Page 77 - SWD Safety & Health Handbook

13-137 Hand brakes located on the side of a rail car may be operated
by an employee positioned on the ground.

NOTE: Hand brakes must be tested prior to use.

Securing unattended locomotives

13-138 When locomotive engines are shutdown, or not under the
control of the locomotive operator, the independent brake must
be fully applied. In addition, the hand brake must be set on the
locomotive and the wheels securely chocked. If the locomotive
unit engine is shut down, the battery switch must be opened.

Derails

13-139 Equipment must not be allowed to approach within 100 feet (30
meters) of a derail that is set in the derailing position.

13-140 Unattended derails must be left locked in the derailing position,
whether there are cars in the track or not.

13-141 Derails and/or bumper blocks (chocks) shall be provided on
spur railroad tracks where a rolling car could contact:
A. Other cars being worked;
B. Enter a building;
C: Work or Traffic area.

Operating switches and derails

13-142 When operating switches and derails, the following precautions
must be taken:
A. Check to ensure no obstructions will interfere with proper
operation.
B. Use proper body mechanics while operating switches and
derails.
C. Do not place hands or feet between switch point and rail.

13-143 Applying and removing derails is the responsibility of the track
owner or authorized personnel. Only in specific cases, and
when documented by clearly written procedures, are derails to
be operated by non-railroad personnel. Vulcan Materials
Company and their employees who are involved in railcar
movement must be familiar with the location of derails on the
tracks they use. Unattended derails must be left locked in the
derailing position, whether there are cars on the track or not.

NOTE: On-track derails and switch point derails must be
kept in the derailing position when not in use.

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