Articles

Apr 25, 2017 - Why Training for Trackmobile Railcar Movers is Essential

Transloading railcars with the help of a Trackmobile railcar mover helps to lower transportation costs due to more affordable rail shipping. That being said, loading and unloading railcars can be a dangerous job. If operators don’t receive proper training and use proper equipment, they could sustain injuries. This can include unsecured railcars moving unexpectedly and hit workers on the tracks, falling from railcars, strain injuries from repetitive movement, and more. While safety risks can’t be eliminated entirely, there are ways to prevent them from occurring, such as properly training employees. Not only does Gordon Russell offer Trackmobiles for sale in BC and Alberta, they also offer operator training sessions for Trackmobile railcar movers.

Know the Rail Transloading Safety Procedures

There are rules and regulations for loading and unloading railcars that are in place to keep workers safe. At least one wheel per railcar has to be blocked to stop movement in either direction, and the hand brakes must be set to keep the railcars in position. While a railcar is being moved, at least one worker must have a clear view of the operation. This way, other workers can be quickly notified in the event of an emergency or problem.

The headlights should be on when the Trackmobile is in operation. The brakes, horn, and bell all also must work properly, and checked before using the railcar mover. Transloading should be done outside so that the fumes from the petroleum fuels aren’t trapped indoors where workers can inhale them. Workers should also be trained to be prepared for railcar movement in any direction, at any time.

Safety Equipment Installation

There are several safety solutions that can be implemented to help reduce injuries on site. Consider talking to a safety expert to find any areas on your site that could use improvements. These can include measures such as:

• Handrails on top of the railcars

• Fall prevention cages

• Portable access platforms    

• Loading and unloading skid systems

Preventative Maintenance

When equipment is kept in good condition, it’s likely to have a longer productive life. Having regular maintenance inspections done on your Trackmobile railcar mover will help identify any issues or potential malfunctions. Since Trackmobile often releases upgrades for their railcar movers, this is an ideal time to have any upgrades installed, as well to avoid excessive downtime. By having these maintenance checks done, not only are you ensuring that your Trackmobile will operate efficiently longer, but also reduce the chance that an issue with the equipment will cause any injuries to your employees.  

Interesting in purchasing a Trackmobile railcar mover for your day-to-day operation? Gordon Russell has several models of Trackmobile for sale in BC. Give us a call at (604) 940-1627 to find out more about our inventory.