FRA F 6180.4q Sample Car Checklist for Locomotives Used in Switching S

Sample Car Inspection Checklist for:
Locomotives used in switching service - §231.30
(Built after March 31, 1977)

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Inspector(s):
Builder:
Item
Definitions

FRA F 6180.4q

Inspection Location:
Locomotive Initials & Number:

Locomotive Type:

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application
(All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically fastened per MP&E TB 98-14)

• Locomotive used in switching service means a locomotive regularly assigned to perform
yard switching service.
• Switching service means the classification of cars according to commodity or destination;
assembling of cars for train movements; changing the position of cars for purposes of
loading, unloading, or weighing, placing of locomotives and cars for repair or storage; or
moving of rail equipment in connection with work service that does not constitute a road
movement. However, this term does not include movement of a train or part of a train within
yard limits by the road locomotive and the placement of locomotives or cars in a train or
their removal from a train by the road locomotive while en route to the train's destination.
• Safety tread surface means that portion of anti-skid surface of a switching step that
actually is contacted by a shoe or boot.
• Uncoupling mechanism means the arrangement for operating the coupler lock lift,
including the uncoupling lever and all other appurtenances that facilitate operation of the
coupler.

Page 1 of 5

OMB No. 2130-0565
Rev. 08/22/2003

Date:

Region:

No. of locos to be Built:

Builder Job #

CFR
Reference*
231.30(b)(1)
231.30(b)(2)

231.30(b)(3)
231.30(b)(4)

Notes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Item
Switching
Step

(All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically fastened per MP&E TB 98-14)

G
G

G
G
G
G
G

G
G
G

Each locomotive used in switching service must have four switching steps. (See Plate A)
Each switching step must have a minimum width of 24 inches and a minimum depth of 12
inches, except when necessary to accommodate the turning arc of a six-wheel truck and
its appurtenances, the inside edge of the switching step shall have a minimum width of 17
inches (See Plate B).
A backstop, solid or perforated, with minimum height of backstop of six inches above the
safety tread surface.
A height of not more than 19 inches measured from top of rail to the safety tread surface.
Switching steps must be located on each side near each end of a locomotive used in
switching service. The bottom step of the stairway at these locations may also serve as a
switching step if it meets all of the requirements above.
Switching steps must be supported by a bracket at each end and fastened to the bracket
by two bolts or rivets of at least ½ inch diameter or by a weldment of at least twice the
strength of a bolted attachment.
Vertical clearance must be unobstructed, except for minor intrusions created by
mechanical fasteners or a small triangular gusset plate at the platform level walkway, and
free for use for at least a distance of 84 inches over a portion of the switching step that is
not less than 7 inches deep by 24 inches wide.
Steel or other material of equivalent or better strength and deflection characteristics,
anti-skid, safety design, having at least 50% of the tread surface as open space must be
used.
When the step material creates a second level safety tread surface, the maximum
difference in surface levels may not exceed d of an inch.
The safety tread surface must extend to within ½ inch of each edge of the step.

CFR
Reference*
231.30(c)(1)
231.30(c)(2)(i)

231.30(c)(2)(iii)
231.30(c)(2)(iv)
231.30(c)(3)

231.30(c)(4)(i)

231.30(c)(4)(ii)

231.30(c)(5)(i)

231.30(c)(5)(ii)
231.30(c)(5)(iii)

Switching
Step
Visibility

FRA F 6180.4q

G

Switching steps shall be illuminated, on multiple-unit locomotive consists used in
switching service, only the front switching steps of the leading unit and the rear switching
steps of the trailing unit must be illuminated.

Page 2 of 5

231.30(c)(6)

Notes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Item
Vertical
Handholds

(All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically fastened per MP&E TB 98-14)

G
G
G
G
G
G
G

Uncoupling
Mechanism

FRA F 6180.4q

G

CFR
Reference*

Each switching step must be provided with two vertical handholds or handrails, one on
each side of the switching step stairway.
Constructed of wrought iron, steel or other material of equivalent strength and durability
that is at least one inch diameter and be securely fastened to the locomotive with ½ inch
or larger bolts or rivets.
Begin not less than six inches nor more than thirty-two inches above the safety tread
surface of the switching step.
On units with high snow-plows, each must begin not more than 36 inches above the
safety tread surface of the switching step.
Extend upward from switching step surface at least 48 inches.
Be painted in a contrasting color to a height of at least 48 inches above the safety tread
surface of the switching step.
Provide at least 2½ inches of usable hand clearance throughout its entire length.

231.30(e)

Each locomotive used in switching service must have means for operating the uncoupling
mechanism safely from the switching step as well as from ground level. No part of the
uncoupling mechanism may extend into the switching step or stairway opening or end
platform area when the mechanism is in its normal position or when it is operated. (See
Plate A).

231.30(f)

Page 3 of 5

231.30(e)(i)

231.30(e)(ii)

231.30(e)(iii)
231.30(e)(iv)
231.30(e)(v)

Notes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Item
Horizontal
End
Handholds

(All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically fastened per MP&E TB 98-14)

G
G
G
G

G
G
G

Hand
Brake

FRA F 6180.4q

Each locomotive used in switching service must have four horizontal end handholds.
Each horizontal end handhold must:
Be constructed of wrought iron, steel or other material of equivalent strength and
durability that is at least e inch 1 in diameter and be securely fastened to the locomotive
with ½ inch or larger bolts or rivets.
Be located not less than 30 inches nor more than 50 inches above the top of rail with its
outer end not more than 16 inches from the side of the locomotive. 2
On units with a high snowplow that makes normal end handhold location inaccessible,
end handhold shall be located on top of plow blade, with the center of the handhold not
more than 53 inches above the top of rail, and be in line with the slope of the plow blade.
(Note: Take exception to plow-mounted horizontal end handholds if the clear length
begins more than 16 inches from the outside edge of plow.)
Be at least fourteen inches long.
Provide at least two inches usable hand clearance throughout its entire length.
The uncoupling lever may also serve as a horizontal end handhold if it complies with the
requirements of this paragraph. When an uncoupling lever also serves as the horizontal
end handhold, it is considered to be securely fastened if its securement brackets are
attached to the locomotive by ½ inch or larger bolts or rivets and its movement between
those brackets is limited to the rotation necessary for performance of the uncoupling
function.

All freight locomotives ordered on or after August 1, 2002, or placed in service for the first time
on or after April 1, 2004, shall be equipped with a hand or parking brake that is:
G Capable of application or activation by hand.
G Capable of release by hand.
G Capable of holding the unit on a 3% grade.
G The date of the last inspection shall be either entered on F 6180-49A or suitably stenciled
or tagged on the locomotive.
All passenger locomotives except MU locomotives, shall be equipped with a hand or parking
brake that can:
G Be applied or activated by hand.
G Be released by hand.
G Hold the loaded unit on the maximum grade anticipated by the operating railroad.

Page 4 of 5

CFR
Reference*
231.30(g)
231.30(g)(1)(i)

231.30(g)(1)(ii)

231.30(g)(1)(iii)
231.30(g)(1)(iv)
231.30(g)(2)

232.105(b)
232.105(b)(1)
232.105(b)(2)
232.105(b)(3)
232.105(c)
238.231(h)(1)
238.231(h)(1)(i)
238.231(h)(1)(ii)
238.231(h)(1)(iii)

Notes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Item
Misc.

(All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically fastened per MP&E TB 98-14)

G
G
G
G
G
G
G

Digital
Photos

G
G

Inspect all components to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Check for any sharp or protruding objects or areas on the equipment that may create a
safety concern or personal injury.
Check for potential pinch points at all safety appliance arrangements.
Check to ensure that all brackets used solely to support a safety appliance are
mechanically fastened. The use of weld on brackets is prohibited.
Check to ensure compliance with all applicable federal regulations.
Verify coupler height 31½ inch minimum, 34½ inch maximum ~ allow up to, but no more
than one inch over the maximum height for settling of new truck components.
When additional safety appliances are used (e.g. ladders, handholds, etc.), the
dimensions, location and manner of application shall conform to appropriate regulatory
requirements.

CFR
Reference*

Notes

231.31(a)(1)

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

* The CFR reference sections noted throughout the check list refers to the actual regulatory requirement.
Footnotes:
1
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.
2
TB MP&E 98-68 ...The FRA will not take exception, if application of horizontal end handhold placement is measured from either the side of the locomotive or
side of the end plate.
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 6180.4q

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