RailDOCS PMMS, Yard Tests and Tasks

The RailDOCS PMMS Yard Tests and Tasks system assists in the scheduling and recording of results for routine preventive maintenance activities on yard assets and related infrastructure. To assist users in testing without a computer on-site, test forms are also available as downloadable PDF worksheets for use on a clipboard.

Yards and Sub-Yards
Each yard is comprised of multiple sub-yards. Each yard is named and placed on a single railroad milepost and each sub-yard is defined with a common name and a sub-yard type. The litany of tests performed on each class of asset within each sub-yard can vary depending on the type of the sub-yard. RailDOCS allows for administrators of two types: Those over all yards on the railroad, and those over individual yard(s) on the railroad. Most often, the local supervisor in a yard will oversee the assets and task assignments for his yard.

Preventive Maintenance Activities
Preventive maintenance items are broken into two conceptual categories: tests and tasks. For both tests and tasks, the scheduling of activities is more flexible than on the mainline, to meet the demands of frequently having restricted access to yard tracks, and because yard assets are not driven by government testing mandates.

Tests
Testing is performed and recorded on tagged yard assets, as follows: Yard Switches, Master Retarders, Group Retarders, Skate Retarders, and Tangent Retarders.

Tasks
Tasks are designed to manage the yard staffs' day-to-day work tasks, that are not directly associated with specific and routine testing of tagged assets. Yard tasks can vary greatly, from being as specific as to cover a very specific duty to as broad as insuring the reporting of a routine maintenance practice.

Some examples of tasks:

  • Check skate roll out circuits that are occupied, record results and protect tracks per instructions. (Weekly)
  • Inspect spent battery tub area. Maintain to environmental standards. (Monthly)
  • Stage and maintain adequate supply of materials for maintenance and repairs. (Monthly)
  • Test recorders at Bowl for accurate time and functions. (Semi Annual)