Air Brakes and Train Handling Rules - Alaska Railroad

63 Train Equipment and OperationBefore making the final stop, engineers must ensure that brake shoeson the cars and locomotives in their train are sufficiently warmed upto prevent possible movement after the locomotives are cut off andthe hand brakes are applied.63.10.1 Applying Hand Brakes On CarsWhen securing cars or a portion of a train, apply enough hand brakesto prevent movement.1. When determining the number of hand brakes to be fully appliedor the blocking needed to hold cars without air brakes, considerthe following factors:• Grade and adhesion• Loaded or empty equipment• Weather, wind, and temperature2. When applying hand brakes:a. Use proper body mechanics to prevent injury.b. Do not use a device for additional leverage, such as a bar,brake club, or your foot.c. Fully apply hand brakes by operating the mechanism untilthe slack is out of the chain and the brake shoes are snugagainst the wheels.d. Drain the auxiliary reservoir to ensure that the hand brakechain does not break or the hand brake “dog” does not slipand release the brake.3. When removing locomotives from a consist, apply enough handbrakes to prevent movement of the unattended locomotives.4. When setting out cars on a grade:a. Make sure the slack is bunched.b. Apply the hand brakes on the low end of the cut of cars.5. When necessary, apply all hand brakes on multiple platform cars.June 1, 1996 ARRC Air Brakes and Train Handling Manual 63-13