-18-
916 . . . They must repond promptly when called by radio or telephone, and communicate clearly and properly in compliance with the rules.
*****
Conrail operational procedures[1] require supervisors to observe the performance of employees and to take corrective action upon noting noncompliance with the rules. Supervisors are required to record the observations showing compliance or noncompliance with the rules during the observation. (See appendix F.) In an August 17, 1978, letter to the Safety Board, Conrail states that, "The value of trained employees is unquestionable. To evaluate the effectiveness of the present training program is to observe the performance of the individual trained. Observance of employee's performance by supervisory personnel using 1872 efficiency forms (POSTS Program) give management a periodic check as to rules compliance or violation. These checks are recorded." However, Conrail does not Specify how often these checks are to be conducted on operators.
Conrail further stated in its letter that an operator is qualified and his proficiency is checked "By successfully completing his on-the-job training, and by being examined on his knowledge of operating and safety rules before performing service. Mandatory re- examinations yearly or bi-yearly revalidates his proficiency, as well as periodic rules compliance checks (POSTS Program)."
According to Conrail timetable special instruction 1702-A2, Metro Region Commuter Radio Channel 3 is in operation between GCT (Grand Central Terminal) and CD (Harmon). (See appendix E.) Conrail freight locomotive units are equipped with radios that have the capability to receive or transmit on channels 1 and 2 but not on channel 3. Amtrak locomotives are equipped to operate on all three radio channels. Both the CW and DV towers have radios that receive and transmit on channel 3 and on Conrail road channel 2, and which are monitored simultaneously in addition to the open telephone line with the dispatcher.
Title 49 CFR Part 220.23 requires that railroads "designate appropriate radio channels by publishing them in a timetable or special instruction." Part 220.39 further requires "Engine and caboose radios must be turned on to the appropriate channel as designated in ¶ 220.23 with the volume adjusted to receive communications while the engine or caboose is manned." (See appendix F.)
In the accident area, there are 103 scheduled passenger trains operating each day, including Conrail Commuter Trains and Amtrak through passenger trains.
Meteorological Information
The Westchester County Airport, located 4 miles north of the accident site reported the weather at 3:45 p.m., as temperature 62°, mostly cloudy, daylight with a 9 mph wind blowing from the west. Visibility was 7 miles.
Survival Aspects
When the trains collided, passenger train No. 74 was stopped and freight train No. OPSE-7 had slowed between 8 and 10 mph. The lead freight locomotive unit overrode the passenger train power car. The Operating cab was crushed; the engineer's console, the
fireman's seat, and all intervening structure were pushed about 112 inches from the front
- ↑ Required by 49 CFR Part 217.9.
