FRA issues safety advisory for switch operations
Written by jrood
The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a Safety Advisory to remind freight railroad operators and their employees about hazards associated with switching operations. FRA's Safety Advisory addresses the need to follow federal regulations and railroad operating rules that govern the procedures for leaving rolling equipment in the clear of adjacent tracks. This Safety Advisory is in response to two recent incidents where railroad employees were killed during switching operations. "Equipment inappropriately left on adjacent tracks is a serious and potentially life threatening matter," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. "We can take important steps to increase awareness and stop this dangerous practice." The FRA Safety Advisory recommends that railroad companies review the recent incidents with employees and reinstruct them on procedures and rules governing leaving rolling equipment clear of adjacent tracks. It also recommends that railroads review job-briefing procedures. The Safety Advisory is available at http://www.fra.dot.gov/rrs/pages/fp_350.shtml.
