Interlock Control System for New 7000 Series Rail Cars Access Platforms

Abstract

New 7000 Series Rail Cars bought have the A/C units located on top and access platforms have been built and installed at each Shop in order to access these units for maintenance purposes. With this, a safety issue of fall risk has been identified from either, by leaving swing or sliding gates unintentionally opened. As a result, a complete assessment has been developed including going through the proper problem solving and decision making processes in order to provide the best solution and path forward for solving the safety issue. Therefore, after a complete analysis, it has been determined to install an automation system to control swing and sliding gates for different scenarios associated to whether the train is present or not. Consequently, based on the plan, this will establish the required controls to mitigate the fall risk hazard in order to provide the employees a safe work environment. Key Terms ⎯ Assessment, analysis, control system, design, safety.