Issued by Union Pacific Railroad

Table of Contents

1. Next Assignment ...
2. 2-Way EOT Failure ...
3. Locomotive Unattended ...
4. Prescription Drug Use...

Next Assignment

The week of September 1-7, 2003 in the St. Louis Service Unit an Engineer was running a train with an engine in the consist that was pass due for a periodic inspection. These are yearly inspections that are done by the mechanical people. He had no knowledge about the inspection being due, but local management officials were waiting on him to arrive at this destination to see if the engine was on line and operating. Luckily the engine was dead but he was informed by a Director of Road Operations that and exception would have been taken had that engine been operating and discipline assessed. We found out that the way to check this is on the "BU" for the train. If you have a "PI(PD)" symbol in the "Next Assignment"" column as shown below, shut the engine down and do not use it.

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2-Way EOT Failure

An engineer while working in the St. Louis Hub area operated a train from Salem, IL to Dexter, MO. The train was an auto train with a length of approximately 7500 feet and the lead engine was equipped with an integrated computer screen that shows the end on train information on it. During the trip the "FR NOCOM" light indication came and went as they almost always do in the hills and curves with a train this size. A few days after the trip the engineer was notified that he was in violation of the rules as he should have reduced speed to 30MPOH immediately when the "FR NOCOM" light came on and was removed from service pending investigation.

It is the perception of many working engineers that you have sixteen minutes after the "FR NOCOM" light illuminates before you have to reduce speed. Such is not the case. We have been told that when the "FR NOCOM" light illuminates the system has already been without communication for the sixteen minutes. The delay is built into the system!

NOTE: The download was done by one of the new trackside readers and reviewed by a tape reader in Omaha. The tape reader then contacted local management to assess discipline.

Since the engineer continued to operate the train at 50MPH he is considered 20MPH over the prescribed speed and thus a FRA decertification is called for and his license is suspended under FRA regulations. The rule is stated here.

30.10.3 Failure of 2-Way EOT or Equivalent Device

A. 2-way EOT failure will be indicated by any of the following conditions

displayed by the head-end unit (HEU):   "DEAD BAT"  "FR NOCOM"  "VALVE FAIL"  "EMERG DISABLED"  "NOT ARMED"

B. Equivalent device failure will be indicated by:

Loss of radio communication exceeding 16 min. 30 sec. between the controlling locomotive and occupied caboose or manned helper, such that a request for emergency braking cannot be communicated to the caboose or helper. Loss of radio communication exceeding 16 min. 30 sec., such that an emergency brake command cannot be sent by the leading Distributed Power consist or received by the DP locomotive(s) in rear third of train.

C. When EOT or equivalent device fails as indicated above, take the following

action:

1. Failure must be reported immediately to the train dispatcher.

2. Train must not exceed 30 MPH until the ability of the device to initiate an emergency brake application from the rear third of the train is restored.

3. When failure occurs just prior to passing the crest of a grade listed in Chart 1, or while on the grade; if the train is under control, stop at the next siding or crossover where trains may pass, otherwise stop immediately. The train must remain stopped until the ability of the device to initiate an emergency brake application is restored or functioning equivalent device is added.

4. In all cases when operating on grades listed in Chart 1, if train speed reaches 5 MPH above the authorized speed, the person occupying the caboose or the helper crew must stop the train immediately using an emergency brake application.

Don't let faulty equipment stop your paycheck. If the box blinks, give the UP the 30MPH per the rule.

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Locomotive Unattended

After the recent roll outs in California the general directive to all UP Officers is to test for properly secured equipment.  If you are leaving any equipment unattended for any length of time conduct a proper job briefing and don’t leave anything left to be assumed.  Be sure to tie it down tight!

31.1.2 Locomotive Unattended
When possible, place locomotives that will be left unattended on a track protected by a derail.

The following instructions apply at all locations other than designated locomotive servicing and repair tracks (at designated locomotive servicing and repair areas, secure locomotives as instructed by local supervisors or local instructions, but not less than 1 hand brake):

On the lead locomotive consist, apply all hand brakes, on all units equipped, to hold the locomotives. Verify that hand brakes hold the locomotives by releasing automatic and independent air brakes; then reapply the independent brakes after verification. On units equipped with underslung brake cylinders (attached to brake levers between the wheels versus mounted on the truck), the brake cylinder must be cut out using the brake cylinder cutout cock, the hand brake fully tightened, and the brake cylinder cut back in. If necessary, place a wooden blocking or other appropriate blocking device under the front and back of one pair of wheels. Make sure the equipment is positioned as follows:

1. Throttle is in IDLE.                  

2. Reverse lever is in NEUTRAL and the handle is removed.

3. Generator field switch is OFF. 

4. Independent brake is cut in and fully applied.

5. Isolation switch is in the ISOLATION position on all units in the consist.

6. Engines are shut down if required

7. Electrical cable is properly stowed, or the disconnected end is placed into a dummy receptacle or multi-unit cable holder.

8. Windows are closed and latched.

9. Securement Checklist is completed, signed, and placed in the locomotive inspection report card holder, unless otherwise instructed.

10. Automatic brakes are applied with a 20 psi brake pipe reduction.

11. Locomotive cab doors are closed.

Restricted speed continues to be an equally important topic. Remember that just running less than 20 MPH does not mean you are in compliance with the rule, you must be able to stop within one half the range of vision.  Around curves and hills or in places where your vision is obstructed the speed you will have to operate at may be much slower than 20 MPH in order to be able to stop and comply with the rule.  These hard to see areas will no doubt be the spots you will encounter field tests.

6.27 Movement at Restricted Speed

When a train or engine is required to move at restricted speed, movement must be made at a speed that allows stopping within half the range of vision short of:

·        Train

·        Engine

·        Railroad car

·        Men or equipment fouling the track

·        Stop signal

OR

·        Derail or switch lined improperly

The crew must keep a lookout for broken rail and not exceed 20 MPH.

Comply with these requirements until the leading wheels reach a point where movement at restricted speed is no longer required.

Another topic is stopping in the clear of an adjacent track to line an improperly lined switch.  Even though many of us were chastised by old head conductors and brakemen for making them walk to a switch the rule says we will stop until the switch is lined.  STOP AND WAIT!  

8.2 Position of Switches

The employee handling the switch or derail is responsible for the position of the switch or derail in use. The employee must not allow movement to foul an adjacent track until the hand-operated switch or derail is properly lined

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There has been an inquiry regarding an engineer taking prescription medication and what his responsibilities are regarding notification to the company.  Below you will find Rule 90.1 Drugs and Alcohol Policy from the UP web page that outlines what you need to do if you are on prescription medication that would be viewed as an illegal substance.

Safety Rules Effective October 25, 1998

90.1 Drugs and Alcohol Policy

(“In Part”) (Effective March 1, 1997)

Employees must not report for duty or be on company property under the influence of, or use while on duty,
any over-the-counter or prescription drug or medication which may in any way adversely affect their
alertness, coordination, reaction, response, or safety.*

If an employee is in doubt as to whether an over-the-counter or prescription drug may have an adverse
effect on alertness, coordination, reaction, response, or safety, the employee should take the following
steps:

1. The employee’s treating medical practitioner or any other medical practitioner who has evaluated the
individual should make a good faith judgment in writing, with notice of the employee’s assigned duties
and on the basis of the available medical history, that the use of the substance by the employee at the
prescribed or authorized dosage applicable is consistent with the safe performance of the employee’s
duties. A copy of this documentation must be kept in the employee’s possession while on duty; and

2. The substance must be used only in the manner and dosage, and for the purpose prescribed or
authorized; and

3. In the event the employee is being treated by more than one medical practitioner, at least one treating
medical practitioner should be informed of all medications authorized or prescribed and should make a
good faith judgment, in writing, that the combination of medications is consistent with the safe
performance of the employee’s duties. A copy of this documentation must be kept in the employee’s
possession while on duty, and the employee must observe any restrictions imposed with respect to use
of medications in combination.

Note: Every employee must recognize that the unauthorized use of another person’s prescription
is illegal and may cause a positive test result which would be a violation of Union Pacific’s drug
and alcohol testing policy.

The conduct of any employee leading to conviction of any misdemeanor or felony involving the unlawful use,
possession, manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or transportation of any illegal drug or controlled
substance is prohibited.

Any employee convicted of any such misdemeanor or felony must notify his or her supervisor of that fact
no later than the end of the first business day immediately following the day the employee receives notice
of the conviction.

*Drugs which are considered to be prohibited under this policy include all “controlled substances” on
Schedules I through V of the Federal Controlled Substances Act as revised from time to time. These
controlled substances are listed in Volume 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1308. They
include illicit drugs (Schedule I), drugs that are required to be distributed only by a medical practitioner’s
prescription or other authorization (Schedules II through IV, and some drugs on Schedule V), and certain
preparations for which distribution is through documented over the counter sales (Schedule V only).
They are grouped as follows: marijuana, narcotics (such as heroin and codeine), stimulants (such as
cocaine and amphetamines), depressants (such as barbiturates and minor tranquilizers), and
hallucinogens (such as the drugs known as PCP and LSD).

Copyright 1869 - 2003 Union Pacific Railroad Company

Here is the specific part of the Federal Statute that governs the U.P. policy regarding prescription drug use by railroad employees.

 Subpart B--Prohibitions

Sec. 219.103  Prescribed and over-the-counter drugs.

    (a) This subpart does not prohibit the use of a controlled substance (on Schedules II through V of the controlled substance list) prescribed or authorized by a medical practitioner, or possession incident to such use, if--
        (1) The treating medical practitioner or a physician designated by the railroad has made a good faith judgment, with notice of the employee's assigned duties and on the basis of the available medical history, that use of the substance by the employee at the prescribed or authorized dosage level is consistent with the safe performance of the employee's duties;
        (2) The substance is used at the dosage prescribed or authorized; and
        (3) In the event the employee is being treated by more than one medical practitioner, at least one treating medical practitioner has been informed of all medications authorized or prescribed and has determined that use of the medications is consistent with the safe performance of the employee's duties (and the employee has observed any restrictions imposed with respect to use of the medications in combination).
    (b) This subpart does not restrict any discretion available to the railroad to require that employees notify the railroad of drug use or obtain prior approval for such use.

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