WAC 296-45-48555   Coal and ash handling.  (1) Only designated persons may operate railroad equipment.

     (2) Before a locomotive or locomotive crane is moved, a warning shall be given to employees in the area.

     (3) Employees engaged in switching or dumping cars may not use their feet to line up drawheads.

     (4) Drawheads and knuckles may not be shifted while locomotives or cars are in motion.

     (5) When a railroad car is stopped for unloading, the car shall be secured from displacement that could endanger employees.

     (6) An emergency means of stopping dump operations shall be provided at railcar dumps.

     (7) The employer shall ensure that employees who work in coal- or ash-handling conveyor areas are trained and knowledgeable in conveyor operation and in the requirements of this section.

     (8) Employees may not ride a coal- or ash-handling conveyor belt at any time. Employees may not cross over the conveyor belt, except at walkways, unless the conveyor's energy source has been deenergized and has been locked out or tagged in accordance with WAC 296-45-175.

     (9) A conveyor that could cause injury when started may not be started until personnel in the area are alerted by a signal or by a designated person that the conveyor is about to start.

     (10) If a conveyor that could cause injury when started is automatically controlled or is controlled from a remote location, an audible device shall be provided that sounds an alarm that will be recognized by each employee as a warning that the conveyor will start and that can be clearly heard at all points along the conveyor where personnel may be present. The warning device shall be actuated by the device starting the conveyor and shall continue for a period of time before the conveyor starts that is long enough to allow employees to move clear of the conveyor system. A visual warning may be used in place of the audible device if the employer can demonstrate that it will provide an equally effective warning in the particular circumstances involved.

Exception:

If the employer can demonstrate that the system's function would be seriously hindered by the required time delay, warning signs may be provided in place of the audible warning device. If the system was installed before November 20, 1995, warning signs may be provided in place of the audible warning device until such time as the conveyor or its control system is rebuilt or rewired. These warning signs shall be clear, concise, and legible and shall indicate that conveyors and allied equipment may be started at any time, that danger exists, and that personnel must keep clear. These warning signs shall be provided along the conveyor at areas not guarded by position or location.

     (11) Remotely and automatically controlled conveyors, and conveyors that have operating stations which are not manned or which are beyond voice and visual contact from drive areas, loading areas, transfer points, and other locations on the conveyor path not guarded by location, position, or guards shall be furnished with emergency stop buttons, pull cords, limit switches, or similar emergency stop devices. However, if the employer can demonstrate that the design, function, and operation of the conveyor do not expose an employee to hazards, an emergency stop device is not required.

     (a) Emergency stop devices shall be easily identifiable in the immediate vicinity of such locations.

     (b) An emergency stop device shall act directly on the control of the conveyor involved and may not depend on the stopping of any other equipment.

     (c) Emergency stop devices shall be installed so that they cannot be overridden from other locations.

     (12) Where coal-handling operations may produce a combustible atmosphere from fuel sources or from flammable gases or dust, sources of ignition shall be eliminated or safely controlled to prevent ignition of the combustible atmosphere.

Note:

Locations that are hazardous because of the presence of combustible dust are classified as Class II hazardous locations. See chapter 296-24 WAC, Part L.

     (13) An employee may not work on or beneath overhanging coal in coal bunkers, coal silos, or coal storage areas, unless the employee is protected from all hazards posed by shifting coal.

     (14) An employee entering a bunker or silo to dislodge the contents shall wear a body harness with lifeline attached. The lifeline shall be secured to a fixed support outside the bunker and shall be attended at all times by an employee located outside the bunker or facility.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 98-07-009, § 296-45-48555, filed 3/6/98, effective 5/6/98.]