RIO GRANDE PACIFIC CORPORATION

Transcription

1 RIO GRANDE PACIFIC CORPORATION IDAHO NORTHERN & PACIFIC RAILROAD * NEBRASKA CENTRAL RAILROAD NEW ORLEANS & GULF COAST RAILWAY * WICHITA, TILLMAN & JACKSON RAILWAY SYSTEM GENERAL NOTICE NO. 1 SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 THE FOLLOWING RGPC SYSTEM GENERAL NOTICES ARE CANCELLED AND SHALL BE REMOVED FROM ALL BOOKS AND BOARDS: EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: RGPC SYSTEM SPECIAL NOTICES RGPC System Special Notices are discontinued. All previously issued RGPC System Special Notices are cancelled and shall be removed from all books and boards. RGPC SYSTEM GENERAL ORDERS RGPC System General Orders will be issued to convey pertinent information and instructions related to rules or operating practices. See GCOR (General Orders). RGPC SYSTEM GENERAL NOTICES RGPC System General Notices will be issued to convey all other pertinent information. See GCOR (Circulars, Instructions, and Notices). PREVIOUS NOTICES The following previously issued information remains in effect (no changes): ISSUE DATE: JULY 22, 2010 SUBJECT: BRIDGES 49 CFR PART 237 BRIDGE SAFETY STANDARDS NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS FOR BRIDGE SAFETY STANDARDS ARE NOW IN EFFECT. EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS INVOLVED IN THE INSPECTION, REPAIR OR MODIFICATION OF RAILROAD BRIDGES MUST BE FAMILIAR WITH AND PERFORM THESE FUNCTIONS ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATION. COPIES OF THE REGULATION WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL RAILROAD ON-DUTY LOCATIONS AND POSTED ON THE RGPC OPERATIONS WEBSITE EMPLOYEE PORTAL. 49 CFR PART 214 SUBPART B BRIDGE WORKER SAFETY STANDARDS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND CASUALTIES ARISING FROM THE PERFORMANCE OF WORK ON RAILROAD BRIDGES, THIS REGULATION INCLUDES INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING: Page 1 of 7

2 FALL PROTECTION WORKING OVER/ADJACENT TO WATER SCAFFOLDING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS INVOLVED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF WORK, INCLUDING INSPECTION/TRACK INSPECTION, ON RAILROAD BRIDGES MUST BE FAMILIAR WITH AND PERFORM THIS WORK ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATION. COPIES OF THE REGULATION WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL RAILROAD ON-DUTY LOCATIONS AND POSTED ON THE RGPC OPERATIONS WEBSITE EMPLOYEE PORTAL. RAILROAD BRIDGE DEFINITION FOR CLARIFICATION, RAILROAD BRIDGE IS DEFINED AS ANY STRUCTURE WITH A DECK, REGARDLESS OF LENGTH, WHICH SUPPORTS ONE OR MORE RAILROAD TRACKS, OR ANY OTHER UNDERGRADE STRUCTURE WITH AN INDIVIDUAL SPAN LENGTH OF 10 FEET OR MORE LOCATED AT SUCH A DEPTH THAT IT IS AFFECTED BY LIVE LOADS. ISSUE DATE: JANUARY 23, 2011 SUBJECT: BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS RGPC BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS POLICY CERTAIN HUMAN BLOODBORNE DISEASES, SUCH AS HEPATITIS B AND HIV (THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES AIDS) CAN TRANSFER FROM ONE HUMAN BEING TO ANOTHER IN THE WORKPLACE. THIS TRANSFER OCCURS IF WORKERS ARE EXPOSED TO INFECTED BLOOD, BLOODY MATERIALS, OR CERTAIN INTERNAL BODILY FLUIDS. NOTE: CURRENT EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT THESE DISEASES CANNOT BE TRANSMITTED BY URINE, SWEAT, TEARS, NASAL SECRETIONS, SALIVA, OR FECES UNLESS BLOOD IS PRESENT. A. ACTIONS THAT CANNOT TRANSFER THE DISEASES CURRENT EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT EMPLOYEES CANNOT CONTRACT THESE BLOODBORNE DISEASES BY CASUAL OR SOCIAL CONTACT, SUCH AS: SHAKING HANDS HUGGING OR KISSING CRYING COUGHING SNEEZING SHARING BED LINENS OR TOWELS SHARING EATING UTENSILS, OR SHARING USE OF TELEPHONES, DOORKNOBS, OR TOOLS B. ACTIONS THAT PREVENT CONTRACTING THE DISEASES TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF CONTRACTING BLOODBORNE DISEASES IN THE WORKPLACE, EMPLOYEES SHOULD COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES: 1. WEAR LATEX OR VINYL GLOVES WHEN DIRECTLY HANDLING HUMAN BLOOD, BLOODY MATERIALS, OR BLOODY BODILY FLUIDS. AFTER FINISHING, CAREFULLY REMOVE GLOVES AND WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY WITH HOT WATER AND SOAP. Page 2 of 7

3 GLOVE AVAILABILITY. APPROPRIATE GLOVES ARE AVAILABLE IN COMPANY FIRST AID KITS. HOWEVER, IF A SERIOUS FIRST AID INCIDENT OCCURS AND GLOVES ARE NOT AVAILABLE, MINIMIZE EXPOSURE BY USING A HEAVY CLOTH OR PADDING WHEN RESPONDING TO THE INJURY. 2. WEAR VINYL OR LATEX GLOVES WHEN CLEANING UP HUMAN BLOOD FROM EQUIPMENT OR WORK AREAS. USE A 10-TO-1 SOLUTION OF TAP WATER AND REGULAR BLEACH TO CLEAN THE EQUIPMENT OR AREAS. 3. IF USING SYRINGES/NEEDLES TO SELF-ADMINISTER ALLERGY OR INSULIN SHOTS, DO NOT DISPOSE OF THE USED NEEDLES IN COMPANY TRASH CONTAINERS, SHARE THE NEEDLES WITH OTHER EMPLOYEES, OR DISCARD THE NEEDLES ON COMPANY PROPERTY. THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF USED NEEDLES WHILE ON COMPANY PROPERTY IS AN EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY AND GREAT CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THEY DO NOT HURT ANYONE OR SPREAD DISEASE. THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR PROPER DISPOSAL: 1. LOCATE A CONTAINER THAT CAN HOLD THE NEEDLES WITHOUT ALLOWING THEM TO POKE THROUGH THE CONTAINER. THE BEST CONTAINER IS A "SHARPS" OR "BIOHAZARD" CONTAINER, WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED THROUGH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OR POSSIBLY AT YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY. 2. PLACE USED NEEDLES INTO THE CONTAINER AFTER USE. 3. SECURE THE LID OF THE CONTAINER WHEN IT IS FULL. USE STRONG PACKAGING TAPE TO SECURE THE LID IF YOU SUSPECT ANY INSTABILITY. 4. TAKE THE CONTAINER TO YOUR DOCTOR'S OFFICE OR A HOSPITAL OR PHARMACY. IF THEY CANNOT DISPOSE OF THE CONTAINER, THEY WILL DIRECT YOU TO AN APPROPRIATE DISPOSAL FACILITY. C. POSSIBLE EXPOSURE OCCURS IF ANOTHER PERSON S BLOOD IS TRANSFERRED TO AN EMPLOYEE ON DUTY BY ENTERING A BREAK IN THE EMPLOYEE S SKIN (RASH, CUT, ABRASION, ETC.) OR ENTERING A MUCOUS MEMBRANE (MOUTH, NOSE, EYES), THE EXPOSED EMPLOYEE MUST REPORT THE INCIDENT WITHIN 72 HOURS. EMPLOYEES MUST REPORT THE INCIDENT TO THE HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR ANY REQUIRED EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP. EMPLOYEES DO NOT NEED TO REPORT THE INCIDENT IF THEY ARE EXPOSED TO LIMITED AMOUNTS OF BLOOD AS FOLLOWS: THE EXPOSED EMPLOYEE DOES NOT HAVE A SKIN BREAK IN THE EXPOSED AREA. THERE WAS NO PUNCTURE WOUND, OR ANOTHER PERSON S BLOODY FLUIDS DO NOT SPLASH OR TRANSFER INTO THE EXPOSED EMPLOYEE S NOSE, MOUTH, OR EYES. ISSUE DATE: APRIL 15, 2012 SUBJECT: SEVERE WEATHER RGPC RAILROAD SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TORNADO WATCH AND WARNING INSTRUCTIONS ADD OR CHANGE INSTRUCTION TO READ: Background: Tornadoes are the most violent of all storms. Paths of destruction range from a few hundred feet in width to more than a mile, and extend the length of a city block to three hundred miles. Rotating winds exceed 200 MPH. Forward travel varies from 5 to 70 MPH, with an average speed of 40 MPH. Page 3 of 7

4 It is impossible to predict exactly where they will develop or touch ground. The greatest potential for such storms exists from April through September and ordinarily occurs between noon and midnight, with more than 50% striking between the hours of Standard Personnel Protection: In a home or office go to the basement, away from windows, and seek protection under a workbench, heavy table, stairway, or in a closet. In a building lacking a basement, go to an inner hallway or room, including bathrooms or closets, on the lowest floor. Cover yourself with heavy blankets to protect from flying glass and debris. If unable to reach one of the above areas safely, the nose compartment of a diesel unit is a suitable shelter. Abandon mobile homes. Tornado Watch Means: A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to form. Since any thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado is defined as severe, a tornado watch is also automatically a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. In most cases, the potential exists for large hail and/or damaging winds in addition to the tornadoes. The train dispatcher or appropriate manager will keep trains informed of limits of Tornado Watches. Train crews are to follow the instructions as outlined below: Continue all train movements and yard activities, keeping alert for any signs of weather change. The danger signs to look for are severe thunderstorms, hail, roaring noise, a funnel cloud or any combination of the above. In the event a crew spots a funnel cloud, immediately notify the train dispatcher or appropriate manager consistent with the crew's safety, giving details as to the sighting. Tornado Warning Means: A tornado has been sighted or verified by the National Weather Service or by persons associated with official weather spotters. The train dispatcher or appropriate manager will keep trains informed of limits of Tornado Warnings. Train crews are to follow the instructions as outlined below: During a Tornado Warning, all train movements and yard activities must stop. Any train en route will stop and employees will seek appropriate shelter. Consistent with the safety of all involved, avoid stopping a train: - On high bridges, - Across railroad and highway crossings at grade, or - Any place where the presence of a train could be a hindrance. After a Tornado Warning has been cleared and such information has reached the train crews, if the path of the tornado crossed the tracks at their location or in the immediate vicinity, crew members must: - Inspect their train before moving to find out if any damage or derailment has occurred to the train, and - Inspect track structure for signs of damage from the tornado. After inspecting the train and track, the train may go. However, be prepared to stop when approaching bridges, culverts and other points likely to be affected within the limits of the tornado path. If unable to go safely, stop the movement and do not resume movement until safe to do so. Advise the train dispatcher or appropriate manager of such conditions by the first available means of communication. In case of communication failure, strictly follow standard operating procedures. Page 4 of 7

5 ISSUE DATE: DECEMBER 30, 2012 SUBJECT: HOURS OF SERVICE FEDERAL HOURS OF SERVICE LAW THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION'S HOURS OF SERVICE INTERPRETATIONS IMPLEMENTED MAY 29, 2012 FOR TRAIN EMPLOYEES, HAVE CHANGED REGARDING: (1) THE DEFINITION OF A DAY IN THE CONSECUTIVE DAYS LIMITATION. (2) THE WAY SIX CONSECUTIVE WORKING DAYS ARE COMPUTED FOR PURPOSES OF REQUIRING TRAIN EMPLOYEES TO HAVE 48 HOURS OFF-DUTY BEFORE RETURNING TO WORK. ORIGINALLY, FRA DEFINED A DAY IN THE CONSECUTIVE DAYS LIMITATION TO BE A CALENDAR DAY AND THE REST REQUIREMENT WAS TRIGGERED AFTER AN EMPLOYEE PERFORMED SERVICE ON SIX CONSECUTIVE CALENDAR DAYS, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF ON-DUTY PERIODS INITIATED EACH DAY. BEGINNING 12:01 A.M. JANUARY 1, 2013 THE FOLLOWING FRA INTERPRETATIONS OF THE HOURS OF SERVICE REGULATIONS FOR TRAINMEN WILL GO INTO EFFECT ON ALL RIO GRANDE PACIFIC CORPORATION RAILROADS: A DAY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CONSECUTIVE DAYS LIMITATION REFERS TO THE 24-HOUR PERIOD FOLLOWING AN EMPLOYEE S FINAL RELEASE FROM DUTY. UNDER THIS INTERPRETATION, IF AN EMPLOYEE DOES NOT INITIATE AN ON-DUTY PERIOD WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE EMPLOYEE S FINAL RELEASE FROM THE PREVIOUS DUTY TOUR, THIS WILL COUNT AS A DAY IN WHICH THE EMPLOYEE DID NOT INITIATE AN ON-DUTY PERIOD, AND THE STRING OF CONSECUTIVE DAYS WILL BE BROKEN. THE LAW PROVIDES THAT A TRAIN EMPLOYEE WHO REMAINS OR GOES ON DUTY AFTER HAVING WORKED SIX CONSECUTIVE ON-DUTY PERIODS WITHOUT 24 CONSECUTIVE HOURS OFF-DUTY, CANNOT INITIATE ANOTHER ON-DUTY PERIOD WITHOUT 48 CONSECUTIVE HOURS OFF-DUTY. A WORK DAY FOR PURPOSES OF THE CONSECUTIVE DAYS LIMITATION MEANS TO "INITIATE AN ON-DUTY PERIOD." THEREFORE, TWO STARTS IN THE SAME 24 HOUR PERIOD NOW WILL COUNT AS TWO STARTS. ISSUE DATE: APRIL 7, 2013 SUBJECT: EMPLOYEE INFORMATION RGPC OPERATIONS WEBSITE ALL PERTINENT EMPLOYEE INFORMATION, INCLUDING PROGRAMS, POLICIES, RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE RGPC OPERATIONS WEBSITE. THIS WEBSITE ALSO PROVIDES A SAFETY FIRST COMMENTS FORM FOR ANONYMOUS REPORTING OF ISSUES CONCERNING UNSAFE PRACTICES OR CONDITIONS AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT. TO ACCESS THE WEBSITE, GO TO: CONTACT THE RGPC DISPATCHER FOR USERNAME/PASSWORD INSTRUCTIONS. Page 5 of 7

6 ISSUE DATE: JULY 15, 2013 SUBJECT: SECURITY NATIONAL AND INDUSTRY SECURITY ALERTS Additional security protocols take effect when the nation and/or rail industry is under a heightened state of security. For this purpose, Security Alert Levels 1 4 have been established by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). As the Alert Level increases, the actions to be taken by railroad employees also increase. The actions required by employees include all actions for the current level, as well as those for the lower Alert Levels. For example, if Alert Level 3 is in effect, actions required in Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3 are required. The current Alert Level is supplied from the AAR via the ASLRRA and is posted on the RGPC Operations website homepage and issued weekly in the RGPC Rule of the Week. The requirements of the current alert level must be discussed in initial weekly safety & security briefings. If the alert level is other than level 1, the specific requirements of the alert level should be discussed. If the alert level is changed, an additional safety & security briefing should be conducted addressing the change. DEFINITIONS: Alert Train: Any train that is handling one or more hazardous materials in class 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.3, anhydrous ammonia, any hazardous material shipment that requires the phrase "Poison or Toxic Inhalation Hazard" on the shipping paper, or otherwise identified. These shipments may be identified on the train consist as "ALERT SHIPMENT" or RSSM SHIPMENT". Alert Level: The level of threat to security of rail operations. Unusual Item: An attachment to railroad rolling stock that is not a part of the normal rail equipment, or a suspicious package or container located on or near railroad property. Unusual Stops: As used in Level 3, examples of this include: Any radio transmission from an unknown person requesting the train to stop. Any unknown person attempting to stop the train by hand signals. A dark signal or signals than are improperly displayed. Stop or Stop and Proceed signals at other than meeting points. Unattended fusee. Detectors that are out of service without a track bulletin. Emergency vehicles fouling the track without prior notification from the dispatcher. The following are the minimum requirements for train and engine crews, based on the various Alert Levels. Each level has additional requirements. Alert Level 1 (The "new normal" day-to-day operations): Remain vigilant for suspicious activities, trespassers, or vehicles (abandoned or occupied) on or near railroad property. Report suspicious activities to the train dispatcher. Keep required employee identification immediately available at all times. Page 6 of 7

7 Alert Level 2 (Heightened security awareness): When inspecting train, increase vigilance and scrutiny of railcars, looking for unusual items. Alert Level 3 (A credible threat of attack on the U.S. or railroad industry): Train dispatcher will communicate with crews on Alert trains at least once every 60 minutes to determine location and status. Immediately notify the train dispatcher of any unusual stops. Alert Level 4 (A confirmed threat of attack against the U.S. railroad industry or actual attack in the U.S.): Crew members must identify themselves by employee identification when picking up outbound locomotives at service facilities. Meeting points with passenger trains will be established and communicated to crews by the train dispatcher. Train inspections from the ground may be eliminated on instruction of the train dispatcher. Do not leave unattended and unsecured locomotives on line without the authority of the train dispatcher. Alert trains will not be allowed to operate in a tunnel at the same time with a passenger train. When Security Alert level is above Level 1, when crews complete switching operations at all plants and facilities equipped with gates, the gates must be immediately shut and locked to maintain security for those facilities. Local railroad instructions may provide relief for facilities not requiring that degree of security. When Security Alert levels are above Level 2, crews must not provide any shipping information. Instruct customers to contact the railroad for inquiries. Other requirements may be imposed by local management or the train dispatcher, as necessary. M. D. HARRIS DIRECTOR SAFETY, TRAINING & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE RGPC SGN IN EFFECT: 1. Page 7 of 7