Posted by OTG on 5/27/2008, 1:41 pm
Curious as to how railroads deal with derailment of tank cars in or near residential areas such as what I have been following here narrated by PWV Pete.
Train approached highway crossing, back in the train completly out of line of sight from crew, a derailment occurs. Train continues along for some distance tearing up right of way, but derailed cars are staying in line, not striking a thing that would cause a pile up.
Then, the inevitable highway crossing nears. The derailed tank car now strikes the obstruction of the highway, and the pile up begins. Train speed is a mere 25 MPH when the Emergency Application of Air Brakes occurs.
Train run in occurs as derailed cars start leaving the right of way and resistance begins when derailed cars start burying themselves.
The train stops in or near a residential area. The tank cars are leaking due to other rail cars tearing holes into the sides of themselves.
The Conductor now does what: ?
Dial 911 on the radio or does the Engineman?
If the Engineman dials 911, does the Conductor begin walking ?
With todays technology, does the crew have access to waybills for hazardous loads and if so, does the Conductor, if now walking his train, carry his bills with him?
Once the Conductor is near enough to observe the derailment, now seeing tank cars are involved, what are his next actions?
Since a highway is in close proximity, and vehicle traffic is near the derailment site - now stopped traffic is beginning to build with more and more motorists, what actions are in place to secure the safety of the traveling, yet unaware public?
As for residences along the right of way, what actions take place to secure their safety?
Or, does the train conductor notify the engineman of the derailed and possibly leaking tank cars so as to have the engineman notify the train dispatcher?
Now time is of the essence in safety.
Can insiders tell us what company policy are put into effect to protect the public in the event of a serious derailment of hazardous materials?
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