Page 13 - October 2020 Track N Times

OPERATIONS UPDATES

WINTER PREPARATIONS By: Jeff Leadstrom, Manager Fleet Maintenance

Fall is Here:
It’s getting to be that time of year again. We’ve been slowly loosing daylight. Up north the
leaves are starting to change colors and the overnight temperatures are dipping down into
the 40’s. Labor Day Weekend has come and gone, school is back in session, and as my
daughter recently informed me, it’s officially “Pumpkin Spice” season, whatever that means!
All these are tell-tail signs that summer is winding down. September 22 officially marks the
nd
start of fall for 2020. It seems like we were just talking about record heat which was testing
the limits of crews and equipment. The cooler temperatures are welcome relief for most.
However these temperatures are short lived, winter is right around the corner and it’s time
to make sure you and your equipment are prepared for what some are predicting a colder
than average winter.

Winter Gear and PPE:
Cold weather has many challenges, wet conditions, sleet, extreme cold, deep snow, etc. Everyone has a different
threshold when it comes to working in cold weather. I cannot tell you exactly what to wear. Some enjoy a cold crisp
day, others are used to working in warmer temperatures. Here are some key points to staying warm while working
in cold weather. Dressing in layers is key. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer, it will draw away the sweat as you
work. Layers should fit loosely, tight clothes restrict movement and blood flow. The final layer should be wind re-
sistant. Protect your face, ears and hands. The colder its gets, the less exposed skin the better. Gloves and anti-slip
footwear are very important. Each railroad has different requirements for anti-slip foot wear which needs to be taken
into consideration when choosing overshoes, winter boots or anti-slip cleats. Operations has approved 2 new cold
weather gloves, please reference the glove guide for sizes and part numbers. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, this is just
as important when it’s cold as it is when it hot. You actually dehydrate faster in cold weather and you may not even
know it. Coffee and energy drinks are not good choices, water is the best source.

Machine:
Everyone likes to pull up to the machine in a warm OR, walk into a warm cab, not deal with frozen water and have
engines that start like it’s 90 degrees out. In order for this to happen some very simple steps need to be taken. It’s
time to start checking cab heaters, engine heaters, heat tape and pipe insulation. Check the air system for leaks, use a
spray bottle with soap and go around and spray all brake valves, brake cylinders and hoses. If it bubbles there is an air
leak. Make sure all air compressor shrouds or blankets are securely fastened with minimal gaps, check air compressor
heaters, heat tape and drains. Check that the water drains are open and free draining. If drain hoses have been ex-
tended, remove extensions, provided they will not create a tripping hazard. Make sure you have equipment available
to clean snow covered catwalks and shrouds.

OR Trucks:
Make sure you have an ice scraper available. Check your wiper blades and make
sure you have winter grade window wash / deicer solution added before the tem-
peratures drop. Inspect the tires – make sure you have sufficient tread depth. The
minimum tread depth is 3/32. Check the batteries, most oil change centers can
provide a battery health test.

Doing some simple tasks while it’s warm out can save a lot of headaches once the temperatures drop.

Stay safe, stay warm and let it snow!

PAGE 11 OCTOBER 2020