Held: October 10, 2002, Revelstoke, B.C.
Co-Chairman: Bob Gardali
Members in Attendance:
Management: B. Riches, D. Barrett
Union Reps: J. Wells (BMWE), P. Bede (BLE), B. Gardali (UTU)
Guests: Nil
Meeting called to order 0850. Minutes of September 12, 2002 meeting read and adopted.
Field Ops – Familiarization with new employees
E/S – Block Training – First Aid
Item 9912-02: J. Wells requested washer/dryers be provided for means to clean work clothes which have been contaminated. (Referred to Canada Labour Code COSH9.44(4)). Item elevated to ES System H&S Policy Committee.
Action (0210) Washers/dryers installed at Salmon Arm, Chase and Kamloops. Revelstoke and Golden remain outstanding. K. Jones to be contacted by B. Riches to determine if estimates are complete –
T. Marinier will review and approve as required for installation to go forward.
*Further correspondence received from Gord Pozzobon to Tim Marinier indicates this issue is again being reviewed across the system. The Committee was asked to review the contents of the correspondence and Tim will discuss further at the next meeting.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0103-04: P. Bede inquired re possibility of increasing speed restriction for new potash cars from 15 to 20 mph.
Action (0210) Elevated to Policy Committee. Stan Bell to contact S. Sabatini to determine Risk Assessment. T. Marinier to investigate E/S concerns. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0111-02: P. Bede requested switch stands be identified with mileage or location.
Action (0210) Locations identified where clarification is needed would be Ross Peak and Golden.
This would also have to be coordinated with the RTC office. Golden is complete.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0201-04: R. Mellish requested light be installed at Chase (westend)
Action (0207) Site identified for installation. T. Marinier to investigate with regard to any installation regulations or problems. 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 (0210) Holger advised committee according to SPC standards, a hinged derail is standard for locations where derailing speed would be under 9 mph; over 9-15 mph a hinged derail with crowder or sliding derail with crowder is standard. Committee discussed and recommended Rogers would be a preferable location for a sliding derail. Recommended testing of derail speed, which would assist in determining what would be required (ie over 15 mph a switch point derail)
Testing of derail speed at this location has been completed. Committee recommended to table pending further discussion with Tim Marinier. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0206-01: K. Jones expressed a concern with regard to slope assessment being done before employees are sent into an area of concern (eg Mi. 100 Mtn). He requested a policy be put into place.
Action (0210) T. Marinier advised Committee that TMS’s are to assess these situations during daylight hours by means of helicopter, etc to determine safety on a case by case basis. However, the employees do have the right to refuse as covered by the Canada Labour Code if they feel their safety is in jeopardy. He further stated that during night hours, where the site cannot be visually assessed, the area will be shut down for safety reasons. Holger will continue to monitor in respect to advice from Ministry of Transportation and Parks.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0207-02: J. Meloro reported cotton gloves currently supplied to E/S crews are not satisfactory – one size does not fit all – also poor quality for some areas of work.
Action (0210) Committee discussed and felt current practice in place is satisfactory. B. Riches advised gloves are supplied by Supply Services and they do have a supply for various jobs and weather. If there is an employee that requires a special size – they are supplied as required. Will carry to discuss with J. Meloro at next meeting. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0207-04: K. Jones reported decals missing on signal masts at Stoney Creek West (and possibly other locations – Beavermouth?
Action (0210) TMS Sadek / S&C Supervisor S Peters to advise. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0209-01: P. Bede inquired how long walkway on Bridge 9.5 Mountain will be out of service.
Action (0210) J. Creighton advised until mid November. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 020902: P. Bede reported of recent instances where crews are not getting off duty before their hours are
up – even though they have notified as required.
Action (0210) S. Bell to advise. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0209-03: B. Gardali expressed concern with regard to RTC contacting train crews when the crew was
operating on a Medium to Stop signal which can lead to distraction. Suggested the RTC first determine what signal indication the train is operating under before contact is made with regard to staying OK for trains, etc.
Action (0210) Report back from NMC indicates “if trains are following one another in close proximity to each other, suggest the actual signal indications displayed, vs routing, in the field are not so easily identified in the office. Also, crews in the field may have encountered restricting signals account track defects, etc without the RTC yet being aware.” If the crew is contacted at a time that they think is inappropriate to converse with the RTC, they simply should advise such is the case. MOTION TO DELETE
CORRESPONDENCE & BUSINESS ARISING
§ Correspondence received from Calgary Health & Safety Committee regarding 1) concerns with regard to respiratory protection / fit testing and tunnel procedures for tunnels and 2) emergency procedures for Field Bunkhouse. Paul Bede will respond to the Calgary H&S Committee.
§ Taxi Exception Report – Sept 29/02 – investigating with Mount 7 Taxi
INCIDENT REVIEW
Incident Location Cause Prev. Measures
| Uncontrolled movement of caboose / run thru switch |
CRV Fops |
Golden Yard 09/20/02 18:30 |
Failure to ensure equipment was secure |
Education with crew / safety meeting topic |
| Run Through Switch |
NON FRA |
Golden Yard 09/27/02 04:00 |
Failure to ensure switch lined for movement |
Investigation / education |
| Twisted right ankle walking on uneven ground |
MIR Fops |
M.56.5 Mtn 10/09/02 14:30 |
Uneven ground |
Employee reminded to ensure lookout for hazards |
| Run Through Switch |
MIR Fops |
M.140.5 Mtn 10/03/02 11:55 |
Failure to identify switch line for intended movement |
Informal investigation |
| Stiff unit window, jammed thumb, laceration |
LTI Fops |
Unit 9531 10/09/02 05:00 |
Side window became stuck jammed thumb btwn frame |
Unit reported for repair. |
SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS (Incomplete)
SHR 0112-07: Snow conditions while operating on heavy grades – suggest advanced clear to stop signals on all heavy grades.
Action (0210) 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: Requirement of proper intake exhaust system for welding shop fumes.
Action (0210) K. Jones advised B. Tully has been contacted, waiting for report. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0207-03: Bank assessment account recent slide activity at M.100.5 Mountain Sub.
Action (0210) Holger Jarche advises a detailed written report is forthcoming from the Geotechnical Dept. Chris Bunce, Senior Geotechnical Engineer, advises the slope is relatively stable as long as the weather is dry. During heavy rains and especially at night, working in this area is not recommended. It appears the long term solution is track relocation and the construction of a catchment area and slide fence. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0207-08: Hydraulic tools overheating on BTMF trucks.
Action (0210) B. Ritches advised manifold has been developed, tested and is now being retrofitted. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR 0207-11: Macdonald Tunnel east portal (both sides) – track material scattered in front of gas mask boxes and OPS sensors.
Action (0210) TMS S. Sadek advises material has been moved, however steel gang is in tunnel now but advises he will ensure they clean up. Motion to carry until tunnel project complete and site inspection done. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0209-01: Whistle post missing (westward) – Pierre’s Point crossing.
Action (0210) TMS R. Miller advised replaced. MOTION TO DELETE
SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS (New)
SHR0209-05: Signal at White obscured by brush.
Action (0210) TMS Plasz advises trees removed in front of Signal 1234S (09/19). Other signals 1233N & 1233S are on bridge structure, 1234N is clear. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0209-06: Decaying poles laying in water, creosote substances, danger to boats – Mile 45 Shuswap Sub
Action (0210) S&C Supvr A. Biggs advises before the SHR was reported, S&C were in the process of removing offending poles. Due to mechanical difficulties with some equipment and a manpower shortage, the project has been slowed down. The pole line issue will be completed as soon as possible. Monitor progress. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0209-07: Carlin Siding south side – weeds, thorn bushes, spike cans etc.
Action (0210) TMS R Miller advises area cleaned up. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0210-01: Ergo Switch Mile 35 Mtn – holes for lock tough to line up – handle sprang and hit RTE in head hard.
Action (0210) T. Bompas reported switch to TMS S. Sadek – there is no adjustment on the foot pedals or “dog” that hooks over the handle to allow the holes to line up, you have to manually align the holes. When doing so the employee should hold the handle while aligning the holes so the handle will not release. Site Inspection recommended. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0210-02: Eastward whistle posts Malakwa pulled out, laying in ballast.
Action (0210) TMS Palasz advises replaced. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0210-03: #3 track west end Field – small target on switch stand, when lined yellow it is difficult to tell if lined properly with the foliage behind.
Action (0210) TMS Sadek advises target has been changed. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0210-04: Taft Yard – bridge near west end – low bridge sides create close clearance for crews riding sides of cars when setting off or inspecting HBDs.
Action (0210) Site inspection recommended. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0210-05: Locomotive side windows without handle, very stiff movement.
Action (0210) S. Bell to investigate with Mechanical Services MOTION TO CARRY
SHR0210-06: R Taxi – lack of snow tires on vehicles.
Action (0210) R. Taxi has been contacted they indicated all vehicles are now equipped with snow tires.
(Taxi Exception Report should be completed for taxi concerns) MOTION TO DELETE
SHR0210-07: R Taxi – car #7 is a 1993 model year. Cars are to be no older than 5 years old.
Action (0210) S. Bell to advise. MOTION TO CARRY
REPORTS OF SUB-COMMITTESS
- Mount MacDonald Tunnel (Gas Masks) – ongoing
- Emergency Evacuation Plan – Paul Bede indicated on going
- Health & Wellness Fair – dates are Nov 27/28, in conjunction with 4-Hour Safety Meetings. Bob indicated he has been contacting various business, there has been positive feedback. Flu shots will be available for employees.
DISTRICT SAFETY ADVISORY REPORT n/a
NEW BUSINESS
Item 0210-01: B. Gardali inquired with regard to banned over-the-counter drugs – is there a list available for employees?
Action (0210) S. Bell to advise.
Meeting adjourned 1030. Next meeting 0830 – November 14, 2002
L. Sali for
S.W. Bell/ B. Gardali