Amtrak Rules

the rules of the railroad

Rule 562 territory

The use of CAB signals only

CSS

No fixed wayside automatic signals

ABS

Automatic signals that control train movement

DCS

Form D governs movement of trains

Rule 261

Track allows movement of two directions

Rule 251

Track only goes ONE direction

Rule 514 - 518

CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:
Technical Proficiency
Situational Awareness
Communication
Team work

Rule 716A

NO personal electronic devices when clocked in till clock out. Devices stored away and off one's person.

Rule 716

Employees must NOT use electronic devices if interfering with saftey

Rule 713

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS, dispatchers CAN except information from conductors, engineers, track car drivers, and other qualified employees.

Before reporting fouling of train you MUST identify train by engine number and marker lights

Rule 712

SIGNAL INDICATORS, dispatchers CAN NOT tell crew members what the signal read! They can only tell them that there is a signal posted. Crew members also CANT request it either.

Rule 709

PROHIBITED TRANSMISSIONS, false distress transmissions, unnecessary/irrelevant, obscene/indecent/profound remarks

Rule 708 Radio keywords

Roger = Understood
Over = Transmission ended, expecting response
Out = Transmission ended, Not expecting response
Emergency = repeat 3 times

Rule 708

RADIO MESSAGE: CONTENT, identify employing railroad, base station, wayside station, yard station. Identify by trains schedule number, symbol and engine number if an extra train

Rule 705

RADIO TRANSMISSION AND UNDERSTANDING, listen, make sure contact was made, acknowledge call immediately unless interfering with safety. repeat calls unless, yard switching.

Rules 980, 981, 982

YARDMASTERS, responsible for yard, movement of trains and cars in the yard and those employed. Distribution of car

Rules 950, 951, 956, 960

ENGINEERS, responsible for observing signals and controlling movements accordingly, by regulating speeds avoid collisions and derails. Vigilance and conduct other employees on engine and instruct them if necessary

Rule 940 & 941

CONDUCTORS/ASSISTANT CONDUCTORS, conductors and trainmen report to TRAINMASTER. Conductors have general charge of the train, prompt movement of trains, safety and care of passengers, vigilance, enforce rules.

Rules 920 & 922

BLOCK Operators, Carry out the instruction from the DISPATCHERS, are there eyes, ears, and hands of the dispatchers

Rule 900-902

DISPATCHER RULES, they are in charge of movement of trains, and issue authorities for movement as required for SAFE/efficiant train movement

Rule 4-S3

Crew resource management

Rule 4-S1

Job Briefing requirements

TSRB

Issued daily at 5:00 am and will supersede the previous TSRB

Supplemental Bulletin Order

Contains information that are in addition to the current bulletin order weather it's a summery

Summary Bulletin

Are issued on the first Monday of each month, are identified as the suffix sum

Bulletin Order (BO)

A publication used to notify employees of changes to rules, procedures, or other instructions affecting the movement of trains. Bulletin Orders are issued periodically by the designated officer.

Special Instructions

Supersedes or complements the NORAC operating rules

General Order

A publication used to summarize changes to the Timetable and other instruction manuals. General Orders contain revision pages and are issued periodically by the designated officer.

Rule 500: Verbal Relief of the 5-Minute Rule

• allows for verbal relief of the 5-minute rule, requiring dispatchers to determine if the track is occupied before authorizing movement.

• Dispatchers must block up the track if it is occupied to ensure safety during train movements.

Dispatcher Responsibilities

• Dispatchers must not authorize train movement from the last interlocking/control point until confirmation is received that the track is lined and locked in the normal position.

• They must ensure that trains enter ABS (Automatic Block Signal) territory at a restricted speed to maintain safety.

TMD 104: Authorizing Train Occupancy

• Before allowing a train to occupy the main track at a hand-operated switch, dispatchers must ensure that a TOL (Track Occupancy Lock) is in place for the established direction of traffic.

• This rule emphasizes the importance of communication and verification before authorizing movements

ABS 251 RULE 502

if a train is past the block, a Ford D line 2 is required to proceed against the current of traffic.

ABS 261 RULE 502

Verbal permission is sufficient for a train to move past the block, highlighting the difference in procedural requirements.

Rule 503: Verbal Permission for Train Movement

• Dispatchers must provide verbal permission for train movement against the current of traffic, limited to one train length beyond the home signal.

• They must ensure that the track is clear of opposing signals and that blocking devices are applied to prevent opposing movements.

Rule 505: Clearing a Block

Switches must be restored to their normal position, and crews cannot move them without dispatcher permission.

• This rule ensures that the track remains safe for subsequent train movements.

Rule 506: Restrictions on Shunting

• Trains are prohibited from shunting without dispatcher permission in ABS territory, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety protocols.

• A Form D Line 13 must be issued to the following train to allow for safe movements, even if a non-shunting train is present.

Rule 507: Track Conditions and Restricted Speed

• Conditions that may cause non-shunting require the issuance of a Form D Line 13, mandating operation at restricted speed.

• Blocking devices must be applied to switches and signals leading to affected tracks to ensure safety.

Rule 80: Definition and Application of Restricted Speed

• A method of operation used on various main tracks, allowing trains to stop in time for potential hazards (TOASTED).

• The maximum speed outside interlocking limits is 20 mph, while inside is 15 mph, ensuring trains can stop within half their range of vision.

TOASTED: Safety Considerations

Trains and other equipment, Obstructions, Any signals required to stop, Switches not properly linked, The end of a track, Employees in the foul, Derails in the derail position

AMT-4: Interlocking Signals and Devices

Governs the operation of interlocking signals and auxiliary devices, crucial for safe train movements

Rule 4-7 POWER OPERATED SWITCHES

states that in case of power-operated switch failure, operators must leave the lever in the original position until further instructions are received

Rule 4-8 POWER OPERATED SWITCHES

requires a C&S 39 Form to be completed if maintainers cannot restore the facility in a reasonable time.

Rule 4-12 Maintenance Notifications and Safety Alerts

addresses issues with rusty and sanded rails, requiring notification to the dispatcher and completion of AMT-4-11 forms.

Rule 4-15 Maintenance Notifications and Safety Alerts

mandates immediate action in case of a low air alarm, ensuring switches are returned to normal position and verifying clear movements.