GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS          

 

70.0 GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SSI Item 10-E. 70 

70.1 Safety Responsibilities 

70.2 System Safety Policies 

70.3 Job Briefing 

70.4 Safe Working Space 

70.5 Protection of Body Parts 

70.5.1 Safety Around Machines and Equipment 

70.6 Door or Hatch 

70.7 Building Safety 

70.7. 4 Defects 

70.7.1 Filing Cabinets 

70.7.2 Drawers 

70.7.3 Paper Cutters 

70.7.5 Cords 

70.7.6 Chairs and Benches 

70.8 Motioning Vehicles at Grade Crossings 

70.9 Removal of Unauthorized Persons 

70.10 Criminal Activity 

70.11 Housekeeping 

70.12 Protruding Nails 

70.13 Turning on Power 

70.14 Warning Signs 

70.15 Compressed Air/gas 

70.16 Drop or Throw Objects 

70.17 Rail Under Tension 

70.18 Torpedoes and Fusees 

70.19 Lighting Fusees 

70.20 Confined Space Entry 

70.21 Air Contaminants 

70.21.1 Internal Combustion Engines 

70.22 Chemical Spills 

70.23 Skin Protection 

70.24 Hazard Communication Standard 

70.25 Drums and Containers 

70.26 Working with Refrigeration Systems 

70.C Cardinal Safety Rules SSI Item 10-E. 70C General Order No. 25

70.GL SAFETY RULE GLOSSARY 

71.0 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SSI Item 10-E. 71.0 

71.1 General Guidelines 

71.1.1 Altering Personal Protective Equipment 

71.2  Hearing Protection 

71.2.1 Hearing Protection-Service, Repair and Mechanical Facilities 

71.2.2 Hearing Protection-Locomotives SSI Item 10-E. 71.2.2 

71.2.3 Hearing Protection-Retarders 

71.2.4 Hearing Protection-Roadway or Work Equipment 

71.2.5 Hearing Protection-Jet Blowers or Pile Drivers 

71.2.6 Hearing Protection-Other Equipment and Tools 

71.3 Gloves 

71.4 Hard Hats 

71.5 Eye Protection 

71.5.1 Areas that Require Eye Protection 

71.5.2 Additional Eye Protection Requirements General Order No. 27

71.5.3 Contact Lenses 

71.5.4 Dark Lenses 

71.6 Proper Attire 

71.7 Footwear 

71.7.1 Defined Heel 

71.7.2 Covers the Ankle SSI Item 10-E. 71.7.2 

71.7.3 OSHA Required Footwear 

71.7.4 FRA Required Footwear 

71.7.5 Visitors and Contractors 

71.8 Respirators 

72.0 FIRE PREVENTION 

72.1 Sounding Alarm 

72.2 Operating Fire Equipment 

72.3 Fire Protection 

72.4 Fire Doors and Stops 

72.5 Fire Exits and Passageways 

72.6 Questionable Fire Hazards 

72.7 Fire Protection Devices 

72.7.1 Fixed Facilities 

72.7.2 Mobile Equipment 

72.8 Fire Classifications 

72.9 Right-of-Way Fire 

72.10 Starting Fires 

72.11 Open Burning Prohibited 

72.12 Ignition Sources 

72.13 Use and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) 

72.14 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Storage 

72.14.1 LPG Tanks 

72.15 Handling Flammable Liquids 

72.16 Cleaning and Polishing 

72.17 Fueling Track Cars, Roadway Machines, and Automotive Units 

72.17.1 Fueling Portable Power Equipment 

72.17.2 Fueling LPG tanks 

72.18 Building or Outfit Cars 

72.19 Open Flame Starting 

72.20 Exhaust System 

72.21 Water Flash Back Protection 

73.0 EXPLOSIVES 

73.1 Authorized Personnel 

73.2 Transporting 

73.3 Caution Open Flames 

73.4 No Smoking 

73.5 No Dropping 

73.6 Not Carried in Pocket 

74.1 Vehicle Maintenance 

74.2 Driver Requirements 

74.2.1 DOT-Qualified Drivers SSI Item 10-E. 74.2.1 

74.3 Driver Responsibility 

74.4 Impaired Driver 

74.5 Tools and Material 

74.6 Clearing Obstructions 

74.7 Passengers 

74.8 Seat Belts 

74.9 Seating, Transporting 

74.10 Headlights On 

74.11 Back-Up Moves SSI Item 10-E. 74.11 

74.12 Railroad Grade Crossing 

74.13 Hazardous Materials 

74.14 Parked Vehicle 

74.15 Trailers 

74.16 Working under Vehicles/Trailers 

74.17 Train Yard or Utility Type Vehicles 

74.18 Battery Inspection 

74.19 Charging Batteries 

74.20 Jump Starting General Order No. 27

75.1 Lifting and Moving Material 

75.1.1 Steps to Safe Lifting 

75.1.2 Lifting with Two or More Employees 

75.2 Material Storage 

75.2.1 Pallets 

75.3 Moving Materials 

75.4 Other Protruding Objects 

75.5 Transfer Plates and Loading Ramps 

75.6 Loading and Unloading Materials 

75.7 Loading and Unloading Truck Trailers 

75.8 Load Binders 

75.9 Drums and Barrels 

75.10 Wheel Sets 

75.11 Forklifts 

70.1 Safety Responsibilities

Employees are responsible for their personal safety and are accountable for their behavior as a condition of employment. Employees must take every precaution to prevent injury to themselves, other employees, and the public. Employees must report any dangerous condition or unsafe practice.

 

 

Employees must be aware of and work within the limits of their physical capabilities and not use excessive force to accomplish tasks. Good judgment is required in fulfilling job responsibilities safely.

 

 

Past practices that do not conform to the rules are unacceptable.

 

 

70.1.1 Job Briefings

Add New Rule:

Employees must use the Job Briefing process:

 

Before work begins when all persons, including employees and contractors, are present.

After work begins if person(s) arrive who missed the original job briefing.

When changes occur to the work plan.

 

Each work plan must consider hazards, assign specific responsibilities, and explain those assignments.

 

70.2 Drop or Throw Objects

When on trains, equipment, scaffolds, or other high places, employees must not drop or throw objects that might cause fire, personal injury, or equipment or property damage.

 

 

70.3 Look Both Directions

Employees must look in both directions and know the way is clear when walking out of doorways leading across tracks or around corners or obstructions.

 

 

70.4 Opening or Closing Doors

When opening or closing doors, employees must always use the door handle and keep their hands clear of the door side or edge.

 

 

70.5 Turning on Power

Inspect affected areas and make sure no one will be injured before turning on electricity, gas, steam, fuel oil, air, or water, or putting any machinery in motion.

 

 

70.6 Electrical Cords

Inspect electrical cords and make sure they are in good condition and have ground. Follow these guidelines for using cords:

 

 

Use cords in an approved manner.

 

 

Do not remove the grounding prong from the plugs for any reason.

 

 

Do not overload electrical outlets.

 

 

70.7 Overhead Hazards

Employees must avoid overhead hazards and must not work, walk, or stand under workmen (ladders, platforms, or scaffolds) from which objects could fall. If duties require employees to work under overhead hazards, they must wear the proper protective equipment (e.g., hard hats).

 

 

70.8 Protruding Nails

Employees must remove or flatten protruding nails or screws when removing boards or timbers or when they notice protruding nails or screws while performing duties.

 

 

Other Protruding Objects

 

 

Employees must remove protruding nails, screws, staples, or loose ends of metal bands or wire before removing materials or supplies from or placing them in a keg, barrel, or box.

 

 

70.9 Refuse Disposal

Employees must dispose of garbage, bottles, ashes, or other refuse material at designated locations. Do not discard aerosol cans in containers that may be incinerated.

 

 

70.10 Stacking and Storing Materials

Employees must stack or store materials and freight safely and securely and ensure that they do not create hazardous conditions. Place materials in locations where people will not step on, trip over, or fall on them.

 

 

70.11 Bars and Levers

Employees must not sit or stand on or straddle a bar or lever while it is in use.

 

 

Employees must place bars, levers, or tools properly and while using them:

 

 

Appropriately brace themselves.

 

 

Be alert to the bar or lever slipping or moving unexpectedly.

 

 

Place hands and feet adequately to prevent injury.

 

 

Not overexert themselves.

 

 

70.12 Safe Working Space

Employees working in groups must be aware of the work and movement of other group members.

 

 

Swinging Tools

 

 

When assisting or working near an employee using a swinging tool, safely position yourself to avoid injury.

 

 

70.13 Unloading Materials

Employees must not work on the ground near cars when other employees are unloading ties, timbers, or other materials. Employees unloading such materials must ensure that no one is on the ground near the car being unloaded.

 

 

70.14 Lifting and Moving Materials

Do not lift materials beyond your normal capabilities. Obtain additional help or mechanical assist device(s) to lift or handle heavy objects.

 

 

All employees must observe the following principles of correct and safe lifting:

 

 

Ensure secure footing and a good grip on the materials.

 

 

Keep the object close to your body.

 

 

Keep your upper body erect.

 

 

Lift smoothly do not use jerky motions.

 

 

Do not lift and twist at the same time.

 

 

 

70.14.1 Steps for Safe Lifting

All employees must observe the following steps when lifting any items:

 

 

1. Check the load for size, weight, stability, and grip.

 

 

2. Examine the area and working surface for slipping and tripping hazards.

 

 

3. Inspect the unlift areas for a clear unlift, preferable at knuckle height, without reaching.

 

 

4. Choose the right lifting technique (e.g., squat, semi-stoop, or balanced one-hand lift).

 

 

70.14.2 Lifting with Two or More Employees

When a lifting task involves two or more employees:

 

 

1. All employees involved in the lifting project will discuss in a Job Briefing the responsibilities and techniques for the type of lift being performed.

 

 

2. One employee will give commands for all movements (lifting, walking, lowering, or throwing). When possible, place this employee at one end of the object being lifted.

 

 

3. Employees must avoid walking backward.

 

 

70.15 Close Drawers

Employees must close all drawers (e.g., desk) when not using them.

 

 

70.16 Turntables

Employees must not get on or off moving turntables or transfer tables.

 

 

70.17 Jacks

Employees must follow these precautions when using jacks or vehicle jacks:

1. Ensure that sufficient footing exists.

2. Use sufficient-sized blocking under the jack.

3. Ensure that the jack is properly placed and level.

4. Do not jack metal against metal, except when using track jacks or vehicle jacks.

5. Fully insert the handle into the jack socket. Remove it from the socket after completing the operation.

 

 

70.18 Aligning Holes

 

 

Employees must use the proper equipment to determine if holes are in proper alignments and must not use their fingers.

 

 

70.19 Torpedoes and Fusees

Torpedoes and fusees must be:

 

Carried and stored in approved containers.

Used for signaling purposes only.

Placed by hand (except fusees may be dropped off moving trains in emergencies or under flagging conditions).

 

 

Do not carry torpedoes in clothing pockets or loose on an engine or other equipment.

 

 

Place fusees with spikes in a container with the spike end down.

 

 

Do not step on or kick torpedoes.

 

 

 

70.20 Lighting Fusees

When lighting fusees, hold the end to be lighted down and away from your body, striking away from the body to prevent burns or fire dropping on your hands, feet, or clothing.

 

 

Do not leave lighted fusees on open bridge decks, trestles, or approaches, or use them near flammable or combustible material.

 

 

Extinguish the fusee after giving hand signals. If possible, extinguish it by tapping the lighted end on a rail.

 

 

70.21 Ladders, Platforms, and Scaffolds

Use ladders, platforms, or scaffolds for their intended purpose.

 

 

A. Safety Inspection

 

 

Employees must inspect ladders, platforms, and scaffolds for defects and ensure that they are properly secured, blocked, or held to prevent slipping or falling. Loose ends of ropes must be secured and not hang free.

 

 

B. End and Back Stops

 

 

Scaffold plank or loose board platforms must be equipped with end and back stops.

 

 

C. Metal Scaffolds

Employees must not use metal scaffolds when working on or near energized electrical wires.

 

 

70.21.1 Portable Ladders

Before using a portable ladder, an employee must inspect it for defects and ensure that it is equipped with spikes or non-slip bases suitable for the surface on which it will be used.

Portable ladders that are used in areas where they could contact exposed energized parts must have nonconductive side rails.

 

 

Positioning and Locking Portable Ladders

 

 

Before using a ladder, an employee must place the base of the ladder about one-fourth of its length from the wall or supporting object and make sure the ladder is locked and secured.

 

 

70.21.2 On or Off Ladders

When climbing on or off ladders, employees must:

 

 

Squarely face the object.

Use both hands.

Have secure hand holds and firm footing.

 

 

Do not carry tools, material, or any object that prevents a secure hold with both hands or interferes with safe movements while climbing.

 

 

 

70.22 Falling, Fouling, and Stumbling Hazards

Employees must observe safety practices that eliminate or help avoid falling, fouling, and stumbling hazards.

 

 

70.22.1 Avoiding Objects and Slip, Trip, and Falling Hazards

Employees must avoid objects, obstructions, holes, and openings and be alert to underfoot conditions that might contribute to slipping, tripping, or falling.

 

 

70.22.2 Avoiding Fouling Hazards

Employees must not leave machines, tools, or other objects near tracks where:

 

 

They could be struck by trains.

They would create a close clearance.

 

or

People might stumble over them.

 

 

Tools and other objects must not be left between rails when trains are approaching. If unable to move such items, immediately report the hazard to the supervisor, train dispatcher, or yardmaster.

 

 

A. If Fouling Occurs

When machines, tools, or other equipment may foul adjacent tracks, employees must notify the yardmaster, train dispatcher, or another supervisor. They must arrange to restrict movement on the affected track(s) until the work is completed and the fouling hazard is eliminated.

 

 

B. Unobstructed Aisles

Aisles and walkways must be kept free of tools, trucks, materials, and other equipment obstructions.

 

 

70.23 Jumping

Employees must not jump from equipment or structures (for example, docks, trucks, rail cars, station platforms, etc.).

 

 

70.24 Entry Procedures

Employees must observe applicable confined space entry procedures when going into sewers, manholes, tanks, tunnels, etc.

 

 

Also see Rule 90.9 (Confined Space Entry Program).

 

 

70.25 Stairs

Employees must not run up or down stairs, through halls or passageways, or around corners. They must never ascend or descend stairways with their hands in their pockets and must use the handrail where provided.

 

 

70.26 Conveyors

Employees must not ride on or step across conveyors.

 

 

70.27 Avoiding Ditches and Pits

Employees must not step or jump across ditches, pits, manholes, or other openings.

 

 

70.27.1 Safe Distance from Edge

Employees must keep a safe distance from the edge of inspection pits, turntables, or other pits or trenches. Employees must exercise caution when duties require them to work near inclines.

 

 

70.28 Weather Hazards

Employees must take precautions to avoid slipping on snow, ice, wet spots, or other hazards caused by inclement weather.

 

 

When hazardous underfoot conditions exist:

 

 

1. Keep your hands free when walking, and keep them out of pockets for balance.

2. Take short, deliberate steps with toes pointed outward.

3. When stepping over objects, such as rails, be sure your front foot is flat before moving your rear foot.

4. Slow the pace and stop moving equipment before getting on or off.

 

 

70.29 Equipment Precautions

 

 

70.29.1 Tool Placement

Employees must place tools in safe, secure locations and avoid doing the following:

 

 

Placing objects where they are likely to fall or be knocked off.

 

 

Placing tools or other objects on ladder rungs, hand holds, running boards, steps, uncoupling levers, or other safety appliances.

 

 

70.29.2 Defective Safety Appliances

Employees must visually inspect equipment and not use defective safety appliances, such as loose, damaged or missing hand holds; ladders; grab irons; sill steps; or crossover platforms.

 

 

When a defective safety appliance is observed, warn other employees and report the defect to the yardmaster, train dispatcher, or supervisor.

 

 

70.30 Hoisting Material

When working with or around equipment or material being hoisted by a crane, rope, cable, or other tackle, employees must:

 

 

Not go under the load or boom.

 

 

Maintain a safe distance to avoid being hit by flying parts if the equipment breaks or the magnetic crane fails.

 

 

Not step over or straddle ropes or cable that might be tightened at any moment.

 

 

70.31 Riding on Equipment

 

 

Without proper authorization, employees must not ride on cranes, ditchers, other machines, or cars on which machines are mounted.

 

 

70.32 Precautions Around Tracks and Moving Equipment

 

 

70.32.1 Walking On or Near Track

Employees must walk straight across tracks when possible.

 

 

Keep a careful lookout in both directions for moving equipment and do not rely on hearing the approach of a train or equipment.

 

 

Do not stand or sit on, walk fouling, or walk between rails of the track unless required by assigned duties.

 

 

70.32.2 Crossing Tracks

Employees must step over and not on top of the rail, frog, switches, or guardrails when walking near or crossing tracks.

 

 

70.32.3 Passing Trains

When employees are near passing trains or equipment, they must:

 

 

Move away from the track to avoid being struck by car doors or protruding or falling articles.

 

 

Stand clear of all tracks when trains are approaching or passing in either direction. They must not stand on one track while trains are passing on an adjacent track.

 

 

Not rely on other employees to notify them of an approaching train, engine, or other equipment unless the other employees' duties include providing warnings.

 

 

Working Near Tracks

When standing, walking, or working between or near tracks, employees must keep a careful lookout for trains, locomotives, cars or other moving equipment and expect movement at any time, on any track, in either direction.

 

 

Removal of Unauthorized Persons

Unauthorized persons on company property must be told to leave the premises, unless confronting the person(s) would be unsafe. If the person(s) refuse to leave, or if confronting the person(s) would be unsafe, request assistance from local law enforcement authorities immediately. Railroad special agents must be advised of unauthorized persons on company property.

 

 

Alertness Required

Foremen or others in charge of employees working on or about the tracks must require the employees to be alert and watchful and to keep out of danger.

 

 

70.32.4 Sufficient Distance

Employees must maintain a safe distance from equipment and not:

 

 

Cross or step foul of tracks closely in front of or behind moving equipment or close to the end of equipment.

 

 

Go between equipment if the opening is less than one car length.

 

 

Cross tracks in front of or behind standing equipment unless there is at least 20 feet between the employee and the equipment.

 

 

70.32.5 Keep Clear of Track

After giving a signal to stop the movement, employees must keep clear until the equipment has stopped.

 

 

70.32.6 Use Specified Crossing

Except when duties require, employees must not cross tracks at a location other than specified crossings.

 

 

70.32.7 Crossing Through Equipment

Employees must not get on, cross through, crawl, sit, or lie under cars, regardless of whether cars are standing or moving, unless duties require and proper protection is provided.

 

 

A. Standing Equipment

When duties require employees to cross through a standing train or cut of cars, they must:

 

 

Choose equipment carefully, using only cars with ends equipped with a crossover platform and hand holds.

 

 

EXCEPTION: When necessary, trainmen, yardmen, and carmen are permitted to cross through standing unit trains not equipped with end platforms. They must use extreme care to avoid personal injury and be assured that equipment will remain stationary.

 

 

Keep hands free of objects.

 

 

Be prepared for movement at any moment, maintaining a three-point contact (two feet and one hand or both hands and one foot) while walking across the end of the car.

 

 

B. Moving Equipment/Trainmen and Yardmen Only

Trainmen and yardmen must follow the above precautions when duties require them to cross through moving equipment.

 

 

Other employees are prohibited from crossing through moving equipment.

 

 

70.33 High-Voltage Wires

 

 

70.33.1 Authorized Personnel

Only authorized and trained persons are allowed to handle electric power and light or high-voltage wires. People designated to work with electric power and wires must be equipped with suitable insulating devices. Other employees must maintain a safe clearance at all times.

 

 

70.33.2 Broken or Crossed Wires

Employees must immediately report wires found broken, crossed, or on the ground to the train dispatcher. Do not consider any wire dead until positive information has been received that it has been de-energized and is safe to handle.

 

 

70.34 Air Contaminants

Employees must take all necessary precautions when working around gases, fumes, mists, vapors, or dusts emitted by equipment, vehicles, or work processes.

 

 

Also see Rule 90.5 (Respiratory Protection Program).

 

 

70.34.1 Notify Supervisor

Employees must never enter a suspected or confirmed contaminated area without notifying their supervisor.

 

 

70.34.2 Internal Combustion Engines

Employees must avoid excessive exposure to exhaust fumes from internal combustion engines. Such engines must not be allowed to run unless ventilation exists.

 

 

Avoid exposing fresh air intake systems to gasoline engine exhaust.

 

 

 

System Special Instructions Effective 0001 Monday June 1 1998

SSI Item 10-E. 70 General Safety Instructions

70.1.1 Job Briefings

Add New Rule:

Employees must use the Job Briefing process:

 

Before work begins when all persons, including employees and contractors, are present.

After work begins if person(s) arrive who missed the original job briefing.

When changes occur to the work plan.

 

Each work plan must consider hazards, assign specific responsibilities, and explain those assignments.

 

70.21 Ladders, Platforms, and Scaffolds

Change Part C. to read:

C. Metal Scaffolds

Employees must not use metal scaffolds when working on or near energized electrical wires.

 

 

70.21.1Portable Ladders

Change first paragraph to read:

Before using a portable ladder, an employee must inspect it for defects and ensure that it is equipped with spikes or non-slip bases suitable for the surface on which it will be used.

Portable ladders that are used in areas where they could contact exposed energized parts must have nonconductive side rails.

 

 

70.1 Safety Responsibilities

 

Employees must:

 

 

be responsible for their personal safety and accountable for their behavior as a

 

condition of employment,

 

take every precaution to prevent injury to themselves, other employees, and the

 

public,

 

comply with all rules, policies, and outstanding instructions,

 

 

report, correct, or protect any unsafe condition or practice,

 

 

be aware of and work within the limits of their physical capabilities and not use

 

excessive force to accomplish tasks,

 

use good judgment in fulfilling job responsibilities

safely.

 

 

Past practices that do not conform to the rules are unacceptable.

 

 

70.2 System Safety Policies

 

Several Safety Rules make reference to policies contained in company publications

such as the Safety Resource Manual and the Environmental, Law, Policies and

Procedures Manual. Other company or departmental policies are also in effect.

Employees must be trained and be conversant with applicable policies and

procedures related to their duties, and be governed by them. Employees will have

access to this information available through their local manager.

 

Note: See Rule 1.13, Reporting and Complying With Instructions.

 

 

70.3 Job Briefing