CN's 2011-2012 WinterREADY Program - It's all about teamwork !

November 1, 2011 - With winter weather on the way, CN would like to remind you of the important role that you play in safety and the prevention of accidents. To ensure the efficient and timely delivery of your product, we are once again asking for your collaboration in the joint effort to assure the safety of all employees and operations on your property. Please consult the WinterREADY Program for more details.
 
Approximately one quarter of all CN train accidents occur on industry track; this equates to about 300 such accidents per year. Further, an analysis of these accidents shows that the majority are caused by track defects (wide gauge, rail, switches, etc) as well as environmental conditions.
 
Each year we invest a significant percentage of revenues in safety training, technology and infrastructure to ensure a safe and secure working environment and to deliver our customers' shipments damage-free. Nothing is more important to CN than the safety of our operations.

We encourage you to read and share with your employees CN's Railroad Customer Safety Handbook, which highlights the many ways customers can have an impact on safety. Some of the important information and best practices contained in the Railroad Customer Safety Handbook include:
 
Railroad clearances – Maintaining the safety envelope around tracks
Clearance restrictions have been developed to protect the safety of people and equipment when moving railcars. Customers must follow these two clearance envelopes in their operations:

• Clearance pertaining to spurs and industrial track, and
• Clearance pertaining to main tracks and sidings.

Spurs and industrial track
In general, all equipment, materials or obstructions of any kind must be kept a minimum of 5 meters (15 feet) from the nearest rail unless a CN representative has placed a block on train movements. This includes temporary piles of stock, refuse containers, parked vehicles or other equipment, buildings and obstructions. CN must be notified immediately when any emergency situation causes an obstruction within the 5 meter (15 foot) clearance envelope. Any alterations to track-side loading platforms or change of location of loading ramps, unloading augers and other equipment must be communicated to the railroad. Holes, trenches and other ground obstructions must also be immediately communicated to the railroad. CN's Customer Support Centre must be contacted in these instances. Support Centre staff will ensure that the information is passed on to the appropriate CN personnel.

Main track and sidings
Machinery and equipment cannot be operated within 8 meters (25 feet) of a CN main track or siding without CN authority and protection. This applies to all types of equipment, including snow clearing machinery. Contact CN in advance to arrange protection. Customers and their contractors must keep in mind the requirement for clear sight lines at railroad crossings. Snow piles, materials, equipment or other obstructions must not be left where they can affect the visibility of approaching train traffic at public or private railroad crossings.

Track maintenance and inspection requirements
There are government regulations and detailed CN specifications and procedures pertaining to track structure maintenance and inspection. Customers should inspect their track regularly for signs of defects and notify CN of any issues that would prevent the safe delivery or pick up of railcars. Some of the requirements are those of regulatory authorities, such as the obligation to conduct monthly inspections of your track and to keep records of inspections, defects, and repairs made. CN may require access to these records to ensure the safety of its operations and employees.

WinterREADY Plan Focus
A key safety concern is the accumulation of snow, ice, vegetation or debris at customer sites. It is critical for the safety of shipping and railroad personnel that tracks be maintained by the customer in a safe condition, free of walking and operating obstructions which may cause a tripping hazard or car derailment. It is especially important that flangeways at road crossings be kept free of ice and debris.

Standing and flowing water are the greatest hazards to track stability. Drainage systems are designed to channel water away from the track structure. Blocked culverts, water undercutting the track or standing pools of water adjacent to any track must be reported immediately to CN's 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-661-3963.

Before Moving Railcars
Ensure all handbrakes have been removed to prevent wheel skidding.

After Moving Rail Equipment
Apply a sufficient number of handbrakes.
Look to see that the brake shoes are tight against the wheels.
Push or pull the car(s) slightly to ensure brakes are providing a sufficient retarding force.
Observe the cars to ensure they are completely at rest.
 
In addition it is important to ensure that:

• Snow buildup caused by vehicles crossing over tracks is cleared and removed from track(s) to prevent obstruction
• Clear snow which has slipped from adjacent roof tops onto the siding track
  Inspect the siding before service by train crews
• Keep all switches in the plant free of snow, ice and debris (this includes the switch points and the area in which employees stand to operate switches).