ERIE RAILROAD COMPANY SAFETY RULES

Erie Railroad Company

SAFETY RULES

Engine, Train and Yard Service Employes

Effective July 1, 1940

Form 5571 5M 3-42

This Book
is the property of
Erie Railroad Company
and loaned to

Name	Employed as






Who hereby agrees to return it to the proper officer when called for, or upon leaving the service.

Erie Railroad Company

..................................................19............

(Date)

................................................................

(Location)

Received copy of Safety Rules, Form 5571, effective July 1st, 1940.

I understand that I am required to have a thorough knowledge of and obey these rules

................................................................

(Name)

................................................................

(Occupation)

I N D E X
Subject	Page No.
Riding On and Getting Off and On Locomotives and Cars	3
Coupling and Uncoupling Locomotives and Cars. Handling Air Hose and Steam Hose	6
On and Around Locomotives and Tenders	8
Hand Brakes and Brake Clubs	13
Clearances and Obstructions	15
Blue Flag Protection	16
Giving Signals	16
Crossing Tracks	17
Torpedoes and Fusees	18
Handling Switches	18
Stations	18
Push Poles	20
Snow Melting Devices	20
Tools	20
General and Miscellaneous Rules	20

Erie Railroad Company

SAFETY RULES

Engine, Train and Yard Service Employes

The rules herein set forth govern all engine, train and yard service employes of the above named Railroad. They take effect July 1st, 1940, superseding all previous rules and instructions inconsistent therewith.

R. C. RANDALL,

D. J. MALEY,

General Managers.

Approved:

H. D. BARBER,

Vice President.

GENERAL NOTICE

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 willingness to obey the rules.

The Company does not wish or expect its employes to incur any risks whatever from which, by exercise of their own judgment, and by personal care, they can protect themselves, but enjoins them in all cases to do their duty in safety whether they may at the time be acting under orders of their superiors, or otherwise.

All employes are members of the Safety Organization, irrespective of the capacity in which employed, and it is their duty to caution fellow employes observed performing duties in an improper manner, and also to report to their immediate superiors any conditions or practices which should be corrected.

The prevention of avoidable injuries is largely a personal problem, and the measure of skill with which an employe performs his duties indicates his ability to do so with safety.

Engine Train and Yard Service Employes

RIDING ON AND GETTING OFF AND ON LOCOMOTIVES AND CARS

501. When necessary to climb over the gate of a drop end gondola car, or to ride inside of such a car, with the end gates up, assure yourself that the gate is securely latched. In event the gate cannot be properly latched, take such precautions as are necessary to prevent personal injury.

502. Being in the act of getting on or off moving locomotives or cars, at the time they couple to other equipment is prohibited.

503. Be alert, and prepared for following cars to couple on, when shifting.

504. Getting on or off moving trains, locomotives or cars, except when necessary in proper performance of duty, is prohibited.

505. Hanging on car door, with feet on truss rods, or hanging on hand holds with feet on trucks of moving car, is prohibited.

506. Jumping off end sills of locomotives or cars, swinging up or down between locomotives or cars, with a hand on each end sill, is prohibited.

507. Jumping from roof of closed car to open top car or tender of locomotive, or jumping from top of a locomotive tender or car in a moving train, to a locomotive or car on another track, or vice versa, is prohibited.

508. Riding on, or astride the raised end gate of a drop end gondola, or astride the end, or side of a hopper or gondola car, except when operating hand brakes or back up hose, is prohibited.

509. Standing or placing any part of the body between end of car of lumber, pipe or other lading which may shift, is prohibited.

510. Standing or sitting on side of roof of covered car, on side of hopper or gondola car, or standing on top of any car, near end, except when operating hand brakes or back-up hose, is prohibited.

511. Stepping from one car to another after cut has been made between them is prohibited.

512. When stepping from side ladder of car to brake step, step to end ladder first; have secure hand hold while so doing. Stepping directly from side ladder to brake step is prohibited.

513. Sitting or riding on running boards of tank cars, platforms of cabooses, bulk heads of locomotive tenders, sides of flat cars, or in side doors of box cars with feet projecting beyond side of equipment, is prohibited.

514. Standing or sitting on drawbar of locomotive, tender, or car, while in motion, is prohibited.

515. When getting on or off a moving car, the use of any part of a car truck as a step, is prohibited.

516. Using end gate of a gondola car for a hand hold, when car is loaded with freight which is liable to shift, while in motion, should be avoided whenever possible.

517. When boarding or alighting from the gangway of locomotive, face the locomotive and take a secure hand hold on both vertical handles. Be sure of footing on ground before releasing hold of handles.

518. Watch for unexpected movement of locomotives or cars due to slack running out or in, cars being on grade, misunderstanding in giving or observing signals, or for other reasons.

519. Watch to avoid being caught between locomotives, cars and fixed structures or cars on adjacent track.

520. While riding on engines or cars, operating coupler release lever on car or locomotive other than the one on which riding, is prohibited.

521. When getting off standing equipment, retain hand hold until foot is firmly placed, to avoid falling, slipping, tripping, or turning ankle.

522. When getting on or off moving equipment, avoid if possible, coal, boards, stones, rubbish, refuse, material, ties, rails, frogs, guard rails, switches, switch stands, ballast, holes, openings, bridges, culverts, trestles, etc., likely to result in falling, slipping, tripping or turning ankle.

523. When locomotives, cars or trains are entering or passing through yards, or other places, where it is known that they are likely to stop, have firm hand and foot holds to avoid injury from sudden starting, stopping, lurch or jerk.

524. When going up or down ladders on cars or tenders, keep feet turned slightly sideways, and place portion of balls of feet on ladder rungs. Keep body as close to ladder as possible.

525. When coming out of gangways of engines to steps, getting off top of tender to steps, getting off top of tender or car, equipped with vertical steps or ladders, or stepping from roof of car to brake board, face the equipment and place ball of foot firmly on step, ladder or brake board before placing weight on same.

526. Walking or sitting on sides of hopper or gondola cars, is prohibited.

527. So far as it is practicable to do so, employes will not get on or off a moving car, engine or train. At no time are passengers to be permitted to board or get off a moving train.

528. Employes must not ride on side of engines or cars while they are being moved over turntable or in or out of shop or roundhouse.

COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING LOCOMOTIVES AND CARS. HANDLING AIR HOSE AND STEAM HOSE.

529. When uncoupling air hose, both angle

cocks on brake line must be closed. In separating the hose, use one hand and have hold of grab handle with other hand. Break the connection gradually.

530. When opening angle cock on brake line of locomotives or cars, which are under air pressure, have firm hold on hose with one hand, to prevent it flying around, and open the angle cock gradually.

531. When necessary to go between standing cars, or between standing locomotives and cars, assure yourself that cars on grade are properly secured, that slack is adjusted. Give due notice to engineer and other members of crew. Have complete understanding with all members of crew before move is made.

532. When uncoupling steam line connections between locomotives and cars, or between cars, close valves on both sides of joint. Relieve pressure by bleeding traps on coupler heads, so equipped. On coupler heads not equipped with traps, relieve pressure by tapping on under side of head. Keep body clear of end of connection to avoid burns from hot water or steam that may have accumulated in low parts of connection.

533. When going between cars to couple or uncouple air, signal hose or steam connections, as well as coming out from between cars after performing such work, use care to avoid striking head or body on safety chains or other appliances.

534. Stepping in front of moving locomotive or car to adjust coupler, knuckle or locking device, or using foot or hand to adjust them for any position while in motion or when they are about to come together, is prohibited.

535. Use cut lever to uncouple. If lever is inoperative, have proper understanding and full protection before lifting knuckle lock pin by other means.

536. Using finger at bottom of coupler to adjust lock pin, is prohibited.

537. Watch to avoid being burned by steam or hot water when uncoupling steam hose.

ON AND AROUND LOCOMOTIVES AND TENDERS

538. When shaking grates of locomotive, apply shaking lever securely to post. Make sure deck of locomotive is free from foreign substance, which would tend to make it slippery. Place feet in firm position to maintain proper balance.

539. When opening, blow off cocks, starting air pump, operating injector, or water pump, opening cylinder cocks, or reversing the valve motion of a standing locomotive, assure yourself that any men who may be injured as a result of these operations, are notified of contemplated moves.

540. Keep safety chains in gangway, between locomotive and tender hooked up across gangway at all times while locomotive is in motion. Sitting on or leaning against these safety chains is prohibited.

541. Carry fire tools, on locomotives, in designated racks placed on tenders for this purpose. Do not permit them to extend beyond the outer line of locomotive or tender.

542. Employes handling squirt hose must see that other employes are properly protected. When wetting down decks of locomotives or coal in tenders, make certain that no one is in position where liable to be burned by steam or hot water, before opening valve. When operating squirt hose valve, have firm hold of hose and keep end pointed toward coal in tender. Do not permit squirt hose to hand along side of any grab handle of locomotive or tender, where it might be mistaken for grab handle.

543. Going on top of locomotive cab or boiler of moving locomotive is prohibited.

544. When riding, or operating locomotive, keep body, feet and legs clear of reverse lever.

545. Keep body braced and clear of reverse lever of locomotives, before unlatching, or attempting to move it.

546. When taking water on locomotive tender cistern should not be filled to overflowing.

Close valve and drain spout of water crane before removing from manhole of tender cistern, replace manhole cover. Care must be exercised by employes when using hooks to push or pull spouts of water cranes into position, to avoid falls or sprains. When through taking water on locomotives, the water spout must be left facing the direction of traffic, when possible, that is, if a water crane is located on the westward track, the spout should face west.

547. Loading coal on tender of locomotive when a train is passing on adjacent track is prohibited.

548. When operating injector or water pump of locomotive, assure yourself that squirt hose valve is properly closed, before starting the operation.

549. Blowing engines, priming injectors, or operating water pumps, while passing track laborers, crossing streets, on highway bridges, near side walks, or passing stations, is prohibited.

550. Place coal boards and fire tools on locomotives in a position where they will not fall from locomotive or tender, nor project beyond the side of same.

551. Replace and secure in a position clear of tracks, apparatus used in taking coal and/or sand.

552. Riding on footboard of locomotive between locomotive or tender and car, is prohibited.

553. Riding leading footboard of locomotive, tender, tractor or pilot step of locomotive is prohibited.

554. Keep coal removed from aprons and gangways of locomotives and tenders, thereby eliminating liability of slipping, tripping or falling on same.

555. Standing or riding in the gangway of a moving locomotive between the end of cab and tender cistern when passing through turnouts or on sharp curves is prohibited.

556. Assure yourself that coal on locomotive tenders is properly trimmed to prevent its falling off.

557. When closing throttle of locomotive, assure yourself that blower is on, or fire door and peep holes on engines so equipped are closed to prevent possibility of burn from back draft.

558. Locomotive bell must be rung when an engine is about to move, when running through yards, through tunnels, and when approaching and passing highway grade crossings, when approaching or passing stations and when passing a standing train on an adjacent track.

559. Tightening lubricator or water glass packing nuts or any valve, steam pipe or other appliance entering boiler on locomotives when under steam pressure, is prohibited.

560. When taking coal or water take a position where there is no danger of being struck by apron of coal chute, spout of water plug, or sand spout in case of unexpected movement of locomotive.

561. Watch to avoid slipping, tripping, falling or other accident while--

A--Using fire tools, wrenches, chisels, reverse levers, or stokers.

B--Operating grate, ash pan, reverse levers, or stokers.

C--Operating water spouts, coal chutes, or sand spouts.

D--Handling squirt hose.

E--Going over coal pile.

F--Going out on engine to open sand traps.

G--Filling air pump oil cups.

562. When using fire tools have hand in position on tool where it will not be caught between tool and other objects or parts of engine. Have feet firmly placed to prevent slipping or over-balancing.

563. When stoker is operating, keep hands, feet and other parts of the body away from stoker and conveyor. Making repairs to these parts unless steam is shut off of stoker and operating valve placed in neutral position is

prohibited. Clean grooves of tender slide plates before attempting to move them. Using set, chisel, handle of wrench or any foreign object under pawl shifter of Duplex Stoker to hold elevators in neutral position is prohibited.

564. When operating ash pans, step clear of locomotive before straightening up, to avoid striking head against parts of engine.

565. Watch to avoid injury from coal which may be piled too high on tender or likely to fall off.

HAND BRAKES AND BRAKE CLUBS

566. When operating hand brakes, observe closely the condition of brake platform, pawl, ratchet, and brake wheel. Always use pawl against ratchet. Holding the stress of applied hand brakes by sheer strength is prohibited. Caution must be exercised when releasing brakes by hand on cars on which brakes have been set by air.

567. Test hand brakes on cars, the movement of which is to be controlled by hand brakes before cars are cut off. After testing hand brakes, do not unwind all slack.

568. When using brake club, assure yourself it is in firm position in brake wheel before putting heavy stress on club. Stress on brake club should be toward the car.

569. Kicking a brake shoe, while car is in motion, is prohibited.

570. The use of brake club for any purpose other than in applying hand brake is prohibited.

571. When applying stress to brake wheel, either with or without use of brake club, stress should be toward car rather than away from it.

572. Use of non-standard brake clubs, or the use of standard brake clubs that have been cut down, or are badly worn, is prohibited.

573. Using anything on an adjacent car for foot rest, when applying or releasing brakes, is prohibited.

574. When applying hand brakes, put pressure on club or wheel steadily and never with a jerk, especially when going from light to heavy pressure.

575. Watch to avoid injury from--

A--Brake club slipping in wheel.

B--Brake wheel flying around.

C--Slipping and falling, sprain or strain from losing hold, footing and balance.

D--Strain or sprain while applying hand brakes.

CLEARANCES AND OBSTRUCTIONS

576. When necessary to lean beyond the line of locomotive or car, look in both directions to insure you are clear of trains, locomotives, or cars on adjacent track; structures or obstructions alongside of tracks.

577. When getting off moving locomotives, car or trains, look in both directions and assure yourself you are clear of trains, locomotives, or cars on adjacent tracks, structures or obstructions alongside of tracks; also that the ground is free from obstructions over which you might trip and fall.

578. Keep a safe distance from passing trains, locomotives or cars, to avoid being struck by falling objects or projections on equipment.

579. Leaving drawbars, couplers, or other obstructions where persons may stumble over them is prohibited. Place them at safe clearance.

580. When placing stepping box on car platform, care must be exercised not to place it in aisle where passengers or others passing from one car to the other may trip over it.

581. Keep paths and walkways free from any obstruction over which a person might trip or fall.

582. Watch to avoid coming in contact with structures alongside of tracks or cars on adjacent track. (Bridges, buildings, coal chutes and aprons, fences, cattle guards, mail cranes, platforms, poles, stock chutes or pens, switch standards, lamps, targets, dwarf signals, tunnels or stand pipes, etc.)

BLUE FLAG PROTECTION

583. When necessary to go under locomotives or cars, or between locomotives or cars to make inspection or repairs, arrange for proper protection (See Operating Department Rule 26).

584. Going under locomotives or cars, except when necessary in the performance of duty, is prohibited. When such action is necessary, assure yourself proper protection has been provided.

585. Going between standing locomotives or cars, before giving proper notice to some employe in a position to prevent, or give warning that such locomotives or cars should not be moved, is prohibited.

GIVING SIGNALS

586. When acting on or relaying a signal to move a train or locomotive, be sure for what movement or train the signal is intended.

587. After giving stop signal, do not step on track in front of train or locomotive, or between locomotive and cars before movement of train, locomotive or cars has been stopped.

588. Giving a signal to move locomotives or cars, while a person is between or under them, is prohibited.

589. When hand signals are being given in making switching movements, enginemen shall immediately stop locomotive if employe giving signals disappears from view.

590. When handling wreckers, work trains, etc., be particular that signals are unmistakably and clearly given. Engineers will sound warning signals before acting on such signals so as to avoid possibility of injury to men who may be loading or unloading materials, etc., or who are working in or about cars.

CROSSING TRACKS

591. Crossing tracks closely in front of moving trains, locomotives or cars, is prohibited.

592. When crossing railroad tracks, keep at least ten (10) feet away from standing trains, locomotives, or cars.

593. When necessary to cross tracks, look in both directions and assure yourself that the way is clear before crossing.

TORPEDOES AND FUSEES

594. Torpedoes must not be placed at stations or on or near public highway crossings.

595. Using fusees and torpedoes for purposes other than those proscribed by rules, is prohibited. The use of fusees in giving signals under adverse weather conditions is permitted.

596. When lighting fusees, hold end to be lighted downward and far enough away to prevent burns, or fire dropping on hand, feet or clothing.

HANDLING SWITCHES

597. When handling switches, watch to avoid injury from--

A--Lever flying up.

B--Ball falling on foot or hand.

C--Hand being caught in latch.

D--Slipping, tripping or failing.

E--Being caught between locomotive or car and switch lever or stand.

F--Being struck by locomotive or car.

G--Sprain or strain.

STATIONS

598. Keep freight, baggage, mail, express, tools, trucks, transfer plates, gang planks, skids or other material a safe distance from edge of platforms or tracks.

599. See that transfer plates, gang planks, and skids are securely placed before using. Watch to avoid injury from--

A--Being cut by sharp edge of iron, pipe, wire, nails, etc.

B--Gang planks, transfer plates or skids falling on hands or feet.

C--Freight, baggage or material falling on hands or feet.

D--Freight, baggage or material sluing, shifting or falling from trucks.

E--Freight, baggage or material falling from piles.

F--Stepping or falling between platforms and cars.

G--Slipping an or tripping over gang planks and transfer plates.

H--Slipping, tripping, or falling while handling and trucking freight, baggage, mail, etc.

I--Opening and closing car doors.

J--Hoisting or lowering freight or other material.

K--Splinters or nails in hands or feet.

600. Use of defective tools, transfer plates, gang planks, or skids, is prohibited.

601. After trucks are loaded or unloaded, they must immediately be removed to safe clearance from side of train. Leaving trucks on station platforms not securely blocked or not secured by Safety Chains and truck handles not secured in proper position is prohibited.

PUSH POLES

602. When placing pole between locomotive and car, or between cars, do not stand ahead of the pole. Standing close to pole or rope when poling or roping cars is prohibited.

603. Use of non-standard push pole, is prohibited.

SNOW MELTING DEVICES

604. When operating snow melting devices on locomotives, employes will keep sufficient distance away to avoid injury account steam or hot water.

TOOLS

605. Inspect tools and appliances. Do not use them when defective. If practicable, put them in safe condition, reporting facts to proper authority.

GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS RULES

606. Sitting on rails in track or sitting on edge of station platforms adjacent to tracks is prohibited.

607. Stepping on, or walking on, rails is prohibited.

608. Stepping or jumping across ash or other pits, is prohibited.

609. Scuffling, playing jokes on fellow employes or others by air pressure, by electric shocks, or other appliances, either on or off duty, while on company property, is prohibited.

610. Throwing ashes, clinkers, garbage, bottles, refuse or other material from moving trains, locomotives, or cars, is prohibited.

611. Use authorized paths only, when going to and from work.

612. When necessary to remove broken or dangling wires or to remove objects from third rail or overhead wires, use rubber gloves, dry sticks or other non-conductors of electricity.

613. Watch to avoid slipping, tripping, falling or turning ankle. (Coal, boards, stones, rubbish, ties, rails, frogs, guard rails, switches, switch stands, holes, openings, etc.)

614. Warn employes repairing or cleaning switches before operating.

615. While stepping from between locomotives and cars or from between cars avoid being struck by equipment in motion on adjacent track.

616. Walk against current of traffic and keep a sharp lookout in both directions for approaching trains. Walk alongside of tracks instead of on the ties when duties permit.

617. Wearing ear coverings which interfere with the hearing while on or about track, is prohibited.

618. Watch to avoid falling from or through bridges, trestles, or culverts.

619. Walking or being on the railroad, except when required in performance of duty, is prohibited.

620. Slight cuts or abrasions, etc., are to be given attention at earliest possible moment to avoid risk of infection.

621. Door stops in baggage and express cars are not to be tied up and thus made inoperative.

622. Gates on rear of passenger trains, as well as on ends of occupied passenger equipment being handled in switching movement, must be kept closed.

623. When equipment is being handled by rope, chain, or cable, take every precaution to avoid flying parts in case of breakage.

624. In freezing weather or during sleet storms and other adverse weather conditions, special care must be exercised to avoid injury from slipping, tripping or falling.

625. Wearing of loose or flowing clothing which might become caught on cars and cause falling or being dragged, while on or cutting cars, is prohibited.

626. When switching or crossing tracks during night hours (or stormy weather) watch particularly for standing or moving flat cars or low side gondolas which may be obscured by shadows.

All HTML Files and Photographs by Jon Liles

Erie Railroad Company

SAFETY RULES

Engine, Train and Yard Service Employes

This Book

Erie Railroad Company

Erie Railroad Company

Erie Railroad Company

SAFETY RULES

Engine, Train and Yard Service Employes