70.  Inspection Before Departure

  Conductors and Engineers must know that cars and engines in their train have been inspected.  At points where cars that are to be picked up have not been previously inspected by a Car Inspector, train crews must determine that they are safe for movement.

Train crew members must inspect cars and engines for the following problems in particular:

1. Car body

      (a) Leaning or listing to side
      (b) Sagging downward.
      (c) Positioned improperly on track.
      (d) Object dragging below.
      (e) Object extending from side.
      (f) Door insecurely attached.
      (g) Broken or missing safety appliance.
      (h) Lading leaking from a placarded hazardous material car.

2. Insecure coupling
3. Overheated wheel or journal
4. Broken or extensively cracked wheel.
5. Brake that fails to release.
6. Any other safety hazard likely to cause an accident or casualty before the train arrives at its destination.

  Crew members must also ensure that required brake tests are performed on all cars and engines.

  No attachment or part of a car may be hanging so low as to foul a road crossing or track structure.

  Open top loads, including trailers and containers on flat cars, must not have lading shifted or securements loose or missing.  Where train consist permits, open-top shiftable loads must not be placed next to an occupied engine unit or other occupied equipment.

  Where the width or height of a car or lading appears close to clearance lines, the car may be moved only:

    1.  With authority of the Dispatcher, or
    2.  In accordance with Rule 119, "Hazardous Material; Equipment of Excessive Weight or Dimensions."

  Freight cars picked up en route that are safe for movement and placarded with bad order cards may be forwarded to the point where repairs will be made.  The Conductor must have a copy of the bad order card or written information contained on the bad order card before the car is picked up.

  All crew members must be informed of the presence of the defective car in the train and of any movement restrictions shown on the bad order card.

71.  Flat Spots

  If a flat spot on a wheel of a car or engine develops en route, a member of the crew must inspect it.  Upon completion of inspection, the train will be governed as follows:

  a.  Proceed at Normal Speed:  The train may continue at Normal Speed if no other defects affecting movement are observed, AND if:

1. The flat spot is less than 2 ½  inches in length, or
2. If there are 2 adjoining spots, each is less than 2 inches in length.

  b.  Proceed at 10 MPH:  If a flat spot is found in excess of either of the above dimensions, but less than 4 inches, and no other defect is observed, two actions must be taken.

1. Speed must not exceed 10 MPH.
2. A report must be made promptly to the Dispatcher or Operator.

  c.  Remain Stopped:  If a flat spot of 4 inches or greater is found, the train must remain stopped until a report is made to the Dispatcher or Operator.  When determined safe for movement, the Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher) will order the car or engine to be set out at the first available siding or terminal.

72.  Inspection of Moving Trains

  Employees must observe passing trains for defects, and the display of headlights, markers and auxiliary lights.  The improper display of headlights, markers and auxiliary lights must be reported to the train and the Dispatcher.  Trains must be notified and stopped if any of the following defects are observed:

1. Hot Journal

2. Sliding wheel

3. Broken wheel

4. Sticking brake

5. Swinging door on freight car or trailer

6. Open plug door

7. Defective truck

8. Dragging equipment

9. Lading shifted over side or end of car

  If attention is called to a dangerous condition, the train must be promptly stopped, consistent with good train handling techniques.  An inspection must be made and the Dispatcher notified.  If defects cannot be corrected, cars unsafe for movement must be set out and a report made to the Dispatcher.  This report must include the location where the billing is to be left.  Conductors must report car defects on the prescribed form.

  Crew members must frequently observe both sides of their train while moving, looking for hand signals and other indications of defects in train and track, especially at curves.  When practical, crew members on moving trains must be in a position to inspect passing trains.

73.  Train Inspection:  Bridges Without Walkways

  When a portion of a train is stopped on a bridge or trestle without a walkway, and a walking inspection of the train is required, crew members must take the following actions before moving the train:

1. Inspect the train and the track up to the bridge or trestle to confirm that there are no defects or conditions endangering train movement, and
2. Confirm that air brakes on the rear of the train have released, and
3. Position a crew member at the bridge or trestle to monitor the movement.

  Once these actions have been taken, the train may move over the bridge or trestle at a maximum speed of 10 MPH.  If the Engineer experiences difficulty or excessive amperage when attempting to start the movement, he must stop the movement and determine the cause.