Absolute Signal

• A series of consecutive blocks governed by block signals.
• The signals are activated by a train or by certain conditions that affect the block use.

A block system that uses block signal indications to authorize train movements.

NOTE: The Central Subdivision method of operation is CTC.

• The location closest to a switch where it is safe for equipment, and a person riding the side of equipment unless prohibited, to pass equipment on an adjacent track.
• Clearance points are marked with pain on the side of the rail. (ASTA Yard)

Employee assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking control machine or authorized to grant track permits.

NOTE: On the Capital Metro Railroad, the dispatcher acts as the control operator.

The location of absolute signals controlled by a control operator.

NOTE: A control point can be a switch, derail, or just a set of absolute signals controlled by the control operator.

A siding within CTC or interlocking limits where a signal indication aruthorizes the siding's use.

Authority must be granted by the control operator to occupy a controlled siding.

Conductors

Assistant Conductors

Brakemen

Engineers

Yard Helpers

NOTE: A&TCRR has a position called "Trainman". They are NOT train crew members.

A fixed signal outside a block system that governs the approach to a block signal, interlocking signal, or switch point indicator. It does NOT indicate conditions that affect track use between the distant signal and the next signal.

Identified by a letter "D".

A movement opposite the authorized direction.

Must get permission from the disbatcher to make a reverse movement.

NOTE: A train authorized by track warrant Box 4 or Track & Time is authorized to move in either direction.

A track connected to the main track and used for meeting or passing trains.

Locations of sidings are shown in the timetable.

A publication with instructions on train, engine, or equipment movement.

Contains other essential information.

Safety is the most important element in performing duties.

Obeying the rules is essential to job safety and continued employment.

• Be careful to prevent injuring yourself or others.
• Be alert and attentive when performing your duties.
• Plan your work to avoid injury.

Report by the first means of communication any accidents, personal injuries, defects in tracks, bridges, or signals, or any unusual condition that may affect the safe and efficient operation of the railroad.

Where required, furnish a written report.

• Check the condition of equipment and tools you use to perform their duties prior to using them.
• Do not use defective equipment or tolls until they are safe to use.
• Report any defects in tools or equipment to the proper authority.

• When passengers or employees are injured, do everything possible to care for them.
• If equipment is involved in personal injury, loss of life, or damage to property, the employee in charge must immediately secure the names, addresses, and occupations of all persons involved, including al person at the scene when the accident occurred and those that arrived soon after.

• If an accident results in personal injury or death, all tools, machinery and other equipment involved, including the accident site, must be inspected.
• The inspecting employee must proptly forward to the Superintendent a report of the inspection.

• When engines, cars, or other equipment are involved in an accident that results in personal injury or death, the equipment must be inspected before it leaves the accident site.
• A mechanical department employee must further inspect the equipment at the first terminal.

General Code of Operating Rules:

• Employees governed by these rules must have a current copy they can refer to while on duty.
• Employees must be familiar with and obey all rules, regulations, and instructions
• must attend required classes.

• Are numbered Consecutively.
• Are issued and canceled by the designated manager.
• Contain only information and instructions related to rules or operating practices.
• Replace any rule, special instruction, or regulation that conflicts with the General ORder.
• Before beginning each day's work, review the General Orders for your territory.

1.4.1 Good Faith Challenge

(Right to Challenge)

Federal Regulations have provisions that allow an employee the right to challenge a directive which, based upon the employee's good faith determination, would violate a railroad operating rule relating to:

• Shoving movements
• Leaving equipment foul of an adjacent track.
• Handling of hand-operated switches or fixed derails.

1.4.1 Good Faith Challenge

(Supervisor's Response)

Supervisor will not require the employee to comply with the directive until the challenge is resolved. The supervisor may:

• Require the challenging employee to perform other tasks not related to the challenge until the challenge is resolved (or)
• Direct an employee, other than the challenging employee, to perform the challenged task before the challenge is resolved. Employee so directed will be informed of the challenge and determine that the challenged task does not violate the rules.

1.4.1 Good Faith Challenge

(Resolution)

A challenge may be resolved by one of the following:

• The supervisor's acceptance of the employee's request.
• An employee's acceptance of the directive.
• An employee's agreement to a compromise solution acceptable to the person issuing the directive.

1.4.1 Good Faith Challenge

(If No Resolution)

If the challege cannot be resolved because the supervisor issuing the directive has determined that the employee's challenge has not been made in good faith or there is no alternative to the direct order, the railroad will: 

• Provide immediate review by at least one manager, which  must not be conducted by the supervisor issuing the challenged directive or that supervisor's subordinate.
• Resolve the challenge using the same options avilable for sesolving the challenge as the initial supervisor.

1.4.1 Good Faith Challenge

(Request for Review and Verification of Decision)

1.4.1 Good Faith Challenge

(Employee's Rights and Remedies)

• The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while on duty or on company property is prohibited.
• The use or possession of intoxicants, over-the-counter or prescription drugs, narcotics, controlled substances, or medication that may adversely affect safe performance is prohibited while on duty or on company property.

1.10 Games, Reading, or

Electronic Devices

(Reading)

Employees on duty must not:

• Play games
• Read magazines, newspapers, or other literature not related to their duties when: on a train or engine, performing safety related activities or if it would delay or interfere with required duties.

This does not prohibit employees from having such materials enclosed in their personal luggage.

1.10 Games, Reading, or

Electronic Devices

(Personal Electronic or Electrical Devices)

1.10 Games, Reading, or

Electronic Devices

(Exceptions)

• Employees may use a personal cell phone only during a recognized period of break time, meal period or after a job briefing with all crew members specifying that all railroad operations for that crew and employee have been stopped and suspended and the employee is not foul of any track. Such use must not interfere with any safety related duty.
• Employees may use any means of communication necessary to respond to an emergency situation involving the operation of the railroad or encountered while performing a duty for the railroad.

1.11 Sleeping

Employees must not sleep while on duty.

Napping is permitted by train crews, except crews in passenger, commuter, or yard services, under certain conditions.

No weapons while on duty or on railroad property.

No knives with a blade longer than 3 inches.

• Employees will report to and comply with instructions from supervisors who have the proper jurisdiction.
• Employees will comply with instructions issued by managers of various departments when the instructions apply to their duties.

• Employees are under the jurisdiction of the supervisors of the railroad they are operating on.
• When operating on another railroad, unless otherwise instructed, employees will be governed by:
• Safety rules, air brake and train handling rules, and hazardous materials instructions of the railroad they are employed by.
• The operating rules, timetable and special instructions of the railroad they are operating on.

• Employees must report for duty at the designated time and place with the necessary equipment to perform their duties.
• Employees must not leave their assignment, exchange duties, or allow others to fill their assignment without proper authority.

1.17 Hours of Service Law

(Rules)

• Employees must be familiar and comply with the requirements of the federal hours of service law.
• Employees must not exceed the hours of service law without proper authority.
• However, they must not leave trains, engines, or cars on the main track without proper protection.
• Secure your train before the expiration of the hours of service.
• Give up track warrants before the expiration of the hours of service.

• A train or engine service employee may work no more than 12 consecutive hours.
• After 12 consecutive hours, the employee must have 10 hours undisturbed rest before reporting for duty.
• An employee who works less than 12 consecutive hours must have 10 hours res before reporting for duty.
• An employee who works split shift with at least 4 hours off duty at a designated point where food and rest may be obtained may work 12 hours and must have 8 hours rest before reporting for duty.
• Eployees must calculate all hours off duty except when off duty more than 99 hours.
• All work performed must be used in calculating off duty time.
• Deadheading to an on duty point counts as hours of service.
• Deadheading to a tie up point does not count as hours of service, but off duty time does not start until the final tie up point is reached.
• An hours of service employee who has 6 consecutive start days must have 48 hours off duty before reporting to work again.

• Expect the movement of trains, engines, cars, or other moveable equipment at any time, on any track, and in either direction.
• Do not stand on the track in front of an approaching engine, car, or other moving equipment.
• Be aware of location of structures or obstructions where clearances are close.

• Taek every precaution to prevent loss and damage by fire.
• Report proptly to the dispatcher any fires seen on or dear the right of way, unless the fires are being controlled.
• If there is danger of the fire spreading to a bridge or other structure, crew members must stop their train and help extinguish the fire.