Report of Engine Cab Condition Committee Meeting,
0930, Sept 30, 1998, Squamish
by
D. Moorhouse, UTU Local 1778
Attendance
| David Moorhouse | Barry Thomas |
| Harry Ulch | Gord Younger |
| Rik Campbell | Don Griffin |
| Bob St.Croix | Rob Pasowicz |
| Ron Restrick |
Emergency Indicator / Locator
Harry Ulch provided videos on crawler-grader level / tilt indicator technology that could be modified to send a signal in the event of an engine tipping or colliding. After review and discussion, the committee felt that this technology did not meet our needs.
A discussion arose regarding the effectiveness of any system that sent a signal in the event of an emergency rather than a device that sent a signal constantly and indicated an emergency in the absence of a signal.
Don Griffin presented information on GPS system similar to use in taxi cabs. A system great for locating engines, but does not indicate an emergency.
Don Griffin indicated that a new service exists that is designed to indicate rough joints, tip or impact damage to high-value loads, as well as GPS. Apparently CP has ordered 80 self contained units for some of their auto racks. Apparently, the service costs $50 US per unit, and is monitored by satellite from the company's home base. Response to indications above predetermined thresholds can be as quick as one to three minutes. There may be an opportunity to cost share this service with the mechanical department. The company providing this service is to give a presentation to the executive soon. Don Griffin will attend and report back to the committee.
David Moorhouse's Status
David Moorhouse asks the committee if they see a conflict of interest if he remains as UTU South rep. now that he holds the position as Council of Trade Unions Safety Advisor.
The management committee constituents consider it an internal union matter. However, Ron Restrick, speaking as the CUTE representative to the CTU, believes that Dave sitting on this committee is contrary to the intention of the terms of reference for his position, and may damage his credibility as Safety Advisor if a union / management conflict arose within the committee.
Dave resolves to consult with his union executives and resolve the issue before the committee meets again.
New GE "Super 7's"
Have purchased 8001 - 2 - 3. Two are now in the backshop. These units have a stariwell leading to the front hood, which houses the toilet, oven, sink, and baggage storage. Due to the floor space taken up by the stairwell, there is no intention to install a third seat. Other amenities will be similar to committee-approved modifications on our other units.
GM Third Seat and Baggage Storage
Estimated cost for relocating toilet to radiator compartment in rear is about $25,000. This is considered too expensive. It appears that there is no solution to creating more room other than to revert to Ministry-approved piano-stool seating.
Committee agreed to wait until next meeting when we will know how long we will be keeping these units, then determine the level of investment depending of the length of time they will remain in service.
Headsets
Twenty two headsets ordered for testing, which will be distributed to testers upon arrival. Jacks installed on one Dash 8 and one Dash 7 so far.
User feedback form will be provided to testers. D. Moorhouse to send copies of blank form to Rob Pasowicz.
There was a desire within the committee to explore music capability in the future.
ONGOING ISSUES
| Control Stand Beep Tones | Crew Alerter tones decreased. Unable to modify CDU tones. New CDU's have directional buttons and speedo. |
| Armrests | New armrests with adjusting knobs
in stock now. To be done by Dec. 31, 1998
Existing armrests are being broken by people sitting on them, members are reminded to be gentle with the armrests in order to preserve them. |
| Seat Cleanliness | Vacuumed every ninety days, shampooed once a year. Crews have concerns that shop staff are dirtying the seats by sitting in them with greasy coveralls. |
| RSD Reset Buttons | Will install a different cover to reduce glare. |
| Toilet Servicing, North of James | Still a problem, as well as dirty
units.
Crews must report each incident to shops, so that shop Foremen can follow up with shop staff. |
CAT ENGINES
| Baltaur Seat Upgrades | On-going |
| Slug Knuckle Spacers | 10 fabricated, sent off to terminals |
| Durox Door Seals | None available from Durox. Will try to modify a Dash 7 seal kit. |
| Washroom Heat | Awaiting winter to determine comfort levels |
640's All are for sale. Two are now in movie service
GM's
| Block Form Holders | Not done yet, unsure what kind to install. Former plexiglas unsatisfactory because they stuck out too far and it was impossible to retrieve any thing that fell inside them. |
DASH 7's
| Baggage Storage | Committee reviewed modified 3611.
The unit will be ready for service around the middle of Oct. Likely not
another one out before spring.
Crews please provide committee reps with your feedback regarding the adequacy of modified baggage storage. |
| Vertical handrail similar to CATS to be installed on rear carbody of 3611 | |
| Rear Facing Speed Indicator | Two sets of display units purchased. To be installed in P. Geo. this Oct. |
DASH 8's
| Control Stand Drafts | Plugged many holes during recent upgrades this summer. Awaiting feedback from crews. |
| Wiper Exhaust Noise | Manufacturer unwilling / unable to provide modifications. |
| Non-slip Stair Treads | On-going |
| Side Windows | Stop blocks to be removed so windows may be "cracked" in front. |
DASH 9's
| Excess Vibration | Meeting with GE in November. Hopefully some answers then. Meanwhile they are being used in lead north of P. Geo. where heavy hauls are not as lengthy. Crews seem satisfied. |
ELECTRIC ENGINES Modifications depend on future business levels.
Meeting adjourned 1345