Fall and Winter Safety Checklist for Rail Customers
Get ready for fall and winter with these important steps to ensure your property conditions are safe for the colder months.
Prepare Crossings, Tracks, and Structures
• Clean all switches, derails, and flangeways. Check crossings regularly for dirt and ice buildup.
• Check for proper drainage around switches and rail to eliminate freezing water
• Remove debris on and beside tracks to minimize trip hazards and ensure snow can be removed easily
• Repaint and place clearance cones to highlight clearance points once snow falls
Prepare Equipment, and Review Your Snow Removal Plan
• Check that all gates and locks are greased to ensure they won’t freeze
• Have plenty of de-icing supplies on hand to free up locks in case they freeze
• Ensure all snow- and ice-removal equipment is in good working order
• Review impacts from previous winters to determine any new processes and resources needed
• Hold a job briefing with the local railroad to share your action plan
After a Storm Check Walkways, Switches, and Tracks
• Remove snow and ice around your facility. This includes removing snow from the walking path next to tracks. Compacted snow and ice can cause derailments.
• Check all gates and locks to ensure rail crews can operate properly. Remove snow from gates.
• Ensure switches and derails are operable, clear of snow and ice, and are not frozen. Switches are most susceptible to snow and ice buildup.
• Use blowers and heaters, to help keep switches clear and operational.
• Ensure rods are clear and operable. Moveable parts must be cleaned out and free of debris.
Provide Adequate Clearance
• Make sure snow piles are at least 12 feet from tracks and crossings
• Do not pile snow where it restricts visibility
• Compacted snow and ice on tracks can cause derailments. Pay attention to these areas.
Our railroad maintenance team will be out after each snowfall clearing track ahead of the trains that service your facility.
Note: Track inspections are critically important during extreme temperatures. Metal contracts in cold weather and expands in heat, which means temperature fluctuations can cause small cracks that can eventually lead to broken rail. This is especially true for welded joints, which are particularly vulnerable.
