"A Little Blue Light"

[Anonymous]

In Amtrak operations I’ve listened to, even where blue flag/light rules are in effect, the carmen often ask for “three-point” protection before going between cars. In the NORAC description this involves setting brakes, putting the reverser in neutral or shutoff position depending on equipment, and opening the field switch (on diesels, this prevents the alternator from generating electricity for the motors). “Three-point” is required where no blue flag or lights are available.

It’s a commonly confused term (sometimes by railroaders) but the term you’re looking for is “three-step” protection. Three-point refers to the three points of contact that are required while riding the outside of moving equipment.

I should add that three-step protection is most commonly used by freight switching crews. At least under NORAC, brakemen and conductors are required to get three-step protection before going between cars to lace up air hoses or perform other duties. It’s not just for passenger train repair.

[rcdrye]

It’s a commonly confused term (sometimes by railroaders) but the term you’re looking for is “three-step” protection. Three-point refers to the three points of contact that are required while riding the outside of moving equipment.

Now that you mention it I have heard it both ways. In each case the crew members responding to the request used the same term as the employee requesting it.

[tree68]

I find it interesting that the red lights on the front of the engine were lit. I have understood that these lights are used only when the engine is running backwards, and then indicate that this is the rear of the train.

Dang! Did I forget to turn them off?

“Three step” is sometimes called three point by some individuals. What’s important is the context and that it is, in fact, put in place and properly observed.

Some railroads use “red zone,” “set and centered,” or even “going in between” to accomplish the same effect.

I think most places require the worker requesting “three step” take it down as well (much like a blue flag, only the person calling for “three step” can cancel same).

In practice, I’ve heard of railroads where the practice is that if the same person who requested “three step” subsequently calls for a move, that’s considered a request to drop “three step” and an OK to make the move. It’s one of those things that needs to be either part of that road’s culture, or if working with someone not used to the practice a job briefing is needed.

We still haven’t heard a definitive answer as to exactly what the little blue li

[edblysard]

When going in-between cars, where a locomotive is attached, for any reason, red zone or three step protection is required, regardless of blue flag protection.

Red zone or three step protection may only be requested verbally via radio, and must be acknowledged via radio by the engineer.

Release of the red zone or three step protections can only be obtained via radio.

The request and release, and the engineer’s response must include a unique identifier, such as the railroads name or initials, a train symbol or a job number.

Only the person requesting red zone or three step may release the red zone or three step protection.

No one can request red zone or three step for any other person, each individual is required to request it for themselves, and only that person may release their own red zone or three step protection.

When such protection is requested, the engineer must center the reverser, apply the independent brake, (locomotive brake) and place the generator field switch in the off position, to prevent movement of the train.

The term three point and three step is used mostly on Norac railroads, Red Zone on GCOR railroads, the procedures each railroad requires will be found in their respective time tables in the safety rules section.

The three points or three steps are of course the steps the engineer is required to follow before he or she can verbally acknowledge the request for protection.

The engineer may not disturb any of the three steps taken until the verbal release is given from all employees who requested such protection.

On my carrier, entering the red zone, (violating the plane of the car body) without red zone protection is an automatic 90 suspension for the ground person, and moving the train without a verbal release is an automatic 90 days for the engineer.