PTC Safety Training

[Audio] PTC Safety Training. PTC Safety Training.

[Audio] Course Objectives Provide a basic overview of Positive Train Control (PTC) and how it works Introduce safety concepts related to working in various railroad environments Proprietary and Confidential. Copyright © 2020 Herzog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved..

[Audio] Agenda PTC Introduction Fundamentals of PTC How does PTC work Personal Safety for PTC Employees Work Environments General Railroad Tracks – Yards – Equipment – Electricity – Locomotives Working with RF Equipment.

[Audio] Positive Train Control (PTC) Introduction.

[Audio] Positive Train Control (PTC) Photo by Los Angeles Daily News PTC is safety overlay and is considered an element of railroad operational safety The US Rail Safety Improvement Act (RSIA) passed by Congress in 2008 required that certain railroads be equipped with PTC The RSIA was in response to the Metrolink Chatsworth incident where a Metrolink commuter train collided head on with a Union Pacific freight train. 25 people were killed, with 102 more injured. The cause of the accident was determined to be locomotive engineer distraction due to cell phone use..

[Audio] Fundamentals of PTC RAILROADS IMPACTED Who needs PTC? All Class 1 railroads (Amtrak, BNSF, CN, CP, CSX, UP, KCS, NS) Intercity or commuter railroads Other railroads that meet certain criteria When is PTC required? Starting Jan 1, 2019 all major railroad had implemented PTC Few provisions remain for operating without PTC.

[Audio] FUNCTIONAL DESIGN PTC is designed to prevent the following types of incidents: Train-to-train collisions Overspeed derailments Incursions into track where a train does not hold authority, including work zones Movement through a misaligned switch PTC is not designed to prevent: Grade crossing collisions Accidents due to misaligned track Accidents due to obstructions or damaged structures.

[Audio] INTEROPERABILITY Per the RSIA, PTC is required to seamlessly support “Tenant” locomotives operating on “Host” railroad territories. Many standards were developed as related to common hardware platforms, messaging types, and communications networks..

[Audio] TECHNICAL SEGMENTS Onboard Segment – Systems associated with locomotive functionality. Wayside Segment – Systems associated with wayside signal functionality. Communications Segment – Systems associated with the communications infrastructure, including cellular, Wi-Fi, and 220 MHz radio subsystems. Office Segment – Systems associated with Back Office functionality, including servers, switches, storage, and PTC specific software..

[Audio] How Does PTC Work? Four Segments: Onboard Wayside Back Office Communications.

[Audio] On-board Segment The On-board segment continuously computes safe braking distances based on train consist, track database, speed, current brake/traction status, and location information. Train position is accurately calculated using GPS and wheel tachometer systems. Combined, this provides braking protection against overspeed and track authority incursion scenarios. The engineer is provided with a graphical display of speed and authority limits to avoid PTC penalty braking actions..

[Audio] Wayside Segment The wayside segment of PTC generates critical wayside aspect and switch position status messages based on real-time conditions detected at each wayside location. The primary component responsible for this functionality is the Wayside Interface Unit (WIU) which generates the PTC specific messages and delivers them to the Communications Segment for proper routing to the Locomotive Segment, Back Office Segment, or both..

[Audio] Back Office Segment (BOS) The Back Office segment typically consists of several sub-systems and serves as the central repository for PTC actions. The PTC Back Office segment allows for train dispatchers to deliver vital safety information to the PTC Onboard Segment programmatically, avoiding costly human errors. From a technical perspective, the Back Office segment is comprised of: Infrastructure: A myriad of servers, network switches, and storage devices. Software: Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Back Office Services (BOS), Interoperable Train Control Messaging (ITCM), Wayside Status Relay Service (WSRS), Systems Management Gateway (SMG), and Key Exchange Services (KES). Databases: CAD, BOS, and SubDiv (railroad specific “subdivision files”).

[Audio] Communications Segment The communications segment provides the means for locomotive, wayside, and back office segments to exchange all data needed for PTC. It consists of: A specialized 220 MHz radio infrastructure A dedicated Wi-Fi network used for certain aspects of PTC functionality Cellular circuits used for various operational and maintenance type functions.

[Audio] Personal Safety for PTC Employees. Personal Safety for PTC Employees.

[Audio] Safety As an employee tasked with certain PTC responsibilities, you may be required to work in a variety of railroad environments. These environments can vary from standard office surroundings, to locomotives, to mainline track and rail yards, to wayside bungalows and communications enclosures. The purpose of this Safety training is to introduce you to the Safety considerations associated with the various environments. Additional Safety Training may be required outside of this training module. REMEMBER, SAFETY IS PRIORITY #1. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR..

[Audio] Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Policy.

[Audio] PPE Policy On railroad property, PPE is required at all times Be prepared before heading to the property with a minimum of: Work boots with defined heel, hardened toe, and puncture resistant Reflective safety vest (orange color) ANSI-approved Hardhat Ear plugs ANSI-approved Safety glasses Identification Always comply with HTI and local PPE policies Follow Covid-19 CDC guidelines – www.cdc.gov/COVID19.

[Audio] Electronic Device Policy Electronic Device – Anything other than a stand alone watch, railroad supplied radio or other Railroad Authorized Device Refer to the Railroad policy for Electronic Devices permitted It is against the law to use a cell phone within twenty-five feet of a railroad track When using a cell phone further than twenty-five feet from tracks, anchor yourself or sit down to avoid walking in circles or wandering.

[Audio] Standard Job Briefing Form Job brief with HTI manager, supervisor, or Employee In Charge (EIC). Changing Conditions If the original conditions that the initial job briefing stated have changed in any way a new job briefing will be required All employees must be out of the foul to receive any additional job briefings If an employee who received the original job briefing departs the work site and then returns that person must contact the RWIC/Flagman to determine if anything has changed.

[Audio] Standard Job Briefing Form (1 of 2) Before starting any work! A job briefing or pre-task analysis (see next slide) or some other form of pre-work briefing must be completed & documented. This is an example of the Job Briefing form that you will participate in while working for Herzog..

[Audio] Standard Job Briefing Form (2 of 2) Example of an HCC Job Briefing form that you will participate in if working at a construction property You may encounter many different types of job briefing forms (site specific) but the content will always cover the same important topics regardless of the location or site specific requirements REMEMBER…YOU must participate in some form of job briefing before starting work!.

[Audio] Employee In Charge (EIC) Employee In Charge - A qualified employee who is assigned the duty of being responsible for the protection and direction of his/her self and/or co-workers in any Construction or Engineering work activity. THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE! Employee in Charge, MUST: Make sure a full job briefing and sign-in takes place Ensure everyone in the work group is wearing PPE Verify Roadway Worker has RWP Decal and ID Card Make sure everyone in the work group fully understands On-track Safety being provided Carry Right to Challenge forms Assess roadway workers for fitness for duty Employee In Charge = Flagman.

[Audio] Fall Protection Fall protection is required anytime an employee is working 4 feet or higher from a lower level surface. Common fall hazards include: Surface that may collapse Raised edges that may cause trips Gaps that employee can fall into Exposed edges on a roof, platform, or walking surface Hierarchy of fall protection: Eliminate or substitute the hazard Passive fall protection, a physical barrier placed around unprotected edges Fall restraint systems used to restrict the worker’s range of movement Fall arrest systems used to stop a fall within acceptable forces and clearance margins Administrative controls, a practice that increases a worker’s awareness of a fall hazard.

[Audio] PTC Work Environments. PTC Work Environments.

[Audio] PTC Work Environments The following slides outline Safety considerations for the various PTC work environments. Again, the purpose of this Safety training is to introduce you to the Safety considerations associated with the various environments. Additional Safety Training may be required outside of this training module. REMEMBER, SAFETY IS PRIORITY #1. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR..

[Audio] Environment: General Railroad General instructions when working around any railroad track: PPE is always required. Do not approach any track without permission from the Employee in Charge (EIC). Being closer than 25’ to the nearest rail is considered “fouling” the track and requires some type of protection. Be aware of, and adhere to, local Electronic Device rules. When using radios or referring to paperwork, step away from the tracks, stop walking, and stand still until you are finished..

[Audio] RR Term: “Fouling a Track” If your work group is here This would be the nearest running rail This would be the nearest running rail If your work group is here Roadway workers must have a flagman present if work is done inside the 25 ft. zone. Outside of the 25 ft. zone, protection for work will be designated by appropriate Site-Specific Work Plan..

[Audio] Environment: General Railroad General instructions when working around any railroad track: Listen for the sound of approaching locomotives or rail cars, as well as audible signals, such as bells or whistles. Trains typically use such signaling devices before moving, but do not assume that such warnings will be sounded. Be aware that the train is significantly wider than the track’s width. Always face moving trains as they pass..

[Audio] On Track Safety What if I just want to walk across the tracks and not perform work? At a location of a public crossing you may as long as you: Expect movement on any track, in any direction and at any time Foul the tracks only when it is safe to do so Move directly and promptly to a position clear of the track and… Do not step on the top of the rail. Step over each rail when walking. The top of the rail is normally a highly polished surface that could have a small amount of oil on it. This could lead to slips, trips, and falls. There is nothing soft to land on near the railroad tracks. Do not carry anything that restricts motion, impairs sight, hearing or prevents rapid movement away form an approaching train or on track equipment on the track being fouled. When working in yard limits become familiar with the track layout and needed blue flag protection..

[Audio] Environment: General Railroad General instructions when working around any railroad track: Whenever you are walking, always face in the direction in which you are proceeding, looking out for possible tripping hazards. Never sit, walk or stand on the rails, ties, switch gear, guardrails or other parts of the track or structure. Be aware that tracks can move. Do not operate switches or other railroad equipment. Take extra precautions if rain, snow or ice is present. Snow may conceal trip hazards. Avoid walking or working under icicles. Walkways, platforms, steps, etc., should be clear of ice and snow..

[Audio] RR Term: “Hot Rail” “Hot Rail” = Train is Coming It is a universal term on railroads nationwide to tell co-workers that a train is approaching. The nonverbal signal to others is to tap the top of your hardhat with your palm in an up and down motion..

[Audio] Environment: General Railroad EMERGENCY SITUATIONS If the RWIC / Flagman is unable to use the radio, you can stop trains using a railroad radio. Begin emergency transmissions with the words: “EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY!” Then go right into what you need the trains to do. BE DETAILED! If no response, keep calling as long as it is safe to do so..

[Audio] EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Signs used to stop a train: Official stop hand signal – “washout” with hand swung at right angle to tracks Anyone (especially those wearing PPE) waving anything violently towards the train. ANYTHING red waved or placed in the middle of a track..

[Audio] Environment: RR Tracks DO NOT APPROACH TRACK WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE EMPLOYEE IN CHARGE (EIC) Two classifications for RR tracks Main Tracks – Dispatcher controlled Other Tracks – Not Dispatcher controlled The types of protection required before being able to work around these tracks varies. Perform a job briefing with the EIC before approaching any track..

[Audio] Adjacent Tracks Two or more tracks with track centers spaced less than 25 feet apart An EIC must give permission before work can be down within the 25 ft. “foul” zone 25 ft. 25 ft..

[Audio] Environment: Rail Yard DO NOT APPROACH TRACK WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE EMPLOYEE IN CHARGE (EIC) Be aware that a rail yard track protection is different from protections used on “Main” or “Other” tracks Always follow the instructions of the designated railroad representative and any written work or safety rules..

[Audio] Environment: Rail Yard PROTECTION TYPE: BLUE FLAG PROTECTION Blue flag protection is a mechanical department policy/ procedure that ensures the train equipment that you are working on will not move and is protected from other trains moving onto the track that your train is on. Always check in with mechanical department to sign in and tag up before starting work onboard and when finished. Become familiar and comply with Blue Flag policies for the property you will be working on. Blue flag protection is required by law before working on, under or in between train equipment. Monetary penalties can be incurred for your company as well as individuals for noncompliance. Proprietary and Confidential. Copyright © 2020 Herzog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved..

[Audio] Environment: Rail Yard Remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Locomotives, railroad cars and other equipment may move without warning on any track, in any direction, at any time. Never assume a train will be traveling in a particular or “normal” direction on any track. If working around electrified train equipment, be aware of any “third rails” or overhead lines present in the area. A third rail is an electrified line that presents an immediate life-threatening hazard. Never approach, step on or touch an energized third rail..

[Audio] Environment: RR Equipment RR Equipment is defined as any machine capable of traversing RR tracks. This includes locomotives, passenger cars, hi-rail trucks, and other maintenance equipment. Ensure you have the proper track protection methods established prior to commencing work. Remain alert for the unexpected movement of equipment. Do not stand in front of or behind equipment unless your job duties require you to do so. Observe the condition of equipment before using it. Look for sharp edges or other potential hazards including loose, bent or missing stirrups, ladder rungs and brake platforms..

[Audio] Face equipment as you ascend or descend equipment. Always maintain “3-points-of-contact” at all times. Look for obstructions before ascending or descending. Dismount or mount equipment only when it is stopped, unless authorized by the designated railroad representative. Do not climb on top of a piece of equipment before job briefing with your supervisor and/or EIC. If this is required to perform your job function, ensure fall protection is included in the job briefing. When moving from one side to the other of a stopped train, you may safely cross in front of the first locomotive or behind the final car. Crossing mid-train may only be done on locomotives or rail cars that are equipped with handrails and end platforms. Never cross the tracks between or under cars, unless authorized..

[Audio] Do not move from one rail car to another rail car while the train is in motion, unless authorized by the designated railroad representative. Cross between passenger cars by holding on to railings and grab bars. Remain aware of walking surface conditions. Blue Flag Rules are special rules to inhibit train movement. These rules protect personnel working on a car, train or track. Anyone can request a “Blue Flag” to be set by the designated railroad representative. Once the blue flag is set, the train cannot move for any reason until the blue flag is removed..

[Audio] Environment: RR & Electricity Transit systems and trains are commonly powered by electricity. The most common methods of electric power come in the form of electrified “third rails” or overhead catenary lines. Up to 14,000 volts may be present in these systems. Never touch these systems. Always assume these systems are energized. A safe clearance distance as determined by the EIC must be maintained when working in the vicinity of these systems..

[Audio] A safe clearance distance as determined by the designated railroad representative must be maintained when working in the vicinity of an electric third rail. If it is absolutely necessary to work within the established safe distance to the third rail and the possibility exists that personnel or equipment may contact the rail, appropriate measures as determined by the designated railroad representative must be implemented to eliminate the electrical hazard. Appropriate measures may include methods such as, de-energizing, locking-out, and grounding the third rail; covering the third rail with rubber mats approved by the rail system operator; etc. All third rail protective measures should be performed by approved railroad personnel..

[Audio] Environment: Locomotive When working onboard a train on electrical circuits, always make sure circuits are de-energized and cannot be energized without your knowledge. Job-Brief with mechanical employees to have circuits locked out when possible. Always pay close attention to warning labels and decals, they can save your life. Voltages on train equipment systems vary from 72 VDC to 1,600 VDC and 480 VAC to 2,000 VAC. Proprietary and Confidential. Copyright © 2020 Herzog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved..

[Audio] Working With RF Equipment Be aware that a transmitter may operate automatically at any time when functioning as a data radio. People outside of the vehicle must maintain the recommended minimum lateral distance from the antennas at all times. It is the responsibility of the vehicle’s operator to keep bystanders beyond the minimum lateral distance from the antennas in order to comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency (RF) exposure limits for an uncontrolled/general population environment..

[Audio] Verify that people outside the vehicle are at least the recommended minimum lateral distance away, as shown in the table below, from a properly installed externally-mounted antenna. Radio Type Antenna Type Antenna Gain (dBi) Nominal Peak Envelope Power (PEP) (watts) Maximum Duty Cycle Recommended Minimum Lateral Distance from Transmitting Antenna cm. in. Wayside ¼-wave dipole mounted to roof or trunk of automobile 2.15 30 10% 31.6 12.4 Wayside ½-wave dipole mounted to roof or trunk of automobile 4.55 28.77 10% 40.4 15.9 Locomotive Locomotive antenna 0 dBd mounted to roof of locomotive 2.15 50 30% 70 27.6 Rated power and recommended lateral distance from transmitting antennas in mobile applications.

[Audio] The transmitter power is adjustable to accommodate the various installations of this product. Once the authorized Effective Radiated Power (ERP), antenna gain and the losses from feed line, connectors and any inline RF filters are known, the transmitter power must be evaluated and if necessary, set to a value that will ensure that the authorized ERP and RF exposure requirements are met. Refer to the user manual for the particular radio model for additional information regarding power adjustment..

[Audio] THANK YOU!. THANK YOU!. 49. Proprietary and Confidential. Copyright © 2020 Herzog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved..