NORAC 116. Operating Train from Other Than Leading End
When the Engineer operates a train from other than the leading end of the movement, a crew member or other qualified employee must provide point protection to ensure the movement is made safely. The person providing point protection must:
1. Be qualified on the physical characteristics of the territory involved.
2. Be positioned on the leading end (point) of the movement, or in advance of the leading end of the movement.
3. Observe conditions ahead and take prompt action to properly control the movement.
In lieu of being positioned as specified in item 2 above, the person providing point protection may determine the track is clear with the aid of monitored cameras or other technological means, provided those procedures ensure an equivalent level of protection to that of direct visual observation and the person has been trained on the use of such devices.
Except during the performance of roadway maintenance activity being performed in accordance with the operating rules specific to roadway workers, the following requirements apply to all movements that are controlled from other than the leading end:
1. All employees participating in the movement must be briefed before the movement commences by the employee who will direct the movement. The job briefing must include the distance to be traveled, the means of communi- cation to be used to direct the movement, each individual's responsibilities during the movement, and how point protection will be provided.
2. The employee directing the movement must promptly communicate signals and instructions necessary to safely control the movement. Hand signal, communicating signal or radio communication must be maintained with the Engineer. If signals from the crew member cannot be received by the Engineer, the movement must be stopped immediately.
3. The crew member stationed on the leading end must be prepared to operate the engine whistle or horn, if available, as well as the emergency brake valve, should conditions require. The train must not exceed 30 MPH.
4. The employee directing the movement must not engage in any task unrelated to the oversight of the movement.
5. Point protection shall be provided by a crewmember or other qualified employee by visually determining that:
(a) The portion of the track to be used is clear of obstructions and is unoccu- pied by rolling equipment, on-track maintenance-of-way equipment, and conflicting on-track movements;
(b) Switches and fixed derails are properly lined for the movement;
(c) The portion of the track to be used for the movement has sufficient room to contain the equipment.
(d) Public highway-rail grade crossings, private highway-rail grade crossings outside a yard, and yard access crossings are protected as follows:
(i) Crossing gates are in the fully lowered position, and are not known to be malfunctioning; or
(ii) A designated and qualified employee is stationed at the crossing and has the ability to communicate with trains; or
(iii) At highway and private crossings equipped only with flashing lights or X- bucks, when it is clearly seen that no traffic is approaching or stopped at the crossing and the leading end of the movement over the crossing does not exceed 15 MPH.
6. Movements approaching pedestrian crossings within passenger stations and others outside a yard must be prepared to stop and not pass over the pedestrian crossing until it is determined the crossing is clear of pedestrian traffic. Movement shall not exceed 15 MPH until the entire pedestrian crossing is occupied.
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