervisor, Signal Supervisor, Environmental Representative, or Telecommunications Supervisor.

A copy of your completed safety action plan form is to be submitted electronically to the web-master of this site. A hard copy of your completed safety action plan form is to be provided to your BNSF Project Representative.  Additional hard copies are maintained with your work groups. 

Emergency preparedness plans need to be developed and communicated to contractor employees. In some cases contractors will need to interface with BNSF project representatives to obtain specific addresses, the names of local, responsible fire/medical/police agencies.  

Included in what workers need to know are answers to the following:

  • Who is CPR qualified?

  • Who is first aid qualified?

  •  What are the emergency numbers for outside emergency services and estimated response times?

  • Is there cellular, radio and/or land-line contact?

  • If no, where does one need to go to establish this contact and who will be sent?

  • Can I competently give emergency services personnel directions to my location?

Note: In yard areas, consider that access routes may, at times, be blocked by trains.

Contractors are to conduct work practice / facility assessments (audits) of their operations at BNSF. The frequency of these assessments and participants are to be determined by contractor management/supervision and stated in the Safety Action Plan submitted to BNSF. Assessment findings need to be documented and available for inspection by BNSF assessment groups, upon request.

 BNSF personnel - System Safety Assessment Teams, Safety & Rules personnel, Industrial Hygiene personnel, Environmental personnel, BNSF Project Representatives - may conduct unscheduled assessments of contractor operations. Findings will be documented.

 On-site contractor supervision will be notified of audit findings. The contractor will be required to provide a written response as to planned or completed corrective actions. In the most severe cases, for example, where very serious discrepancies are found, a contractor may be asked to discontinue work and/or be removed from the bid list for consideration of future work at BNSF.

BNSF Safety & Rules, Industrial Hygiene,  Environmental personnel and BNSF Project Representatives are authorized to stop contractor operations where there is imminent jeopardy to the safety/health of personnel, or where damage to equipment, property, or the environment seems highly probable.

 In addition to BNSF rules and requirements, contractor personnel need to have knowledge of, and comply with, applicable  FRA and OSHA regulations, EPA or equivalent state environmental regulations, and local fire and building codes.  

Note: Where a contractor has a safety rule that is more stringent than a corresponding governmental regulation or a BNSF Maintenance of Way Safety Rule or a BNSF Maintenance of Way Operating Rule, the contractor may comply with his rule as long as there is no conflict.

 Again, this orientation is not intended to address all the regulations that contractors need to be aware of and comply with when working on BNSF property. Also, through this Website, Contractor representatives are provided with access to copies of the BNSF Maintenance of Way Operating Rules and the BNSF Maintenance of Way Safety Rules and Responsibilities. These documents are to be used as references.  

Be advised that general orders and System Special Instructions  are periodically published that amend BNSF Maintenance of Way Safety Rules and Maintenance of Way Operating Rules. Your BNSF Project Representative needs to advise you of this information as it effects you.

 

Contractors need to promptly advise their BNSF project representative of all work-related injuries/illnesses. The BNSF Project Representative needs to, in turn, complete the  BNSF  Non-Employee Personal Injury form, and submit this form to the BNSF Accident Reporting Center. The BNSF Accident Reporting Center determines FRA report ability and submits the required information to the FRA, as appropriate.  Remember that contractors are responsible for meeting applicable OSHA reporting and recordkeeping requirements.  

 

As is the case with work-related injuries/illnesses, all damage to railroad property needs to be promptly reported to the responsible BNSF project representative. BNSF vehicles, equipment and tools are not to be operated/used by contractors without specific authorization from the responsible BNSF project representative.

Horseplay will not be tolerated. Remember that personnel witnessing such actions have the responsibility to intervene.  

The use of pocket knives as tools is prohibited. Personnel need to be challenged to find the right tool/procedure for the specific job.

The possession of drugs, alcohol and weapons is prohibited.

Any contractor employee under suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or in the possession of same; will be removed from the immediate job-site and subsequently released to the custody of a representative of contractor management. Future access to the property will be denied.  

Workers are not to wear/use items that impair hearing or vision. Listening to personal radios, CD players, or tape players is prohibited while on-site.

Various items of personal protective equipment (PPE) need to be worn when on BNSF property.

Hardhats need to be worn at all times except when in office areas -  performing office related activities, when in highway vehicles, or when in the enclosed cabs of equipment. ANSI Z89. 1 is shown on a decal inside of hardhats. Select hardhats with six point suspension. "Cowboy hat" type hardhats are not to be used on-site.

Safety shoes meeting  the requirements of the ANSI standards need to be worn at all times except when in office areas performing office related tasks.  ANSI Z41.1 and class is stamped inside safety shoes. Safety shoes need to be Class 75, above-the-ankle, lace-up boots with a well defined heel, and safety toe.  For contractors the safety toe may be steel or composite material.

Eye protection needs to be worn at all times except when in office areas performing office tasks or when in vehicles on paved roads. On items of safety eyewear, the marking  ANSI Z87. 1 appears on one of the temple bars. An engraved monogram at the top center of safety glasses lenses, plain or prescription, indicates that the lenses are in fact safety lenses.  

Safety glasses are available in three materials glass, plastic and polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is the strongest of the materials. Polycarbonate is a high index material; therefore, polycarbonate lenses are lighter than glass or plastic lenses of like prescription. Glass has the best scratch resistance qualities.

Safety glasses are to have permanently affixed side shields. The reason for this is to help ensure that a quality side shield is used, and to make sure that the side shields are in-place, when needed. Yellow lenses tints are not acceptable as they may affect the ability to distinguish colors. Reflective lenses are also not allowed!

Your eyesight is precious, always wear protective eyewear in all required areas and upgrade your protection to goggles, or face shield and goggles when faced with more severe exposures!

Contractors need to have guidelines in place as to what tasks/conditions require the upgrading of eye protection from safety glasses to goggles or, in more severe eye hazard situations, to goggles under a face shield. Workers also need to receive training or counseling to help them to make good decisions in this regard.

Orange and retro-reflective work wear needs to be worn by roadway workers when working on or about the track. This requirement is being extended to all contractors working for/with BNSF Engineering work groups, when within 25 feet of track centerline, whether or not the work they are performing falls cleanly into the category of a roadway worker.  There are several workwear options for meeting this requirement, your BNSF Project Representative needs to specify your clothing requirements.  

 Note: The various BNSF divisions may have specific requirements for meeting the orange/retro-reflective work wear requirements. Orange/retro-reflective vests are, however, specified for use when working at intermodal facilities, and where required at crossings by DOT regulations. Again, check with the responsible Project Representative, in advance, to ensure that you are meeting the local division’s requirements for orange retro-reflective work wear.

Hearing and respiratory protection need to be worn as designated by signage in BNSF areas, and otherwise, in accordance with OSHA requirements. A contractor’s Safety Action Plan needs to document that personnel who will be wearing items of hearing or respiratory protection have successfully completed required training, fit-testing (respirators), and medical surveillance programs.

Respirators with paper/fabric face pieces are not approved for use at BNSF. This restriction is in place, as the completion of fit-tests is more difficult with the paper/fabric face pieces, and respirators of these materials do not always maintain their shape, which affects fit. Cartridge type respirators are to be used.  

Appropriate cold weather gear needs to be provided and worn, as necessary.

Contractors do not need to use the same PPE manufacturers or suppliers as BNSF, or follow the same program parameters, beyond what is stated above. There are OSHA requirements to provide training in the selection and use of PPE.

 

Appropriate hand protection is required to be worn when actively engaged in work activities, except:

Remember that no one glove type or material is good across the board for all work activities. Be careful to select the right glove for the job.

NOTE: Do not wear jewelry, wrist watches,  long watch or key chains, key rings, or other suspended jewelry when they present a hazard around machinery or electrical lines and equipment.  Finger rings may not be worn on-site except in office areas when performing office tasks.


Good housekeeping is critical to the prevention of many slip, trip and fall, and struck-on injuries. Contractors need to maintain clean work areas.  Proposed storage locations need to be approved by the BNSF Project Representative. This approval is particularly important when proposing storage within 25 feet of track centerline.  Obviously material and equipment needs to be stored where it will not be struck by a train or on-track equipment.

Further on housekeeping, keep walkways clean, and free of slip hazards such as spilled liquids, or materials that may lead to trips and falls.  

Post appropriate warning signs to identify workplace hazards.


Use established routes of travel. For emergency preparedness purposes, two means of egress should be available from Right-of-Way work areas. Should you see a need to establish a new or another route of entry/egress, to a work-site, be sure to obtain specific approval from the responsible BNSF Project Representative.  

Remember that areas adjacent to our rights-of-way may be private property, or wetland or watershed areas.


 

Hand and portable power tools need to be maintained and inspected in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Defective tools need to be immediately removed from service, and labeled “out-of-service”, or the equivalent, so that others will not inadvertently use them. Workers need to receive appropriate training in the inspection, maintenance and use of band and portable power tools that they work with.  

The use of ground-fault circuit interrupters. or equivalent actions,  needs  to be in place  at  job-sites.


Use only below-the-hook lifting devices that are certified by a qualified individual or manufacturer. Certified below-the-hook lifting devices will have a permanent nameplate or marking stating the following information:

  • Manufacturer’s Name
  • Serial Number
  • Weight of Lifting Device (when over 100 lbs.)
  • Rated Load (Capacity)
  • Contractor's need to have a program in place for the inspection/maintenance of the below-the-hook lifting devices, slings and lifting chains.
 

 


Use taglines, or equivalent, to guide suspended loads.


To protect against unauthorized access and/or use, unattended equipment needs to be shut-off, and left in-gear, with brakes set.  Remove keys, and lock cabs, where so equipped.  Buckets and blades need to be lowered to the ground.

Provide a lockable master battery disconnect switch.  Verify that the master battery disconnect switch is left in the off or disconnect position and padlocked, when equipment is left unattended.

Consider, where equipment has an enclosed cab, the installation of a lockable hasp on cab access doors.  Padlock equipment when left unattended.  This will prevent the use of easily obtainable universal keys to access equipment cabs.

Do not leave unattended equipment within 25 feet of track centerline, unless obtaining specific approval from the responsible BNSF Project Representative.  Under no circumstances is equipment to be left where it is within 8' 6" of track centerline, or otherwise could be struck by a train or on-track equipment.
Do not leave unattended equipment parked near highway grade crossings where it may interfere with the sight distances of vehicle operators approaching a crossing.

(Updated Material 01/04 On or off track equipment, trains or cars, and materials are not to be parked or stored within 250 feet of a crossing.)

Parking in areas of high grass or brush needs to be avoided for fire reasons.  Hot vehicle undercarriages can initiate a wild fire. 


Do not walk, step, sit or stand on the rail. This is one of the very basic safety requirements at BNSF. Also, some rails are conductors of electrical current and are, therefore, an integral part of the railroad’s operating system. Devices that could shunt current are not to be laid across rails. No hand or portable power tools are to be left against the rails. Use a wooden lath to provide separation when taking measurements adjacent to rails.  

 


Maintain adequate clearance around on-track railroad equipment. Do not cross between railcars/locomotives, or do not attempt to climb underneath railcars to reach the other side of the track. With the exception of properly secured tool cars, where authorized, there should be no reason for contractor personnel to enter railcars. When passing in front of standing on-track railroad equipment, allow 25 feet of clearance.  

Crossing immediately in front of moving equipment is prohibited. Do not make any movement towards an on-coming train or make any equipment moves in a manner that may lead the train engineer to think that you are about to foul the track.

Do not attempt to grab onto and ride moving railroad equipment.

Maintain 25 feet of clearance from switches and do not operate switches, unless specifically directed otherwise by the responsible BNSF Project Representative.

Maintain 25 feet clearance from centerline of track unless given other specific instructions from the responsible BNSF Project Representative.

Come to a complete stop and verify clearance in both directions before driving across internal maintenance crossings that do not have automatic warning devices. Keep in mind that the angle of vehicle approach,  door post design and width, trees, and structures can affect your ability to clearly spot on-track traffic at a glance. Carefully look both ways, then look both ways again. Avoid shifting gears when crossing tracks.

Railroad vehicles have the right-of-way.

Additionally, all rubber-tired equipment and highway vehicles need to be operated with headlights on and at a safe speed, appropriate for conditions. Seat belts need to be worn where provided.  


Contractors need specific authorization to operate hy-rail vehicles on BNSF track. Where authorization is granted  a BNSF Maintenance of Way Rules Qualified employee will accompany the contractor operator. Remember to factor in grade, field of vision, track condition, and weather conditions when estimating stopping distance.  

Personnel who are passengers on on-track work equipment must have specific authorization from the equipment operator, and must:

  • be safely seated; and
  • not hang their feet over the sides or ends; and
  • remain alert, orderly and quiet.  

Personnel must not ride on push cars except those designed for that purpose.  


The violent movement of arms would be taken as an indication by train engineers and the operators of other on-track equipment to STOP.  

  When giving a STOP signal of this type to an operator of rubber-tired equipment, make sure that it will not be mistakenly interpreted by the engineer/operator of an approaching train/on-track equipment as an indication to him to stop.  


Should an emergency situation arise and your assessment indicates a need to stop the movement of trains and other on-track equipment, immediately attempt to contact the  
BNSF 800 emergency number, 800/832-5452.  

Where you have identified an emergency need to stop trains/on-track equipment, you can accomplish this by violently waving your arms or swinging your hard hat in a circular motion. Remember that it may take a train a distance of up to 1.5 miles to come to a stop. Be sure that you have a clear emergency when taking this serious action, as there are risks of personal injury to train crew members and expensive mechanical repairs following a train going into an emergency.


Hazards Communications

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are developed and provided by chemical manufacturers, distributors and importers. These documents provide important information about chemical products, including: hazardous ingredients, recommendations for storage/handling/use, health hazards, PPE recommendations and fire and spill information.

Prior to bringing any hazardous materials on-site the responsible BNSF Project Representative needs to be provided with a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each hazardous material. Copies of MSDSs need to be maintained with your work groups.

The BNSF Project Representative needs to verify that each chemical product is approved for use. at BNSF.  When unsure whether a chemical product is approved for use on-site, the BNSF Project Representative is to complete and submit a copy of the BNSF Chemical Approval Request Form to the BNSF technical research and development. A copy of this form is available in the reference section of this website. A list of cleaners approved for use on-site is also available in the reference section of this site.

BNSF Project Representatives are to advise contractors of precautionary measures to be taken where there will be exposure to hazardous materials being used by BNSF employees or other contractors. Any questions regarding hazardous materials being used in BNSF operations need to be directed to the responsible BNSF Supervisor. The responsible BNSF Supervisor will provide you with the requested MSDSs.  

In addition to maintaining MSDSs on-site, contractors need to verify that all chemical containers are labeled with the chemical name and appropriate hazard warning. Many safety equipment suppliers carry a large line of chemical labels and hazard warning decals.

Contractors using hazardous materials on-site need to document in their Safety Action Plan that their employees have completed  Hazards Communication Training.  

Included in a Hazards Communication Program is a review of the types of information provided on a MSDS, requirements for container labeling, and specific discussion of the hazards of hazardous materials worked with or around.  

When performing work in occupied areas take adequate precautions to keep BNSF personnel and other contractors from being exposed to noise, air contaminants, and/or eye hazards from operations such as saw cutting, cutting/welding, powder actuated tools, and the application of paints, sealants and adhesives.  

Weedspray applicators need to have advance, live communication with responsible roadmasters prior to initiating spray application.

The exchange of voicemail messages regarding the intent to spray is not acceptable. The responsible roadmaster is responsible for communicating weedspray plans to affected BNSF and contractor workgroups!

Contractors will be held responsible for the costs of work interruptions occurring as a result of their negligence.  


Asbestos containing materials (ACM) are not to be used in the construction or maintenance of BNSF facilities. Contractor personnel are to immediately stop work activities and notify their responsible BNSF Project Representative upon encountering any materials suspected of containing asbestos.

Notices are posted in affected BNSF structures to advise which materials in a building are known to contain asbestos, how much ACM is present, and where it is located.

The Safety Action Plan of contractors involved in asbestos abatement activities will need to document that affected workers have current status  in asbestos related training, as required by applicable governmental regulations.  

Contractor's involved in asbestos removal activities need to work with their responsible BNSF Project Representative to ensure that personnel in adjacent work areas are fully aware of on-going activities and precautions that have been put in place.


Contractors are to refrain from using lead-based products; e.g., lead-based containing paints. When performing hot work on lead-containing work materials, develop and implement work policies and practices that comply with the OSHA Lead Standard.  


Fire Prevention/Suppression

Open fires are prohibited on BNSF property, except  in limited situations where specific permits have been obtained. Open fires are not to be left unattended.  

Contractor personnel who may operate portable fire extinguishers or other fire suppression equipment need to receive appropriate, annual training. Portable fire extinguishers are to be visually inspected monthly, with an annual formal inspection. Other portable fire protection systems need to be inspected prior to the start of shift, with formal inspections as required by applicable regulatory requirements.

 Your job planning activities and job safety briefings need  to clearly define your fire prevention strategies and procedures (e.g.; spark shields, pre-wetting), availability and staging of on-site fire prevention and suppression equipment. During job planning meetings and job briefings be sure to address basic issues such as: no smoking in right-of-way areas in proximity to combustible vegetation; and no parking vehicles over dry vegetation.

Complete the BNSF Engineering Right-of-Way Fire Assessment Form when performing hot work activities in BNSF right-of-way areas. This form can be found in the Reference Material drawer on the Home Page.

Flammables and combustibles need to be stored, handled and used in accordance with local fire codes. Grounding and bonding procedures need to be followed when dispensing flammables. Metal safety cans are to be used for the storage of flammable liquids.

 

Compressed gas cylinders of fuel gas and oxygen, whether full or “empty”, need to be separated in storage by a distance of 20 feet or by a barrier having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour. Cylinders are to be secured in the upright position.

 Note: Have a labeling system in place to distinguish full and in-use from empty cylinders.

Exception: Some acetylene systems are designed to operate with the cylinders secured in a horizontal position. It would seem unlikely, however, that BNSF contractors would be utilizing these types of systems on-site.  


Handheld radios and other communications equipment that may interfere with blasting  operations are not to be used within 250 feet of such operations. Special permits may be required for blasting operations.

BNSF applies OSHA lockout/tagout regulations to construction activities and work equipment related repair/service activities, as well as, to fixed facilities systems. Lockout/tagout procedures are used during the maintenance, repair or service of equipment or systems which could unexpectedly start-up, energize or release stored energy.

 Lockout/tagout operations, where BNSF personnel and/or operations are affected, need to be coordinated with the responsible BNSF Project Representative and other, affected BNSF personnel.

 


 

There are several key safety and health considerations when completing construction activities in tunnels:

  • ventilation (exhaust from work equipment)

  • scrubbers/catalytic converters on equipment (required)

  • industrial hygiene air monitoring 
    for Carbon Monoxide (CO levels)
    and possibly other  airborne contaminants (required)

  • on-track safety (train traffic) 

  • access/egress

Note: California OSHA Tunnel Safety regulations are one source for guidelines for tunnel safety.


 

Maintain the displayed minimum clearances from high voltage lines. The most conservative distance, 45 feet, needs to be maintained when line voltage is unknown.  

 

 

Power Line Distance from Power Line
50 KV or below 10 feet
50 KV - 200 KV 15 feet
200 KV - 350 KV 20 feet
350 KV - 500 KV 25 feet
500 KV - 750 KV 35 feet
750 KV - 1000 KV 45 feet

In addition to electrical lines, overhead signal and telecommunications lines are present in BNSF yards and rights-of-way. Be sure to address overhead clearance issues during job safety briefings for projects involving cranes. Use a signalman during crane operations when operating within "one boom length" of the identified clearance distance. 

Note: Similar concerns with overhead lines exist when operating equipment such as dump trucks, and using equipment such as ladders and poles.

Have procedures in place to remind personnel to properly stow booms and outriggers when preparing to travel.

Job Safety Briefings

Well thought-out job briefings can positively affect the safety, quality and productivity of projects.

To develop your work plan, as communicated through your job safety briefing:

  • review the job tasks to be accomplished
  • inspect the job location/work area
  • break each task into a step-by-step procedure addressing existing and potential hazards of each task and list precautionary measures that are to be implemented
  • determine tool, equipment and material needs
  • determine applicable safety rules and procedures

 Consider existing / potential hazards (not all inclusive):

Consideration: When weather conditions start to deteriorate (for example a heavy snow storm) and suspension of the job is being considered, the responsible supervisor needs to factor in that the on-site employees will need adequate time to safely reach their home or lodging. 

Consider how work assignments are to be made.

  • group assignments
  • individual assignments
  • consider abilities and experience of individual workers  

Example 1: After attending the main job-safety briefing for the group, Tom, Hank, and Terry are going to manually lift and carry, as a team, a piece of construction material. Tom, Hank. and Terry as a team need to have an additional job-safety briefing which would advise of such concerns as: sharp edges, tripping hazards in the path of travel, and emphasize that anyone who begins to  loose their grip shouts a warning. These types of operations requiring additional safety- briefings for small groups of workers are not uncommon.

Example 2: Tom shows up to work today and is feeling "a little under the weather", he should to have a good enough relationship with his supervisor that he could comfortably bring this to the attention of his supervisor. His supervisor would then be able to consider Tom's illness when assigning job tasks for that day.

Carefully explain job tasks to workers.  

    • what is to be done
    • why it is to be done
    • where it is to be done
    • how it is to be done
    • who is to do what tasks/portions of tasks
    • what safety precautions are necessary  

    When conducting a job safety briefing discuss existing or potential hazards and ways to eliminate them or protect against them.

    Clearly define work assignments.

    Make sure employees understand their assigned duties.

    Solicit questions of the “how” and “why” type to determine the level of understanding.

    Where jobs are somewhat complex consider briefing only a portion of the job at a time. Conduct additional briefings as the job progresses.

    During the course of a job, should it becomes necessary to change plans or procedures, brief workers on these changes.

    Examples of Changes:

  1. changes in personnel*
  2. changes in weather conditions
  3. assignment changes
  4. changes of equipment  

* When a person approaches your job-site, a representative from your work group needs to meet the person before he enters the immediate job-site. Determine the person's reasons for visiting the job-site and conduct a job safety briefing with the visitor(s). Visitors need to be referred to the employee-in-charge to receive track authority information, as applicable.

Follow-up activities need to be conducted in support of a job safety briefing. The follow-up is conducted to:

  • verify compliance with plans
  • verify correct work methods are being used
  • verify assigned responsibilities are being carried out
  • identify and address new hazards  

All employees are responsible to see that the work plan is being carried out in accordance with the job safety briefing, and that the plan is modified when conditions change.  

Job De-Briefings 

  • review what went well

  • review opportunities for improvement

  • prepare workers mentally for the trip home or back to headquarters

  • identify slip/trip/fall hazards that may be encountered when leaving the job-site

  • emphasize safe driving 

  • advise of local hazards; e.g. boat trailers in recreational areas and hay carts in farming areas that may not have adequate taillights, etc..  

The BNSF course is divided into three sections and the course evaluation, where do you want to go now?

Section ONE

Section TWO

Section THREE

Course Evaluation



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Revised: December 14, 2009 .