Project Profile: Amtrak Locomotive Maintenance Shed in Los Angeles, CA
| Location | Los Angeles, CA |
| Industry | Public Transportation |
| Product | 2 Story 115′ Platform Tracking Gangway, G4 Gangway |
Previously, Amtrak employees at the Los Angeles maintenance shed had to use extension ladders to perform maintenance in and on locomotives, a method fraught with safety risks and inefficiencies. SafeRack was awarded the contract to design and build a state-of-the-art, two-story access platform, enabling the maintenance crew to work more efficiently in a fully OSHA-compliant, safe environment.
Project Overview
The SafeRack team designed and engineered a hot-dipped galvanized steel construction platform, complete with stair units, towers, gangway track, and carriage, all fully encased in handrails. This two-story platform is designed to provide safe and easy access for maintenance tasks on Amtrak’s locomotives, addressing previous challenges and enhancing overall safety. Each level includes a SafeRack gangway for workers to access the locomotive. The gangways are raised as the railcar pulls into the shed and can be lowered into position, providing workers an easy and safe way to work on the locomotive.
Gangway Solutions
Top Level: SAS Gangway
The top level of the platform features a self-adjusting stair gangway (SAS Gangway model) with a tracking capability. This tracking gangway can be positioned along the entire length of the locomotive, offering full access to the cooling fans and other top components. Additionally, it includes a fall protection safety cage that fully encapsulates the worker, ensuring a secure working environment at all times.
- Tracking Range: 104 feet
- Height: 18 feet
- Safety Features: OSHA-compliant handrails and a fall protection safety cage
Lower Level: FRT Gangway
On the lower level, the platform is equipped with a Flat Ramp Access Gangway (SafeRack FRT Gangway). This gangway also can track along the entire length of the locomotive and provides safe access to the locomotive’s cabin, engines, and backup generators, facilitating maintenance operations without the risks associated with traditional extension ladders.
Fall Protection Specialist
“As subject matter expert, I’ll leverage my years of experience as your personal consultant throughout the project to ensure you get a world-class solution.”
Ray Evans – Bulk Chemical Market Specialist
Contract# 47QSAWA19D0085
Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
Previously, Amtrak employees relied on extension ladders to perform maintenance on the top of locomotives. This method posed significant safety risks and operational inefficiencies. The new multi-level platform and gangways significantly reduce these risks by providing stable, OSHA-compliant access points. The fall protection safety cage on the top gangway further enhances worker safety by preventing falls during maintenance tasks.
SafeRack is proud to contribute to Amtrak’s commitment to safety and efficiency with our innovative railcar maintenance and access platforms.
