Posted Elsewhere - Free Discussion

Hi all,
Interesting debate stating the following. Please feel free to discuss you're thoughts;

• Rocking grates are provided to enable quick and easy disposal of the fire at the end of a shift
• They should not be used at other times, other than to drop the fire in an emergency
• Use of the rocking grate for routine removal of clinker is not permitted
• The ash pan drench must be used before/during/after any rocking of the grate
• Ashpans must be emptied immediately following any rocking of the grate
• Unauthorised/unjustified use of the rocking grate renders users liable to disciplinary action
• If the grate jams during rocking, and will not return to normal, the locomotive is a failure
• In normal circumstances, clinker can be avoided by intelligent fire management
• Sound firing practice generally results in clean fires, rendering cleaning unnecessary
• Moderate amounts of clinker are seldom an impediment to effective steam raising
• Clinker may be removed or broken up by careful and selective use of fire irons
• Fire irons must not be used when the locomotive is in motion
• Drivers as well as firemen share responsibility for compliance with these instructions

I personally think there are times that Fire Irons should be used and I have had to do this in the past. Not sure when a loco is in motion though???