Submitted by riski_click t3_115muwl in boston
enyopax t1_j93ln6z wrote
Reply to comment by Trpdoc in Man dies after touching 3rd rail at MBTA's Downtown Crossing station by riski_click
It's a live rail, meaning it has an electrical current running through it. It's what powers most subways. There is usually a plate that contacts it from the train but if you accidentally (or purposely) touch it, it will light you up.
75footubi t1_j93qj5k wrote
Fun Fact: the third rail on the Boston systems (red, blue, orange) almost always don't have covers. This is not something that's a part of their design standards. On every other subway system I've done work for, they at least attempt to keep covers on the third rail.
As someone who's worked as a consultant/contractor for several different transit and rail agencies, MBTA's approach to ontrack safety is downright terrifying.
TiredCr0codile t1_j93vsvs wrote
What's the deal with no covers? Does it require retrofitting the train?
75footubi t1_j93w7wk wrote
I don't know the exact details of why MBTA doesn't have them, but in the other systems I've worked for, the little paddle on the rail car that contacts the third rail does it on the underside, so a cover doesn't interfere with that
TiredCr0codile t1_j943ho9 wrote
The MBTA is probably the poorest run govt agency I've encountered so far.
3rd rail incidents on MBTA are pretty rare however. If someone illegally enters right of way and falls on one, that's on them.
They typically de-energize whenever contractors need to work on ROW.
75footubi t1_j94ds7e wrote
>They typically de-energize whenever contractors need to work on ROW.
The procedures/"lock out/tag out" process, at least from the contractor POV seems very loosey goosey and there's a lot less emphasis on exclusive track occupancy and defined on track protection methods than I'm used to.
TiredCr0codile t1_j94rv77 wrote
I don't even know what their lockout tagout procedure is. Whenever I work out there I work as if it's live
75footubi t1_j95ect8 wrote
Yeah, always work as if it's live, but still, when you're on a hirail vehicle, not being 100% certain that another train isn't going to come on to your track is terrifying
TiredCr0codile t1_j95hau5 wrote
I think they are pretty good for on track work.
SilentButtDeadlies t1_j95tikq wrote
They deenergize it for non revenue hours service I think, but you still are supposed to act like it's live otherwise you get in a bad habit. Most of the work I've done was during revenue service so it was active. I've met some people who have touched it and lived.
TiredCr0codile t1_j95z0ar wrote
Due to staffing, it's pretty tough to get access during ROW these days
SilentButtDeadlies t1_j9628xv wrote
Yeah, I don't work on mbta projects anymore thank God, but we had several projects get cancelled around the time of the orange line shutdown due to all the staffing shortages.
TiredCr0codile t1_j97ngbc wrote
Wish I could say the same!
Bald_Sasquach t1_j965yop wrote
I would guess so actually. I haven't looked for the contact pads on the orange or red lines but you can easily see the blue line's plates rubbing along the top of the third rail, sparking every now and then. They stick down and out from the train so yeah a cover would be in their way.
AccomplishedGrab6415 t1_j96mk75 wrote
"pickup shoes" as they're called use the top of the 3rd rail on all of our heavy rail lines.
Blue of course only uses 3rd rail between downtown and Bowdoin. It switches to overhead catenary at airport.
hannahbay t1_j943kw1 wrote
I didn't even know you could cover those, seems like it would be a no-brainer for safety?
75footubi t1_j94efwy wrote
It's less about rider safety and more about trackside worker safety. Even platform barriers are more about protecting the train drivers from the trauma of someone stepping out in front in a suicide attempt than protecting riders from doing so.
AccomplishedGrab6415 t1_j96mw0j wrote
It's one more thing they'd have to maintain and reinstall when doing track work. I've heard stories from the inside about parts being deliberately left off trains after being repaired that don't risk safety or operation, but will protect the mechanicals from premature failure and weather corrosion. I'm told they leave them off because "it's easier."
Tedroe77 t1_j93q43v wrote
Or pee on it. Don’t pee on it either.
TiredCr0codile t1_j93vy8u wrote
You could walk on it as long as you don't have one foot on the ground and jump onto it (not recommended) haha
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