Dispatching

d. HERO Considerations. Refer to the local railroad operations directive concerning

radio transmissions in the vicinity of explosives.

e. Emergency Transmissions. An emergency call shall be preceded by the word

"EMERGENCY" transmitted three times. Such calls shall relay essential information and be used

only to cover initial reports of serious injuries, derailments, collisions, fires or any other accident

which pose risk to personnel or property.

Dispatching.

Train dispatchers or designated representative shall have sole authority to dispatch all train and

railroad equipment, issue and receive train orders, grant clearances, and control all movement on

the rail system.

Dispatching of trains and locomotives shall be recorded either manually or electronically as the

movement occurs in accordance the local railroad operations directive. The purpose of recording

the movement is twofold: to help oncoming shifts know the location of all railroad equipment and

to have a history of rail equipment movement for mishap investigation.

If absolute blocks are used, the dispatcher shall ensure that permission is only granted when it is

safe to do so.

Crew Size.

All train crews shall consist of at least three personnel: an engineer, a conductor and a

braker/switcher. Crew size shall not be reduced except where a written waiver has been granted

by the Installation Commander. The waiver request shall include the specific operations and the

reason why a reduction in crew size is necessary. The waiver request shall also include number of

cars to be handled, railcar contents, switching procedures, time sensitivity of work, and

environmental conditions. The Installation Commander shall not grant the waiver until a

thorough review has been conducted.

Hazardous Material (Haz Mat).

a. Prevention. Many Naval activities move significant quantities of hazardous material

by rail. Placarded cars such as Explosives Class 1 are a common occurrence. Employees shall

constantly strive to avoid becoming complacent and taking shortcuts that create dangerous

situations when dealing with these types of shipments.

b. Derailment Issues. Installation Commanders shall ensure that a current list of cars in

the train, their respective location, and their contents is maintained. Thus if an accident occurs,

the type and location of all hazardous materials will be known. Any derailment or other accident

involving hazardous material(s) shall be reported immediately to the railroad dispatcher and

immediate steps taken to evacuate personnel from the area.

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