New Safety Signs

Marshall County Railroad Historical Society has had some recent occurrences of children climbing on the caboose in Blue Rapids.  The basic reason for not wanting anyone to be climbing on the caboose is the risk of falling and getting injured or worse.  Falling from any height onto rails or ballast is never good.

OSHA requires fall protection for anyone in general industry at elevations of 4 feet, 5 feet in shipyards, 6 feet in the construction industry and 8 feet in longshore operations.  Cleary it is not a safe practice for children to be climbing on the caboose.

This prompted the MCRHS board to purchase and install a couple of safety signs indicating that climbing on the caboose is not permitted.

It is worth noting that Kansas Law (K.S.A. 21-5809) states that "Entering or remaining on railroad property, without the consent of the owner or the owner's agent, knowing that it is railroad property" is criminal trespassing.

We don't want to discourage the casual observer who wants to take a closer look at the caboose but we do want to insure that the safety of everyone is of greatest importance.

Below are pictures of the posted signs.  The first picture is on the East end of the caboose and visible from the platform.  The second sign is on the west end of the caboose and visible from the street.

The signs were donated by longtime MCRHS member Ken Oppenlander.