REVELSTOKE
WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE
MINUTES – June 12, 2003
Held: June 12, 2003, Revelstoke, B.C.
Co-Chairman: Bob Gardali
Members in Attendance:
Management: S. Bell, T. Marinier, B. Riches
Union Reps: B. Gardali (UTU), P. Bede (BLE), K. Jones (B&B)
Meeting called to order 0835. Minutes of May 8th meeting read and adopted.
Field Ops – Away From Home Meetings – to be scheduled
E/S – Rule classes completed.
Item 0103-04: P. Bede inquired re possibility of increasing speed restriction for new potash cars from 15 to 20 mph.
Action (0306)
The speed restriction was the result of numerous derailments associated with "harmonic roll" on
hopper cars in the late 90's which caused damages in excess of $1.5M. A combination of
cross-level variations, work truck components and an operating speed at which harmonic roll can
occur, specifically 20 mph, was determined to be the cause of the derailments. The permanent
speed restriction of 15 mph for westward unit bulk trains handling covered hoppers was
implemented in 1998, between mile 94.2 and 97.3 Mountain Sub. To-date there have been no
further incidents.
We further discussed and agreed that maintaining the 15 mph speed restriction did not represent
a safety concern, however, raising the speed could very well present a safety risk. For these
reasons, the committee agreed to delete the item. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0301-04: P. Bede reported the reflective tape on switch handles – back tracks Shuswap Sub is wearing.
Action (0306) Brad is waiting for supply of tape. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0302-04: J. Meloro reported fumes in the Mechanic Shop when machines are running.
Action (0306) B. Tully advised a Business Case should be made. B. Black indicated a thorough report was completed a few years ago – he will forward to Tim Marinier. Another option is Cranbrook has an exhaust system not currently being used there that Revelstoke could possibly obtain.
Tim is checking with Track Programs to check availability. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0304-01: Stan reported a request from the City of Revelstoke with concern from residents regarding dust from roadways when gangs are parked there. Request that employees park in the Victoria Road parking lot.
Action (0306) Brad reported the parking area has been oiled and should present no problems. Another option in the future is to apply re-used asphalt application (J. Meloro). Monitor
MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0304-02: J. Meloro reported concern from E/S crews when bulkhead lumber cars have scrap pieces sticking out and debris flying off because the car has not been cleaned up properly when unloading. Also, gondolas with scrap metal piled up so high pieces fall off, cables dragging, etc.
Action (0306) Committee discussed and recommended getting pictures of the cars for the purpose of tracing back to the customer for correction. Also, obtaining specific car numbers that will allow tracing and alerting crews to secure. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0304-04: K. Jones inquired about the E/S Hi-Vis Policy with regard to Welders. Welders should not wear bright colors (orange) when welding because of reflective concern causing overheating/burning.
Also, he questioned whether or not orange coveralls are adequate to wear during daylight hours.
Action (0306) B. Black will investigate. Correspondence received indicates the orange coveralls must have the reflective stripes. Future overalls purchased will have the stripes on them, but in the interim, vests will have to be worn over top of the coveralls.
Tim Marinier will follow up with regard to what is required for welders.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0305-01: Paul Bede inquired with regard to necessity of fall protection on units for crews when cleaning windows and checking for sand.
Action (0306) S. Bell to investigate with S. Sabatini and Rodney Campbell, Fall Protection for Equipment.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0305-02: P. Bede inquired about stretchers in deployed position – can’t get person on stretcher off unit.
Action (0305) S. Bell to investigate with Sergio Sabatini. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0305-03: Al Stewart reported welders are getting overworked – 55 hours a week – do we need more welders?
Action (0306) T. Marinier acknowledges the welders have been working overtime but stated that the problem is not the number of welders but rather, the root cause is a frog issue. The frogs are not lasting as long and investigation is being done with the supplier. The supply of frogs is not adequate and second hand frogs are no longer available. Tim indicated a system is being developed to forecast requirements of frogs for TMS’s which will ensure adequate supply and result in off track welding which will help reduce welder hours. Investigation is also being done to obtain a new grinder for Salmon Arm. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0305-04: J. Meloro reported Hi-Rail truck needs triangles, road flares and first aid kit.
Action (0306) S. Bell advised all vehicles are to take inventory to ensure requirements are met. Brad advised all ES vehicles are done. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0305-05: Requirement of a new yard plan (Revelstoke) with the abolishment of the Yardmaster position.
Action (0306) P. Bede/B. Gardali completed Risk Assessment and will review at 4 hour meetings.
MOTION TO DELETE
CORRESPONDENCE & BUSINESS ARISING
- B. Mackie – concern regarding radios on locomotives. Note: New radios on locomotives are scheduled to be out on the property – Stan will follow up.
- Letter from TS Secord, Canadian Legislative Director UTU - requesting status of some unresolved H&S issues. S. Bell will respond noting issues have been resolved.
INCIDENT REVIEW
Incident Type Location Cause Preventative Measures
| Closing door of unit, pinched finger in latch |
MIR FOPS |
Unit 9114 05.11.03 0200 |
Failure to keep clear of pinch point area |
IRR-discussed with employee to be more vigilant |
| Unit derailed |
NON FRA |
M.94.8 Shu 05.14.03 0440 |
Derail removed from incorrect track |
Informal investigation |
| Fell from ladder of coal car - shoulder/elbow |
MIR FRA |
Golden Yard 05.18.03 2250 |
Inattentive to surroundings |
H&S Committee to review procedures with employee |
| Derailment – 1 car |
NON FRA |
M.125.7 Shu 05.18.03 1720 |
Sticking brakes / slag build up |
Investigating |
| Opening keg of bolts, damaged lid, cut arm |
MTI E/S |
M.116.8 Shu 05.24.03 1115 |
Used extra effort opening damaged lid |
Track Programs to utilize different container/lid. |
| Detraining, twisted ankle on rock |
MIR FOPS |
Golden Yard 05.24.03 1700 |
Stepping on uneven ground |
IRR-discuss need to ensure firm footing |
| Skidded wheels on unit |
OTH FOPS |
Golden Yard 05.27.03 0600 |
Failure to release hand brake on unit |
Informal investigation |
| Slipped on damp rock, falling dislocated shoulder |
LTI E/S |
M.85.5 Mtn Sub 05.28.03 1045 |
Slippery surface, unsure footing |
Re-enactment indicated a better location for intended job, use of tap-hose. |
| Derailment – 1 car |
NON FRA |
M.15.3 Mtn 05.30.03 1445 |
Investigating |
Investigating |
SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS (Incomplete)
SHR0212-03: MU cables laying around on the ground at Ducks, Chase and Squilax
Action (0306) Chase has rack installed. Would like similar installation of racks at Greeley, Moblerly, Ducks and Squilax. Also include Stoney Creek and Rogers with start up of tunnel project. K. Jones advised brackets are ready for installation. P. Bede to followup. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0304-02: Smoking in locomotive cabs – instruct employees not to smoke in cab, remove ashtrays, install ‘no smoking’ decals.
Action (0306) S. Bell advises policies are well in place for employees not to smoke on units. M/S are removing some ashtrays and/or applying ‘no smoking’ decals in the units. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0304-06: West back track switch at Chase – a hazard sign is in front of the switch. The yellow hazard sign over-rides the green of the switch (eastward movement)
Action (0306) Sign has been moved. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0305-01: Mechanic Shop – Revelstoke. Improper lighting in container that stores small engine and hydraulic parts. High potential for slips & trips. Also ramp going into container.
Action (0306) Brad indicated there is some work started to install lighting. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0305-02: Mechanic Shop – Revelstoke. Hydraulic press table has manual lift – very heavy and high potential for back injury when being used with big items. Press wants to tip.
Action (0306) G. Meloro reported TP&E Supervisor approved purchase of the proper hydraulic press.
Progress with Dave Turner. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0305-03: Unit 9013 – poor seating resulting in sore back. Should not be used as leaders.
Action (0306) S. Bell to investigate status of modifications of seats for the 9000 series with C. Koutroumanos
MOTION TO CARRY
SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS (New)
SHR0305-04: Mile post 84 Shuswap Sub – cannot see account location and brush (Rule 42)
Action (0305) TMS R. Miller advised post has been relocated. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0306-01: Passenger train was set into Track #1 (June 11) instead of main, resulting in passengers crossing over tracks, creating a unsafe condition.
Action (0306) S. Bell to investigate. MOTION TO CARRY
REPORTS OF SUB-COMMITTEES
Connaught Tunnel – Haze Detectors / Fans
Tim reported S&C are implementing preliminary testing and monitoring of conditions of the tunnel. He indicated a good business case must be developed for justification of either improving existing equipment and/or installing a second fan when requesting funding for the project. He is hopeful that this project can be undertaken in 2004.
Emergency Evacuation Plan – Paul indicated this must be reviewed as the Yardmaster’s positions will be gone soon.
NEW BUSINESS:
Nil
Meeting adjourned 1100. Next meeting 0830 – July 10, 2003.
L. Sali
For B. Gardali/S. Bell