Locomotives pose electrical hazard
William H. Hottendorf
Lieutenant, Hazardous Materials Instructor
Wheaton (IL) Fire Department
While attending the annual meeting of the Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association, I learned in “The Electrical Hazards of AC Freight Locomotives” presentation that some components of locomotives maintain a charge of 2,500 or more volts after the engine and alternator have been shut down. This charge can pose a serious threat to firefighters during a railroad incident. Therefore, training personnel should contact the railroad in the department`s protection district to ascertain the recommended shutdown procedures for all models of AC freight locomotives they may be likely to en-counter.
