Tank Car Operations

Section 215 Section 215.95  Tank Car Operations a)         Anhydrous ammonia tank cars shall be transferred only at permanent storage locations into permanent storage containers. b)         Transfer operations shall be performed by a certified competent attendant. c)         Rail track at tank car transfer positions shall be essentially level. d)         Brakes shall be set and the wheels blocked in both directions on all tank cars being loaded or unloaded. e)         Caution signs shall be so placed on the track or car to give necessary warning to persons approaching the car from the open end or ends of the siding.  The signs must be of metal or other comparable material at least 12 inches high by 15 inches wide in size, and bear the words, STOP – TANK CAR CONNECTED or STOP – MEN AT WORK, the word STOP being in letters at least 4 inches high.  Other words should be in letters at least 2 inches high.  The letters must be white on blue background.  A car so protected must not be coupled or moved.  The signs must remain in place until the tank car valves have been closed and the transfer lines have been disconnected. f)         A standard derail must be properly set and secured in the derailing position between the railroad tank car being loaded or unloaded and other cars being moved on the same track. g)         After a transfer, all valves shall be closed and transfer lines disconnected.  Caps or plugs on railroad tank car sample valves, liquid valves, vapor valves, and gauging device valves shall be replaced and made wrench tight.  Slip tube gauging devices shall be secured and gauge housings screwed in place.  Protective housing covers must be secured and pinned and proper seals put in place when required.  Leaks from any source on a tank car shall be stopped before a car may be released to the carrier.