Adjacent Track Rule
RWP Sections 214.315 & 214.336
June 1, 2014
ESATR
1
Job Briefing
• 911 Responsibility
• Who Can Administer CPR / AED
• Location of First Aid Kit and AED
• Emergency Exits / Fire Extinguishers
• Breaks / Lunch
• Restrooms
• Silence Cell Phones
2
Introduction
This course will describe additional requirements made to
FRA Part 214 (Roadway Worker Protection) concerning
adjacent track protection. This will affect Union Pacific’s OnTrack Safety requirements for all roadway workers when
engaged in a common task with Roadway Maintenance
Machines (RMM’s).
An example of this would be a tamper and regulator working
next to an adjacent controlled track (main track or siding)
with at least one roadway worker on the ground and the
track centers between the occupied track and the adjacent
controlled track is 19’ or less.
3
Objectives
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
• Understand the terminology as used in the adjacent track
protection rules
• Describe the two new On-Track Safety job briefing
requirements applicable to any adjacent tracks and
roadway worker jobs
• List the different threshold speeds on an adjacent
controlled track that determine which procedures apply to
a roadway work group
• Apply procedures that would allow work to continue
when roadway workers with RMM occupy a track when
trains or OTE are passing on an adjacent controlled track
4
Objectives
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
• Identify conditions that would not allow work to continue
when roadway workers with RMM occupy a track while
trains or OTE are passing on an adjacent controlled track
• Identify conditions that permit maintenance or repairs of
RMM on the occupied track
• List the conditions that would exempt a roadway work
group that is using a hy-rail(s) or rail-bound vehicle from
the requirements for adjacent controlled track protection
5
Job Briefing
A job briefing must be conducted before fouling any
track. The On-Track Safety job briefing must include at
a minimum:
• The On-Track Safety to be used for each track identified to be
fouled
• Instructions for each On-Track Safety procedure to be
followed
• On-Track Safety for any adjacent controlled tracks
New additional minimum requirements:
• Identification of any roadway machines that will foul the
occupied or adjacent tracks
• Discussion of the work to be performed and the characteristics
of the work location
6
Job Briefing
Each OTS job briefing is only complete when each
roadway worker has acknowledged and understands
the briefing.
Nothing in the adjacent track rules prohibits the EIC
from establishing OTS on one or more adjacent tracks if
he or she deems it necessary based on the job briefing
concerning the work to be performed and the
characteristics of the work location.
7
Job Briefing
When discussing work to be performed and the
characteristics of the work location, consider the following:
• The types of RMM to be used
• Right-of-way or topographical conditions which may affect
reaching the designated place of safety
8
Adjacent Track Protection
On-Track Safety is required for each adjacent
controlled track when a roadway work group with at
least one of the roadway workers on the ground is
engaged in a common task with on-track self propelled
equipment or coupled equipment on an occupied
track.
On-Track Safety for the adjacent controlled track is
established through:
• Working Limits
• Train Approach Warning provided by a lookout
These requirements do not apply to work groups consisting
of only roadway workers or only RMM(s).
9
Adjacent Track Protection
Applies:
1. If there is an adjacent controlled track with <19 foot track
centers regardless of speed of that track
2. If there is rail bound, self-propelled RMM engaged in a
common task with a roadway work group present
3. If there is at least one roadway worker on the ground
Does not apply if there is:
1. No adjacent controlled track
2. Only RMM(s)
3. Only roadway workers on ground
10
Adjacent Track Rule Already in Place
136.5: On-Track Safety on Adjacent Tracks
Effective June 21, 2009
• Before fouling any adjacent track, determine that On-Track
Safety is being provided
• Where track centers are 19 feet or less, no employee may
perform work, walk or stand between on-track equipment (OTE)
and an adjacent main track or controlled siding unless a lookout
or adjacent track protection is provided
Exception: If OTE may be entered or exited from either the field
side or live track side, employees must use the field side when
practical and safe to do so. Employees may exit or enter OTE on
the live track side only after looking in both directions and ensuring
there is no train or on-track equipment movement on the adjacent
track.
11
Definitions As Used In This Regulation
Adjacent Controlled Track means a controlled track
whose track center is spaced 19’ or less from the track
center of the track occupied.
Adjacent Track means a controlled or non-controlled
track whose track center is spaced less than 25’ from the
track center of the occupied track.
Minor Correction means one or more repairs of a minor
nature, including, but not limited to, welding, spiking,
anchoring, hand tamping, and joint bolt replacement that
are accomplished with hand tools or handheld, hand
supported, or hand guided power tools.
The term does not include machine spiking, machine
tamping, or similarly distracting repair.
12
Definitions As Used In This Regulation
Occupied Track A track on which on-track self-propelled
equipment or coupled equipment is authorized or
permitted to be located while engaged in a common task
with a roadway work group with at least one of the
roadway workers on the ground.
Self-Propelled Equipment does not include a hy-rail
vehicle or rail bound vehicle being used for inspection or
minor correction purposes, provided that such vehicle is
not coupled to one or more railroad cars.
AND
Multiple hy-rail or rail bound vehicles being used for
inspection or minor correction that are engaged in a
common task.
13
Definitions As Used In This Regulation
Pre-determined place of safety (PPOS) is
determined in the job briefing where roadway workers
must clear when notified of approaching trains or OTE on
the adjacent track.
The pre-determined place of safety can be on the
occupied track as in the case of working on a center
track with controlled tracks on each side.
Inter-track barrier is a continuous barrier of a
permanent or semi-permanent nature that spans the
entire work area. The barrier must be at least 4’ high and
of sufficient strength to prevent a roadway worker from
fouling an adjacent track.
14
Inter-Track Barrier
An Inter-Track Barrier can be used to prevent roadway
workers from fouling an adjacent track, eliminating the need
to limit speed of passing trains and allow work to continue on
the occupied track.
The barrier must be continuous throughout the working limits.
Example: If a roadway work group is using track authority as
protection on the occupied track that spans 5 miles
and have established working limits on that track
that spans 300’, a continuous barrier 300’ long
could be used as protection.
The barrier must meet the height requirements and be
structurally sound enough to prevent a roadway worker from
falling through.
15
Adjacent Controlled Track Movements
The speed of trains or on-track equipment while passing a
roadway work group on an adjacent controlled track is
one of the determining factors whether work may continue
or cease on the occupied track.
The speeds are as follows:
• High Speed Movements on Adjacent Controlled Track is
a train or other on-track equipment authorized to move on
an adjacent controlled track at a speed greater than 25 MPH
or 40 MPH for a passenger train.
• Low Speed Movements on Adjacent Controlled Track is
a train or other on-track equipment authorized to move on
an adjacent controlled track at a speed of 25 MPH or less or
40 MPH or less for a passenger train.
16
Adjacent Controlled Track Movements at High
Speed
If roadway workers are on the ground with RMM
occupying a track next to an adjacent controlled track
with 19 feet or less track centers work cannot continue
when:
• The speed of passing trains or on-track equipment on the
adjacent track is greater than 25 MPH (40 MPH passenger)
Roadway workers must clear the live track at a predetermined place of safety and remain in the clear until the
rear of the train or OTE has passed the location of each
roadway worker.
RMM must stop all work even if the equipment cannot foul the
adjacent controlled track.
17
Adjacent Controlled Track Movements at High
Speed
If a train or on-track equipment stops before its trailing
end has passed all of the affected roadway workers work
may resume only:
• If On-Track Safety using Train Approach Warning (TAW)
has been established on the adjacent controlled track
OR
• The EIC conducts a job briefing with a member of the train
crew or on-track equipment operator establishing that no
movements will be made without permission from the EIC
18
When Work Cannot Continue/Greater than 25 MPH
NonControlled
Track
Non-Controlled
Track
19
Adjacent Controlled Track Movements at Low
Speed
When roadway workers are on the ground with RMM
occupying a track next to an adjacent controlled track
with 19 feet or less track centers work can continue
provided:
• The speed of passing trains or OTE on the adjacent track is
25 MPH or less (40 MPH or less passenger)
• The roadway worker(s) remain at least 25 feet (in front of or
behind) RMM occupying the same track as the roadway
worker(s)
• Roadway workers must not break the plane of the rail
nearest the adjacent track. Remain between the rails or on
the field side of the track occupied.
• The work is done on the field side of the occupied track and
there is no other adjacent track
20
Procedures Allowing Work to Continue
21
Adjacent Controlled Track Movements at Low
Speed
When roadway workers are on the ground with RMM
occupying a center track with an adjacent controlled
track on each side with 19 feet or less track centers work
can continue provided:
• The speed of passing trains or on-track equipment on both
adjacent tracks is 25 MPH or less
• The roadway worker(s) remain at least 25 feet (in front of or
behind) RMM occupying the same track as the roadway
worker(s)
• Roadway workers do not break the plane of the rails and
remain between the rails of the occupied track
22
Procedures Allowing Work to Continue
23
Exceptions
Adjacent track rules do not apply to:
• Hy-rail vehicle or rail bound vehicle being used for
inspection or minor correction purposes, provided that
such vehicle is not coupled to one or more railroad cars
• Multiple hy-rail or rail bound vehicles being used for
inspection or minor correction that are engaged in a
common task
24
Exceptions
Adjacent track rules do not apply when maintenance or
repairs to RMM are performed by one or more roadway
workers provided that:
• Maintenance or repairs to equipment (complying with
lockout/tagout procedures) can be performed on the
front, rear or field side of equipment
• No part of the roadway workers body breaks the plane of
the rail toward the unprotected adjacent track when
working at the front or back of RMM
• Repairs can be performed within the perimeter of the
RMM. This could be within, on top or underneath the
RMM
• A boom or other equipment extending beyond the body of
RMM towards an adjacent controlled track is not
considered to be within the perimeter of the RMM
25
Adjacent Track Rules
Adjacent controlled track rules
do not apply to the regulator
working alone.
The equipment must be
secured from fouling an
adjacent track unless positive
protection is provided on the
adjacent track.
The operator cannot be within 4
feet of the near rail of the
adjacent track or between the
equipment and the adjacent
controlled track unless other
protection is provided.
26
Review
Before fouling any track a job briefing must be
conducted. What information must be included in the
job briefing?
• The On-Track Safety to be used for each track identified to
be fouled
• Instructions for each On-Track Safety procedure to be
followed
• On-Track Safety for adjacent tracks
• Identification of any roadway machines that will foul the
occupied or adjacent tracks
• Discussion of the work to be performed and the
characteristics of the work location
27
Review
When would it be required to have a lookout to provide
TAW for an adjacent controlled track or working limits
established on an adjacent controlled track?
When a roadway work group is engaged in a common task
with on-track self propelled equipment or coupled equipment
on an occupied track next to an adjacent controlled track with
19 feet or less track centers.
28
Review
When notified of an approaching train or OTE on an
adjacent controlled track with 19 feet or less track
centers what are the requirements that must be in place
that would allow RMM and roadway workers on the
ground to continue working?
• Roadway workers must be at least 25 feet from equipment
on the track occupied
• The speed of trains or OTE passing on the adjacent
track(s) is 25 MPH or less
• Roadway workers must not break the plane of the rail
nearest the adjacent track
• If on a center track roadway workers must not break the
plane of either rail of the track occupied
29
Review
What are the on-track safety procedures that must be
followed when notified of an approaching train or ontrack equipment on an adjacent track with 19 feet or
less track centers that will be passing at a speed
greater than 25 MPH?
• Roadway workers must clear the live track at a predetermined place of safety and remain in the clear until the
rear of the train or on-track equipment has passed the
location of each roadway worker
• RMM must stop all work even if the equipment cannot foul
the adjacent controlled track
30
Review
What types of RMM are listed as being exempt from the
requirements even if roadway workers on the ground
are occupying the same track?
• Hy-rail vehicle or rail bound vehicle being used for
inspection or minor correction purposes, provided that such
vehicle is not coupled to one or more railroad cars
• Multiple hy-rail or rail bound vehicles being used for
inspection or minor correction that are engaged in a
common task
31
Review
In this scenario the track centers are 13’ 10”. A train is stopped on main
track two and a Form B or other authority is not in place on main track
two. Men are on the ground and rail-bound machines are replacing clips
on track number one. What requirements must be met to allow work to
continue on main track one?
We have two options in order to continue work: Assign a lookout to
provide TAW on the adjacent track or the EIC must conduct a job briefing
with a member of the train crew establishing that no movements will be
made without permission from the EIC. Roadway workers must not
break the plane of the rail nearest the adjacent track.
32
Review
In this scenario the track centers are 13’ 10” a train is passing at a speed
of 45 MPH on main track two. Men are on the ground replacing clips on
track number one. Can the machine operators and men on the ground
continue to work?
No, the RMM must cease work and the roadway workers must occupy
the pre-determined place of safety established in the job briefing.
33
Review
In this scenario the roadway work group is working within track and time
authority on the occupied track; #2 track. When establishing a predetermined place of safety in the job briefing, would the space between
the non-controlled track and the occupied track be an acceptable place
of safety?
No, because the adjacent track is
less than 25 feet from the occupied
track. Upon notification of an
approaching train or OTE on the
adjacent controlled track the predetermined place of safety could
be between both rails of the
occupied track or field side of all
tracks. In order to use the space
between the occupied track and
the non-controlled track as a place
of safety, working limits in the form
of inaccessible track must be in
place on the non-controlled track.
34
Review
In this scenario the roadway work group includes a mechanic that needs
to make some adjustments at the rear of a RMM. Two trains are cleared
through the Form B limits instructed not to exceed 25 MPH on the
adjacent controlled track. Track centers are 15’. Can the mechanic
make the necessary adjustments before or while the trains are passing?
Yes, this is one of the exceptions to the adjacent track rules. In this
scenario roadway workers must be at least 25 feet from the rear or front of
the RMM on the occupied track unless maintenance or repairs to equipment
(complying with lockout/tagout procedures) is being performed.
A mechanic, operator or both could perform maintenance or repairs and
must not break the plane of the rail nearest the adjacent controlled track.
He or she could also work underneath, in front of, on the field side or on top
of the RMM.
35
Review
In this scenario mechanics are planning on repairing a RMM . An adjacent
controlled track with 14’ track centers from the house track where the equipment
is tied up. The repairs can be made within the perimeter or field side of the RMM.
Can these repairs be performed without establishing protection on the adjacent
controlled track?
Yes, this is one of the exceptions to the adjacent track rules. In this scenario the
mechanics are not making repairs to the track but they are repairing the machine.
Adjacent track rules do not apply when maintenance or repairs to RMM are
performed by one or more roadway workers provided that maintenance or repairs to
equipment (complying with lockout/tagout procedures) can be performed on the
front, rear or field side of equipment . No part of the roadway workers body breaks
the plane of the rail toward the unprotected adjacent track when working at the front
or back of RMM. Repairs can be performed within the perimeter of the RMM. This
could be within, on top or underneath the RMM. A boom or other equipment
extending beyond the body of RMM towards an adjacent controlled track is not
considered to be within the perimeter of the RMM.
36
Summary
A job briefing must be conducted before fouling any
track.
Two new minimum requirements have been added to
job briefings for roadway workers:
• Identification of any roadway machines that will foul
the occupied or adjacent tracks
• Discussion of the work to be performed and the
characteristics of the work location
37
Summary
On-Track Safety is required for each adjacent controlled
track when a roadway work group with at least one of
the roadway workers on the ground is engaged in a
common task with on-track self propelled equipment or
coupled equipment on an occupied track.
On-Track Safety for the adjacent controlled track is
established through:
• Working Limits
• Train Approach Warning provided by a lookout
These requirements do not apply to work groups consisting
of only roadway workers or only RMM(s).
38
Summary
Applies:
1. If there is an adjacent controlled track with <19 foot track
centers regardless of speed of that track
2. If there is rail bound, self-propelled RMM engaged in a
common task with a roadway work group present
3. If there is at least one roadway worker on the ground
Does not apply if there is:
1. No adjacent controlled track
2. Only RMM(s)
3. Only roadway workers on ground
39
Summary Adjacent Controlled Track Movements
at High Speed
If roadway workers are on the ground with RMM
occupying a track next to an adjacent controlled track
with 19 feet or less track centers work cannot continue
when:
• The speed of passing trains or on-track equipment on the
adjacent track is greater than 25 MPH (40 MPH passenger)
Roadway workers must clear the live track at a predetermined place of safety and remain in the clear until the
rear of the train or OTE has passed the location of each
roadway worker.
RMM must stop all work even if the equipment cannot foul the
adjacent controlled track.
40
Summary Adjacent Controlled Track Movements
at High Speed
If a train or on-track equipment stops before its trailing
end has passed all of the affected roadway workers work
may resume only:
• If On-Track Safety using Train Approach Warning (TAW)
has been established on the adjacent controlled track
OR
• The EIC conducts a job briefing with a member of the train
crew or on-track equipment operator establishing that no
movements will be made without permission from the EIC
41
Summary Adjacent Controlled Track Movements
at Low Speed
When roadway workers are on the ground with RMM
occupying a track next to an adjacent controlled track
with 19 feet or less track centers work can continue
provided:
• The speed of passing trains or OTE on the adjacent track is
25 MPH or less (40 MPH or less passenger)
• The roadway worker(s) remain at least 25 feet (in front of or
behind) RMM occupying the same track as the roadway
worker(s)
• Roadway workers must not break the plane of the rail
nearest the adjacent track. Remain between the rails or on
the field side of the track occupied.
• The work is done on the field side of the occupied track and
there is no other adjacent track
42
Summary Adjacent Controlled Track Movements
at Low Speed
When roadway workers are on the ground with RMM
occupying a center track with an adjacent controlled
track on each side with 19 feet or less track centers work
can continue provided:
• The speed of passing trains or on-track equipment on both
adjacent tracks is 25 MPH or less
• The roadway worker(s) remain at least 25 feet (in front of or
behind) RMM occupying the same track as the roadway
worker(s)
• Roadway workers do not break the plane of the rails and
remain between the rails of the occupied track
43
Summary
Adjacent track rules do not apply to:
• Hy-rail vehicle or rail bound vehicle being used for
inspection or minor correction purposes, provided that
such vehicle is not coupled to one or more railroad cars
• Multiple hy-rail or rail bound vehicles being used for
inspection or minor correction that are engaged in a
common task
44
Summary
Adjacent track rules do not apply when maintenance or
repairs to RMM are performed by one or more roadway
workers provided that:
• Maintenance or repairs to equipment (complying with
lockout/tagout procedures) can be performed on the
front, rear or field side of equipment
• No part of the roadway workers body breaks the plane of
the rail toward the unprotected adjacent track when
working at the front or back of RMM
• Repairs can be performed within the perimeter of the
RMM. This could be within, on top or underneath the
RMM
• A boom or other equipment extending beyond the body of
RMM towards an adjacent controlled track is not
considered to be within the perimeter of the RMM
45