REVELSTOKE SAFETY & HEALTH COMMITTEE MINUTES - June 21, 2000
Held: June 21, 2000 Co-Chairman: C. Becker Members in Attendance: Management: D. Barrett, D. Zatko Union Reps: B. Gardali(UTU), C. Becker(BLE), T. Volpatti(B&B), W. Patrauchuk (BMWE), J. Wells (BMWE) Guests: Nil. Meeting called to order 1320. Minutes of April 13th meeting read and adopted. SAFETY ACTION PLANS: Field Ops - Site Inspection completed on Mountain Sub. Yard Safety Meeting scheduled for July or August.. E/S - Block Training to commence this month and then everything is up to date. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Item 9901-06: W. Patrauchuk reported that BTMF trucks that have Johnson Boxes installed (reverses drive shafts) do not have back up alarms Action(0006) 2 trucks left to complete - 1 to repair. Committee to monitor. MOTION TO CARRY Item 9909-01: G. McCartney requested the S&H Committee for any assistance with the problem of improper vehicles supplied. Reported inadequate motors, seats, etc. Action(0006) B. Black elevated issue to System Safety & Health Committee. Al Pawson, Equipment Specialist, Vehicles & Tools will attend a S&H meeting to discuss this issue with Committee. MOTION TO CARRY Item 9909-02: P. Mason reported a problem with the Hot Box Detector Alarm System readouts. He indicated they could be shortened, eg when there are no defects, why does it repeat, take out the 'subdivision', etc. Various correspondence received from G. Mulally and Rules regarding recommended changes. Action(0006 D. Zatko to contact G. Mullally to see if a pilot project can be set up on the SA. MOTION TO CARRY Item 9912-02: J. Wells requested committees' recommendation for the company to provide washers/ dryers to allow employees to clean work clothes which have been contaminated. Jim cited the Canada Labour Code as basis for this requirement. Action(0006) B. Black indicated issue elevated to System S&H Committee. MOTION TO CARRY Item 9812-03: C. Becker requested Item 9812-03 be brought back to table - request to install light pole due to inadequate lighting from R/T parking lot to station, Revelstoke. Chris indicated he believes the lighting level in this are is not in compliance with COSH 6.6 Action(0006) Site to be inspected for installation of pole - C. Becker/E. Palasz/J. Creighton/S. Peters. MOTION TO CARRY Item 0005-02: Yard Switches - Golden Yard need numbers painted. Action(0006) D. Barrett to forward to D. Ryles for comment and action. MOTION TO CARRY Item 0005-03: D. Barrett reported concern with cables fraying on Stoney Creek bridge. Site Inspection Committee to inspect. J. Creighton to advise. Action(0006) T. Volpatto report that the walkways and railing are to be replaced on the Stoney Creek bridge in August. MOTION TO DELETE CORRESPONDENCE & BUSINESS ARISING: Nil. INCIDENT REVIEW |---------------------------------------------------------------| |Incident |Type |Location |Cause |Prev.Measures | |--------------------------------------------------------------| |Lifting crossing planks |MIR |M.125.7 Mtn Sub |Overexertion - lifting heavy object |Correct lifting procedures, ask | | |ES |00-05-30 1020 | |for assistance | |--------------------------------------------------------------| |Tightening bolt, racket slipped smashing hand |MIR |M.79.3 Mtn Sub |Tool slipped |Discuss with employee IRR | | |ES |00-05-31 | | | |--------------------------------------------------------------| |Moving tamper/stuck |MIR |M.9.2 Mtn Sub |Overexertion attempting to move |Discussed with employee proper procedures/assistance | | |ES |00-05-31 |tamper | | |---------------------------------------------------------------| |Using spike hammer, stumbled |MIR |M.80.1 Shu Sub |Stumbled using heavy machine, strain |Informal investigation | |putting weight on left side |ES |00-06-06 1050 |to groin - recurring injury | | |---------------------------------------------------------------| |Squealing from locomotive wheels hurt ears |MIR |Locomotive cab. |Some locomotives squeal more than others, manufacturer unable to fix. Hearing protection encouraged, | | |FOPS |00-05-11 0515 | | | |---------------------------------------------------------------| |vehicle contacted side of train |3rd party |M. 125. 3 Mtn Sub |not properly controlling vehicle |RCMP notified | | | |00-05-16 2135 | | | |--------------------------------------------------------------| |Car derailed |T/A |M.53.4 Shu Sub |Investigating |TBD | | | |00-05-18 1225 | | | |-------------------------------------------------------------| |Sicamous Station vandalized |3rd Party |M.45.0 Shu Sub |Windows smashed in by 3rd party |RCMP notified, screens | | | |00-05-27 | |being made to protect windows | |-------------------------------------------------------------| |Pulled muscles lining switch |MIR |M.142.09 Winderemere |Overexertion lining switch |Switch inspected/normal | | |FOPS |00-06-04 | |IRR | |-------------------------------------------------------------| |Head bumped on monitor screen |MIR |M94.0 Shu Sub |Monitor in walkways and too low. |Monitor moved and better place to be found to locate it. | | |FOPS |00-06-05 0520 | | | |-------------------------------------------------------------| |Exiting yard office, hand pinched in doorway |MIR |Yard Office - Field |Defective automatic door closer, |Door repaired | | |FOPS |00-06-11 1000 |causing door to slam shut | | |-------------------------------------------------------------| SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS (Incomplete): SHR0005-01: Sicamous West End - brush and pole line are blocking line of sight to Signal 457. TMS R. Miller and S&C Supervisor A. Biggs to advise. Action(0006) Committee members feel there is no real hazard at this location. MOTION TO DELETE SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS (New): SHR0006-01: Taft back track switch and derail switch stiff to throw. Action(0006) TMS Palasz reports switch and derail inspected and oiled. MOTION TO DELETE SHR0006-02: Mile 111.7 Shuswap Sub - tripping hazard, debris around set out spur south track Ducks. Action(0006) This area has been cleaned up several time by local ES personnel and TP&E personnel keep dumping old ties there on the walking area. D. Zatko to pursue with Barry Singer. MOTION TO CARRY SHR0006-03: Safety vests, while done up securely, caught on Engineer's door handle twice while going through units to tie on hand brakes. Action(0006) Transport Canada Safety has deemed the safety vests to be safe on and around moving equipment - employees still have to be cognizant of potential hazards that can catch on clothing. MOTION TO DELETE SHR0006-04: First Aid Kit on unit impossible to open - couldn't break seal. P. Miller and Field Safety Coordinator T. Bergstrom to investigate. Action(0006) New seals are being installed on the first aid kits. B. Gardali and C. Becker to monitor. MOTION TO DELETE SHR0006-05: Field Yard - old east watering stands - rebar sticking out of ground and bent at an angle around face level. Action(0006) TMS D. Ryles advises rebar has been cut and removed. MOTION TO DELETE SHR0006-06: Field Bunkhouse - cleaners have no access to pass key on night shift in case of fire or emergency to check rooms. Action(0006) Room cleaners to be issued pass key when working and L. Halloran to be contacted in case of emergency when room cleaners not on duty. MOTION TO DELETE SHR0006-07: Mouth to mouth resuscitators not in taxi first aid kits. Action(0006) Golden taxis now have them and Revelstoke taxi company is in the process of buying them. MOTION TO DELETE SHR0006-08(2): Field bunk house fire alarm back up batteries failed during a power failure. Action(0006) New batteries have been installed and the possibility of wiring the battery recharging system into the back generator is being investigated. That would ensure that the batteries are always in a fully charged state. MOTION TO CARRY REPORTS OF SUB-COMMITTEES: MacDonald Tunnel: Blue lights to be installed over all refuge bays. Macdonald Tunnel report attached. Mountain Sub Site Inspections complete and report attached. SERVICE AREA SAFETY & HEALTH REPORT: Terry Bergstrom suggested the Revelstoke Committee and the Calgary Committee get together and discuss common issues regarding tunnel smoke and associated environments. NEW BUSINESS: Item0006-01 Jim Wells is pleased to inform the committee that the old signal foundations around the country are being located and removed. This will prevent further incidents of track machinery contacting the foundations and injuring employees and damaging equipment. MOTION TO DELETE. Item0006-02: Revelstoke Yard Crew reports the weeds along lead tracks are getting long. Action(0006) E. Palasz to advise. Item0006-03: Shuswap Assignment crew report that Track 3 Sicamous Yard needs brush cutting at both ends. Action(0006) R Miller to advise. Meeting adjourned 1420. Next meeting to be held Wednesday July 12th, 2000 at 0830 in the Revelstoke Station. ( Meeting moved ahead 1 day account ES personnel are busy on Thursday July 13th.) L. Sali for D. Zatko/C. Becker Revelstoke Safety and Health Committee Site Inspection Mountain Subdivision Revelstoke to Field May 23 and 24, 2000. ===================================================================== The inspection was performed by hi-rail vehicle and primarily targeted the right-of-way May 23 Revelstoke to Fraine via Connaught Track and May 24 Fraine to Field. Members that participated were Locomotive Engineer Chris Becker, Conductor Bob Gardali, Road Manager Dave Barrett accompanied by BMWE Rep. Shane Grant on May 23rd and Brent Simpson. The Revelstoke Field Ops Safety and Health Committee members thank Shane Grant, Brent Simpson, Ed Palasz, Dave Ryles, and Ray Cave for their assistance in this venture. Also thanks to the Mountain Sub Rail Traffic Controllers who did an excellent job of accommodating the hi rail for the 2 days. The Subdivision showed a marked improvement from the previous inspection. In particular much less track material was on the right of way and the addition of fall protection at many locations greatly pleased the site inspection committee. There are more and more old used ties being piled up on the Subdivision and the committee is concerned about the removal and destruction of them. When are they to be removed and where are they going and how are they to be destroyed? This is of great interest as with this years program there will be an even larger accumulation of them. The Committee visited the Macdonald Tunnel Control building and had a long chat with Steve Peters about various issues and a separate report will be forthcoming from the Safety and Health Tunnel Subcommittee. ===================================================================== SAFETY & HEALTH SITE INSPECTION DETAIL REPORT Date: May 23 and 24, 2000. Location: Mountain Sub Inspection Made By: Field Ops Site Inspection Sub-Committee Class "A" - A condition or practice likely to cause permanent disability, loss of life or body part and extensive loss of structure, equipment or material. Class "B" - A condition or practice likely to cause serious injury/illness, resulting in temporary disability or property damage that is disruptive but less severe than Class "A". Class "C" - A condition or practice likely to cause minor nondisabling injury/illness and/or non disruptive damage. |---------------------------------------------------------------| |Item |Location |Remarks, Comments,Recommendations. | Action | Class | Done | | | | | By | | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01 |M119.7 |Greely back track, brush needs to be cut away from power line | EAP | C | Y | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02 |M109.5 |Lauretta X overs - junction box platform one corner broken and requires repairs | SJP | C | | | | | | | | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03 |M104.8 |Westward mile board Albert Canyon south side bent, twisted | EAP | C |sign ordered | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04 |M101.6 |Downie, old ties in close proximity to tracks | EAP | C |will remove with gang | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05 |M101.3 |Broken power poles need to be replaced or moved. | SJP | C | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 06 |M99.4 |East of bridge, no fall protection for steep bank on south side | JTC | B | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 07 |M98 |Water bottling plant west end, close clearance sign not in advance of the hazard | EAP | A |sign displayed as per Plan | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 08 |M98 |Junction box platform dilapidated and needs repairs | SJP | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 09 |M97.2 |Ladder on dwarf signal mangled and needs replacing | EAP/SJP | C | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10 |M96 |Laurie Sheds lights need replacing | JTC | C |rail 12 ft from track | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11 |M94.5 |Rail in close proximity to track | EAP | C | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12 |M94.5 |Bridge east end steep drop off and no protection | JTC | B | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13 |M93.5 |Bridge has no mileage indication painted on | EAP | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14 |M93.2 |Junction box no railing and platform needs repair | SJP | C | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15 |M89 |North track mile board and mile post mangled | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16 |M88 |Mile post rough shape | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17 |M87.4 |Bridge no fall protection | JTC | C | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18 |M86.6 |Signal ladder mast bent and no ladder on dwarf signal | SJP | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19 |Connaught |Walking alongside a train is | DR | C | | | |Tunnel |difficult and no flat area to walk | | | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20 |M76.2 |Stoney Creek bridge, railing and walkways south side in need of replacement and cable on north side frayed in spots | JTC | A | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21 |M73.5 |Connaught track bridge no fall | JTC | B | | | | |protection | | | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22 |M71.9 |Speed sign south side bent over | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23 |M71.2 |Dwarf signal no platform | SJP | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24 |M68.4 |Connaught track broken off speed sign impalement hazard | DR | B | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 25 |M67.5 |ES buildings south side of tracks, debris and track torpedoes need to be cleaned up | DR | B | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 26 |M68.2 |Tie piles north side need to be removed | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 27 |M67.7 |West end No. 2 back track no end of track sign | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 28 |M66.1 |South side ties and concrete debris near switch | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 29 |M64.8 |No fall protection that cover the ends of bridge abutments and there is a drop-off there | JTC | B | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 30 |M64.75 |No whistle post for eastward movement for public crossing mileage 64.5 | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 31 |M64.5 |Old crossing planks piled up near roadway | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 32 |M62.8 |west end of Beavermouth, old ties north side need to be removed | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 33 |M58.2 |North side adjacent to track old crossing timbers with spikes sticking up | DR | C | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 34 |M57.4 |crossing planks not even with ballast | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 35 |M56.6 |No 2 back track no End of Track sign east end | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 36 |M54.2 |North side no fall protection | DR | B | | | | | | | | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 37 |M54.1 |North side no fall protection | JTC | B | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 38 |M52.5 |West end south side of bridge | JTC | C | | | | |cable support broken off | | | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 39 |M52.2 |Cables sticking out of ground | RIC | C | | | | |south side | | | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 40 |M50.3 |Cables sticking out of ground north side | RIC | C | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 41 |M43.7 |North side north track cables sticking out of ground | RIC | C | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 42 |M37.4 |Need walkway between bridges for walking purposes | JTC | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 43 |M35 |No Station Name Sign for Golden | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 44 |M30.2 |Old take-off timbers laying with spikes protruding upwards | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 45 |M29.4 |South side, old wires on ground in walking area | RIC | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 46 |M27.8 |Back track Glenogle, debris piles need to be removed | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 47 |M23.4 |South side debris ties and switch heater parts need to be removed | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 48 |M23.2 |North side uneven footing | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 49 |M21.4 |Tunnel, old drain pipe need to be removed, tripping hazard | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 50 |M17.1 |Ties adjacent to track too close | DR | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 51 |M14.9 |Wire around signal mast | RIC | C | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 52 |M6.4 |Bridge needs protection extended at either end and both sides | JTC | B | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 53 |Glenogle |Numerous pieces of strapping need to be picked up | DR | C | | | |to Field | | | | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 54 |Hill to |Old poles and wires need to be taken down | RIC | C | | | |M30 | | | | | |---------------------------------------------------------------------| Revelstoke Safety and Health Committee Site Inspection Sub-Committee ======================================================================= Mount Macdonald Sub-Committee On January 12, 2000, train 837-955 West shortly after entering the Macdonald tunnel, experienced a total power outage. The train and crew were trapped at the mid-gate of the tunnel which was stuck in the down position. A combination of factors led to what could have been, at worst, a life endangering situation (IDHL environment). A little bit of history is in order. The Mt. Macdonald tunnel opened in 1988, since its inception the tunnel has been plagued by coal dust. On average any where from 5 to 8 coal trains a day proceed westward through the tunnel. Due to the tonnage of these trains (15,000 tons and more) average speeds never exceed 17 mph. Locomotives are always of necessity in throttle 8 and the resulting accumulations of diesel exhaust require the ventilation system which was designed specifically for the tunnel. It soon became apparent that the air flow of the vest system, in combination with coal traffic led to unexpected amounts of coal dust throughout the tunnel including the operating mechanism of the mid-tunnel gate (an integral component of the purge procedure). Such is the design of the tunnel that when a loss of power occurs, the gate at mid-tunnel raises automatically. In addition, there is a backup system powered by a diesel generator which is brought into use in event of power failure. These features were included in the tunnel specifically to prevent the situation which developed on the night of 00/01/12. The crew of the 9585 West was stuck at mid-tunnel for approximately 2-1/2 hours under conditions which were described by them as horrific. No ventilation, no radio communication and an inadequate supply of filters for the available respirators. It is quite likely the crew spent over an hour in an IDLH environment with non-functioning respirators, although this could not be determined subsequently. What was determined was the fact that the amounts of coal dust present in the tunnel had led to a total failure of all safety features and back-up systems. As a result of this failure, it became apparent that maintenance was not being performed on a regular schedule but was, in fact, being done on an adhoc basis despite recommendation in the original design. In conversation with Structures Supervisor John Creighton and S&C Supervisor Steve Peters, the recurring theme seemed to be NMC and no allowable track time for the performance of maintenance procedures. (As of 00/06/14 J. Creighton advises that allotments for track time have increased substantially but this must be an ongoing pattern). This is a welcomed improvement, still maintenance needs to be addressed on a preventative schedule, rather than a reactionary agenda. As a result of this incident, this sub-committee was formed. Our intent is to address all safety concerns with regard to the Macdonald tunnel and all the classes of workers in it, including MOW, B&B, S&C and R/T personnel. Sources of information in this report include two reports prepared by Chris Kane (Occupational Hygiene Specialist), the Mt. Macdonald simulated emergency report involving sampling of diesel exhaust at various locations and another simulating conditions encountered by MOW employees working in the tunnel. These reports are readily available to all H&S members an will not be reproduced here except for quotes where applicable. The main thrust of both reports was to test for exposure levels to 1) particulates of carbon 2) oxides of nitrogen 3) carbon monoxide. In his executive summary, 1st paragraph, Mr. Kane states, "there is potential for overexposure during emergency work involving train stoppages in tunnels". The report lists control measures which should be implemented to reduce these hazards to acceptable levels, including engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. The first, engineering controls include the ventilation system int he tunnel which demonstrated a capability for complete failure the night of Jan 12, 2000. The second, administrative controls, discusses work procedures, including throttling down or moving engines out of tunnel. The third, PPE, deals with the Drager Panorama full face respirator which is described as being the best solution in the short term. A quote from the Kane report states "the major problem with t he use of this respirator is that it is not NIOSH approved as required in the Canada Labour Code and cannot be used in IDLH environments". Further Kane states, "All employees who are required to wear respirators must be trained and fit tested according to the CPR Respiratory Protection Program". One of the main concerns of this committee is the effectiveness of the Drager Panorama. Specifically, what are its limitations. We know that it is not suitable for IDLH environments which, we believe, are presumable in cases of ventilation failure or in situations where ventilation is not available. Six years after the McManus report is the Drager still "the vest in the short term", can we still accept a respirator which has poor end of life indicators such as for carbon monoxide-odourless, colourless, tasteless. Further, in regard to respirators, is there a need for them to be even more readily accessible? Is it in fact desirable to have employees have respirators on their person at all times? Few, if any employees have been fitted or trained for the Drager respirator. This is a situation which needs to be rectified in the very short term. Another concern has to do with the testing done in the Macdonald tunnel, February 9, 2000. The purpose of this was to determine the effectiveness of the vent system during tunnel cleaning procedures. Specifically, "the elemental carbon sample for the suck truck was found to have attained levels 840 times the proposed threshold limit values. "It has been suggested that this figure is an anomaly, in fact we feel it would be proper to retest the suck truck; which we have led to believe will occur in the near future under the monitoring of this committee." In conclusion, we believe that while there are several issues which stand out in regard to safety in the Macdonald tunnel, we think we can truthfully states most of them originate in the wake of poor housekeeping. Unless a preventative schedule of maintenance is strictly adhered to, it is the opinion of this report that the events of Jan 12/00 are only waiting to reoccur. Mt Macdonald Sub-Committee
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