OPERATING HAND BRAKES

There are many different kinds of hand brakes, calling for different methods of operation. Any hand brake may be operated safely if handled properly. The following pages illustrate the proper method of going up or down ladders, reaching the brake platform, and operating the hand brake.

Going Up or Down Ladders

Maintain alertness when getting on or off cars. Grasp the rungs firmly. Turn the feet at an angle and place the ball of the foot on the ladder rung to improve footing and make it easier to climb. Use side ladder ascending or descending car. Never use end ladder.

When descending from a standing car be sure that your feet are firmly on the ground before releasing your grip on the grab iron. Always look for safe footing before dismounting from either moving or standing equipmen'

When getting off moving equipment, face the directio. of movement, and be certain to keep clear of adjacent tracks, and obstructions. Check for good footing and maintain hand hold until feet are on ground.

88-583 0-82--5

In moving to the brake platform, keep yourself well braced against sudden movement; maintain firm handhold and foothold at all times.

The operator should place right foot on brake platform, with heel locked against end of platform (as shown in above photograph), left foot on end ladder rung or grab iron. With right hand remove or release lever to extreme left or "ON" position, and with right hand turn the wheel clockwise until slack is taken up and braking pressure secured. Always maintain a firm grip on the grab iron with the left hand.

When applying hand brake always grasp the rim of the wheel for maximum leverage. Never reach through the spokes of a brake wheel as wheel may spin. Keep hands and fingers in the clear of wheel when releasing wheeltype hand brake.

OPERATING SWITCHES

Injuries are unnecessary if switches are operated properly.

By far the great majority of injuries in this work area are caused by failure of the employee to assume the proper position and to follow the safe method.

Look for out-of-service tags. When an out-of-service tag is on the switch, never attempt to operate it.

When difficulty is experienced while operating a switch it should be promptly reported to proper authority. The following pages outline several methods of operating switches.