methods of doing their jobs. Workmen should familiarize themselves
with appliances and pieces of equipment before using them, and make
certain they are in good shape.
4.2. YARDS
Insuring safety in a busy rail yard where so many activities are
taking place poses many problems. Some of these are discussed in the
following subparagraphs, and several methods used to reduce the
magnitude of the problems are explained.
a. Lighting. Railroads have contributed materially to accident
reduction by lighting classification yards with numerous floodlights,
such as those shown in figure 4.1. With such lighting
Figure 4.1. Floodlight Tower in a Classification Yard.
systems, it is possible to see clearly at night for 20 or 30 car
lengths. Nevertheless, it is vitally necessary for yard workers to
look both ways before stepping across a track. A slowly moving car
particularly a new, empty onemakes little noise, and yard workers
must not depend on their sense of hearing to detect approaching cars
because of the mechanical noises of locomotives.
b. Clean pathways. The space between tracks, often called the
six foot, must be kept clear of coal, scrap, and other debris.
Brakemen alighting from moving cars must pick a clean, level spot to
land on. Even a small piece of gravel can turn a man's ankle and
possibly cause him to fall. In darkness, if any doubt exists
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