United Transportation Union

Report of Engine Cab Condition Committee Meeting

Oct. 17, 1997, North Vancouver

Attendance

GENERAL

R. Nicholls presents Pacific Environmental Consultants reports on air quality in Table and Wolverine tunnels, air in cab of moving engines within acceptable levels, air in tunnels after train with diesel operation has passed through contains Nitrous Oxide in quantities that are near levels considered immediately dangerous to life and health. Existing canister-type respirators now located in tunnel do not protect against NO_{2 .}

BCR has issued instruction that only one diesel allowed on consist and this must be idled through tunnels.

Nicholls introduces bottled-air respirator system with hood, to be supplied to each crew member on trains passing through tunnels, as well as back-up air supplies to be located in tunnel at strategic locations. To be used in the event that train is disabled in tunnel and crew has to evacuate.

Discussion

Harry points out that smoke is not the only hazard in the tunnels: wet, dark, no walkway, 50,000 volts, no marker for summit. (CP has tunnels lit)

Ruddel: Report says "no effects on short term health", what about long term?

Nicholls: Levels within standards set by WCB Clarke: Minimum levels based on 8 hr. per day exposure

Yeomans: People sick after going through tunnel St. Croix: Believes long term exposure will cause some sort of detrimental health effect Brodie: Miners have been studied long term for similar exposure

Nicholls: CN engine exhaust leaks in past were specific incidents relating to manifold leaks on certain CN engines. Crew was likely sick from fumes well before entering tunnels. Exposure concerns are outside of trains. BCR wants to implement 100% sure-fire protection for worse case scenario, an effective, safe means of evacuation.

Escape system is 15-30 minute bottle with hood over head. Positive pressure system. Recommend each lead unit in tunnel service be equipped with these, provide training for use, institute regular inspection as well as additional bottles along tunnel walls.

Moorhouse: What indicates a need to use this equipment? Nicholls: NO₂ is present with smoke, smoke in the air is indication to use.

Moorhouse: with a 15-30 minute bottle it seems that as soon as you put the equipment on you'll have to start looking for another bottle. Suggest initial 1 hr. supply.

Yeomans: Who is responsible for supplying equipment to engine?

Younger: Limited room in loco. Cab, where is this stuff to be stored? Nicholls: must be in clean, warm environment

Moorhouse: Does pressure drop with temperature? Nicholls: minimal

Moorhouse: There is a perception that, regardless of the report, cab air on moving engine is unhealthy. Will there be any repercussion if employee uses this equipment every trip while travelling through tunnel? Nicholls: Not intended for regular use, continued use could cause "dry air" type illness, lung conditions, pneumonia.

Summary

At 11:00k meeting was relocated to 6^th floor boardroom, Biln, Behnish, Younger, Colquohon, Campbell, St. Croix, Moorhouse, Ulch, Edgar, Yeomans in attendance.

Yeomans states third seat in GM's unacceptable, too crowded, too cramped, unsafe. Discussed removable seat option. Younger questions logic of removable seat, is it OK to have a third seat with a third crew member, but not with two crew members? Much discussion and argument. Union members call for caucus, decide that action referred to in BCR Oct 11, 1997 minutes (Item 8.3) "Sopel to contact B. Rose and appropriate union rep. for resolution", was never initiated. Agreed to send this issue to GC of A and BCR upper management for resolution.

Yeomans leaves meeting after lunch.

OCT 15^TH ISSUES

Ovens and sinks all done except 6005

CAT toilet area heating, BCR unable to comply with Ministry requirements of 65⁰ year round. Investigating insulation package from consultant specializing in arctic condition insulation. 2" thick "Armaflex" insulation glued to walls and ceiling, blankets on floor. Parabolic heater to be installed. Cost $5000 unit. Uncertainty if toilet area acceptable to D. Yeomans and northern members. Issue to be progressed to BCR management and GCA to ensure acceptance before being progressed further.

ELECTRIC ENGINES

Ulch: Unhappy with sink location, not what we agreed to. Younger: Proposed location on back of short-hood door impractical for a number of reasons: interference / egress problems; drain maintenance;

Outstanding Issues

Progress date Mar 16, 1998

BUDDS

Eight Budds to stay in service for at least the next 2-3 years

Seats worn, some need replacing, all need cleaning

Brakepipe door, latch inadequate, need new latch

Sanders, robo-lube causes skidding, sanders need regular filling

CATS

Progress by Mar 16, 1998

GM's'/

Ovens Done

Fridges Done

Short Hood Bi-fold door Done

Baggage Storage Not Done

Third Seat To GCA

DASH 7's

Baggage storage Biln suggests removable rack or platform inside short hood door

Speedometer glare Suggest glare screen similar to computers; changing display background; further dimming

Seating To GCA

Seven upgraded, next due Jan / Feb

Moorhouse suggests vertical handhold on rear body next to steps similar to CATs

DASH 8's

Baggage storage on-going

Ovens / sinks done

Air incursion / drafts investigate further

Emergency valves painted red, sharp corners fixed

Noisy wiper exhaust Rik provides details of QNSL electric wipers and part numbers

DASH 9's

Solid-style hot plates not red hot on-going

Baggage storage on-going