Winter seems far away, but it’ll be here before we know it. Taking precautions before the winter months arrive is a great way to be prepared for anything that could go wrong– it is inevitable that something could happen during these months. So… what precautions should you take before and during the colder months when shipping by rail?
Inspections
Routine inspections before, during, and after a freeze, snow storm, or frost are important in keeping things running smoothly. Checking to see that there are no gutters or drains leaking or being blocked is a great way to be cautious of possible icicle formations that could halt operations. Checking rails and switches to see if the proper drainage is happening is also important before a snow storm or freezing overnight happens.
Employee Safety
The safety of employees at your facility is essential, regardless of the weather, but making sure that there is as little ice or snow left over after a storm as possible is vital to ensure that no injuries happen. Being prepared and having a plan when this weather does hit is a great way to be one step ahead of any situations that could have been prevented.
Rail Safety Check
Making sure switches and derails are operating how they are supposed to and that there is no snow, ice, or freezing happening is important. This can cause tremendous damage and could potentially lead to a fatal accident. The last thing you want to happen is a delay, or worse, a derailment.
Inspecting the rail tracks to ensure that they are not cracked due to the colder weather is another great way to make sure that safety is in tip-top shape. Catching these and being able to get them repaired before they get worse is a great way to prevent any disasters. Lastly, making sure all rail cars are free from snow or ice is a must during the cold weather.
Although winter is far away, you can never be too prepared, and ensuring that everything is running smoothly and as it should before, during, and after cold weather is vital to your safety, your employee's safety, and your rail safety. Always remember, Iron Horse Logistics Group is here to help you with your rail needs.