FRA F 6180.4k Sample Car Checklist for Tank Cars without Underframes

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist for:
Tank cars without underframes - §231.21

Inspector(s):

Inspection Location:

Builder:

Car Initials & Number:

Item
Hand
Brake

Car Type:

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application
All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically affixed, except tank car tanks per MP&E TB 98-14

G One efficient handbrake which shall operate in harmony with the power brake installed on the
car.
G Each such handbrake shall provide the same degree of safety as the design shown on plate
A.
G Or provide the same degree of safety as that specified in 231.27.
G The brake shaft shall be not less than 1¼ inches in diameter, of wrought iron or steel without
weld.
G The brake wheel may be flat or dished, not less than 15 inches in diameter, of malleable iron,
wrought iron, or steel.
G Each handbrake shall be so located that it can be safely operated while car is in motion.
G The brake shaft shall be located on end of car to the left of center.
G There shall be not less than four inches clearance around rim of brake wheel.
G Outside edge of brake wheel shall be not less than four inches from a vertical plane parallel
with end of car and passing through the inside face of knuckle when closed with coupler horn
against the buffer block or end sill.
G Top brake-shaft support shall be fastened with not less than ½ inch bolts or rivets. (See plate
A).
G A brake shaft step shall support the lower end of brake shaft. A brake-shaft step which will
permit the brake chain to drop under the brake shaft shall not be used. U-shaped form of
brake shaft step is preferred. (See plate A).
G Brake shaft shall be arranged with a square fit at its upper end to secure the hand-brake
wheel. Square fit shall be not less than f of an inch square. Square-fit taper, nominally 2 in
12 inches. (See plate A).
G Brake chain shall be of not less than d, preferably 7/16, inch wrought iron or steel, with a link
on the brake rod end of not less than 7/16 inch wrought iron or steel 1 and shall be secured to
brake-shaft drum by not less than 1/2-inch hexagon or square-headed bolt. Nut on said bolt
shall be secured by riveting end of bolt over nut.
G Lower end of brake shaft shall be provided with a trunnion of not less than ¾ inch in diameter
extending through brake-shaft step and held in operating position by a suitable cotter or ring.
(See plate A).

FRA F 6180.4k

Page 1 of 6

OMB No. 2130-0565
Rev. 06/24/2004

Date:

Region:

Cars to be Built:

Builder Job #

CFR
Reference*
231.1(a)(1)
231.1(a)(1)(i)
231.1(a)(1)(ii)
231.1(a)(2)(i)
231.1(a)(2)(ii)
231.21(a)(3)
231.1(a)(4)(i)
231.1(a)(4)(ii)

231.1(a)(4)(iii)
231.1(a)(4)(iv)

231.1(a)(4)(v)

231.1(a)(4)(vi)

231.1(a)(4)(vii)

Notes

Item
Hand
Brake

End
Platforms

Sill Steps

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application
All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically affixed, except tank car tanks per MP&E TB 98-14

CFR
Reference*

G Brake shaft drum shall be not less than 1½ inches in diameter. (See plate A).
G Brake ratchet wheel shall be secured to brake shaft by a key or square fit. Square fit shall be
not less than 1 5/16 inches square. When ratchet wheel with square fit is used, provision shall
be made to prevent ratchet wheel from rising on shaft to disengage brake pawl. (See plate A).
G Brake ratchet wheel shall be not less than 5¼ inches in diameter and shall have not less than
14 teeth. (See plate A).
G If brake ratchet wheel is more than 36 inches from brake wheel, a brake-shaft support shall be
provided to support this extended upper portion of brake shaft. Brake shaft support shall be
fastened with not less than ½ inch bolts or rivets.
G The brake pawl shall be pivoted upon a bolt or rivet not less than e of an inch in diameter, or
upon a trunnion secured by not less than ½ inch bolt or rivet, and there shall be a rigid metal
connection between brake shaft and pivot of pawl.
G Brake wheel shall be held in position on brake shaft by a nut on a threaded extended end of
brake shaft; said threaded portion shall be not less than three-fourths of an inch in diameter;
said nut shall be secured by riveting over or by the use of a lock nut or suitable cotter.
G Brake wheel shall be arranged with a square fit for brake shaft in hub of said wheel; taper of
said fit, nominally 2 in 12 inches. (See plate A).

231.1(a)(4)(viii)
231.1(a)(4)(ix)

G Two.
G Minimum width, 10 inches. Minimum thickness, 1¾ inches.
G One on each end extending across car a distance equal to or greater than any other portion of
car. Outside edge of end platform shall extend not less than seven inches beyond bulge of
tank head and safety railing.
G End platforms shall be securely fastened to the draft sills and be sufficiently rigid to prevent
sagging.

231.21(b)(1)
231.21(b)(2)
231.21(b)(3)

G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G

Four sill steps.
Minimum cross-sectional area ½ x 1½ inches 2, or equivalent 3 of wrought iron or steel.
Minimum length of tread, ten inches.
Minimum clear depth, eight inches.
One near each end of each side of car, so that there shall be not more than 18 inches from
end of car to center of tread of sill step.
Outside edge of tread of step shall be not more than four inches inside of face of side of car.
Tread shall be not more than 24, inches above the top of rail.
Sill steps exceeding 21 inches in depth shall have an additional tread.
Sill steps shall be securely fastened with not less than ½ inch bolts with nuts outside (when
possible) and riveted over, or with not less than ½ inch rivets.

FRA F 6180.4k

231.1(a)(4)(x)
231.1(a)(4)(xi)

231.1(a)(4)(xii)

231.1(a)(4)(xiii)

231.1(a)(4)(xiv)

231.21(b)(4)
231.1(d)(1)
231.1(d)(2)

4

Page 2 of 6

231.1(d)(3)(i)
231.1(d)(3)(ii)
231.1(d)(3)(iii)
231.1(d)(4)(i)
231.1(d)(4)(ii)

Notes

Item
End
Platform
Safety
Railing

Side
Railing

Side
Handholds

End
Handholds

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application
All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically affixed, except tank car tanks per MP&E TB 98-14

CFR
Reference*

G Two.
G Minimum of f inch diameter, wrought iron or steel, or 1¼ inch pipe. Minimum clearance, 2½
inches.
G One safety railing at each end of car shall extend horizontally across car not less than 36
inches nor more than 54 inches above end platform and extend downward within three inches
of the end of the platform. The safety railing shall be located not more than six inches from the
inside edge of the platform.
G Safety railings shall be supported at center of car and at each end by extending downward at
the ends and attaching to the platform.

231.21(d)(1)
231.21(d)(2)

G Two.
G 1¼ inch pipe. Minimum clearance, 2½ inches.
G One on each side of car, extending from end platform to end platform at a distance of not less
than 51 inches from centerline of car, except that where break in side railing is necessary for
side ladder or operating cabinet, the side railing shall be securely attached to such ladder
and/or cabinet.
G Safety railings shall be securely attached to end platforms and supported from the car at
intervals not exceeding ten feet.

231.21(e)(1)
231.21(e)(2)
231.21(e)(3)

Four.
Minimum diameter, e of an inch, wrought iron or steel. 2
Minimum clear length, 16 inches
Minimum clearance, two inches.
Four horizontal; one on face of end platform end, over sill step, projecting downward or
outward. Clearance of outer end of handhold shall be not more than twelve inches from end of
car. Vertical portion of end platform safety railing shall be considered as a side vertical
handhold.
G Side handholds shall be securely fastened with not less than ½ inch bolts with nuts outside
(when possible) and riveted over, or with not less than ½ inch rivets.

231.21(f)(1)
231.1(h)(2)

Four.
Minimum diameter, e of an inch, wrought iron or steel. 2
Minimum clear length, 16 inches, preferably 24 inches.
A handhold 14 inches in length may be used where it is impossible to use one 16 inches in
length.
G Minimum clearance, two inches.
G Horizontal, one near each side of each end of car on face of end sill. Clearance of outer end
of handhold shall not be more than sixteen inches from side of car.
G Horizontal end handholds shall be securely fastened with not less than ½ inch bolts with nuts
outside (when possible) and riveted over, or with not less than ½ inch rivets.

231.21(g)(1)
231.1(i)(2)(i)

G
G
G
G
G

G
G
G
G

FRA F 6180.4k

Page 3 of 6

231.21(d)(3)

231.21(d)(4)

231.21(e)(4)

231.21(f)(3)

231.1(h)(4)

231.1(i)(2)(ii)
231.1(i)(2)(iii)
231.21(g)(3)
231.1(i)(4)

Notes

Item
Uncoupling
Levers

End
Ladder
Clearance

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application
All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically affixed, except tank car tanks per MP&E TB 98-14

CFR
Reference*

G Two uncoupling levers.
G May be either single or double, and of any efficient design.
G Handles of uncoupling levers, except those shown on Plate B or of similar designs, shall be
not more than six inches from side of car. (Plate B is the primary application you will see)
G Uncoupling levers of design shown on plate B and of similar designs shall conform to the
following prescribed limits:
G Handles shall be not more than 12 inches from sides of car. Center lift arms shall be not less
than 7 inches long.
G Center of eye at end of center lift arm shall be not more than 3 ½ inches beyond center of eye
of uncoupling pin of coupler when horn of coupler is against the buffer block or end sill. (See
plate B.)
G End of handles shall extend not less than four inches below bottom of end sill or shall be so
constructed as to give a minimum clearance of two inches around handle. Minimum drop of
handles shall be 12 inches; maximum, 15 inches overall (see Plate B).
G One on each end of car. When single lever is used, it shall be placed on left side of end of
car.

231.1(k)(1)

G No part of car above end sills within thirty inches from side of car, except buffer block, brake
shaft, brake-shaft brackets, brake wheel, running boards or uncoupling lever shall extend to
within twelve inches of a vertical plane parallel with end of car and passing through the inside
face of knuckle when closed with coupler horn against the buffer block or end sill, and no
other part of end of car or fixtures on same, above end sills, other than exceptions herein
noted, shall extend beyond the outer face of the buffer block.

231.21(i)

FRA F 6180.4k

Page 4 of 6

231.1(k)(2)(i)
231.1(k)(2)(ii)
231.1(k)(2)(iii)
231.1(k)(2)(iv)

231.1(k)(2)(v)

231.1(k)(3)

Notes

Item
Operating
Platform,
Ladder
Safety
Railing

Safety
Appliances
Tanks w/
Jackets

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application
All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically affixed, except tank car tanks per MP&E TB 98-14

CFR
Reference*

G One operating platform, two ladders and safety railing. Not required if all fittings used in the
loading or unloading of the tank car are accessible from ground or end platform.
G Ladder stiles, d by two inches or equivalent, wrought iron or steel. 1¼ inch extra strong pipe
will be considered equivalent.
G Ladder treads minimum diameter, e of an inch, 2 wrought iron or steel.
G Minimum clear length of treads, 14 inches.
G Maximum spacing of treads, 19 inches.
G Minimum clearance of treads and ladder stiles, two inches.
G Operating platform, minimum width, seven inches; minimum thickness, 1¾ inches.
G Safety railing, 1¼ inch wrought iron or steel pipe.
G Operating platform to be of sufficient length to provide access to all operating fittings. Ladder
to be located on sides of car at center.
G The safety railing shall enclose the operating platform, man-way and fittings used in the
loading and unloading of the tank.
G Railing shall be open only at the ladders where it shall extend in a vertical direction down to,
and be securely attached to the platform. 5
G Maximum width of opening, 24 inches.
G The ladders shall be securely fastened to the operating platform. The lower portion of ladder
shall be braced in such a manner as to prevent any movement.
G The operating platforms shall be supported to prevent sagging and be securely attached to
the tank.
G The safety railing shall be securely attached to four stanchions or corner posts, which shall be
securely attached to the tank or operating platform.

231.21(j)(1)

G On tanks covered with jackets, metal pads shall be securely attached to the shell proper, to
which brackets shall be fastened for securing the safety appliances attached to the tanks; or,
the safety appliances (with the exception of the operating platform brackets) may be secured
to the jackets reinforced with metal pads at the point of attachment, which pads shall extend
at least two inches from the center line of rivet holes.
G The operating platform brackets shall be secured to the jacket reinforced with suitable bands.
G When the safety appliances are attached to the jacket covering of the tank, the jacket shall be
tightened so that there will be no danger of its slipping around.

231.21(k)

FRA F 6180.4k

Page 5 of 6

231.21(j)(2)(i)
231.21(j)(2)(ii)
231.21(j)(2)(iii)
231.21(j)(2)(iv)
231.21(j)(2)(v)
231.21(j)(2)(vi)
231.21(j)(2)(vii)
231.21(j)(3)(i)
231.21(j)(3)(ii)

231.21(j)(4)(i)
231.21(j)(4)(ii)
231.21(j)(4)(iii)

Notes

Item

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application
All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically affixed, except tank car tanks per MP&E TB 98-14

Other
CFR
Sections

G Inspect all components to ensure compliance with the regulations.
G Ensure all brake components are located so that an inspection can be safely conducted
without an inspector placing himself in a precarious or unsafe position, (TB MP&E 98-32).

Misc.

G Check for any sharp or protruding objects or areas on the equipment that may create a safety
concern or personal injury.
G Check for potential pinch points at all safety appliance arrangements.
G Check to ensure that all brackets used solely to support a safety appliance are mechanically
fastened. The use of weld on brackets is prohibited.
G Check to ensure compliance with all applicable federal regulations.
G Verify coupler height 31½ inch minimum, 34½ inch maximum.

Digital
Photos

CFR
Reference*

Notes

231.31(a)(1)

G General Arrangement Photo Sheet ~ No Deviations Noted (six photos minimum, A & B ends,
each corner at 45 degree angle)
G Deviation Photo Sheet ~ Deviations Noted: As many photos as necessary to fully depict,
document and illustrate CFR deviations (e.g. 215, 229, 231 & 232)

* The CFR reference sections noted throughout the check list refers to the actual regulatory requirement.
Footnotes:
1 TB MP&E 98-53 ...d inch alloy chain and ½ inch steel alloy chain currently being used by new car manufacturers exceed the specifications.
2 TB MP&E 98-18 Ladder treads, handholds of circular cross-section, 13/16 inch diameter and sill steps, e inch thick and 2 inches wide, when constructed of
6061-T6 aluminum alloy exceeds the current Federal Railroad Administration's requirements.
3 Equivalent must meet or exceed the cross sectional area the result of which may not be less than ¾ inch.
4 TB MP&E 98-13 Clear depth means a vertical space the width of, and above the sill step material or strap and should be clear and unobstructed for 8 inches.
5 TB MP&E 98-31 ...openings in the operating platform allowing access to the ladders do not require safety railing (safety chain) enclosure. All other openings of
the operating platform require enclosure.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Equipment that is not adequately addressed in Part 231. For examples: There are no ladder requirements in §§231.29 or 231.30. However, if
additional safety appliances are used on any type of equipment, (i.e., §231.18 Cars of special construction), they must meet the dimension, location, and a manner of
application requirements. This logic holds true regardless of the equipment inspected. When applying §231.6 during a sample-car inspection on an auto rack, you will
encounter components not mentioned in that section such as ladders, stenciling, end ladder clearance, etc. These additional components must meet the appropriate
requirements. If there is any doubt, consult your regional specialist.

Pubic reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 60 minutes per response. This estimate includes the time for reviewing each page of the
checklist. According to the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control
number. The valid OMB control number for this collection of information is 2130-0565.

FRA F 6180.4k

Page 6 of 6