Idaho Northern & Pacific Railroad Company

Nebraska Central 
Railroad Company

New Orleans & Gulf Coast Railway Company

Wichita, Tillman & Jackson Railway Company, Inc.

SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS VITAL TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR OPERATION.

Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad Contractor Orientation Course
 This course can be duplicated for student handouts

The course below is provided for you to review and use as a constant resource. It is important that you work in a safe manner while on the Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad property. This railroad is a subsidiary of:

 Rio Grande Pacific Corporation

4420 West Vickery , Suite 110

Ft. Worth , Texas 76107

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 Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad, for/with Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad 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 in placing your name on the completion database.

NOTE:

 The terms On-Track Safety and Roadway Worker Protection are used interchangeably throughout this document.  

Table of Contents

Section One (Previous Page) Excavation Work Fall Protection General Safety Requirements Hazardous Chemicals House Keeping Clearing Track Requesting Authority Required PPE Right to Challenge Roadway Worker Protection

Excavation Work 

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Excavation work is one of the more hazardous of construction activities. The major hazards encountered when performing excavation work are:

o        cave-ins

o        exposure to underground utilities

o        material and equipment falling into excavations

The contractor must ensure that all employees comply with OSHA's Excavations regulations 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P.  If it will be necessary to work in or around an excavation, the contractor must review the excavation safety plan with the railroad's employee in charge prior to commencing work.

A competent person is to be present at excavation sites. This person is responsible for conducting inspections at the beginning of the shift and as needed during the course of the work shift, and must:

• be capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and unsafe conditions; and,
• have the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate hazards and unsafe conditions.

Protective systems must be in place for trenches five feet or more in depth, or less than five feet in depth where the competent person determines that the soil is unstable. Protective Systems include sloping, benching, shield systems, support systems. Be mindful not undermine the track structure when sloping excavations in right-of-way areas.

All excavations regardless of depth are to have protective systems in place where there is a danger to personnel or the track structure. 

Note: Some state OSHA regulations may be more restrictive on the above requirement. Be familiar with the regulations that apply in your job area.  

Many excavations on railroad property will be in previously disturbed soil.  Vibration concerns need to be factored in when making soil type determinations, as well as, protective systems decisions, at excavation sites adjacent to track.  

All soil on railroad property is to be considered as Type C unless determined otherwise by a competent person who is qualified in soil analysis techniques. Be familiar with any state-specific OSHA requirements regarding soil analysis and classification.

Tunnel Safety

Prior to working in any railroad tunnel, the contractor must review the specific tunnel safety plan with the railroad's employee in charge.  The contractor should anticipate that their employees will be required to wear respirators while working in the tunnel.  Therefore, the contractor's employees should be medically cleared and fit-tested for the appropriate respirators prior to commencing work.

The contractor's employees must participate in all job briefings pertaining to their work in the tunnel and comply with instructions given in the job briefings. 

Confined Spaces 

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The contractor must ensure that its employees comply with OSHA's Confined Space regulations 29 CFR 1910.146.  If it will be necessary to enter or work in a confined space (permit-required or non-permit required), the contractor must review the confined space entry plan with the railroad's employee in charge.  Examples of confined spaces on Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad are:

Ø       Sanitary and storm sewer systems

Ø       Sand towers

Ø       Underground utility vaults

Ø       Bo ilers

Ø       Pipe/utility tunnels

Ø       Enclosed railroad cars (covered hoppers, tank cars, etc.)

Ø       Pits

The contractor will comply with its own permit space program or Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad’s confined space entry program.  In addition, the contractor must:

o        Obtain any available info rmation regarding permit-required confined space hazards and entry operations from the Rio Grande Pacific Corporation railroad entry supervisor.

o        Coordinate entry operations with the Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad when both Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad employees and contractor personnel will be working in or near the permit-required confined spaces, so employees of both Rio Grande Pacific Corporation railroad and the contractor do not endanger each other

Roadway Worker Protection

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The FRA Roadway Worker Protection Standards were developed to prevent accidents and injuries as a result of personnel being struck by trains and other on-track equipment.

Working Under Protection:  

Contractor employees working foul of the track may work under the protection of Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad Maintenance of Way Rules - Qualified lookout when 

·         performing routine inspections or minor work when: the work does not affect the movement of trains - create the potential for derail

·         and trains can be visually detected moving at maximum timetable speed;

·         and the ability to see is not impaired;

·         and the ability to hear is not impaired  

When working under lookout protection, train crews are not aware of work group locations.  

The Lookout must be a qualified person who is capable of judging distances and has current status in on-track safety training.

Lookout’s job is to:

·         Identify the place of safety

·         communicate to workers the method of warning

·         devote full attention to the detection of trains; and

·         complete the Statement of On-Track Safety, which is maintained by the lookout on-person.  

NOTE: The timetables list the maximum allowable track speed. General Orders provide up-to-date information of conditions that affect train movement

Workers need to be in their place of safety prior to a train reaching the site distance specified on the table below:

In addition to all the material previously covered, any employee working within 4 feet of the track must be familiar with each of the following.

Definitions:

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Adjacent Tracks-- Two or more tracks with track centers spaced less than 25 feet apart.

Controlled Track--Main track or siding under the control of a train dispatcher or control operator. Ensure that authority or protection is provided before fouling a controlled track.  

Effective Locking Devices -- A device designed to be applied, secured, and uniquely tagged. The device can be removed only by the class, craft, or group of employees that placed it.

Employee In Charge Note: (Only a Railroad Employee)--The employee responsible for the safety, instruction, performance, and protection of all employees under his jurisdiction.

Exclusive Track Occupancy-- A method of establishing working limits on controlled track Rio Grande Pacific Corporation railroad currently has none) in which movement authority of trains and other equipment is:

·         Withheld by the train dispatcher or control operator or Restricted by flagmen

Flagman -- An employee assigned to restrict the movement of trains or other on-track equipment. A person may not perform any other duties while flagging

Fouling--A situation when an individual or equipment is within 4 feet of a track or could be struck by a moving train or on-track equipment.

Inaccessible Track-- A method of establishing working limits on non-controlled track by physically preventing entry and movement of trains and equipment.

Lookout -- An employee who is trained and properly equipped to warn roadway workers of approaching trains or on-track equipment.

Non-Controlled Track-- Track where movements are permitted without authorization from a train dispatcher or control operator

On-Track Safety-- A condition in which the railroad’s job briefing and rules provide a separation between roadway workers and trains or on-track equipment.

Roadway Worker-- Any employee of the railroad, or of a contractor to the railroad, whose duties include and who is engaged in the inspection, construction, maintenance, or repair of railroad track, bridges, roadway, signal and communication systems, roadway facilities, or electric traction systems, or in the operation of roadway maintenance machinery on or near track, with the potential of fouling a track.

Roadway Work Group--Two or more roadway workers organized to work together on a common task

Contractor Roadway Workers-- Contractors employed by the railroad to perform work foul of any track must be trained in the on-track safety awareness procedures. This training may be accomplished at the job site in the form of a job briefing.

Working Limits -- A portion of track within the limits of exclusive track occupancy. Working limits will be established using mile posts, station signs, switches, signals, or other markers provided for the rules..

Do not allow contractors to foul a track unless:

Ø       A Rio Grande Pacific Corporation employee who is trained and qualified to provide protection is present at the work site.

Ø       All persons have been properly advised of the on-track safety procedures.

Ø       All persons wear personal protective equipment as required by the railroad.

Responsibilities of Roadway Workers—Including

Ø       Employees and contractors

Ø       Employee in charge

Ø       Employee responsible for on-track protection

Ø       Roadway maintenance machine operators  

Employees and Contractors     

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Responsibilities

Roadway workers (both employees and contractors) have the following responsibilities:

1.        Wear approved work-wear.

2.        Participate in a job briefing before beginning work.

3.        Have a current copy of the following rules and instructions available to roadway workers while on duty:

·         On-track safety rules

·         General Code of Operating Rules and

·         Maintenance of Way Rules

·         Timetable

·         Special Instructions

·         Safety Rules and General Procedures

4.       Comply with the appropriate rules and instructions.

1.       Do the following before you occupy or foul a track (This information to be provided in the job briefing)

·         Verify that proper protection is being provided.

·         Acknowledge to the employee-in-charge your understanding of the protection procedures being used.

·         Know who is responsible for the protection.

5.       Do not perform any work that will interfere with the safe passage of trains, unless protection is provided.

6.       Do not foul tracks, except when necessary to perform your duties.

7.   When crossing tracks, expect the movement of equipment at any time, on any track, in either direction. Follow these precautions:

·         Look both ways, then take the shortest route. If you are crossing more than one track, stop and look both ways before crossing each track.

·         Keep at least 20 feet from standing equipment.

·         Do not cross between standing cars on the same track unless they are separated by at least 50 feet.

·         Do not cross tracks immediately in front of moving equipment unless you can reach a place of safety on the opposite side at least 15 seconds before the equipment arrives

8.       Exercise your right to challenge, in good faith, any instruction that would violate an on-track safety protection rule. If you are given such an instruction:

• Inform the employee in charge that the protection to be used at the job location does not comply with the rules for protection.
• Remain clear of the track until the challenge is resolved
• Refer to the challenge resolution procedure.

Clearing Track for Approaching Trains:

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Follow these requirements when clearing the track for an approaching train:

1.         When you are notified or become aware of an approaching train, stop all work and clear the track.

a.   Employees or equipment may not clear onto another track unless working limits have been established on that track.

b.      You must be clear of the track at least 15 seconds before the train arrives at your location. (see table above for useful information).

c.      When passenger trains on adjacent tracks are restricted to 35 MPH or less, the employee in charge may allow roadway workers to remain on equipment.

2.         Secure track cars and roadway maintenance machines against movement.

3.         Do not leave tools, material, objects, or equipment where they could be struck by the passing train.

4.         Report to the location designated by the employee in charge during the job briefing.

5.         Stay clear of the track while the train is passing.

6.         Face the direction from which the train is approaching. Be alert for projecting, dragging, or falling objects.

7.         Inspect all passing trains. If you detect a defect or a dangerous condition, notify the train crew using any available means. If the train does not stop, notify the train dispatcher.

8.         Stay clear of the track until you are notified that it is safe to return to work.

Working on or Around Self-Propelled Equipment:

Follow these requirements when working on or around self-propelled equipment:

1.         If you will be operating or riding on self-propelled equipment, understand the duties each roadway worker will perform.

2.         Use the proper procedures for getting on, riding on, and getting off equipment  

3.         Do not get on or off moving equipment.

4.         If your duties require you to be around working equipment, keep at least 15 feet from the equipment if possible.

5.         If your duties require you to be within 15 feet of the equipment, communicate with the operator before performing your duties. Make sure you understand the following:

·         Normal equipment operating procedures

·         Location of other workers around the equipment

·         Operator’s blind spots

·         Signal that will warn of moving equipment

Responding to Engine Whistle and Engine Bell :

 Engineers are required to sound a specific engine whistle signal (two longs, one short, one long (— — o—) and to ring the engine bell when approaching locations where roadway workers are or will be working.

Employee in Charge:

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Designating the Employee in Charge:

When roadway workers work as a gang, or when two or more gangs work together, one employee must be designated the employee in charge.

Responsibilities of Employee in Charge

The employee in charge is responsible for the safety, instruction, performance, and protection of all employees under his jurisdiction. These responsibilities include:

1.       Before employees begin work, prepare them for their job assignments with a job briefing:

a.   Discuss the plan of work, job assignments, the specific procedures, and the protection procedures to be used.

b.   Inform employees where to go to clear for trains.

c.   Verify that all employees understand the protection to be used.

d.   Do not consider the job briefing completed until all employees have acknowledged their understanding of the protection procedures provided.

2.       Assign an employee to provide flag protection as necessary.

3.       Conduct additional job briefings with each employee when protection procedures change.

4.       When the protection procedures change or are no longer in effect, have employees clear the track. Conduct an additional job briefing before you allow employees to return to the track.

5.       Make sure that employees comply with all applicable rules.

6.       Promptly advise the proper authority if any employee does not comply with your instructions or does not improve his unsafe work habits.

7.       Promptly advise the proper authority of any accidents or injuries.

 Employee Responsible for On-Track Protection must be a Railroad Employee

Designating the Employee Responsible for On-Track Protection :    

If two or more gangs are working within the same working limits, one employee must be designated the employee responsible for on‑track protection for the purpose of establishing on-track safety.

The employee responsible for on-track protection must be familiar with the physical characteristics of the territory.

NOTE: The employee in charge and the employee responsible for on-track protection could be the same person.

Responsibilities of the Employee Responsible for On-Track Protection

The employee responsible for on-track protection has the following responsibilities:

1.       Before employees begin work, prepare them for their job assignments with a job briefing.

a.   Discuss the plan of work, the specific procedures, and the protection procedures to be used.

b.   Make sure that employees understand the working limits.

c.   Inform employees where to go to clear for trains.

d.   Verify that all employees understand the protection to be used.

e.   Do not consider the job briefing completed until all employees have acknowledged their understanding of the protection procedures provided.

2.       When production gangs (tie, rail, surfacing, etc.) are working or major projects are being done, provide protection on all adjacent tracks that are not included in the working limits.

3.       Keep each employee (or the employee in charge) informed whenever protection procedures change during the work period.

a.   Give this information to all employees before the change is effective, except in cases of emergency.

b.   If you cannot notify an employee in advance of changes in protection, have the employee clear the track immediately and stay clear until protection is reestablished.

4.   Notify all employees before the working limits are released for the movement of trains. Do not release the working limits until either: All employees have left the track or All employees have been provided on-track protection.

Roadway Maintenance Machine Operators

Roadway maintenance machine operators have the following responsibilities:

1.       You must be trained and proficient on the machine that you will operate.

2.       Maintain at least 15 feet between roadway workers on the track in front of or behind your equipment, if possible.

3    If workers must be within 15 feet of your equipment to perform their duties, communicate with them and make sure they understand: normal equipment operating procedures, location of other workers around the equipment, operator blind spots, signals that warn of moving equipment.

4.       When traveling or working, maintain the proper distance between equipment.

5.       When possible, keep the Operator’s Manual available on the equipment so you can determine safe operating procedures.

6.       Do not foul an adjacent track with any part of the equipment, unless protection has been provided.

7.       If you are distracted or your duties are interfered with, stop movement immediately.

Occupying or Fouling Controlled Tracks

Requesting Authority or Protection

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The employee who requests authority or protection must be qualified on the roadway worker rules and either the Maintenance of Way Rules or the General Code of Operating Rules. Follow this procedure to request authority or protection:

1.       Determine if a track bulletin Form B, Form C, or Form D is in effect within the territory that will be fouled.

If any track bulletins are in effect, follow the procedure for Permitting Other Employees or Equipment Into the Same Limits.

2.       Advise the train dispatcher or control operator of the location where the employees and equipment will enter the main track.

3.       Make sure that employees and equipment do not enter the main track at any other point, unless authorized.

The employee in charge makes sure that equipment or employees do not occupy or foul the track until the authority or protection is received.

Permitting Other Employees or Equipment Into the Same Limits    

Follow this procedure to obtain permission to enter into the limits of exclusive track occupancy:

1.       Obtain permission from the employee holding exclusive track occupancy.

2.       Hold a job briefing with the employee in charge of exclusive track occupancy.

3.       Coordinate with the employee in charge of exclusive track occupancy to establish working limits that do not overlap.

4.       Contact the train dispatcher and obtain authority before fouling the track within the established working limits.

Working Limits

Working limits is an area with defined boundaries located within the limits of exclusive track occupancy. To establish working limits, use one of the following indicators to establish boundaries that are clearly identifiable to a train or on-track equipment:

·         A flagman with instructions and capability to hold all trains and equipment clear of working limits

·         An identifiable place where train movement authority may be held by the train dispatcher or control operator

·         A physical location which trains must not pass without proper authority, including a mile post, station sign, switch, signal, other structures or designated signs.

Types of Protection on Non-Controlled Tracks-- Use one or more of the following methods to establish protection and working limits on non-controlled tracks:

·         Line Manually Operated Switch(es) Against Movement

o        Locate each manually operated switch that provides direct access to the affected track and line it against movement onto the track.

o        Secure each lined switch using one of the following methods:

§         Spike the switch so that the spike cannot be removed unless the proper tool is used.

§         Clamp and secure the switch with an effective locking device or . lock the switch stand with an effective locking device.

Lock Derail(s) In the Derailing Position

1.       Position derail(s) to restrict access to either side of the portion of track where work will occur.

1.       If track speed is 5 MPH or less, use derails at least 50 feet from the work location

2.       If track speed is more than 5 MPH, use derails at least 150 feet from the work location.

2.       Lock each derail in the derailing position and secure it using one of the following methods: 

1.       Spike the derail so that the spike cannot be removed unless the proper tool is used. Lock the derail with an effective locking device

2.       Place a red flag by each derail.

3.       Identify each locking device with a yellow tag

Station a Flagman

Station a qualified flagman with instructions to keep all trains and equipment from entering the track where working limits are established.

Position Working Limits Banner(s)

Position orange working limits banner(s) to restrict access to either side of the portion of track where work will occur.

·         If track speed is 5 MPH or less, place banner(s) at least 50 feet from the work location

·         If track speed is more than 5 MPH, place banner(s) at least 150 feet from the work location

Assigning Lookouts

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If you are the employee in charge, follow these steps when assigning lookouts:

1.       Lookouts may be used to protect routine inspection or minor work when:

1.       The work will not affect the movement of trains.

2.       Machinery is readily removable from the track (welding equipment, hand tampers, hydraulic tools, etc.).

2.       Make sure that employees assigned as lookouts are properly trained and qualified.

3.       If employees’ ability to hear a lookout’s warning is impaired, assign additional lookouts.

4.       If visibility is limited by weather or other factors, use other on-track safety procedures.

NOTE: Employees who depend on a lookout for on-track safety must always remain in a position that allows them to receive warnings communicated by the lookout

Responsibilities of Lookouts:

1.       Identify a place of safety where you and the employees you are protecting are to go when a train or equipment approaches.

2.       Communicate the place of safety to the other employees before the track is fouled or occupied.

3.       Devote your full attention to detecting approaching trains and warning employees.

4.       Warn employees of an approaching train or on-track equipment in sufficient time for them to reach the place of safety before the train or equipment reaches the site distance identified in the Statement of On-Track Safety.

Note: Employees must be able to move to the designated place of safety at least 15 seconds before a train moving at maximum authorized speed passes their location.

5.       Use a method to warn employees that: Is

1.       distinctive, clear, and unquestionable

2.       Does not require employees to be looking in any particular direction

3.       Can be detected by employees regardless of noise or work distractions

Performing the Duties of a Lookout

Equipment for Lookouts

As a lookout, you must be provided with the appropriate equipment to perform your duties. The equipment must be in good condition and ready for use. Check the contents and condition of your lookout kit before you perform your duties as a lookout.

A lookout kit must include at least the following items:

·         Warning whistle or horn

·         Red flag

·         Six fuses

·         Orange reflectorized vest or other qualifying protective equipment

Warning Employees of Approaching Trains or Equipment

If you are a lookout, follow these steps to warn employees of approaching trains or equipment:

1.       When a train or on-track equipment approaches from either direction, warn employees in time for them to clear the track at least 15 seconds before the train approaches the point of work.

            NOTE: If the track speed is not reduced by a track bulletin Form C, consider the train to be moving at the maximum authorized timetable speed for that track.

2.       Sound the warning whistle or horn as discussed in the job briefing.

            Note: You may need to give additional warnings around noisy operations.

3.       When it is safe to resume work, give the agreed-upon signal with the warning whistle or horn as discussed in the job briefing.

Using Flagmen

When flagmen are used to restrict the movement of trains or on‑track equipment, they must:

·         Be qualified on the Maintenance of Way Rules or General Code of Operating Rules

·         Be qualified to conduct a job briefing

·         Not allow employees or equipment to foul a track until protection has been provided

·         Have the proper equipment required to stop trains or on-track equipment.

·         Know the direction(s) from which trains or on-track equipment will approach.

Right to Challenge On-Track Safety Procedures

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Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad and each roadway worker are jointly responsible for ensuring that on-track safety is provided.

Responsibilities of Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad:

·         Provide the proper level of training for each roadway worker.

·         Guarantee each employee the right to challenge, in good faith, whether the on-track safety procedures to be applied at the job site comply with Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad’s rules and the right to remain clear of the track until the challenge is resolved.

·         Reasonably resolve challenges.

            Responsibilities of Roadway Workers

Each roadway worker has the following responsibilities:

·         Follow Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad’s on-track safety procedures.

·         Do not foul a track except when necessary to perform your duties.

·         Before you foul a track, determine that on-track safety is being provided.

·         Refuse any directive to violate an on-track safety rule.

·         Promptly notify your supervisor when the safety provisions to be applied at the job site do not comply with Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad’s rules.

·         Possess or be aware of any track bulletins in effect before you occupy or foul controlled tracks

Resolving Challenges to On-Track Safety Procedures

A roadway worker may, at any time, challenge the on-track safety procedures used at the work site. To do so, the worker must:

·         Have an honest concern about whether the procedures are in compliance with Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad’s rules. The worker’s position must be such that a reasonable person under the same circumstances would also have such a concern.

·         Be able to explain the concern about the protection being applied

NOTE: Employees may not be subject to any retribution or punishment for making a good faith challenge to on-track safety protection.

Good faith challenges to on-track safety procedures will be resolved in the following manner.

Step 1. Immediately inform the employee in charge of all safety concerns. Together, try to clarify any misunderstandings and resolve any differences of opinion that may exist.  If the worker considers the challenge resolved, he returns to work.

Step 2. If, following this discussion, the worker does not consider the challenge resolved, he will:

1.       Notify any other roadway workers of the potential danger.

2.       Remain clear of the track.

3.       Complete the On-Track Protection Good Faith Challenge Form and submit it to the appropriate Manager (or his designee).

The form will include:

·         The names of the worker and the employee in charge

·         The exact work location (mile post, track number, etc.)

·         A description of the on-track protection in use at the work location

·         A list of the Safety and Maintenance of Way Rules that are not being complied with

·         An explanation of the worker’s reason for initiating this challenge

·         The names of other workers whose knowledge of the situation is relevant to the challenge

The employee in charge will promptly notify the Manager (or his designee) of the situation.

Step 3. The Manager (or designee) will review the Challenge Form and other available information for completeness and accuracy. He will then determine whether the on-track safety protection at the work location complies with Rio Grande Pacific Corporation railroad’s Safety and Maintenance of Way and General Code of Operating Rules.

1.       If the procedures comply with the rules, the worker will be notified that no changes will be made.

2.       If the procedures are inadequate, the Manager (or designee) advises the employee in charge to change the procedures so they comply with the rules.

3.       The Manager (or designee) enters his determination on the Challenge Form and forwards it to the Director of Safety and Rules.

If the worker considers the challenge resolved, he returns to work.

Step 4. If the worker still does not consider the challenge resolved, he must provide the Director of Safety and Rules with a written explanation of why the Manager’s determination is being rejected. The Director of Safety and Rules will review the challenge and determine whether:

1.       All documentation is complete and accurate.

2.       The on-track safety protection at the work location complies with Rio Grande Pacific Corporation Railroad’s rules.

3.       If necessary, the Manager will contact the Local Chairman of the applicable union to resolve protests.  

The decision of the Director of Safety and Rules is final. If the employee still refuses to perform his assigned duty, disciplinary procedures may be initiated.

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Go to Section 1

Go to RGPC Introduction

Go To The Evaluation

Thank you and Make Every Day, A Safe Day