Posts tagged Safety Regulation
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How single-stair apartments can improve fire safety
A common objection to requiring only one staircase in new residential buildings is that it would roll back safety regulations to cut costs. But in fact, single-stair reforms have the potential to get more people into safer buildings. Keep reading…
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Adding sprinklers to older buildings is expensive, but it’s worth it
Needless to say, a fire is not when you want to find out you are missing a lifesaving tool. And honestly, when’s the last time you looked at your fire safety plan where you live, if you even have one? This is exactly the kind of thing the government is here to regulate. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Federal judge throws out lawsuit against Metro gun ban in DC
Metro’s gun ban stands. Baltimore Ravens extend their lease in downtown Baltimore. Councilmembers address Arlington’s ongoing missing middle housing debate in first meeting. Keep reading…
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Metro takes one step back from automation (again)
Metro train operators will now resort back to manually pushing the buttons needed to open doors when trains berth to let riders on and off, as the automated system that opens doors when trains arrive at stations, which Metro rolled out on the Red Line in January, has once again been turned back off. Keep reading…
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ROCC employees ignore a rule designed to keep workers safe, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission says
Employees in Metro’s Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) have been purposely disregarding a rule meant to keep track workers safe, according to the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. Rail controllers short-circuited the rule governing how to safely turn track power back on, which the WMSC says could pose a risk to Metro workers and riders. Keep reading…
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A caustic environment at Metro’s ROCC pushes out trainees and experienced employees alike
Metro’s Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) doesn’t provide the proper training needed for employees and is also a caustic work environment, according to a recent report from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. Controllers reported not having the knowledge needed to do their jobs and suffered racial and sexual harassment along the way. Keep reading…
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A new audit finds both new and ongoing critical safety issues at Metro’s rail control center
Harassment, confusion, fatigue, short-staffed, ill-trained. A new audit of the Metrorail Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) lays bare ongoing issues at the nerve center of Metro’s rail network, and with it, some of what Metro needs to do to begin to fix it. Recent Metro actions have shown “promise,” but what will it take to turn the department around? Keep reading…
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Human error to blame for a close call between track workers and oncoming train, a Metro report says
Newly-published Metro safety investigation reports name human error and failures to follow protocol as common threads leading to close calls, injuries, and trains being sent down the wrong tracks. Keep reading…
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Metro’s Fire Marshal office is understaffed and overworked
On top of not performing all its assigned responsibilities, a report says the Fire Marshal's “mission statement, goals, responsibilities, procedures, schedules, standards of inspection, etc. have not yet been developed and there is no time table to develop them.” Keep reading…
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Congress and auto industry move to ban cities from regulating self-driving cars
Autonomous vehicles should benefit cities, not the other way around, but legislation advancing through Congress would tie urban officials' hands when it comes to shaping AV policy. Keep reading…