Unlocked Hand Throw Main Track Switches
"2022 ICC Railroad Safety Advisory pertaining to “Unlocked Hand Throw Main Track Switches” with a total of 5 switches found in 2021 within the State of Illinois. This particular condition violates the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Railroad Operating Practices (ROP) as set forth in Title 49 CFR Part 218.103 Hand-operated switches, including crossover switches: Failure to ENSURE A SWITCH IS LOCKED, HOOKED, OR LATCHED WHEN NOT IN USE. Three of the five conditions found in 2021 were on (M&W) Maintenance of Way out of service switches. There are several hazards associated when this condition is found unattended on railroads nationwide, mainly including a misaligned railroad switch. The first one to mind, would be Graniteville, SC on Norfolk Southern attached for everyone’s viewing. We must all do our part in 2022 to safeguard against this condition in the State of Illinois on all railroads." Robert W. Guy, State Director
Illinois Legislative Board, SMART-Transportation Division.
