Page 71 - SWD Safety & Health Handbook

RAIL SAFETY (13-100)

Refer to railroad and railcar safety in the company SHE manual (Tier
7.6.1) for rail safety practices. However, the following practices should be
followed when working with or around railroads and railcars.

Tracks and Equipment

13-100 Workers must expect the movement of trains, engines or cars
on any track, at all times and in any direction. Workers must not
enter the “Red Zone” except when proper protection is
provided. For purposes of definition, a person is considered to
have entered the “Red Zone”:
A. Any portion of his body enters the space between the rails;
or
B. Any portion of his head or torso enters the space between
the ends of the ties.

13-101 While on or about tracks and equipment, workers must not:
A. Cross tracks immediately in front of moving rail equipment.
B. Cross within 25 feet of the end of standing equipment, or
cross between standing equipment unless there is 50 feet
of separation when crossing the tracks.

Mounting and Dismounting Equipment

13-102 Employees must not mount or dismount from moving
equipment.

13-103 Employees must face the equipment and ensure that three
points of contact are maintained when mounting or
dismounting.

13-104 Mounting or dismounting locomotives, railcards and other
equipment by other than designated steps, ladders, or
handholds is prohibited. Use the leading side ladders of
railcars.

3-Step Protection

13-105 Before going between cars coupled to locomotives or other rail-
moving equipment (unless switching and/or coupling), 3-Step
Protection must be provided as follows:
A. Any employee preparing to go under or between standing
equipment coupled to a locomotive or designated car
mover must first request verbally that 3-Step Protection be
provided by the operator.
B. After receiving the request for 3-Step Protection, the
operator must; (1) place the independent and automatic
brake in FULL APPLICATION position; (2) place reverse
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