Movement-control equipment
Railroad Derails
Compare rail derail categories by operating procedure, mounting approach, movement, visibility, locking, and site conditions. Selection requires the specific track and application details.
Choose a starting category
Portable, Hinged, and Retractable Derails
The categories describe broad operating and mounting concepts. They do not determine suitability for a track or procedure without review.
Portable Derails
Review removable configurations and the handling, direction, rail, and storage details involved.
Learn moreHinged Derails
Review mounted configurations that move between applied and retracted positions.
Learn moreRetractable Derails
Review configurations intended to move clear of the rail when not applied.
Learn moreComplete the reviewed configuration
Signs, Holders, Levers, Locks, Shims, and Bases
Accessories must be matched to the confirmed derail and facility procedure. Use product markings, source documentation, and site information instead of visual similarity alone.
Signs and sign holders
Coordinate visibility components with the confirmed product and procedure.
Lifting levers
Verify the applicable model and operating arrangement.
Locks
Confirm lock compatibility and the facility’s control procedure.
Shim kits and base plates
Review mounting components against source and site requirements.
Prepare for application review
Document the Track, Operation, and Accessories
Provide known rail information, intended direction and procedure, mounting environment, actuation or handling needs, visibility, locking, accessories, quantity, and safe-to-obtain photos.
Track and rail information
Share verified data and photos without estimating critical dimensions.
Operating plan
Describe how and when the device is intended to be applied and cleared.
Mounting and accessories
List site conditions, visibility, locking, sign, lever, shim, or base needs.
Compare before requesting
Use the Derail Comparison Guide
Review the broad distinctions among portable, hinged, and retractable concepts, then submit the site details needed to discuss a specific configuration.
Application responsibility
A Derail Must Be Reviewed as Part of the Site System
Always follow your facility safety procedures and applicable OSHA, FRA, railroad, and site-specific requirements. RailYard Safety can help with product selection, but final application decisions should be reviewed by a qualified safety professional.
Always follow your facility safety procedures and applicable OSHA, FRA, railroad, and site-specific requirements. RailYard Safety can help with product selection, but final application decisions should be reviewed by a qualified safety professional.
Practical answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between portable, hinged, and retractable derails?
They are broad categories with different handling, mounting, and movement concepts. The appropriate configuration depends on the track, operating procedure, intended direction, site conditions, and verified product data.
What information is needed to discuss a railroad derail?
Provide known rail and track information, intended use and direction, mounting environment, operation or handling needs, visibility and locking needs, accessories, quantity, and safe-to-obtain photos.
Can derail accessories be ordered separately?
A separate accessory request can be submitted, but the exact derail model or markings and the required function should be confirmed before compatibility is represented.
Who should approve derail installation and use?
Installation and use should follow the product documentation, facility procedures, applicable requirements, and review by the responsible qualified personnel.
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