Safety Is a Core Value at CN
Safety is not just a priority at CN, but a deeply held core value. Our vision is to become the safest railway in North America.
We think it is the right thing to do for our employees, customers and communities and it is good for business.
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Summer Operations. We`re in this together.

Maintaining Safe and Efficient Operations Through Warmer Months

Large temperature fluctuations cause thermal expansion and contraction in rail. In extreme cases, this can have an adverse effect on rail infrastructure. CN uses advanced rail metallurgy and rail properties, along with a variety of standards, policies, and operating procedures to mitigate risks associated with thermal expansion.


EXTREME WEATHER PLAN






MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF THERMAL EXPANSION

CN’s Engineering Track Standards outline specific procedures, such as hot weather inspections and speed restrictions, to address thermal expansion risk. In doing so, CN ensures its network remains safe and fluid for customer traffic, even through the most extreme temperatures.


HOT WEATHER INSPECTIONS

  • Hot weather inspections are performed by qualified track inspectors when ambient temperatures reach specific thresholds
  • Different territories can have varying inspection frequencies, depending on environmental or other challenges unique to that territory

SAFE OPERATIONS FOR CUSTOMER TRAFFIC

Implemented when ambient temperatures exceed threshold:

  • Specific operating adjustments, such as speed restrictions, are applied to offset thermal expansion and internal rail forces due to extreme ambient temperatures
  • This ensures customer’s products arrive at their destination, safely
Your Safety Toolkit
At CN, we work together to ensure everyone goes home safely. That extends to our customers. Our approach to customer safety is collaborative. We do everything we can to ensure our operations are safe and your cargo is handled with care and caution. As customers, you help CN stay moving by ensuring key safety elements are in place.




GUIDELINES
download Track Specifications and Maintenance

download Loading Rules and Instructions

download Preventing Incidents

download How to Clean your Switch

download Carload Escalation Process

download Intermodal Escalation Process

download General Safety Guidelines
QUICK LINKS & RESOURCES

download AAR Loading Rules

download Shipment Quality

download Dangerous Goods

download Safety Overview

download CN's Safety Policy

download Network Work Calendar


Everyday Safety
Safety isn’t a buzzword. It is something both CN and our customers work toward daily, communicating and collaborating to ensure our mutual operations are completed safely and efficiently.

We’ve assembled some resources to help you understand how to work safely with CN.
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Proper Operating of Boxcars Doors*


Spotting Damaged Boxcar Doors*

Boxcar Loading and Unloading Practices*
Intermodal Terminal Safety Procedures
Intermodal Terminal Safety Procedures
Customer Safety Training
Safety culture is built on education. The nature of our business and that of our customers means that we're constantly working together to get cargo where it needs to be. Doing that Safely means ensuring customers understand safety best practices when working with rail.
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For Safety Concerns at Your Facility 

CN Customer Service Centre

1-866-926-7245