[speeders] Re:Seat Belts and rules and all that stuff!

[Ffurm303@aol.com]

Well said Larry! The railroad rule books that I operated under on our 
railroad were full of rules that were put into effect over a long period of 
time. They were constantly added to, refined and changed as the need  became 
apparent to do so for safety reasons. This not only applies to the railroads 
that I worked for( three different roads)  but all railroad rule books and 
they are not all exactly the same and don't have to be. Different railroads 
have different situations, physical characteristics and operating procedures 
to fit their particular needs. So they do need different rules to cover this. 
One thing they all have in common is the very first rule in every rule book 
I've ever read or been tested on. That being the following or something 
similar to it:
  "Safety is of the first importance in the discharge of duty. Obedience to 
the Rules is essential to Safety. To enter or remain in the service is an 
assurance of the willingness to obey the Rules. In case of doubt or 
uncertainty, the safe course must be followed. The service demands the 
faithful, intelligent and courteous discharge of duty."
    Most of the rules in a rule book are in there because of an accident that 
happened at some time or another that either caused property damage, physical 
injury, death or all any combination of the three.
    One of the last rules that we were made to comply with before I retired 
at the end of 2001 was "Three Step Protection". This rule meant that before a 
conductor or brakeman could go between two pieces of equipment, one of which 
was connected to a locomotive, for ANY reason whether it be connecting air 
hoses, straightening or lining up drawbars, opening knuckles  (something a 
trainman should not have to do if the cut lever is operating properly) or 
crossing over to the other side of a train, he is obligated to request the 
engineer to apply three step protection...No. 1 Center the reverser, No. 2 
Apply the independent or engine brakes and No. 3 Turn the generator field 
switch to the off position.The engineer has to confirm this has been done and 
then the task can be accomplished. After completion, the groundman has to 
request the "Three Step Protection" be lifted or taken off before moving the 
train or railroad car or cars. This was one big pain in the butt but it was 
put into the rule book because too many trainmen were getting injured or 
killed while going in between cars. It was done to not only protect the 
trainmen but also to protect the railroad regarding the liability issue. They 
must make an effort to prevent accidents or they can be held at fault. So 
they are covering their hind ends and I have no issue with that. If I did, I 
had the option of exiting my job.
      I know a lot of folks say "It's just our hobby and we are not 
railroaders and we are not getting paid to be railroaders, etc., etc., etc." 
The fact is we are operating on railroads and are expected to do everything 
we can to operate safely. If putting seat belts in my car will enable me to 
continue in the hobby, I love running my motor car  far more than I hate 
having seat belts forced on me. In fact, I have had seat belts in my car for 
quite a few years of my own accord and yes, they did save me from getting 
injured in a minor derailment several years ago. I always felt they should 
not be mandated until now. In view of the accidents that have happened this 
year involving people being ejected from cars, I don't have an issue if they 
do make it mandatory. The NARCOA BOD is not just trying to make life 
miserable for everyone and they are not just jumping into this without 
studying it. That's why they are going to look everything over regarding the 
subject all next year and then proceed as necessary to protect us all. In the 
meantime, some railroads as you know, have already stipulated their 
insistance on having seat belts in order to have the privilege to operate. 
Enough said...maybe too much even! Sorry for being so drawn out. 
                                              See ya down the track I hope,
                                                                              
          Fred Furminger