1 Safety - BNSF Contractor · 1 Safety Revision: May 1, 2012 1-5 1.1 Safety Training The purpose of section 1.1 is to clearly define safety training parameters and objectives, as

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1-1Revision: July 1, 2013

1 Safety1.1 Safety Training ............................................................................................ 1-5

1.1.1 Safety Training by Category .............................................................. 1-5A. Engineering New Hire Safety Orientation Program .............. 1-5B. SafetyCertification ................................................................ 1-6C. SpecializedCraft-SpecificTraining ....................................... 1-7D. AwarenessLevelTraining ...................................................... 1-7E. RemedialTraining .................................................................. 1-8F. Respirator Fit-Test ................................................................. 1-8

1.1.2 Responsibilities ............................................................................ 1-9A. BNSF Management ................................................................ 1-9B. Engineering Safety ................................................................. 1-9C. SafetyAssistants/Facilitators/Trainers ................................... 1-9D. Manpower .............................................................................. 1-9

1.2 WalkwayHazardPolicy ............................................................................ 1-10

1.3 ContractorSafety ...................................................................................... 1-111.3.1 Definitions .................................................................................. 1-111.3.2 Process:CompletionoftheOnlineContractorSafety

Orientation Program ................................................................... 1-111.3.3 On-TrackSafety ......................................................................... 1-131.3.4 Auditing ..................................................................................... 1-131.3.5 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 1-15

1.4 FallProtection ........................................................................................... 1-161.4.1 Definitions .................................................................................. 1-161.4.2 Job Preparation ........................................................................... 1-171.4.3 Equipment/SystemSelection ..................................................... 1-191.4.4 Equipment/SystemInspection ................................................... 1-191.4.5 CleaningandStoringEquipment ............................................... 1-201.4.6 Training ...................................................................................... 1-201.4.7 GeneralEquipmentRequirements ............................................. 1-201.4.8 HandlingEquipmentAfteraFall ............................................... 1-211.4.9 WorkingonRailroadBridges .................................................... 1-22

A. UseofPersonalFallArrest/RestraintEquipment ................ 1-22B. WorkingonRailroadBridgesOverorAdjacenttoWater ... 1-23C. UsingLifeVestsonRailroadBridges .................................. 1-23D. RespondingtoReportsofIEDsonRailroadBridges .......... 1-23

1.4.10 RoofWork .................................................................................. 1-241.4.11 WoodPoleWork ........................................................................ 1-241.4.12 Telecommunications:Towers/TopsofLocomotives ................. 1-241.4.13 SignalBridges,Cantilevers,WaysideSignals,andCrossingMasts .. 1-241.4.14 LightTowersandMetalLightPoles .......................................... 1-251.4.15 BucketTrucks/AerialLiftTrucks .............................................. 1-251.4.16 ScaffoldGuidelines .................................................................... 1-251.4.17 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 1-27

Engineering Instructions

1-2 Revision: July 1, 2013

1.5 ConfinedSpace ......................................................................................... 1-281.5.1 Definitions .................................................................................. 1-281.5.2 IdentifyingPermit-RequiredConfinedSpaces .......................... 1-291.5.3 Job Preparations ......................................................................... 1-291.5.4 Downgrading .............................................................................. 1-301.5.5 Entry Requirements ................................................................... 1-301.5.6 Rescue ........................................................................................ 1-311.5.7 Closeout ..................................................................................... 1-311.5.8 Training ...................................................................................... 1-311.5.9 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 1-31

1.6 ExcavationSafety ..................................................................................... 1-331.6.1 Definitions .................................................................................. 1-331.6.2 Job Preparation ........................................................................... 1-331.6.3 TrenchAccess/Egress ................................................................ 1-351.6.4 Inspections ................................................................................. 1-351.6.5 WhenSelectingShoringasProtectiveSystem .......................... 1-35

A. Installation ............................................................................ 1-35B. Removal ............................................................................... 1-35

1.6.6 Training ...................................................................................... 1-361.6.7 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 1-36

1.7 Right-of-WayFires ................................................................................... 1-371.7.1 GeneralPrecautions ................................................................... 1-371.7.2. JobPreparation—General .......................................................... 1-381.7.3 SpecificPrecautionaryActions .................................................. 1-39

A. HotWorkonOpen-DeckRailroadBridges,Wood Snowsheds,andTunnels. ..................................................... 1-39

B. ProductionRailGrinders ..................................................... 1-40C. ProductionSwitchandCrossingGrinders ........................... 1-43D. TrackHotWork:Welding,Cutting,andGrinding ............... 1-45E. RepairofWorkEquipment .................................................. 1-46F. SignalBondingOperations .................................................. 1-46

1.7.4 Equipment Requirements ........................................................... 1-47A. WorkGroupsofTwoorMorePersonnel ............................. 1-47B. EmployeesWorkingAlone/SignalBondingOperations ...... 1-47

1.7.5 ReportableFireReporting .......................................................... 1-481.7.6 Training ...................................................................................... 1-491.7.7 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 1-49

1.8 LightningProtection ................................................................................. 1-501.8.1 GeneralPrecautions ................................................................... 1-50

A. BeforetheStorm .................................................................. 1-50B. WhenThunderstormsApproach .......................................... 1-51C. WhenOutdoorsWithNoNearbyShelter ............................ 1-52

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1-3Revision: May 1, 2012

1.9 ElectricalSafety ........................................................................................ 1-521.9.1 Definitions .................................................................................. 1-52 1.9.2 Abbreviations ............................................................................. 1-541.9.3 ElectricalSafetyTraining .......................................................... 1-541.9.4 GeneralElectricalSafetyWorkPractices .................................. 1-54

A. De-Energization ................................................................... 1-54B. RiskAssessmentProcedure ................................................. 1-55C. FlashProtectionBoundary ................................................... 1-55D. ProtectiveClothingandPersonalProtectiveEquipment ..... 1-55

1.9.5 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 1-56

1.10 Lockout/Tagout ......................................................................................... 1-571.10.1 Definitions .................................................................................. 1-571.10.2 GeneralRequirements ................................................................ 1-591.10.3 EnergyIsolatingProcedure ........................................................ 1-63

A. PreparingforShutdown ....................................................... 1-62B. ShuttingDownEquipment/System ...................................... 1-63C. ApplyingLockout/TagoutDevices ...................................... 1-63D. ControllingStoredEnergy ................................................... 1-64E. VerifyingIsolationofEquipment ......................................... 1-64F. PerformingWork .................................................................. 1-64G. RemovingLockout/Tagout .................................................. 1-65

1.10.4SpecialSituations ........................................................................... 1-65A. TemporarilyRe-ActivatingEquipmentDuring

Lockout/Tagout .................................................................... 1-65B. ServicingLastsforMoreThanOneShift ............................ 1-65C. Two-PersonRule(RemovingAnotherAuthorized

Employee'sLockout/Tagout) ............................................... 1-66D. Contractors ........................................................................... 1-66

1.10.5 PerformanceAudits .................................................................... 1-671.10.6 Training ...................................................................................... 1-671.10.7 MultipleMachinesinOneArea ................................................. 1-67

A. MultipleMachinesOn-TrackWhileWorking ..................... 1-67B. MultipleMachinesOn-TrackWhileMachinesAreStoredon

SidingorBackTrack,OtherThanMorningStart-UpMachineMaintenance—Gangs ........................................................... 1-68

C. MorningStart-UpMachineMaintenance—Gangs .............. 1-681.10.8 HighVoltageLockout/TagoutHazardousEnergyControlPlan 1-69

A. Definitions ............................................................................ 1-69B. EnergyIsolatingProcedures–HighVoltage ......................... 1-70C. ReleaseFromHighVoltageLockout/Tagout ....................... 1-71D. GroundingfortheProtectionofEmployees–HighVoltage . 1-72

1.11 TemporaryTrafficControl ........................................................................ 1-731.11.1 Definitions .................................................................................. 1-731.11.2 General ....................................................................................... 1-74


1-4 Revision: May 1, 2012

1.11.3 TemporaryTrafficControlPlanningtoPreventFalseActivation ofAutomaticWarningSystemsDuringPlannedWork.................. 1-76

1.11.4 WorkDuration............................................................................ 1-77A. ShortDurationWork ............................................................ 1-77B. OtherThanShortDurationWork ......................................... 1-77

1.11.5 ComponentsofTemporaryTrafficControlZones ..................... 1-781.11.6 WarningSignPlacement ............................................................ 1-801.11.7 RoadClosures ............................................................................ 1-801.11.8 HighwayFlaggers ...................................................................... 1-811.11.9 TemporaryTrafficControlSigns ............................................... 1-841.11.10SpecificScenarios ........................................................................ 1-84

A. AllowingVehiclesAroundGates ......................................... 1-84B. SettingHy-RailVehiclesOn/OffatGradeCrossings .......... 1-85C. UnloadingRailFromRailTrainsatCrossings .................... 1-85D. GrindingatCrossings .......................................................... 1-86E. WorkActivitiesatPrivateCrossings ................................... 1-86F. ShovingCarsOverRoadCrossings .................................... 1-87

1.11.11Responsibilities ............................................................................ 1-87A. ResponsibilityofManagement ............................................ 1-87B. ResponsibilitiesofEmployees ............................................. 1-88C. ResponsibilitiesofBNSFProjectRepresentativesfor

ContractorOperations .......................................................... 1-88

1.12 TunnelSafety ............................................................................................ 1-891.12.1 GeneralSafety ............................................................................ 1-891.12.2 SafetyActionPlan ...................................................................... 1-931.12.3 Responsibilities .......................................................................... 1-93

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Revision: May 1, 2012 1-5

1.1 Safety Training Thepurposeofsection1.1istoclearlydefinesafetytrainingparametersandobjectives,aswellasresponsibilitiesrelatingtothesuccessfulcompletionoftrainingobjectives.

1.1.1 Safety Training by Category

A. Engineering New Hire Safety Orientation Program

1. Thisprogramprovidesnewlyhiredemployees,includingEngineeringCorporateManagementTrainees(CMTs),ExperiencedFirstLineSupervisor(EFLS)Trainees,andtransferswithinitialtrainingrelatingtogeneralsafety,health,andenvironmentalissues.

2. ThisNewHireSafetyOrientationProgramisactuallyaprocess.Theelementsofthisprocessareoutlinedbelow.

a. ThebaselineNewHireSafetyOrientation,whichistobecompletedduringthefirstweekofemployment,consistsof:

● Fivedaysofgeneralsafety,health,andenvironmentaltraining

― Classroomandfieldsafety,health,andenvironmentaltrainingclassesarecoordinatedbytheresponsiblesafetyassistant/facilitator/trainer.

― Trainingsessionsareconductedbytheresponsiblesafetyassistant/facilitator/trainerwithassistancefromothersafetyassistants/facilitators/trainersandEnvironmentalrepresentatives,asdeterminednecessary.

― Allmodulesareassignedcoursenumbers.AttendancerecordsareforwardedtoSystemEngineeringforentryintotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystem.

● Introductorypresentationsbyresponsiblemanagementand/orsupervisionandareviewofbasicunion-relatedinformationareincludedintheorientation.Whereon-boardingformsmustbecompleted,responsiblesupervisionmustperformthistask.

― Thesafetyassistant/facilitator/trainercoordinatestheattendanceoftheappropriatelocalunionofficial.

b. Aminimumofthreedaysofpracticaltrainingisconductedinacontrolledsituation(Track,Signal),ornewhiresareassignedfieldmentors(RoadwayEquipment,Structures).

c. MWoperatingrulestraining,aswellasmorein-depthbaselinetraininginspecializedtopicssuchasfallprotectionandconfinedspaceentry,


Revision: May 1, 20121-6

istobesuccessfullycompletedbyaffectedpersonnelwithinthefirst60daysofemployment.(RefertotheEngineeringNewHireSafetyOrientationProgramoutline,whichispostedintheEngineeringSafetyTrainingdraweroftheEngineeringSafetyWebsite.)

3. Schedulingandlogisticalparametersareasfollows.

a. Theresponsiblesafetyassistant/facilitator/traineristoreceiveaminimumof3weeksnoticeoftheneedtoscheduleanewhireorientationclass.

b. Newhiresafetyorientationclasseswillbeheldonlyduringthefirstfullweekandthirdweekofthemonth.NewhiresafetyorientationclasseswillnotbeheldinweeksthatcontainaCompanyholiday.

c. Scheduledattendeesmustbepresentfortheentireweek.Anattendeecannotjointheorientationclassin-progress.

EXCEPTION: Corporate Management Trainees (CMTs) and Experienced Front Line Supervisor (EFLS) Trainees are not required to attend the union presentations.

d. Wherepractical,effortsmustbemadeto:

● Mergeclassesheldingeographicareasofcloseproximity,and

● Mergeattendees—scheduledemployees,CMTs,andEFLStrainees—intothesameclass.

e. Itisnottheresponsibilityofsafetyassistants/facilitators/trainersto:

● Contactindividualswhohavebeenmadeemploymentoffersinordertodeterminetheirintent,orcontinuedintent,toworkforBNSF.

● Contactindividualswhohavebeenmadeemploymentofferstoadviseofthelogistics(locations/dates)ofnewhireorientationclasses.

● Makeand/orcommunicatelodgingarrangementsforindividualsscheduledtoattendnewhireorientationclasses.

TheabovetasksaretheresponsibilityoflocalHumanResourcesTeamrepresentativesand/orlocalmanagement/supervision,asappropriate.

B. Safety Certification

1. TheEngineering/TelecommunicationsSafetyCertificationProgramisanannualpresentationthatprovidesinitialorrefreshertraininginsafety,health,environmental,andhazardousmaterialsrelatedtopics.

2. AllEngineeringandTelecommunicationsfieldpersonnelarerequiredtocompletethisannualtrainingpackage.

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3. Theprogramconsistsofapproximatelyfourtosixhoursofmaterialdividedintodistinctmodules.Theentirepackagemaybepresentedinoneday(gangstart-ups),orindividualmodulesmaybepresentedovermultiplesessions.

4. SafetyCertificationisconductedbymembersofthevarioussafetyassistant/facilitator/trainerteams.Safetyassistants/facilitators/trainersmayengagemembersoftheEnvironmentalTeam,aswellasothersafetyassistants/facilitators/trainersinthepresentationofappropriateSafetyCertificationmaterials.

5. Allmodulesareassignedcoursenumbers.AttendancerecordsareforwardedtoEngineeringManpowerbysafetyassistants/facilitators/trainersforentryintotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystem,orenteredintotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystembythesafetyassistants/facilitators/trainers.

C. Specialized Craft-Specific Training

1. Avarietyofcraft-specifictrainingispresentedinclassroomandpracticalformats.Examplesofsuchtrainingwouldbethevariousfallprotectionandlockout/tagoutcourses,confinedspaceentry,forklift,CPR/firstaid/AED,andNFPA70Etraining.

a. Affectednewhiresaretocompleteinitialbaselinetrainingduringthefirst60daysofemploymentorupontransferintoEngineering.FrequencyofrefreshertrainingislistedintheEngineeringTrainingProgramsdraweroftheEngineeringSafetyWebsite.

b. Personneldesignatedasinstructorsforthespecializedcoursessuccessfullycompleteandremaincurrentinacertificationortrain-the-trainerprogram,asidentifiedbyEngineeringSafety.Frequencyofinstructorre-certificationispostedintheEngineeringTrainingProgramsdraweroftheEngineeringSafetyWebsite.

c. Poleclimbingtrainingisrequiredforallsignalfieldnewhiresregardlessofwhetheranewhire'ssignalregionhaspoleline.Thisrequirementisinplacetoensurethatanewhire/transfereehasdemonstratedcompetencyinpoleclimbingskills,intheeventofasubsequenttransfertoasignalregionthathaspoleline.

D. Awareness Level Training

1. Awarenessleveltrainingisprovidedthroughthedevelopmentandpresentationofbriefmodulesonspecifictopics.Thetopicsmaybeofgeneralinterest,informationalinnature,ormaybesolelyareviewofaspecificincident.

2. Allawarenessprogramsareassignedcoursenumbers.AttendancerecordsareforwardedtoEngineeringManpowerbysafetyassistants/facilitators/trainersforentryintotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystem,orenteredintotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystembysafetyassistants/facilitators/trainers.



E. Remedial Training

1. Remedialtrainingistrainingconductedasafollow-upmeasureinresponsetoanincidentorobservation.

2. Remedialtrainingmaybedeliveredinaclassroomand/orpracticalformat,orviacomputer-basedtraining(CBT).

3. Coursesusedforremedialtrainingarenotnormallyusedsolelyforremedialtrainingefforts.Inclassroomandpracticaltrainingsessions,theaudiencemaynotalwaysconsistsolelyofpersonnelattendingthesessionsforremedialpurposes.

4. CompletionofCBTcoursesisdocumentedwithintheCBTprogramsareaofSharePoint.AttendancerecordsfromclassroomandpracticalcoursesareforwardedtoEngineeringManpowerforentryintotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystem.

CompletionofCBTcoursesisdocumentedwithintheCBTprogramsareaofSharePoint.TheCBTattendancerecordsaresubsequentlytransferredtotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystembyEngineeringManpower.

F. Respirator Fit-Test

Supervisorypersonnelandsafetyassistants/facilitators/traineesmayperformqualitativerespiratorfit-testsusingirritantsmokeforpersonnelwhoareunabletocompletefit-testsviathemedicalvanoratidentifiedlocalmedicalfacilities.

Note: Respirator fit-tests require an annual update.

Thecomputer-basedtraining(CBT)programentitledRespiratorFit-Testistobesuccessfullycompletedtoqualifytoperformrespiratorfit-testing.Thiscourseiscompletedonetimeonly,thoughfacilitatorsmayre-visittheCBTprogram,asnecessary,toretainproficiency.

● Fit-testkitsandreplacementtubesareavailablethroughe-MESA.

● Successfulcompletionofrespiratorfit-testsisdocumentedviatheBNSFRespiratoryFit-Testform.Theemployeeperformingthefit-testforwardsthecompletedformstothecontractoradministeringthemedicalportionoftheBNSFRespiratoryProtectionProgram.

● Successfulcompletionofqualitativerespiratorfit-tests,asperformedbyfit-testfacilitators,needstobedocumentedviatheCompanyrecordkeepingsystem.Thefit-testfacilitatoristoforwardtrainingrecordsasdirectedbyCompanyMedicalforentryintotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystem.

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● Fit-testing,asconductedbyfit-testfacilitators,isintendedonlyforaffectedemployeeswhowereunabletovisitascheduledmedicalvanoranidentifiedcontractedmedicalfacilitytosatisfytheannualfit-testrequirement.Localmanagement/supervisionisresponsibleformakingeveryefforttohaveallavailablepersonnelwhorequiretheannualfit-testvisitthemedicalvanwhenitisintheirarea.

1.1.2 Responsibilities

A. BNSF Management

● Ensuresthatallrequiredsafetytrainingiscompletedwithinspecifiedtimeframes.

B. Engineering Safety

● Monitorsregulatoryrequirementstoensurethatsafetytraining-relatedrequirements are met.

● Setstrainingrequirementsincoordinationwithresponsiblemanagement.

● Develops,withthesupportofthevarioussafetyassistant/facilitator/trainerteams,safetytrainingandawarenessprograms.

● Makestrainingmaterialsavailabletosafetyassistants/facilitators/trainers.

● Developsmembersofthesafetyassistant/facilitator/trainerteams,asnecessary,toallowforthesuccessfulpresentationoftrainingmaterials.

● MaintainstheEngineeringSafetyWebsiteandSharePointsite.

C. Safety Assistants/Facilitators/Trainers

● Conductandcoordinatesafetytrainingforthepersonnelintheirareasofresponsibility.

● EnsurethatrecordsofattendanceofsafetytrainingareforwardedtoEngineeringManpowerforentryintotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystem,orentertherecordsthemselves.

● PeriodicallymonitortheCompanyrecordkeepingsystemtoensurethatsubmittedattendancesheetshave,infact,beenaccuratelyentered.

D. Manpower

Ensuresthatnewhiresareinthepayrollsystemonday-oneofemployment.

EntersforwardedsafetytrainingrecordsintotheCompanyrecordkeepingsystem.



1.2 Walkway Hazard PolicyWhennecessarytoreneworreplacetrackmaterialsinconjunctionwithroutinemaintenancetasks,suchasspotswitch/crosstierenewalsanddefective/wornrailreplacements,keepwalkwaysfreeofhazardsasfollows:

1. Placethematerialstobeinstalledorremovedwheretheywillnotblockorfoulthenormalwalkway.CWRmaybeunloadedandleftonabridgewalkway,butkeepitasclosetotheballastretainerortiespaceraspossible.

2. Keepswitchingleadwalkwaysandfootingareasaroundturnoutsfreeoffootingobstructionsatalltimesunlessmajorrehabilitationworkisinprogress.

3. Whenmajorworkisinprogress,issuetheappropriatetrackconditionreportandprotectthematerialsinvolvedwithwarningmarkers,suchasconstructiontape,netting,orcones.Whenabridgewalkwaysurfaceisdisturbedduringmaintenanceoperations,removeallmaterials,obstructions,andhazardssuchasdebris,looseballast,etc.beforecancelingthetrackconditionreport.

4. Inthecaseofcontinuousstringsofrailormajortierenewalprojects,issueanappropriatetrackconditionreportandmakeeveryefforttominimizewalkinghazards.

5. Forbridgewalkways:

● Donotplacebulkmaterialsoroperateequipmentonbridgewalkwaysincludinggratedwalkways.Bridgewalkwaysaredesignedonlyforfoottraffic.

● Wheregratedwalkwaysareinplace:

― Keepgratingfastenedunlessimmediateworkrequiresunfastening.

― Promptlyrefastengratingonceimmediateworkiscomplete.

― Whengratingisleftunfastened,particularlywhensectionsareshorterthan20feet,identifytheunfastenedgratingconspicuouslywithsignageand/orbarriers.

― Verifyworkerscansafelywalkaroundobstacles,includingon-trackequipment.

― Duringjobsafetybriefingsand/orre-briefings,adviseworkersofanyexposurestounsecuredgratingandalternativeactionstobetaken.

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1.3 Contractor Safety ThissectionprovidesguidelinesforEngineeringpersonnelinvolvedintheoversightofcontractoroperations.

1.3.1 Definitions

BNSF Engineering Contractor Safety Orientation Program.OnlineInternetorientationcourse(contractororientation.com)thatreviewskeysafety-relatedrequirementsforcontractorsundercontractoragreementwithEngineeringworkgroups. The completion of this orientation course is not considered a form of training.

Note: Others, such as municipal workers who work on or in proximity to BNSF property and interface with BNSF Engineering work groups, should be encouraged, but cannot be required to complete this orientation program.

BNSF Project Representative.BNSFemployeewhocoordinatesacontractor'sworkactivities,oristheBNSFinterfaceforthecontractorwhilethecontractorisonsite,e.g.,ConstructionEngineer,Roadmaster,StructuresSupervisor,SignalSupervisor,orTelecommunicationsSupervisor.

Contractor Representative.EmployeeofthecontractorwhoservesastheprimarycontacttotheBNSFProjectRepresentative.

e-RAILSAFE.Providessecurity-relatedawarenesstrainingandbackgroundchecks,andissuesidentificationbadges(e-RAILSAFE.com).

Note: Contractors under contract or agreement with BNSF Engineering work groups are not required to complete the e-RAILSAFE safety orientation.

1.3.2 Process: Completion of the Online Contractor Safety Orientation Program

Engineeringcontractboilerplatemustcontainarequirementforcontractoremployees,includinganysubcontractors,tocompletetheBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgrampriortoinitiatingonsiteworkactivities.

Acontractorrepresentativemustdothefollowing:

1. AccesstheonlineBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationWebsite(contractororientation.com),completetheregistrationprocess,andprintacopyofthecoursematerialsandthewrittenexercise.

a. AnyissuesordisputesregardingregistrationfeesarebetweenthecontractorandthecontractedorientationsiteWebMaster.

b. ReferencematerialsarefoundintheBNSFReferenceMaterialsectionofthesite.

2. Meetwithallcontractorpersonnelthatwillbeworkingonsitetoreviewtheorientationcoursematerials.Followingthereviewsession,completethe



writtenexercisewithallinattendance.Taketheleadtoagreeonconsensusanswerstoexercisequestions.

3. Returntotheonlineorientationsiteto:

a. Completeandsubmitthewrittenexerciseonbehalfofallattendees.

b. CompleteandsubmittheBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyActionPlan,whichisfoundontheorientationWebsite.ThecontractorrepresentativeneedstobesuretoprintoutacopyofthecompletedSafetyActionPlanpriortosubmittal.

Notes:

Submitted BNSF Engineering Contractor Safety Action Plan forms are archived by the contracted orientation site Web Master.

A hardcopy of the completed BNSF Engineering Contractor Safety Action Plan must be readily available at each contractor job site.

Contractors are encouraged to supplement the BNSF Engineering Contractor Safety Action Plan with their own safety action plan that would be more detailed and specific to their operations.

Uponcompletionoftheregistrationprocessandelectronicsubmittalofthewrittenexercise,affectedcontractorpersonnelareimmediatelylistedontheWebsite'scompletiondatabaselocatedatthetopofthesitehomepage,andaresubsequentlymailedpocketcardsdocumentingsuccessfulcompletionoftheorientationprogram.

Notes:

Contractor personnel need to complete the orientation process annually. Contractor representatives and BNSF project representatives can monitor contractor personnel status via the aforementioned online Website's Completion Database.

Contractor personnel are required to carry on their person their current orientation course completion card and wear the e-RAILSAFE identification on their outermost garment. Should contractor employees need to be onsite prior to receipt of the pocket card indicating successful completion of the orientation course, they may print out and carry on-person a copy of the page from the completion database that documents their successful completion of the course.

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1.3.3 On-Track Safety

ContractorsundercontractoragreementwithEngineeringworkgroups,andsubcontractorsofsuchcontractors,whowillbeperformingworkactivitiesonBNSFpropertywithin25feetofthecenterlineofthetrackmustprovideroadwayworkerprotection/on-tracksafetytrainingfortheiremployees.Thistrainingisreinforcedatthejobsitethroughjobsafetybriefings.

ContractorsundercontractoragreementwithBNSFEngineeringworkgroupsmustnotperformworkactivitieswithin25feetofthecenterlineofthetrack,includingoverheadandunderground,unless:

● Theyhavecompletedroadwayworker/on-tracksafetytrainingwhichmustbecompletedeverytwelvemonthstobeconsideredcurrent.

● TheyhavemetwiththeirBNSFEngineeringprojectrepresentativetoestablishaproject-specificstrategyforaddressingroadwayworkerprotection/on-tracksafetyrequirements,whichistobeincludedinthecontractorprovidedtraining.

● Theyarewearinganorange,ANSIClassII/IIIretro-reflectivegarmentofappropriateconstructionfortheworkbeingperformed.

EngineeringcontractorswhowillfoulthetrackwhileperformingtheirworkdutiesatBNSFwillbeworkingunderthedirectionofaBNSFMaintenanceofWayOperatingRules(MWOR)qualifiedemployeeorcontractor.Thisindividualwillhavereadyaccesstotherequiredon-tracksafetyrequirements,rules,generalorders,etc.

Notes:

1. Contractor employees conducting operations at distances 25 feet or greater from the centerline of the track will fall under the above requirements when:

― Catastrophic failure of the equipment, such as cranes, could result in a fouling situation.

― Excavation activities, such as driving or boring pipes or conduit, where the BNSF project representative has determined the integrity of the track structure could be affected.

or ― Overhead activities, such as stringing power lines, could result in material being dropped on or across the track.



2. BNSF Maintenance of Way Operating Rules (MWOR) qualified contractors:

― Must adhere to all BNSF MWOR requirements.

― May be limited by contract/agreement as to what BNSF MWOR qualified duties they may perform.

― May permit BNSF on-track equipment operating with a separate authority to traverse the Form B limits when in possession of an active Track Bulletin Form B.

― May be directed by the BNSF project representative to participate in the local Roadmaster's morning conference call.

and ― Will receive direction through the responsible BNSF project representative regarding the procedure for obtaining applicable Timetable and General Order information, and will also need daily access to Track Bulletin Form B information when obtaining track authority.

Note:BNSFMWORqualifiedcontractorsreceivetrainingthroughtheNationalAcademyofRailroadSciences(NARS).

3. In some cases, such as emergencies, a thorough job safety briefing by a BNSF MWOR qualified employee may be considered as roadway worker protection/on-track safety training when approved by the responsible BNSF project representative. This method of accomplishing training is not preferred and must not be done on a routine basis.

1.3.4 Auditing

UnscheduledassessmentsofcontractoroperationsmaybeconductedbytheBNSFEngineeringprojectrepresentative,aprojectsafetyconsultantundercontracttoBNSF,oranyBNSFEngineeringemployee.UsetheEngineeringContractorSafetyAssessmentform,whichisonalinkpostedintheAuditFormssectionontheEngineeringSafetyIntranetWebsite.Thoseauditingacontractor'soperations shouldhavecurrentstatusintheEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram.CoursecompletioncardsarenotissuedtoBNSFemployees.

Note: When auditing Engineering contractor operations, consider requesting and reviewing documentation of assessments conducted by contractors of their own operations. Also, consider requesting and reviewing the contractor's completed BNSF Contractor Safety Action Plan.

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A. Management and Supervisory Personnel Having Oversight of Contractors

Theseemployeesmust:

1. Verifythatcontractboilerplateincludesreferencetokeysafetyrequirements,toincludetheannualcompletionoftheBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram.

2. VerifythatcontractorpersonnelhavecompletedtheBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgramande-RAILSAFEsecurityrequirements,andcompletedandsubmittedaBNSFEngineeringSafetyActionPlanprior toinitiatingonsiteworkactivities.

3. Remindcontractorsthattheyaretohaveontheirpersontheircurrentorientationcoursecompletioncard,aswellasthee-RAILSAFEissuedidentificationbadge.

4. Advisecontractorsofthestrategyandrequirementsforon-tracksafetytobefollowedonaspecificproject,whenapplicable.

5. Completeapre-projectwalk-through/hy-railtourwithappropriatecontractorrepresentativestoemphasizeanddiscusspotentialsafety-relatedissuestobeconsideredandaddressed.Suchissueswouldinclude:

● Areasoflimitedemergencyaccess ● Overheadand/orundergroundhazards ● Locationswheretemporarytrafficcontrolwouldbeneeded ● Areaswithpotentialforaccidentalactivationofcrossinggates

Whereaflaggerorlookoutisassignedtotheproject,considerincludingtheflaggerorlookoutinthewalk-through/hy-railtour.

6. BeonsiteatthecommencementoftheprojecttoverifyEngineeringcontractorsafetyrequirementshavebeenmet,andmakeatleastperiodicsitevisitsthereafter.Whennecessary,thesedutiesmaybedelegatedtoaco-worker,butnottotheprojectflagmanorlookout.



B. BNSF Maintenance of Way Rules (MWOR) Qualified Employees Serving as EICs, Flaggers, Lookouts, or Escorts for Contractors

Theseemployeesmustparticipateinjobsafetybriefingswithcontractorpersonneltocommunicateroadwayworkerprojection/on-tracksafetyinformation.TheEIC/flagger/lookout/escortneedstoincludeinstructionsinthebriefingastoemergencyactionstobetakenshouldheorshebecomeincapacitatedduetoinjury/illness.TheresponsibilitiesoftheseBNSFemployeesservingasflaggersrelatetoon-tracksafety,nottootheraspectsofprojectoversight.

C. BNSF Employees Working With Contractors

BNSFemployeesarenottouseoroperatecontractorvehicles,equipment,andtoolsunlessspecificallydirectedbytheBNSFprojectrepresentative,andonlywhentheemployeefeelsqualifiedtodoso.Incaseswhereaffectedemployeesdonotfeelqualifiedtooperatecontractorvehicles,equipment,and/ortools,theyneedtomeetwiththeresponsibleBNSFprojectrepresentativetoreachamutuallyacceptableoption.

D. Engineering Safety

1. MaintainsoversightovertheEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram.

2. UpdatestheEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram,asnecessary,toaddresschangingrequirements,ortosupplementorclarifyexisting requirements.

3. ProvideselectronicnotificationtoBNSFEngineeringcontractorsofcriticalsafetyissuesviatheelectronicmailinglistassociatedwiththeBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram,aswarranted.

1.4 Fall ProtectionThepurposeofsection1.4istopreventinjuriesduetofallsfromelevation.Thissection:

● DetailsfallprotectionrequirementsforEngineeringpersonnelworkingatelevation.

● ConformstoFRABridgeWorkerSafetyStandardsandOSHAConstructionStandards,asapplicable.

1.4.1 Definitions

Anchorage.Asecurepointofattachmentforlifelines,lanyards,orshock-absorbingdevicesthatisindependentofthemeansofsupportingorsuspendingaworker.

Anchoragesmustbecapableofsupporting5,000poundsperworkerattached,ormustbedesigned,installed,andusedunderthesupervisionofaqualifiedperson,aspartofacompletefallprotectionsystem,whilemaintainingasafetyfactorof2to1.

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1-17Revision: April 1, 2013

Body Harness.Adevicewithstrapsthatcanbeattachedtoalanyard,lifeline,orshock-absorbingdevice.Thebodyharnessissecuredaboutaworkersothatitdistributesfallarrestforcesover(atleast)thethighs,shoulders,pelvis,waist,andchest.

Fall Restraint System.Asystemwhereananchorageandpersonalfallarrestequipmentisselected,arranged,andusedtokeepworkersfromreachingalocationwheretheycouldfallfromelevation.

Free Fall.Theactoffallingbeforeapersonalfallarrestsystembeginstoapplyforcetoarrestafall.

Lanyard.Aflexiblelineofrope,wirerope,orstrapthatisusedtosecureabodyharnesstoashock-absorbingdevice,lifeline,oranchorage.

Lifeline.Aflexiblelinethatconnectstoananchorageatoneendtohangvertically(verticallifeline)ortoananchorageatbothendstostretchhorizontally(horizontallifeline).

Alifelineprovidesameansforconnectingothercomponentsofapersonalfallarrestsystemtotheanchorage.

Personal Fall Arrest System.Asystemusedtoarrestthefallofanemployeefromaworkinglevel.Itconsistsofananchorage,connectors,bodyharness,lanyard,shock-absorbingdevice,lifeline,orcombinationofthese.

Railroad Bridge. Astructurethatsupportsoneormorerailroadtracksabovelandorwaterandhasaspanlengthof12feetormore,asmeasuredalongthetrackcenterline.

Thistermappliestotheentirestructurebetweenthefacesofthebackwallsoftheabutmentsorequivalentcomponents,regardlessofthenumberofspans.

1.4.2 Job Preparation

Fourbasiccategoriesoffallprotectioninorderofpreferenceare:

● Conventional Fall Protection.Passivemeansofpreventingaworkerfromfallingfromelevation;e.g.handrailsystem,laddercagesystem.

● Fall Restraint.Selecting,arranging,andusingfallprotectionequipment—suchasananchor,lanyard,andbodyholdingdevice—inamannerthatdoesnotallowaworkertoreachalocationwhereafallfromelevationcanoccur.

● Fall Arrest System.Specializedequipmentthatwillarrestafallinprogressbeforeaworkerreachesthegroundorwatersurface,oranyotherobstructionbelow.


1-18 Revision: April 1, 2013

● Work Procedures.Specificadministrativeguidelinesorpracticestoprotectworkersfromexposuretofallsfromelevation;e.g.fallrestraintorfallarrestnotrequiredonarailroadbridgewhenremainingbetweentheoutsiderailswhileperforminginspectionsorminorwork.

Note: Employees on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 6 feet or more above a lower level must be protected from falling by the use of one of the four basic categories of fall protection listed above.

Beforestartingaprojectorjobtask:

1. Includefallsfromelevationconsiderationsintheriskassessmentprocess.Identifyallfallsfromelevationconcernsanddeterminehowtheseconcernswillbeaddressed.Preferably,eliminateidentifiedhazardsandconcerns,or,asaminimum,guardagainstthembyimplementingprecautionaryengineeringorstrongadministrativeactions.

Note: Do not limit identified concerns to situations where fall heights would be above thresholds established by the governmental agency having jurisdiction. Consider potential for falls from all elevations and include considerations such as a fall on rip-rap, or a steep slope along the track structure.

2. Developandcommunicatearescueplan,andwhereapplicable,verifythatrescue-trainedpersonnelandanyequipmentneededtofacilitatearescueareonsite,inspected,andreadilyaccessible.Rescueplanoptionswouldincludethefollowing,asappropriate:

― Nospecialrescueconsiderationsbeyondthebasicsiterescueplan;e.g.,useoffallrestraint

― Self-rescue;e.g.,fixedladderclimbingsystems

― Rescuebythelocalfiredepartment;e.g.electricalortelecommunicationtowersinyardareas,wherethelocalfiredepartmenthasappropriateladdertruckequipmentandthesiteisaccessible

― Useofextensionladdersforlowheightbridgesoverland

― Useofspecializedrescueequipmentandappropriatelytrained BNSFpersonnel

― Whereaboomtruckisusedonarailroadbridgetoanchorfallrescuesystems,theboomsecuredinamannerthatpositivelypreventsboomoperation,andasteeringwheelcoverplacedonthesteeringwheel

Duringthejobsafetybriefing,clearlycommunicateriskassessmentfindingsandfollow-upactionstaken,aswellasrescueplans.

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1.4.3 Equipment/System Selection

1. Useonlyfallprotectionequipmentthathasbeenformallyapprovedforuseby Engineering Safety.

2. Contractorsaretoprovidetheirownfallarrest/restraintequipmentandmustuseonlyequipmentthatmeetsapplicablegovernmentalregulationsandapplicableANSI/CSArequirements.

3. Usefallarrest/restraintequipmentonlyforworkerfallarrest/restraintpurposes.

4. VerifythatproposedfixedsysteminstallationsforEngineeringfacilitiesorstructuresgothroughaformalreviewprocessandareapprovedbytheusergroupandEngineeringSafety.

1.4.4 Equipment/System Inspection

Wheninspectingequipmentandsystems:

1. Inspectpersonalfallarrestequipment,fallprotectionsystemcomponents,lifevests,andringbuoysaccordingtomanufacturers'instructionsandguidelinesreviewedduringBNSFtrainingsessions.

2. Inspectpersonalfallarrestequipment,fallprotectionsystemcomponents,lifevests,andringbuoysbeforeeachuse.Inspectlifevestsandringbuoysfordefectsthatmayaffectbuoyancy.

3. Shouldequipmentfailinspection,appropriatelytagitandimmediatelyremoveitfromservice.

4. Notethefollowing:

a. Equipment,particularlysharedequipment—suchaspersonalfallarrestkits(TrackGangs),boomtruckby-passlines,andrescuekitcomponents—whichisusedinfrequentlymust,asaminimum,beinspectedevery30days.Pre-useinspectionsarestillrequiredfor thisequipment.

b. Fixedlifelinesystems,fixedanchors,ladderclimbingsystems,andotherfixedsystemsmustbeinspectedannually,ormorefrequently,wherespecifiedbythemanufacturer/installer.Theusergroupisresponsibleforconducting/coordinatingsuchinspectionsaccordingtoequipmentmanufacturer/installerinstructionsorspecifications.

5. Documentallequipmentandsysteminspections.

Note: Refer to MOW Safety Rule 1.2.6 Warning Signs for information pertaining to the use of an Out of Service tag.



1.4.5 Cleaning and Storing Equipment

Whencleaningandstoringequipment:

1. Cleanfallarrestequipment,rescuekitcomponents,andlifevestsaccordingtomanufacturers'instructionsandguidelinesreviewedduringBNSFtraining sessions.

2. Storefallprotectionequipmentandlifevestswhereunauthorizedpersonnelcannotaccessequipment.

3. Protectfallarrestequipment,rescuekitcomponents,andlifevestsfromadverseweatherconditions,chemicalexposure,constantexposuretodirectsunlight,andexposuretoopenflamesorsparks.

4. Allowwetfallarrestequipment,rescuekitcomponents,andlifeveststothoroughlydrybeforestoring.

1.4.6 Training

Followthesetrainingrequirements:

1. Structuresemployeeswhousepersonalfallarrest/restraintequipmentwhileperformingworkactivitiesonrailroadbridges,andemployeeswhoworkontowersmustcompleteinitialbaselinetrainingandannualrefreshertrainingintheselection,inspection,maintenance,anduseoffallarrest/restraintequipment.OtherEngineeringworkgroupsandpersonnelusingfallarrest/restraintequipmentreceiveinitialbaselinetraining,annualrefreshertraining,andarepeatofbaselinetrainingevery3years.

2. Employeeswhomaybecalledupontoparticipateinbridgeandtowerrescueactivitiesrequiringtheuseofspecialized,fall-relatedrescueequipmentmustcompleteinitialbaselinetrainingandannualrefreshertrainingintheselection,inspection,maintenance,anduseofrescueequipment.

3. Contractoremployeeswhowearfallarrest/restraintequipmentwhileperformingworkactivities,usefallprotectionsystems,and/orwouldusespecialized,fall-relatedrescueequipmentmustcompletetrainingthatmeetstherequirementsoftheFRABridgeWorkerSafetyStandardsorothergovernmentalregulations,asapplicable.Completionofthistrainingmust bedocumentedonthecontractor'sBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyActionPlan.

1.4.7 General Equipment Requirements

Followthesegeneralrequirementswhenusingfallarrestequipmentandsystems:

● Usefallarrestequipmentandrescueequipmentforfallarrestandrescuepurposesonly.

● Limitfreefalldistanceto6feet.

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● Theshockabsorberistobeintegraltoapersonalfallarrestsystem.

Note: Do not connect to shock absorbers when using fixed ladder fall arrest systems or self-retracting lifeline.

● Whenselectingananchoragepointforapersonalfallarrestsystem,considerthattheanchorageneedstobecapableofsupporting5,000pounds.

― Whencreatingananchorpointandusingananchorsling,makesuretheangleatwhichtheeyeletsoftheanchorslingconnectarelessthan45degrees.

― Selectananchoragepointwhereswingfallwillbeminimized. ― Selectananchoragepointandarrangeequipmenttoavoidstrikingpartsofthestructureorequipmentshouldafalloccur.

● Padanysharpedgesofastructurethatmaydamagefallarrestorrescuesystemcomponents.

● Usecompatiblehardwarecomponentsasdescribedintrainingtopreventsnaphookrollout.

● Donotusewaistbeltsforfallarrestpurposes. ● Youmayuseworkpositioningequipmenttosupplementfallarrestequipment.Theuseofworkpositioningequipmentisnotasubstitutefortheuseoffallarrestequipment.

● BNSFemployeesarenottousesafetynetsforfallprotectionpurposes,unlessspecificapprovalisgrantedbytheresponsiblework-groupAVP.

1.4.8 Handling Equipment After a Fall

Whenafallprotectionsystemisinvolvedinafall:

1. Inspectanchoragesfordamageanddiscontinueuseofdamagedequipment.

2. Tagsystemcomponentsandimmediatelyremovethemfromservice.

3. Setupachainofcustodyandpromptlyforwardsystemcomponentstoresponsiblesupervisionforhandling.

Possiblehandlingoptionsinclude:

● Destructionofequipment. ● Returntoserviceafterinspectionbythemanufacturer. ● ForwardingtotheClaimsDepartment.



1.4.9 Working on Railroad Bridges

A. Use of Personal Fall Arrest/Restraint Equipment

Whenpersonnelareworkingonrailroadbridges,thethresholdheightwherefallprotectionneedstobeaddressedis12feet.

EXCEPTION: Where there are no deck openings through which a worker can fall, using personal fall arrest equipment is not required when:

● Walking between the outside rails. ● Performing inspections or minor repairs, provided those activities can

be accomplished by working exclusively between the outside rails of the bridge with center-of-balance exclusively between the rails. When an activity requires standing or traveling with one or more weight-bearing portions of the body beyond the boundaries of the rails, no matter the time duration, fall protection is required.

― "Weight-bearingportionsofthebody"canincludehandsandarms,aswellasfeetandlegs.Forexample,shouldapersonbekneelingwithbothfeetandkneesbetweentherails,theweight-bearingportionsofthebodywouldbebetweentherails.Fromthisposition,apersoncouldsafelyinsertaboltthroughajointfromthegagetothefieldside,andhandthreadanutontothefieldendofthebolt.However,ifthepersonweretostand,evenwithbothfeetbetweentherails,placeatrackwrenchonthenut,andtightenit,thehandsandarmswouldbecomeweight-bearingportionsofthebodybyexertingforcesonthewrench,requiringfallprotection.

― Changingoutrailortiesisnotminorwork.

● Working on a bridge that has walkways or railings that meet the requirements of the American Railway Engineering & Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA), where a worker is performing activities between an outside rail and a walkway or railing.

● Working on a roadway attached to railroad bridges, provided that workers on the roadway deck work or move 6 feet or more from the edge of the roadway deck, or from an opening through which a worker could fall.

Whenconductingbridgeinspections,unlesscoveredbyoneoftheexceptionsabove,theInspector,qualifiedperEngineeringInstruction17Structures,mustwearfallprotectionequipment(fullbodyharness,lanyard,etc.).TheInspectorisnotrequiredtoutilizefallarrestorfallrestraintmethodswhileengagedininspectionactivitiessuchasclimbing,walking,measuring,orrecording.TheInspectorisrequiredtoutilizefallarrestorfallrestraintmethodswhileengagedinnon-inspectionworkactivities,includingresting.TheemployeethatacceptsthisexemptionmusthavesuccessfullycompletedBNSF'sBridgeInspector'sSafetyandClimbingTrainingProgram.

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B. Working on Railroad Bridges Over or Adjacent to Water

Whenworkingoveroradjacenttowater,usealifevestwhen:

1. Thewateris4feetormoredeep. or

2. Thedangerofdrowningotherwiseexists.

EXCEPTION: Vests do not need to be worn when:

● Using a fall arrest system in an approved manner. ● Conducting inspections that involve climbing structures above or below

deck, where risk assessment has determined that wearing a life vest increases the risk of a fall from elevation.

● Doing the following, where there are no openings through which a worker can fall:

― Walking between the outside rails. ― Performing inspections or minor repairs with center-of- balance exclusively between the outside rails.

Note:Minorrepairsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,routinewelding,spiking,anchoring,spotsurfacing,andreplacingjointbolts.Changing-outrailisnot consideredaminorrepair.

― Working on a bridge that has walkways or railings that meet the requirements of the American Railway Engineering & Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA), where a worker is performing activities between an outside rail and a walkway or railing.

― Working on a roadway attached to railroad bridges, provided that workers on the roadway deck work or move 6 feet or more from the edge of the roadway deck, or from an opening through which a worker could fall.

C. Using Life Vests on Railroad Bridges

Whenusinglifevestsonrailroadbridges:

● Haveaboatavailable.Note: Risk assessment determines whether the boat is to be manned and in the water, or on the shoreline ready to go.

● Haveavailableringbuoyswithatleast90feetofline.Spacethebuoysatintervalsnottoexceed200feet.

D. Responding to Reports of IEDs on Railroad BridgesBridgeInspectorsorotherStructurespersonnelqualifiedinbridgeinspectionandbridgeinspectionclimbingtechniquesarenottoperforminspectionsinresponsetothereportedpresenceofanimprovisedexplosivedevice(IED).DirectsuchreportstoBNSFResourceProtectionforhandling,aswellasanydiscoveryofanIEDduringbridgeinspectionactivities,orotherwise.



1.4.10 Roof Work

Usefallprotectionwhenworkingonroofsofstructuresandyouareexposedtofallsfromelevation.Usethemostappropriatemethodoffallprotectionthatcanbeappliedtoaparticulartask.Usefallarrestorfallrestraint,installtemporaryguard-railsystems,oronflatroofs,establishworkzonesaccordingtoapplicablegovernmentalrequirements.Determinethemostappropriatemethodoffallprotectiononaproject-specificbasisduringprojectplanningandriskassessmentactivities.

1.4.11 Wood Pole Work

Whenworkingonwoodpoles:

1. Performthetaptesttoverifypoleintegrity.Do not climb a wood pole when pole integrity is in doubt.

2. Wearafull-bodyharnesswithaMillerStopFallbeltanduseproperlysharpenedgaffswhenascending,descending,andworkingonwoodpoleswithoutstep-pegs.Usepositioningequipmenttoby-passcrossarmswherepresent.Onpoleswithsteppegs,wearafullbodyharnessanduseaMillerStopFallbeltuponreachingtheworklocation.Usepositioningequipmenttoby-passcrossarmswherepresent.

3. MillerStopFallbeltsarenottobeusedwhenascendingordescendingwoodpolessupportingslidefences.Afullbodyharnessistobeworn,preferablywithaMillerStopFallbelt,whenreachingaworklocationwherethisequipmentcanbeaccommodated.Positioningequipmentcanalsobeusedinworklocationswherethisequipmentcanbeaccommodated.

4. Afterinitialtraining,poleclimbing,pole-toprescuetraining,andMillerStopFallbelttrainingistobecompletedevery3years.

1.4.12 Telecommunications: Towers/Tops of Locomotives

Whenworkingontelecommunicationtowers:

1. Usepersonalfallarrestequipmentwhenascendingtoanddescendingfromworklocationsontelecommunicationtowers,andwhenatworklocations.

2. Useworkpositioningequipmenttosupplementuseoffallarrestequipmentwhenworkinginastationarylocationontelecommunicationtowers.Useofworkpositioningequipmentisnotasubstituteforuseoffallarrestequipment.

3. Performtelecommunicationsworkonthetopsoflocomotivesonlywhereapprovedfallprotectionsystemsareavailableandpersonnelhavehadproperfallprotectiontraining.

1.4.13 Signal Bridges, Cantilevers, Wayside Signals, and Crossing Masts

A. Signal Bridges and Cantilevers

Usepersonalfallarrest/restraintequipmentonsignalbridgesandcantileverswherefixedfallprotectionsystemshavebeeninstalled.Useofbuckettruckorliftisanotheroption.

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B. Wayside Signals and Crossing Masts

Whereworkcannotbeperformedfromgroundlevel,workfromladders,platforms,buckettrucks,orlifts.Ladderbracketscanbeinstalledtofacilitateladderuse andaccess.

1.4.14 Light Towers and Metal Light Poles

1. Usefallarrestequipmentwhenascendinganddescendinglighttowersandmetallightpoles.

2. Wherepracticalandwherethelocationisaccessible,useabuckettruckorlifttoaccessworklocationsonlighttowersandmetallightpoles.

1.4.15 Bucket Trucks/Aerial Lift Trucks

1. Wearafull-bodyharnesswhenworkingfrombuckettrucksandaerial lifttrucks.

2. Provideandmaintainbuckettruckrescuekitsonallbuckettrucksthatmaybeusedinareaswherethereisnoradioorcellulartelephonecontact,orasecondpersononsite.

Trainedemployeesuseequipmentinkitsforemergencyevacuationfrombuckets.Afterbaselinetraining,thispracticaltrainingistoberefreshedevery 3 years.

1.4.16 Scaffold Guidelines

1. Erectleasedorprocuredscaffoldsystemsaccordingtomanufacturer'sguidelines.ConstructotherscaffoldsystemsaccordingtodesigndrawingspostedontheStructuresIntranetWebsite.

2. Inspectallscaffoldsystemcomponentsbeforeerectingthesystem.

3. Designateacompetentpersontoinspectcompletedscaffoldsystemspriortoeachday'suse.

Note: A competent BNSF Engineering employee has current status in the Scaffold – Competent Person safety training course. Following the baseline training, the course is to be completed every 3 years.

4. Whenonascaffoldthatis6feetormoreabovealowerlevel,addresspotentialfallhazards.Meetthisrequirementthroughoneofthefollowingmethods,whicharelistedinorderofpreference:

● Guard-railsystem(onallopensidesandends)

● Fallrestraint or

● Fallarrest



Installthetopedgeoftoprailsbetween39inchesand45inchesabovetheplatformsurface.Installmid-railsataheightapproximatelymidwaybetweenthetopedgeoftheguard-railsystemandtheplatformsurface.Attachpersonalfallarrestsystemsusedonscaffoldsbylanyardtoafixedsecureanchorageindependentofthescaffoldsystem.

Notes:

― When on a scaffold less than 6 feet above a lower level, identify and remove any potential tripping hazards, maintain situational awareness, and, where practical, employ one of the protective system options listed above.

― Each employee on a suspension scaffold must be protected by both a guard-rail system and a personal fall arrest system.

― Where using personal fall arrest systems, total fall distance needs to be calculated and evaluated in order to verify there will be no impact with the ground or water surface below, or contact with any equipment or materials.

5. Platformsandwalkwaysaretobeatleast24incheswide,unlesstheyareusedinareassonarrowthattheymustbelessthan24incheswide.Whereplatformsorwalkwaysmustbelessthan24incheswide,theymustbeaswideasfeasible,andidentifiedfallhazardsaddressedthroughtheuseofguardrailsand/orpersonalfallarrestsystems.

6. Nomorethana14-inchgapmustbebetweentheplatformandtheverticalfaceofthestructure.

7. Eachendoftheplatformmustextendoverthecenterlineofitssupportbyatleast6inches,unlessrestrainedbyhooksorequivalentmeans.Eachendofaplatform10feetorlessinlengthisnottoextendoveritssupportmorethan12inches.Eachendofaplatformgreaterthan10feetinlengthisnottoextendoveritssupportmorethan18inches,unlessitisdesignedandinstalledsothecantileveredportionoftheplatformisabletosupportemployeeswithouttipping,orhasguardrailsthatwillblockpersonnelaccesstothecantileveredend.

8. Securescaffoldssatisfactorilyfromtip-overduetohighwinds.

9. Allownothingtoaccumulateontheplatformthatcouldcauseaslip,trip,orfall(e.g.,tools,scrapmaterials,chemicals,snow,orice).

10. Donotusemakeshiftdevices,suchasboxesorbarrels,placedontopofaplatformtoincreasetheworkingheight.Donotuseladdersonscaffoldstoincreasetheworkingheight,exceptonscaffoldswithalargersurfacearea,andwhereapprovedbyacompetentperson.Insuchcases,addressthepotentialofafallfromtheladder,specificallywhenthefallwouldnotbecontainedtothescaffoldsurface.

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11. Protectpersonnelbelowfrompotentialfallingobjectsbyinstallingtoeboards,orbycordoningofftheareabelowthescaffoldwithbarricades.Toeboardsmustbeatleast4incheshighfromthetopedgetothelevelofthewalking/workingsurface.

12. Whenusingportableladderstoaccesstheplatform,extendladdersiderailsaminimumof36inchesbeyondtheplatformsurface.Securethetopoftheladder,andprotecttheladderopeningagainstfalls.Donotusestepladderstoaccessscaffoldplatforms.

13. Maintainscaffoldclearancefromelectricallinesaccordingtothetablesbelow.

Insulated Lines

Voltage Minimum Distance Alternatives<300volts 3 feet

300voltsto50kv 10 feet

>50kv 10feetplus0.4inchesforeach1kvover50kv

2timesthelengthofthelineinsulator,butneverlessthan10feet

Un-Insulated Lines

Voltage Minimum Distance Alternatives

<50kv 10 feet 2timesthelengthofthelineinsulator,butneverlessthan10feet>50kv 10feetplus0.4inchesfor

each1kvover50kv


Managementandindividualemployeessharetheresponsibilityforensuringcompliancewithfallprotectionrequirements.

A. Responsibilities of Management

BNSFmanagementmust:

● Provideinitialbaselineandrefresherfallprotectiontrainingand/orrescuetrainingtoaffectedemployeesatspecifiedintervals.

● Providefallarrestequipment,asrequired,toaffectedpersonnel.



● Implementlocalprocedurestoensurethatequipmentinvolvedinafallorequipmentidentifiedasdefectiveduringinspectionisremovedfromservice,pendingdisposition.

● Includecompliancewithfallprotectionrequirementsandequipmentinspectionrequirementsinauditing/operationstestingactivities.Work-groupmanagementwillsetintervalsforformalauditsandoperationstests.

B. Responsibilities of BNSF Affected Employees

AffectedBNSFemployeesmust:

● Select,inspect,maintain,andusefallarrestequipmentandsystemsincompliancewiththerequirementsofthisdocument,guidelinesreviewedintraining,andapplicablegovernmentalregulations.

C. BNSF Project Representatives for Contractor Operations

Contractorprojectrepresentativesmust:

● VerifythatallcontractorpersonnelhavecompletedtheBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram.

● VerifythatcontractorsworkingatelevationhavedocumentedthecompletionoffallprotectiontrainingintheirBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyActionPlan.

● Duringroutinecontractorauditingactivities,includefallprotectioncomplianceissues.

1.5 ConfinedSpaceThepurposeofsection1.5istopreventaccidentsandinjuriesoccurringwhileworkinginconfinedspaces.Thissection:

● DetailsrequirementsforEngineeringpersonnelworkinginconfinedspaces

● ConformstoOSHAregulationsandotherapplicablegovernmentregulationsrelatingtoconfinedspaces

1.5.1 Definitions

Confined Space.

● Islargeenoughandconfiguredsothatanemployeecanbodilyenterandperformassignedwork

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● Haslimitedorrestrictivemeansforentryandexit

Note: Doorways and portals through which a person can work are not considered restrictive.

● Isnotdesignedorintendedforcontinuousoccupancybypersonnel

Permit-Required Confined Space.Aconfinedspacethathasoneormoreofthefollowingcharacteristics:

● Containsorhasthepotentialtocontainahazardousatmosphere

● Containsamaterialthathasthepotentialforengulfinganentrant

● Hasaninternalconfigurationsuchthatanentrantcouldbetrappedorasphyxiatedbyinwardconvergingwallsorbyafloorthatslopesdownwardandtaperstoasmallercross-section

● Containsanyotherrecognizedserioushealthhazard

Qualified Person (Confined Space). Aworkerwhohasbeentrainedtoproperlyuseairmonitoringandrescue/retrievalequipment.Theworkeralsohasbeentrainedtoanticipate,recognize,andevaluatepersonnelexposuretohazardousmaterialsandotherpotentialadverseconditionsofaconfinedspace.

1.5.2 IdentifyingPermit-RequiredConfinedSpaces

Asign,tag,orstenciledlabelwiththemessage"Danger.ConfinedSpace.EnterbyPermitOnly"mustbeateachentrancepointtoeachpermit-requiredconfinedspace.

EXCEPTION: Where signs, tags, or a stenciled message are not practical to identify permit-required confined spaces, (such as affected culverts), notify affected personnel through written advisory letters.

1.5.3 Job Preparations

Preparetoworkinaconfinedspaceasfollows:

1. Determinethatthejobtasktobeperformedrequiresentryintothepermit-requiredconfinedspace.Consideralternativeprocedureswhereitisnotnecessarytoenterapermit-requiredspacetoperformassignedtasks.

2. ObtainaConfinedSpaceEntryPermitfromtheConfinedSpaceDraweroftheEngineeringSafetyInternetWebsite:engineeringsafety.com.



3. ObtainacopyoftheConfinedSpaceIdentificationFormforthepermit-requiredconfinedspacetobeentered.Thisformprovidesbackgroundinformationonthepermit-requiredconfinedspace,includingpotentialhazards.ObtaintheappropriateformfromtheSpecialPrograms/ConfinedSpacefolderoftheEngineeringSafetyIntranetWebsite.

4. Verifycalibrationoftheairsamplinginstrumentandconductpre-entryairsamplingactivities.

5. Performpre-entryventilationofthepermit-requiredconfinedspace.Inmostcasesthiswillinvolveusinganelectricorgas-poweredblower.

6. CompletetheConfinedSpaceEntryForm.Thecompletedformremainspostedattheentrypointduringthejob.ThepermitissignedbytheEntrySupervisor/EmployeeinCharge.

1.5.4 Downgrading

Oncepre-entryactivitieshavebeencompleteditispossiblethat—basedonconditionsinthespaceandhazardsrelatedtotheworkbeingperformed—thespacecanbedowngradedfromapermit-requiredconfinedspacetoanalternatepermit-requiredoranon-permit-requiredconfinedspace.SpecificconsiderationsfordowngradingarereviewedintheConfinedSpaceTrainingcourse.

1.5.5 Entry Requirements

Entryrequirementsdifferbasedontheclassificationoftheconfinedspace.

1. Permit-Requiredrequirementsare:

● Attendantoutsideofconfinedspace

● Continuousventilation

● Continuousairmonitoring(Theattendantperformsremotesamplingand theentrantwearsapersonalairmonitor,unlesstheentrantisworkingattheattendant'ssamplingpoint.)

● Rescue/retrievalequipmentinplace

2. Alternate Permit-Requiredrequirementsare:

● Continuousventilation ● Exhaustventilationatpoint-of-operation ● Entrantwearsapersonalairmonitor

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3. Non-Permit-Requiredhasnospecialrequirementsfollowingcompletionofpre-entryactivities.

Note: Downgrading decisions are made after pre-entry activities are completed. Environmental facilities, including sewer systems, and pipe tunnels may not be downgraded.

1.5.6 Rescue

Followtheserescuerequirements:

1. Theattendantmustnotenterapermit-requiredconfinedspacetoattemptrescue.

2. Onsitemeetingsmustbeheldtodeterminethecapabilitiesoflocalfire/rescuepersonneltoperformpermit-requiredconfinedspacerescues.

1.5.7 Closeout

Followingjobcompletion:

1. TheEntrySupervisorclosestheConfinedSpacePermitbysigningoff.

2. Closed-outConfinedSpaceEntryPermitsarefaxedtoEngineeringSafetyat817-352-7398.Theclosed-outpermitsremainonfileelectronicallyfor1year.

1.5.8 Training

Allemployeeswhoparticipateinconfinedspaceworkactivitiesmustreceivebaselineandrefreshertrainingevery3years.Trainingwillcoverconfinedspaceidentification,entryandpre-entryequipment,hazardsrecognition,andtheuseofventilation,airsampling,andrescue/retrievalequipment.


Managementandindividualemployeessharetheresponsibilityforverifyingcompliancewithconfinedspacerequirements.

A. Responsibilities of Management

BNSFmanagementmust:

● Considerduringfacilitydesignanydesignalternativesthatwouldeliminatetheneedforpersonneltoenterconfinedspacesforinspectionormaintenanceactivities.

● Ensurethatinitialandrefresherconfinedspacetrainingisprovidedtoaffectedemployees.

● Makeventilation,airsampling,andrescue/retrievalequipmentreadilyavailabletoaffectedemployees.

● Assignpersonneltoserveascustodiansforairsamplingequipment.



● Verifythatallpermit-requiredspaceshavebeenlabeled.

● VerifythatConfinedSpaceIdentificationFormshavebeencompletedandmaintained.

● Includecompliancewithconfinedspacerequirementsinauditingandoperationstestingactivities.Intervalsforformalauditsandoperationstestswillbesetbywork-groupmanagement.


Affectedemployeesmust:

● Performconfinedspaceactivitiesaccordingtotherequirementsofthisdocument,guidelinesreviewedintraining,andapplicablegovernmentregulations.


BNSFprojectrepresentativesmust:


● Verifythatcontractorsworkinginpermit-requiredconfinedspaceshavedocumentedconfinedspacetrainingintheirBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyActionPlan.

● Advisecontractorsofpermit-requiredconfinedspaces.

● Notifycontractorsofanyprecautionsimplemented.

● Coordinateentryoperations,asappropriate.

● De-briefcontractorsofanyhazardsencounteredorcreatedduringworkactivitiesconductedinpermit-requiredconfinedspaces.

● Maintainonfile,for1year,closed-outcopiesofacontractor'sConfinedSpaceEntryForms.

● Duringroutinecontractorauditingactivities,includeconfinedspacecomplianceissues.

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1.6 Excavation SafetyThepurposeofsection1.6istopreventaccidentsandinjuriesfromexcavationwork.Thissectionisalsointendedto:

● DetailrequirementsforEngineeringpersonnelinvolvedinexcavationactivities.

● MeetorexceedOSHAregulationsandotherapplicablegovernmentregulationsrelatingtoexcavations.

1.6.1 Definitions

Competent Person.Aworkerwhothroughtraining:

● Iscapableofidentifyingexistingandpredictablehazardsandunsafeconditions.

● Hasauthoritytotakepromptcorrectivemeasurestoeliminatehazardsandunsafeconditions.

1.6.2 Job Preparation

Prepareforexcavationworkasfollows:

1. Designatethecompetentperson.

2. Haveaone-calllocationservicelocateandidentifyanyundergroundlinesintheworkarea.(SeeEngineeringInstruction26UndergroundUtilities.)

3. ContactBNSFStructures,Signal,andTelecommunicationsgroupstoidentifyandlocateanyundergroundlinesintheworkarea.

Note: Contractors, in conjunction with their BNSF project representative, must complete and submit the form entitled Underground Cable Location and Acknowledgement.

4. Determinewhetheraprotectivesystemisrequiredorotherwisedeterminedasnecessarybythecompetentperson.

5. Ensurethatalltrenches4feetormoredeephaveaprotectivesystem.

● Shoring ● Slopingofsoil ● Trenchbox ● Benchingofsoil



Notes:

― Some states/provinces may have more stringent requirements for protective systems, which you would need to comply with.

― Based on factors such as soil condition, vibration concerns, water intrusion concerns, and work methods, the competent person may determine the need for a protective system in a trench less than 4 feet deep.

― The depth of an excavation is measured at its greatest vertical dimension. When a trench is in a hillside, measure the depth on the uphill side.

― When sloping or benching soil in right-of-way areas, initiate precautions so as not to undermine the track structure.

― Refer to and comply with specific OSHA standards and other applicable government safety regulations relating to protective systems, where such regulations are more stringent.

6. Determinesoiltype.AllsoilatBNSFwillbeconsideredTypeCunlessdeterminedasotherwisethroughanalysis.RefertoapplicableOSHAstandardsandgovernmentregulationsforguidelinesrelatingtosoilclassification.

Note: Contractors require specific authorization from the responsible BNSF project representative before they initiate excavation activities. Identify a spoil bank location. When you cannot identify a spoil bank well away from the excavation edge, consider its estimated weight when calculating surcharge.

7. Implementprocedures/methodstopreventequipment,materials,andpersonnelfromfallingintotheexcavation.Measurestobeconsideredinclude:

● Installingbarricadesandsigns ● Instructingworkersnottowalkalongtheedgesofexcavations ● Providingsafecrossingsacrosstrenches

8. Haveattheworksite,tabulateddataonprotectivesystemsbeingused.

9. Addressduringriskassessmentuniqueemergencypreparednessissuessuchasthepotentialforcave-ins.

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1.6.3 Trench Access/Egress

Verifyasafemeansofaccess/egress.Forexample,laddersmustbewithin25feetofeveryworkerinatrenchexcavationthatis4feetormoredeep.Whereladdersareused,securethemandextendsiderailsatleast3feetabovethelipofthetrench.Whensteppingfromexcavationsoflesserdepth,verifystabilityoftrenchedges.

1.6.4 Inspections

Thecompetentpersonconductsdailyinspectionsoftheexcavationandprotectivesystems.Thecompetentpersonconductsadditionalinspectionsfollowinganychangesinsoilconditionorprotectivesystems,followingrainfallorwaterintrusion,andafterexposuretovibration.


1.6.5 When Selecting Shoring as Protective System

A. Installation

Installshoringasfollows:

1. Putsomeshoringinplacebeforeworkersentertheexcavation.Thisrequirestop-downinstallation.

2. Makesurestrutsareinatruehorizontalpositionwithendssecuredtopreventslippingordisplacement.

B. Removal

1. Usethebottom-upmethodduringremoval.

2. Haveworkersinvolvedinremovalalwaysbeinaprotectedarea.

3. Removehydraulicshoringfromoutsideoftheexcavation.

4. Haveaworkerremovetimberorsteeljacksfrominsidethetrench.

5. Donotremovebottomandintermediatestrutsuntiltheyhavebeeneffectivelyreplacedbybackfillmaterial.

6. Beginbackfillingassoonasshoringisremoved.



1.6.6 Training

Allemployeeswhoperformexcavationworkmustattendbaselineandrefreshertrainingevery3years.Trainingisconductedtothecompetentpersonlevel.


Managementandindividualemployeessharetheresponsibilityforverifyingcompliancewithexcavationsafetyrequirements.

A. Responsibility of Management

BNSFmanagementmust:

● Providetrainingatrequiredintervalstoaffectedemployees.

● Includecompliancewithexcavationsafetyrequirementsinauditingandoperationstestingactivities.Intervalsforformalauditsandoperationstestswillbesetbywork-groupmanagement.



● Performexcavationworkaccordingtotherequirementsofthisdocument,guidelinesreviewedintraining,andapplicablegovernmentregulations.




● Verifythatcontractorsinvolvedinexcavationworkhavedocumentedtrenching/shoringtrainingintheirBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyActionPlan.

● AdvisecontractorswhowilldoexcavationworkthattheymustobtainspecificapprovalfromtheBNSFprojectrepresentativebeforeexcavating.TheyalsomustcompletetheformentitledUndergroundCableLocationAcknowledgmentafterthecontractorandprojectrepresentativecontactlocalBNSFStructures,Signal,andTelecommunicationsrepresentatives.ThisformisavailableintheReferenceDraweroftheInternetWebsite:contractororientation.com.

● Verifythatcontractlanguageisclearastowhohasresponsibilityforarrangingforaone-calllocationservicetolocateandidentifyanyundergroundlinesintheworkarea.Also,verifythisactioniscompleted.

● Duringroutinecontractorauditingactivities,includetrenching/shoringcomplianceissues.

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1.7 Right-of-Way FiresSection1.7detailsfiresafetyrequirementsforEngineeringpersonnelworkinginright-of-wayareas.

1.7.1 General Precautions

Followthesegeneralprecautions:

● Whensmokinginright-of-wayareas,allowatleasta3-footperimeteraroundasmokerthatisfreeofcombustiblematerials.Windyconditionsmayrequirethatthisperimeterbeextended.

● Grindoutcigarettesinthedirtanddiscardmatchesinanappropriatecontainer.

● Donotdriveorparkarubber-tiredvehicleovertall,drygrassorotherdryvegetationsuchthatexhaustsystemcomponentsontheundercarriagecanstartfires.

● Afterusingportablehandtools,donotsettoolswithhothousingsondryvegetation.

● Whenfuelingportabletools,becarefultopreventspillageontohothousings.

● Duringtoolinspectionactivities,closelycheckpowercordsandextensioncordsforfrayingandotherdamage.

● Verifythatrubber-tiredconstructionequipment,ATVs,chainsaws,portablegenerators,etc.areequippedwithsparkarrestorsingoodworkingorder.

● Properlyhandleoil-soakedragsbyplacingtheminanapprovedmetalcanwithaself-closinglid.

● Keephazardousmaterialsuppliesinright-of-wayareastoaminimum.Separateincompatiblematerials.Usegrounding/bondingprocedureswhendispensingflammables.

● Donotmakeopenfiresforwarmingpurposes.

● Keepright-of-wayareascleanandfreeofcombustibletrash.Wherepractical,avoidstackingtiesinhighgrass.Removepiecesofglassthatcanmagnifythesun'sraysandstartafire.

● Whenre-fuelingworkequipment,stopenginesandhavea10-footcombustible-freeperimeter(excludesties).

● Placefuseesonballastorroadwaysawayfromdryvegetation.



1.7.2. Job Preparation–General

Toprepareforperforminghotworkactivitiesinright-of-wayareas,workgroupsmust:

1. Determinefireconditions.Determinewhetheranylocalworkrestrictionsareineffect,orwhetherspecialpermitsarerequired.Also,determineresponsecapabilitiesofthelocalfireagency.

2. BasedonguidelinesreviewedintheRight-of-WayFireAwarenesscourse,performathoroughfiresafetyriskassessment.Considersuchfactorsasvegetationtype,rainfall,relativehumidity,temperature,windspeed/direction,time-of-dayofworkactivities,andtypeandextentofworkactivities.

NOTE: Use a wind meter to determine wind speed. Do not conduct hot work operations when wind speeds exceed 30 MPH.

The presence of precipitation, snow cover, significant fire breaks, or positive control of sparks/slag may allow waiver of the above restriction on an individual case basis. Responsible supervision must approve the waiver of this restriction.

3. Inspectandassessavailablefirepreventionandsuppressionequipment.Considerwheretobestlocateequipmenttofightafire.


4. Verifythatemergencypreparednessplanscontaincontactsandresponsetimesforrespondingfireagencies,aswellasdirectionstotheworksite.Also,identifyandcommunicateescaperoutes.

5. Mechanicallyclearand/orapplyherbicidesalongright-of-wayareastoinhibitthegrowthofvegetationthatprovidesfuelforfires.Complywiththerequirementsofthelocalfireagency.Besuretohandclearlowspots,aroundculverts,etc.

6. CompletetheEngineeringRight-of-WayFirePreventionRiskAssessmentFormlocatedintheFormssectionoftheEngineeringSafetyWebsite.

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1.7.3 SpecificPrecautionaryActions

A. Hot Work on Open-Deck Railroad Bridges, Wood Snowsheds, and Tunnels.

1. Minimize Possibility of Fire

Thefollowingareseveralproceduresthatcanbeusedtominimizethelikelihoodoffiresstartingonrailroadbridges:

a. Donotconducthotworkactivitiesduringperiodsofhighwindsorunpredictablegustingwinds.Atelevatedworklocationssparkswillflyfurtherandmayreachareasbelowthestructureorofftheright-of-way.Theseareascouldbedifficulttoaccesstosuppressafire.

b. Plugspikeholesintiesintheworkarea.

c. Useacombinationofsparkshields,thermitepackingsand,andinsulatingblanketstoprotectbridgecomponents.Sparkshieldscontrolandconfinesparksfromcuttingandgrindingoperations.Thermitepackingsandcancoverbridgestringers.Insulatedblanketscanprotectwoodcomponentsatweldingsites.

Note: Do not confuse these insulated blankets with first-aid blankets used to suffocate flames where a worker's clothing has caught fire.

d. Pre-wetthewoodcomponentssurroundingtheimmediateworkareawithasoapandwatersolution.Soaphelpstoslowwaterevaporation.Pre-hotworkapplicationofPhoschecksolutionwouldbethepreferredmethod.

e. Positionyourfeettopreventslipping.Whenperforminghotwork,aslipnotonlycouldleadtopersonalinjury,butalsocouldcausesparksorslagtoflyinanunprotecteddirection.

f. Donotthrowcombustiblematerialstoareasbelowthebridge.Inadditiontoenvironmentalissues,thisaddscombustiblesinareasthataresometimesdifficulttoaccess,thuscreatingadditionalfiresafetyconcernsforfuturejobs.

g. Besuretopositionsuppressionequipmentwhereitcanbequicklyaccessedwithoutexposingpersonneltofallsfromelevationhazards.

2. After Hot Work Is Completed

Aftercompletionofhotworkactivities:

a. Soakwoodcomponentssurroundingtheimmediateworkareawithwater.

b. Carefullyinspectthestructurearoundtheimmediateworkarea,includingareasonthegroundbelow,foranysignsoffire.



c. Stationafirewatcheratthebridgeforaleastonehourfollowingthecompletionofhotworkactivities.

● Thefirewatchercansuppressanylatentflare-upsthatmayoccur.

● Thefirewatchermusthaveaccesstoonehandpumpwater-filledtank,onePulaskitoolormattock,oneround-nosedshovel,andcommunicationequipmenttosummonassistanceshouldalargerscalesituationarise.

d. Withsomeoftheserequirementsinmind,includingtheuseofafirewatcher,makeeveryattempttoavoidendoftheshifthotworkonstructures.

Note: Firefighters should be allowed to make all possible attempts to suppress a structures fire until a Structures employee determines that the structure is not salvageable. What may appear to be a destroying fire may result only in superficial damage to structural members.

B. Production Rail Grinders

Productionrailgrindersareequippedwithguardstodirectsparkstowardtheballast.Followtheserequirements:

1. Beforetheday'sworkactivities,inspecttheguardstoverifytheirintegrity.Donotoperatethisequipmentwithdamagedormissingguards.

2. Carefullyinspectfiresuppressionsystemsbeforetheworkshifttoverifythattheyareingoodoperatingcondition.

3. ConductariskassessmentofconditionsanddocumentthemontheRight-of-WayPreventionRiskAssessmentformbeforebeginninggrindingoperations.

a. Considerweatherconditions,surroundingtopography,vegetation,andproximitytopeople,structures,orotherassets.

b. Wherevegetationhasnotbeenclearedeffectively,considerconductinggrindingoperationsondays/timeswhenfireriskislow,initiatingpre-wettingactivitiesorimplementingadditionalfirewatchactivities.

4. Donotconductproductionrailgrindingoperationsunderthebelowconditions,exceptasnoted(remember,conditionsmayrequiremore restrictivemeasures):

Note: The rail contractor employee in charge of the grinder is required to certify before grinding each shift that the contractor-supplied equipment conforms to the requirements of the contract.

1 Safety


● Donotconductgrindingoperationswhenthegrindingequipmentwatersystemisnotfunctional,orwhenavailablewaterreservesarelessthan5,000gallons.

● Donotconductgrindingwithouteitherafunctioningwatertruckorsectiontruckwithasliptankorequivalent.Thewatertruckorsectiontruckmustbewithin2milesofgrindingoperationsatalltimes.

Note: A water truck or section truck with a slip tank is required to completely cover all track ground before clearing.

● Donotconductreversepassgrindingwhenwindspeedsexceed20MPH(15MPHwhenafunctioningandmannedwatercannonisnotavailableatthefrontofthegrindingequipment.)

● Donotconductgrindingoperationswhenwindspeedsexceed30MPH.

● Donotconductgrindingoperationswithoutengagingdown-windditchsprayswhenwindspeedsexceed15MPH.

● DonotconductgrindingoperationsthatviolateIndustrialFirePrecautionLevelsorlocalrestrictions.

Note: The presence of precipitation, snow cover, or significant fire breaks may allow waiver of the above restrictions on an individual case basis. Only the Supervisor Rail Grinding or Manager Rail Maintenance can waive the restrictions.

5. Directallpersonnelwhoarewithandfollowinggrindingequipmenttokeepacarefulfirewatchatalltimes.

a. Thoroughlyinspectallextinguishedfirestoensurepropermop-uptopreventre-ignition.Useinfraredheatdetectionequipmentifavailable.

b. Beforeclearingthetrackaftergrindingoperations,post-wetallvegetationwithin25feetoftherailforthelast150feetground.Stopthegrindingequipmentandvisuallyinspectareabeforeleavingthelocation.

c. Whenariskassessmentidentifiesaneedforafirewatchertopatroltheareabehindaproductionrailgrinder,verifythefirewatcherisequippedwith:

● Atleastonehandpumpwater-filledtank ● OnePulaskitoolormattock ● Oneround-nosedshovel ● Communicationequipmenttosummonassistanceshouldamore

serious situation arise



d. Conductanadditionalfirepatrolfollowingproductionrailgrindingoperationsunderthefollowingconditions:

● Whenwindspeedsincreaseby15MPHormoreduringgrindingoperations,ororiginalwindsexceed15MPHandthewinddirectionshiftsby135degreesormore,conductanotherfirepatroloflocationsgroundduringthe2hoursprecedingthewindchange.

● AsrequiredtocomplywithIndustrialFirePrecautionClassregulations.

6. Grindrailonandwithinhigh-riskstructuresonlyunderthefollowingconditions.High-riskstructuresincludetimbersnowsheds,timber-linedtunnels,open-deckbridges,andtimbertrestlesasidentifiedbytheStructuresgroup.

● ReceiveapprovalfromtheresponsibleStructuresSupervisortogrindrailonthespecificstructure.

● Conductabriefingbetweenassignedfirewatchpersonnelandrailgrindingpersonnel.

● Usegrindingequipmentwithafullyfunctionalwatersystemandaworkingfireretardantfoaminjectionsystem.

● Beforegrinding,treatthestructurewithawater/foamconcentrationof0.3percentwithtiespraysandtheminimonitorsat2MPH.

● Donotsequencecarriageswhileonorwithinastructure.Onamoveablebridge,thegrindermustsequencethecarriageoverthebridgejoints.Ifdoingthis,noteitinthebriefingpriortogrindingthebridge.Theemployeesinthewatertruckorsectiontruckbehindthegrinder,whenperformingtheirwalkinginspectionofthestructure,shouldpayparticularattentiontotheseareasandremoveanyfallenslag.

● Useallavailabletiesprayswhengrindingthestructure.

● Aftergrinding,treatthestructurewithawater/foamconcentrationof0.3percentwithtiespraysandtheminimonitorsat2MPH.

● Makesureemployeesinthewatertruckorsectiontruckbehindthegrinderwalkthestructureandinspectforhotareasorslagusinghand-heldinfrareddetectionequipment.

● Assignpersonnelasfirewatch.Firewatchpersonnelmusthavefiresuppressionandcommunicationequipmentreadilyavailable.Assignedpersonnelmustconductamannedwatchofthestructureforanappropriateamountoftimebaseduponanassessmentofthestructure'svulnerabilityandtheconditionspresentastheyrelatetoriskoffire.

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● Youarenotrequiredtopre-andpost-treatthestructurewithawater/foamconcentratewhennaturalprecipitation(suchasrainorsnow)hassoakedthestructureandsurroundingareatoanextentequaltoorgreaterthanthepre-andpost-treatmentwould.However,allavailabletiespraysshouldstillbeusedwhengrindingthestructure.

C. Production Switch and Crossing Grinders

Productionswitchgrindersareequippedwithguardstodirectsparkstowardtheballast.Followtheserequirements:

1. Beforetheday'sworkactivities,inspecttheguardstoverifytheirintegrity.Donotoperatethisequipmentwithdamagedormissingguards.

2. Carefullyinspectfiresuppressionsystemsbeforetheworkshifttoverifythattheyareingoodoperatingcondition.

3. ConductariskassessmentofconditionsanddocumentthemontheRight-ofWayFirePreventionRiskAssessmentformbeforebeginninggrindingoperations.

a. Considerweatherconditions,surroundingtopography,vegetation,andproximitytopeople,structures,orotherassets.

b. Wherevegetationhasnotbeenclearedeffectively,considerconductinggrindingoperationsondays/timeswhenfireriskislow,initiatingpre-wettingactivities,orimplementingadditionalfirewatchactivities.

4. Donotconductswitchgrindingoperationsunderthebelowconditions,exceptasnoted(remember,conditionsmayrequiremorerestrictivemeasures):

● Donotconductgrindingoperationswhenthegrindingequipmentwatersystemisnotfunctional,orwhenavailablewaterreservesarelessthan100gallons.

● Donotconductgrindingoperationswhenwindspeedsexceed30MPH.

● DonotconductgrindingoperationsthatviolateIndustrialFirePrecautionLevelsorlocalrestrictions.

Note: The presence of precipitation, snow cover, or significant fire breaks may allow waiver of the above restrictions on an individual case basis. The welding Foreman's immediate Supervisor may authorize waiver of the restrictions.

5. Beforeconductinggrindingoperationspre-wetallvegetationorothercombustiblematerialswithin30feetofthetrackinareastobeground.

6. Directallpersonnelwhoarewithandfollowinggrindingequipmenttokeepacarefulfirewatchatalltimes.



a. Thoroughlyinspectallextinguishedfirestoensurepropermop-uptoprevent re-ignition.

b. Ifariskassessmentidentifiesaneedforafirewatchertopatroltheareabehindaswitchgrinder,verifythatthefirewatcherisequippedwith:

● Atleastonehandpumpwater-filledtank ● OnePulaskitoolormattock ● Oneround-nosedshovel ● Communicationequipmenttosummonassistanceifamoreserious

situation arises

c. Conductanadditionalfirepatrolfollowingswitchgrindingoperationsunderthefollowingconditions:

● Whenwindspeedsincreaseby15MPHormoreduringgrindingoperations,ororiginalwindsexceed15MPHandthewinddirectionshiftsby135degreesormore,conductanotherfirepatroloflocationsgroundduringthe2hoursprecedingthewindchange.

● AsrequiredtocomplywithIndustrialFirePrecautionClassregulations.

7. Grindrailonandwithinhigh-riskstructuresonlyunderthefollowingconditions.High-riskstructuresincludetimbersnowsheds,timber-linedtunnels,open-deckbridges,andtimbertrestlesasidentifiedbytheStructuresgroup.

● ReceiveapprovalfromtheresponsibleStructuresSupervisortogrindrailonthespecificstructure.

● Conductabriefingbetweenassignedfirewatchpersonnelandrailgrindingpersonnel.

● Usegrindingequipmentwithafullyfunctionalwatersystemandaworkingfireretardantfoaminjectionsystem.

● Beforegrinding,treatthestructurewithawater/foamconcentrationof0.3percentwithtiespraysandtheminimonitorsat2MPH.

● Donotsequencecarriageswhileonorwithinastructure.Onmoveablespanbridges,itmaybenecessarytosequencethecarriagesoverthebridgejoints.Ifdoingthis,noteitinthebriefingpriortogrindingthebridge.Theemployeesinthewatertruckorsectiontruckbehindthegrinder,whenperformingtheirwalkinginspectionofthestructure,shouldpayparticularattentiontotheseareasandremoveanyfallenslag.

● Useallavailabletiesprayswhengrindingthestructure.

● Aftergrinding,treatthestructurewithawater/foamconcentrationof0.3percentwithtiespraysandtheminimonitorsat2MPH.

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● Makesureemployeesinthewatertruckorsectiontruckbehindthegrinderwalkthestructureandinspectforhotareasorslagusinghand-heldinfrareddetectionequipment.

● Assignpersonnelasfirewatch.Firewatchpersonnelmusthavefiresuppressionandcommunicationequipmentreadilyavailable.Assignedpersonnelmustconductamannedwatchofthestructureforanappropriateamountoftimebaseduponanassessmentofthestructure'svulnerabilityandtheconditionspresentastheyrelatetoriskoffire.

● Youarenotrequiredtopre-andpost-treatthestructurewithawater/foamconcentratewhennaturalprecipitation(suchasrainorsnow)hassoakedthestructureandsurroundingareatoanextentequaltoorgreaterthanthepre-andpost-treatmentwould.However,allavailabletiespraysshouldstillbeusedwhengrindingthestructure.

D. Track Hot Work: Welding, Cutting, and Grinding

Handwelding,cutting,andgrindingoperationsresultinsparksorslagthatcanreadilyigniteafire.Severalalternativescanbeusedindividuallyorincombinationtopreventignitingwildfireswhenperformingtheseoperations.

1. Useprotectivescreensorblanketstocontainsparksorslag.Asdeemedappropriatethroughriskassessment,pre-wettheimmediateworkareaandthesurroundingarea.

2. Makesawandtorchcutstothecentersoftrackanddirectsmall-scalegrindingsparkstoballasttobettercontainsparksandslag.

3. Afterthermiteweldingoperations,asperproceduresintheTrackWeldingManual,allowslagtocoolbeforedumpingtheslagpan.Dumptheslagpaninanareafreeofcombustiblevegetation.

4. Welders,grinderoperators,andrailsawoperatorsmustwearappropriateclothingincludingleatherleggings.Seriousinjurycanoccurshouldclothingignite,andfirecouldspreadtotheright-of-way.

CAUTION: Some common winter coveralls have synthetic linings that make them inappropriate to wear while performing hot work activities.

5. Considerthatpersonnelperformingwelding,cutting,andgrindingactivitieswillconcentrateontheirpointofoperation.Wearingeyeprotectionsuchashoodsmaysomewhatrestricttheirviewofthesurroundingarea.Co-workersmustobservethesurroundingareasforfires.Whenadesignatedlookoutdetectsafire,thelookoutmustimmediatelydirecttheworkgrouptoceaseworksothatallwork-groupemployeescanparticipateinfiresuppression.



6. Aftercompletinghotworkactivities,carefullyinspectareassurroundingthepointofoperation.Riskassessmentmayidentifyaneedforafirewatchertoremainataworksiteforsomespecifiedperiodafterajobiscompletedtoquicklylocateandsuppressanyfiresthatdevelop.Thefirewatchermustbeequippedwithatleastonehandpumpwater-filledtank,onePulaskitoolormattock,oneround-nosedshovel,andcommunicationequipmenttosummonhelpshouldalargerscalesituationarise.

E. Repair of Work Equipment

Roadwayequipmentpersonnelcompletingrepairsonworkequipmentperformgrinding,cutting,welding,andheatingactivitiesthatcanignitewildfires.Generally,theseoperationsinvolvemoreprecisionworkthansimilaroperationsperformedonrail.

Alternativesforcontrollingsparksandslagincludescreens,blankets,pre-wetting,directingsparksandslagtoballast,oracombination.

Considerthatpersonnelperformingwelding,cutting,andgrindingactivitieswillconcentrateontheirpointofoperation.Additionally,personnelinvolvedinrepairsunderneathequipmentarelessabletoobserveanyflare-upsinthesurroundingareas.Co-workersmustobservethesurroundingareasforfires.

Aftercompletinghotworkactivities,carefullyinspectareassurroundingthepointof operation.

F. Signal Bonding Operations

Signalbondingoperationsgeneratehotparticlesthatcanigniteafire.Followtheseguidelines:

1. Whengrinding,directgrindingsparkstoballast.

2. Insomecases,takeadditionalfirepreventionmeasuresifriskassessmentindicates.Theseadditionalalternativemeasuresinclude:

● Pre-wetting vegetation areas. and/or

● Usingprotectivescreenstocontainsparkswithintheballastline. or

● Usingatemporarybonduntilconditionsallowthesafeinstallationofthermitebonds.

3. Wearappropriateclothing.Seriousinjurycouldoccurifclothingignites,andfirecouldspreadtotheright-of-way.

4. Aftercompletingthebonding,carefullyinspectareassurroundingthepointofoperation.Verifythatthereisnoopportunityforfiretodeveloplater.

Note: In extreme cases, risk assessment may identify a need to designate a fire watcher to remain at the site until danger for fire no longer exists.

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1.7.4 Equipment Requirements

A. Work Groups of Two or More Personnel

Unlessalocalfireagencyhasmorestringentrequirements,theminimumfireprevention/suppressionequipmentforperforminghotworkactivitieswhileworkinginright-of-wayareasareasfollows:

● OneABCfireextinguisher(otherthansmall,vehicle-mounted) ● Twohandpumporpressurizedwater-filledtanks ● Oneround-nosedshovel,Pulaskitool,ormattockperperson

Note: At least one round-nosed shovel and Pulaski must be present. The number of round-nosed shovels, as nearly as possible, must equal the combined number of Pulaski tools and mattocks.

Note: Weather conditions such as snow cover or recent heavy rain, and other situations such as lack of vegetation, may allow the equipment requirements above be relaxed on a case-by-case basis, and following careful risk assessment.

Wherelocalfireagenciesrequireorriskassessmentidentifiesaneed,portablewatersupplytanks(onoroffrail)mustbeavailabletosupplementothersuppressionequipment.Strategicallyplacewatersupplytanksinproximitytothelocationmostsusceptibletofirebreakout.

B. Employees Working Alone/Signal Bonding Operations

Carefullydeterminethefireprevention/suppressionequipmentneedsfollowingriskassessment.Theminimumequipmentrequirementsforperforminghotworkactivitieswhileworkingaloneintheright-of-way,orperformingsignalbondingoperations,areasfollows:

● Onehandpumporpressurizedwater-filledtank ● Oneround-nosedshovel

Note: Onsite risk assessment may determine that based on the job task being performed, weather, vegetation, amount of water used in any pre-wetting, etc., additional fire suppression equipment is necessary.

Note: Weather conditions such as snow cover or recent heavy rain, and other situations such as lack of vegetation, may allow the equipment requirements above be relaxed on a case-by-case basis, and following careful risk assessment.



1.7.5 Reportable Fire Recording

IfarailgrinderoranyotherMWhotworkoperationcausesareportableright-of-way,tie,orcoaldustfire,begovernedbythefollowinginstructions:

Note: Reportable Fire. Anytime a fire leaves BNSF property or damages BNSF property, structures, buildings, track, or signal and/or communication assets; the fire causes train delay; or a local fire department helps put out the fire.

1. Organizeavailableresourcestocombatthefire.

2. Summonemergencyassistanceasnecessary.

3. NotifytheTrainDispatcherwheretrainmovementmaybeaffected.

4. CompileandsendinitialE-mailnotificationwith"(GrinderIDorgangdesignation)ReportableFirepage"inthesubject-linetothefollowingpeople:appropriatelinesAGST(OPRDLAGSTCENTRALLINES,OPRDLAGSTNORTHLINES,orOPRDLAGSTSOUTHLINES),AVP/ChiefEngineer,DivisionGeneralManager,GeneralDirectorMaintenance,DivisionEngineer,DistrictRoadmaster,SamSexhus,DeanDalquist,JohnStanford,yourManager,andtheMaintenanceDesk(OPRDLMaintenanceDesk).

5. Fightafireonlyifproperlyequippedandifyourjudgmentdictatesyoucandososafely.

6. Bepreparedtoassistrespondingagenciestotheextentyoucansafelydoso.ThisisarequirementinmanyState/provincialstatutes.

A. E-Mail Notification Page

Send initial E-mail notification "page" as soon as fire suppression efforts are under way and the Supervisor or other employee in charge is in a position to report the fire.Includeasmuchoftheinformationlistedbelowaspossibleinthebodyofthemessage.Ifthefireislarge,donotwaittobereleasedbythefiredepartmentbeforesendinginitial"page"notification.ThefireinformationfortheE-mailincludes:

● Your name ● Machinenumberorgangdesignation ● Dateandtimefirewasreportedandreportingparty ● Division,subdivision,milepost,andneareststationname ● Descriptionofterrain,weather,wind,andhumidity ● Timeofinitialattack ● Currentfirestatusandtotalnumberofpeopleandfiretrucksinvolved ● Timeandnameoffiredepartmentcalled,whocalled,andwhentheyarrived ● Whenfirewasoutandwhenfiredepartmentreleasedyou ● Sizeofareaburnedandwhattypeoffuel ● Injuriesandpropertyorequipmentdamage(BNSF,contractor,orother) ● Trainsdelayed(trainnumbersandlengthofdelayincludingDOL's)

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Sendfollow-upE-mailseveryhourtothepeopleinstep4above,indicatingstatusofthefireandresourcesuntilfireiscompletelyextinguished.

B. Final E-Mail Notification and Report

Afterthefirehasbeenextinguished,thetrackreturnedtoservice,andallofthefactsdetermined:

1. SendafinalE-mailtothepeopleinStep4abovewiththetimethefirewasextinguished,thetimethetrackwasreturnedtoservice,andanyupdatesorchangesinfireinformation.

2. Taketimetodoathoroughdebriefingaftertheincident.Ifthefirewasstartedbyaproductionrailgrinder,completeBNSFRailwayForm201andsendittoyourManagerwithin24hoursoftheincident.

3. CollaboratewithyourManagertocompileareportthatincludesadetaileddescriptionoftheincident,includingallfireinformation,rootcause,contributingfactors,andcorrectiveactions.

4. ThemanagerwillE-mailthereporttotheappropriatelinesAGST(OPRDLAGSTCENTRALLINES,OPRDLAGSTNORTHLINES,orOPRDLAGSTSOUTHLINES),AVP/ChiefEngineer,DivisionGeneralManager,GeneralDirectorMaintenance,DivisionEngineer,DistrictRoadmaster,SamSexhus,BillVanHook,MichaelNuorala,MaintenanceDesk(OPRDLMaintenanceDesk),andappropriateclaimsrep.

1.7.6 Training

AllEngineeringemployeeswhoworkinright-of-wayareasmustattendaninitialawarenesscourseandsubsequentrefresherawarenesscoursesevery3yearsinright-of-wayfireprevention.

Engineeringemployeeswho,basedonoperationsperformed,aremorelikelytogetinvolvedinfiresuppressionactivitiesmustcompletemorein-depthtraininginwildfirepreventionandsuppression.

Employeesneedtoreceiveinitialandannualrefreshertrainingintheuseoffiresuppressionequipment,includingportablefireextinguishersandfoam(AFFF)systemsthattheymayberequiredtouse.


Managementandindividualemployeessharetheresponsibilityforverifyingcompliancewithfiresafetyrequirements.




BNSFmanagementmust:

● Providerequiredinitialandannualrefreshertrainingtoaffectedemployees.

● Includecompliancewithfiresafetyrequirementsinauditingandoperationstestingactivities.Intervalsforformalauditsandoperationstestswillbesetbywork-groupmanagement.



● Performright-of-wayworkactivitiesaccordingtorequirementsofthisdocument,trainingguidelines,andapplicablegovernmentregulations.



● Verifythatcontractorsworkinginright-of-wayareasaddressfirepreventiontrainingandproceduresintheirSafetyActionPlans,asappropriate.

● Includecompliancewithright-of-wayfirepreventionissuesissuesduringroutinecontractorauditingactivities.

1.8 Lightning ProtectionThissectionprovidesguidelinesforBNSFEngineeringpersonnelworkingwhenlightningmaybepresent.

1.8.1 General Precautions

Followthesegeneralprecautions.

A. Before the Storm

Dothefollowingbeforethestorm:

1. PLANinadvanceyourevacuationandsafetymeasures.Whenyoufirstseelightningorhearthunder,activateyouremergencyplan.

2. Knowthecounty/parishinwhichyouareworking.Severeweatherwarningsareissuedonacounty/parishbasis.

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3. Whenadverseweatherispredicted,checktheweatherforecastbeforeleavingforthejobsite.

4. Considerpostponingorreschedulingcertainoutdoorworkactivitieswhenthunderstormsareimminent.Onceatthejobsite,watchforsignsofapproachingstorms.

5. Whenastormisapproaching,keepanNOAAWeatherRadioorAM/FMradiowithyourworkgroup.

B. When Thunderstorms Approach

Dothefollowingwhenthunderstormsapproach:

1. Whenyoufirstseelightningorhearthunder,activateyouremergencyplan.Lightningoftenprecedesrain,sodonotwaitforraintobeginbeforesuspendingactivities.

The30/30Rulesaystoshutdownwhenlightningis6milesaway.Usea"flashtobang"(lightningtothunder)countoffivesecondsWHICHequalsonemile(10seconds=2miles;20=4miles;30=6miles).Asappropriate,notifywork-grouppersonnelviaverbalcommunications,radio,airhorn,orothermeansas established in the job safety briefing.

Notes:

― Calculate lightning distance as follows: For every 5 seconds from the time of seeing the lightning flash to hearing the associated thunder, the lightning is 1 mile away.

― Once notified, the Train Dispatcher will communicate weather warnings to all affected trains and employees holding authority within the affected area.

2. Suspendcraneandpiledrivingoperations.Lowerboomandleads.

3. Movetoasturdystructureorvehicle,preferablyalargepermanentbuildingorenclosedvehicle.Unsafeplacesarenearwater,undertrees,onhills,andnearelectrical/electronicequipment.Rememberthattelephonelinesandmetalpipescanconductelectricity.

4. Unplugappliancesnotbeingusedtoobtainweatherinformation.Avoidusingtelephonesotherthanforemergencycontacts.

5. Movetohighgroundwhenthereispotentialforflashflooding.Shouldfloodingoccur,abandonvehiclesandmovetohigherground.Donotattempttodrivetosafety.



C. When Outdoors With No Nearby Shelter

Dothefollowingwhenyouareoutdoorsandnoshelteriscloseby:

1. Seekalowspotawayfromtrees,fences,andpoles.Selectaspotnotlikelytobeflooded.

2. Wheninwoodedareas,seekshelterundershortertrees.

3. Shouldyoufeelyourskintingleand/oryourhairstandonend:

a. Squatlowtothegroundontheballsofyourfeet.

b. Placeyourhandsonyourkneeswithyourheadbetweenyourknees.

c. Avoidcloseproximitytootherpeople(minimumof15feet).

NOTE: By doing this, you are making yourself the smallest possible target and minimizing your contact with the ground.

4. Stayinformedaboutthestorm'sprogressbymonitoringweatherbroadcasts.Re-assessthethreat.Waituntilthunderisnolongerheardbeforeresumingactivities.Beextracautiousduringthisstormphase,asthelightningdangerstillmaybeasignificanthazard.

5. Shouldaco-workerbestruckbylightning,rememberthevictimdoesnotcarryanyelectricalcharge.Call9-1-1orcontactyourlocalEmergencyManagementServices.Ifthevictim'shearthasstoppedorbreathinghasstopped,immediatelyadministerCPR.

1.9 Electrical SafetyThepurposeofsection1.9istoreducethepotentialforinjurytoemployeesduringtheconstruction,service,maintenance,anduseofelectricalequipment.Thissectionestablishestherequirementsforemployeesengagedinelectricalworkorexposedtoenergizedelectricalequipmentorsystems.

TherequirementsofthisinstructionareintendedtocomplywiththecurrentversionoftheStandardforElectricalSafetyintheWorkplace—NFPA70E.

RefertoBNSFElectricalEquipmentLabelingProgramdatedSeptember1996.

1.9.1 Definitions

Electrical Hazard.Adangerousconditionsuchthatcontactorequipmentfailurecanresultinelectricshock,arcflashburn,orblast.

Electrical Safety. Therecognitionofhazardsassociatedwiththeuseofelectricalenergy,andknowledgeofprecautionsthatcanaddressidentifiedhazards.

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Electrically Safe Work Condition.Astateinwhichtheconductororcircuitparttobeworkedonornearhasbeendisconnectedfromenergizedparts,lockedout/taggedoutaccordingtoestablishedprocedures,testedtoensuretheabsenceofvoltage,andgroundedasdeterminednecessary.

Externally Operable. Capableofbeingoperatedwithoutexposingtheoperatortocontactwithliveparts.

Flash Hazard.Adangerousconditionassociatedwiththereleaseofenergycausedbyelectricarc.

Flash Protection Boundary.Anapproachlimitatadistancefromexposedlivepartswithinwhichapersoncouldreceiveasecond-degreeburnifanelectricalarcflashweretooccur.

Limited Approach Boundary.Ashockprotectionboundaryonlyqualifiedpersons(atadistancefromalivepart)cancross,andisnottobecrossedbyunqualifiedpersonsunlessescortedbyaqualifiedperson.

Live Parts.Electricconductors,buses,terminals,orcomponentsthatareuninsulatedorexposed,andashockhazardexists.

Prohibited Approach Boundary. Ashockprotectionboundaryonlyqualifiedpersons(atadistancefromalivepart)cancross,which,whencrossedbyabodypartorobject,requiresthesameprotectionasifdirectcontactismadewithalivepart.

Qualified Person.Apersontrainedandknowledgeableoftheconstructionandoperationofelectricalequipmentandspecificworkmethods,andtrainedtoavoidelectricalhazardspresent.Alsofamiliarwiththeuseofspecialprecautionarytechniques,personalprotectiveequipment,insulatingandshieldingmaterials,andinsulatedtoolsandtestequipment.Apersoncanbeconsideredqualifiedwithrespecttocertainequipmentandmethods,butstillunqualifiedforothers.Suchpersonspermittedtoworkwithinlimitedapproachofexposedenergizedconductorsandcircuitpartsshall,ataminimum,betrainedinallofthefollowing:

● Theskillsandtechniquesnecessarytodistinguishexposedenergizedelectricalpartsfromotherpartsofelectricalequipment

● Theskillsandtechniquesnecessarytodeterminethenominalvoltageofexposedenergizedparts

● TheapproachdistancesspecifiedinNFPA,andthecorrespondingvoltagestowhichthequalifiedpersonwillbeexposed

● Thedecision-makingprocessnecessarytodeterminethedegreeandextentofthehazardandthepersonalprotectiveequipment,jobplanning,andriskassessmentnecessarytoperformthetasksafely

Restricted Approach Boundary. Ashockprotectionboundaryonlyqualifiedpersons(atadistancefromalivepart)cancross,which,duetoproximitytoashockhazard,requiresuseofshockprotectiontechniquesandequipmentwhencrossed.



Shock Hazard.Adangerousconditionassociatedwiththepossiblereleaseofenergycausedbycontactorapproachtoliveparts.

Working Near Live Parts. AnyactivityinsideaLimitedApproachBoundary.

Working on Live Parts.Comingincontactwithlivepartswiththehands,feet,orotherbodyparts,orwithtools,probes,ortestequipment,regardlessofthepersonalprotectiveequipmentbeingworn.

1.9.2 Abbreviations

FR: FlameResistanceNEC:NationalElectricalCode(NFPA70)NFPA:NationalFireProtectionAssociation,Inc.NFPA 70E:StandardForElectricalSafetyInTheWorkplace

1.9.3 Electrical Safety Training

1. EmployeeswhowillworkwithoraroundelectricalequipmentwillreceivebaselinetraininginelectricalsafetyasapartoftheEngineeringNewHireOrientation Program.

2. Employeeswhoarerequiredtoinstall,service,ormaintainelectricalcircuitsoperatingat50voltsormoremustsuccessfullycompletetrainingprograms,includingelectricalsafetytrainingprograms,asrequiredbyregulatoryrequirements,includinganyrequirementsspecifictolocaljurisdictions.

1.9.4 General Electrical Safety Work Practices

A. De-Energization

AllEngineeringandTelecommunicationsemployeeswhoarerequiredtoinstall,service,ormaintainelectricalcircuitsoperatingat50voltsormoreshallplacesuchcircuitsinanelectricallysafeworkconditionbeforeworkingonthem.

Electricalcircuitsandequipmentoperatingat50voltsormorecanbeenergized:

● Whereelectricalcircuitsmustbeenergizedfortesting,diagnosingmalfunctions,ormakingadjustments.

● Wheretherearejustifiablebusinessconcerns;publicsafetyconcerns,suchaslossofgradecrossingprotection;oremployeesafetyconcernssuchaslossoflightinginbuildingsorlossofcommunications,andtheemployee(s)assignedtoperformtheworkhavedetermined,basedonriskassessment,priortraining,availabletools,protectiveclothing,andequipment,thattheworkcanbeperformedsafelywiththecircuit(s)energized.

Convenienceandexpediencydonotjustifyworkingonenergizedelectricalcircuits.Inallcases,followpropersafetyprocedures.

Onlyqualifiedemployeesandcontractorsaretoworkonconductorsorcircuitpartsthathavebeenplacedinanelectricallysafeworkcondition.

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B. Risk Assessment Procedure

Completehazardrecognitionandriskassessmentbeforestartingworkonornearliveparts.UseFigureF.1,Hazard/RiskAnalysisEvaluationProcedureFlowChart,inAppendixFofthecurrentversionofNFPA70E,tocompleteriskassessmentbeforestartingworkonornearliveparts.

C. Flash Protection Boundary

EnsurethattheFlashProtectionBoundaryforsystemsat600voltsandbelowisaccordingtothecurrentversionofNFPA70E.TheminimumFlashProtectionBoundaryshallbe4feet.Atvoltagelevelsabove600volts,seethestandardforproperapplication.

D. Protective Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment

WhereworkwillbeperformedwithintheFlashProtectionBoundary,useflashhazardanalysistodeterminetheincidentenergyexposureofaworkerincaloriespercentimetersquared.

1. Documenttheincidentenergyexposurelevelforaspecifictask.

2. Wearappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE),includingflameresistant(FR)clothing,basedupontheincidentenergyexposureofaspecifictask.

● MaintainelectricalsafetyPPE,includingFRapparel,insatisfactorycondition,andinspectitpriortouse.RemovefromservicedefectivePPEitems.Clean,repair,orreplace,asappropriate,workclothingorflashsuitsthatarecontaminated,greasy,worn,damaged,orthathavebeenincontactwithflammableliquidssuchthattheprotectivequalitiesarecompromised.

● IdentifieditemsofFRapparel,suchascoverallsandflashsuits,areprovidedbytheCompany.OtheritemsofFRclothing,e.g.shirts,pants,andjackets,maybepurchasedandwornbyemployees,wheretheproductisappropriatelyratedforthespecificjobtask.

● Followgarmentmanufacturers'instructionsforcareandmaintenance.

● Do not wearclothingmadefromflammablesyntheticmaterialssuchasacetate,nylon,polyester,orrayon,eitheraloneorinablendwithcotton.

● Whenworkingonenergizedcircuitsof50voltsormore,wearprotectiverubberglovesinconjunctionwithprotectiveleatheroutergloves.



● Inspectandtestinsulatingrubbergloves,sleeves,blankets,covers,andlinehoseaccordingtoapplicableOSHArequirements,aslistedin29CFR1910.137.

● RefertoHazardRiskCategoryClassifications,ProtectiveClothingandPersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)Matrices,ascontainedinthecurrentversionofNFPA70-E,todeterminetheappropriatelevelofPPEforthespecificjobtaskbeingperformed.

● YoumayrefertoAppendixHofthecurrentversionofNFPA70-EforasuggestedsimplifiedapproachtohelpensurethatadequatelevelsofPPEareselectedandworn.

Note: Energized parts that operate at less than 50 volts are not required to be de-energized to satisfy an "electrically safe work condition." During risk assessment activities, consider the capacity source, any overcurrent protection between the energy source and the worker, and whether the work task related to the source operating at less than 50 volts increases exposure to electrical burns or explosion from an electric arc.


Managementandindividualqualifiedemployeesshallsharetheresponsibilityforensuringcompliancewithelectricalsafetyrequirements.


BNSFmanagementmust:

● Providerequiredinitialandrefreshertrainingtoaffectedemployees.

● Providerequiredbasicelectricalsafety-relatedPPE,tools,andequipmenttoqualifiedemployees.

● Includecompliancewithelectricalsafetyrequirementsinauditingandoperationstestingactivities.Work-groupmanagementwillsetintervalsforformalauditsandoperationstests.

B. Responsibilities of Qualified Employees

Qualifiedemployeesmust:

● Performelectricalworkactivitiesaccordingtotherequirementsofthisdocument,trainingguidelines,andapplicablegovernmentregulations.

● Inspectandmaintainelectricalsafety-relatedPPE,tools,andequipment.

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C. Responsibilities of BNSF Project Representatives for Contractor Operations

BNSFprojectrepresentativesmustverifythatcontractorswhowillbeperformingelectricalworkactivitiescompletetheBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram,andaddressthecompletionelectricalsafetytrainingintheirSafetyActionPlan,asappropriate.

1.10 Lockout/TagoutThepurposeofsection1.10istoreducethepotentialofinjurytoemployeesservicingormaintainingequipment,machinery,orsystemsthatmayunexpectedlyenergize,startup,orreleasestoredenergy.Thissectionestablishestherequirementsforfacilityenergycontrolplans,andthetrainingnecessarytoimplementandmaintainaneffectiveLockout/TagoutProgram.

ThissectionconformstoOSHAregulationsrelatingtolockout/tagout.

1.10.1Definitions

Adjacent Machine.Themachineimmediatelyinfrontoforbehindtheaffectedmachineonthesametrack.

Affected Employee.Anemployeewhosejobrequireshimorhertoworkinanareaortooperateoruseamachineorequipmentuponwhichservicingormaintenancemaybeperformedunderconditionsrequiringlockout/tagout.

Authorized Employee.Personneltrainedinperforminglockout/tagoutonmachinesorequipmenttoperformservicingormaintenance.

Blockout.Topreventorblockthemovementofmachineryorequipmentbyplacingmaterialsothatnomovementispossible.

Dissipate.Toreleaseresidualenergyfromamachineorsystemtoattainazeroenergy state.

Electronic Voltage Detector.Usedtoverifytheabsenceofvoltageonalineorterminalofanygroundedelectricalsystem.

Energized.Equipmentormachinerythatisconnectedtoanenergysourceorthatcontainsresidualorstoredenergy.

Energy Isolating Device.Adevicethatphysicallypreventsthetransmissionorreleaseofenergy,suchasadisconnectswitch,ignitionswitch,circuitbreaker,valves,blockout,componentlocks,etc.

Energy Source.Anypowersupplyforworkequipmentsystems,includingelectrical,mechanical,chemical,hydraulic(pressurizedliquid),pneumatic(pressurizedgasorair),gravity,thermal(heatorcold),radiation,other(gas,steam,water),etc.



Facility.Fixedlocationswhereemployeesareassignedtowork,includingpermanentutilityandequipmentinstallations.

Lockout.Theactofplacinglockouthardwareonenergycontrols,suchasaswitchleverorvalvehandle,accordingtoestablishedwrittenlockout/tagoutprocedures,sothattheenergyisolatingdeviceandthemachineryorequipmentbeingcontrolledcannotbeoperateduntilthelockouthardwareisremoved.

Lockout Device.Adevicethatusesapositivemeans,suchasakeyorlock,toholdanenergyisolatingdeviceintheSAFEposition,thuspreventingmachineryorequipmentfromenergizing.Alllockouthardwareusedthroughoutthesystemisrequiredtobestandardizedincolor(red),shape,andsize.Eachlockisuniquelykeyedandremainsintheemployee'spossession.Thereisnomasterkey.

Multiple-Lock Hasp.Alockadapterplaceddirectlyonapointofcontrolorlockoutdevice,allowingseveralauthorizedpersonneltoapplyalockoutpadlockatthesametime.

OSHA.OccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministration.

Point-of-Operation.Theareaonamachineorequipmentwhereworkisactuallyperformedonmaterial.

Potential Energy.Theforcestoredwithinamachineevenwhenitisnotmoving,likeaspringundertension.

Residual Energy.Latent(leftover)energythatremainsinamachineorsystemafterithasbeenshutdown,suchasaturningbladeorshaft,electricityinacapacitor,ortrappedpressurethatcouldunexpectedlyreleasehazardousmaterialoroperate a moving part.

Roadway Equipment.Machineryorequipmentdesignatedtobeusedformaintenanceandconstructionoftrack,bridges,signals,orright-of-way.Roadwayequipmentmayoperateonoroffrails.

Servicing/Maintenance.Functionsthatincludeworkplaceactivitiessuchasinstalling,constructing,adjusting,settingup,inspecting,maintaining,cleaning,orrepairingmachinesorequipment.

Setting Up.Anyworkperformedtoprepareamachineorequipmenttoperformitsnormalfunctionoroperation.

Note: Existing written procedures may exclude some work equipment from lockout/tagout during specified portions of the set-up process. In such cases, other precautionary measures are put in place to prevent injury.

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Tag.Awarningdeviceplacedprominentlyonthelockouthardwaretoindicatethattheenergyisolatingdeviceandequipmentcontrolsmaynotbeoperated.Alltagsusedthroughoutthesystemmustbestandardizedincolor,print,format,shape,andsize.Alltagsmustindicatethenameandcraft/workgroupoftheauthorizedemployeeusingthelockout.

Tagout.Awrittenwarningtagusedinconjunctionwithlockouthardwareandattachedtoenergyisolatingdevices.Thetagoutinformsco-workersnottooperateanyswitch,lever,orvalvethathasthepotentialtoreleaseenergyorsetamachineinmotion.Tagoutactsonlyasawarningdevice;itdoesnotreplacealockoutdevice.

Two-Person Rule.Asafetyrulestatingthattwopeoplemustbepresentduringtheremovalofalockoutthatsomeoneelseplaced.Everyeffortmustbemadetolocateandinformtheemployeewhoplacedthelockoutthatitisbeingremoved.Thismustbedonebeforetheemployeereturnstowork.

Note: The "employee in charge" and his or her designate are the only personnel permitted to conduct the two-person rule.

Zero Energy State.Thestateofamachineorsysteminwhichresidualenergyinanyformhasbeendissipatedtoitslowestpracticalvalue,andinwhichlockoutshavebeeninstalledandverifiedoneverypowersourcethatcanproduceamachinemovement.

1.10.2 General Requirements

1. Normalequipmentoperationrequireslockout/tagoutwhen:

● Aguardorsafetydeviceisremovedorby-passed.

● Anypartofanemployee'sbodyisplacedinapoint-of-operation.

● Anypartofanemployee'sbodyisplacedinanassociateddangerzoneduringamachineoperatingcycle.

2. Lockout/tagoutrequirementsdo not applytocordandplugconnectedequipmentthatisunplugged,whentheplugisthesolesourceofenergytotheequipmentandtheplugisundertheexclusivecontroloftheemployee.Anelectricalpluglockoutdevicemustbeusedwhentheplugisnotundertheimmediate,physicalcontroloftheemployeeworkingontheequipment.



3. HazardousEnergyControlPlan(HECP)

a. EachaffectedfacilitymustdevelopandmaintainareadilyaccessibleHazardousEnergyControlPlan(HECP).TheHECPistoincludethebelow-listedinformation:

● Listofauthorizedandaffectedemployees ● Inventoryofequipmentandmachineryrequiringlockout ● Lockoutprocedures ● Trainingprotocol

b. TheHECPmustbeimmediatelyreviseduponchangesinequipmentorcorrectionsduetolockoutfailure.

4. Thelockout/tagoutprocedureforeachcategoryofequipmentpositivelyidentifiestheequipment;itslocation,type,andmagnitudeofstoredenergy;identityandlocationofenergyisolatingdevices;methodtorestrainenergy;andemployeeswhoareaffectedandauthorizedundertheprocedure.

Notes:

The Equipment Inventory Form (Form No. ENG00023) is used to list equipment under a facility's HECP.

The HECP LOTO Procedure Form (Form No. ENG00025) is used to document individual lockout/tagout procedures.

The master inventory of roadway equipment requiring lockout/tagout, as well as the associated lockout procedures, are maintained on the Roadway Equipment Intranet Website. Copies of individual lockout procedures are maintained with the individual pieces of work equipment, as well.

● Generic lockout procedures for signal equipment are posted in the Lockout/Tagout drawer on the Engineering Safety Intranet Website.

● Lockout procedures for railroad bridges are posted in the Lockout/Tagout drawer on the Engineering Safety Intranet Website.

● Lockout/tagout procedures for telecommunications equipment are posted on the Telecommunications Intranet Website.

5. Markenergyisolatingdevicesandcontrolcircuitdevicestoidentifythemachine,equipment,system,oroperatingpartthatthesedevicescontrol.

6. Uselockout/tagoutwheninspecting,servicing,orperformingmaintenanceactivitiesonmachineryorequipmentthatmayunexpectedlyenergize,startup,orreleaseenergy.

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1-61Revision: December 1, 2012

7. Clamp,block,relieve,orotherwisesecuresourcesofpotentialenergypriortoworkthatmayexposepersonneltoinjury.Sourcesofpotentialenergyinclude:

● Mechanismsunderspringtension ● Pneumaticorhydraulicpressure ● Suspendedpartsthatcyclebygravitytoalowerposition

8. Makesuretagsalwaysaccompanylocks.Thetagmustidentifynameandcraft/workgroupoftheauthorizedemployee,anddisplaythewords"Lockout/Tagout."Tagsmustbelegibleandunderstandabletoallauthorizedandaffectedpersonnelwhoworkorotherwisemaybeinthearea.

Onlywherelockoutisnotphysicallypossible,willtagoutproceduresalonebeused.Tagoutaloneisacceptableonlyaftertheemployeeinchargeverifiesthatlockoutcannotbeachieved.

Note: Tagout alone is never acceptable during lockout/tagout of work equipment.

Additionally:

● Attachthetagoutdeviceatthesamelocationthatthelockoutdevicewouldhavebeenattached.

● Useothermeasurestoreducethelikelihoodofinadvertentenergization.Thesemeasurescouldincluderemovingavalvehandle,openinganadditionaldisconnectingdevice,orblockingacontrollingswitch.

9. Wheneverperformingmajorreplacement,repair,renovation,ormodificationoffixedmachinesorequipment;installingnewfixedmachinesorequipment;orestablishingspecificationsfornewpiecesofroadwayequipment,designenergyisolatingdevicestoacceptalockoutdevice.

10. Issuelockout/tagoutdevices(kits)toemployeeswhohaveattainedauthorizedemployeedesignationthroughthesuccessfulcompletionofbaselinelockout/tagouttraining.

11. Provideeachauthorizedemployeewithlockout/tagoutdevices,asneeded.Locksissuedtoauthorizedemployeeswillberedincolor.Tagswillbeindeliblymarkedwiththeauthorizedemployee'sname.

Eachlockisuniquelykeyed.Key(s)remaininpossessionoftheemployee.Therewillbenomasterkey.

● Onlystandardizedlockout/tagoutdevicesaretobeused.Blockoutdevicesmustbesubstantialandappropriateforuse.

● Eachindividualworkingonapieceofequipmentistoattachhisorherownlockandtag.


1-62 Revision: December 1, 2012

12. Alwaystestmachineryandequipmentafterlockout/tagouthasbeenappliedtoverifythatthemachineryorequipmentisinoperativeandretainsnostoredenergy.

13. Notifyaffectedpersonnel,includingsupervisionandcontractors,immediatelypriortoapplyinglockout/tagout,andimmediatelypriortoremovinglockout/tagout.

14. Anauthorizedpersonwhoapplieslockout/tagoutistheonlypersonwhomayremovethelockandtag.

EXCEPTION: See Special Situations, section 1.10.4.

15. Donotusepadlocksassignedtoauthorizedpersonnelforlockout/tagoutforotherpurposes,e.g.,securingtoolboxes.

16. Lockout/tagoutdevicesandrelatedhardwareareavailablethroughtheBNSFSafety&HealthEquipmentCatalog.

1.10.3 Energy Isolating Procedure

A. Preparing for Shutdown

Toprepareforshutdown,authorizedemployeesmust:

1. Notifyallaffectedpersonneloftheapplicationoflockout/tagoutdevices.Givenotificationbeforeworkmaycommence.

2. Refertotheapplicablelockoutprocedure.

3. Identifythetypes(potential,residual),thesources(electrical,hydraulic,pneumatic,mechanical,etc.),thevoltage,andtheamountofenergythatpower(s)theequipment.

4. Identifyhowtheenergysourcescanbecontrolled,e.g.,energyisolatingdevice.

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B. Shutting Down Equipment/System

1. Shutdowntheequipment/system(s)byusingtheoperatingcontrols,thendeactivatethemainpowersource.

2. Operatevalves,switches,orotherisolatingdevice(s)todissipatepotential(stored)energyinequipment.(Examplesincludesprings,gravitation,rotatingflywheels,hydraulicsystems,gas,pneumatic,waterpressure,etc.)

EXCEPTION: Work equipment controls that operate locking devices.

3. ReturntheoperatingcontrolstotheNEUTRALorOFFpositionafterthetest.

4. Visuallyinspecttoseethatallequipment,switches,valves,etc.areinshutdownmode.

C. Applying Lockout/Tagout Devices

1. MakesureallenergyisolatingdevicesonthespecifiedequipmentareintheSAFE or LOCKED position.

Note: Pulling a fuse or flipping a circuit breaker will not substitute for locking out.

2. Placealockandtagdirectlyontheenergyisolatingdevice.

a. Theauthorizedpersonapplyingalockkeepsthekeyinhisorherpossession.

b. Remember,ONEPERSON,ONELOCK,ONELIFE.

3. Verifythatthetagidentifiesthepersonperformingthelockout/tagout.

4. Duringserviceormaintenanceoperationsthatrequiremorethanoneemployee,useamultiple-lockhasptolockoutandisolateeachenergysource.Whenneeded,additionalmultiple-lockhaspsmaybeattachedtoeachother.

5. Do not rely on a co-worker's lockout/tagout.



D. Controlling Stored Energy

Oncetheequipmentorsystemhasbeenisolatedandlockedoutfromitsenergysources,completethefollowingstepstoverifythatallenergyhasbeendissipated:

1. Verifythatallcomponentshavestoppedmoving.

2. Releasetensiononsprings,orblockthemovementofspring-drivenparts.

3. Blockorbracecomponentsthatcouldfallbecauseofgravity.

4. Blockcomponentsinhydraulicorpneumaticsystemsthatcouldmovefromlossofpressure.Bleedthelinesandleavetheventvalvesopen.

5. Drainpipingsystemsandclosevalvestopreventtheflowofhazardousmaterials.

6. Dissipateanyextremeheatorcold.

E. Verifying Isolation of Equipment

1. Ensurethatalldangerareasareclearofpersonnel.Establisha"circleofsafety"aroundtheoperation.Nooneistoenterthissafetyzonewithoutcommunicationwiththeauthorizedemployee.Establishandcommunicatethedimensionsofthissafetyzoneduringthejobsafetybriefing.

2. Verifythatthemainpowersupplyswitchorvalvehasbeenlockedout.Attempttooperatecontrols;ifsomethingmoves,theequipmentisnotlockedout.

3. Usingtheappropriatetestdevice,e.g.electronicdetectororvoltmeter,verifythattheequipmentorsystemisde-energized.

4. The equipment or system is now locked out.

5. Ceaseanylockoutactivityimmediatelyshouldanerrororpotentialhazardbefoundintheprocedureaswrittenorused.Promptlynotifyaffectedemployeesandtheemployeeinchargeofthesituation.

F. Performing Work

1. Avoiddoinganythingthatcouldreactivatetheequipment.

2. Donotbypassthelockout/tagoutwheninstallingpartsorcomponents.

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G. Removing Lockout/Tagout

1. Makesuretheequipmentissafetooperate.

a. Removealltoolsfromtheworkarea.

b. Besurethesystemsarefullyassembled.

2. Safeguardallpersonnel.

a. Conductaheadcounttoverifythateveryoneisclearoftheequipment.

b. Notifyaffectedpersonnelthatthelockout/tagoutisbeingremoved.

3. Removethelockout/tagoutdevice(s).

Note: Each device must be removed by the person who put it on, except as referenced in Special Situations, section 1.10.4.

Thelastpersontoremovehisorherlockhastheresponsibilitytoremovethemultiple-lockhaspandanyenergyisolatingdevices.

1.10.4 Special Situations

A. Temporarily Re-Activating Equipment During Lockout/Tagout

1. Performajobbriefingwithallaffectedemployees.

2. Removeunnecessarytoolsfromtheworkareaandmakesurethateveryoneisclearoftheequipment.

3. Removethelockout/tagoutdevicesandre-energizethemachine.

4. Assoonastheenergyisnolongerneeded,isolatetheequipmentandre-applythelockout/tagout,usingtheoutlinedprocedure.

B. Servicing Lasts for More Than One Shift

Whenserviceorrepairoperationsextendbeyondoneshift:

1. Lockout/tagoutprotectionis not interrupted:

a. Theinitiatingauthorizedemployeecoordinatestransferofthelockout/tagouttothereliefauthorizedemployee,ortotheSupervisor,whoisanauthorizedemployee.

b. Thereliefauthorizedemployeeplacesalockandtagontheequipmentorsystem,followedbytheinitiatingauthorizedemployeeremovinghisorherlock.



2. Lockout/tagoutprotectionisinterruptedasareliefpersonisunavailable,andtheinitiatingauthorizedpersonisunabletokeephisorherlockout/tagoutinplace:

a. Theinitiatingauthorizedemployeereturnstheequipmentorsystemtoasafestate,removesthelockout/tagout,andappliesan"OutofService"tag(BNSFPartNo.488159042).

b. Priortoresumingserviceormaintenanceactivities,anauthorizedemployeewillneedtore-establishlockout/tagoutfromthebeginningoftheprocess.

C. Two-Person Rule (Removing Another Authorized Employee's Lockout/Tagout)

1. Onlytheemployeeincharge,whoisanauthorizedperson,canremoveanotherperson'slockout/tagoutinhisorherabsence.Theemployeeinchargemustbeinthepresenceofasecondauthorizedpersonfromthesameworkgroup.

2. Makeeveryefforttoverifythattheauthorizedemployeewhoappliedthelockout/tagoutisnotavailabletoremoveit.

3. Conductathoroughinspectionoftheequipmentorsystem,andthesurroundingarea,beforethelockout/tagoutisremoved.

4. Theemployeeinchargemustpersonallyverifythattheemployeewhoselockout/tagoutwasremovedisinformedoftheremovalbeforeheorsheresumeswork.

5. DocumenttheincidentusingtheformentitledTwo-PersonRuleLockoutRemovalReport(FormNo.ENG00024).CopiesofcompletedTwo-personRuleLockoutRemovalReportsarearchivedintheLockout/TagoutdraweroftheEngineeringSafetyWebsite

D. Contractors

1. InaccordancewiththeBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram,whencontractorsareinvolvedintheserviceormaintenanceofBNSFequipmentorsystems,theresponsibleBNSFprojectrepresentativemustprovidethecontractorrepresentativewithacopyoftheapplicablelockoutprocedure.

2. Lockout/tagoutoperationsinvolvingbothBNSFandcontractorpersonnelmustbecarefullycoordinatedwithmutuallyagreeduponanddocumentedlockoutprocedures.

3. TheBNSFContractorSafetyOrientationProgramadvisesoutsidecontractorsthattheymustadheretoapplicableregulatoryrequirementsrelatingtolockout/tagout.

4. Contractorsaretoprovideallrequiredlockout/tagouthardwarefortheirneeds.

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1.10.5 Performance Audits

Eachauthorizedemployeemustbeauditedannuallyforcompliancewithrandomlockout/tagoutprocedures.Theseauditsareconductedbyresponsiblesupervision.

DocumentfindingsontheappropriateassessmentformlinkedtotheEngineeringSafety Website.

1.10.6 Training

Afterinitialbaselinelockout/tagouttraining,affectedandauthorizedemployeesattendannualrefreshertraining.Designatedauthorizedemployeesconducttraining.

Alsotrainingisconductedwheneverthereisachangeinjobassignment,machines,equipment,orprocessthatcreatesanewhazard,orwheneverthereisachangeintheenergycontrolprocedures.

Baselinetrainingincludes:

1. Discussproceduralstepsoflockout/tagout.2. Reviewavailablelockout/tagouthardware.3. Demonstratelockingandtaggingoftheequipment.4. Distributecopiesofappropriatelockoutproceduresandpolicy.

Lockout/tagouttrainingisdocumentedintheCompanyrecordkeepingsystem.

1.10.7 Multiple Machines in One Area

A. Multiple Machines On-Track While Working

Wheninamultiplemachineconsist,andoneofthemachinesmustbelockedout,notifyaffectedpersonneloftheintenttolockout.Atthistime,adjacentmachinesonthesametrackmustmaintainadistanceof50feetfromthemachinebeinglockedout.

Operatorsofadjacentmachinesworkingortravelingtowardthelockedoutmachinemuststopbeforeenteringthe50-footzone,applytheemergencybrake,securethemachinefrommovement,thenprovidealookouttokeepotheron-trackequipmentfromenteringtheworkarea.

Whenanadjacentmachineiswithin50feetofthemachinebeinglockedout,andcannotbemovedoutofthe50-footarea,theauthorizedemployeeperformingthelockoutmustalsotagouttheadjacentmachinebydisconnectingthemainpowersourceandplacinga"DoNotOperate"tagontheenergyisolatingdeviceoftheadjacentmachine.Machinesnotwithin50feetofthemachinebeinglockedoutmaycontinuetowork.



B. Multiple Machines On-Track While Machines Are Stored on Siding or Back Track, Other Than Morning Start-Up Machine Maintenance–Gangs

Incertainsituationsbecauseofspacelimitations,a50-footdistancecannotbemaintainedbetweenthemachinebeinglockedoutandadjacentmachinesonthesametrack.Whenon-trackmachinesmustbelockedoutwithadjacentmachinesonthesametrackinfront,behind,orboth,theauthorizedemployeeperformingthelockoutalsomusttagouttheadjacentmachinebydisconnectingthemainpowersourceandplacinga"DoNotOperate"tagontheenergyisolatingdeviceoftheadjacentmachine.

Whenriskassessmentdeterminesthatforsafetyreasons,alockoutdeviceneedstobeplacedontheadjacentmachine,allenergysourcesonthatmachinemustbedissipated.Inthiscase,tagoutwouldnotneedtobeappliedtonextmachineinline.

C. Morning Start-Up Machine Maintenance–Gangs

Therearetwooptionsformachinemaintenanceatmorninggangstart-ups.Eitheroptionmaybeused,dependinguponriskassessmentfindingsandgangleadershippreference.Discusstheproceduresoftheselectedoptionatthejobsafetybriefingbeforeengaginginactivityinandaroundmachinery.

1. Option 1: Entire Gang Start-Up

● Afterthejobsafetybriefing,theMachineOperatorsandthedesignatedsub-groupcoordinators,asdesignatedbytheemployeeincharge,reporttotheirsafetyzones.Allotherteammembersnotstartingamachineorpartofthecoordinationaretostayclearofthemachinery.

● AfterMachineOperatorsreporttotheirsafetyzones,sub-groupcoordinatorsdeterminethroughpositivecommunicationwithothersub-groupcoordinatorsthatitissafefortheirteamstolockouttheassignedmachines.

● Oncethesub-groupcoordinatorsdeterminethattheMachineOperatorshavelockedoutallthemachinesintheconsist,thesub-groupcoordinatorsinformtheirteamsthatitissafetobegintheirdailymachinefluidinspectionsandminormaintenance.

● WhenMachineOperatorscompletethedailymachinefluidinspectionsandminormaintenance,theyreturntotheirsafetyzoneandreporttotheirsub-groupcoordinatorthattheyareintheclear.

● Whenallsub-groupcoordinatorshaveconfirmedandcommunicatedthatallzonesareclear,thedesignatedemployeeinchargeannouncesitissafetoremovealllocksandstartthemachines.

Note: Using this process does not require tagging adjacent machines for fluid inspections, minor maintenance, and the start-up process when all of the machines in the consist are locked out.

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2. Option 2: Two-Man Start-Up

● Authorizedandaffectedemployeesconductajobsafetybriefingtogether.

Note: When mechanics, truck drivers, or other affected employees or contractors are present, they must be included in the briefing.

● Thetwoauthorizedemployeesstartatoppositeendsofthemachineconsistcheckingfluidlevelsoneachmachine.

● Oncetheymeetinthemiddle,theauthorizedemployeesconductanotherjobsafetybriefing,andworkawayfromeachotherstartingmachines.

● Oncetheprocessiscompletetheauthorizedemployeesconductajobsafetybriefingwithallaffectedemployeesandcontractorspresent.

Notes: Option 2 does not require the use of a lock and/or tag on machines.

Exception:Shouldemployeesstartingmachinesneedtopositionanypartoftheirbodyatthepoint-of-operation,orremoveaguardorsafetydevice,theuseoflockout/tagoutisrequired.

In addition, Operators should use every opportunity during down periods during the work day to perform minor and routine maintenance. The processes outlined above are designed specifically for the start-up process.

1.10.8 High Voltage Lockout/Tagout Hazardous Energy Control Plan

ThissectionintendstoaddressapplicableOSHArequirementsspecifictohighvoltagesafety,andtopreventinjuriestopersonnelduetoanunexpectedreleaseofenergy. This plan supplements the main body of section 1.10, Lockout/Tagout.Onlyissuesspecifictohighvoltageareaddressedinsection1.10.8.

A. Definitions

Employee in Charge.Oneemployeeinthecrewdesignatedashavingresponsibilityforclearance,andestablishinglockout/tagoutprocedures.TheemployeeinchargeisusedinlieuofaSystemOperator.

Equipotential Protective Grounds.Temporaryprotectivegroundsplacedatidentifiedlocationsandarrangedinsuchamannerastopreventpersonnelfrombeingexposedtohazardousdifferencesinelectricalpotential.

High Voltage.Anyvoltageabove600volts.

High Voltage Affected Employee.Anemployeewhosejobrequirestheoperationoruseofapieceofequipmentonwhichservicingormaintenanceisperformedunderlockout/tagout,orwhosejobrequiresworkinanareawherethistypeofservicingormaintenanceisperformed.

High Voltage Authorized Employee.Anemployeewhoisresponsibleforimplementingalockout/tagoutprocedureonequipmenttoperformservicingormaintenanceontheequipment.



System Operator. Asinglepersonhavingcompletecontroloflinesandequipment,andtheirmeansofdisconnectionandoperation.

Note: BNSF has no System Operators. OSHA allows for a single employee to be in charge of the lockout/tagout procedure.

B. Energy Isolating Procedures–High Voltage

Toprotectemployees,renderinoperableanydisconnectingmeansthatareaccessibletopersonsoutsidetheemployeeincharge'scontrolwhiletheyareopen.

1. Notifyaffectedemployeesthatagivenlineorpieceofequipmentisgoingtobeundergoingmaintenanceorservice,andwillbelockedout/taggedout.Givethisnotificationthroughajobsafetybriefingheldpriortoinitiatingworkactivities.

2. Theemployeeinchargewillverifythevoltage,andanyhazardsthatneedtobecontrolled.

3. Openallswitches,disconnects,jumpers,taps,andothermeansthroughwhichknownsourcesofelectricenergymaybesuppliedtotheparticularlineand/orequipmenttobede-energized.Rendersuchmeansinoperable,unlessdesigndoesnotallowsuchactiontobetaken.Thisincludespullingfuses,andopeningcircuitbreakers,airswitches,etc.

4. Tagatthepointofcontrolautomaticallyandremotelycontrolledswitchesthatcouldcausetheopeneddisconnectingmeanstoclose.Rendertheautomaticorremote-controlfeatureinoperable,unlessitsdesigndoesnotallowsuchactiontobetaken.

5. AffixappropriatetagsinsuchamannertoindicatethattheoperationormovementofenergyisolatingdevicesfromtheSAFEorOFFpositionisprohibited.

6. Disconnect,block,orotherwiserendersafeallpotentiallyhazardousorstoredenergy.Whenstoredenergycouldre-accumulate,continuetomonitoruntilworkiscomplete,orthepossibilityofaccumulationnolongerexists.

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7. Usingtheappropriatetestdevice,electronicdetector,voltmeter,etc.,verifytheequipmentorcircuitisde-energized.

8. Applyappropriategroundstoprovideanequipotentialzonefortheprotectionofpersonnel.(Seesection1.10.8D;GroundingfortheProtectionofPersonnel.)

9. Aftercompletingtheapplicablerequirementslistedabove,thelinesandequipmentinvolvedmaybeworkedasde-energized.

10. Whentwoormoreindependentcrewswillbeworkingonthesamelineorequipment,eachcrewistoindividuallycomplywiththeaboverequirements.Theemployeeinchargefromeachcrewwillplacehisorhertagoutdeviceonthegrouptagoutenergyisolatingdevice.Aseachgroupnolongerneedstomaintaintagoutprotection,thegroup'sdesignatedemployeeinchargewillremovethetagoutforthatcrew.

Whenmultiplecrewsareworkingunderthedirectionofasingleemployee,andareworkinginacoordinatedmannertoaccomplishataskonthesamelinesorequipment,ratherthanconsideredmultiplecrews,theyareconsideredasinglecrew,andassuchwillworkundertheprotectionofasingleemployeeincharge.

When work will be suspended at the end of a workday, remove all tags, and keep protective grounds applied. At the start of the next day, the employee in charge will repeat the above procedures before resuming work activities.

C. Release From High Voltage Lockout/Tagout

Afterserviceand/ormaintenanceiscomplete,andtheequipmentorcircuitisreadyfornormaloperations,theemployeeinchargemustensurethatthebelow-listedproceduresarecompleted.

1. Notifypersonnelunderthedirectionoftheemployeeinchargethatthelockout/tagoutprocedureistobereleased.

2. Verifythat:

● Allpersonnelandequipmentareintheclear. ● Alltools,spareparts,andothernonessentialitemshavebeenremoved. ● Allshieldsandguardshavebeenreplaced.

3. Verifythatallprotectivegroundshavebeenremoved.

4. Theemployeeinchargewhoinstalledthelocksandtagsremovessame.

5. Restorethesystemtonormaloperation.



D. Grounding for the Protection of Employees–High Voltage

Normallyenergizedlinesandequipment,whichhavebeende-energizedtopermitemployeestoworkonthem,maybecomeaccidentallyre-energizedbyseveralmeans,including:

● Backfeedfromamisconnectedgenerator ● Lightningcontact ● Abrokenenergizedlinecontactingde-energizedequipment

Groundingthelinesandequipmentprotectsemployeesfrominjuryshouldre-energizationoccur.Groundingalsoprotectsagainstinducedvoltagesandstaticchargesonaline.Grounding,asatemporarymeasure,involvesconnectingthede-energizedlinestoearth.

Meetthebelow-listedprovisionstoensureemployeeprotection.

1. De-energizethelinesandequipmentaccordingtotheprovisionsofthishazardousenergycontrolplan.

2. Verifythatthereisnopossibilityofcontactwithanotherenergizedsource.

3. Verifythatthereisnohazardofinducedvoltage.

4. Placetemporaryprotectivegroundsatsuchlocationsandarrangethemtopreventemployeesfrombeingexposedtohazardousdifferencesinelectricalpotential.

5. Useprotectivegroundingequipmentcapableofconductingthemaximumfaultcurrentthatflowsatthepointofgroundingforthetimenecessarytoclearthefault.ThisequipmentshallhaveanampacitygreaterthanorequaltoNo.2AWGcopper.

6. Verifythatprotectivegroundshaveanimpedancelowenoughtocausetheprotectivedevicestooperateimmediatelyincaseofaccidentalenergizingofthelinesorequipment.

7. Beforeinstallinganyground,testlinesandequipmenttoensurethattheyareabsentofnominalvoltage,unlessapreviouslyinstalledgroundispresent.

8. Whenattachingagroundtoalineorequipment,attachtheground-endconnectionfirst,thenattachtheotherendusingalivelinetool.

9. Whenremovingaground,removethegroundingdevicefromthelineorequipment,usingalivelinetool,beforeremovingtheground-endconnection.

10. Whenworkingonacableatalocationremotefromthecableterminal,donotgroundthecableatthecableterminalwhenthereisapossibilityofahazardoustransferofpotentialshouldafaultoccur.

11. Donotremovegroundstemporarilyduringtests.Duringthetestprocedure,employeesneedtouseinsulatingequipmentandbeisolatedfromhazards.Implementadditionalmeasures,asnecessary,toprotectemployeesifpreviouslygroundedlinesandequipmentbecomeenergized.

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1.11 TemporaryTrafficControlThissectionprovidesguidelinesforEngineeringpersonnelinvolvedinworkactivitieswhereroadwaysorportionsofroadwaysareblockedorclosedduetorailroadmaintenanceactivities.TheManualonUniformTrafficControlDevices(MUTCD),whichisthenationalstandardforroadwaytrafficcontroldevices,requiresthattemporarytrafficcontrolbeprovidedwherearoadwayorportionofaroadwayisblockedorobstructedduringmaintenanceactivities.Highwayflaggingisoneformoftemporarytrafficcontrolthatmayberequiredduringmaintenanceactivitiesthatimpacttheroadway.

● ThissectionisintendedtoconformtotherequirementsoftheMUTCD,applicableOSHAregulations,applicablerequirementsoflocalroadauthorities,andtheRailwayAssociationofCanadaCircularNo.13,whereapplicable.

Relatedrules/guidelinesinclude:

● MaintenanceofWayOperatingRule6.32, Road Crossings ● MaintenanceofWayOperatingRule6.50.2,Approaching Road Crossings ● MaintenanceofWaySafetyRule,Personal Protective Equipment

Requirements ● EngineeringInstruction6,Rail ● EngineeringInstruction18,Signal Facilities and Insulated Joints ● EngineeringJSAENG-00224,High Visibility Workwear—Selection and Use

Refertothepamphlet BNSF Engineering Temporary Traffic Control Guidelines (BNSFFormNo.ENG00060).

1.11.1Definitions

Highway Flagger.AqualifiedBNSFemployee,aqualifiedBNSFcontractor,aqualifiedemployeeofalocalroadauthority,orauniformedlawenforcementofficerwhoisinvolvedinthecontrolofroadusersalongaroadway,atahighwaygradecrossing,oratanotherBNSFworksite.

High-Intensity Lighting.Rotating,flashing,oscillating,orstrobelights—yelloworamberincolor—mountedonaworkvehicletoprovideadvance,visualwarningtoroadusers.Vehiclehazardflashersarenottobeusedinsteadofhigh-intensitylightingequipment,buttheymaybeusedtosupplementthehigh-intensitylighting.

High-intensitylightingisrequiredtobefunctioningonanyvehiclewithintheworkzonethatblocksanyportionoftheroadway,roadwayshoulder,sidewalk,and/orbikepathorpathway.Thevehicleoperatorisresponsiblefordeterminingthathigh-intensitylightingwillfunctionasintendedbeforeplacingvehicleintheworkzone.



High-Visibility Workwear.AgarmentthatcomplieswithANSI107-2004(orlatestrevision)ClassIIorIIIrequirements.

Note: BNSF Engineering personnel and contractors are required to wear ANSI Class II/III garments, as appropriate, that are fluorescent orange and retro-reflective.

Qualified Person (BNSF).AnEngineeringemployeewhohascurrentstatusintheTemporaryTrafficControltrainingcourse(No.050279).Thiscourserequiresarefreshereverythreeyears.

Note: Local road authorities may not in all cases accept this internal training as the equivalent of training presented by other groups.

Qualified Person (BNSF contractor or local road authority employee). A non-BNSFemployeewhohasmetapplicablestaterequirementsforservingasahighwayflagger.

Temporary Traffic Control (TTC).AmethodtoprovideforthereasonablysafeandefficientmovementofroadusersthroughoraroundTTCzones,whilereasonablyprotectingworkers,responderstotrafficincidents,andequipment.

Temporary Traffic Control Plan.Describestemporarytrafficcontrolmeasurestobeusedforfacilitatingroadusersthroughaworkzoneoranincidentarea.

Temporary Traffic Control Zone.Anareaofhighwaywhereroad-userconditionsarechangedbytheuseoftemporarytrafficcontroldevices,flaggers,uniformedlawenforcementofficers,orotherauthorizedpersonnel,becauseofaworkzoneorincident.

1.11.2 General

1. Establishthestrategyfortemporarytrafficcontrolandtheneedforanyhighwayflaggingduringjobplanningactivitiesforscheduledwork,orriskassessmentactivitiesduringunplannedorunexpectedsituations,thatresultinchangestoconditionsencounteredbyroadusers.Suchchangesthatnecessitatetemporarytrafficcontrolmayinclude,butarenotlimitedtoequipmentstandingwithinatrafficlaneortheshoulderofaroadway,oneormorelaneclosures,aroadwayclosure,re-routingofcertainvehiclesduetonarrowlanes,anddetourroutes.

2. Contacttheappropriateroadauthorityinadvanceofplannedmaintenanceactivitiesthatwillimpactvehiculartrafficforoneworkdayorlongerandanyworkthatwillrequirearoadclosure.Agenciesmayrequireaminimumoftwoweeksadvancenotice.

Note: Contacting the local road authority is recommended in cases of work of less duration, as well as emergency situations that will impact traffic flow. The concerns of local road authorities include any potential impact on emergency vehicle routes, school bus routes, etc.

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3. Verifythatallpersonnelinvolvedinaproject,includingthoseservingashighwayflaggers,participateinjobsafetybriefings.Includetemporarytrafficcontrolstrategiesintheoveralljobsafetybriefing.

4. Considertheuseoflocalroadauthorityemployees,signsand/orbarricades,andcontractedtemporarytrafficcontrolservices,includingflagging,particularlyforplannedworkactivities.

5. Performtemporarytrafficcontrolmeasures,includingflagging,consistentwithhighwayflaggingencounteredbymotoristsinotherscenarios.

6. Donotparkvehiclesandequipmentorstagematerialsinactivetrafficlanesorlocationsthatmayblocktheviewofgradecrossingwarningsystems,flaggers,orapproachingtrainsoron-trackvehicles/equipment.

Whenparkingvehiclesand/orequipmentinproximitytoworkzones,parktheminalocationandmanner,includingestablishingabufferzone,tominimizethelikelihoodofthembeingpushedintoworkersbyanerrantlyoperatedhighwayvehicle.

Note: A traffic control plan developed with and approved by the local road authority may allow for staging materials and equipment, and/or parking vehicles within the work zone when appropriate procedures are in place. Procedures would involve cone and sign placement. (See section 1.11.5 Components of Temporary Traffic Control Zones.)

7. BNSFEngineeringemployees,contractors,andallotherworkersexposedtotherisksofmovingroadwaytrafficorconstructionequipmentaretoweartheappropriateClassII/IIIhigh-visibilitygarment.

Notes:

● Wear a Class III garment when performing highway flagging activities on a road with a posted speed at or above 50 MPH, or during any highway flagging activity conducted at night.

● Wear a Class II or III garment when performing highway flagging activities on a road with a posted speed less than 50 MPH during daylight hours.

● Personnel, other than highway flaggers, in a work zone may wear a Class II or III garment.

● Address the primary potential hazard when selecting garment design/construction.

8. Makesureriskassessmentactivitiesconsidertherotationandreliefofpersonnelperforminghighwayflagging,whenflaggingactivitieswillbeongoingforextendedperiodsoftime.



9. Makeprovisionsatworkzonestoaddressandcontrolpotentialpedestriantraffic.Whenclosingasidewalkforworkthatwilltakemorethanonedaylightperiodtocomplete,provideadvancenotificationoftheclosuretoapproachingpedestriansviatheappropriatesignage,suchas"CROSSWALK CLOSED" or "DETOUR."

Wherepractical,providepedestrianswithareasonablysafe,convenient,andaccessiblealternativepathoftravel.Donotcompromiseorre-locateapedestrianrouteforactivitiesnotdirectlyrelatedtoconstruction(e.g.,parkingforvehiclesandequipment).

10. Proceedwithcautionwhenplacingbarricadesandadvancedwarningsigns.Beawareoftrafficflow.

11. Athighwaygradecrossings,assignanappropriatenumberofhighwayflaggers,ortakeequivalentaction,when:

a. Sightlinesatacrossingareblocked.

b. Crossingwarningsystems—withorwithoutgates—areunabletooperateproperlyduetoscheduledmaintenanceorconstructionwork.

c. Workequipmentisoperatingcloseenoughtothecrossingtoobstructmotoristsightlinesofapproachingtrains,orsuchequipmentiscontinuouslyactivatingthewarningsystem.

d. Trainmovementsareanticipatedand/orthepresenceofworkequipmentcouldconfusehighwayusers.

e. Vehiculartrafficpassesequipmentorobstructionsthatmayblocktheviewofallorpartofthetraveledroadway.

f. Testingofgradecrossingwarningsystemsiscausingthelightunitsorgatearmstooperateatatimewhenatrainoron-trackequipmentmayenterintotheoperatingcontrolcircuitsofthewarningsystem.

g. Thesurfaceofahighwaygradecrossingisobstructedorimpassible.

h. Riskassessmentidentifiesothersafety-relatedconcernsthatwarranttheassignmentofhighwayflaggers.

1.11.3TemporaryTrafficControlPlanningtoPreventFalseActivationof Automatic Warning Systems During Planned Work

1. Contactsignalemployeesinadvanceoftrackmaintenanceactivitiesthatmayaffectgradecrossingwarningsystems.Contactsignalemployeesdirectly.Voicemailcontactisnotacceptable.

2. Avoidunnecessaryorprolongedactivationofgradecrossingwarningsystems.Athighwaygradecrossings,restorenormaloperationofautomaticwarningsystemsassoonaspossible.

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3. Usemanualflaggingwhencrossingwarningsystemsmalfunctionorwhenanactivationfailure,apartialactivation,orafalseactivationofanautomaticwarningsystemhasoccurred.RefertoEngineeringInstruction18.4.

4. Movementoftrains,wherethereisaknownmalfunctionofanautomaticwarningsystem,isgovernedbyGCOR.

1.11.4 Work Duration

Thedurationofworkactivitiesisamajorfactorindeterminingthenumberandtypeofdevicesusedintemporarytrafficcontrolzones.

A. Short Duration Work

Shortdurationworkisdefinedasworkactivitiesthatwillbecompletedinlessthanonehourwithminimalimpactontraffic.Donotcompromisesafetyinshortdurationworkbyusingfewersignsordevices,orotherprecautionarymeasures,basedsolelyontheshorttimedurationoftheworkactivities.

Shortdurationworkthatmaybeconductedathighwaygradecrossingsinclude:

● Testingtheoperationofthegradecrossingwarningsystem. ● Visuallyinspectingthetrackandsignalequipment. ● Replacingdamagedgatearms. ● Removingdebrisfromthecrossingsurface. ● Repairinghighspikes.

1. Anonsitequalifiedpersoncompletesriskassessmenttoincludetheneedfortemporarytrafficcontrolmeasures.Dependingontheworkbeingperformed,temporarytrafficcontrolmeasuresmayincludehighwayflagger(s),advancewarningsignage,cones,and/oralookouttowarnworkersofapproachingtraffic.Highwayflaggingorsignageisrequiredonlywhenriskassessmentdeterminesittobenecessaryforsafetypurposes.

2. Vehicleswithhigh-intensitylightingmaybeusedinplaceofsignsandflaggersforshortdurationoperations.Whenavehicleisparkedontheroadshoulderorroadright-of-way,turnthevehiclewheelsawayfromtheworker(s),provideanadequatebufferspace,andplace28-inchreflectivewarningconesontheexposedsideofthevehicle,asappropriate.

Insomecases,augmenttheaboveprocedurewithtrafficcontrolsigns,wheretheneedisidentifiedthroughriskassessment.Typically,whereanadvancewarningsignisrequired,avariationofthe"RAILROADWORKAHEAD"(BNSFItemNo.044477007)wouldbeused.

B. Other Than Short Duration Work

Examplesofotherthanshortdurationworkthatmaybeconductedathighwaygradecrossingsinclude:

● Replacingdamagedordestroyedsignalapparatus. ● Replacingcrossingpanels.



● Replacingrailwithinthecrossing. ● Replacingtheentirecrossingsurface. ● Makingdrainagerepairs.

1. Theuseofflaggers,trafficcontrolsigns,andtrafficconesmayberequired.Workthatwillrequiremorethanonedaylightperiodtocompletewillrequiretheestablishmentofexpandedworkzones.

2. Localroadauthoritiesmayrequireadetailedtrafficcontrolplan.Thisplanwouldincludeadiagramoftheproposedworkzonecompletewithallofthetrafficcontroldevices,areviewofcommunicationsprocedures,procedurestoaccommodateemergencyvehicles,andthespecificationthatjobsafetybriefings,toincludeflaggers,willbeconductedatthestartoftheshiftandasconditions,equipment,personnel,orassignmentschange.

3. Whereworkactivitiesextendintothenighttime,retro-reflectiveand/orilluminateddevicesarerequiredinthetemporarytrafficcontrolzone.

4. Throughoutthedurationoftheworkzone,anemployeeorotherqualifiedpersonisdesignatedtoinspecttrafficcontroldevices.Inspectionwouldincludeperiodicallycheckingtheproperdisplayofsigns,andverifyingthatconesareinplaceandupright,flaggersareusingtheproperequipmentandareappropriatelyattired,andnighttimeilluminationdevicesarefunctioning.

1.11.5ComponentsofTemporaryTrafficControlZones

Mosttemporarytrafficcontrolzonesaredividedintofourareas:

1. Advance Warning Area.Thesectionoftheroadwaywhereroadusersareinformedabouttheupcomingworkzone.

Theadvancewarningareamayvaryfromasinglesignoravehiclewithhigh-intensitylightingtoaseriesofsignsinadvanceoftheactivityarea.

2. Transition Area.Thesectionoftheroadwaywhereroadusersaredirectedoutoftheirnormalpath.Thetransitionareausuallyinvolvestheuseofamergingtapercreatedbyaseriesofconesorothertrafficcontroldevicesbasedonthespeedofapproachingroaduserstodirectthemthroughtheworkzone.Thechartshowstaperlengthsfor12-footlaneoffsetatvaryingapproachspeeds:

Posted Speed Length of Taper

12' L

ane

O

ffse

t

25 125'30 180'40 320'50 500'55 605'60 720'

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1-79Revision: November 1, 2013

3. Activity Area.Thesectionoftheroadwaywheretheworkactivitytakesplace.Itisfurtherbrokendownintotheworkspace,thetrafficspace,andthebufferspace.

Thetrafficspaceandthebufferspacearegenerallyseparatedbytrafficconesorothertrafficcontroldevices.Thebufferspaceisalatitudinaland/orlongitudinalareathatseparatesroad-userflowfromtheactivityarea.Thisspaceistypicallyusedtoprovidesomerecoveryspaceforanerrantvehicle.

4. Termination Area.Thesectionoftheroadwaywhereroadusersarereturnedtotheirnormalpath.

Theterminationareamayormaynotrequireconesorothertrafficcontroldevicestodirectroaduserstotheirnormalpath.

Thisdiagramdepictsvarioustemporarytrafficcontrolcomponents.

Engineering Instructions 1 Safety

Revision: July 1, 2010 1-77

Thetrafficspaceandthebufferspacearegenerallyseparatedbytrafficconesorothertrafficcontroldevices.Thebufferspaceisalatitudinaland/orlongitudinalareathatseparatesroad-userflowfromtheactivityarea. Thisspaceistypicallyused toprovidesomerecoveryspaceforanerrantvehicle.

4. Termination Area. Thesectionoftheroadwaywhereroadusersarereturnedtotheirnormalpath.

The terminationareamayormaynotrequireconesorothertrafficcontroldevicestodirectroaduserstotheirnormalpath.

This diagramdepictsvarioustemporarytrafficcontrolcomponents.


1-80 Revision: November 1, 2013

1.11.6 Warning Sign Placement

Wherehighwayconditionspermitandtheneedhasbeendetermined,warningsignsaretobeplacedinadvanceofthetemporarytrafficcontrolzoneatvaryingdistancesdependingonroadwaytype,condition,andpostedspeed.Thefollowingtableindicatesthedistancebetweentheworkzonetransitionareaandtheapproachwarningsigns.Whereaseriesoftwoormoreadvancewarningsignsisused,theclosestsigntothetemporarytrafficcontrolzoneshouldbeplacedapproximately100feetforlow-speedurbanstreetsto500feetforruralroads.

Type of Road Distance Between SignsA B C

Urban–LowSpeed(30MPHorless) 100' 100' 100'Urban–HighSpeed(31MPHormore) 350' 350' 350'Rural 500' 500' 500'

DistanceAisfromthebeginningofthetransitionareatothefirstsign.

DistanceBisbetweenthefirstsignandthesecondsign,ifrequired.

DistanceCisbetweenthesecondsignandthethirdsign,ifrequired.

Warningsignsarenotrequiredwheretheactivityareaissufficientlyremovedfromtheroadusers'pathsothatitdoesnotinterferewiththenormalflow.

1.11.7 Road Closures

1. Wherearoadclosurewillbeestablished,thelocalroadauthorityorofficialhavingjurisdictionistobecontactedandmayrequiretheuseofbarricadestopostadetourroutearoundtheroadclosure.Inthiscase,theroadauthorityoratemporarytrafficcontrolcontractorshoulddevelopthetemporarytrafficcontrolplanduetotheextensiveplanningandnumberoftrafficcontroldevicesrequired.Whereacontractordevelopsthisplan,thelocalroadauthority'sapprovalisrequired.

2. Placebarricadesonlyatthedirectionandwiththeapprovaloflocalroadauthoritiesortheofficialhavingjurisdiction.Localroadauthoritieswillalsoprovideinputondetours,whererelevant.

TheuseofTypeIIIbarricades(BNSFItemNo.PLAS308IHLRKIT)with"ROADCLOSED"signs(BNSFItemNo.POW3048RC)ispreferredwhenextendedtrackmaintenanceactivitiesareplannedforacrossing.

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1-81Revision: November 1, 2013

1 Safety Engineering Instructions


1.11.6 Warning Sign Placement

Wherehighwayconditionspermit andtheneedhasbeendetermined,warningsignsare to beplacedinadvanceofthetemporarytrafficcontrol zoneatvaryingdistancesdependingonroadwaytype,condition,andposted speed.The following tableindicatesthedistancebetweentheworkzonetransitionareaandtheapproachwarning signs. Whereaseriesoftwoormoreadvancewarningsignsisused,theclosestsigntothetemporarytrafficcontrol zoneshouldbeplacedapproximately100 feet forlow-speedurbanstreetsto500 feet for ruralroads.

Type of Road Distance Between Signs

A B C Urban – LowSpeed(30MPHorless) 100' 100' 100' Urban – HighSpeed(31MPHormore) 350' 350' 350' Rural 500' 500' 500'

DistanceAisfromthebeginningofthetransitionareatothefirstsign.

DistanceBisbetweenthefirstsignandthesecondsign,ifrequired.

DistanceCisbetweenthesecondsignandthethirdsign,ifrequired.

Warningsignsarenotrequiredwheretheactivityareaissufficientlyremovedfromtheroadusers'pathsothatitdoesnotinterferewiththenormalflow.

1.11.7 Road Closures

RoadclosuresandtheuseofTypeIIIbarricades(BNSFItem No. PLAS308IHLRKIT) with"ROAD CLOSED" signs(BNSFItem No. POW3048RC) needtobeconsideredwhenextendedtrackmaintenanceactivitiesareplannedforacrossing.

1. Placebarricadesonlyatthedirectionandwiththeapprovaloflocalroadauthorities ortheofficialhavingjurisdiction.Localroadauthoritieswillalso provideinputondetours,where relevant.

2. DonotuseequipmentormaterialsinlieuofTypeIIIbarricades.

ThoughnotrequiredforusewithTypeIIIhigh-visibilitybarricades,itisrecommendedthatbarricadesleftinplaceovernightbesupplementedwithabattery-poweredflashinglight(battery:BNSFItemNo.6V-HD_RR;flashinglight:BNSFItemNo.UNITY400LED).

3. Donotuseequipmentormaterialsinlieuofbarricades.

4. Place"ROADCLOSEDAHEAD"signs(BNSFItemNo.044477008)inadvanceofthecrossing:

a. 250feetinadvancewherepostedhighwayspeedis35MPHorlower. or

b. 500feetinadvancewherepostedhighwayspeedisabove35MPH.

Note: Local road authorities may have additional signage requirements.

1.11.8 Highway Flaggers

Highwayflaggersareusedtohelpguidethemotoringpublicathighway-railgradecrossingsorotherlocationswhererailroadmaintenanceactivitiesimpacthighwaytraffic.Highwayflaggersareusedtosafelyseparateequipment,operations,andtraffic,tohelpensurethesafetyofworkers,motorists,pedestrians,andthemselves.

Wheneveraflaggerisinplace,useaFLAGGERDIAGRAMsign(BNSFItemNo.044477005)towarnapproachingroadusersofthepresenceofaflagger.

1. Listedbelowareguidelinesforagoodhighwayflagger.Someofthesecharacteristicsaresubjective.

● Senseofresponsibilityforthesafetyofthepublic,workers, andthemselves

● Traininginsafetrafficcontrolpractices ● Ingoodphysicalcondition ● Mentallyalert,withtheabilitytoreactappropriatelyinan emergencyscenario

● Courteous,butfirm ● Neatinappearance ● Abletosignalmotoristsinapreciseanddeliberatemannerthatwillbeclearlyunderstood

RefertotheManual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Engineering Instructions 1 Safety

Revision: July 1, 2010 1-79

3.ThoughnotrequiredforusewithTypeIIIhigh-visibilitybarricades,itis recommendedthatbarricadesleftinplaceovernightbesupplementedwithabattery-poweredflashinglight(battery:BNSFItem No. 6V-HD_RR;flashinglight:BNSFItem No. UNITY400LED).

4. Place"ROAD CLOSED AHEAD" signs (BNSFItem No. 044477008)inadvanceofthecrossing:

a. 250 feet inadvancewherepostedhighwayspeedis35MPHorlower. or b. 500 feet inadvancewherepostedhighwayspeedisabove35MPH.

5. Wherearoadclosurewillbeestablished,thelocalroadauthorityorofficialhavingjurisdictionmayrequirethepostingofadetourroutearoundtheroadclosure. Inthiscase,theroadauthorityoratemporarytrafficcontrolcontractorshoulddevelopthetemporarytrafficcontrolplanduetotheextensiveplanningandnumberof trafficcontroldevicesrequired.

Note: Local road authorities may have additional signage requirements.

1.11.8 Highway Flaggers

Highwayflaggersareusedtohelp guide themotoringpublicathighway-rail gradecrossingsorotherlocationswhererailroadmaintenanceactivitiesimpact highwaytraffic. Highwayflaggersareusedtosafelyseparateequipment,operations, andtraffic,tohelpensurethesafetyofworkers,motorists,pedestrians,andthemselves.

Wheneveraflaggerisinplace,useaFLAGGERDIAGRAMsign(BNSFItem No. 044477005)towarnapproachingroadusersofthepresenceofaflagger.

1. Listedbelowareguidelinesfor a goodhighwayflagger.Someofthesecharacteristicsaresubjective.

Senseofresponsibilityforthesafetyofthepublic,workers,andthemselves

Training in safetrafficcontrolpractices Ingoodphysicalcondition Mentallyalert,withtheabilitytoreactappropriatelyinanemergency

scenario Courteous,butfirm Neatinappearance


1-82 Revision: November 1, 2013

2. Apersonperforminghighwayflaggingactivitiesisnottoperformanyotherworkwhilephysicallydirectingvehiculartraffic.

3. Flagstationsneedtobevisible.Asavehicleapproaches,theflaggerneedstobevisible.Thisenhancesthepersonalsafetyoftheflagger,andallowsthemotoristbettervisibility.

4. Thestandardflaggerpositionistheshoulder.

a. Stoptrafficfromalocationontheroadshoulderwithanunobstructedviewofapproachingtraffic.

b. Afterverifyingtraffichasstopped,entertheroadwayandgoto thecenterline.

c. Returntotheshoulder.

d. Afterverifyingitissafefortraffictoproceed,releasetraffic.

e. Nopersonotherthanthedesignatedflaggeristogivesignalstomotorists,exceptinanemergency.

f. Wherethereismorethanoneflagger,onlyoneflaggeratatimeistogivesignalstomotorists.

Be prepared. Expect the unexpected! Flaggers need to have a planned escape route.

Notes:

● Consider that high or wide vehicles may hinder the view of motorists approaching from the opposite direction. Factor this in when guiding traffic flow.

● Flaggers, particularly when working as a lone flagger, need to periodically glance over their shoulder to gain a feel for the flow of opposing traffic.

● Flaggers need to position themselves so as not to be struck by pieces of crossing gates should a vehicle run through a closed gate.

● Where a highway flagger needs to be located at grade crossings in curves, a flagger on the low side must be at least 25 feet from rail being positioned. Where practical, at crossings with active warning devices, a highway flagger on the low side is to establish a flagging position that is also protected by the signal apparatus from unexpected rail movement.

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● Whenever a highway flagger is required to flag at crossings where highway vehicles may approach from either direction, or there is more than one lane involved:

― The flagger needs to move to the road centerline, in accordance with the above procedures, to speak to the driver of the first stopped vehicle to ensure that this driver remains stopped clear of the crossing while the flagger stops vehicles approaching from the other direction, or from an adjoining lane.

― When stopping vehicles at a crossing with more than one track, the flagger must first stop the vehicle with the most restricted line of site.

5. ScenariosrequiringadditionalflaggersarereviewedinthepamphletBNSF Engineering Temporary Traffic Control Guidelines.Additionalflaggersmayberequiredduetohighwayspeed,railroadtrackinterface,ortherequirementsofthelocalroadauthority.

6. Whenaflaggerisawareoftheapproachofanemergencyvehicle,theflaggeristoimmediatelynotifyotherflaggersatthesitetoclearapathoftravel.Shouldtherebeahazardthatwillaffectthesafetyofanemergencyvehicle,thevehiclemayneedtobestoppedbriefly.

7. Inadditiontobasicrequireditemsofpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE),includinghigh-visibilityworkwear:

a. Flaggersforplannedworkmustbeequippedwithsignpaddles.Useeithertheolder,metalSTOP/SLOWpaddles(18-inchsides),orthenewlightweightSTOP/SLOWpaddles(BNSFItemNo.465542001).

b. Wherepaddlesarenotavailableforuseinemergencyorunplannedactivities,useredflags.Flagsarelessdesirablethanpaddles.Aflagheldat90degreeswouldbeanindicatorfortraffictostop.

c. Whenhighwayflaggingatnight,useaflashlightwithredsignalingbaton,ortheequivalent.

d. Exceptinemergencies,providetemporaryilluminationatallflaggerstationsduringthenight.

8. Flaggingproceduresareshowninthediagrambelow.



1.11.9TemporaryTrafficControlSigns

1. BNSFitemnumbersfortrafficcontrolsignsarelistedinthepamphletBNSF Engineering Temporary Traffic Control Guidelines.

2. Temporarytrafficcontrolsignsmayberequiredduetoworkduration,highwayspeed,railroadtrackinterface,highwaytrafficvolume,sightlines,ortherequirementsofthelocalroadauthority.

3. Keepsignscleanandingoodcondition.

4. Securetemporarytrafficcontrolsignsfromwindbysandbags,ratherthanmetalcomponentsandsimilaritemsthatmaybecomeaprojectileifstruckby a motorist.

5. Temporarytrafficcontrolsignsareoftenavailablethroughlocalroadauthorities.

1.11.10 SpecificScenarios

A. Allowing Vehicles Around Gates

Vehiclesmaybeallowedtoproceedaroundgatesonlyinanemergency,orasdirectedbylocallawenforcement,whenvehiclesafetycanbeensured.Wheretrackauthorityisnotinplace,theflaggerneedstoverifythatsitedistanceisadequateandtherearenoapproachingtrainsorequipment.Contactthedispatcher,asappropriate.

Avoidliftinggatearms,asthereisamechanismthatwillallowforkick-backwhenthegatereachesacertainangle.

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B. Setting Hy-Rail Vehicles On/Off at Grade Crossings

Whenhy-railvehiclesareseton/offthetrackatgradecrossings,givemotoristsappropriate warning.

1. Activatethevehicle'shigh-intensityrotating,flashing,oscillating,orstrobelightsandhazardwarninglights,wherethevehicleissoequipped.

2. Employeesinvolvedareto:

● WearanANSIClassIIorIIIhigh-visibilitygarment,asappropriate. ● Conductriskassessmentactivitiesandajobsafetybriefing. ● Watchforhighwayvehiclesandperformhighwayflaggingasneeded.

3. Inareasofhighvolumesofhighwaytraffic,stoptrafficasneededpriortosetting on/off.

Stophighwayvehicletrafficinbothdirectionsandrequestthattheleadmotoristsholdtheirpositionsuntilthehy-railhasseton/offandisclearofthecrossing.Analternativeistomanuallyactivateacrossing'sautomaticwarningsystem,wherethecrossingissoequipped.

C. Unloading Rail From Rail Trains at Crossings

1. Paved Crossings

Cutrailatthelastboxbeforerailhitsthegroundateithersideofcrossing,andproceedwithwork.Thetrainwouldbeoccupyingthecrossing.

Note: Should a situation arise where the train will not be occupying the crossing:

● Follow the procedures for road closure (section 1.11.7) when the crossing will be closed for 1 hour or more.

● Where work activities will last less than 1 hour, and following risk assessment, follow the procedures for short duration work in section 1.11.4A; however, as traffic flow will be impacted, warning sign placement requirements (section 1.11.6) also apply. Place advanced warning signs "RAILROAD WORK AHEAD" and the FLAGGER DIAGRAM at the intervals specified in section 1.11.6, with the "RAILROAD WORK AHEAD" signs being the farthest from the crossing. Use flaggers.



2. Gravel Crossings

a. Digaholepriortothetrain'sarrival.

b. Unloadtherailacrossthecrossing,andthendigintherail. or

c. Where approved in the planning phase of the project,unloadtherailstring(s)beforethecrossing,overlappingthepreviousstring(s),orunloadtherailstringsafterthecrossing,overlappingthenextstring(s)andallowinganappropriatedistancetocoverthegap.

Note: Rail unloading operations at gravel crossings will require road closure.

Anotheralternative,whereapprovedintheplanningphaseoftheproject,wouldbetounloadtherailstring(s)beforethecrossing,overlappingthepreviousstring,orunloadtherailstring(s)afterthecrossing,overlappingthenextstring(s)andallowinganappropriatedistancetocoverthegapleft.

D. Grinding at Crossings

BothproductionrailandswitchgrindersaretoapproachroadcrossingsaccordingtoMaintenanceofWayOperatingRule6.50.2,Approaching Road Crossings.

Insomecases,followingriskassessment,concernswithpedestriansafetyalonemayrequirethatahighwayflaggerbeinplace.Pedestrianswouldbekeptback45feetfromthetrackcenterline.

1. Production Rail Grinder

Proceedwithoutspecialrequirementsfortemporarytrafficcontrolunlessriskassessmentdeterminesotherwise.

2. Switch Grinder

a. Whereacrossingisequippedwithanautomaticwarningsystem,proceedwithoutspecialrequirementsfortemporarytrafficcontrolunlessriskassessmentdeterminesotherwise.

b. Whereacrossingisnotequippedwithanautomaticwarningsystem:

● Useahighwayflagger(s). ● Placea"FLAGGERAHEAD"sign(BNSFItemNo.044477005):

― 100feetfromthecrossing(lowspeed;35MPHorless). ― 500feetfromthecrossing(highspeed;greaterthan35MPH).

E. Work Activities at Private Crossings

Contactlocallandownerandlocallawenforcement.Completeriskassessment,and,consideringprojecttimeduration,trafficflow,sightdistance,roadspeedlimit,andtherecommendationsofthelandownerand/orlocallawenforcement,establish,communicate,andtaketheappropriateprecautions.

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F. Shoving Cars Over Road Crossings

ComplywithMaintenanceofWayOperatingRule6.32.1,Providing Warning Over Road Crossings.


Managementandindividualemployeessharetheresponsibilityforensuringcompliancewithtemporarytrafficcontrolrequirements.


BNSFmanagementmust:

1. Verifythataffectedemployeesreceiverequiredinitialandrefreshertraining.EngineeringsafetytrainingcoursesTemporaryTrafficControl(CourseNo.050279)andCrossingAwareness(CourseNo.050235)mustberefreshedevery3yearsforaBNSFemployeetomaintaincurrentstatusasahighwayflagger.

Note: Local BNSF management/supervision needs to verify with local road authorities that the BNSF-provided training will be accepted.

2. Contactlocalroadauthoritiesinadvanceofplannedwork,asrequiredbythisinstruction.

3. Promptlycontactlocalroadauthoritiesupondeterminationthatunplannedworkwillhavemorethanaminimalimpactontrafficflow.

4. ProviderequiredPPE,equipment,andsigns,asneeded,toBNSFemployeeswhoperformhighwayflaggingactivities.

5. Determine,inregardstoplannedworkactivities,whetherlocalroadauthoritypersonnel,contractors,orBNSFemployeeswillperformtemporarytrafficcontrol.Theuseoflocalroadauthoritypersonnel,barricades,and/ortemporarytrafficcontrolsignsisoftentheoptimalchoice,wheretheseservicesareoffered.

6. Periodicallycontactlocalroadauthoritiestodeterminetheircapabilitiesforprovidingpersonnel,barricades,and/ortemporarytrafficcontrolsignsforplannedworkactivities.

7. Includecompliancewithtemporarytrafficcontrolrequirementsinauditingandoperationstestingactivities.Work-groupmanagementsetstheprotocolforformalauditsandoperationstests.



B. Responsibilities of Employees


1. PerformtemporarytrafficcontrolactivitiesaccordingtotherequirementsofthisEngineeringInstruction,specificallysection1.11TemporaryTrafficControl,applicablegovernmentregulations,BNSFMaintenanceofWaySafetyandOperatingRules,andthespecificationsoflocalroadauthorities.

2. InspectandmaintainPPE,high-intensityvehiclelighting,equipment,STOP/SLOWpaddles,trafficcones,andsignsfortemporarytrafficcontrol.

3. Promptlyadviseresponsiblemanagementwhendeterminedthatunplannedworkwillhavemorethanaminimalimpactontrafficflow.



1. VerifythatcontractorswhowillbeperformingtemporarytrafficcontrolactivitiescompletetheBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram,e-RAILSAFEsecurityrelatedrequirements,andhavedocumentedthecompletionoftemporarytrafficcontrolrelatedtraining/certificationintheirBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyActionPlan,asappropriate.

2. RemindcontractorsoftherequirementthattemporarytrafficcontrolbeperformedaccordingtoMUTCDrequirementsandthespecificationsoflocalroadauthorities.

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1.12 Tunnel SafetyThissectionprovidesguidelinesforEngineeringpersonnelinvolvedinrailroadtunnelconstructionandmaintenanceactivities.

These requirements are applicable in their entirety only when construction or maintenance activities affect the integrity of the tunnel structure, e.g., reconstruction or lining modifications.

The primary safety and health concern for projects not involving the integrity of the tunnel structure, but where on-track equipment is used, would be ventilation. Contact the Industrial Hygiene Section of Company Medical, at least 2 weeks in advance of the project, for guidance.

Thissection:

● IsintendedtoconformtoCaliforniaCodeofRegulations,DivisionofIndustrialSafety,TunnelSafetyOrders,andothergovernmentalregulationsrelatingtoworkinrailroadtunnels.

● IsintendedtoconformtoAmericanNationalStandardInstitute(ANSI)standardA10.16-2009,SafetyRequirementsforTunnels,Shafts,andCaissons.

1.12.1 General Safety

1. DesignateanOnsiteTunnelSafetyRepresentative,who:

a. Hastheabilitytoidentifyandevaluateunsafeconditions,andhasknowledgeofsafeguards.

b. Isknowledgeableofthemeansandmethodsofundergroundconstructionoperations,aswellasapplicableregulatoryrequirements.

c. Advisestheemployeeinchargeofoperatingconditionsandactionstobetakentoensurepersonnelsafetyandhealth.

d. Isabletocommunicatewithaffectedpersonnel.

e. Meetsworkexperienceandbackgroundrequirementsasmaybespecifiedbytheregulatoryagencyhavingjurisdiction.Requirementsmayincludethecompletionofawrittenandoralexaminationadministeredbytheagencyhavingjurisdiction.

Note: An outside consultant may be designated for this position.

2. Haveaconsultingindustrialhygienist,who:

a. Isknowledgeableofapplicableregulatoryrequirements.

b. Isknowledgeableoftheairbornecontaminantsthatmaybeencounteredunderground,thehazardstheypose,thesafeguardsnecessarytoprotectpersonnelfromtheireffect,andtheauthoritytohaltworkactivitiesifnecessaryduetoconcentrationsofairbornecontaminants.



c. Hasproficiencyintheoperation,use,andcalibrationofventilationandgasdetectioninstruments,aswellastheinterpretationanddocumentationofreadingsobtained.

d. Setsmonitoringrequirementsfortheproject.

e. Setsadustcontrolstrategy,asneeded.

f. Setsventilationrequirementsfortheproject,includingrequirementsforworkequipment.

g. Meetsworkexperienceandbackgroundrequirementsasmaybespecifiedbytheregulatoryagencyhavingjurisdiction.Requirementsmayincludethecompletionofawrittenandoralexaminationadministeredbytheagencyhavingjurisdiction.

Note: Contact the Industrial Hygiene Section of BNSF Medical & Environmental Health at least 2 weeks in advance of the project. The BNSF Industrial Hygiene Section may designate an outside consultant for this position.

3. Controlaccessintoatunnelconstructionsite.

a. Haveatleastonedesignatedpersonon-dutyoutsideofatunnel,inexcessof1,175feet,whenanyoneisworkingunderground.Thisperson'sdutiesarenottointerferewithhisorherabilitytosecureemergencyassistanceforpersonnelunderground.

b. Foremergencypreparednesspurposes,haveacheck-in/check-outprocedure,ortheequivalent,inplacetotrackpersonnelworkingundergroundatatunnelconstructionsite.

c. Allownoonetoworkaloneinatunnelconstructionsitewherehazardousconditionsexist,unlessaneffectivemeansofcommunicationhasbeenestablished.

d. Makesureanyauthorizedjob-sitevisitorsareaccompaniedbyapersondesignatedbytheemployeeincharge.

4. Establishastrategyforgeneralcommunications.

a. Conductapre-jobsafetymeeting.Attendeeswouldincludeallemployees,contractors,andconsultantsparticipatingintheproject.Reviewconstructionplansandassignments.Identifypotentialsafetyhazards,basedonriskassessment,anddiscussprecautionarymeasurestaken.

Note: In some locations, e.g., the State of California, a representative of the regulatory agency having safety jurisdiction is to be present at the pre-job safety meeting.

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b. Conductjobsafetybriefingsatthestartofworkshifts,andduringthecourseofaworkshift,asassignments,conditions,and/orpersonnelchange.

c. Provideasafetybulletinboardatthelocationwheretheprimaryonsitejobsafetybriefingisconducted.PostingsaretoincludeacopyofthisEngineeringInstruction,job-siteemergencyresponseinformation,andanyotherpostingsrequiredbyregulatoryagenciesand/orBNSF.

d. Theemployeeinchargeistomaintaindirectcommunicationswithpersonnelwhoseactivitiesatthejobsitemayaffectthesafetyofpersonnelworkinginthetunnel.

e. Duringperiodsofmajorconstructionorrepair,intunnelsthatare/willbemorethan2,000feetlong,haveatleastoneundergroundtelephone.Thereistobeonetelephonetoserviceeachlength-zoneof2,000feet,andoneforanyremainingzoneexceeding1,000feetinlength.

5. Practicegoodhousekeeping,including:

● Removeorbendovernailsprojectingfromlumberlyinginworkareas.

● Organizethestorageofstagedandwastematerials,soasnottocreateaslip/trip/fallorstruck-onhazard.

● Maintainwalkwaysthatarefreeofslip/trip/fallhazardsandallowforgoodfooting.

● Minimizeaccumulationsofmuck,timberrails,andothermaterials,particularlybetweenthetrackstructureandthesidesofthetunnel.

6. Maintainasafemeansofaccessandegresstoallworklocations.Provideameansofaccessandegresssoastoprotectpersonnelfrombeingstruckbyon-oroff-trackequipment.

7. Keepwalkwaysataminimumof18incheswide.

8. Barricadeallpotentiallyhazardouslocations(includingsumps),fencethemoff,coveroverthem,orotherwisesafeguardthemtopreventunauthorizedentryand/orfalls.

9. Secureconcretepumplinesagainstdisplacementandprovidethemwithsafetydevicestopreventaccidentaluncouplingofpressurizedsections.

10. Attachasafetychain,excessflowvalve,orotherequivalentsafetydevicetoanairhose(3/4-inchinsidediameterorlarger)topreventthehosefromwhippingintheeventofanaccidentaldisconnection.

11. Postacautionsignwiththemessage"BuriedLine",ortheequivalent,whereair,fuel,orutilitylinesareburiedorotherwiseobscuredbywaterordebris.



12. Providepersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)andensurethatitisworn,asrequiredbyapplicablesectionsoftheMOWSafetyRules.

13. Provideadequateillumination—5-footcandlesofilluminationatgroundlevel—duringthecourseofthejob.Thismaybepermanentlightinginthetunnelorsupplementallighting.Providehardhat-mountedlightsorhand-heldlightstopersonnel,whereneeded,foruseiftheprimarysystemfails.

14. Wherelasersaretobeused,labelandusethemaccordingtoapplicableportionsofthecurrentversionofAmericanNationalStandardInstitute(ANSI)standardZ136.1.

15. Establishprecautionstoprotectagainstwaterandsnowintrusion,andaddressanyhangingicethatcoulddropandstrikepersonnelorequipment.

16. Establishaplanforacompetentpersontomakeperiodic,documentedinspectionsofstructuralintegrity.

17. Developandcommunicateanemergencypreparednessplan.

a. Identifynearbymedicalfacilitiesandresponsetimes,includingmedicalairliftsforremoteareas,andapossibleneedforahy-railvehicletotransport to a meet point.

b. IdentifyCPR/firstaid-trainedpersonnelworkingonsite.

c. Providefirstaidsupplies.

d. Establishcommunicationcapabilities.

e. Inventoryandstageappropriateequipmentforfightingfiresintheincipientstage.Meetwithlocalfireauthoritiesinadvancetoestablishcapabilitiesandestimatedresponsetimes.

f. Contactlocalrescueteamsinadvanceofworkactivitiesandhavethemreceiveasitefamiliarizationtour.

g. Provide60-minuteself-rescuerstothoseenteringorworkinginatunnelwithalengthexceeding1,175feet.

1) AffectedpersonnelaretoparticipateintheBNSFRespiratoryProtectionProgram,andbetrainedintheproficientuseoftheunits.

2) Self-rescueunitswillbeinspectedaminimumofevery30days.

h. Establishevacuationplans.

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18. Addressfiresafetyconcerns.

a. Storeflammableandcombustibleliquidsatleast100feetfromanyshaftortunnelopening.

b. Donotuseflammableliquidsinthetunnelforconstructionrelatedactivities.

c. Storecombustibleliquidsandoilyragsandwasteinthetunnelinre-closablecontainers.

d. Post"NoSmoking/OpenIgnitionSource"signsontheperimeterofareaswhereflammableandcombustibleliquidsareused/handled/stored.

e. Conductcuttingandweldingoperationswellclearofflammablematerials.Anappropriatelysizedfireextinguisherneedstobeavailableattheoperation.Usescreensand/orshieldsasappropriate.Maintainonlya24-hoursupplyoffuelgasandoxygeninthetunnel.

f. Minimizetheamountsofcombustiblematerialsmaintainedinthetunnelitself.Thereshouldbenotemporarycombustiblestructuresinplacewithin100feetofashaftorentrypoint.

g. Usefireresistanthydraulicfluidsinmachineryunlesstheequipmentisprotectedbyafiresuppressionsystem.

h. Donotbuildfiresunderground.

19. ProvideportablerestroomfacilitiesunlessBNSFfacilitiesarewithincloseproximity.Anadequatesupplyofdrinkingwateralsoneedstobeavailable.

20. Donotusefuel-burningorinternalcombustionengines,otherthandieselengines,topowerstationaryormobileequipmentintunnels.Dieselengineswillrequireausepermit,toincludeanapplicationprocess,insomestates.

1.12.2 Safety Action Plan

CreateaSafetyActionPlanformajortunnelprojects,includingrailreplacementprojects,conductedintunnels.TheSafetyActionPlanwouldcovertheapplicableconcernslistedabove.SafetyActionPlanrequirementsforprojectssuchasrailreplacementthatisnotaffectingthetunnelstructureitselfarelessdemanding,thoughconcernssuchasairbornecontaminantsarestillpresent.


Managementandindividualemployeessharetheresponsibilityforensuringcompliancewithtunnelsafetyrequirements.




BNSFmanagementmust:

1. DesignatetheOnsiteTunnelSafetyRepresentativeand,incoordinationwiththeIndustrialHygieneSectionofCompanyMedical,aconsultingindustrialhygienist.

2. Indentifyandcomplywithapplicablestaterequirements.

3. Developajob-specificSafetyActionPlan.

B. Responsibilities of Employees


1. ComplywiththerequirementsofthisEngineeringInstructionandtheSafetyActionPlan.



1. VerifythatcontractorswhowillbeperformingtunnelworkactivitiescompletetheBNSFEngineeringContractorSafetyOrientationProgram,andcompletethee-RAILSAFEsecurity-relatedrequirements.

2. Remindcontractorsoftherequirementthattunnelworkistobeperformedaccordingtoapplicableregulatoryrequirementsandthereferencedconsensusstandards.

CCS101141 Version 1.3.1

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1 Safety - BNSF Contractor · 1 Safety Revision: May 1, 2012 1-5 1.1 Safety Training The purpose of section 1.1 is to clearly define safety training parameters and objectives, as

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