FRA F 6180.161h Sample Car Inspection Checklist for S-2044 Appendix E-2:

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Inspector(s):
Builder:
ITEM

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

Inspection Location:
Car Initial and Number:

Car Type:

Date:
No. of cars to be Built:

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Hand Brake

Each car shall have an AAR-approved vertical-wheel hand brake that complies
with MSRP Section E, Standard S-475 and that operates in harmony with the
power brake equipment on the car. Total braking force applied to the brake
shoes by the hand brake shall comply with the requirements of MSRP Section E,
Standard S-401, but in any event shall be not less than that developed by 50 psi
brake cylinder pressure. The hand brake wheel and chain drum of vertical-wheel
hand brakes shall be arranged so that both will revolve when applying and
gradually releasing the hand brake. The hand brake shall be provided with means
to prevent application of the brake by turning the brake wheel in a counterclockwise direction.

Append E2, 2.1.1

Hand Brake Wheel

The hand brake wheel shall have a nominal diameter of 22 in. The brake wheel
shall be of shallow configuration and shall be of steel or other material of
equivalent strength.

Appendix E2, 2.1.2

The hub of the hand brake wheel shall be 2 5/8 in. deep with a square tapered
fit to the shaft. The taper on the brake wheel hub and shaft shall be 1 in. in 12 in.
on each side, or 2 in. in 12 in. total, with the small end of the shaft opening 7/8 in.
square. The brake wheel shall be secured to the brake shaft with an American
National Standard 7/8-9 heavy hex nut and 3/16 in. x 1 ½ in. cotter, or their
equivalent.

Appendix E2, 2.1.3

Hand Brake Location

The hand brake shall be located so that it can be safely operated from the
Appendix E2, 2.2.1
horizontal end platform while the car is in motion. The center of the hand brake
shaft on cars equipped with one hand brake shall be located on the B-end of the car to
the left of, and not less than 17 in. nor more than 24 in. from, the centerline of the car
and shall be not less than 26 in. nor more than 40 in. above the walking surface of the
end-platform. The hand brakes on cars equipped with more than one hand brake shall
be located as specified in paragraph 9.0 of the base standard.
Clearance around the rim of the hand brake wheel shall be not less than 4 in.

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

Appendix E2, 2.2.2

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Region:
Builder Job No.

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

ITEM

Appendix Reference

Clearance between the grip portion of the release lever, if used, throughout its full
range of travel and any part of the car shall be not less than 2 ½ in.
No part of the car that is more than 24 in. or less above the walking surface of the end Appendix E2, 2.2.3
platform shall encroach into a vertical column extending above the end platform and
defined by the plane of the face of the hand brake wheel, and vertical planes defined by
lines extending longitudinally inboard from the right and left edges of the hand brake
wheel to the plane of the outside edge of the end platform safety railing or the end
ladder, and extending 18 in. out from these planes.
No part of the car that is 24 in. or less above walking surface of the end platform shall Appendix E2, 2.2.4
encroach into a vertical column extending above the end platform and defined by the
plane of the face of the hand brake wheel, and vertical planes defined by lines extending
longitudinally back from the right and left edges of the hand brake wheel to the vertical
plane of the outside edge of the end platform safety railing or end ladder, and extending
10 in. out from these planes.

Hand Brake
Manner of Application

The outside edge of the hand brake wheel shall not extend more than 8 in. beyond
the striker or end of the center sill and not more than 8 in. beyond the outboard edge
of the end platform. The outside edge of the hand brake wheel shall be not less than
1 in. and not more than 18 in. outboard of that portion of the inboard surface of the
horizontal end platform safety railing that is closest to the striker.

Appendix E2, 2.2.5

If the hand brake application is such that the requirements of paragraph 2.2.2 can be
met only with hand brakes having short hand brake release levers or only with long
release levers, but not both, the car shall be marked adjacent to the hand brake in
1 ½ in. high letters "SHORT (LONG) RELEASE LEVER BRAKE ONLY."

Appendix E2, 2.2.6

The hand brake housing shall be securely fastened. The hand brake application,
including bolt hole pattern, shall conform to MSRP Section E, Standards
S-4 75. Hand brake mounting brackets may be welded to pads applied to the tank or
tank jacket or welded directly to the draft sill or a head shield.

Appendix E2, 2.3.1

The hand brake chain shall conform to the requirements ofS-475, but in any event
shall have minimum working load of 5,875 lb and minimum proof test of 11,750 lb.

Appendix E2, 2.3.2

Hand brake rods shall be not less than 3/4 in. diameter.

Appendix E2, 2.3.3

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

ITEM

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

SILL STEPS

There shall be four sill steps.

Appendix E2, 3.1

Sill Step
Dimensions

Sill steps shall conform to the requirements of Standard S-2042. Minimum usable
length of tread shall be not less than 18 in.

Appendix E2, 3.2.1

Sill steps shall be of steel not less than 1/2 in. thick and not less than 2 in. wide.

Appendix E2, 3.2.2

Sill steps shall have sufficient treads such that the top tread is not more than 21 in.
below the lowest adjacent horizontal side handhold, if the car is so equipped. If
there are no horizontal side handholds, sill steps shall have sufficient treads such
that the top tread is not more than 21 in. below the walking surface of the end
platform. Sill step treads shall be spaced not more than 21 in. apart.

Appendix E2, 3.2.3

The clear depth above the entire usable length of all sill step treads shall be not less
than 8 in., and the clear width of the lowest sill step tread shall be not less than 6 in.
for both loaded and empty conditions with the trucks rotated to simulate the
maximum curvature specified for the uncoupled car.

Appendix E2, 3.2.4

One sill step shall be applied near each end of each side of the car. The sill steps shall
be located in the longitudinal direction such that the inside face of the outboard
vertical leg of the sill step is not more than 2 in. inboard of the inside surface of the
outboard side handhold. The inside face of the inboard vertical leg of the sill step
shall be not less than 16 in. from the inboard side of the outboard side handhold.

Appendix E2, 3.3.1

In the transverse direction, the outside edge of any sill step tread shall be not more
than 6 in. inboard or outboard of the inside surface of the adjacent side handholds.
With the exception of the side handholds, side ladder, and side safety railings and
their supports, no part of the car below 66 in. above the top of the rail shall extend
further than 6 in. outboard of the outboard edge of the lowest sill step tread. The
outside edge of any sill step tread shall be not more than 4 in. inboard of any car
structure at or below the end platform in the area between the side handholds.

Appendix E2, 3.3.2

The lowest tread shall be not more than 17 in. above the top of rail.

Appendix E2, 3.3.3

Sill steps shall be securely fastened.

Appendix E2, 3.4

Sill Step Location

Sill Step

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

ITEM

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Side Handholds

There shall be eight vertical side handholds, two at each corner on each side of
the car.

Appendix E2, 4.1

Side Handholds
Dimensions

Side handholds shall conform to the requirements of Standard S-224 and shall be
of solid steel not less than 1 in. diameter or pipe of 1 ¼ in. nominal pipe size with
Schedule 40 minimum wall thickness. Minimum clearance shall be 2 in., preferably
2 ½ in.

Appendix E2, 4.2.1

Side handholds shall have an uninterrupted span between the upper and lower
clearance points.

Appendix E2, 4.2.2

Two vertical handholds, one at either end of each sill step, shall be applied.

Appendix E2, 4.3.1

The inside surface of the outboard vertical handhold shall be not more than 14 in.
from the inside surface of the nearest end handhold. The clear opening between
the inside surfaces of the vertical handholds and their supports shall be not less than
18 in. The width over the outside surfaces of the vertical handholds shall be not more
than 30 in.

Appendix E2, 4.3.2

The clearance points of the bottom end of the vertical handholds shall be not more
than 42 in. above the top of rail, and the clearance points of the top end shall be not
less than 33 in. above the adjacent walking surface of the end platform.

Appendix E2, 4.3.3

Manner
of Application

Side handholds shall be securely fastened.

Appendix E2, 4.4

End Handholds

There shall be four end handholds, one near each side on each end of the car.

Appendix E2, 5.1

Dimensions

End handholds shall be of steel not less than 3/4 in. diameter and shall conform
to the requirements of Standard S-224. Minimum clear length shall be 16 in.
Minimum clearance shall be 2 in., preferably 2 1/2 in.

Appendix E2, 5.2

Location

The end handholds shall be oriented horizontally and located not more than 45 in.
above the top of rail.

Appendix E2, 5.3.1

Side Handholds
Location

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

The clearance points of the outboard end of the end handholds shall be not more
than 14 in. from the inside surface of the outboard side handholds.

Appendix E2, 5.3.2

Manner of Applications

End handholds shall be securely fastened.

Appendix E2, 5.4

End Platforms

There shall be two end platforms, one on each end of the car.

Appendix E2, 6.1

Dimensions

End platforms shall be considered running boards under Standard S-226 and shall
Conform to the design, manufacturing, and test requirements of Standard S-226
applicable to running boards. The platform shall have uniform antiskid surfaces and
shall be of construction to provide at least 50% clear opening in a representative area
to permit elimination of accumulated snow and ice.

Appendix E2, 6.2.1

The platform shall have a minimum width not less than 10 in. anywhere along its
length. End platforms shall have a transverse length not less than 110 in. and shall
be centered on the car.

Appendix E2, 6.2.2

At each end, the platform shall be not less than 18 in. wide. The 18 in. width shall
be maintained for a length of 12 in., or the platform shall taper from 18 in. to the
narrowest width over a length not less than 24 in.

Appendix E2, 6.2.3

End platforms shall be continuous across the end of the car and may be made up of
Several pieces secured to mounting brackets.

Appendix E2, 6.2.4

Where conventional draft gears or cushioning devices having less than 6 in.
longitudinal coupler travel in buff are used, the outside edge of the end platforms
shall extend no farther from the end of the car than the striker or end of the center
sill. Where draft gears or cushioning devices having 6 in. or greater longitudinal
coupler travel in buff are used, the outside edge of the end platforms shall extend
not more than 6 in. beyond the striker or end of the center sill with the cushioning
device (if used) at full buff. The inboard edge of the end platform shall be not more
than 1 in. outboard of the inboard edge of the horizontal end platform safety railing
at any point.

Appendix E2, 6.3.1

The ends of end platforms shall not be outboard of, and shall be not more than 2 in.
Inboard from, the outboard surface of the sides of the car directly below the platform
ends.

Appendix E2, 6.3.2

ITEM

Location

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

ITEM

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Minimum vertical clearance above the end platform, measured from the walking
surface of the end platform, shall be not less than 5 in., except for the hand brake
rod, hand brake chain, bell crank, and sheave wheel. No part of the car end or
fixture on the car end above the end platform and less than 84 in. above the
walking surface of the end platform, other than the side handholds, side handhold
mounting brackets, hand brake, hand brake mounting rackets, hand brake rod,
hand brake chain, bell crank, and sheave wheel, shall extend closer to the outboard
edge of the end platforms than 7 in.

Appendix E2, 6.3.3

Clearance between a vertical surface extending outboard up and down from the outside Appendix E2, 6.3.4
surface of the end platform safety railing and any part of the car more than 24 in. but
less than 84 in. above the walking surface of the end platform other than the hand
brake and the hand brake mounting brackets shall be not less than 15 in., preferably
18 in. Clearance between a vertical surface extending down from the outside surface of
the end platform safety railing and any part of the car 24 in. or less above the walking
surface of the end platform shall be not less than 10 in.
Manner
of Application

The end platforms shall be securely fastened with not less than 3/8 in. diameter
fasteners.

Appendix E2, 6.4

Horizontal
End Platform
Safety Railing

There shall be two horizontal end platform safety railings. One horizontal end
platform safety railing shall be applied on each end of the car above the end
platform.

Appendix E2, 7.1

Dimensions

Horizontal end platform safety railings shall conform to the requirements of
Standard S-224 and shall be of solid steel not less than 1 in. diameter or pipe
of 1 1/4 in. nominal pipe size with Schedule 40 minimum wall thickness.
Minimum clearance shall be 2 1/2 in.

Appendix E2, 7.2

Location

The height from the top of the end platform safety railing to the walking surface
of the end platform shall be not less than 36 in. nor more than 54 in.

Appendix E2, 7.3.1

If the safety railings have vertical legs at their ends, the inboard surface of the
vertical legs shall be not more than 8 in. from the inside surface of the inboard side
handhold. If the safety railings do not have vertical legs at their ends, the clearance
points at the ends of the safety railings shall be not more than 8 in. from the inside
surface of the inboard side handhold.

Appendix E2, 7.3.2

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

ITEM

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Manner
of Application

Horizontal end platform safety railings shall be securely fastened.

Appendix E2, 7.4.1

Horizontal end platform safety railings shall be supported at each end. Safety railings
Appendix E2, 7.4.2
not interrupted at ladders shall be supported at a minimum of two intermediate
locations along their horizontal span. The spacing between centerlines of any two
supports shall be not less than 24 in. Mounting brackets shall be not less than 3/8 in.
thick and mot less than 2 in. wide and may be welded to the tank, head shield, or tank
jacket. Brackets welded to the head shields or jackets less than 3/8 in. thick or to the
tank shall be welded to reinforcing pads on the tank, head shield or jacket. When the
mounting brackets are welded to reinforcing pads on the jacket, there shall be supports
attached to the tank located beneath the jacket pads.
When end platform safety railings are interrupted at the ladders, each portion of the
safety railings shall be supported at each end and at a minimum of one intermediate
location.

Appendix E2, 7.4.3

Side Safety
Railings

There shall be two side safety railings.

Appendix E2, 8.1

Dimensions

Side safety railings shall conform to the requirements of Standard S-224 and shall
be of pipe of 1 1/4 in. nominal pipe size with Schedule 40 minimum wall thickness.
Minimum clearance shall be 2 ½ in.

Appendix E2, 8.2

Location

There shall be side safety railings, on each side of the car, extending between the body Appendix E2, 8.3
bolsters. Car structure or a continuation of the safety railings shall be applied between
the end platforms and the body bolsters. The top of the side safety railing shall be not
more than 45 in. above the top of rail. The inboard surface of the side safety railing
shall be not less than 51 in. from the centerline of the car in the transverse direction.

Manner
of Application

Side safety railings shall not be interrupted or obstructed between body bolsters except Appendix E2, 8.4
at safety railing support brackets and operating cabinets. Side safety railings shall be
supported at the ends, and operating cabinets if interrupted, and at intervals as
required, not to exceed a 10 ft. span. Each section of side safety railing shall be securely
fastened at not less than one location. Welding is permitted on the support brackets
and associated parts. Welding is not permitted on side safety railings except as provided
in the base standard.

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

ITEM

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Ladders

Two ladders shall be applied to any tank car with top fittings used in loading or
unloading. Ladders are not required if all fittings used in loading and unloading the
tank are accessible from ground or end platform.

Appendix E2, 9.1

Dimensions

Ladder stiles shall be of steel 3/8 in. thick and 2 in. wide or equivalent. Ladder treads
shall be of steel not less than 3/4 in. diameter and shall conform to the requirements
of Standard S-224. Minimum clear length shall be 14 in. Minimum clearance shall be
2 in., preferably 2 ½ in.

Appendix E2, 9.2

Ladders
Locations

The ladder treads shall be oriented horizontally with the actual distance between them Appendix E2, 9.3.1
not more than 19 in. The actual distance between the top ladder tread and the top of
the running board shall be not more than 19 in. The actual distance between ladder
treads and from the top ladder tread to the top of the running board shall be uniform
within a maximum variation of 2 in. The horizontal end platform safety railing may be
used as a ladder tread.

Manner
of Application

The bottom ladder treads shall be not more than 19 in. above the walking surface of
end platform.

Appendix E2, 9.3.2

Ladder treads shall be securely fastened to the ladder stiles.

Appendix E2, 9.4.1

Ladders shall be securely fastened at their top and bottom ends.

Appendix E2, 9.4.2

Ladder support brackets shall be securely fastened. Mounting brackets shall be not less Appendix E2, 9.4.3
than 3/8 in. thick and not less than 2 in. wide and may be welded to the tank, head
shield, or tank jacket. Brackets welded to the head shields or jackets less than 3/8 in.
thick or to the tank shall be welded to reinforcing pads on the tank, head shield, or
jacket. When the mounting brackets are welded to reinforcing pads on the jacket, there
shall be supports attached to the tank located beneath the jacket pads.

Ladder Transition
Handholds

On each end of the car, each ladder tread shall be not more than 3 in. inboard of a
plane extending from the lowest ladder tread to the highest ladder tread. Each ladder
tread shall be not more than 3 ½ in. inboard or outboard of the ladder treads
immediately above and below it. No ladder tread shall be more than 3 in. outboard of
the lowest ladder tread.

Appendix E2, 9.4.4

There shall be a transition handhold extending up from each side of each end ladder.

Appendix E2, 10.1

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

ITEM

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Dimensions

Transition handholds shall conform to the requirements of Standard S-224 and shall
be of solid steel not less than 3/4 in. diameter or pipe of 1 ¼ in. nominal pipe size with
Schedule 40 minimum wall thickness. Minimum clearance shall be 2 in., preferably
2 ½ in.

Appendix E2, 10.2

Location

When the clearance plate limit to which the car is designed permits, the top surface of Appendix E2, 10.3.1
each transition handhold shall be not less than 40 in. and not more than 44 in. above
the walking surface of the running board. If the clearance limit does not permit a 44 in.
height, the top surface of each transition handhold shall be not more than 4 in. below
the maximum height permitted by the clearance limit. The clear width between the
transition handholds adjacent to the ladder shall be not less than 18 in. and not more
than 24 in.
The inside surface of each transition handhold shall not infringe on the clear width of Appendix E2, 10.3.2
the ladder treads and shall be not more than 5 in. outboard in the transverse direction
from the clearance point of the adjacent ladder tread. The inside surface of each
transition handhold shall be not more than 2 in. outboard of the adjacent edge of the
running board.
When running board safety railings are applied, the adjacent transition handhold
extending from the ladder shall terminate within 4 in. of the safety railing. Each
transition handhold shall extend not less than 12 in. in the longitudinal direction
from the attachment to the top of the ladder.

Manner of Application

Transition handholds shall be securely fastened at their ends.

Appendix E2, 10.4

Running Boards

Running boards shall be applied to any tank car with top fittings used in loading or
unloading the tank. Running boards are not required if all fittings used in loading and
unloading the tank are accessible from the ground or end platform.

Appendix E2, 11.1

Dimensions

The running boards shall conform to the requirements of Standard S-226. The running
boards shall have uniform antiskid surfaces and shall be of construction to provide at
least 50% clear opening in a representative area to permit elimination of accumulated
snow and ice.

Appendix E2, 11.2.1

Running boards shall be not less than 7 in. wide. At the ladders, there shall be a section Appendix E2, 11.2.2
of running board not less than 18 in. wide and not less than 12 in. long.

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

ITEM

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Location

Running boards shall extend from the operating platform to the end ladders on each
Appendix E2, 11.3.1
end of the car. When running boards are not located on the centerline of the car, the
running boards at the two ends of the car may be on the same side of the car or located
at diagonal corners.
When running boards are transversely in line with and are at the same height as the
adjacent operating platform boards, the facing surfaces of running boards and the
operating platform boards shall not be farther apart than 3/8 in. and shall not vary in
height by more than 1/4 in.

Appendix Reference

Appendix E2, 11.3.2

The facing surfaces of running boards and adjacent operating platform boards that are Appendix E2, 11.3.3
nominally at the same height shall not be farther apart than 3/8 in., and their walking
surfaces shall not vary in height by more than 1/4 in.
When running boards and adjacent operating platform boards are not at the same
height, the difference in height of the walking surfaces shall be not less than 6 in. and
not greater than 15 in. The horizontal gap between the trailing edge of one board and
the leading edge of the board above it shall not exceed 2 ½ in.

Appendix E2, 11.3.4

When running boards are not adjacent to the nearest operating platform boards, the
ends of the running boards shall be not more than 2 in. in the longitudinal direction
from the outboard surface of the operating platform safety railing.

Appendix E2, 11.3.5

Manner
of Application

The running boards shall be securely fastened to the car with not less than 3/8 in.
diameter fasteners. Mounting brackets shall be not less than 3/8 in. thick and not less
than 2 in. wide and may be welded to reinforcing pads on the tank or tank jacket.
When the mounting brackets are welded to reinforcing pads on the jacket, there shall
be supports attached to the tank located beneath the jacket pads.

Appendix E2, 11.4

Running Board Safety
Railing

One running board safety railing shall extend along the outboard edge of all running
boards that are less than 24 in. wide.

Appendix E2, 12.1

Dimensions

Running board safety railings shall conform to the requirements of Standard S-224 and Appendix E2, 12.2
shall be of pipe of 1 ¼ in. nominal pipe size with Schedule 40 minimum wall thickness.
Minimum clearance shall be 2 ½ in.

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

ITEM
Location

Appendix Reference

When the clearance plate limit to which the car is designed permits, the top of the
Appendix E2, 12.3.1
running board safety railings shall be not less than 40 in. and not more than 44 in.
above the walking surface of the running boards. If the clearance limit does not permit
a 44 in. height, the top of the running board safety railings shall be not more than 4 in.
below the maximum height permitted by the clearance limit. In any event, the height
of the safety railings above the walking surface of the running boards shall be not less
than 24 in. If the clearance limit does not permit safety railings 24 in. high or greater,
safety railings shall not be applied and the running boards shall be not less than 24 in.
wide.

Manner
of Application

Operating Platform

The planes extending down from the inboard surfaces of the running board safety
railings shall be not more than 2 in. from the outboard edge of the running boards.

Appendix E2, 12.3.2

Running board safety railings shall extend from the ladder transition handholds at the
ends of the car to the operating platform safety railing.

Appendix E2, 12.3.3

Running board safety railings shall be supported at each end and at intermediate
Appendix E2, 12.4.1
locations as required such that unsupported spans do not exceed 10 ft. The ends of the
safety railing shall be securely fastened to the operating platform, operating platform
safety railing, or platform supports at one end; to the running board or running board
supports at the other end; and/or to separate mounting brackets.
Where the safety railings are supported by mounting brackets separate from the
operating platform, operating platform safety railing, operating platform supports,
running boards, or running board supports, the safety railings and their supports shall
be securely fastened to the mounting brackets, which shall be attached to metal pads
welded to the tank shell or jacket. When the mounting brackets are welded to
reinforcing pads on the jacket, there shall be supports attached to the tank located
beneath the jacket pads.

Appendix E2, 12.4.2

Operating platform(s) shall be applied to any tank car with top fittings used in loading
or unloading the tank. An operating platform is not required if all fittings used in
loading and unloading the tank are accessible from the ground or end platform.

Appendix E2, 13.1.1

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

ITEM

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

The working area of the operating platform is that portion of the platform that
extends from the closest transverse section of the safety railing to the center of the
top loading or unloading fittings and/or manways and for an equal distance toward
the other end of the car beyond the fittings and/or manways.

Appendix E2, 13.1.2

Dimensions

The operating platform boards shall be considered running boards under Standard
Appendix E2, 13.2
S-226 and shall conform to design, manufacturing, and test requirements of Standard
S-226 application to running boards. The platform boards shall have uniform antiskid
surfaces and shall be of construction to provide at least 50% clear opening in a
representative area to permit elimination of accumulated snow and ice. Platform
boards shall be not less than 7 in. wide and shall extend to within 2 in. of the planes
extending down from the inboard surfaces of the operating platform safety railing and
running board safety railing.

Location

Operating platforms shall be located such that they provide access to all fittings used
in the top loading or top unloading of the tank and/or manways.

Manner

The operating platform boards shall be securely fastened to the car with not less
Appendix E2, 13.4
than 3/8 in. diameter fasteners. Mounting brackets shall be not less than 3/8 in. thick
and not less than 2 in. wide and may be welded to reinforcing pads on the tank or tank
jacket. When the mounting brackets are welded to reinforcing pads on the jacket,
there shall be supports attached to the tank located beneath the jacket pads.

Operating Platform
Filler Plates

When filler plates are applied, there shall be one filler plate at the inboard edge of
each longitudinal operating platform board.

Appendix E2, 14.1

Dimensions

Filler plates shall be of steel or other material of equivalent strength and shall have
uniform antiskid surfaces. Flat filler plates shall be not less than 1/4 in. thick, and filler
plates with a longitudinal flange shall be not less than 11 gauge (0.12 in.) thick.

Appendix E2, 14.2.1

When filler plates do not extend for the full length of the platform boards, there shall
be sloped transitions from the ends of the filler plates to the surface of the tank or
jacket. The slope shall be not more than 30° from the horizontal.

Appendix E2, 14.2.2

Filler plates shall be oriented horizontally and shall be applied for the full length of
the working area of the operating platform boards.

Appendix E2, 14.3.1

Location

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

Appendix E2, 13.3

OMB No. 2130-0565
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Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

The horizontal space between adjacent sections of filler plates and between filler
Plates and the adjacent operating platform boards shall not exceed 3/4 in.
The distance between the tank, tank jacket, or mounting pad and the closest edge
of the filler plate, measured perpendicular to the tank, shall not exceed 3/4 in.

Appendix E2, 14.3.2

The difference in height of the top surfaces of adjacent sections of filler plates and
of the top surfaces of the filler plates and the adjacent operating platform boards
shall not exceed ¼ in.

Appendix E2, 14.3.3

Manner

Filler plates applied to mounting brackets shall be applied with not less than 3/8 in.
diameter fasteners. Filler plate mounting brackets, and filler plates applied directly
to the car without separate mounting brackets, shall be welded to pads on the tank
or tank jacket. Filler plates shall be supported at spacings not greater than 30 in.

Appendix E2, 14.4

Operating Platform
Vertical Toe Boards
(Optional)

When toe boards are applied, there shall be one toe board along the outboard edge
of each platform board.

Appendix E2, 15.1

Dimensions

Toe boards shall be of any combination of material grade, thickness, and support
structure that will prevent more than 1/4 in. horizontal deflection in response to a
100 lb. horizontal load applied at any point along the toe board.

Appendix E2, 15.2.1

The height from the top of the operating platform boards to the top of the toe boards
shall be not less than 4 in. nor more than 6 in.

Appendix E2, 15.2.2

ITEM

The height above the top of the operating platform boards to the bottom of the toe
boards shall be no greater than 1/4 in.
Location

Manner
of Application

Toe boards shall extend vertically for the full length and width of the working area of
the operating platform boards except at openings in the operating platform safety
railing.

Appendix E2, 15.3.1

Toe boards shall not be applied at openings in the operating platform safety railing.

Appendix E2, 15.3.2

Toe boards shall be securely fastened with not less than 3/8 in. diameter fasteners at
mounting brackets, operating platforms, or safety railings. Toe boards shall be
supported at not less than two locations at spacings no greater than 34 in.

Appendix E2, 15.4

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Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

ITEM

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Operating Platform
Safety Railing

One operating platform safety railing shall be applied surrounding the working area of
the operating platform.

Appendix E2, 16.1.1

Intermediate safety railings are optional. When applied, they shall be applied
at those locations of the working area of the operating platform where there is an
operating platform safety railing.

Appendix E2, 16.1.2

Dimensions

Operating platform safety railings, including intermediate safety railings, shall conform Appendix E2, 16.2.1
to the requirements of Standard S-224 and shall be pipe of 1 1/4 in. nominal pipe size
with Schedule 40 minimum wall thickness. Minimum clearance shall be 2 1/2 in.
Openings in the safety railing at running boards shall be not less than 18 in. and not
more than 24 in.

Appendix E2, 16.2.2

Openings in the safety railing other than those at running boards shall be no wider
than 36 in.

Appendix E2, 16.2.3

When horizontal intermediate safety railings are applied, the top of the intermediate
safety railing shall be not more than 21 in. above the top of the operating platform
surface.

Appendix E2, 16.2.4

Safety chains, when applied, shall be of steel and shall have link thickness not less than Appendix E2, 16.2.5
¼ in. Safety chain fastening components shall be securely fastened with fasteners not
less than ¼ in. diameter. The length of safety chains shall not exceed by more than 4 in.
the minimum chain length that will enable the chain to be attached at its free end
when pulled tight.
Location

The operating platform safety railing shall enclose the operating platform and all
fittings used in loading and unloading the tank. Safety railings at running boards shall
extend vertically down to the running board or running board supports.

Appendix E2, 16.3.1

When the clearance plate limit to which the car is designed permits, the top of the
operating platform safety railing shall be not less than 40 in. and not more than 44 in.
above the walking surface of the operating platform. If the clearance limit does not
permit a 44 in. height, the top of the operating platform safety railing shall be not
more than 4 in. below the maximum height permitted by the clearance limit.

Appendix E2, 16.3.2

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Openings in the safety railing other than those at the running boards shall have safety
chains fastened to each side of the opening. Safety chains shall not be applied at
openings in the safety railing at running boards. Safety chains shall be applied in line
with the top safety railing only. No intermediate safety chains shall be applied.

Appendix E2, 16.3.3

Operating platform safety railings shall be supported at or near every corner of the
operating platform and at intervals as required, with the unsupported length not to
exceed 10 ft. The ends of the safety railing shall be securely fastened to the
operating platform or platform supports.

Appendix E2, 16.4.1

Where the operating platform safety railing is supported by mounting brackets
separate from the operating platform or operating platform supports, it shall be
securely fastened to the mounting brackets, which shall be attached to metal pads
welded to the tank shell or jacket. When the mounting brackets are welded to
reinforcing pads on the jacket, there shall be supports attached to the tank located
beneath the jacket pads.

Appendix E2, 16.4.2

Clearance at
End of Car

No part of the car above the end sill more than 30 in. from the longitudinal centerline
of the car, except the hand brake wheel, hand brake shaft, bell crank, sheave wheel,
end platform, or horizontal end handholds, shall extend beyond the striker or end of
the center sill with the draft gear or cushioning device (if used) at full buff. No other
part of the car end or fixtures on the end above the end sill and less than 84 in.
above the walking surface of the end platform, other than the exceptions herein
noted, shall extend beyond the outer face of the striker or end of the center sill.

Appendix E2, 17.0

Uncoupling Devices

There shall be a minimum of two uncoupling devices.
(Refer to S-2044 Fig 6.1)

Appendix E2, 18.0

Uncoupling devices and their application shall conform to MSRP Section S,
Part III, Standard S-129, S-131, S-133, or S-134; or Specification M-961.

S-2044 6.1 (Base Standard)

One uncoupling device shall be applied at the left side of the B end of the
car (BL corner) and one at the right side of the A end of the car (AR corner).

S-2044 6.2

Under all operating conditions, the outside surface of the uncoupling device
handles shall be not more than 12 in. closer to the car center than the inside
surface of the adjacent side handholds.

S-2044 6.3

ITEM

Manner
of Application

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

OMB No. 2130-0565
F6180.161h 12/15

Notes

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-2
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

There shall be not less than 2 in. clearance, preferably 2 ½ in., around the
uncoupling device handles for a length not less than the lowest 4 in. of straight
handles and not less than 4 in. in the grip portion of handles having clearly defined
grip portions. The lower ends of the handles shall be not less than 12 in. nor more
than 15 in. below the top surface of the uncoupling device at the device support
and not less than 15 in. above the top of rail.

S-2044 6.4

Uncoupling device mounting brackets shall be securely fastened to the car with
fasteners not less than 5/8 in. diameter.

S-2044 6.5

Stenciling

Car initial, numbers and built date stenciled on the car.

49 CFR Part 215.301

Reflectorization.

Reflectorization must meet all requirements. Attached Drawing

49 CFR Part 224

Coupler Height

Verify coupler height 31½ inch minimum, 34½ inch maximum.

49 CFR Part 231.31(a)(1)

Power Brakes

Except for cars equipped with nominal 12-inch stroke (8 ½ and 10-inch diameters)
brake cylinders, all cars shall have a legible decal, stencil, or sticker affixed to the car
or shall be equipped with a badge plate displaying the permissible brake cylinder
piston travel range for the car at Class I brake tests and the length at which the piston
travel renders the brake ineffective, if different from Class I brake test limits. The
decal, stencil, sticker, or badge plate shall be located so that it may be easily read and
understood by a person positioned safely beside the car.

49 CFR Part 232. 103

ITEM

All equipment ordered on or after August 1, 2002, or placed in service for the first time
on or after April 1, 2004, shall have train brake systems designed so that an inspector
can observe from a safe position either the piston travel, an accurate indicator which
shows piston travel, or any other means by which the brake system is actuated.
The design shall not require the inspector to place himself or herself on, under, or
between components of the equipment to observe brake actuation or release.
SCT

A single car air brake test shall be performed on each new car prior to placing or using
the car in revenue service.

FRA 6180.161h 12/15

49 CFR Part 232.305

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OMB No. 2130-0565

Miscellaneous

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.

Digital Photos

General Arrangement Photo Sheet ~ (six photos minimum, A & B ends, each corner at 45 degree angle)
Deviation Photo Sheet ~ As many photos as necessary to fully depict, document and illustrate deviations
of S-2044 Appendix E2 or CFR Parts(e.g. 215, 224 & 232)

Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 60 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. According to the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
information collection is 2130-0565. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory.

FRA 6180.161h 12/15