H-923                _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 500

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1987 Regular Session

By Representatives Gallagher, Walk, Heavey, L. Smith and Todd

Read first time 1/30/87 and referred to Committee on Transportation.

AN ACT Relating to locomotives; adding new sections to chapter 81.44 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that with the advent of cabooseless operations in Washington state, additional employees are required to perform certain functions from the locomotive cab.  This act is intended to insure that these functions are properly performed and to promote employee and public health, safety, and welfare.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     Except when used in yard service, each locomotive used by railroad personnel shall be provided with sanitary toilet facilities approved by the commission.  Lavatory devices shall not be positioned in the locomotive main cab area.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     Electric lighting of at least forty-foot candles shall be provided for the direct illumination of the conductor's desk area and reading area, and for the lavatory facilities.  The lighting will be designed and installed to minimize undesirable illumination for the engineer.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     Locomotives shall be equipped with at least one foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide type portable fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of one and one-quarter gallons or five pounds.  The extinguishers shall be placed in readily accessible locations and shall be effectively maintained.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.     Each locomotive used by railroad personnel shall be furnished facilities for washing of hands and face.  The facilities shall be maintained separately from drinking facilities and may include waterless soap and towels or towelettes.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6.     Sections 2 through 5 of this act shall be added to chapter 81.44 RCW.