Federal Railroad Administration FRA Overview to On-Track Safety for Certain Kenneth Rusk Staff Director Track Joseph E Riley PE Hqrt. Track Spec. RWP and RMM AREMA 204
Who We Are RAIL Moving America Forward Who We Are The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) enables the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods for a strong America, now and in the future. Safety is our number one priority We are laying a foundation for higher performing rail Promulgating and enforcing rail safety regulations Investing in America s rail corridors Research and development to advance rail safety Our Success and Accomplishments Rail has never been safer. FRA is committed to continuous safety improvement: Maintaining onsite inspections identifying safety violations; Development rules, regulations and guidance; and Workforce training FRA is the Chief Safety Regulator for all Passenger and Freight Railroads Nationwide FRA employs nearly 900 people With eight regional offices strategically located across the Nation Dedicated to our vision: RAIL-Moving America Forward Laying a foundation for higher performing rail Our Multi-Billion Dollars Portfolio Includes: Amtrak Operating and Capital Programs $7 billion High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) Grants $0. billion Research and Development $30 million Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) Program $.7 billion Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Programs $423 million Rail Line Relocation Grants $86 million Disaster Assistance Grants $8 million talities Fat 0 8 6 4 2 0 8 7 BMWE Petition 90 Roadway Worker Fatalities Advisory Committee Formed 94 NPRM Adjacent Track Rule, November 25, 2009 Safety Advisory May 3, 2004 Final Rule December 6, 996 effective January 5 997 6 6 6 5 4 4 3 4 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 0 5 4 3 7 5 49 Since 997 Final Rule Adjacent Track /30/ Amended Final Rule Adjacent Track /0/4 0 0 86 87 88 89 90 9 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 0 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0 2 3 4 Note Fatalities are only those directly linked to the RWP regulation. Statistics do not include other engineering employee fatalities such as bridge worker, highway accidents, crane accidents, falls from equipment, hi-rails running into the back of trains, deaths at grade crossings, death by natural cause, etc. 3 Roadway Worker RMM Adjacent Track Fatalities Fatalities 2.5 2.5 0.5 0 Advisory Committee Formed 94 BMWE Petition 90 Safety Advisory 5/3/04 Final Rule, 2/6/96, effective /6/97 NPRM Adjacent Track Rule, 7/7/08 2 NPRM 2 Adjacent Track Rule, /25/ 09 Final Adjacent Track Rule, /30/ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 86 87 88 89 90 9 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 0 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0 2 3 2/29/87 07/26/90 /05/92 02/26/94 0//98 03/2/07 02/0/08 03/27/08 Amended Final Adjacent Track Rule, /0/4 Note Fatalities are only those directly linked to the RWP accidents involving RMM on the Occupied Track and Roadway Worker struck on the Adjacent Track. 2 of these type of fatalities have occurred since 987, 8 since the promulgation of the Rule in 997. /09/99 0/30/03 0/05/05 07/05/3 AREMA 204 2
24.335 On-Track Safety Procedures for Roadway Work Groups, General c) Roadway work groups engaged in large-scale maintenance or construction shall be provided with train approach warning in accordance with 24.327 for movements on adjacent tracks that are not included within working limits. RSAC Identified Causes of Distractions Noise and dust generated by the operation of ontrack self-propelled equipment Need to avoid entanglement in the operation of that equipment Need to monitor the quality of work being done (a) Procedures; general. ) General rule. Except for 24.336(e) On-track safety required for each adjacent controlled track when RWG with at least one of the RW s on the ground is engaged in a common task with on-track, self-propelled equipment or coupled equipment on an occupied track. Required on-track safety shall be established through 24.39 (Working limits, generally) or 24.329 (Train approach warning provided by watchmen/lookouts) and as more specifically described thru-out 24.336. Fatalities on Adjacent Tracks Findings Findings /29 where adjacent tracks 0/ RMMs present present, FE on the adjacent track 6/ Training or All FE s, Track Centers were observing surfacing 9 feet or less 4/6 were foremen 8 No OTS on Adjacent Track 2/6 tamper trainers 2 Had ETO on Adjacent Track 7/ affected RWG, Used TAW on Adjacent were 4 or fewer Track employees 336(a() RWG present? Track center 9 occupied track to adjacent controlled track? Triggering Language Requiring Adjacent Controlled Track On Track Safety At Least On Ground RW Working Common w/ On Track, Self Propelled Equipment? On Track, Self Propelled or Coupled Equipment on Occupied Track? Adjacent Controlled Track On track Safety is Required unless (e)()(iii), (e)(3)(i) (iii) is applicable. 24.35 Supervision and Communication. a) When an employer assigns a duty to a roadway worker that calls for that employee to foul a track, the employer shall provide the employee with an OTS job briefing which includes at a minimum, the following: ) Information on the means by which OTS is to be provided for each track identified to be fouled; 2) Instruction on each OTS procedure to be followed; 3) Information about any adjacent tracks, OTS for such tracks, Required by Part 24, Subpart C (RWP) or Deemed necessary by the RWIC, and Identification of any RMM s that will foul such tracks; and 4) Discussion of the nature of the work to be performed and the characteristics of the work location. (Applicable to All Briefings) AREMA 204 3
Importance of Effective OTS Briefings 9/44 fatalities studied, job briefing insufficient or non-existent 8/9 fatalities occurred on an adjacent track 6/9 fatalities were not re-briefed after OTS modified or circumstances changed Elevated number of accidents occurred after a meal period a) Procedures; general.. Conditions necessitating adjacent controlled track on-track safety. 2. Special Conditions 3. Definitions b) Procedures for adjacent controlled track movements over 25 mph (or over 40 mph if passenger movements). c) Procedures for adjacent controlled track movements 25 mph or less (or 40 mph or less if passenger movements). d) Discretion of roadway worker in charge. e) Exceptions to the requirements in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) for adjacent-controlled-track on-track safety. f) Procedures for components of roadway maintenance machines fouling an adjacent controlled track. b) Procedures for adjacent-controlled-track movements over 25 mph (or over 40 mph if passenger movements. ) Ceasing work and occupying a predetermined place of safety. Except for the work activities noted in 24.336(e), Each affected roadway worker shall in accordance with Table : Cease all on-ground work and equipment movement being performed on or between the rails of the occupied track or on one or both sides of the occupied track, and Occupy a predetermined place of safety upon receiving either: o Watchman/lookout warning or, o Alternatively, a notification that the RWIC intends to permit one or more train or other OTE movements within the working limits on the adjacent controlled track. c) Procedures for adjacent-controlled-track movements 25 mph or less (or 40 mph or less if passenger movements). If a train or other OTE authorized or permitted to move on an adjacent controlled track at a speed of 25 mph or less or 40 mph or less for a passenger train or other passenger OTE movement: Each RW in the RWG affected by such movement must comply with 24.336(b), Except that equipment movement on the rails of the occupied track and on-ground work performed exclusively between the rails (i.e., not breaking the plane of the rails) of the occupied track may continue, Provided no on-ground work is performed 25 feet in front of and 25 feet behind any on-track, self-propelled equipment or coupled equipment permitted to move on the occupied track. Yes Previous Page On Track Safety for Certain Roadway Work Groups & Adjacent Tracks Decision Tree Cont d If Adjacent Controlled Track On track Safety is Required Then: (b) RWIC Authorizes or Permits Movement or Warning Provided on Adjacent Controlled Track for Speeds > 25F/40P (c) RWIC Authorize or Permits Movement or Warning Provided on Adjacent Controlled Track for Speeds 25F/40P Whenand WhereWorkWork Must Cease per Table Whenand WhereWorkWork Must Cease per Table [All Work Must Cease Between Rails Occupied Work May Continue Between Rails Occupied Track if 25 Track & Side of Occupied Track Closest to Buffer Maintained between On track self propelled Adjacent Controlled Track to which Movement is equipment or coupled equipment and RW on the Authorized or Permitted or Warning is Provided. ground working common with the equipment, [Work (Side A)] and may or may not continue on Side Must Cease Side Closest to Adjacent Controlled Track to B.] RW must move to PPOS and remain there which Movement is Authorized or Permitted or until the trailing end of the train or OTE has Warning is Provided. (Side A) and may or may not passed the affected RW,. continue Side B.] RW must move to PPOS and remain there until the trailing end of the train or OTE has passed the affected RW, d) Discretion of roadway worker in charge. Nothing in this subpart (subpart C of part 24 i.e., the RWP regulation) prohibits the RWIC from establishing OTS on one or more adjacent tracks as he or she deems necessary consistent with both the purpose and requirements of this subpart. AREMA 204 4
e) Exceptions to the requirements in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) for adjacent-controlled-track on-track safety. No OTS other than required by 24.336(f) () (Procedures for components of RMM fouling an adjacent controlled track) or provided under 24.336(d) (Discretion of RWIC) is required by paragraphs (a), (b) and through (c) of 24.336 for an adjacent controlled track during the times that the RWG is exclusively performing one or more of the work activities listed in 24.336(e)() through (e)(3) Opposite Side (Side B) Work May Continue if : [(e)()(i) No adjacent track is present on Side B of the Occupied Track] OR [(e)()(ii) On the side (Side B) of the Occupied Track with one or more adjacent tracks, the closest of which has working limits and no movements are permitted within such working limits by the RWIC] OR [(e)(2)(i) (ii) Maintenance or repairs is performed alongside or within the perimeter of a RMM or coupled equipment on the occupied track] Exceptions to (a), (b) and (c) [(e)()(iii) For the side with one or more adjacent tracks provided that that it has an inter track barrier between the occupied track and the closest adjacent track on that side] OR [(e)(3)(i) If (other than a catenary maintenance tower vehicle) is being used for inspection or minor correction purposes provided that such vehicle is not coupled to one or more railroad cars] OR [(e)(3)(ii) If an automated inspection car being used for inspection or minor correction purposes] OR [(e)(3)(iii) If a catenary maintenance tower car or vehicle provided that all of the on ground workers engaged in the common task (other than those performing work in accordance with another exception in 24.336(e)) are positioned within the gage of the occupied track for the sole purpose of applying or removing grounds]. f) Procedures for components of roadway maintenance machines fouling an adjacent controlled track. Except as provided for in 24.34(c), a component of a RMM shall not foul an adjacent controlled track unless Working limits have been established on the adjacentcontrolled-track and There are no movements permitted within the working limits by the RWIC that would affect any of the RW s engaged in a common task with such machine. Table Summary of On-Track Safety Procedures for Certain Roadway Work Groups and Adjacent Tracks Example No./ Side A of the Occupied Track the side from the vertical On or Between the Rails of the Occupied Track Side B of the Occupied Track either () Diagram plane of the near running rail of the occupied track extending ( No. 2 Track or No. 2 ), where On Track the side with no adjacent track or (2) the side No. (see outward through to the fouling space of the adjacent controlled Safety Is Established through Working Limits from the vertical plane of the near running Figure ) track ( No. Track or No. ) rail of the occupied track extending outward through to the fouling space of the adjacent controlled track ( No. 3 Track or No. 3 ) Method of On Requirements Requirements Requirements Method of On Side A Side B Working limits or Upon receiving a notification or warning for Upon movement notification or warning for No., Work 3 is not required to Not applicable train approach movement(s) ( movement notification or cease work and occupy a PPOS, except work may cease during movement(s) (N/A), because warning warning ) for No., cease work and occupy a continue during movement(s) on No. auth d. at on No.. there is no predetermined place of safety ( PPOS ). 25 mph or less (or 40 mph or less for passenger adjacent track train movements) if maintain 25 spacing. 2 2 Working limits Upon movement notification for No., cease Upon movement notification for No. or No. 3, Upon movement Working limits work and occupy a PPOS. Work 3 is not cease work and occupy a PPOS, except work may notification for No. 3, required to cease during movement(s) on continue during movement(s) on No. or No. 3 cease work and occupy a No. 3. auth d. at 25 mph or less (or at 40 mph or less for PPOS. Work 3 is not passenger train movements) if maintain 25 required to cease during spacing. 2 movement(s) on No.. 3 Working limits Upon movement notification for No., cease Upon movement notification for No. or warning Upon movement warning Train approach work and occupy a PPOS. Work 3 is not for No. 3, cease work and occupy a PPOS, except for No. 3 or notification warning required to cease during movement(s) on work may continue during movement(s) on No. for No., cease work and No. 3. or No. 3 auth d. at 25 mph or less (or at 40 mph or occupy a PPOS. less for passenger train movements) if maintain 25 spacing. 2 Table Summary of OTS Procedures for Certain Roadway Work Groups and Adjacent Tracks (cont d) Example Side A of the Occupied Track the side from the On or Between the Rails of the Occupied Side B of the Occupied Track either () the No./ vertical plane of the near running rail of the occupied Track ( No. 2 Track or No. 2 ), where side with no adjacent track or (2) the side from Diagram track extending outward through to the fouling space of On Track Safety Is Established through the vertical plane of the near running rail of the No.) the adjacent controlled track ( No. Track or No. occupied track extending outward through to the Working Limits ) fouling space of the adjacent controlled track ( No. 3 Track or No. 3 ) Method of On Requirements Requirements Requirements Method of On Side A Side B 4 Train Upon movement warning for No. or Upon movement warning for No. or No. 3, Upon movement warning for Train approach No. 3, cease work and occupy a PPOS. cease work and occupy a PPOS, except work No. 3 or No., cease work and approach warning may continue during movement(s) on No. occupy safety PPOS. warning or No. 3 auth d. at 25 mph or less (or at 40 mph or less for passenger train movements) if maintain 25 spacing. 2 5 None, but Work is prohibited on No. and up to Work is not required to cease during Work is not required to cease N/A, because with intertrack barrier to cease btwn. barrier and near running adjacent track barrier ( Side A ). Work is not required movement(s) on No.. during movement(s) on No.. there is no rail of occupied track ( Side A2 ) during movement(s) on No.. 6 None, but Work is prohibited on Side A. Work 3 is Work is not required to cease during movement(s) Upon movement notification or Working limits with intertrack barrier movement(s) on No. or No. 3. not required to cease on Side A2 during on No.. Upon movement notification or warning warning for No. 3, cease work or train for No. 3, cease work and occupy a PPOS, except and occupy a PPOS. Work 3 is not approach work may continue during movement(s) on No. 3 required to cease during warning auth d. at 25 mph or less (or at 40 mph or less for movement(s) on No.. passenger trains) if maintain 25 spacing. 2 Ex. AREMA 204 5
Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 (a) Procedures; general. 3) Inter-track barrier means a continuous barrier of a permanent or semi-permanent nature that spans the entire work area, that is at least four feet in height, and that is of sufficient strength to prevent a roadway worker from fouling the adjacent track. Ex. 6 AREMA 204 6
Table Summary of OTS Procedures for Certain ( As used in the above table, a predetermined place of safety (or PPOS ) means a specific location that an affected roadway worker must occupy upon receiving a watchman/lookout s warning of approaching movement(s) ( warning ) or a roadway worker in charge s ( RWIC s ) notification of pending movement(s) on an adjacent track ( notification ), as designated during the on track safety job briefing required by 24.35. The PPOS may not be on a track, unless the track has working limits on it and no movements permitted within such working limits by the RWIC. Thus, under these circumstances, the space between the rails of the occupied track (No. 2 in this table) may be designated as a place to remain in position or to otherwise occupy upon receiving a warning or notification. The RWIC must determine any change to a PPOS, and communicate such change to all affected roadway workers through an updated on track safety job briefing. 2 On ground work is prohibited in the areas 25 in front of and 25 behind equipment on the occupied track (No. 2), and must not break the plane of a rail on No. 2 towards a side of No. 2 unless work is permitted on that side. Note, however, that per 24.336(a)(2), work would no longer be permitted to continue on or between the rails of the occupied track during movement(s) on an adjacent controlled track at 25 mph or less (or at 40 mph or less for passenger trains or other passenger on track equipment movements) if there is a simultaneous movement on the other adjacent controlled track at more than 25 mph (or at more than 40 mph per hour for passenger train movements or other passenger on track equipment movements). 3 Work that does not break the plane of the near running rail of the occupied track (No. 2) is not required to cease during such movements; work that breaks the plane of the near running rail of the occupied track may also continue: ) during the times that work is permitted on or between the rails of the occupied track in accordance with 24.336(c) (Procedures for adjacent controlled track movements 25 mph or less, or 40 mph or less for passenger train movements or other passenger on track equipment movements); or 2) if such work is performed alongside or within the perimeter of a roadway maintenance machine or coupled equipment in accordance with 24.336(e)(2). e) Exceptions to the requirements in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) for adjacent-controlled-track on-track safety. 3) Work activities involving certain equipment and purposes. This exception otherwise applies to work activities involving one or more of the following types of equipment : i. Hi-rail vehicle or other rail bound vehicle (other than a catenary maintenance tower vehicle) being used for inspection or minor correction purposes Provided that such vehicle is not coupled to one or more railroad cars. In accordance with 24.35(a), where multiple hi-rail vehicles being used for inspection or minor correction are engaged in a common task, OTS job briefing shall include discussion of the nature of the work to be performed to determine if adjacent controlled track OTS is necessary. (a) Procedures; general. 3) Minor correction means one or more repairs of a minor nature, including but not limited to, welding, spiking, anchoring, hand tamping, and joint bolt replacement that are accomplished with hand tools or handheld, hand-supported, or hand-guided power tools. The term does not include machine spiking, machine tamping, or any similarly distracting repair. Current Issues Use of Hi-rail Boom Trucks to unload Plug Rail Machine operators performing maintenance checks prior to gang start-up in AM Application of Paragraph (d) to more than adjacent track(s) Railroad supervisor challenging RWIC decision to deem necessary OTS Acceptable Predetermined Places of Safety RMM component Potential to Foul applied to Paragraph (f) Appropriate forms of OTS outside of realm of Paragraph (f) Questions RAIL Moving America Forward Visit us at: www.fra.dot.gov AREMA 204 7