(1) Walkways must be provided in yards where employees regularly work on the ground.

(2) Ease and safety of walking are the primary considerations for providing walkways. Ease and safety of walking and adequate track drainage are the primary considerations for selecting surface materials. Accordingly, walkways required by this rule must have a reasonably smooth surface and be maintained in a safe condition, without compromising track drainage. Any of the following are suitable surface materials:

(a) Crushed material may be used for walkways. The material must not exceed one and one-half inches in size. The term "one and one-half inches in size" has a specialized meaning. That meaning can vary from company to company within the industry. For purposes of this rule, the term will have the following meaning (note: Percentages refer to weight measurements):

100 percent of the material will pass through a one and one-half inch square sieve opening.

90 to 100 percent of the material will pass through a one inch square sieve opening.

40 to 80 percent of the material will pass through a three-quarter inch square sieve opening.

15 to 60 percent of the material will pass through a one-half inch square sieve opening.

0 to 30 percent of the material will pass through a three-eighths inch square sieve opening.

0 to 10 percent of the material will pass through a #4 sieve (standard nomenclature in the industry).

0 to 5 percent of the material will pass through a #8 sieve.

0 to 0.5 percent of the material will pass through a #200 sieve.

(b) Walkway surfaces may also be made of asphalt, concrete, planking, grating, or other similar material suitable for walking.

(c) Native materials may be used for a walkway surface if the materials provide a surface that is reasonably smooth and safe.

(3) Walkways must not have a grade or slope in excess of one inch of elevation for each eight inches of horizontal length in any direction, unless the geography of the area makes this impracticable.

(4) Walkways must be kept clear of vegetation, debris, mud, and other obstructions that constitute a hazard to railroad employees working on the ground. Standing water must be removed from walkways as soon as reasonably possible.

(5) When walkways are removed or damaged due to construction or emergencies, they must be restored within thirty days after construction is completed or the emergency ends.

(6) Walkways must be sufficiently wide to allow employees to safely perform all duties associated with the use of the walkways.

(7) Walkways on bridges and trestles existing on (effective date of this rule), must not be permanently removed without approval from the commission. Permission must be obtained by the process set forth in WAC 480-60-020. Walkways on bridges or trestles that are temporarily removed or damaged due to construction or emergencies must be restored within thirty days after construction is completed or the emergency ends.

(8)(a) Unless the commission identifies a serious safety condition on a walkway, Class I railroads must bring their walkways into compliance with this section within one year of the effective date of these rules, and Class II and Class III railroads must bring their walkways into compliance within five years of the effective date of these rules.

(b) If a railroad believes it will experience a serious financial hardship in bringing its walkways into compliance within the time allowed, it must submit to the commission in writing, an alternate proposal for bringing its walkways into compliance. The commission may grant an extension of time following a review of the railroad’s alternate walkway compliance proposal.