900.  Receiving Instructions

Dispatchers report to and receive their instructions from the Superintendent or other designated officer.

901.  Assignment to a District: Qualification

  Dispatchers must be qualified on a dispatching district, including its physical characteristics, before accepting an assignment.  A Dispatcher who has not performed service on a dispatching district during the previous 12 months must not accept assignment to that position without approval of the designated officer.

902.  Responsibilities

  Dispatchers are in charge of the movement of trains and have supervision over employees connected with those trains.  They will issue authorities for movement and other instructions as required for the safe and efficient movement of trains and track cars.  Where the rules require Dispatchers to record the application of block devices, they must ensure that the blocking devices applied afford the necessary protection.  They must maintain the Record of Train Movements in black ink, except track car movements and blocking devices, which must be recorded in red ink.  When records are maintained by computer the black/red requirement does not apply.  Dispatchers must provide necessary information to properly authorized railroad officials and public safety authorities.

  Dispatchers must report any violation of the Operating Rules and any irregularity relating to the movement of trains.

  They must keep informed of weather and unusual conditions that may affect the movement of trains.

  They must be qualified on the Electrical Operating instructions, if they dispatch electrified territory.

  When the rules require Dispatchers to ensure that a track is clear of approaching, opposing, or following movements before granting track occupancy or fouling authority, the Dispatcher must continue to provide that protection until it is no longer necessary.

903.  Transfer Record

  When being relieved, Dispatchers must prepare a transfer, listing:

1. All outstanding and unfulfilled Form D’s, Plate Orders, authorities, and messages.
2. The number of the last General Order, Bulletin Order, and Division Notice.
3. Any other information relative to existing conditions.

  The relieving Dispatcher must be certain that he understands the information contained in the transfer and must sign it in the presence of the Dispatcher being relieved.

904.  Verification of Instructions

  Upon assuming duty the Dispatcher must verify with the affected Operators that they have all Form D’s, Plate Orders, and other instructions that are in effect and addressed to or in care of their location.

905.  Blocking Devices

  Whenever the use of blocking devices is required, a record must be maintained.  This record must be made at once, never from memory or memoranda.  If the record is manually recorded it must be on the prescribed form, and must indicate the time blocking devices are applied and removed.  Signal lever numbers and the position and number of all affected switch levers must be indicated.

Example of record:

BDA 6 sig., 3 sw. nor., 11 sw. rev. – 9.01 a.m.

BDR 6 sig., 3 sw. nor., 11 sw. rev. – 9:05 a.m.

EXCEPTION:  At locations controlled by the Dispatcher, he will not be required to record individual switch and signal lever numbers.  He must record the time that blocking devices are applied and removed, as well as location and track number.

  When a panel blocking device capable of providing the necessary protection is in service, it will be used in lieu of blocking the signal and switch levers.  A record must be made of the time the panel blocking device is applied and the time it is removed.  This record must indicate the track and the direction affected.

Example of record:

PBDA No. 3 track East – 3:45 a.m.

PBDR No. 3 track East – 5:26 a.m.

  Once blocking devices have been applied, they must not be removed until:

1. Protection is no longer required, or
2. It is necessary to route a train around a protected track.

  Before removing or authorizing the removal of a blocking device to route a train around a protected track, alternate route and blocking device protection must be established to ensure that the affected track is never unprotected.  When movement is completed, original blocking device protection must be restored immediately.  The application of alternate blocking device protection need not be recorded.

  Before issuing a Form D or Plate Order requiring the application of a blocking device, the Dispatcher must instruct the Operators involved to place the appropriate signals in Stop position and apply blocking devices.  After this step has been completed and confirmed by the Operator, the appropriate Form D or Plate Order may be issued.

  When the rules require Dispatchers to apply or ensure the application of blocking devices  at locations where it is not possible to do so, the Dispatcher must ensure that movements to be held are restricted by rule, special instructions, or Form D.