Please forward this flash to your field forces so that they are aware of the incident and discuss it during their job briefing:
Flash - Experienced Conductor Fatally Injured
Region: Eastern Region
Incident:
On Wednesday February 27th, 2008, trains 784 and 305 were meeting at Fortier on the Drummondville subdivision. Just prior to the meet, train 305 experienced a train separation and stopped in emergency. The conductor of train 305 began his walking inspection and discovered a pulled drawbar at line 31 on his train. Given the proximity of train 784, the conductor of 784 assisted with the chaining of the car to expedite the clearing of the main line. After chaining the drawbar and setting out the defective car, train 305, still being assisted by the conductor from train 784, coupled back onto their train. However, they were still unable to get their train line air to recover.
Since 784's conductor had made the re-coupling on behalf of train 305, he began to walk/inspect the remainder of the train. Between lines 51 and 52, he discovered a train separation caused by a broken knuckle. The distance between the two cars was 24 feet. After advising the Locomotive Engineer of the problem, the conductor closed the angle cock behind line 51, and walked in the centre of the track towards the tail end cut of cars. He informed the locomotive engineer on 305 of the type of knuckle required. There was no further communication after this.
Foot prints in the snow indicate that the Conductor had never separated the cars beyond the 24 feet that they had originally pulled apart, nor had he ascertained whether the cut of cars he had originally closed the angle cock on, had remained secure.
A reconstruction of the accident proved that seconds after having closed the angle cock behind line 51 on the head-end cut of cars, they slowly and silently began creeping toward him. With his back turned as he was attempting to remove the defective knuckle, tragically he was struck and crushed between the coupling devices of both rail cars.
Replacing a Knuckle.
· Job brief thoroughly prior to beginning the task and again as conditions change.
· Ensure you have a clear understanding of the work you are about to do
· Identify the hazards and follow the specific rules associated with the task.
· Separate the equipment by a minimum of fifty (50) feet after the slack has been stretched (G.O.I. 12.10.4)
· Ensure that the equipment is stopped, secured, and will remain secure such that the 50 feet separation is maintained
· Communicate with the engineer and other crew- members to ensure a common understanding of the procedures that are being implemented.
· Determine the knuckle type, remove the pin & set it within easy reach.
· Lift the operating lever & remove the old knuckle keeping feet clear.
· Dispose of the old knuckle where it will not be a tripping hazard.
· Hold operating lever up and insert the replacement knuckle into the coupler.
· Insert the pin, close the knuckle & make sure it locks properly.
Always be attentive to and protect against the movement of trains and equipment.
Four-second focus"
Employees must take a few seconds prior to the start of any job to ask themselves four basic questions:
- do they have a clear understanding of the work to be performed ?
- are there any immediate hazards ?
- are they using the right tools and equipment for the job ?
- are there specific rules or procedures to follow ?
Just 4 seconds to help you work safer every day ! **************************************************************************************************************