Section 97-A. Rules and instructions for flag protection for stopped railroad trains  


Latest version.
  • 1. Every railroad company  shall,  within  thirty  days
      enactment  hereof,  promulgate  appropriate  operating rules and special
      instructions for employees in conformity with the following:
        (a) When a  train  stops  under  circumstances  in  which  it  may  be
      overtaken  by  another train, a member of the crew must provide flagging
      protection, that is, go back immediately with a red flag, torpedoes  and
      fusees by day and with a red and/or white light, torpedoes and fusees by
      night,  a  sufficient  distance  to  insure full protection, placing two
      torpedoes on the rail and when necessary, in addition,  display  lighted
      fusees.
        (b) When recalled and safety to the train will permit, he may return.
        (c) When conditions require, he will leave the torpedoes and a lighted
      fusee.
        (d)  The  front  of  the train must be protected in the same way, when
      necessary, by a member of the crew.
        (e) When a train is moving under circumstances  in  which  it  may  be
      overtaken  by  another train, a member of the crew must take such action
      as may be necessary to insure full protection. By night (or by day, when
      the view is obscured) lighted fusees must  be  dropped  off  the  moving
      train or displayed at proper intervals.
        (f) When day signals cannot be plainly seen, owing to weather or other
      conditions, night signals must also be used.
        (g)  Conductors  and  enginemen  are responsible for the protection of
      their trains.
        (h) When a pusher engine is assisting  a  train,  coupled  behind  the
      cabin  or  caboose  car,  and  the  member  of the crew who protects the
      rear-end of the train is  riding  in  the  cabin  or  caboose  car,  the
      requirements  as  to the fusees will be met by dropping them off between
      the cabin or caboose car and pusher engine on the  track  the  train  is
      using,  and  not  between  that  track  and an adjacent track. Provided,
      however, that unless specific circumstances indicate to the contrary, it
      will be presumed that trains stopping under the following  circumstances
      will not be overtaken by another train:
        (i) Passenger trains making normal station stops.
        (ii)  All  trains  stopping  in  manual  block  territory protected by
      absolute block.
        (iii) All trains stopping so as to be completely within the limits  of
      classication  or  storage  yards  at  the usual place to change crews or
      remove power.
        2. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require  the  employment
      of  additional  employees  or  restrict  the  use of crew members in any
      manner.
        3.  The  commissioner  shall  have  full  authority  to  enforce   the
      provisions of this section.