Safety

CFR- 240.117(e)(3) & 242.403(e)(3)

UP- 30.3.2, 30.4.1, 30.5.1, 30.7.1 & 38.1.2-38.1.5

These are decertifying rules!

We are all adults and know what is required to complete an air test. If you put your name on an air slip you are responsible for anything that happens with the cars in that train until the next air test is done.

I will not lecture about how to complete an air test but will remind everyone that rule 1.33: Inspection of Freight Cars is to be done on both side of a train.

With that being said UP management is attempting to use a lack of knowledge to move cars that have not been tested, improperly tested or labeled incorrectly.

Examples include=

1. Originating trains having air slips from other than the originating terminal

2. Cars being considered a “solid block”because they came from 1 other train but have had multiple switch moves done to remove other cars for other destinations

3. Cars being added to a Solid Block but only the added cars being tested, rule states the whole pick up must be tested.

4. Extended haul trains not receiving an air test on cars added by a Qualified Mechanical Inspector at THE LOCATION THE CARS ARE ADDED.

5. Management driving crews to do an air test or even assisting without also putting their names down on the air slip

6. Management telling crews that do find bad order cars that they are good to go and again not putting their names down on the air slip.

Management is hoping many people don’t know the rules or won’t question them. Sometimes they are directly lying to crews. Do your job and make sure it is done right. When instructed otherwise please document a managers name or get it on the recorded radio to protect yourself. If you willingly take a train with an improper air test and you never questioned it or had a manager instructed you to take it, I guarantee this will fall on you and remember this is a DECERT