Laserfiche WebLink
MAINTENANCE OF WAY OPERATING RULES—December 2, 2009 11-1 <br />11.0 On-Track Safety Policies <br />11.1 MWOR Training and Qualification <br />The purpose of this section is to prevent accidents and injuries that result from engines, locomotives, and <br />on-track equipment striking roadway workers and machines. <br />The BNSF training and qualification programs for employees subject to the Maintenance of Way <br />Operating Rules (MWOR) meet the requirements of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations <br />under 49 CFR Parts 213, 214, and 217. Specifically, 49 CFR Part 214.343 prohibits railroads, or <br />contractors to railroads, from assigning an employee to certain positions, and prohibits an employee from <br />accepting those positions, unless the employee has been properly trained and has demonstrated the <br />ability to fulfill the responsibilities for on-track safety that are required of an individual roadway worker <br />performing that assignment. This instruction reflects the belief that the most comprehensive, consistent, <br />and fair method for an employee to demonstrate his or her knowledge of rules and practices is through <br />standardized training and testing for the various positions. <br />Assignments Requiring MWOR Qualification <br />Employees must be qualified on the Maintenance of Way Operating Rules (MWOR) before requesting or <br />accepting assignments as: <br />Employees in charge <br />Lone workers <br />Lookouts <br />Flagmen <br />Escorts <br />Independent machine operators <br />Subgroup coordinators working with large-scale maintenance and construction crews <br />In addition, these employees are trained and qualified on the on-track safety procedures specific to <br />their positions. Assignments subject to these rules may be modified periodically pursuant to changes in <br />governmental regulations or BNSF policy. <br />Initial Training to Attain MWOR Qualification <br />Training required to attain MWOR qualification reviews the content and application of those rules and <br />addresses the on-track safety training and qualification required of employees whom a MWOR-qualified <br />employee may be required to supervise or protect. To accomplish this, participants complete the MWOR <br />Promotion Study Guide and the MWOR Promotion Examination. <br />The Promotion Study Guide is furnished to applicants upon request. Classes that complete the MWOR <br />Promotion Examination are scheduled quarterly. An employee designated by the General Director Rules <br />and Field Support facilitate these classes.