This chapter applies to all railroad clearances and
walkways in rail yards and plants including logging railroad
yards such as mill yards, maintenance yards and sorting yards.
If you are uncertain about which WISHA requirements to
follow, you must comply with those that best protect
employees' safety and health. Contact your local L&I office
if you need assistance in making this decision.
Exemptions:
• These exemptions apply to chapter 296-860 WAC, Railroad
clearances and walkways in private rail yards and plants, and
do not require a department variance:
– You may move the following equipment, using less than
the minimum standard clearances, if the situation is
unavoidable and you have taken all reasonable steps to protect
your employees:
▪ Track construction or maintenance materials
▪ Special work equipment used for railroad construction,
maintenance or operations
▪ Any railroad equipment during emergencies.
– You may have overhead or side clearances less than the
minimum standard clearances required in this chapter if they
were legally created before April 3, 1961.
Note:
If a building, structure, or facility constructed before April 3, 1961, is relocated or reconstructed, the clearance
requirements in this chapter apply unless the department grants a variance.
– Tracks built before April 3, 1961:
▪ May be extended according to the legal track clearance
requirements in effect when they were originally constructed
▪ Are exempt from the track clearance requirements in WAC 296-860-20060, Table 5.
– Chapter 296-54 WAC, Safety standards--Logging
operations, regulates all logging railroads or any rail
operations related to logging, except for yard clearances.
Other rules that may apply to your workplace
The WISHA Safety & Health Core Rules book, chapter 296-800 WAC, contains the basic requirements that apply to
employers in Washington. It also contains:
• An introduction that lists important information you
should know, including a section on building, fire and
electrical codes
• A resource section that includes a complete list of all
WISHA rules
Other WISHA rules may apply to you, depending upon the
activities and operations of your workplace. Contact your
local L&I office if you are uncertain about which WISHA
requirements pertain to you.
• To access the Safety & Health Core Rules book online:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/corerules/default.htm