NORAC 11Th Edition – February 1, 2018 I TABLE of CONTENTS
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11TH EDITION NORAC OPERATING RULES NORTHEAST OPERATING RULES ADVISORY COMMITTEE NORAC OPERATING RULES ELEVENTH EDITION Effective February 1, 2018 Published By: Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee Adopted By: Adirondack Scenic Railroad Morristown & Erie Railway Amtrak National Park Service Bay Colony Railroad Naugatuck Railroad Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railway New England Southern Railroad Bombardier Transportation (River LINE) New Hampshire Central Railroad Cape Cod Central Railroad New Hope and Ivyland Railroad Cape May Seashore Lines New Jersey Transit Rail Operations Columbia and Reading Railway Company New York and Greenwood Lake Railway Conrail Shared Assets New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway CSX Transportation Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad Delaware Lackawaxen & Stourbridge Railroad Norfolk Southern Railway East Jersey Railroad & Terminal North Shore Railroad East Penn Railroad NYNJ Rail Finger Lakes Railway Owego & Harford Railway, Inc Fore River Railroad Pan Am Railways Genesee Valley Transportation Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad Grafton & Upton Railroad Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad Housatonic Railroad Raritan Central Railway Iowa Pacific Holdings Seaview Transportation Company, Inc. Keolis Commuter Services Seminole Gulf Railway Keolis VRE SMS Rail Lines Lehigh Railway Southeastern PA Transp. Authority (SEPTA) Luzerne & Susquehanna Railway Southern Railroad of New Jersey Massachusetts Central Railroad Valley Railroad Company Massachusetts Coastal Railroad West Chester Railroad Milford - Bennington Railroad Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad IN MEMORIAM Timothy Howey and William Milazzo This 11th Edition of the NORAC Operating Rules is dedicated to the memory of two gentlemen who each served the Committee with dedication, passion, and integrity for over 20 years. Tim Howey and Billy Milazzo have left an indelible impression on the railroad industry and the lives they touched during their long and distinguished careers, not only with the work they did for the NORAC group, but with the nature of their character. Tim was an Amtrak representative for over two decades, and served the Committee as Secretary and Vice Chairman. His service to the Committee was just a small example of his commitment and dedication to the improvement of safety and operating practices within the railroad industry. He was an expert in operating procedures with a specialty in dispatching and train control systems. He worked tirelessly and selflessly, never hesitating to provide assistance or guidance when called upon. His work ethic was overshadowed only by his infectious smile and appetite for knowledge and excellence. Bill represented multiple member railroads over the years and served the Committee behind- the-scenes as a member of sub-committees and working groups. The Committee relied on his experience, participation, support and professionalism to help keep meetings on track and to help better the entire NORAC community. But more important than his professional persona was Bill Milazzo the man. Bill was a close friend to many, and a gentleman to all. He was humorous, respectful and quick with a story that was sure to bring a smile. Gone but never forgotten, these two gentlemen dedicated their careers to improving railroad operations and helping others understand the rules in order to work safely. Their legacy lies in the memories of those whose lives they touched, and their impact on safety within the entire railroad industry. NORAC 11th Edition – February 1, 2018 i TABLE OF CONTENTS TERMINOLOGY, DEFINITIONS, and AUTHORIZED ABBREVIATIONS .................................... 1 GENERAL RULES ...................................................................................................................... 9 REPORTING FOR DUTY ......................................................................................................... 16 MISCELLANEOUS SIGNALS ................................................................................................... 18 TAMPERING ............................................................................................................................ 30 INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................ 31 MOVEMENT OF TRAINS ......................................................................................................... 34 PROTECTION OF TRAINS ....................................................................................................... 50 MOVEMENT PERMIT FORM D ................................................................................................ 66 GENERAL SIGNAL RULES ...................................................................................................... 71 SIGNAL ASPECTS AND INDICATIONS ................................................................................... 74 FORM D CONTROL SYSTEM ................................................................................................ 100 AUTOMATIC BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM ................................................................................ 105 CAB SIGNAL SYSTEM ........................................................................................................... 110 POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM .................................................................................. 118 INTERLOCKINGS AND CONTROL POINTS .......................................................................... 122 RADIOS, TELEPHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES ........................................................ 126 MOVEMENT OF TRACK CARS ............................................................................................. 133 DISPATCHERS ...................................................................................................................... 138 OPERATORS ......................................................................................................................... 140 TRAIN SERVICE EMPLOYEES .............................................................................................. 142 ENGINE SERVICE EMPLOYEES ........................................................................................... 143 YARDMASTERS ..................................................................................................................... 145 STATION MASTERS and ASSISTANT STATION MASTERS ................................................ 145 FOREMEN and TRACK CAR DRIVERS ................................................................................. 146 INDEX ..................................................................................................................................... 147 FORM D ILLUSTRATION ....................................................................................................... 153 INTRODUCTION These rules govern the operation of the railroads listed on the previous pages, apply equally to all railroad employees, and must be observed by all employees whose duties are in any way affected by them. Use of the male gender throughout these rules is for convenience and clarity only. All rules apply equally to male and female personnel. The following craft titles have been shortened to reflect common usage: “Operator” refers to the Block Operator, Train Director, Leverman, or Dispatcher when operating interlocking or controlled point appliances. For operations involving an operator, references to the dispatcher apply to the operator when authorized by the dispatcher. “Dispatcher” refers to the Train Dispatcher. ii NORAC 11th Edition – February 1, 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS TERMINOLOGY, DEFINITIONS, and AUTHORIZED ABBREVIATIONS .................................. 1 GENERAL RULES ..................................................................................................................... 9 A. Required Books ................................................................................................................ 9 B. Rules and Special Instructions .......................................................................................... 9 C. Required Examinations ................................................................................................... 11 D. Employee Conduct.......................................................................................................... 11 E. Prohibited Behaviors ....................................................................................................... 11 F. Reporting Unusual Occurrences ..................................................................................... 11 G. Drugs and Alcohol........................................................................................................... 12 H. Smoking .......................................................................................................................... 12 I. Fire Precautions .............................................................................................................. 12 J. Uniforms; Grooming ........................................................................................................ 12 K. Courtesy Towards Public and Patrons ............................................................................ 12 L. Protecting Company Affairs and Property ....................................................................... 12 M. Corrective Lenses ........................................................................................................... 13 N. Complying with Rules,