Ice
Removal Update
December 24, 2005
Brothers and Sisters,
Here it is Christmas eve, and last night I recieved a message from
Brian Black, TCRC MWED H&S rep outlining the Safe Work Procedures
that the H&SW sub-committee from Revelstoke had developed for
ice removal from tunnels in the BC Interior.
The development of these safe work procedures has been a priority
following our Brother, Bob Martin's death in the MacDonald tunnel
on December 14th. This tragedy also gave rise to a directive issued
to CPRail by HRSDC on December 16th, 2005 (this directive can be
found on our website www.tcrcmwed.ca under the "Interim Control
Measures" heading). In keeping in compliance with this directive
and paragraph 125.(1)(z.04) of the Canada Labour Code Part II,
and subsection 19.6(2) of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety
Regulations, Safe Work Procedures have been developed.
Here is part of what Brian Black had to say about the newly developed
safe work procedures,
" Absolutely NO ice will be removed over shoulder height with hand
tools . NO ice will be removed at track grade if there are overhead
hangers present or wall columns are attached to track level ice.
Machines or man bucket will be used to remove ice above shoulder
height.
We are using an excavator with hi-tracker and thumb as well it
must be equipped with a FOP's
System (Falling Objects Protection System) on the cab. We are equipping
our gradall and excavator brush cutter with a FOP's as they will
be used in the future to remove ice as mentioned above. We're also
looking at doing a pilot with a 10 ton material truck and a scissor
lift mounted and chained on the deck elevated with a man in it
at tunnel roof height to simulate whether out riggers must be used
or not. This if its a success will allow us to remove hangers and
some columns top down with pike poles so there no risk to employees
safety."
I was with this sub-committee here in Revelstoke, BC, yesterday,
December 23, 2005 while they were working on this development (and
had been for three days). I was impressed with their dedication
and their determination to prevent another tragedy from occurring.
Though there were company representatives present who wanted to
explore the feasibility of continuing to remove overhead and overhanging
ice with the use of "hand scaling" and pike poles, your
TCRC MWED representatives were adamant that this was not an option.
Their focus was your safety. The conversations did get heated as
this is an emotianally charged issue, however your representatives
kept their cool and stood their ground and as you can see from
Brother Black's message, NO ice will be removed over shoulder height
with hand tools.
Brother Jody Grant, TMF in Revelstoke, Brother Kent Jones, TCRC
MWED Secretary Treasurer of lodge 208 (and Bench Carpenter) and
Brother Brian Black, the TCRC MWED H&S Representative for BC,
all believe that the only safe way to remove this ice is with machinery
that has been equipped with a Falling Objects Protection System
and have insured that is what will be done. I commend all three
of you for your hard work, your dedication to safety and your focus
on the protection of your Brothers and Sisters. You not only practice
the attitude that safety is the first priority, you exemplify it.
On another note, I want to thank everyone who helped, contributed,
donated and/or supported the "TEAMSTERS CARE Christmas Cancer
Awareness Program".
It was an unqualified success. You people came out and opened your
hearts and wallets and there were thousands of dollars in donations
and toys given across the country. The donations came from individual
members, local lodges, Union and Company officers, even Arbitrator
Picher made a generous donation when we mentioned what we were
doing.
We will be doing this annually, though I'm not shaving my head
again. However, I will issue the challenge to the other members
of the TCRC MWED Executive board. Let's see the rest of you bare
your noggins for this righteous cause and make it an even bigger
success next year.
Thanks again to everyone and one last time, let me wish you all
a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years. Have a safe
and joyful holiday and we'll see you in the New Year.
Fraternally,
Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED
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