RMM – 1234 Talking Points

1.Communication

• Emphasize the importance of clear and continuous communication between ground personnel and operators.

• Ground personnel should proactively communicate with all operators who could potentially come into contact with them, exceeding the railroad's required distance guidelines when necessary.

• Clearly communicate the responsibility of ground workers to avoid entering the red zone.

• Recommend conducting individual briefings between operators and ground workers, with additional re-briefings as needed addressing new hazards or changes.

• Highlight the significance of job briefings, encouraging the use of safety-related questions to ensure comprehensive understanding rather than just confirming acknowledgment.

2.Teamwork - Operator and Ground Personnel Team Up - Inspection/Blind Spots

• Stress the necessity of collaboration between operators and ground personnel to ensure a safe working environment during RMM operations.

• Emphasize the importance of thorough RMM maintenance and inspections, including:

• Proper functioning of safety appliances (e.g., change of direction alarms, back-up alarms, collision avoidance systems, strobe lights).

• Cleanliness and operability of radio equipment and ensuring the operator’s manual is readily available on the machine.

• Highlight the need for prompt identification and repair of defects.

• Emphasize the importance of understanding and awareness of the red zone (line of fire zone) for each machine.

• Encourage ground personnel to view their work environment from the operator’s perspective to better understand blind spots and visibility limitations.

3.Lockout/Tagout - Torch Cylinders

• Reinforce the critical importance of adhering to LOTO procedures during RMM inspections and maintenance.

• Ensure all personnel are thoroughly trained and consistently follow LOTO protocols to prevent accidental machine start- ups.

• Discuss the detailed process for repairing identified defects, including specific timelines and the consistent application of LOTO procedures throughout the repair process.

• Ensure torches and cutting cylinder tanks and fittings are free from leaks and employees should transport these cylinders properly. Don’t throw sparks towards any potential combustible source.

4. Operation

• Focus on the proper use/inspection of safety appliances by operators, ensuring they respond appropriately when prompted by safety devices.

• Highlight the necessity for regular maintenance and cleanliness of RMM equipment to ensure optimal operation and safety.

• Ensure operators are knowledgeable about how to safely stop the machine if the main brakes fail.

• Review and adhere to railroad safe traveling and working distances between machines to maintain a safe operational environment.

• For the safety of yourself and others, verify the route is safe before traversing any grade crossing and proceed with caution.

• Lifting and rigging – ensure all employees involved in lifting and rigging are trained on the lifting and rigging procedures and ensure proper inspections are being conducted of all lifting components.

Conclusion

Aim for zero RMM related fatalities by the end of the focus year through consistent communication, effective teamwork, and strict adherence to established safety protocols. This goal will be supported by ongoing education, proactive safety measures, and a culture of continuous improvement in safety practices.