Investigation Course
Makes an Impact
Eric Heuser, Director of Engineer Training, gives a police officer a chance to operate the Locomotive Engineer Training Simulator (LETS). Heuser demonstrated how long a 100-car coal train takes to stop once the emergency brake is applied.
For two days in August Guilford Rail System and Massachusetts Operation Lifesaver sponsored a Grade Crossing Collision Investigation Course for 20 police officers representing various Police Departments in Massachusetts.
The objective of the course was to familiarize the officers with the unique circumstances associated with railroad crossing accidents. The students covered such topics defining a grade crossing accident, identifing the causes, determining the minimum evacuation distance at the scene of a hazardous material incident, and identifing various hazards associated with train accidents. The course also had the additional benefits of allowing the railroad to take the time to listen to and improve communication with police departments.
�We started this class to teach them how things are different when a train is involved in an accident,� said Guilford Rail System Police Captain Fred Fraini. �They already know the basics of an accident investigation.�
This was the first class of this kind given by Guilford Rail System. Information about the class was sent out to every police department in Massachusetts via teletype. The class filled up in two days.
�That tells us that we�re not wasting our time,� said Fraini. �It�s clear that this information and training is important. We�ll do our best to give it to them whether our lines go through their jurisdiction or not.�
Road Foreman Kerry Clark explains to the visiting officers the perspective of a train engineer. He pointed out how accurate the LETS Simulator display is in relation to an actual engine and answered many of the officer�s questions.
During the two days of training various speakers covered subjects ranging from the juridiction of the Federal Railroad Administration to the information gathered by an engine�s event recorder. According to one officer�s critique of the course, �Becoming familiar with railroad operations will be a tremendous plus as the new rail line comes into my jurisdiction. It helped me become more familiar with railroad laws and procedures.�
To give the students a better view of how these procedures are put to use, they were given lectures in the dispatching offices, and were given �hands-on� exposure on the Locomotive Engineer Training Simulator (LETS) as well as in and around a locomotive and tank car.
Robert Mansfield of the Hingham Police Department said that the class was very informative. �I knew nothing of the railroad, especially how long it takes to stop a train. After this class I will definitely recommend to my captain that we have an officer certified as an Operation Lifesaver Instructor.�
Central Division Car Maintenance Manager Jim Olsen gave the officers an overview of the special concerns which a tank car and engine can pose in a crossing accident. He pointed out key areas to inspect for fuel leaks, electrical hazards and potential damage to a tank car.