Job: Locomotive Description: Operates the Locomotive Equipment Assessed: Kinder Morgan (Locomotive) ESSETIAL DUTIES 1. Operating the Locomotive A) Sitting B) Handling Controls 2. Ascending and Descending the Locomotive 3. Pre-Operation Inspection Shift Schedule: Locomotive Operators work 8hr shifts. The normal shift schedule is 8:00 4:30 with 10min breaks at 10AM and 2:30PM and a 30 minute break for lunch. Staffing: The locomotive operators are dispatched by themselves and may be required to work the full shift as a locomotive operator. However, Locomotive Operators are usually dual rated as Switchmen. At the Kinder Morgan site, one Locomotive Operator and a Switchman are dispatched together. If both workers are dual rated, they normally split the shift, with each driving the locomotive for four hours and the other performing Switchman duties for four hours. OTE: Switchman tasks are covered in a separate PDA. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 1 of 10
DESCRIPTIO OF ESSETIAL DUTIES 1. OPERATIG THE LOCOMOTIVE Frequency Operates the Locomotive for up to 7.5 hrs out of an 8-hour shift. Actual travel time is less since the operator moves the cars forward and waits until the cars are unloaded. ormal volume is 27 cars per shift, with approximately 7-8 moves (shifting forward by a few feet) per car. This equates to approximately 3-4 hours of operating time per shift. Equipment Locomotive Task Description The Locomotive Operator has two main tasks. The first is to work with the Switchman to hook-up, push and pull railcars along the appropriate tracks. Once the railcars are positioned on the tracks leading to the station where the product is offloaded ( Receiving ), the Locomotive Operator moves the railcars forward or backward through coordination with the Excavator Operator performing the Receiving /unloading of the rail cars. The Excavator Operator and the Locomotive Operator communicate frequently so that the rail cars are positioned to optimize the offloading process. A SITTIG Equipment Locomotive Seat Duration Up to 7.5 hours Frequency Sustained Force A Task Overview Frequent rotation of the neck to the left or right when looking around work area. The operator is seated for the duration of the operating task. When not moving, the operator can sit in a supported, neutral posture. The seat adjusts forward and backward (not easily). The operator noted that most operators sit sideways in the seat to operator the controls. Whole-body vibration when locomotive is in operation. Significant unexpected jarring and jolts from the Excavator Operator making contact with the scoop and the railcars. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 2 of 10
B HADLIG COTROLS Equipment Levers Duration Up to 7.5 hours Frequency Frequent Force <5kg Task Overview Each Locomotive has many controls. The radio controls are at shoulder level and activated with the right hand. The right hand also controls the throttle and direction (forward/backward). The left hand controls the airbrakes for the cars and the brake for the locomotive. The operator frequently operates controls with the left and right hand at the same time. The force required to operate the controls is low. Throughout the shift, the Locomotive Operator moves approximately 27 cars, each taking approximately 15 seconds. Total driving time per shift is approximately 250 minutes. The controls are small diameter and allow for a power grip. The primary controls displace horizontally. The Operator is responsible for monitoring the gauges on the console and overhead (speed) Wrist postures and angles vary depending on the movements and arm position. Some operators turn sideways in the chair when travelling backward in order to reduce neck and back rotation. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 3 of 10
FUCTIOAL DEMADS with MSI POTETIAL Operating the Locomotive eck Static neck rotation when looking forward or backward. If the operator doesn t sit sideways when travelling backward, the neck is rotated to the end of range. Shoulder Constrained postures of the upper extremity due to position of the controls directly beside the operator seat. Supported abduction (elbow away from the body) of the left shoulder (on the back of the chair) noted when operator was driving backward. Static reaching forward and to the right (elbow away from the body) when using the throttle and radio controls. Support is not available for the right hand. All controls are mounted approximately 90 degrees to the left of the operator. This necessitates turning in the chair or reaching across the midline with the right arm. Elbow/Wrist/Hand Fine motor control movements of the right and left arms and hands are required to adjust the settings of the locomotive controls (throttle, brakes). Gross motor movements required for some controls (forward/backward). Pinch gripping of radio controls required when communicating with Switchman or Excavator Operator. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 4 of 10
STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Operating the Locomotive eck Sit facing the controls when travelling backward in order to minimize the need to rotate the neck and upper back. Stretch the neck muscles often to allow tissue recovery resulting from awkward postures. Try tucking the chin to place the neck in proper alignment with the spinal column and then rotate the head to one side or the other. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds. Back Sit facing the controls when travelling backward in order to minimize the need to sit with the back and neck rotated. As much as possible, avoid sitting for extended periods of time to minimize static use of back muscles. Stand and stretch whenever possible. Take the opportunity to stretch or walk during scheduled breaks to restore blood flow to the spinal tissues. Reverse forward leaning postures by arching the back, squeezing the shoulder blades together and sticking the chest out (see picture at right). Shoulders Take hands off the levers whenever not operating the controls. Let shoulders relax and hands rest in lap until required to reach back for levers again. Sit as far back in the seat as possible to reduce the distance needed to reach behind to access the controls Perform basic stretches to counter the frequent forward reaching performed when operating the locomotive. For example, clasp hands together behind back and lift away from the body. Hold the stretch for 20s. Elbow/Wrist Maintain neutral wrist posture when operating the controls. Where possible use a power grip on the controls to reduce stresses to the small structures in the hand. Let go of the joystick whenever possible to reduce static grip stresses to the elbow, hand and forearm. Perform wrist and forearm stretches with elbow straight to stretch muscles and increase blood flow after periods of particularly repetitive or prolonged static wrist and hand postures. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 5 of 10
2. ASCEDIG AD DESCEDIG THE LOCOMOTIVE Frequency Four to eight times per shift depending on how the operators have structured their breaks. Equipment Locomotive. Task Description When on the ground, the Operators climb onto the machine using a combination of handrails and steps (~17 high, 7 steps) ASCEDIG & DESCEDIG THE LOCOMOTIVE Equipment one Duration <1 minute Frequency 4-8 times/shift Force Body weight FUCTIOAL DEMADS WITH MSI POTETIAL Ascending & Descending the Locomotive Shoulder Overhead reaching may occur when getting on or off of the locomotive. This can stress structures in the shoulders and arms. Knee Supporting body weight against the force of gravity when ascending and descending the locomotive stairs can put significant stress on the structures around the knee. Impact force descending the last step of the ladder can put stress on the structures around the knee, particularly if jumping down from bottom step. Significant knee flexion when climbing the 17 steps. While walking across the railyard, the terrain is often uneven. Some sites are worst than others. This can present a trip or fall hazard. ErgoRisk 2008 Page 6 of 10
STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Ascending & Descending the Locomotive Shoulder Avoid extreme overhead reaching when climbing ladders. Keep arm in close to the side of the body to increase stability through the shoulder joint. Maintain centre of gravity over feet and use legs to push up rather than pulling up with arms. Knee Maintain three points of contact and step down backwards when stepping off of the bottom step. Use hand rail or ladder rungs to help with balance and to assist in pulling up body weight when ascending or to slow rate of descent when coming down the stairs. Avoid jumping down from bottom step to reduce stress to the knee. Always use three points of contact when ascending or descending the locomotive. 3. PERFORMIG THE PRE-OPERATIO ISPECTIO Frequency Each time the operator accesses the Locomotive. May be 1-3 times a day depending on the operators have structured their breaks. Equipment one Task Description Operators perform a visual inspection of the Locomotive by walking around the equipment. Operators are looking for major mechanical issues (oil leaks, equipment damage). OTE: The joint ranges of motion required to perform the visual inspection is significantly less than the postural ranges required to ascend the Locomotive. As well, the operator is free to use a variety of different body postures to perform the visual inspection so MSI risks for this task are relatively low. PRE-OPERATIO ISPECTIO Equipment one Duration 1-2 minutes Frequency 1-3 times/shift Force Minimal FUCTIOAL DEMADS WITH MSI POTETIAL Performing Pre-Operation Inspection eck eck extension or flexion may occur as the operator looks up or down to assess the condition of the locomotive. Back Bending and stooping may be required to assess the condition of the locomotive. Shoulder Above shoulder reaching may be required if the operator decides to look more closely at a potential problem with the engine or with other locomotive systems (e.g. sanding). ErgoRisk 2008 Page 7 of 10
STRATEGIES TO MIIMIZE MSI Performing Pre-Operation Inspection eck Avoid sustained neck flexion when performing assessments. Look down briefly and then move head back into a neutral position once area is visually inspected. Back Avoid twisting or bending the back when assessing low parts of the Locomotive. Instead keep inward curve in the low back and go down on 1 knee to assess low areas. Move feet rather than twisting back when turning to inspect other areas. Shoulder Keep arm close to the side of the body and avoid overhead reaching as much as possible. 4. EVIROMETAL COSIDERATIOS Exposure to Elements The operator is inside the Locomotive cab for the duration of the time he/she is operating the locomotive. The operator is exposed to the elements when ascending/descending the Locomotive and when performing the pre-operation inspection. Vibration The operator is exposed to whole body vibration throughout operation of the locomotive. There are also significant bumps and jolts as the locomotive makes contact with the railcars or when the excavator hits the end of a railcar with its scoop. These unpredictable impacts cause the body to sway or shift when sitting. Other (Chemicals) The Locomotive operator handles railcars that contain copper or slag. In windy conditions, some particulate may be the air. Other (Hazards) The locomotive has general safety hazards including the diesel exhaust, powerful electrical system and operating near hot surfaces. As well, the locomotive operator is in close proximity to other equipment (greatest hazard when on break and outside of the locomotive). ErgoRisk 2008 Page 8 of 10
5. PHYSICAL DEMADS SUMMARY TABLE Job Demands Max. Weight/ Avg. Weight (Kg) Duration per exposure h=hrs s=secs, m=mins Frequency UABLE to perform Comments STREGTH POSTURE & MOBILITY EVIROMET Lifting/Carry Push/Pull 5/3 <10s F Small movements of throttle and brake controls forward and back. Supporting Body Weight 5m O Ascending/Descending Locomotive via steps up to 8 times per shift Gripping / Handling <1m F Throttle, direction and brake controls: repetitive small movements Fine Motor Skills <10s F Complex small movements of throttle and brake controls to operate articulating arm and attachment. Sitting 7.5h C Constant sitting for duration of work Driving 7.5h F Frequent operation of the locomotive forward and backward. Standing 5min O During visual inspection or when travelling to coffee break. Walking 100m O Walk from machine to pick-up truck to travel to coffee room. May be repeated 8X per shift. Bending/ Stooping <1m R When performing pre-job inspection Sustained Crouching/ Kneeling Climbing Stairs 1m O Ascend/descend ladders and stairs to access locomotive (<10 steps, up to 17 high; up to 8X/shift) Climbing Ladders Crawling Balancing 1m R When climbing up locomotive stairs Throwing Overhead Reach 1m O When going up/down locomotive stairs Exposure to Elements <5m O Ascending/descending locomotive or during visual inspection Uneven Surfaces <5m O When walking across yard Proximity to moving objects Vibration (upper extremity) <5m O ot within the cab. When on foot outside locomotive, there are other vehicles in the area Vibration (whole body) 7.5h F/C Constant low level vibration when operating locomotive. Significant shocks occur (due to excavator) Frequency Ratings: ErgoRisk 2008 Page 9 of 10
: ever R: Rare - ot daily or up to 1% of shift (<5mins/day) O: Occasional - 1%-33% of shift (up to 2.5hrs) F: Frequent - 34%-67% of shift (2.5-5hrs) C: Constant ->67% of shift (>5hrs) ErgoRisk 2008 Page 10 of 10