SP5103 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> I would bet there is a railroad rule somewhere
> requiring each switch to be inspected to determine
> it is in safe condition without any obstructions
> before trying to throw it, making it the
> employee's fault. Remember - "ALL injuries and
> accidents are preventable" aka employees must get
> the work done without getting hurt because then it
> must be their fault for not working safely.

Here's how to operate a switch on the Union Pacific:

---

Union Pacific Safety Rukes

82.0: HANDLING SWITCHES AND DERAILS
�� 82.1: Switches and Derails - Authority
�� 82.2: Operating Switch by Hand
�� 82.3: Switch Operation
�� 82.4: Defective Switches
�� 82.5: Spiked Switches
�� 82.6: Operating High/Low-Stand Switch
�� 82.7: Operating Lever-Action Switches
�� 82.8: Switch Point Locks
�� 82.9: Spring Switch
�� 82.10: Power Switch
�� 82.11: Switch Heaters
82.1: Switches and Derails - Authority
Unauthorized persons must not unlock or handle switches or derails.
^Top
82.2: Operating Switch by Hand
When switch is to be operated by hand, equipment must not pass the following limits:
Trailing Point movement:
�� Stop movement not less than 50 feet from switch points to prevent tension being placed
on switch points and switch handle.
Facing Point movement:
�� Stop movement a sufficient distance from switch points to prevent binding of switch
points.
Facing point movement is moving into the switch points or making movement from the switch
points into the body of the switch. Trailing point movement is moving through the switch in
the opposite direction.
^Top
82.3: Switch Operation
Switches have different physical operating characteristics. Be familiar with the procedures for
properly lining each type of switch. Always remember that the ease with which a switch
operates will change depending on weather, temperature, maintenance, and other operating
conditions.
Before operating a switch or derail:
1. Look in both directions and be alert for moving equipment on adjacent tracks.
2. Before lining the switch, visually inspect it, and make sure it is not damaged, locked,
tagged or spiked and that points are not obstructed by ballast, ice, snow, or other
material which may interfere with the normal movement of switch points.
3. If necessary to remove foreign material between the switch point and stock rail, use a
broom, stick or similar object. Do not use your hand or foot for this purpose. If the
switch is spiked, do not attempt to operate it.
4. Always take a firm stance and be alert for conditions which may cause loss of footing.
5. While handling a switch or derail, keep hands and feet clear to avoid being caught or
struck by the switch lever handle or ball.
Note: See Rule 8.2, Position of Switches.
^Top
82.4: Defective Switches
When any switch is found hard to operate, defective, or in need of maintenance, do the
following:
�� Take the switch out of service.
�� Report the switch to the proper authority, including its exact location and problem.
�� Tag the defective switch with a warning tag describing the defect.
The switch must remain out of service until an inspection and repairs can be completed.
^Top
82.5: Spiked Switches
Apply a "Switch Out of Service" tag to any inoperable switch or switch requiring maintenance.
Spike switch when necessary.
CAUTION: Do not rely solely on tags for identifying spiked switches. Report the
switches to a supervisor or train dispatcher.
^Top
82.6: Operating High/Low-Stand Switch
Do not use your feet to operate this type of switch or secure the handle.
CAUTION: The switch handle may be under compression and may swing around
when released from the keeper slot.
When operating a high/low stand switch:
1. Lift up on the switch handle, keeping the body clear of handle movement.
2. Pull the handle slowly through its arc of travel. Expect that the switch may suddenly
operate in either an easy or stiff manner. Always keep firmly braced and do not exert
unnecessary force.
3. Do not jerk the handle and avoid placing the body in a twisted or awkward position.
Reposition feet as necessary to maintain good body mechanics. Use leg muscles instead
of back muscles.
4. When switch is in the desired position, fully insert the handle into the keeper slot.
5. Once the handle is down, secure it with a lock or hook, when available.
Use either the two-hand or the mast-support method to lift the lever handle out of the base.
Two-Hand Method
When using the two-hand method:
1. Stand facing the switch stand and place both hands near the end of the handle.
2. Lift up the switch handle, keeping your back as straight as possible and your
legs slightly bent.
Mast-Support Method
When using the mast-support method:
1. Place one hand on the mast and the other hand on the end of the handle.
2. Stand parallel to the handle and slowly pull the handle through the line of travel.
3. After completing the move, stand as close to the handle as possible, leaving room for
the handle to clear the body, and push the handle down.
^Top
82.7: Operating Lever-Action Switches
When operating a lever-action switch:
1. Take a firm stance and be alert for conditions that might cause loss of footing.
2. Stand parallel to handle movement, with your stance centered over the lever arm
handle. If the switch is equipped with a foot latch, keep your foot on the latch until you
move the lever toward the one-half position.
3. Hand or other object must not be used to release latch. The switch lever may be under
compression and could fly up when released from the latch or keeper.
4. Stand as close as possible to the lever arm, placing one hand on your knee or on top of
the switch staff for support.
5. Place your other hand on the handle and lift up slowly and smoothly.
6. Once the lever has traveled at least to the straight up position, reposition your feet and
hands so that lever movement may be completed with a pushing motion.
7. On switches where movement is completed in close proximity to the ground, it is
permissible to use one foot to complete the last 6 inches of movement, provided that
good balance is maintained. Place one foot near the end of the lever and step down
until the lever arm is latched.
CAUTION: Avoid using your feet to push the lever arm down during wet, ice, or
snow conditions, or if oil, grease, or other such contaminants are present
^Top
82.8: Switch Point Locks
Switch point locks are installed on certain main track switches at the base of the rail and
locked with a switch lock. Switches equipped with this device are identified by:
�� A sign on the switch stand, or
�� The switch handle or bottom portion of stand painted yellow.
1. To disengage the device, remove the lock and depress the foot pedal with your foot.
This must be done before attempting to throw the switch. Do not use your hands to
depress the foot pedal.
2. To reengage the device, snap the switch point lock into locking position by returning the
switch to the normal position. Inspect to assure the locking position before putting your
hands near the switch point lock or replacing the padlock. If the switch point lock fails
to snap into locking position, reopen the switch and repeat the process.
3. If defects exist:
􀀀m Do not attempt to pull the pedal by hand or other means.
􀀀m Contact the train dispatcher and report the switch point lock defective. Attach an
out-of-service or warning tag to the switch.
^Top
82.9: Spring Switch
Do not manually operate a spring switch when springs are compressed by the wheels, except
in an emergency. In an emergency, keep clear of the handle when it is released.
^Top
82.10: Power Switch
Take precautions to avoid injury when working on power-operated, remote or automatic
control, or interlocking switches, derails, or movable point frogs.
�� Keep hands and feet clear of connections.
�� Do not place hands or feet between switch point and stock rail without first isolating the
switch against remote operation.
^Top
82.11: Switch Heaters
Avoid contact with switch heaters or switch rails when heaters are operating.
^Top
Updated: 4/28/2010