--- title: How To Improve The Safety Of Your Rail Transloading Processes description: Rail transloading is an economical transportation option, but it presents some safety risks. 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[Contact An Expert](https://www.carbissolutions.com/contact/) Menu Home Products Services Solutions Resources Resources Resources The Workplace Safety Blog ## Safety & Fall Prevention Insights From Carbis Solutions # How To Improve The Safety Of Your Rail Transloading Processes The Carbis Team | Jul 25, 2016 8:00:00 AM ![Learn how to improve the safety of your rail transloading processes and minimize worker risk.](https://content.carbissolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/safe-rail-transloading.jpg_.jpg?width=307&name=safe-rail-transloading.jpg_.jpg "Learn how to improve the safety of your rail transloading processes and minimize worker risk.")Transloading between trucks and rail cars helps you lower transportation costs through affordable rail shipping, even if your origin site or destination is not along a rail line. However, [the process of tank rail car loading](http://www.carbissolutions.com/workplace-safety-products/product-category/platforms/244-rail-car-loading-platforms-single-hatch-244) and unloading can be dangerous. For example, workers may become lightheaded and faint if they inhale fumes from petroleum fuels. The manual labor involved in loading and unloading also presents a danger. Without proper equipment to improve the ergonomics of a task, workers may receive repetitive strain injuries. Then, there’s the matter of the tank cars themselves. Workers may fall from a height if they climb on top and trip. Unsecured cars may also move unexpectedly and strike workers on the tracks. While safety risks like these can’t be eliminated entirely, you can mitigate them. Learn more about how to protect your workers during rail transloading. ### Follow Rail Transloading Safety Procedures The [Federal Railroad Administration has certain rules](https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L04687) in place to keep workers safe during rail transloading. First, you must block at least one wheel per rail car against movement in both directions and set the hand brakes to keep cars in position. You may have to use multiple wheel blocks and hand brakes if more than one car is on a track. During a product transfer, at least one employee must have an unobstructed view of the operation, or an employee should be watching the operation on a monitoring system. That way, someone can immediately notify workers involved in case of an emergency or malfunction. Adhering to the following [safe rail transloading practices](https://watcocompanies.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/transload-safety-rules.pdf) is also necessary to protect workers on the job: - Keep headlights or warning lights on when operating a railcar mover - Ensure the horn, bell and brakes work properly before moving the railcar mover - Whenever possible, perform tank car transloading outside so fumes aren’t trapped indoors - Prevent workers from placing their hands and body parts at a machine’s point of operation (use tongs, hooks or other tools instead) - Always be prepared for the movement of rail cars and other equipment at any time, in any direction ### Install The Appropriate Safety Equipment A number of [rail safety solutions](http://www.carbissolutions.com/safety-solutions/rail) help minimize workers’ ergonomic strain, prevent falls and improve your site’s safety. Consider speaking with a safety expert to learn whether the following solutions are right for your facility: - Single or double-sided loading racks for safe access - Crude oil loading racks with fixed platforms - Transloading portable access platforms and carts - Hand rail systems for the tops of railcars - Fall prevention cages - Mobile dual vehicle access systems with gangways - Loading and unloading skid systems - Bottom loading arms Remember that equipment should be kept in good condition. Inspect equipment regularly, and never “field modify” it for uses other than those intended by the manufacturer. Modifications to improve equipment for its intended use should be certified in writing by the manufacturer. With the right procedures and safety equipment in place, your company reduces the risk of serious injuries and fatal accidents. Plus, you demonstrate to your employees that their safety and livelihood are your top priorities. You reap the economic benefits of rail transloading, and your workforce is more confident performing the task at hand. **Is your rail car loading and unloading site safe? Answer these nine questions to find out.** [![Free Assessment: How Safe Is Your Rail Loading And Unloading Site? - Find Out Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/455611/9a3e2451-63f8-4796-8f81-417811d8d4f8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/455611/9a3e2451-63f8-4796-8f81-417811d8d4f8) [View All Posts](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/) [Older Post](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/how-to-narrow-your-search-for-flatbed-trailer-safety-solutions) [Newer Post](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/2-pressing-marine-safety-challenges-your-facility-cant-ignore) SHARE THIS PAGE: - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### POPULAR TOPICS - [Fall Prevention & Protection (50)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/fall-prevention-protection) - [Fluid Handling (50)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/fluid-handling) - [Safety Equipment Purchasing & Replacement (18)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/safety-equipment-purchasing-replacement) - [Corporate and OSHA Compliance (14)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/corporate-and-osha-compliance) - [safety (9)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/safety) - [Chemical Transfer (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/chemical-transfer) - [Marine Fall Prevention & Safety (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/marine-fall-prevention-safety) - [Training (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/training) - [Truck Safety (7)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/truck-safety) - [Rail Spotting (5)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/rail-spotting) - [Truck Spotting (5)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/truck-spotting) - [Loading Arms (4)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/loading-arms) - [Railroad Saftey (4)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/railroad-saftey) - [Flatbed Tarping (3)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/flatbed-tarping) - [loading rack safety (3)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/loading-rack-safety) - [Crude Oil (2)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/crude-oil) - [ISO Containers (2)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/iso-containers) - [Skid Systems (1)](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/topic/skid-systems) ## RECENT POSTS - [Efficiency and Safety: The Role of Scale Systems in Product Transfer](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/efficiency-and-safety-the-role-of-scale-systems-in-product-transfer) - [Truck and Rail Access Gangways](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/platforms-and-catwalks-the-bones-of-your-operation-0) - [Platforms and Catwalks - The Bones of Your Operation](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/platforms-and-catwalks-the-bones-of-your-operation) - [Truck and Rail Safety Cages – Protection with Room to Move](https://content.carbissolutions.com/blog/truck-and-rail-safety-cages-proper-protection-with-room-to-move-0) ![](https://www.carbissolutions.com/wp-content/themes/carbis/assets/img/logo-footer-new.png) - [Services](https://www.carbissolutions.com/services/) - [Solutions](https://www.carbissolutions.com/solutions/) - [Products](https://www.carbissolutions.com/products/) - [Resources](https://www.carbissolutions.com/resources/) - [About Us](https://www.carbissolutions.com/about-us/) - [Contact Us](https://www.carbissolutions.com/contact/) - [Careers](https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/at-jobopportunities.php?clientkey=FE3AB7EB4121E2287BE5E54B21FD659E) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.carbissolutions.com/privacy-policy/) - [Product Documentation](https://www.carbissolutions.com/product-documentation/) Get in Touch [sales@carbissolutions.com](mailto:sales@carbissolutions) US 1-800-948-7750 Global +1-843-669-6668 Fax 1-843-662-1536 ![](https://www.carbissolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/chat-feature-image.png) Contact a Loading Rack Expert Now. **Safety Consultant Chat Hours:** M-F 8AM-5PM EST [Contact Now](https://www.carbissolutions.com/contact/) © 2018 Carbis Solutions | [Privacy Policy](https://www.carbissolutions.com/privacy-policy/) - - - -