TO ALL FRONT LINE EMPLOYEES OF ALL RAILROADS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS -
YOUR VOICE WILL BE HEARD BY US SENATORS:
RRESQ has been working with partners in Washington, D.C, and will participate in the National Day of Security. What is that? Later this month (the date has not been set) the US Senators will meet with BLE members across the country and discuss front line safety issues revolving around the railroad. Press conferences are being planned in order to increase public awareness and force certain changes through the reams of Washington red tape.
Part of their concerns revolve around the railroads continued ability to sidestep safety measures like the rule passed by DOT-RSPA on March 25, 2003 (68 FR 14509).
Basically that final rule, published under RSPA’s docket HM–232, requires persons who offer for transportation or transport certain hazardous materials in commerce to develop and implement security plans.
A security plan must include an assessment of possible transportation security risks for shipments of the hazardous materials listed above and appropriate measures to address the assessed risks. Specific measures put into place by the plan may vary commensurate with the level of threat at a particular time. At a minimum, a security plan must cover personnel security, unauthorized access to shipments, and en route security. In addition, the HM–232 final rule requires all hazmat employees (as defined in § 171.8 of the HMR) to receive security awareness training that provides an awareness ! of security risks associated with hazardous materials transportation and methods to enhance transportation security. This training must also include a component covering how to recognize and respond to possible security threats.
Oddly, no one has seen the railroads complying with this initiative. Lawmakers in D.C. are getting "fed" up with the railroad's snobbery.
WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE.
Law makers in D.C. want to hear from you. You may not be selected for these personal interviews, but right now right here, you can voice your concerns. RRESQ has the opportunity to put your concerns in front of these US Senators. They have really indicated an interest in the grass roots, front line issues.
We are asking that you write your comments to RRESQ immediately so that we can compile the most comprehensive list of concerns as possible...and yes you better believe FATIGUE will be on that issues list...that is our Number 1 safety concern.
If you want to include your name, you can. If you want to be contacted back on the issue, list your contact information. If you are describing a safety related incident, please include as much detail as possible.
So please, we will not exclude any safety issue. Fatiuge, locks for locomotives, sufficient sleeping arrangements, air conditioning, Railroad Crossings, track conditions, signalling systems, RCO training....we want you to include everything.
WE ARE HOPING TO HEAR FROM YOU....THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET YOUR ISSUE HEARD AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. PLEASE DO NOT PASS BY THIS OPPORUNITY.
WE'VE BEEN WORKING VERY HARD FOR YOU...NOW PLEASE DO SOMETHING IMPORTANT FOR US
WE WANT AN EMAIL(S) BACK FROM EVERYONE THAT RECEIVES THIS EMAIL. ACT NOW!!!!
Thank you for your continued support.
