Railroad Worker On Track Safety Explained

The railroad isn't really any more dangerous than many other jobs. It's just a lot less forgiving. Where you may smash your hand in a factory if you aren't paying attention, you may be hit by a train on the railroad, so we have a few ways of keeping that from happening.
With modern technology and with most employees having laptop computers that give us access to the approximate location of trains and the ability to see which signals have been cleared, we are able to plan our work more efficiently. These newfangled goodies are not, however, a reliable means of determining when it is safe to occupy the track and do work.
For that we have different types of "On Track Safety". Each is used for specific types of track, locations and types of work. In this video I will go over each of them as well as give a brief primer of the types of locations on the railroad.
So, join me in this presentation of how we work safely on the railroad!

[@MarkJoseph81]

I absolutely eat this (videos like these) stuff up! Love it. Fascinating how our country operates on the micro/macro levels that most people take for granted and indeed never even ponder or let alone are even grateful for! Thank you!

[@kens.3729]

WOW, it’s Amazing ALL the Protections available as long as they’re used Correctly. Thanks Mark!👍

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Roadway workers attend classes and are tested on all forms of on track safety annually. It sounds more complicated than it actually is. The most important aspect is knowing exactly where you are which is why we have milepost and 1/4 mile markers. The timetable, Special System Instructions and chapter 136 of the rulebook (on which we are also tested annually) contain all the information you need to understand what type you need should there be any question in the field. It really becomes second nature after a few years and, until then, you are generally working for or with an experienced foreman. Thanks for checking it out!

[@stanbrow]

With internal rails in an industrial plant we use derailleurs (sp?) to protect personnel work equipment that potentially could foul the track.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

We have derail switches to protect the mainline from cars in spurs or non controlled sidings from fouling the mainline. Thanks for checking it out!

[@glennfoster2423]

Mark a good presentation. Protection for any situation where a condition or presence of personnel, equipment, material, work exists is undoubtedly the most difficult for everyone to understand and implement - railroader and non-railroader alike. As with darkness, when conditions like weather, accessibility, sight distance, etc become limiting, it may be necessary to use more positive protection that what would usually suffice. Anyone who takes the attitude that "it only will take a minute" looks forward to that minute being the LAST minute on God's green earth. I often started a safety briefing of maintenance folk headed to do some kind of work on the track with this question:. "How do you stop a train?". There is really only one plausible answer: "You can'! The engineer control's the brakes." Workers tend to look for answers like Form B's, red flags, track and time, and all the ways we invent that feel good The most dangerous form of protection is the short cut.

[@567caboverbob]

I'd like to hear some descriptions of EIC and their authority. Having worked with both UP and BNSF as a private contractor, I have seen extreme differences in how they perform their duties as well as their perceived level of authority. We had an EIC in Tacoma, Wa. who was a third party contractor to BNSF on Tacoma Rail tracks. This guy was always coming up with new (unwritten) rules and seemed determined to shut us down pretty regularly. Thanks again for the great vids Mark !

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'll try to figure out a video in which I integrate something about the role of the EIC. Sorry it took so long to reply!

[@adrianu399]

This video brings me to a questions .. I know railroad tracks sometimes go through the most sketchiest parts of town or through the middle of the desert with no one around for many miles.. how would you guys protect yourself from dangerous people or dangerous animals? Any crazy stories ?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Railroaders have been murdered and have killed in self defense in some nasty parts of towns. I've seen mountain lions quite a few times around Tehachapi but never been threatened by one. I've been in cabins that were shot at out in the desert and seen a few rattlers! Just have to stay alert!

[@glennk1931]

Excellent question.

[@wadesmith9483]

In addition to marks reply to you: a detailed walk through of that UP loco centennial (largest diesel electric loco made now retired) was done by a retired UP loco technician. Protection got brought up and like you mentioned RR tracks can go through bad areas as well as the middle of nowhere where idiots with guns or kids dropping refrigerators of an overpass onto a locomotive cab. There’s been cases of hunters and all around idiots in the woods with guns shoot at the cab of locomotives. Workers have been killed by both shooters and people dropping stuff on engines. Most shootings were gotten away with due to remote locations. All that said another way UP protects its workers is how they order new locomotives. Bullet proof windshields are in every UP locomotive in service due to said incidents. Not sure how thick or anything. I thought that was very interesting. Cheers

[@mitchellsharp9762]

In sketchy parts of towns, armed guards

[@absoluteblockproduction2039]

Hired on Amtrak for C&S..your videos help a ton for getting the right idea as to what to expect out there. Much appreciated!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Very cool! I did all my "how things work" videos with both the public and employees in mind. I'm glad it helped! Thanks for checking it out!

[@alanbaum3228]

This was a great vid. I've always wondered how big railroads protect work gangs. I work for NYC subway and we have a dedicated division of personnel that set up flags and brake trips whenever we go out to do work on the tracks. Our distances are nowhere near as long as what you guys deal with, but I'm guessing we have trains passing through more frequently. All your videos are a great insight on the workings of a railroad. Glad I found your channel.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it and stay tuned. Much more to come!

[@bfurailroad1104]

I see relay and signal guys all the time hangin around doin nuthin it seems but now I know why. Waitin on permission to do something. Had no idea how much they have to know. Surely all this knowledge has to be learned over time and not just from a few hours of classroom training. This video will help me understand more when I'm eavesdropping on the scanner. Thank you.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm glad it cleared some things up. Although I'm sure there ARE times we're just sitting around, we're usually waiting for time. It gets frustrating at times but it's all part of the job. We are trained and tested on all of this annually. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@bfurailroad1104]

@@MarkClayMcGowan You're pretty knowledgeable maybe you can tell me what the pole is at the Bailey yard. Its got a solar panel on it, on wheels and rolls back n forth on 2 rails. It changes position day to day. Follow this link and go to 5:30. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIe0mmCpacx6fLM No UP employee I've found knows what this is. There are 2 of these along this track leading to the maintenance shop.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@bfurailroad1104 ive heard it has something to do with testing the horns. Like a decibel thing.

[@GMTX-kg8ep]

There’s actually a few TAWS around Las Vegas, NV on the Union Pacific Cima Sub and Caliente Sub as well as on the Gila Sub in Arizona. I’ve been wondering for a while what they are and what they sound like. They have little sirens I’m told to indicate an approaching train.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I've only seen them operate in safety films. The sirens are incredibly loud!

[@GMTX-kg8ep]

@@MarkClayMcGowan oh wow! Interesting. Was Southern Pacific using them too or just Union Pacific?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@GMTX-kg8ep SP didn't use them. I'd never heard of them until UP took over.

[@briangardiner1015]

They are doing a Form B in Tehachapi on the bridges over 58.

[@davidvanschaick5565]

Good Stuff MCM !!

[@glennk1931]

A very interesting, and instructive video.

[@brehkop275]

Super interesting. thx

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevemoss947]

My rr career ended after I received a 'no opposing trains in the block and have permission to pass signal displaying stop indication',,,,,,but,,,,there was an opposing train in the block,,,,,,'I joined the birds'.......

[@adrianu399]

Is there such thing as yellow over flashing yellow? Or is it only yellow over yellow?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

There is no Y over Y in this UP territory nor do I see one in the System Special Instructions but that doesn't mean they don't have in other places for higher speed signaling. Thanks for checking it out!

[@davep6977]

Is there an app for that? lol. really GPS on trains that would alert if they are approaching? And I think somebody asked, what about percussion devises ?

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

The protection is provided by signal, general orders, track warrants or by radio. We stopped using torpedoes about ten years ago.

[@waggtech8793]

Did you ever use torpedoes for protection?

[@davep6977]

thats my question also

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Sorry for the delayed response. Torpedoes were for use in emergencies. We stopped carrying them about ten years ago as better communication systems and new operating rules came into use. Thanks for checking it out!

[@railspike7057]

Ok, I watched the whole thing and understand it, Now mail me my rule card!

[@roger8772]

bongs on the rail? @ 11:12

[@waggtech8793]

Bonds...

[@roger8772]

@@waggtech8793 haha woops

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Back in the 80s it wasn't uncommon!

[@taftrailfan734]

Mark, Do you have a personal email I may write? I have a few questions I'd like to ask you I live here in Taft... I believe you could fill in some blanks for me concerning the local railroad..

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

[e-mail]