Overview
When placed for loading or unloading, a tank car must be protected against movement or coupling. Each hazmat employee who is responsible for loading orunloading a tank car must secure access to the track to prevent entry by other rail equipment, including motorized service vehicles. Derails, lined and locked switches, portable bumper blocks or other equipment that provides an equivalent level of security may be used.
Caution signs must be displayed on the track or on the tank cars to warn persons approaching the cars from the open end of the track, and must be left up until after all closures are secured and the cars are in proper condition for transportation. The caution signs must be of metal or other durable material, rectangular, at 12 inches high by 15 inches wide and bear the word “STOP.” The word “STOP” must appear in letters at least 4 inches high. The letters must be white on a blue background. Additional words, such as “Tank Car Connected” or “Crew at Work,” may also appear in white letters under the word “STOP.”
At least one wheel on the tank car must be blocked against movement in both directions and the hand brakes must be set. If multiple tank cars are coupled together, sufficient hand brakes must be set and wheels blocked to prevent movement in both directions.
No person may offer for transportation a tank car containing a hazardous material (including a residue) unless that person determines the tank car is in proper condition and safe for transportation.