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Straight
Track #56
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Good, Good, Good...Good Vibrations?
Hoey & Farina
1-888-425-1212
Locomotive
cab seats and the mounting systems of the seats have been the cause of
injury to many railroad workers over the years.
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We are all aware of injuries caused by obvious defects or failures
in a locomotive cab seat or its mounting system.
It is becoming more and more apparent that railroaders are
suffering serious injury due to design and engineering problems in
locomotive cab seats and mounting systems that are not nearly so obvious.
In spite of this situation the American
Association of Railroads has no current standard for locomotive cab seats
or their mounting systems. The
last applicable standard was AAR Standard S-504 which was revised in 1981
and became obsolete in 1995. We
have been advised that the AAR intends to cover locomotive cab seats in
“Recommended Practice RP5104” which is anticipated to be released in
late summer of 2001. Although
vibration has become a recognized problem with locomotive cab seats
neither a major supplier of locomotive seats nor most major railroads have
conducted vibration test studies or positively addressed the harmonic
problems associated therewith.
The three major concerns regarding seats
are: safety, comfort, and
durability. It appears as
though short-term economic considerations have often compromised these
critical concerns. While we
recognize the challenge to build a safe comfortable, and durable seat
given the space constraints and need for maneuverability in today’s
locomotives we feel there is no room for compromise on safety.
The following are among many factors that
have been recently recognized regarding vibration and harmonic problems
associated with locomotive cab seating:
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The vibration and harmonics within the operating environment of a
locomotive creates one of the most rugged applications for industrial
seats.
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Seats manufactured for the trucking industry and other general
industrial equipment have been installed in locomotives.
These seats literally fall apart within a short time period due to
the rugged application which includes vibration and harmonics.
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Addressing vibration and harmonics in the cab seat requires
considerable focus on the seat mount system.
Most existing locomotives use a tripod seat mount attached to a
rail slide system that is integral to the cab wall.
This seat mount is a significant contributor to vibration and
harmonic problems.
Recognition of these problems is not
sufficient.
The industry and its suppliers must address these problems and make
whatever expenditures are necessary to avoid injury to rail employees who are
forced to utilize the seats provided.
If
you are injured due to on obvious seating problem report that injury and then
call us for advice immediately.
If you require medical care for back or joint problems of uncertain
origin be sure to advise your doctor about your work environment.
We will keep you informed of additional information,
recommendations, or standards as we become aware of them.
If you have any questions, please call us at 1-888-425-1212.
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