Safety Rule of the Month - History Archives
Rule 100. Trains will be run in either direction on any track, whenever necessary or expedient, and workmen will be governed accordingly.
Rule 16. Attention should be given to your work while on duty. Diversion of attention in any way, from work, often leads to serious accident.
Rule 15. When a nail is found pointing upward, bend it downward.
Rule 5. [Employees] must not go under an engine or car or pass between cars separated by a short distance, without knowing that proper protection against movement has been afforded
[Louisville & Nashville Railroad Co. Safety Rules, Effective October 1, 1957.]
Rule 4. [Employees] will keep off all tracks except in the discharge of duty, and when stepping out of the way of approaching trains, engines, or cars go far enough to clear all running tracks.
[The Washington Terminal Company Safety Rules for the Guidance of Employees] Effective February 1, 1934
February 2020
Rule 3. [Employees] will familiarize themselves with the tools, appliances and equipment with which they have to work, and know for themselves that the condition of tools, appliances, equipment and machinery are safe, or made safe, before using them.
Walking on, or even being on, railroad tracks, except in direct line of duty, is prohibited. If duty makes it necessary to be on the tracks a sharp lookout must be kept for trains approaching in either direction. Any time is train time on a railroad track, and even on double track movements may be made in either direction. Walk beside the track, in clear of engines and cars, instead of on it, when possible.
[Louisville & Nashville Railroad Co. Safety Rules, Effective October 1, 1957.]
When engines are equipped with automatic bell ringers, the bell must be kept in operation while moving, except within the limits of cities or towns where local ordinances prohibit it, when the bell will be rung only in case of emergency or when approaching and passing over a public crossing.
The Chief Train Director has charge of the towers, of the men employed therein and the general movement of trains in the interlocked district controlled by tower operations.
Official or private cars must be placed on the rear of the train, unless otherwise ordered.
Passenger Conductor Rule #1206, New York Central Railroad, January 1, 1918.
Rule No. 2007 : Employees must not engage in scuffling, horse play, or practical jokes, either on or off duty on Company Property.
"Instructions regarding the handling of vestibule trap doors, step boxes, tailgates, etc. are designed to prevent injury to employees and passengers; therefore it is extremely important that car service employees operate safely in accordance with these instructions."
Instructions to Porters, Attendants and Busboys, The Pullman Company, August 1, 1952.
"Railway Postal Clerks must not carry loaded firearms to and from their terminals."
Mobile Unit Employees Instructions for Railway Postal Clerks.
"Employees must enter and leave railroad premises through designated entrances and exits. Established crossings shall be used where available in coach yards. Do not step on rails when crossing tracks. Boarding or alighting from moving trains and opening vestibule traps or doors while the car is in motion is strictly prohibited."
"Safety is an integral part of our operation, and we are inalterably committed to the safety of our patrons and employees. The practice of safety and the effectiveness of safety measures and safety devices depends upon the cooperation of employees. Safety is not a one-man proposition; it is a responsibility that must be shared by all. The ultimate results, however, depend largely upon the efforts of each individual."
"4.10.1 Streetcar operators shall stop at all raised platforms and at all designated stops where passengers are waiting."
"The best safety device known is a careful person. Employees are urged to offer suggestions on safety."
"Rule 102: Trainmen will, while loading passengers, frequently announce the routes and names of the principal stations at which the train will stop, and before departure make the announcement in all coaches. Pullman employees will make similar announcements, except in sleeping cars at night."
The Washington Terminal Company, Safety Rules for the Guidance of Employees, effective October 1, 1925.
"Rule 127: Vestibule side and trap doors on passenger equipment cars in service must be kept closed on trains, except when receiving and discharging passengers, and must not be opened until train comes to a full stop in Union Station."
"Rule 134: In order that passengers occupying sleeping cars in Union Station at night may not be disturbed employees must do their work as quietly as possible, avoiding unnecessary noise in the station. Enginemen and firemen must prevent engines from blowing off at the safety valves while in the train shed."
"Rule 101: Baggage Masters will have baggage destined beyond Washington requiring transfer at that point near the door of the baggage car on arrival at Union Station so it can be promptly dispatched to connecting trains and assist in unloading same and other baggage."
"Rule 128: Vestibule platforms opposite blind vestibule side at kitchen end of private cars and dining cars must not be obstructed and must be kept clear of supplies or provisions of any description that would in any way interfere with the operation of the trap and vestibule doors at this location."
"Rule 102 (excerpt): . . . Trainmen and Pullman employees will direct passengers to pass promptly to the inside of cars and not allow them to stand on car platforms."
The Washington Terminal Company, Safety Rules for the Guidance of Employees, effective October 1, 1925.
"Rule 102 (excerpt): . . . Passengers must not be duly hurried or the announcement “All Aboard” made so far ahead of time train is to start as to excite passengers into undue haste and risk of falling and personal injury."
The Washington Terminal Company, Safety Rules for the Guidance of Employees, effective October 1, 1925.
"Rule 132: Hand brakes on all equipment must be released before application of air brakes. Air brakes must not be applied to detached cars except to prevent accident."
The Washington Terminal Company, Safety Rules for the Guidance of Employees, effective October 1, 1925.
"Rule 126: To avoid personal injury or loss of life to passengers the practice of unauthorized employees opening the side and trap doors of vestibule equipment is prohibited."
"#85 It is the duty of every employee working on or about the track to exercise care to avoid injury to himself and others."
"#88. Employees must not walk or stand on the tracks except when necessary for the proper performance of their duties."
"#6. Before coupling air hoses or doing other work between the cars of a train, employees must see that their position is known to the men with whom they are working and that they are protected against the movement of the train."
"#13. When possible avoid walking through escaping steam."
The Washington Terminal Company, Safety Rules for the Guidance of Employees, effective February 1, 1934.
September 2017
"To obtain promotion, ability must be shown for greater responsibility. "
New Haven Railroad Operating Rules, 1943.
August 2017
"The service demands the faithful, intelligent and courteous discharge of duty."
New Haven Railroad Operating Rules, 1943.
July 2017
"In case of danger to the Company’s property employees must unite to protect it."
New Haven Railroad Operating Rules, 1943.
June 2017
"Vicious, quarrelsome, profane, or uncivil deportment is prohibited."
Illinois Central Operating Rules, 1974.
May 2017
"To enter or remain in service is an assurance of willingness to obey the rules."
New Haven Railroad Operating Rules, 1943
April 2017
"Employees must not sleep on duty. Lying down or in a slouched position with eyes closed or with eyes covered or concealed will be considered as sleeping."
Taken from Illinois Central Rulebook, circa 1974.
March 2017
"Test hand brakes before using them." (Rule Number 11, p. 4)
"Employees must keep the premises in their charge in a neat and orderly condition. " (General Rule J1, p. 10)
Employees on duty must wear the prescribed badge and uniform and be neat in appearance. (General Rule J, p. 10)
"Employees must avoid making unnecessary noise around sleeping cars occupied by passengers who have retired and should also caution others against making unnecessary noise. (General rule X, p. 16).”
Taken from “New York Central Railroad Safety Instructions”, effective January 1, 1918.
“The train dispatcher or control operator shall not permit the movement of trains or other on-track equipment onto the working limits of foul time until the roadway worker who obtained the foul time has reported clear of the track.”
Foul Time, FRA Reg. 214.323 (c)
Official or private cars must be placed on the rear of the train, unless otherwise ordered. (Rule #1206, p. 134).
Taken from “New York Central Railroad Safety Instructions”, effective January 1, 1918.
October 2014
Employees are forbidden to stand in front of and board an approaching engine or car in motion.
Passenger trainmen arriving must not permit hand baggage or other effects to obstruct the aisles of passenger cars.
Rule 104, Book of Rules, The Washington Terminal Company, effective 12:01 am, October 1, 1925.
To avoid personal injury or loss of life to passengers the practice of unauthorized employees opening side and trap doors on vestibule equipment is prohibited.
Rule 126, Book of Rules, The Washington Terminal Company, effective 12:01 am, October 1, 1925.
1. That the turntables rails are properly aligned with shore rails.
2. That proper signal to proceed has been given by turntable operator.
3. That the load on the turntable in motion will not meet with any obstruction.”
Rule 139, Book of Rules, The Washington Terminal Company, effective 12:01 am, October 1, 1925.
January 2014
The use of tobacco by employees while on duty in or about passenger stations, or on passenger cars, or smoking in or about shops is prohibited.
General Rule H, Book of Rules, The Washington Terminal Company, effective 12:01 am, October 1, 1925.
The use of intoxicants by employees while on duty is prohibited. Their use, or the frequenting of places where they are sold, is sufficient to cause dismissal.
When getting off equipment, employees should face the equipment, grasp grab irons firmly, and have secure footing.
Rule 174, Safety Rules, The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company The Baltimore & Ohio Railway Company, effective October 1, 1968