Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 25, June 21, 2024
Section 36-39-3 - Car Dropping Requirements3.1. Within ninety (90) days after the effective date of these regulations, the operator of any coal mine which engages in the practice of manually dropping railroad cars shall develop a site-specific plan governing such activity. In formulating such plan, the length, complexity and general condition of the rail system, including the severity of incline, shall be considered. The plan shall include the number of loaded and empty coal cars that can be safely dropped, along with a method for storing cars. Equipment operating speeds shall be consistent with conditions of the roadways, grades, clearance, visibility, traffic, and the type of equipment used.3.2. The plan shall be submitted to the Director and must meet the following minimum requirements for approval. (a) No person shall ride the drawhead or coupler of a railroad car. No person other than the car dropper or experienced person(s), and only those necessary to operate the trip, shall ride cars. No person shall ride the head end of a front car at any time.(b) Employees handling railroad cars shall have access to, and use an approved distinct audible signaling device to give warning when cars are in motion. A car dropper shall, only in case of emergency, get on or off a moving car.(c) Railroad cars shall be trimmed properly when they have been loaded higher than the confines of their cargo space.(d) A minimum of thirty (30) inches continuous clearance from the farthest projection of moving railroad equipment shall be provided on at least one side of the tracks; all places where it is not possible to provide thirty (30) inches clearance shall be marked conspicuously.(e) Roadbeds, rails, joints, switches, frogs, and other elements on railroads shall be designed, installed and maintained in a safe manner consistent with the speed and type of haulage.(f) Positive-acting stopblocks, derail devices, track skates, or other adequate means shall be installed wherever necessary to protect persons from runaway railroad equipment.(g) Switch throws shall be installed so as to provide adequate clearance for switchmen.(h) Where necessary, bumper blocks or the equivalent shall be provided at all track dead ends.(i) Cars shall be inspected for broken steps, platforms and brake wheels, and for defective brakes before dropping. Persons finding cars with defective brakes shall notify their supervisor immediately after precautions have been made to secure the car. The supervisor in charge shall place a red tag on the brake wheel of the defective car. A description of the defective brake condition shall be written on the red tag. The operator shall also include the defective car's serial number and a description of the defective condition on the Bill of Lading to be sent to the railroad company.(j) Safety belts shall be worn and properly attached by all car droppers handling railroad cars. All such belts shall be of a design to allow maximum safety to provide for immediate uncoupling.(k) The procedures outlined in this section shall be explained thoroughly to all car droppers and new employees.