130.  Flag Protection 

  a.  General Requirements

  When flag protection is required, employees must go out in the proper direction(s) the distance prescribed in the table below.  Temporary speed restrictions for the territory must be taken into account.

  Crew members providing flag protection must not permit other duties to interfere with the protection of their train.  The Conductor and Engineer are responsible for protection of their train. 

  b.  Flag Protection against Trains on Adjacent Tracks

  Three steps must be followed to provide flag protection against approaching trains on adjacent tracks as required by Rule 131, “Protecting Work Locations: Qualified Employee’s Duties,” Rule 132, “Protection in Unforeseen Conditions,” or Rule 136, “Emergency Stops: Protection.”  Employees equipped with flagging equipment must:

1. Go out at least the distance prescribed by the table in section (a) of this rule.
2. Display a lighted fusee if they see or hear a train approaching.
3. Give a Stop Signal to approaching trains that may be affected.

  The employee providing protection must remain at that location until recalled.

  If the employee sees or hears a train approaching before he has reached the prescribed distance, he must immediately display a lighted fusee and continue toward the approaching train while giving a Stop Signal.

  c.  Flag Protection against Following Trains on the Same Track

  Flag protection against following trains on the same track is required in ABS territory where there is only one block or interlocking signal to the rear of the train, and following trains are not required to approach that signal at Restricted Speed or prepared to stop.  Where such locations exist, they will be listed in a Timetable Special Instruction, which will include procedures stating when and how flag protection against following movements must be provided.

131.  Protecting Work Locations:  Qualified Employee’s Duties

  Qualified employees assigned to protect work locations or railroad construction or private contractors who operations may affect the safe movement of trains must take the five actions below.

1. Secure Flagging Equipment

Employees must secure proper flagging equipment according to Rule 12, “Day and Night Signals.”

2. Ensure that Tracks Are not Fouled Without Permission

Upon reporting for work each day, the employee must determine who is in charge of the workers.  The employee must also ensure that all workers have been instructed not to foul any railroad track at any time without his permission.

3. Get Permission to Foul Track

When workers request permission to foul any specific track, the employee assigned to protect the work location must communicate with the employee in charge of the track to secure necessary permission.

4. Report Failure to Comply by Workers

If workers fail to comply with instructions of the employee, he must make an immediate report to the employee in charge of the track.

5. Take Action if Safe Passage is Endangered

If an event occurs that would interfere with the safe passage of trains, the employee must take immediate action to stop trains by radio communication to trains and the Dispatcher.  If protection cannot be immediately ensured, or if communications fail, flag protection must be immediately provided as prescribed by Rule 130, paragraph (b), “Flag Protection Against Trains on Adjacent Tracks.”

132.  Protection When Fouling or Working on a Track; Protection in Unforeseen Conditions

  Trains must be fully protected against any known condition that may interfere with their safe passage.

  If work on or adjacent to a track will create a condition interfering with the safe passage of trains, that work must not be attempted without permission of the employee in charge of the track.

  On tracks where ABS, DCS, or interlocking rules are in effect, the Dispatcher (or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher) must assure that protection against trains in both directions has been provided as follows:

1. If the work involves on-track equipment or will disturb the track or catenary structure so that it would be unsafe for Normal Speed, Ford D line 4 or Form D line 5 must be issued.
2. If the work will not disturb the track or catenary structure, the Dispatcher may verbally authorize Foul Time in accordance with Rule 140.

  Form D line 4, Form D line 5, and Foul Time may be issued only to employees who are qualified on the operating rules and the physical characteristics of the territory involved.

  If an event occurs or conditions are found that may interfere with the safe passage of trains and no protection has been provided, employees must immediately attempt to stop trains by radio communication to trains and the Dispatcher.  They must provide flag protection in both directions as prescribed by Rule 130, paragraph (b), “Flag Protection Against Trains on Adjacent Tracks.”  Flag protection must be maintained until the unsafe condition has been corrected, or until employees are assured by the Dispatcher or Operator that other protection has been provided.

133.  Removing a Track from Service

  Whenever Form D line 4 is issued to remove a track from service, the following procedures will apply:

  a.  Action Required Prior to Issuance

  Before Form D is issued, the Dispatcher must determine that:

1. The affected track is clear of other movements, and
2. Controlled signals leading to the affected track are in Stop position, and
3. Blocking devices are applied to the controls of switches and signals leading to the affected track.

  These signals must not be displayed for movement leading to the out-of-service track, except as provided for in Rule 134, paragraph (a), “Movement in the Direction of the Out-of-Service Track.”

  b.  Addressees

  Form D must be issued to both:

1. The employee requesting use of the track, and
2. The Operators controlling entrance to the track.

  c.  Establishing Out-of-Service Limits

  Each end of the out-of-service limits must be defined by one of the following physical features:

1. A whole mile post.
2. A station or other physical characteristic location.
3. A track barricade or flagman at a designated location.

  d.  Operation Within Out-of-Service Limits

  ABS, CSS, DCS and Interlocking rules do not apply within the out-of-service limits.  All movements must operate at Restricted Speed.  The employee named in Form D line 4 is in charge of the out-of-service limits.

  e.  Admitting Additional Equipment from Locations Controlled by Dispatcher or Operator

   The Dispatcher or Operator may admit additional track cars or trains to the out-of-service limits after:

1. He has obtained permission of the employee named in Form D line 4, and
2. He has delivered a copy of the Form D line 4 to the person in charge of the additional equipment.

EXCEPTION:  When the out-of-service limits are published by Bulletin Order, the delivery of Form D to additional equipment is not required.

  If movement to the out-of-service limits will involve passing a Stop Signal, the Dispatcher or Operator may then authorize movement in accordance with Rule 241, “Passing a Stop Signal.”

  f.  Admitting Additional Equipment from Locations Not Controlled by Dispatcher or Operator

  The employee named in Form D line 4 may admit additional track cars or trains to the out-of-service limits by showing or reading his copy of the Form D to the employee in charge of the track car or train.

  g.  Returning the Track to Service

  When the track is to be returned to service, the employee in charge of the out-of-service track must take two actions:

1. He must notify the Dispatcher or Operator of any restrictions necessary for the safe passage of trains, and
2. He must ascertain that all track cars and trains are clear of the track, and notify the Dispatcher or Operator that they are clear.

EXCEPTION:  With the Dispatcher’s permission, the track may be returned to service while it is still occupied by equipment.  Before the track is returned to service, the employee in charge of the track must ensure that the equipment remaining on the track receives proper authority to occupy the track after it is returned to service.  If the track is governed by Rule 261, permission must include direction of movement.

134.  Movement within In-Service Portion of Track

  In ABS territory, when a portion of track between interlockings, controlled points, or TBS’s is removed from service, movements within the in-service portion of track must be made as follows:

  a.  Movements in the Direction of the Out-of-Service Track

  Movements in the direction of the out-of-service track must be notified by Bulletin Order or Form D line 4 of the limits of the out-of-service track.  Dispatchers (or Operators) must not display signals nor give authority for movements in the direction of the out-of-service track until Form D line 4 has been delivered or they have verified that the Engineer is aware of the Bulleting Order item.

  b.  Movements Entering In-Service Track

  Movements operating in the out-of-service potion of the track must not enter the in-service portion without permission of the Dispatcher.

135.  Protection by Stop Signs When an In-Service Track is Obstructed for Maintenance

  Whenever Form D line 5 is to be issued in accordance with item 1 of Rule 132, “Protection When Fouling or Working on a Track,” the following procedures will apply, The “Working Limits” refers to the area designated by Form D line 5 or Bulletin Order, which must be identified by a whole mile post, station or other physical characteristic location.

  a.  Adressees

  Form D line 5 must be issued to both:

1. The employee requesting to obstruct the track, and
2. Trains approaching the obstructed track.

EXCEPTION:  When the Working Limits is published by Bulletin Order, issuance of Form D to approaching trains is not required.

  b.  Required Use of Signs

  The approach to the Working Limits must be indicated by an Approach Sign.  The Approach Sign indication will not apply when permission is received to proceed past the Stop Sign.

  The Working Limits must be indicated by Stop Sign and a Working Limits Resume Speed Sign.  A Working Limits Speed Limit Sign may be substituted for the Stop Sign when the track is not obstructed.

  c.  Action Required Prior to Issuance

  The Dispatcher must not issue Form D line 5 authority until he has been notified by the employee in charge that the signs have been properly placed.

  d.  Movements within Working Limits

  A train must not enter the Working Limits until permission has been received from the employee in charge, unless a Working Limits Speed Limit Sign is displayed.  The employee in charge must not authorize a train to enter the Working Limits or display a Working Limits Speed Limit Sign until he has been assured that the track through the Working Limits is not obstructed, and all Roadway Workers have been notified.  Trains must not exceed 30 MPH through the Working Limits, unless directed by the employee in charge to operate at a higher or lower speed.

EXCEPTION:  Trains or track cars that will be performing maintenance within the Working Limits is still obstructed.  All train and track cars performing maintenance within the Working Limits must operate at Restricted Speed and must not leave the Working Limits without proper authority.

  e.  Interlocking Switches within Working Limits

  Dispatchers or Operator controlling interlocking switches within the Working Limits must line such switches for movements within the Working Limits and must apply blocking devices to the controls of those switches.  These blocking devices must not be removed without permission of the employee in charge of the Working Limits.  This requirement does not relieve employees operating within the Working Limits from complying with interlocking signal indications.

136.  Emergency Stops: Protection

  a.  Radio Transmission

  When a train is moving and emergency application of the brakes occurs, crew members must immediately protect adjacent tracks by initiating an emergency radio transmission, in the manner of the following example:

“Emergency, Emergency, Emergency.  Train TV-24 engine 6605 is in emergency moving east on No. 2 track at MP 78.”

  Following the emergency transmission, the Dispatcher must be notified.

  b.  Flag Protection

  After the train has stopped, crew members must immediately provide flag protection in both directions on all main tracks and controlled sidings, including those of a foreign railroad.  This protection must follow the guidelines of Rule 130, paragraph (b), “Flag Protection against Trains on Adjacent Tracks,” and will be maintained until:

1. It is know that the track are not obstructed, or
2. Full protection has been provided by the Dispatcher or Operator.

  The entire train must be examined before movement resumes to ensure that no cars have derailed, no load has shifted, and no other condition exists that may endanger train movements.  Results of this inspection must be reported promptly to the Dispatcher or Operator.

  c.  Other Train Movements

  All trains receiving information that a train is in emergency on an adjacent track will be governed as follows:

1. A train that is operating in the same direction as the train reported in emergency must operate at Restricted Speed from 1 mile before the reported location until reaching the head end of that train.
2. A train that is operating in the opposite direction of the train reported in emergency must operate at Restricted Speed from the head end of the train in emergency to a point 1 mile beyond the rear end of that train.

  d.  Responsibilities of Dispatcher or Operator

  Until the Dispatcher or Operator knows that there is no obstruction on adjacent tracks, they must not permit trains to enter the block on adjacent tracks without first notifying them of the situation.  This notification must include the direction, track, location, and identity of the train in emergency.

  e.  Passenger Trains and Light Engines with no Indication of Hazardous Conditions

  Light engines and trains consisting entirely of passenger carrying cars are relieved of the requirements of parts “a” and “b” of this rule when the crew can immediately determine that their train is not fouling adjacent tracks.  The crew must promptly  notify the Dispatcher or Operator of the reason for their stop, and the fact that they are not fouling adjacent tracks.

  Before proceeding, the crew must examine their entire train to ensure that no condition exists that may endanger train movements, and must report the results of this inspection to the Dispatcher or Operator.

137.  Assisting An Attended Disabled Train

  a.  Opposing Movements in Rule 261 Territory

  To assist a disabled train, the Dispatcher may permit an opposing movement in Rule 261 territory.  Before giving this authorization, the Dispatcher must issue Form D line 8 to the disabled train.  A crew member of the disabled train must provide flag protection against the opposing movement as prescribed in part (e) below.  The Dispatcher must then issue Form D line 9 to the assisting train.  ABS rules will not apply to this movement.

  b.  Opposing Movement Against the Current of Traffic in Rule 251 Territory

  To assist a disabled train, the Dispatcher may permit an opposing movement against the current of traffic in Rule 251 territory.  Before giving this authorization, the Dispatcher must issue Form D line 8 to the disabled train.  A crew member of the disabled train must provide flag protection against the opposing movement as prescribed in part (e) below.  The Dispatcher must then issue Form D line 2 to authorize the assisting train to operate to the whole mile post or station at least 2 miles prior to the disabled train, and line 9 to operate from that location to the disabled train.  DCS Rules will not apply to the portion of the movement governed by Form D line 9.

  c.  Opposing Movement on Tracks Where DCS Rules are in Effect in Both Directions

  To assist a disabled train, the Dispatcher may permit an opposing movement in tracks where DCS Rules are in effect in both directions.  Before giving this authorization, the Dispatcher must take three actions:

1. Issue Form D line 8 to the disabled train, and
2. Cancel the disabled train’s Form D line 2, and
3. Inform a crew member of the disabled train that an opposing movement will be authorized.

  A crew member of the disabled train must provide flag protection against the opposing movement as prescribed in part (e) below.  The Dispatcher must then issue Form D line 2 to authorize the assisting train to operate to the whole mile post or station at least 2 miles prior to the disabled train, and line 9 to operate from that location to the disabled train.  DCS Rules will not apply to the portion of the movement governed by Form D line 9.

  d.  Following Movement Where Non-Signaled DCS Rules are in Effect

  To assist a disabled train, the Dispatcher may permit a following movement where Non-Signaled DCS Rules are in effect.  Before giving this authorization, the Dispatcher must inform a crew member of the disabled train that a following movement will be authorized.  A crew member of the disabled train must provide flag protection against the following movement as prescribed in part (e) below.  When a freight train is operating without an employee at the rear end, flag protection is not required when the assisting train is in contact with the disabled train.  The Dispatcher must then issue Form D line 2 to authorize the assisting train to operate to the whole mile post or station at least 2 miles prior to the disabled train, and line 9 to operate from that location to the disabled train.  DCS Rules will not apply to the portion of the movement governed by Form D line 9.

  e.  Flag Protection Against Assisting Train

  To provide flag protection against an assisting train as required by parts (a) through (d) above, an employee equipped with flagging equipment must proceed in the proper direction ¼ mile, and display a lighted fusee when the assisting train is seen or heard approaching.  The employee must remain at that location until the assisting train arrives, or until the employee is recalled.

  f.  Assisting Train in Close Proximity or Operated by Engineer of Disabled Train

  The provisions of parts (a) through (e) above will not apply when:

1. The disabled train is stopped within ¼ mile of the interlocking or CP where the assisting train will begin its opposing or following movement, and communication between the crews is maintained, or
2. The assisting train is operated by the Engineer of the disabled train.

  After receiving proper signal indication or verbal permission in accordance with Rule 241, the assisting train must operate at Restricted Speed to the disabled train.

138.  Highway Crossing Warning

  a.  Activating/Reactivating Crossing Warning

  The point at which automatic crossing warning is activated or reactivated may be designated in any of three manners:

1. A sign or post lettered “CC.”
2. Yellow joint bars.
3. Yellow stripes painted on the inside and outside of the head, web, and base of both rails.

  On tracks other than main tracks or controlled sidings, movement over this point will activate the automatic highway crossing warning.

  On a main track or controlled siding, movement over this point will reactivate the operation of the automatic highway crossing warning that has been interrupted because of a train’s delay or stop.

  b.  Avoiding Unnecessary Operation

  Two steps will avoid unnecessary operation of automatic highway crossing warning:

1. Engines or cars must not be allowed to stand longer than necessary.
2. Switches must not be left open or unlocked within the operating limits of such protection.

  If necessary, the train must be cut or the automatic crossing warning interrupted manually in accordance with paragraph (h) of this rule.

  c.  Malfunction

  If automatic highway crossing warning devices are not functioning properly employees must immediately notify the Dispatcher.  The Dispatcher must issue Form D line 12 to all trains that will operate over the affected crossing and these trains must:

1. Approach the crossing prepared to stop, and
2. Not occupy the crossing until protection is provided by on ground personnel, and
3. Proceed through the crossing not exceeding 15 MPH,  until the head end ha cleared it.

EXCEPTION:  On-ground protection is not required when all of the following conditions are met:

1.      The crossing is equipped with gates, and

2.      The train stops within 20 feet of the crossing, and

3.      The crew sees that all gates are in the horizontal position and that crossing lights are flashing.

  Only the following categories of personnel may be relied upon to provide on-ground protection:

1. A crew member of the train.
2. A uniformed law enforcement officer (railroad or police).
3. An employee who is equipped by day with an orange vest, shirt or jacket, and red flag; and by night with a retro-reflective orange, white or yellow vest, shirt or jacket, and fusee or white light.

  d.  Obscured View of Highway

  When equipment is standing and obscuring highway traffic’s view, an employee must protect the highway traffic against movement on adjacent tracks.  Equipment stored on tracks close to a public crossing must be placed so as to permit a clear view for highway traffic using the crossing.  Where space permits, equipment must be placed at least 300 feet fro the crossing.

  e.  Cars Not Headed by Engine at a Crossing without Automatic Highway Crossing Warning

  If cars not headed by an engine are to be moved over a highway crossing at grade not protected by automatic warning devices or a designated employee, a member of the crew must provide protection against highway traffic.

  f.  On-Ground Protection by Employees

  When an employee is required to provide on-ground protection at a highway crossing, he must give Stop Signals to pedestrian and highway traffic until the leading end of the train is through the crossing.  Stop Signals must be given with a red flag or fusees by day, and fusees or a white light at night.

  g.  Six Conditions that Require Special Procedure

  Under six conditions, a train must not foul a highway crossing equipped with automatic warning devices until it is ascertained that the warning devices have been operating at least 20 seconds, or the gates (if equipped) are in the horizontal position.

  These six conditions are:

1. Making a Reverse Movement

When a train passes entirely over a highway crossing and then is going to make a reverse move.

EXCEPTION:  If the entire train has cleared the crossing by at least 1.2 miles, it may make a reverse move over the crossing without following special procedures.

2. Approaching at Restricted Speed

When a train is approaching at Restricted Speed

3. Stopping and Starting in an Approach Circuit with Automatic Interruption

When a train slows or stops and then accelerates within 0.6 miles of a highway crossing equipped with an apparatus that will automatically interrupt the operation of the crossing warning, including motion sensing detectors.

4. Passing Warning Device Reactivation Point on Main Track or Controlled Siding

When a train proceeds past a warning device reactivation point (See item “a” of this rule) on a main track or controlled siding, after having been stopped or delayed within 1.2 miles of the crossing.

5. Passing Warning Device Activation Point on Track Other than Main Track or Controlled Siding

When a train proceeds past a warning device activation point (See item “a” of this rule) on other than a main track or controlled siding.

6. Performing Switching with 1.2 Miles of Crossing

When a train has performed switching within 1.2 miles of the crossing.  If the automatic highway crossing warning is not operating, the movement must not be made until protection is provided by on-ground personnel.

  h.  Manual Interruption of Warning Device

  At locations where apparatus is provided to manually interrupt the operation of automatic highway crossing warning, instructions are posted or “Raise” and “Lower” buttons are marked for each track.

  When the apparatus is operated manually, no movement may be made over the crossing until:

1. Protection is provided by on-ground personnel, or
2. The automatic operation of this protection has been reestablished and operating for at least 20 seconds, or
3. If equipped with gates, they are in the horizontal position and crossing lights are flashing.

  Wherever crossing warning is operated manually or manually interrupted, it must be restored to normal after movement is completed.  Control boxes must be locked.

  At crossing where the apparatus interrupts automatic protection on adjacent tracks, the employee interrupting the protection must remain at the crossing to reestablish automatic protection to normal operation when a train is approaching on an adjacent track.

139.  Train or Car(s) Left Standing Without Crew on Main Track or Controlled Siding

  a.  Authorization; Protection

  Train or car(s) must not be left standing on main tracks or controlled sidings without an assigned crew unless specifically authorized by the Dispatcher.  When authorization is received, the departing crew must ensure that the equipment to be left unattended is properly secured.  The departing crew must inform the Dispatcher of any Form D’s still in effect, and will be governed by the instructions of the Dispatcher regarding the Form D’s.

  The Dispatcher must advise the employee(s) in charge of protecting the track of the location where such equipment has been left unattended.  This information must be recorded on the Dispatcher’s Record of Train Movements and, where applicable, on the Operator’s Station Record of Train Movements.

  At the interlocking or controlled point governing entrance to the affected track, the employee in charge of protecting the track must place signals governing entrance to the affected track in Stop position and apply blocking devices.

  b.  Opposing Movement in Rule 261 Territory

  The Dispatcher may permit an opposing movement in Rule 261 territory to couple to equipment left standing without a crew.  The Dispatcher must issue Form D line 13 to the opposing train to proceed at Restricted Speed to the location where the equipment is left standing without flag protection.  The Dispatcher must issue a copy of the Form D to all Operators involved.  ABS rules will not apply within the line 13 limits.  Movement from an interlocking or CP must be made in accordance with Rule 241.

  c.  Movement in DCS Territory or Against the Current of Traffic in Rule 251 Territory

  The Dispatcher may permit an opposing movement against the established direction or current of traffic, or a following movement in Non-signaled DCS territory, to couple to equipment left standing without a crew.  The Dispatcher must issue Form D line 2 to the train to operate to the whole mile post or station at least 2 miles prior to the unattended equipment, and line 13 to proceed at Restricted Speed from that location to the location of the unattended equipment.  DCS rules will not apply within the line 13 limits.

  d.  Re-assignment of Crew

  Crew members, upon taking charge of equipment that has been left unattended, must immediately communicate with the Dispatcher and are governed by his instructions.  The Dispatcher must ensure that crew members have in their possession all applicable Form D’s affecting the movement of the equipment.  Movement is governed by the applicable block system rules in effect for the direction of movement.

140.  Foul Time

  Foul Time may be issued only by the Dispatcher, or Operator when authorized by the Dispatcher.

  a.  Action Required Prior to Issuance

  Before issuing or authorizing Foul Time, the Dispatcher must determine that no trains have been authorized to occupy the track segment to be fouled.  In signaled territory, the Dispatcher must ensure that Stop Signals have been displayed and blocking devices applied to controls of switches and signals leading to the affected track.  When trains are to be held at a TBS where blocking devices cannot be applied, the Dispatcher must issue Form D line 13 instructing the Operator to hold trains clear of the affected track.

  b.  Permission to Foul

  Permission to foul the track must include the following information:

1. Track designation
2. Track limits (between/at)
3. Time limits

  The receiving employee must repeat this permission and the Dispatcher or Operator must then confirm it before the Foul Time become effective.

  c.  Reporting Clear

  Once protection has been provided, it must be maintained until the employee who has granted the Foul Time has reported clear of the track.

141.  Inaccessible Track

  Roadway Workers may establish working limits on a track not controlled by the Dispatcher or Operator, by making the track inaccessible at each possible point of entry through one of the following means:

1. A switch or derail aligned to prevent access to the working limits and secured with an effective securing device, and properly tagged.  The effective securing device and tag may be removed only by direction of the employee in charge of the working limits.
2. A remotely controlled switch aligned to prevent access to the working limits and secured with a blocking device by the employee who controls the switch.  Blocking device protection must not be considered in effect until it has been confirmed by the employee controlling the switch.  Protection must be maintained until the employee who requested the protection has reported clear.
3. A disconnected rail
4. A flagman assigned to hold trains and equipment clear of the working limits.

  Movements within working limits may be made only with permission of the employee in charge.