Held: February 13, 2003
Co-Chairman: B. Gardali
Members in Attendance:
Management: S. Bell, T. Marinier, B. Ritches
Union Reps: B. Gardali (UTU), P. Bede (BLE), A. Stewart (BMWE), J. Meloro (BMWE), K. Jones (BMWE)
Guests: Mike Franczak, General Manager, Field Operations
Meeting called to order 0835. Minutes of January 9, 2003 meeting read and adopted.
Field Ops – 4 hour meeting
- Gas Masks – distribution expected to be completed by Feb 21st.
E/S – Safety Plan roll out – complete in Golden. Revelstoke, Invermere, Fernie to be completed next week
B&B – rollout complete
Item 0103-04: P. Bede inquired re possibility of increasing speed restriction for new potash cars from 15 to 20 mph.
Action (0302) Elevated to Policy Committee. Stan Bell to contact S. Sabatini to determine Risk Assessment. T. Marinier indicated as far as E/S is concerned, there are no track issues. Issues are with Mechanical and Accident Prevention. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0111-02: P. Bede requested switch stands be identified with mileage or location.
Action (0302) Complete MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0201-04: R. Mellish requested light be installed at Chase (westend)
Action (0302) Contractors on site, installing 2 lights (switch & track) MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0204-03: P. Bede questioned re requirement of installation of sliding derails for setting off units at Rogers, Chase, Ducks and Moberly.
Action (0302) Rogers – hinged derail w/crowder to be installed #1 and #2 track (east end)
Moberly – hinged derail w/crowder to be installed.
Chase & Squilax – hinged derail w/crowder installation complete.
Ducks – hinged derail w/croweder – installation complete. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0207-04: K. Jones reported decals missing on signal masts at Stoney Creek West (and possibly other locations – Beavermouth?
Action (0302) S&C Supervisors S. Peters advises there is no rule or regulation governing these signs, however new decals have been ordered. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0211-05: Request from Locomotive Engineers to be supplied with headlamps.
Action (0302) Stan indicated he would like to follow up with some feedback from the lamps that are out on the property before considering issuing to Locomotive Engineers. Some concern with switching, having a clear understanding with regard to use of switch lamps, some employees are not carrying their switch lamps, durability and cost factors, etc. Waiting for feedback from L/E testing.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0212-01: W. Hayman inquired with regard to progress on mid train SBU’s for tailend remote coal trains.
Action (0302) Testing of coal trains scheduled for next week (Feb 24) MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0212-03: W. Hayman has concern with Pearson St. crossing where a motor home recently was caught on the crossing and the gate came down – can the traffic flow be re-aligned on Victoria road by installing a flashing stop sign (the same as MacKenzie Ave)? Or is there some other solution before an accident happens.
Action (0302) Advanced concern to City of Revelstoke. Stop sign re-installed north of crossing.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0301-03: A. Stewart reported a recent problem with the propane switch heater hose at Squilax (west).
Action (0302) B. Ritches reported hoses were checked. Al Stewart also inquired with regard to what regular maintenance/inspection schedule is in place? Brad with check with TMS Palasz.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0301-04: P. Bede reported the reflective tape on switch handles – back tracks Shuswap Sub is wearing.
Action(0302) E. Palasz will arrange replacement. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0301-05: P. Bede advised that due to the new Trainman Trainees that will be out training in the near future will result in crews utilizing the second unit. As a result, he requested carbon dioxide tester and/or leaving the lead unit on line.
Action (0302) S. Bell advised that Coaches will ensure that trainees are scheduled accordingly to avoid having to utilize the second unit. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0301-06: P. Bede reported problems encountered at Mile 34 Mtn. Sub.
(Kicking Horse bridge project). The washroom for construction workers is located too close to the track – request to relocate. ES Foreman on site is giving all clear to train crews but in actuality the track has not been clear on occasion.
Trespassers (ice climbers) are on right of way and are also tripping the slide fence.
Action (0302) T. Marinier advised the washroom has been relocated which alleviated the problem. ES Foreman is on site and is doing a great job. Trespassers should be reported to CP Police.
MOTION TO DELETE
2002 Employee Environmental Excellence Award – nomination due by February 21st.
Breathing Apparatus in North American Railway Tunnels – Phil Mason supplied Committee with correspondence regarding self-contained oxygen masks (SCO). (See B. Gardali or P. Bede for more info)
Derailment – Revelstoke Yard, January 18, 2003. (report attached)
Incident Cause Prev.Measures
| Safety vest caught inside unit, lost balance fell, sprained right ankle |
LTI FOPS |
Unit 9728 01/10/03 1930 |
Safety vest caught on radio handset |
New ‘form-fitting’ hi-vis safety vest on property soon. |
| Crossing over units, foot slipped, leg fell in between platforms, cut/bruises left shin |
MIR FOPS |
Field 01/10/14 0300 |
Lost footing on snow covered platforms |
Ensure firm footing, extra caution required for conditions. IRR |
| Derailment – 14 cars |
FRA E/S |
Rev East Yard 01/18/03 1925 |
Wide gauge due to tie condition |
Reported to proper entities, track repaired |
| Derailment – 1 car |
NON |
Rev Yard 01/20/03 1520 |
Ice build up on track |
Car rerailed. E/S forces removed buildup |
| Derailment – Unit 9571 |
NON FRA |
M.140.8 Mtn 02/01/03 |
Wide gauge due to tie Condition |
Rerailed – track repaired |
| Stepped off car, twisted ankle |
MIR FOPS |
Rev Yard 02/05/03 0500 |
Stepped down on snow covered frozen ground |
Ensure firm footing, extra caution required for conditions. IRR |
SHR 0112-07: Snow conditions while operating on heavy grades – suggest advanced clear to stop signals on all heavy grades.
Action (0302) New CTC system is scheduled over the next few years – Committee should advise of all requests for changing (in priority order) to S&C for consideration.
Mountain Sub – Signal 899M Ross Peak
- Signal 885M Intermediate Ross Peak
- Signal 955 Intermediate Illecillewaet
- Signal 1015 Downie
- Signal 745C Intermediate Griffith
P. Mason developing list for Shuswap. P. Bede will have for next meeting.
MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0202-06: Do we require local exhaust ventilation in B&B welding shop (for welding).
Action (0302) B. Tully to advise further. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0211-02: Backtrack crossover switch 89.3 Mtn – Ross Peak – tough to throw.
Action (0302) TMS Sadek to advise. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0212-03: MU cables laying around on the ground at Ducks, Chase and Squilax
Action (0302) TMS R. Miller / J Creighton to arrange to have a permanent rack installed. P. Bede to
follow up. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0212-04: Field Bunkhouse – phones ringing in wrong rooms.
Action (0302) S. Bell advises Real Estate have been notified to contact Telus and get them back in to
rectify the problem. Mike Franczak spoke to the Committee concerning various bunkhouse issues which will be resolved. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0301-02: St. L&H Unit 5560 roof is falling out and covering cab with insulation.
Action (0302) Unit was not reported by crew – has been tagged for repair. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0301-03: Inadequate seating in van - more than 2 people on bench seat results in back pain, also hazardous if involved in accident.
Action (0302) K. Sali advises the deadheading policy and allowable number of passengers that are legally permitted to be transported in an approved van is 10, provided seatbelts are available for all passengers and driver. Situation will be monitored on an ad hoc basis. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0302-01: RTC not utilizing best judgement for movement of trains on Mountain Subdivision in winter conditions between Rogers and Albert Canyon.
Action (0302) K. Sali advises concerns have been passed on to Asst.Manager RTC to review best practices with RTCs. If possible, look to do pass of train west of Albert Canyon when advised by crew of snow and rail conditions. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0302-02: Rogers Mileboard on the Connaught Track and milepost at Mile 70 on the MacDonald Track north side are both listing at 45 degrees
Action (0302) TMS Sadek advises repaired. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0302-03: Rail at Ducks located where conductor detrains creating tripping hazard.
Action (0302) TMS R. Miller advises this rail is for installation this spring – it will be cut and moved.
Hazards will be marked with a flag for identification. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0302-04: Tripping hazards on south side of track #3 Sicamous.
Action (0302) TMS R. Miller advises E/S forces are upgrading #3 track at Sicamous to 100# steel and removing the last bit of 85#. Complete Feb.12. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0302-05: Bulletin No.ISA029/03 – ashtrays on units – foul smell, residue bad for health. If unable to fill with garbage, smokers should remove residue and clean up before leaving cabs. That’s why non smokers fill them up.
Action (0302) Committee discussed – there is no clear solution. Crews should ensure they clean up after themselves. Bob will further discuss with employee. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0302-06: Locomotive units – radio volume control tone comes through handset – loud in ear.
Action (0302) New radio is schedule for production in June 2003 which while include ‘auto-adjust’ feature.
MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0302-07: Sicamous – track debris between #2 & #3 track.
Action (0302) TMS R. Miller advises E/S forces are upgrading #3 track at Sicamous to 100# steel and removing the last bit of 85#. Complete Feb.12. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0302-08: Bulk Systems Fuel truck exhaust stack pointing to the side which results in fumes blowing into the cab of a locomotive when fueling eastbounds.
Action (0302) Modifications have been made to the trucks (stacks shortened and turned so they face back towards the trailer). Also, instructions to the drivers when fuelling uptown, ensure they park the trucks back from the headend unit. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0302-09: Revelstoke Yard parking lot – walkway through gate to parking lot – snow build up.
Action (0302) ATMS B. Riches advises area has been cleared. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0302-10: Chase Yard – trip hazard – PVC pipe with cap south rail off siding Chase
Action (0302) A. Stewart advised he believes this is a S&C pipe. TMS R. Miller to advise.
MOTION TO CARRY
MacDonald Tunnel – Gas masks should all be distributed by February 21st. Cleaning has been completed, some lights replaced.
Emergency Evacuation Plan – K. Jones / P. Bede still working on it.
Item 0302-01: P. Bede questioned what procedures are in place when a one unit train fails enroute – send a BTMF truck out to get the crew?
Action: (0302) Sending a BTMF truck is a possibility – survival kit on the unit? S. Bell to advise.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0302-02: K. Jones reported to Committee status of “Hantavirus” problem. The virus is passed through airborne particles from deer-mice droppings which can be stirred up by the dust when walking.
In 2001 the mice were located in the refuge bays. Protective gear is provided and cleaning of the bays is done on a regular basis. Kent reported the mice have now relocated from the bays (where they are virtually sealed off) and have now relocated to the drains.
Action (0302) K. Jones to confer with J. Creighton for possible solutions. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0302-03: K. Jones advised the gate located at Bear Creek is damaged and presents a hazard because it cannot be closed properly and is hard to see in the dark.
Action (0302) Recommended B&B apply reflectorized tape and repair or replace gate as required.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0302-04: J. Meloro reported fumes in the Mechanic Shop when machines are running.
Action (0302) B. Tully to advise. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0302-05: J. Meloro requested E/S crews be trained in Avalanche Training. He reported there is a local training course provided.
Action (0302) T. Marinier and Committee agreed this would be valuable training. J. Meloro to investigate.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0302-06: B. Gardali requested to review Terms of Reference.
Action (0302) To review at next meeting. MOTION TO CARRY
Meeting adjourned 1110. Next meeting – 0830 – Thursday, March 13, 2003
L. Sali for
S.W. Bell/ B. Gardali
The Workplace Committee attended the derailment site of train 273 – 17 tonight in the Revelstoke yard. 15 cars were derailed in track # 4 as the train was yarding. Eleven loads and four empties were derailed . Among the loads were four tank cars containing jet fuel . The cars were derailed under the overpass on the eastern access . Track damage was substantial , approximately twenty car lengths . All of the derailed equipment remained upright and it was determined that none of the dangerous tank cars were leaking . The Revelstoke Fire department was notified and appraised of the situation . They decided that their presence was unnecessary It was discovered that the phone number for the Fire department was not correct as listed on the Yardmaster’s desk. Subsequently in discussion with Yardmasters Meade and Rabinowitz it was determined that many of the phone numbers on their desk were no longer correct. In the near future The Committee feels all of the phone numbers on the yardmaster’s desk should be updated, especially with regard to emergency numbers as the Yardmaster will in most cases be the first responder in accidents occurring in the Revelstoke Yard.
Preliminary indications attributed the cause of the derailment to wide gauge. A download of the 9599 – leading unit – was performed and suggested that neither speed nor train handling were a factor.
It was observed that the derailed cars were clear of number three track but several were foul of the lead and protection of same was provided. It was also noticed that the road adjacent to the lead was extremely slippery and arrangements were made to have this road well sanded before six o’clock Sunday morning when the Hook and Pettibone crane will be on the scene.
The headend and tailend cars of the train were doubled over to number two track and a somewhat shorter 273 proceeded westward to Kamloops. It was felt that the traincrews involved performed their duties in a professional, safe and efficient manner.