SMART Local 506
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K.C. Superintendent Bulletin No. 137,138, & 140

12/29/2016

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New Superintendent Bulletins

If you would like a highlighted version of the New K.C. Superintendent Bulletins that contain "in document" links please click the following button.  
New Rule Blog
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SMART Local 506 Handbook

12/21/2016

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We recently put together a PDF handbook that you can download or print at your convenience.  Feel free to leave comments or suggestions.  

PDF Link
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OSHA’S COLD STRESS GUIDE

12/17/2016

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Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk of cold stress. Some workers may be required to work outdoors in cold environments and for extended periods, for example, snow cleanup crews, sanitation workers, police officers and emergency response and recovery personnel, like firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. Cold stress can be encountered in these types of work environment. The following frequently asked questions will help workers understand what cold stress is, how it may affect their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.
HOW COLD IS TOO COLD?
What constitutes extreme cold and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions that are not used to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered “extreme cold.” A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Whenever temperatures drop below normal and wind speed increases, heat can leave your body more rapidly.
Wind chill is the temperature your body feels when air temperature and wind speed are combined. For example, when the air temperature is 40°F, and the wind speed is 35 mph, the effect on the exposed skin is as if the air temperature was 28°F.
Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature (core temperature). This may lead to serious health problems, and may cause tissue damage, and possibly death.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO COLD STRESS?
Some of the risk factors that contribute to cold stress are:
  • Wetness/dampness, dressing improperly, and exhaustion
  • Predisposing health conditions such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes
  • Poor physical conditioning
HOW DOES THE BODY REACT TO COLD CONDITIONS?
In a cold environment, most of the body’s energy is used to keep the internal core temperature warm. Over time, the body will begin to shift blood flow from the extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and outer skin to the core (chest and abdomen). This shift allows the exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Combine this scenario with exposure to a wet environment, and trench foot may also be a problem.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON COLD INDUCED ILLNESSES/INJURIES?

  • Hypothermia
  • Frostbite
  • Trench Foot
WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA?
Hypothermia occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced and the normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to less than 95°F.  Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F), if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHERMIA?
  • Mild symptoms:
    • An exposed worker is alert.
    • He or she may begin to shiver and stomp the feet in order to generate heat.
  • Moderate to Severe symptoms:
    • As the body temperature continues to fall, symptoms will worsen and shivering will stop.
    • The worker may lose coordination and fumble with items in the hand, become confused and disoriented
    • He or she may be unable to walk or stand, pupils become dilated, pulse and breathing become slowed, and loss of consciousness can occur. A person could die if help is not received immediately.
WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR A PERSON SUFFERING FROM HYPOTHERMIA?
  • Call 911 immediately in an emergency; otherwise seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
  • Move the person to a warm, dry area.
  • Remove wet clothes and replace with dry clothes, cover the body (including the head and neck) with layers of blankets; and with a vapor barrier (e.g. tarp, garbage bag). Do not cover the face.
  • If medical help is more than 30 minutes away:
    • Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol), to help increase the body temperature. Never try to give a drink to an unconscious person.
    • Place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits, sides of chest, and groin. Call 911 for additional rewarming instructions.
  • If a person is not breathing or has no pulse:
    • Call 911 for emergency medical assistance immediately.
    • Treat the worker as per instructions for hypothermia, but be very careful and do not try to give an unconscious person fluids.
    • Check him/her for signs of breathing and for a pulse. Check for 60 seconds.
    • If after 60 seconds the affected worker is not breathing and does not have a pulse, trained workers may start rescue breaths for 3 minutes.
    • Recheck for breathing and pulse, check for 60 seconds.
    • If the worker is still not breathing and has no pulse, continue rescue breathing.
    • Only start chest compressions per the direction of the 911 operator or emergency medical services*
    • Reassess patient’s physical status periodically.
*Chest compression are recommended only if the patient will not receive medical care within 3 hours.

WHAT IS FROSTBITE?

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. The lower the temperature, the more quickly frostbite will occur. Frostbite typically affects the extremities, particularly the feet and hands. Amputation may be required in severe cases.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FROSTBITE?

  • Reddened skin develops gray/white patches.
  • Numbness in the affected part.
  • Feels firm or hard.
  • Blisters may occur in the affected part, in severe cases.
WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR A PERSON SUFFERING FROM FROSTBITE?
  • Follow the recommendations described above for hypothermia.
  • Do not rub the affected area to warm it because this action can cause more damage.
  • Do not apply snow/water. Do not break blisters.
  • Loosely cover and protect the area from contact.
  • Do not try to rewarm the frostbitten area before getting medical help; for example, do not place in warm water. If a frostbitten area is rewarmed and gets frozen again, more tissue damage will occur. It is safer for the frostbitten area to be rewarmed by medical professionals.
  • Give warm sweetened drinks, if the person is alert. Avoid drinks with alcohol.
WHAT IS IMMERSION/TRENCH FOOT?
Trench Foot or immersion foot is caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold temperatures. It can occur at temperatures as high as 60°F if the feet are constantly wet. Non-freezing injury occurs because wet feet lose heat 25-times faster than dry feet. To prevent heat loss, the body constricts the blood vessels to shut down circulation in the feet. The skin tissue begins to die because of a lack of oxygen and nutrients and due to the buildup of toxic products.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TRENCH FOOT?

  • Redness of the skin, swelling, numbness, blisters

WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR A PERSON SUFFERING FROM IMMERSION FOOT?

  • Call 911 immediately in an emergency; otherwise seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
  • Remove the shoes, or boots, and wet socks.
  • Dry the feet.
 HOW CAN COLD STRESS BE PREVENTED?
Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, employers have a responsibility to provide workers with employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards, including cold stress, which are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to them (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). Employers should, therefore, train workers on the hazards of the job and safety measures to use, such as engineering controls and safe work practices, that will protect workers’ safety and health.

Employers should train workers 
on how to prevent and recognize cold stress illnesses and injuries and how to apply first aid treatment. Workers should be trained on the appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment and work practices to reduce the risk of cold stress.

Employers should provide engineering controls.
 For example, radiant heaters may be used to warm workers in outdoor security stations. If possible, shield work areas from drafts or wind to reduce wind chill.

Employers should use safe work practices.
 For example, it is easy to become dehydrated in cold weather. Employers therefore, can provide plenty of warm sweetened liquids to workers.  Avoid alcoholic drinks. If possible, employers can schedule heavy work during the warmer part of the day. Employers can assign workers to tasks in pairs (buddy system), so that they can monitor each other for signs of cold stress. Workers can be allowed to interrupt their work, if they are extremely uncomfortable. Employers should give workers frequent breaks in warm areas. Acclimatize new workers and those returning after time away from work, by gradually increasing their workload, and allowing more frequent breaks in warm areas, as they build up a tolerance for working in the cold environment. Safety measures, such as these, should be incorporated into the relevant health and safety plan for the workplace.

Dressing properly
 is extremely important to preventing cold stress. The type of fabric worn also makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk and most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation even when wet. The following are recommendations for working in cold environments:
  • Wear at least three layers of loose fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation. Do not wear tight fitting clothing.
    • An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic to keep moisture away from the body.
    • A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet.
    • An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.
  • Wear a hat or hood to help keep your whole body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.
  • Use a knit mask to cover the face and mouth (if needed).
  • Use insulated gloves to protect the hands (water resistant if necessary).
  • Wear insulated and waterproof boots (or other footwear).
SAFETY TIPS FOR WORKERS
  • Your employer should ensure that you know the symptoms of cold stress.
  • Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
  • Dress properly for the cold.
  • Stay dry in the cold because moisture or dampness, e.g. from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body.
  • Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and need to change.
  • Drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol).
  • Use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Cold Stress. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

NOTE:
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Emergency Preparedness Guides do not and cannot enlarge or diminish an employer’s obligations under the OSH Act.
Emergency Preparedness Guides are based on presently available information, as well as current occupational safety and health provisions and standards. The procedures and practices discussed in Emergency Preparedness Guides may need to be modified when additional, relevant information becomes available or when OSH Act standards are promulgated or modified.
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2017 Trainman Vacation List

12/16/2016

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2017 Trainman Vacations are in the computer and available for viewing.  We've mad them available here as well.
PDF Download
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K.C. Superintendent Bulletin No. 134

12/13/2016

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Updated Section 5-RULES, SAFETY AND TRAINING-SECTION D & H
  • Section D:  TE&Y TERRITORY FAMILIARIZATION AND PILOT AUTHORIZATION
  • Section H:  ASSIGNMENT IN KC METRO
New Rules Blog Link
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K.C. Superintendent Bulletin No. 132

12/12/2016

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​Updated "FOOTING, TRACK AND DERAILS-SECTION A:KANSAS SUB"
New Rules Blog Link
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New Superintendent Bulletins and General Orders

12/10/2016

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Superintendent Bulletin No. 128 and 129
  • Superintendent Bulletin No. 128 moves Section CC to the Train Handeling & Switching Bulletin/Section M.  Reflected in Superintendent Bulletin No 129.
Superintendent Bulletin No. 130 and 131
  • Superintendent Bulletin No 130 Moves "Securement" to Superintendent Bulletin section "NO 4".  Reflected in Superintendent Bulletin No 131


Kansas Sub General Order No. 16
  • Change Maximum Gross Weight Restrictions for the Jeffrey Spur Industrial Lead.
KC Metro Sub General Order NO. 31
  • Delete previously issued instructions for rule 7.13 at Neff Yard, East Bowl Tracks; comply with instructions as originally issued in Kansas City Area Timetable #4.
New Rules Update Blog Link
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Wichita RCO Class

12/6/2016

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"There is an RCO class bulletin for Wichita closing on the 13th. Any one that wants to be able to work an RCO when cutoff at SW148 needs to bid into this class."

Chad Henton
Local Chairmain & Legislative Rep.
SMART-TD Local 506



Advertisement ID : 001572
Close date 12/13 @ 12:00

WICHITA, KS IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR A REMOTE CONTROL TRAINING CLASS TO COVER RCL OPERATIONS IN WICHITA, KS.  SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THE WICHITA YARD FOR A MAXIMUM OF 120 DAYS PER CBA REQUIREMENTS.  CURRENT AND PRIOR SAFETY CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY RECORDS WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION FOR ALL BIDDERS TO THE CLASS.  

RCO CLASS TO TENTATIVELY BEGIN TRAINING ON JANUARY 09, 2017 AT THE WICHITA MAIN BUILDING TRAINING ROOM.  SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL NEED HEARING AND EYE EXAMS, STATE AND NATIONAL DRIVING RECORD REVIEWS (MUST HAVE MEDICAL AND DRIVING RECORD FORMS SUBMITTED PRIOR TO CLASS STARTING).  THERE WILL BE UP TO 6 SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS ACCEPTED FOR THIS RCO CLASS.  

NOTE:  IN FEBRUARY 2017 THE WICHITA XC30 AND XK30 BOARDS WILL BE COMBINED TO MAKE ONE XK30 COMBINATION BOARD.  THIS XK30 CON/BR1 BOARD WILL PROTECT ALL BOARDS/JOBS COVERED OUT OF WICHITA, KS.  THE XK30 BOARD WILL REQUIRE AN ACTIVE RCL LICENSE IN ORDER TO BID AND OCCUPY THIS BOARD WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.    

FOR ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT MOP MICAH WEBB AT 316-268-9433.

ALL INTERESTED EMPLOYEES MUST PLACE A STANDING BID ON:  
H186 OT30 RCO1 BR1
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Rail Labor seeks mediation to settle national contract talks.

12/5/2016

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December 5, 2016  
Rail Labor seeks mediation to settle national contract talks  

Rail Labor’s Coordinated Bargaining Group (CBG) released the following statement on December 5, 2016:  
Despite our best efforts, collective bargaining with the major U.S. Class 1 railroads completely stalled late last week. Therefore, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Railway Labor Act, we have today applied to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for the assignment of a federal mediator to assist in our negotiations.  

This development is very disappointing, as the Unions in the Coordinated Bargaining Group have been at the negotiating table for almost two years seeking a voluntary settlement. Throughout that time, the Unions have steadfastly maintained that the Carriers’ original demands were unacceptable to our bargaining team, and would be found equally unacceptable by our collective membership.  

Nevertheless, the Unions went to the table last week with the intention of reaching a satisfactory voluntary settlement that would fairly address the needs of both sides, but that did not happen. Unfortunately, the railroads apparently believe that the national elections in November have tipped the labor-management balance in this country heavily in their favor, as they made clear that no reasonable and fair resolution is any longer in the offing.  

Our members have earned, and rightfully expect, a fair contract settlement that recognizes the fact that the industry continues to reap many billions in net profits annually. We have maintained from the outset that there is no reason not to bring these negotiations to a timely and equitable conclusion.  

Instead, the railroads continue to demand extreme concessions that would erode our members’ standard of living and earned benefits. We cautiously anticipate that the involvement of the NMB will cause the industry to refocus on addressing the legitimate needs of the men and women whose labor generates their positive financial returns.  

Additional information will be provided as developments warrant.  

The Coordinated Bargaining Group is comprised of six unions: the American Train Dispatchers Association; the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (a Division of the Rail Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters); the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers; the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers / SEIU; and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.  

​Collectively, the CBG unions represent more than 85,000 railroad workers covered by the various organizations’ national agreements, and comprise over 58% of the workforce that will be impacted by the outcome of the current bargaining round.
 
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Brakesticks

12/2/2016

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I thought this might be a good place to reiterate this information.

Currently installed brake sticks and brake stick holders at these locations:

Herington Sub:  
  • Canton Grain Facility.
  • E/W end of Galva on the 400' signs.
  • West end of Preston and Janet, East end of Whiteside on the 400' sign.  
  • Both ends of Slade will have them.  
  • West and East end of Morton yard.  (Designated with yellow tape on the poles)

Topeka Sub:  
  • Latimer by the derail sign in the house track.
  • West end of White City, East end of White City on the 1/2 mile marker by the derail in the house track.
  • West end of Dwight (hung on the Whistle Board sign) and another at the 250' mark at the crossing, 1200 Avenue east of Dwight.
  • At Alta Vista on the pole marked with Orange Tape across from the derail in the house track.

Thanks,

Terry Hanken
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  • Home
    • Local 506 Info >
      • Officer Contacts
      • Update Contact Information
    • The Reports Page
    • Member Toolbox
    • Safety Committee >
      • Safety Concerns & Suggenstions Form
    • UTUIA
  • Crew Consist
  • Claims
    • Claims Information
    • 10th Street off Assigned Limits Violation
    • Assigned Jobs Performing Extra Road Service
    • Board Runaround
    • Called Off Road To Cover Yard When Extra Board is Exhausted (RULE 32K)
    • Claims While Taking Rules Exam
    • Dropped Turns
    • Dogcatch Claims >
      • Automatic Release (Rule 67)
      • Multiple Dogcatch (Rule 31)
    • EOT Handling
    • Extra Dodger Assignment Change
    • Failure to Furlough after 48 Hours
    • HI (Held In) Status
    • Meal on Non-Interdivisional Service (Dogcatching, etc)
    • Road Crews Driving Company Vehicles >
      • Dodger Crews Driving Company Vehicles
    • Road Crew Hostling Power
    • Senior Applicant Extra Board Seniority Restriction
    • Senior Available Applicant to Conductor Extra Board When Vacancies are Filled by Other Means
    • Single Day Requests
    • Step-Ups
    • Temporary Vacancy Not Allowed- Assigned Freight
    • Tied-Up at Intermediate Point
    • Train Exchange
  • New Hire Information
    • New Hire Home Page & Important Info
    • Membership Application
  • Furlough Information
  • News Blog
  • Agreements & Attendance Policy
    • Salina Hub Agreement
    • Expanded Salina hub
    • 1992 CREW CONSIST MODIFICATION
    • AWTS Agreement
    • Vacation Agreement
    • Zone 100 Modification Agreement
  • Union Insurance
    • Disability Insurance Policies
    • DIPP Insurance >
      • Schedule of maximum benefits
      • DIPP summary plan description
      • DIPP Summary of Material Modifications
      • DIPP Program Application
      • DIPP Claim Form
  • Health and Welfare
  • Maps & Yard Procedures
    • Fairfax Job Aid
  • Quick Reference Guides, "How To's", and Common Q&A
    • Vacation Bid Process
  • UTU Political Action and Resources
  • Excess Hours of Service Report
  • Helpful Links