1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. national parks

March 8, 2015
Rules of the Week
Understanding Safety Rules and achieving Safety Goals go hand in hand.
By Working Together Safely, we can reach our safety goals.
2015 Corporate Safety Goals

ARRC Overall Injury Reduction Goals
o 13% overall reduction in injuries (includes “major” and top 3)

Operational Safety Goals
o No Authority Violations
o No On Track Protection Violations
o No On Track Equipment Collisions
o No Run Away Cars
o No FRA Reportable Derailments
YTD Incident Comparison by Department
2014 - 2015
YTD Incident Comparison by Type
2014 – 2015
Safety Issue Resolution Process: S.I.R.P.
Overview: Employees recognizing a workplace hazard must take immediate steps to correct the problem. If
immediate correction is not possible then protect the hazard so no one will get hurt. Report the situation so
the problem gets addressed. SIRP assists in correcting safety issues through to resolution.
How do I generate a SIRP?
 Get a SIRP form from the intranet or your supervisor
SIRPs to date:
 Complete the SIRP reporting form
 Give the form to your supervisor or the Safety Department
11 Open SIRPs
How can I follow the status of my SIRP or any other SIRP?
 On the ARRC Home Page click the SIRP link
382 Closed SIRPs
 Click on “Access SIRP”
 Username = SIRP and Password = SIRP (must be ALL CAPS)
 Enter the SIRP # or search by area to locate the SIRP
Alaska Railroad ● Rules of the Week
Page 1 of 6
March 8, 2015
Rules of the Week
Understanding Safety Rules and achieving Safety Goals go hand in hand.
By Working Together Safely, we can reach our safety goals.
SAFETY DEPARTMENT MESSAGE: Fueling Equipment and Containers
S63.0 Fueling Equipment and Containers (Non-Locomotive)
S63.1 General
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Do not fuel equipment while engine is running.
Keep sparks, flames, or other ignition sources away from equipment being fueled.
Do not use radio or cell phones while fueling.
Do not leave fueling hose unattended while fueling.
Only use OSHA approved gas container/safety can.
When filling gas cans, place cans on ground to prevent static electricity explosion.
If fueling station is equipped with grounding cables, attach grounding cables to can.
Alaska Railroad ● Rules of the Week
Page 2 of 6
March 8, 2015
Rules of the Week
Understanding Safety Rules and achieving Safety Goals go hand in hand.
By Working Together Safely, we can reach our safety goals.
Rule of the Week
Department: Transportation
QUESTION:
I have a “High & Wide” car deep in my train. How does that
apply to my train?
restriction
ANSWER:
Regardless of position-in-train, the restriction applies until that car
clears.
RULE:
GCOR 1.36 Excessive Dimension Loads
Place excessive dimension loads on or near the head end of trains.
Instructions will be issued to trains handling excessive dimension loads. If no instructions have been issued
regarding handling the car, the conductor will immediately notify the train dispatcher.
Crew members handling excessive dimension equipment must ensure that the equipment will clear nearby
objects, including equipment on adjacent tracks. If the train cannot reach a point with enough clearance, crew
members must make sure protection is provided against movements on adjacent tracks.
DISCUSSION:
Make sure you are aware of any cars in your train that have clearance
restrictions. Include that information in your job briefing, and if necessary, contact the dispatcher. If
you have concerns about the cars’ position in your train, get them addressed before you depart.
While you trundle through the restriction, make sure you know that car is clear of the tunnel, slide
zone, or other area where conditions are tight before you lean back on the throttle.
Talk it up!
John D. Brahaney
Manager of Operating Rules & Training
Alaska Railroad ● Rules of the Week
Page 3 of 6
March 8, 2015
Rules of the Week
Understanding Safety Rules and achieving Safety Goals go hand in hand.
By Working Together Safely, we can reach our safety goals.
Rule of Week
Department: Mechanical
QUESTION: What should I know about Specialty Power Tools and Machinery Operation?
ANSWER: See S-78.2 Power Tools and Machinery Operation (Table Saws)
RULE: S-78.2 Power Tools and Machinery Operation
Table Saws
 Use a push stick when necessary to feed would through power saw blades.
 Never use with guards removed or forced open.
Alaska Railroad ● Rules of the Week
Page 4 of 6
March 8, 2015
Rules of the Week
Understanding Safety Rules and achieving Safety Goals go hand in hand.
By Working Together Safely, we can reach our safety goals.
Rule of the Week
Department: Maintenance of Way
QUESTION: Are we required to have the operator’s manual and the owner’s manual in our on track
equipment?
ANSWER: Yes, 49 CFR Part 214 D (Roadway Maintenance Machines) and our operating rules
require they be on the equipment and available for reference.
RULE: MOM 21.7.1 Operating Machines Safely
Roadway workers who operate or work near roadway machines must comply
with the following instructions in this chapter.
Operators of roadway machines must follow these instructions to operate
their machines safely:
1. Keep the operator’s manual, including instructions for safe operation
and the owner’s manual, with each machine.
2. If there is a question about the safe operation of the machine, do not
operate the machine until the issue is resolved.
3. Comply with the rules in M.O.M. Chapter 22 “Operating Track Cars,” and
any applicable Engineering Bulletins or other instructions.
DISCUSSION: When regulations or operating rules impose a requirement, then we must do
everything that we can to remain in compliance at all times. When we purchase the equipment it
comes with the required manuals, yet it seems to be a constant battle to keep those manuals on the
equipment. The operator of that equipment is who the FRA holds responsible for making certain the
equipment has all the required manuals. Removing those manuals and not returning them is setting
up that employee for a potential fine from the FRA for non-compliance. There is no valid reason or
argument for removing those manuals from the equipment. If you remove it to reference the
information contained within it, put it back when you are finished with it.
Alaska Railroad ● Rules of the Week
Page 5 of 6
March 8, 2015
Rules of the Week
Understanding Safety Rules and achieving Safety Goals go hand in hand.
By Working Together Safely, we can reach our safety goals.
Rule of the Week
Department: Operating Practices - Air Brake and Train Handling
Dynamic Brake Holding Feature
QUESTION: While descending a steep grade utilizing dynamic brakes, my train goes into
emergency. What happens to the dynamic brakes?
ANSWER: It depends on the controlling locomotive. The answer can be found in Chapter
104 in the ABTH Manual dated 1/24/2006.
104.2.2
Dynamic Brake Holding Feature
If an emergency or penalty brake application occurs for any reason, this feature holds or maintains
the dynamic brake. When this happens, the Power Cutoff Switch (PCS) immediately opens, but
normal dynamic brake control is retained indefinitely. Trailing locomotives depend on the
controlling locomotive for the dynamic braking holding feature. If the controlling locomotive is
equipped with dynamic brake holding, then the trailing locomotives will hold the dynamic brake if
an emergency brake application occurs. Conversely, if the controlling locomotive is not equipped
with dynamic brake holding feature, trailing locomotives will not hold the dynamic brake if an
emergency brake application occurs.
104.2.3
Dynamic Brake Holding Feature Operating Instructions
Engineers should reduce the build-up of locomotive brake cylinder pressure by placing the
independent brake valve handle in the actuating position. If this fails to reduce brake cylinder
pressure sufficiently, the Dynamic Brake Holding Feature provides a measure of backup protection.
Be a Student of your Craft!
Brett Brown, RFE
Alaska Railroad ● Rules of the Week
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