Safety and Health in Opencast Mines Safety and Health in Opencast Mines

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Safety and Health in Opencast Mines Safety and Health in Opencast Mines Safety and health in opencast mines Safety and health in opencast mines Second (revised) edition ILO code of practice Safety and health in opencast mines Second (revised) edition INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE • GENEVA Copyright © International Labour Organization 2018 First published 1991 Second (revised) edition 2018 Publications of the International Labour Office enjoy copyright under Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. Nevertheless, short excerpts from them may be reproduced without authorization, on condition that the source is indicated. For rights of reproduction or translation, application should be made to ILO Publications (Rights and Licensing), International Labour Office, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland, or by email: [email protected]. The International Labour Office welcomes such applications. Libraries, institutions and other users registered with a reproduction rights organization may make copies in accordance with the licences issued to them for this purpose. Visit www.ifrro.org to find the reproduction rights organization in your country. ILO code of practice: Safety and health in opencast mines. International Labour Office, Geneva, 2018 ISBN 978-922-131709-8 (print) ISBN 978-922-131710-4 (web pdf) Also available in French: La sécurité et la santé dans les mines à ciel ouvert. Recueil de directives pratiques du BIT, ISBN 978-92-2-231120-0 (print); ISBN 978-92-2- 231121-7 (web pdf); and in Spanish: Seguridad y salud en las minas a cielo abierto: Repertorio de recomendaciones prácticas de la OIT, ISBN 978-92-2-328553-1 (print); ISBN 978-92-2-328554-8 (web pdf), Geneva, 2018. The designations employed in ILO publications, which are in conformity with United Nations practice, and the presentation of material therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the International Labour Office concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. The responsibility for opinions expressed in signed articles, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and publication does not constitute an endorsement by the International Labour Office of the opinions expressed in them. Reference to names of firms and commercial products and processes does not imply their endorsement by the International Labour Office, and any failure to mention a particular firm, commercial product or process is not a sign of disapproval. Information on ILO publications and digital products can be found at: www.ilo.org/publns. This publication was produced by the Document and Publications Production, Printing and Distribution Branch (PRODOC) of the ILO. Graphic and typographic design, layout and composition, proofreading, printing, electronic publishing and distribution. PRODOC endeavours to use pape r sourced from forests managed in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner. Code: DTP-CORR-SCR-REP Preface The ILO Code of practice on safety and health in opencast mines was adopted by a Meeting of Experts held in Geneva from 16 to 20 October 2017, in accordance with a Governing Body decision at its 329th Session (March 2017). This code of practice replaces an earlier code that was adopted in 1990. The meeting was attended by 22 experts and their advisers - eight experts nominated by the Governments of Canada, Chile, Germany, Indonesia, Mongolia, Namibia, Russian Federation and Zambia; seven nominated by the Employers’ group of the Governing Body; and seven nominated by the Workers’ group of the Governing Body. Expert observers from other govern- ments, and observers from intergovernmental and non-govern- mental organizations, also attended the meeting. The good spirit of cooperation among all participants paved the way for developing consensus on a new, comprehensive and practical code that will help to raise the profile of safety and health issues in opencast mines in all parts of the world, and contribute to the health, morale and well-being of workers in the industry. The text of the code was approved for publication by the Governing Body of the ILO at its 332nd Session (March 2018). Alette van Leur Director Sectoral Policies Department v Sectoral codes of practice ILO Sectoral codes of practice are reference tools setting out principles that can be reflected in the design and implementa- tion of policies, strategies, programmes, legislation, adminis- trative measures and social dialogue mechanisms in particular economic sectors or clusters of sectors. Sectoral codes of practice are adopted by Meetings of Experts comprising governments, employers and workers. They can be implemented progressively to take into account different national settings, cultures, and social, economic, environmental and political contexts. Sectoral codes of practice draw their principles from the ILO’s international labour standards (Conventions and Recommendations) and other sources, including Declarations, codes of conduct and other policy guidance adopted and endorsed by the International Labour Conference or the ILO Governing Body. They also draw on other international agreements and policy in the sector concerned, as well as on relevant trends and developments in regional and national law and practice. Sectoral codes of practice focus on the issues that are priorities for governments, employers and workers, and that are unique to particular economic sectors and industries. While international labour standards normally deal with more general principles of labour law and practice, Sectoral codes of practice specify the principles and processes that could be implemented to promote decent work in particular workplaces or contexts. They benefit from the expertise of practitioners in the relevant sectors to cap- ture good industry practices and innovations. Sectoral codes of practice are not legally binding. They are not subject to ratification or supervisory mechanisms established vii Safety and health in opencast mines under the ILO’s international labour standards. Sectoral codes of practice can therefore be aspirational in scope and expand on principles laid down in international labour standards and other international agreements and policy, all the while recog- nizing that they can be adapted to different national systems and circumstances. As such, ILO standards and other tools or guidance adopted and endorsed by the International Labour Conference and/or the Governing Body form the foundation on which Sectoral codes of practice build further. It is therefore understood that Sectoral codes of practice are based on the full principles, rights, and obligations set out in international labour standards, and nothing set out in these codes of practice should be understood as lowering such standards. viii Contents Preface ............................................... v Sectoral codes of practice ............................ vii Abbreviations and definitions ....................... xix Introduction ......................................... 1 1. General provisions ................................. 3 1.1. Purpose . 3 1.2. Objectives .................................... 4 1.3. Application ................................... 5 1.4. Reference to other ILO instruments ............ 6 2. General duties ..................................... 7 2.1. Cooperation .................................. 7 2.2. Competent authority .......................... 7 2.2.1. General provisions ..................... 7 2.2.2. Inspectorates .......................... 10 2.3. Employers’ responsibilities and rights ........... 11 2.4. Workers’ rights and responsibilities ............. 15 2.5. General responsibilities of suppliers, manufacturers and designers ................... 17 2.6. General responsibilities and rights of contractors ................................. 18 3. Safety and health committees ...................... 21 3.1. Safety and health committees .................. 21 3.2. Industry tripartite committees ................. 21 ix Safety and health in opencast mines 4. Occupational safety and health management systems; reporting, recording and notification of work-related injuries and diseases, ill health and dangerous occurrences; occupational health services ........................................... 23 4.1. Introduction .................................. 23 4.2. OSH management systems ..................... 23 4.3. Reporting, recording and notification of work-related injuries and diseases, ill health and dangerous occurrences ............ 24 4.4. Occupational health services ................... 25 5. Hazard identification, risk assessment and control .. 27 5.1. General principles ............................. 27 5.2. Hazard identification .......................... 27 5.3. Risk assessment ............................... 28 5.4. Risk control .................................. 29 5.5. Evaluation .................................... 29 6. Management of change ............................ 31 6.1. Managing change ............................. 31 6.2. Non-routine work ............................. 31 7. Life-cycle approach ................................. 33 8. Emergency response plan ........................... 37 8.1. General emergency provisions .................. 37 8.2. Fire protection and firefighting ................. 39 8.2.1. General provisions ..................... 39 8.2.2. Precautions against fire ................. 40 8.2.3. Provision of fire protection .............. 40 x Contents 8.2.4. Firefighting and rescue ................
Recommended publications
  • Alabama Mine Map Repository
    ALABAMA MINE MAP REPOSITORY DIRECTORY OF UNDERGROUND MINE MAPS STATE OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Fitzgerald Washington Commissioner INSPECTIONS DIVISION Brian J. Wittwer Acting Director ABANDONED MINE LAND PROGRAM Chuck Williams State Mine Land Reclamation Supervisor ALABAMA MINE MAP REPOSITORY DIRECTORY OF UNDERGROUND MINE MAPS By, Charles M. Whitson, PE Mining Engineer Birmingham, Alabama 2013 CONTENTS Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………. 1 Users of the Repository ………………………………………………………………. 1 Source of the Maps ……………………………………………………………………… 1 Repository Location ……………………………………………………………………… 1 Request to Readers ……………………………………………………………………… 2 Acknowledgements ……………………………………………………………………… 2 History …………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 The United States Public Land Survey System (PLSS) ……………… 4 Explanation of the Files in the Repository …………………………………. 8 Active Mines ……………………………………………………………………… 8 Abandoned Mines ……………………………………………………………… 8 Disclaimer ……………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………………. 11 Directory ………………………………………………………………………………………. 13 Active Underground Mines ………………………………………………… 14 Abandoned Underground Coal Mines Bibb County ……………………………………………………………. 18 Blount County …………………………………………………………. 24 Cherokee County ……………………………………………………. 27 Cullman County ………………………………………………………. 28 DeKalb County ………………………………………………………… 30 Etowah County ……………………………………………………….. 31 Fayette County ………………………………………………………. 33 Jackson County ……………………………………………………… 34 Jefferson County ……………………………………………………. 36 Lawrence
    [Show full text]
  • Canadian Rail No158 1964
    C;a:n..a )~~iin Number 158 / September 1964 GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP of railways in Canada occurs at all levels, and not the least interesting is the Pacific Great East­ ern, which is owned by the Province of British Columbi'l.. For many years, the PGE began and ended nowhere, but in 1952 and 1956, the completion of extensions linked the "nowhere" carrier with the rest of the Canadian rail network. Here, in the latter year, the inaugural train is shown arriving from North Vancouver at Squamish, the erstwhile southern terminus of the line. (See "The PGE Is A rDiffe~entr Railway" in this issue). Photograph by PETER COX. Canadian Rail Page 179 ~ontreal Streetcars 900 by R. M. Binns Class (M.S.R. Photos) By mid-December 1904 about class),- and probably on the new half of the fifty 790 class semi­ 790 class, had fo~ned the habit convertible cars were in service. of collecting fares on the plat­ Well satisfied with these cars, form at stops where only one or the first to have transverse two passeng ers got on. seats, - Montre al ~tre d t Hailway Co. was authorized by its 80ard The "Pay-as-You-~nter" me­ of Directors to build twenty-five thod had been tried on one or two more, at a cost of $6000 each - roads in the United States, but all to be built in the Company's without success. It was clear shops. Ten cars were to be equip­ that the conventiona l car was not ped with General ~lectric Co.'s adapted to that system.
    [Show full text]
  • Rail Heritage Managed by the Department of Conservation West Coast „ Charming Creek Walkway, 1910-1958, Near Westport
    Prepared by Paul Mahoney, National Coordinator Rail Heritage managed by the Historic Heritage, Department of Conservation. Department of Conservation June 2007 The Department manages a diverse range of rail heritage sites that are becoming increasingly popular. In 2007 the Automobile Association asked over 20,000 New Zealanders to identify the '101 Must-Do’s for Kiwis' — places they most wanted to visit. Of all DOC's historic sites two rail heritage sites were the most popular; the Central Otago Rail Trail (14th) and the Karangahake Mines (42nd). Rail heritage sites are different from static museums and operating lines. They offer an adventure experience exploring remote and scenic trails, adding diversity to the overall rail heritage scene and providing further entry points to trigger peoples potential interest. DOC’s sites include an industrial railway focus; timber, gold, coal, and even lighthouses, and so preserve another category of rail heritage. The Department shares the expertise of its heritage program, such as the results of scientific research into materials conservation; stone, wood and metal. These 31 DOC sites are open to visitors: AucklandAuckland Kauri Timber Co tramline, 1925-40, Whangaparapara, Great Barrier Island. Route of bush tram 14km long. One of the most fantastic bush trams ever. Includes 11 sections of incline worked by winch and cable. Tramping skills required. WaikatoWaikato Billy Goat incline, 1922-25, Kauaeranga Valley, Coromandel Forest Park. Route of bush tram 5 km long. A section of track is re-laid. A Price rail tractor will be restored and displayed. Karangahake Rail Trail, 1905-1978, Karangahake, near Paeroa. Route of the former East Coast Main Trunk railway from Karangahake to Waikino, 7 km long.
    [Show full text]
  • Power from Coal.Pdf
    PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: AMAX Coal Industries, Inc. American Electric Power Service Corp. CONSOL, Inc. Peabody Holding Company, Inc. National Mining Association American Coal Foundation 101 Constitution Avenue NW, Suite 525 East Washington, DC 20001 202-463-9785 [email protected] www.teachcoal.org WHERE'S ALL THIS COAL COMING FROM? Take a minute to think about what you did this morning. You woke up, perhaps switched off the clock radio reached for the light switch, and went into the bathroom to wash your face, brush your teeth or take a hot shower. Did you use a hair dryer? Did you scramble an egg or toast a piece of bread for breakfast this morning? Did you play a video game or VCR? If you did any of these things, you were using electricity - a full- time energy servant that most Americans take for granted. There is something else you probably never think much about - coal. It's very likely you've never seen a piece of coal, although you may remember your grandparents talking about the coal they used to shovel into the furnace to heat their home. What's the connection? What does coal have to do with electricity? Isn't coal part of the past? Isn't electricity about as up-to-date as you can get? After all, it's electricity that allows us to watch television, use a computer, cook on the stove or in the microwave, enjoy stereo music, heat and cool our homes, read at night - all these things and dozens more that take place daily.
    [Show full text]
  • Mine Safety Technology Task Force Report May 29, 2006
    Mine Safety Technology Task Force Report May 29, 2006 Thesis Mine Safety Recommendations Report to the Director of the Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training By the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force As required by West Virginia Code §56-4-4 May 29, 2006 i Mine Safety Technology Task Force Report May 29, 2006 The views expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training or the State of West Virginia. Questions concerning this report can be directed to the Mine Safety Technology Task Force’s Technical Advisor, Randall Harris, at 304-558-1425 or [email protected] i Mine Safety Technology Task Force Report May 29, 2006 ABSTRACT The Sago and Aracoma disasters and their fourteen deaths, highlighted needed improvements in equipment, capabilities and processes for mine emergency response. The resultant worldwide attention has forever shifted the public’s view of underground mine safety. With the resolve of our government leaders, operators and labor representatives, we have embarked on a mission to improve mine health and safety, thus safeguarding the miners that fuel our nation. The Mine Safety Technology Task Force was charged with the duty of investigating and evaluating options and developing guidelines geared toward protecting the lives of our miners. Special emphasis has been placed on the systems and equipment necessary to sustain those threatened by explosion, fire or other catastrophic events while attempting escape or awaiting rescue. The West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force Report provides a summary of commercial availability and functional and operational capability of SCSR’s, emergency shelters, communications, and tracking along with recommendations regarding implementation, compliance and enforcement.
    [Show full text]
  • Tng 99 Spring 1983
    NARROW GAUGI RAllWAY SOCIITY Serving the narrow gauge world since 1951 SECRETARY M. Portsmouth, 15 Ham View, Upton-on-Severn, Wares. WR8 OGE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY P.A.Slater, The Hole in the Wall, Bradley, Ashbourne, Derbys. TREASURER J.H.Steele, 32 Thistley Hough, Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 SHU The Society was founded in 1951 to encourage interest in all forms of narrow gauge rail transport. Members interests cover every aspect of the construction, operation, history and modelling of narrow gauge railways throughout the world. Society members receive this magazine and Narrow Gauge News, a bi-monthly review of current events on the narrow gauge scene. An extensive library, locomotive records, and modelling information service are available to members. Meetings and visits are arranged by local areas based in Leeds, Leicester, London, Malvern, Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington. Annual subscription currently £6.00, due 1st April. THI NARROW GAUGI ISSN 0142-5587 EDITOR : M. Swift, 47 Birchington Avenue, Birchencliffe, Huddersfield, HD3 3RD BACK NUMBER SALES : A. Neale. 7 Vinery Road, Leeds. LS4 2LB Published quarterly by the Narrow Gauge Railway Society to record the history and development of narrow gauge rail transport. Our intention is to present a balanced, well illustrated publication, and the Editor welcomes original articles. photographs and drawings for consideration. Articles should preferably be written or typed with double spacing on one side of the paper only. The Editor appreciates a stamped addressed envelope if a reply is required. A range of back numbers, and binders for eight issues are available from the address above. Copyright of all material in this magazine remains vested in the authors and publisher.
    [Show full text]
  • Proposed Qr National Train Support Facility Hexham
    STATEMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT Proposed QR National Train Support Facility, Hexham NSW STATEMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT PROPOSED QR NATIONAL TRAIN SUPPORT FACILITY HEXHAM NSW AUGUST 2012 Prepared by EJE Heritage, August 2012 7706-SOHI-003 Page 1 STATEMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT Proposed QR National Train Support Facility, Hexham NSW TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 3 1.1 METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 HERITAGE LISTINGS ............................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 SITE IDENTIFICATION ............................................................................................................................. 4 1.4 CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS ......................................................................................................... 5 1.5 ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 5 2. EUROPEAN HISTORY OF THE SITE ................................................................................................................. 6 2.1 OVERVIEW ..............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The World Bank
    Documcnt of The World Bank FOR OMCAL USE ONLY Public Disclosure Authorized Report No. 8820 PROJECTCOMPLETION REPORT REPUBLICOF INDONESIA Public Disclosure Authorized COALMINING ANDTRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING PROJECT (LOANS-9-IND) AND BUKIT ASAMCOAL MINING DEVELOPMENTAND TRANSPORTATION PROJECT (LOAN2079-IND) JUNE 25, 1990 Public Disclosure Authorized Energy Division TechnicalDepartment Public Disclosure Authorized Asia RegionalOffice This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in theperformance of their official duties. Its contents may not otherwise be disclosed without World Bank authorizton. LIST OF AioBREVIATIONS BACOMDAT Bukit Asam Coal Mining Development and Transportation GOI Government of Indonesia IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IDC Interest During Construction MAP Maximum Austerity Program PCR Project Completion Report FOR OMCIALUSE ONLY THEWORLD SANK Washington.DC 20433 U.SA Ohke di OwtwmGowat awm vluit June 25, 1990 MEMORANDUM TO THE EXECUTIVEDIRECTO0t AND THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Project Completion Report on Indonesia Coal Mining and TransportationEngineering Project and Bukit Asam Coal Mining Development and TransportationProject (Loans S-9 and 2079-IND) Attached, for information,is a copy of a report entitled "Project Completion Report on Indonesia - Coal dining and Transportation Engineering Project (Loan S-9-IND) and Bukit Asam Coal Mining Developmentand Transportation Project (Loan 2079-IND)" prepared by the Asia Regional Office with Part II of the report contributedby the Borrower. No audit of this project has been made by the Operations Evaluation Department at this time. Attachment This document hu a resuicted distribution and may be used by reciintu only in the petformance of their officialduties. Its contenu may not otherwise be disclosedwithout World Bank authoriruion.
    [Show full text]
  • Facts About Coal and Minerals Contents
    FACTS ABOUT COAL AND MINERALS CONTENTS Facts About Coal and Minerals I. Overview ........................................3 2. Mining and the Economy ..........................4 3. Resources .......................................6 What are coal and minerals? ....................6 What are reserves and resources? ...............7 Selected tables and trivia .......................8 4. Production and Preparation .......................11 The process of mining ..........................11 Major mined products from your state ..........13 Mining methods ..............................15 Preparation ...................................16 5. Coal and Mineral Use ............................17 6. Mining’s Workforce .............................21 7. Mining and the Environment ......................23 8. Transportation ..................................27 9. Exports and Trade ...............................30 10. Glossary ........................................33 © 2020, National Mining Association For more information, visit www.nma.org. 1 Haul trucks used in surface mining can hold more than 400 tons of ore. 2 OVERVIEW | How has mining touched your life today? Think of your everyday life…. Do you drive or bike to work or school? The iron ore, bauxite, copper, platinum and other minerals used in the manufacture of cars and bicycles are products of mining. Do you use a computer? Did you know it takes as many as 66 minerals to make the screen, case, chips, circuitry and battery? And it is likely that nearly half the electricity you used today was generated by coal and uranium, both products of mining. We are surrounded by these raw materials — minerals and coal — that make nearly everything possible in our daily lives. But we often take them for granted because Did they are everywhere in our lives, even when we don’t see you them. They keep our lights on, provide essential building blocks for manufacturing and provide materials vital to know? advanced technologies we all depend on.
    [Show full text]
  • The International COLLIERIES STUDY
    Occasional Papers for the World Heritage Convention The International COLLIERIES STUDY A Joint Publication of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) and TICCIH (The International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage) By Stephen Hughes (Head of Survey, Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of Wales – RCAHMW) Published on behalf of ICOMOS and TICCIH by International Council on Monuments and Sites 49–51 Rue de la Fédération F-75015 Paris France Telephone +33 1 45 67 67 70 Fax +33 1 45 66 06 22 e-mail [email protected] © ICOMOS and TICCIH 2002 2 Contents 1 Introduction 4 2 The definition of a colliery 5 3 Possible categories of World Heritage colliery 5 4 General introduction to coal-mining history 6 5 Evaluation criteria for the study 8 6 Areas and values of significance within the colliery heritage criteria 10 7 Definition of the functional elements of a colliery and their evolution 12 8 Technical transfer or indigenous development 16 9 The criteria applied to major sites and monuments 20 10 The originators of the International Collieries List 27 11 Notes and references 29 12 Illustrations 31 3 1 INTRODUCTION HIS IS THE MOST recent in a series of industry studies prepared for the World Heritage TSecretariat of ICOMOS on behalf of TICCIH as part of the Global Strategy for the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention, examining areas of the international heritage considered to be under-represented on the World Heritage List. It is not a list of the international collieries deemed to be most worthy of inscription on the World Heritage List: such examples are chosen by national governments that are States Party to the Convention and approved for inscription by the World Heritage Committee.
    [Show full text]
  • Signal Peak Energy's Bull Mountain Mine Has
    JUNE 2012 VOL. 117 NO. 6 FEATURE ARTICLES NEWS/4 SIGNAL PEAK/32 28 Panama Canal Expansion: The Future Brightens for Export Coal 32 Signal Peak Energy’s Bull Mountain Mine has Pulled it Together and is Pulling Ahead 45 High-tech Solutions Relieve Pressure on Mine Planners Accuracy, speedy data analysis and process integration form the foundation of effective planning systems 50 Nano Drying Technology A new approach for fine coal dewatering 60 Advancements in Technology Improve Workshop CONSOL TERMINAL/66 OPERATING IDEAS/72 Component Handling and Safety Purpose-built machines move large awkward components in confined spaces 66 As Exports Grow, CONSOL Energy’s Baltimore Marine Terminal Takes a More Central Role 72 Managing Environmental Compliance COAL IN THE NEWS 8 Century to add another longwall, upgrades prep plant 8 Alliance CEO offers a positive perspective 8 Coal miners, environmental activists clash at Kentucky hearings 10 Peabody Energy submits successful bid for coal reserves THIS ISSUE at North Antelope Rochelle mine 10 NMA says EPA’s proposed NSPS rule is unlawful, unprecedented and unwise This month, Coal Age profiles Signal Peak Energy’s Bull 12 Vectren cuts output Mountain mine. The first major underground coal mine to 16 Alpha makes significant changes to rock dusting policies be commissioned in Montana, it plans to become one of the 16 Addington loses bankruptcy fight safest, most productive longwall operations. On the cover, a view of the Bull Mountain longwall face; the canopies on 20 Colorado’s New Elk metallurgical mine lays off workers the shields have been extended to protect the miners from 20 NMA addresses permitting delays that obstruct investment, face sloughage.
    [Show full text]
  • Canadian Rail No278 1975
    Canadian Rail a No.278 March 1975 r , IN-.-.... s UNIT TRAINS Duncan Haimerl anadian National Railways' definition of a unit- train is a train that handles consistently a ( volume of traffic of uniform commodity with equipment of a uniform type. The train contin- ually cycles between single loading and unloading points, with customer and carrier committed to maintaining the defined cycle. The shipper and user are responsible for maintaining specified loading and unloading times and the carrier is responsible for meeting the specified transit ti­ mes for loaded and empty equipment. Finally, the shipper is obligated to ship a minimum volume of the commodity over a specified time period. While this might seem to be a rather complicated definition, a serious consideration of the various criteria will lead to the con­ clusion that each of them has to be observed if the agreement is to be successful and profitable for both the carrier and the shipper. The first Canadian National train to comply with the above cri­ teria began operation in March 1970, transporting coal from Luscar, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia. The solid train (trainload shipments) has characteristics sim­ ilar to the unit train, except that the power units and/or cabooses may be used in other services. In the case of the unit-train, these elements are integral. The first solid train began to operate ln 1957, transporting gypsum from Milford to Wright's Cove, Nova Scotia, on CN's Bedford Subdivision. The strict application of unit-train criteria was first employed on shipments of heavy "Bunker C" fuel oil between Imperial Oil's'Mon­ treal East refinery and the Atomic Energy of Canada installation at Douglas Point, Ontario.
    [Show full text]