Working Near Railroad Tracks
Construction · Ver en español
Talking points
- Railroad right-of-way work requires specific clearances, flagging, and coordination with the railroad operator. Never begin work near active tracks without an approved work plan.
- Trains cannot stop quickly — a freight train moving at 55 mph needs over a mile to stop. Do not assume you can move out of the way in time.
- Maintain a minimum clearance of 8.5 feet from the nearest rail for workers, and 15 feet for equipment — unless the track is positively protected (flagged, locked out, or out of service).
- A qualified railroad flagger or watchperson is required when work encroaches on the right-of-way. The flagger provides advance warning of approaching trains.
- Ground vibration from construction near tracks can destabilize ballast and affect track alignment. Coordinate all excavation and heavy equipment operations with the railroad.
Ask the crew
Are we working near any railroad tracks — and do we have authorization and a flagger in place?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
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Sign-in sheet
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