FRA proposes rulemaking to prevent unintended train movements

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Yeah, I know: who cares? The point is that this is what went wrong up in Lac-Mégantic last summer. That's why it's a big deal.

FRA proposes rulemaking to prevent unintended train movements

Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation 9/9/2014

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that aims to prevent unintended train movements by strengthening requirements for securing unattended trains.

The proposed rule codifies many of the requirements included in an emergency order the FRA issued in August 2013 following the tragic Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, accident and tightens existing regulations for rail cars containing certain hazardous materials, FRA officials said in a press release. The rule covers equipment containing poisonous-by-inhalation materials and certain flammable or combustible liquids, explosive materials and hazardous substances, including most crude oil moved in the United States.

The new measures proposed in the NPRM would require railroads to:
• prevent trains or vehicles transporting specified hazardous materials from being left unattended on a mainline or side track outside a yard, unless specific securement requirements are followed;
• develop a plan identifying such locations or circumstances;
• verify securement by qualified personnel;
• ensure that locomotive cab locks are secure;
• include securement requirements in job briefings;
• perform additional inspections by qualified personnel after emergency responders have manned equipment; and
• install locking mechanisms on locomotive doors and repair them in a timely manner.

FRA Issues Proposed Rule to Prevent Unintended Movement of Trains

The rule covers equipment containing poisonous by inhalation (PIH) materials and those defined as Division 2.1 (flammable gas), Class 3 (flammable or combustible liquid), Class 1.1 or 1.2 (explosive) materials, or a hazardous substance listed in 49 CFR 173.31(f)(2). This includes most crude oil moved in the United States.

[littlemissmartypants]

1. Kicking. Thank you. nt

[JimDandy]

2. So currently trains with hazardous materials

can be left unattended. Wow!