Don Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> While listening on the scanner to UP dispatcher 66
> in Klamath Falls, Ore. I frequently hear the
> Dispatcher tell the train crews there is "no track
> breach in effect" when arriving or leaving K-Falls
> yard. Does anyone know what that means?

it's a method for employees to establish a safety zone for themselves when they're walking or working in a close clearance situation next to a main track or controlled siding. Because it's late and I'm not going to sit up re-typing it all, I'm going to try cutting-and-pasting this, so it may not transfer over exactly right. Do your best to decypher it.

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TRACK BREACH PROTECTION

Track Breach Protection (TBP) is required on main track or controlled siding when occupying
the area between:

�� A main track and an adjacent track.

or

�� A controlled siding and an adjacent track.

Exceptions:

This process does not apply under the following conditions:
�� Employee is covered by Rule 5.13 (Blue Flag) or Roadway Worker Protection.
�� Employee is crossing track(s) at a 90�� angle.
�� Employee's equipment occupies or prevents entry into the adjacent track.
�� Employee's train has TWC authority in non-signaled territory on the adjacent track.
�� Employee's train has authority to move in either direction on the adjacent track except
in yard limits.
�� When the train dispatcher informs the employee the adjacent track(s) is out of service.
or
�� Employee occupying area adjacent to a foreign railroad's main track unless timetable
instructions require protection.

Note: When employees are working on a track protected by Rule 5.13 (Blue Flag) or Roadway
Worker Protection, TBP is not required on the adjacent track(s).

Track Breach Protection Process:
For an employee to establish TBP the following applies:

Step 1 - Establishing
Main Track & Controlled Siding (outside Yard Limits or Restricted Limits):
Contact train dispatcher or EIC and provide the following information:
�� Train/Job ID, including name of employee establishing TBP.
�� Limits, which must be defined by control points or whole mileposts.
�� Track(s) to be protected.
Train Dispatcher or EIC must repeat back the information and employee establishing TBP must
confirm by stating "That is correct".

Within Yard Limits and Restricted Limits
Employee will establish Protection as designated in timetable.
Train Dispatcher or EIC Notification:
Contact train dispatcher or EIC and provide the following information:
�� Train/Job ID, including name of employee establishing TBP.
�� Limits, which must be defined by Yard Limits, Restricted Limits and/or mileposts.
�� Track(s) to be protected.

Employee Established Over the Radio
Announce over the designated radio channel Track Breach Protection has been
established (specifying limits with necessary detail using the following format):
Train/Job ID, Employee Name___, I am establishing "Track Breach Protection":
�� at Location____
�� between MP ____ and MP ___.
or
�� on Track____.

Step 2 - Recording
TBP will be recorded in the employee's Job Briefing Book or on the prescribed form to include
the following information:
�� Date and time.
�� Limits, including track(s).
�� Name of employee(s) working with the employee establishing TBP. When crews are
working together within TBP limits, all employees working within the limits must be
listed on the TBP log.
�� Time released.

In Effect

Track Breach Protection Requirements:
�� Before entering TBP limits or designated Yard Limits/Restricted Limits, movements must
attempt to contact the employee that established the TBP for instructions. Trains must
make 3 attempts (on the designated radio channel) to contact employee in the area. If
response is not received, train may enter area looking out for employees working in the
area. When cars are on the adjacent track, crew must continue to attempt to contact
employee while passing through limits.
�� TBP is not in effect until the designated supervisor has been notified or designated
employee announces the establishment of TBP over the radio or the train dispatcher
confirms information has been relayed to approaching train(s).
�� Employee receiving confirmation from the train dispatcher must repeat back the
information and the train dispatcher will state "That is correct".
�� Before granting permission for a train to enter TBP limits, employee must first notify all
employees listed on the TBP log of the approaching train. However, crews
may work together when necessary to complete work such as exchanging power etc.
�� TBP cannot be transferred from one employee to another employee.
�� TBP may not be released until it is known that all employees listed on the TBP log are
clear of the protected track.
�� TBP remains in effect until released by the employee who established TBP, the
employee is no longer on duty or employee's hours of service limit has expired.

Initiating Movement

Prior to initiating movement on main track or controlled siding, crew must attempt to ascertain
whether track breach protection is in effect using the following methods:
�� Crew must contact designated supervisor.
or
�� Make 3 attempts (on the designated radio channel) to contact crew(s) working in the
area to determine if track breach protection is in effect. If response is not received, train
may initiate movement, looking out for employees working in the area.
Exceptions: If train is initiating movement on or to the main track or controlled siding at a
controlled signal displaying a proceed indication or when crew has received information that
TBP is not in effect from prior crew, it is not required to ascertain whether TBP is in effect.

Terms:

Adjacent Track
Parallel tracks that are not separated by a single lane roadway or similar distance are
considered adjacent tracks.
Note: This definition only applies when determining if Track Breach Protection is
required.

Breach
To enter area between two adjacent tracks.
Track Breach Protection (TBP) - Protection provided to restrict or prevent
movements on adjacent track(s) while an employee is in the area between adjacent
track(s). Rule 5.13 or 81.5.4 must be complied with when required.