Heavy Rail - IRP L

Questions and Answers

What is the primary hazard associated with freight trains in Montgomery County?

Passenger overcrowding

Excessive noise from train operations

Train delays due to maintenance

Presence of hazardous materials (correct)

Which type of train tracks the number of passengers in real-time?

MARC trains

Commuter trains

Amtrak trains (correct)

Freight trains

What should personnel do if there is no immediate life hazard during an incident?

Evacuate the area immediately

Continue operations adjacent to the roadway

Contact CSX immediately

Wait for confirmation from CSX of stopped train traffic (correct)

Why is it important for the CSX Operations Center to be contacted with milepost identification?

Because CSX operators may not be familiar with local geography Signup and view all the answers

How long should personnel anticipate train movement after requesting a stoppage?

10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for contacting CSX to request a stoppage of train traffic?

ECC Supervisor, Incident Commander, or responding Rail Officer Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the risks associated with moving trains that is highlighted?

They pose a threat to personnel operating near the roadway Signup and view all the answers

What can be used to warn personnel operating on or adjacent to the railroad roadway of an approaching train?

Train lookouts Signup and view all the answers

Which company owns and operates the heavy rail line in Montgomery County?

CSX Corporation Signup and view all the answers

What is the designation for mileposts on the Metropolitan Subdivision?

BA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following train services use the CSX rail line located in Montgomery County?

MARC and Amtrak Signup and view all the answers

Why might physical mileposts be difficult to identify in the field?

They may be damaged or missing. Signup and view all the answers

What should fire/rescue personnel use to determine the milepost location of an incident?

MDC resources and responding Rail Officers Signup and view all the answers

Why is familiarity with response areas important for fire/rescue personnel?

To quickly access the scene of an incident. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method for identifying incident locations along the heavy rail line?

Mileposts Signup and view all the answers

Where does the distance indicated by the mileposts on the Metropolitan Subdivision start from?

Union Station Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Initial Actions for Heavy Rail Incidents policy?

To provide a framework for operational thought processes at heavy rail incidents Signup and view all the answers

Who does the Incident Response policy apply to?

All MCFRS personnel and others operating at heavy rail incidents Signup and view all the answers

What unique challenges do railroad incidents present compared to typical fire and rescue incidents?

Moving trains, high voltage electricity, and hazardous materials risk Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following incidents can potentially create a mass casualty event?

Train collision or derailment involving a passenger train Signup and view all the answers

What role does the policy emphasize regarding resource management during incidents?

Incidents may quickly overwhelm resources, command and control Signup and view all the answers

Why are passenger rail services identified as potential targets for terrorist attacks?

They involve large groups of people in confined spaces on a schedule Signup and view all the answers

What does the initial operational approach for heavy rail incidents emphasize?

Adherence to national best practices and lessons learned Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the critical factors that complicates the response to heavy rail incidents?

The risk of high voltage electricity and hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

What area is considered the railroad roadway?

The area within 20 feet of the trackbed Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum PPE required for personnel operating on or adjacent to the roadway?

Safety toe footwear, long pants, traffic safety vest, work gloves, eye protection, and a helmet Signup and view all the answers

How far away must personnel remain from the roadway unless there is a known life hazard?

30 feet Signup and view all the answers

What should be included when contacting CSX regarding an incident?

Approximate milepost location or crossing ID number Signup and view all the answers

What actions should personnel take before approaching the railroad roadway?

Stop and look both directions Signup and view all the answers

What distance should no apparatus be positioned closer than from the roadway?

30 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action for personnel in the event of a heavy rail incident?

Avoid operating in between the rails when possible Signup and view all the answers

Why is a coordinated effort between ECC and the incident commander necessary?

To make required notifications and train stoppage requests Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action that the first due engine should take while enroute to a fire incident?

Announce the water supply source Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing an incident perimeter during emergency response?

To provide a safe area for assessment and operations Signup and view all the answers

In an incident involving hazardous materials, what is one of the initial steps to take?

Establish isolation and evacuation zones Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment is NOT listed as essential for responding to heavy rail incidents?

Fire Hose Reel Signup and view all the answers

What should the second due engine primarily assist with upon arrival?

Completing the water supply for the first due engine Signup and view all the answers

For locomotive fires, what is the recommended action if it is safe to do so?

Activate the fuel cut-off switch Signup and view all the answers

Which task should the first due engine perform regarding passengers during an emergency response?

Direct passengers to a designated area Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT appropriate for initial operations at a hazardous materials incident?

Direct hose streams towards the hazardous material source Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary task of the First Due Aerial at a heavy rail incident?

Act as initial on-scene train lookouts until remote lookouts are in place Signup and view all the answers

In incidents involving entrapment or entanglement, which unit is primarily responsible for initiating rescue operations?

Rescue Squad Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the essential equipment list for the First Due Aerial?

Flares Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the incident involves a derailment?

Secure any upright cars by applying hand brakes Signup and view all the answers

Which action is recommended during mass casualty incidents?

Assist with the movement of patients Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Railroad Infrastructure and Services

CSX Corporation owns and operates the heavy rail line in Montgomery County, known as the “Metropolitan Subdivision.”
MARC refers to this line as the “Brunswick Line,” while Amtrak operates the “Capital Limited” service on it.
Train movements within Montgomery County are controlled by CSX, regardless of the train service provider.
CSX uses mileposts, which are spaced at one-mile intervals, to identify locations along the rail line, starting from Union Station.

Incident Response Policy Overview

Introduced on April 1, 2020, the policy provides a framework for safe responses to heavy rail incidents.
Applicable to all personnel, including MCFRS and other organizations, operating on or adjacent to the CSX heavy rail roadway.
Acknowledges the unique challenges of railroad incidents: moving trains, high voltage, and the potential for hazardous materials create a hazardous environment.

Hazards and Risks

Railroad incidents can lead to mass casualties, especially involving passenger trains or hazardous materials from freight trains.
The possibility of terrorist attacks targeting passenger rail services necessitates heightened awareness and preparedness.
Freight trains can carry large amounts of hazardous materials in various forms (solids, liquids, gases).

Risk Reduction Strategies

Preplanning is essential for recognizing railroad environmental hazards.
Train movements can occur at any time and direction, necessitating that personnel wait for CSX confirmation before approaching the roadway.
Train stoppage requests must be submitted to CSX, which operates from Jacksonville, Florida—making local milepost knowledge crucial.

Safety Protocols

The heavy rail roadway is classified as a high hazard area; staying 30 feet away is mandatory unless train traffic is controlled.
Minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) includes safety toe footwear, long pants, traffic safety vest, gloves, eye protection, and a helmet.
Emergency response should involve proper notifications to CSX for train stoppage and updates on the incident status.

Incident Command and First Response Actions

Commands should assess the scene, establish command, and request additional resources as necessary.
Personnel must maintain lookout posts to warn of approaching trains.
First Due Engine responsibilities include assessing the scene, establishing water supply, and managing passenger evacuation.

Equipment for Response

Essential equipment includes trauma care kits, handlights, tool bags, thermal imaging cameras, and patient movers.
For locomotive fires, activating the fuel cut-off switch and maintaining a safe firefighting distance is crucial.
Hazardous material incidents require isolation zones identification and evacuation if necessary.

Coordination and Communication

Continuous coordination with the ECC and other units is vital during incidents involving railroad operations.
Contact CSX with detailed incident information, including nature and scope, milepost location, type of train involved, and stoppage requests.
Assign operational roles and ensure lookouts are in position before allowing personnel to operate near the tracks.

Equipment for Incident Response

Essential gear includes Trauma Care Kits, Handlights, Tool Bags, Thermal Imaging Cameras, and Patient Movers.
First Due Aerial Units act as primary lookouts and must secure upright cars by applying hand brakes during derailments.
Rescue Squads focus on rescuing individuals in entrapment scenarios and assist in mass casualty incidents.

Safe Operations Around Heavy Rail

Personnel must remain vigilant regarding METRORAIL trains and the electrified third rail due to overlapping train movements.
Heavy rail trains have diesel-electric locomotives with a fuel tank capacity of 5,000 gallons; these trains can weigh over 100 tons.
Passenger trains utilize head-end power (HEP) at 480 volts to operate electrical systems including lighting and climate control.

Incident Command Procedures

The Primary Unit Officer manages initial scene assessment, determining incident nature, life hazards, passenger status, and hazardous materials presence.
A Situation Update Report (SUR) is needed to outline location, incident conditions, actions taken, and resource requests.
Command structure (Tactical or Stationary) must be established based on incident scope.

Hazardous Material Protocols

Isolation zones are critical and must be established based on the type and amount of hazardous materials involved and current weather conditions.
Only HazMat team members are authorized to operate tank car valves or relief devices.

Safety Protocols for Personnel

Personnel should keep a minimum distance of 20 feet from train ends and exhibit caution near couplers, hoses, and electrical systems.
Avoid operating on top of rail cars and walking on passenger train windows due to safety concerns.
Engage hand brakes on rail cars before any operation; only railroad personnel may release these brakes.

Communication and Coordination

Requests for train stoppages must be made through CSX Operations; proper milepost data is essential due to geographic unfamiliarity of operators.
Anticipate train movement for at least 10 minutes following any stop requests due to the stopping requirements of different train types.

Emergency Operations

Initial actions dictate that emergency responders should verify passenger counts, especially as Amtrak tracks are real-time while MARC trains do not monitor passenger counts dynamically.
Light and ventilation systems in passenger cars are dependent on locomotive power; consider keeping locomotives operational unless otherwise unsafe.

Precautions in Fire Situations

In case of a locomotive fire, confirm fuel supply status and tank integrity before reacting.
Hoses should not be directed down the exhaust stack of locomotives and the engine room entry requires permission from the incident commander.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the Incident Response Policy for Heavy Rail Incidents as outlined by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. This quiz covers key procedures and initial actions to take during railroad emergencies. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the specifics for effective incident management.

Heavy Rail - IRP L - PDF