Page 4 - February 2023 Track N Times

FEATURE STORY

Why We Inspect Continued

iron, do not underestimate the time and energy it takes to do a proper
inspection. In the case of car two had I grown weary of my task I might
have passed over the crack in the frame and said, “good to go” versus
“condemned”. Critical defects were found because it was understood
this task was important, the process of inspecting was taken seriously.
Leaders assign tasks based on their understanding of your strengths and
weaknesses. As you develop skills take the opportunity to let your su-
perintendent or manager know you would like to be given inspection
tasks. I know several SBC employees who wiggle into the screen decks
and look at the separator cross members to try and spot fatigue cracks.
It is miserable in that space, dirty, and cramped. The crews do it because
they know when cracks are found early they can be repaired. This can
save a screen and hundreds of thousands of dollars while mitigating the potential for machine downtime. This is why
we inspect. I challenge you to become part of this critical team at Loram, it is a great way to make a difference.
If equipment inspection is not your thing, what about inspection’s close relative, the assessment? While we don’t
inspect people, we do assess them. If you are qualified to operate a machine you may be qualified to assess or train
a new operator. This worthy cause is critical as Loram grows the business and on-boards new employees. Take
time to supply constructive feedback about an operator’s technique. Did they handle a steep grade effectively? Did
they do an efficient job conducting a headcount prior to moving? These actions can be a point of assessment, a way
of inspecting operational skills. Just like a cracked weld, weak operational skills can put Loram at risk. Managing risk
and performance are not the only reasons we conduct assessments. They are also required by law (FRA Part 243)
once every 180 days for every operational employee.

Part 243 is new for Loram. The requirement was set in motion several years ago as FRA leadership noticed that
railworkers were not always familiar with the laws that covered their activities. The law now requires that railroads
and contractors have a plan, get it approved by the FRA, and then undertake training and periodic assessment of on-
track employees. This process of assessment needs to be documented and if someone fails an assessment they need
to have a chance to learn how to do the task correctly. For example, a job briefing is being conducted and the indi-
vidual covers 8 of the 10 questions. Everyone is told to go to work. At this point an assessor would need to step
in, explain the job briefing was not completed as required by FRA Part 214, and record the failure. The situation
would also require that a proper job briefing be conducted before the group goes to work. This process is currently
underway and includes multiple operational tests or assessments. The goal of Part 243 is increasing proficiency and
knowledge, not catching people for the purpose of failing them on an assessment.
As you can see, we inspect and assess for many reasons. It is a critical part of Loram’s operational success, we need
to know how well we do our work as well as the condition of our machines. If we find gaps, we plan to close the
gaps and move on better than we were before. Think about the world around you and the important role inspec-
tions play, TSA at the airport, blood tests at the hospital, even tire pressure gauges at the gas station, each inspec-
tion plays a role keeping the world around us safe for everyone. Be an inspector, make your machine and crew the
best they can be.

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VOLUME 4 : ISSUE 1