#142 Railroad Incident Safety

When operating on railroad property, whether it’s during a derailment or other emergency, there are some basic rules of safety that all responders must follow to ensure a safe and effective response. Below is a list of those rules courtesy of CSX Transportation, Inc. If you have rail years or tracks running through your community, set up safety and response training from officials to ensure all of your members are prepared to operate on or around railroad property. Stress to your members that they should always assume tracks are live and operational, even when told otherwise. 

Basic Safety Rules for Incidents on Railroads 

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• Expect movement on any track at any time.

• Avoid walking between the rails.

• Watch where you step at all times.

• Don’t step or stand on the rail.

• Head and eye protection must be worn at all times.

• Steel-toed boots or firefighter’s boots must be worn.

• Be aware of electrical hazards in and around locomotives.

• Before working on or around any car, make sure the hand brake is set and the car is chocked.

• Make sure blue flags are in place and switches are locked prior to climbing on equipment in a railyard.

• Before opening any door, make sure you know the direction it is intended to open.

• Guard against the door coming off and lading falling out.

• Place hose lines under tracks by digging out ballast.

• Look in both directions before stepping across or getting close to tracks.

• Keep a safe distance, at least 30 feet, from passing trains and equipment.

• Never place anything on the track unless it is required by a specific task.

• Always leave 25 feet between you and any standing rail car when crossing tracks.

• Always face the direction from which a train is traveling.