FRA F 6180.161N Sample Car Inspection Checklist for S-2044 Appendix E-4:

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

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US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Inspector(s):
Builder:
ITEM

Hand Brake

Location

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Inspection Location:
Car Initial and Number:

Car Type:

Date:
No. of cars to be Built:

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

This appendix to Standard S-2044 defines the safety appliance requirements that
apply specifically to tank cars with end ladders and low side-mounted hand brakes.
Cars with end ladders and high end-mounted hand brakes shall be equipped in
accordance with Appendix E2. Except as stated herein, the requirements of the base
standard apply to the cars covered by this appendix. These requirements are
illustrated in Figs. E4.1, E4.2, and E4.3. In the event of discrepancy between the text
of this appendix and the illustrations, the text shall govern.

Appendix E4, 1.0

Each car shall have at least one 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.

Appendix E4, 2.1.1

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 E4, 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. × 1 1/2 in. cotter, or their
equivalent.

Appendix E4, 2.1.3

The hand brake shall be located so that it can be safely operated from the car while
the car is in motion and safely operated from the ground while the car is
stationary. The hand brake on cars equipped with one hand brake shall be applied on
the left side of the car at the B end. 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.

Appendix E4, 2.2.1

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Region:
Builder Job No.

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

The center of the hand brake shaft on cars equipped with one hand brake shall be
located in the longitudinal direction not more than 21 in. from the inside face of the
inboard vertical leg of the sill step and shall be not less than 26 in. above the lowest
sill step tread nor more than 46 in. above the highest sill step tread. In addition, the
center of the hand brake shaft shall be not more than 61 in. above the top of rail.

Appendix E4, 2.2.2

The face of the hand brake wheel shall be not more than 6 in. inboard or outboard of
the outboard surface of the adjacent vertical side handhold.

Appendix E4, 2.2.3

Clearance around the rim of the hand brake wheel shall be not less than 4 in.
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 1/2 in.

Appendix E4, 2.2.4

If the hand brake application is such that the requirements of paragraph 2.2.4 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
1/2 in. high letters “SHORT (LONG) RELEASE LEVER BRAKE ONLY.”

Appendix E4, 2.2.5

The hand brake housing shall be securely fastened. The hand brake application,
including bolt hole pattern, shall conform to MSRP Section E, Standards S-475 and
S-401. Hand brake mounting brackets may be welded to pads applied to the tank or
tank jacket.

Appendix E4, 2.3.1

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

Appendix E4, 2.3.2

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

Appendix E4, 2.3.3

Sill Steps

There shall be four sill steps.

Appendix E4, 3.1

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 E4, 3.2.1

Sill steps shall be of steel not less than 1/2 in. thick and not less than 4 in. wide and
shall be provided with a slip-resistant surface.

Appendix E4, 3.2.2

ITEM

Manner of Application

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

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
transverse end running board. Sill step treads shall be spaced not more than 21 in.
apart.

Appendix E4, 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 E4, 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 no 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 E4, 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, hand brake, bell crank, hand brake chain, sheave wheels, sheave
wheel brackets, and brake levers, 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 transverse end running board in the
area between the side handholds.

Appendix E1, 3.3.2

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

Appendix E1, 3.3.3

Manner of Application

Sill steps shall be securely fastened.

Appendix E4, 3.4

Side Handholds

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

Appendix E4, 4.1

ITEM
Sill Steps

Location

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

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 1/4 in. nominal pipe size with
Schedule 40 minimum wall thickness. Minimum clearance shall be 2 in., preferably 2
1/2 in.

Appendix E4, 4.2.1

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

Appendix E4, 4.2.2

When applied, elective vertical handholds adjacent to the outboard vertical side
handholds shall conform to the requirements of Standard S-224, shall be of steel not
less than 3/4 in. diameter, shall have clearance not less than 2 in., preferably 2 1/2
in., and shall have clear length not less than 8 in.

Appendix E4, 4.2.3

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

Appendix E4, 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 E4, 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 transverse end running
board.

Appendix E4, 4.3.3

Manner of Application

Side handholds shall be securely fastened.

Appendix E4, 4.4

End Handholds

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

Appendix E4, 5.1

Dimensions

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 E4, 5.2

Location

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

Appendix E4, 5.3.1

ITEM
Dimensions

Location

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

ITEM

Manner of Application
Transverse End
Running Boards
Dimensions

Location

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

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 E4, 5.3.2

End handholds shall be securely fastened.

Appendix E4, 5.4

There shall be two transverse end running boards, one on each end of the car.

Appendix E4, 6.1

End running boards shall conform to the requirements of Standard S-226. The
running board shall have uniform slip-resistant surfaces and shall be of construction
to provide sufficient clear opening to permit elimination of accumulated snow and
ice.

Appendix E4, 6.2.1

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

Appendix E4, 6.2.2

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

Appendix E4, 6.2.3

Transverse end running boards shall be continuous across the end of the car and may
be made up of several pieces secured to mounting brackets.

Appendix E4, 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 running
boards 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 running
boards shall extend no 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 running
board shall be no more than 1 in. outboard of the inboard edge of the horizontal end
running board safety railing at any point.

Appendix E1, 6.3.1

The ends of end running boards 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
running board ends.

Appendix E1, 6.3.2

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Minimum vertical clearance above the end running board, measured from the
walking surface of the end running board, shall be not less than 5 in. No part of the
car end or fixture on the car end above the end running board and less than 84 in.
above the walking surface of the end running board, other than the side handholds
and side handhold mounting brackets, shall extend closer to the outboard edge of the
end running boards than 7 in.

Appendix E4, 6.3.3

Clearance between a vertical surface extending outboard up and down from the
outside surface of the end running board safety railing and any part of the car more
than 24 in. but less than 84 in. above the walking surface of the end running board
shall be not less than 15 in., preferably 18 in. Clearance between a vertical surface
extending outboard down from the outside surface of the end running board safety
railing and any part of the car 24 in. or less above the walking surface of the end
running board shall be not less than 10 in.

Appendix E4, 6.3.4

Manner of Application

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

Appendix E4, 6.4

Horizontal End
Running Board
Safety Railings

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

Appendix E4, 7.1

Dimensions

Horizontal end running board 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 E4, 7.2

Location

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

Appendix E4, 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 E4, 7.3.2

Horizontal end running board safety railings shall be securely fastened.

Appendix E4, 7.4.1

ITEM

Manner of Application

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

ITEM

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Horizontal end running board safety railings shall be supported at each end. Safety
railings 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 not less than 2 in. wide and may be welded to the tank, head shield, or tank
jacket. Brackets welded to 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.

Appendix Reference
Appendix E4, 7.4.2

Appendix E4, 7.4.3
When end running board 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. The 24 in. minimum spacing does not apply between intermediate supports and
the ladder stiles.
Side Safety Railings

There shall be two side safety railings.

Appendix E4, 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 1/2 in.

Appendix E4, 8.2

Location

There shall be side safety railings on each side of the car, extending between the body
bolsters. Car structure or a continuation of the safety railings shall be applied between
the end running boards 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.

Appendix E4, 8.3

Side safety railings shall not be interrupted or obstructed between body bolsters except
at safety railing support brackets, hand brakes, 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 10 ft between support centerlines. 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.

Appendix E4, 8,4

Manner of Application

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and Low
Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

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, one at each end of the car. Ladders are not required if all fittings used in
loading and unloading the tank are accessible from ground or end running boards.

Appendix E4, 9.1

Dimensions

Ladder stiles shall be of steel not less than 3/8 thick and not less than 2 in. wide or
other section of equivalent strength and stiffness. 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
1/2 in.

Appendix E4, 9.2

Location

The ladder treads shall be oriented horizontally with the actual distance between
Appendix E4, 9.3.1
them not more than 19 in. The actual distance between the top ladder tread and the
top of the longitudinal 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 longitudinal
running board shall be uniform within a maximum variation of 2 in. The horizontal end
running board safety railing may be used as a ladder tread.

ITEM

Manner of Application

The bottom ladder tread shall be not more than 19 in. above the walking surface of
the end running board.

Appendix E4, 9.3.2

Ladder treads shall be securely fastened to the ladder stiles.

Appendix E4, 9.4.1

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

Appendix E4, 9.4.2

Ladder support brackets shall be securely fastened. Mounting brackets shall be not
Appendix E4, 9.4.3
less 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 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

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

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 1/2 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 E4, 9.4.4

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

Appendix E4, 10.1

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

ITEM

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

When the clearance plate limit to which the car is designed permits, the top surface of
each transition handhold shall be not less than 40 in. and not more than 44 in. above
the walking surface of the longitudinal 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.

Appendix E4, 10.3.1

The inside surface of each transition handhold shall not infringe on the clear width of
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 longitudinal 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 end of the running board.

Appendix E4, 10.3.2

Manner of Application

Transition handholds shall be securely fastened at their ends.

Appendix E4, 10.4

Longitudinal Running
Boards

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

Appendix E4, 11.1

Dimensions

The longitudinal running boards shall conform to the requirements of Standard S-226.
The running boards shall have uniform slip-resistant surfaces and shall be of
construction to provide sufficient clear opening to permit elimination of accumulated
snow and ice.

Appendix E4, 11.2.1

Longitudinal running boards shall be not less than 7 in. wide. At the ladders, there shall
be a section of running board not less than 18 in. in the transverse direction and not
less than 12 in. in the longitudinal direction.

Appendix E4, 11.2.2

Longitudinal running boards shall extend from the operating platform to the end
ladders on each 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.

Appendix E4, 11.3.1

Location

Location

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

The facing surfaces of running boards and adjacent operating platform boards that
are 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.

Appendix E4, 11.3.2

When running boards and adjacent operating platform boards are not at the same
height, they shall conform to the requirements of the base standard.

Appendix E4 11.3.3

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 E4, 11.3.4

Longitudinal 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 E4, 11.4

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

Appendix E4, 12.1

Dimensions

Running board 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 1/2 in.

Appendix E4, 12.2

Location

When the clearance plate limit to which the car is designed permits, the top of the
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.

Appendix E4, 12.3.1

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

Appendix E4, 12.3.2

ITEM

Manner of Application

Longitudinal
Running Board
Safety Railings

Longitudinal running board safety railings shall extend from the ladder transition
handholds at the ends of the car to the operating platform safety railing.
FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

Appendix E4, 12.3.3

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

ITEM
Manner of Application

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Appendix E4, 12.4.1
Longitudinal running board safety railings shall be supported at each end and at
intermediate locations as required such that spans between support centerlines 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 E4, 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 E4, 13.1.1

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 E4, 13.1.2

Dimensions

The operating platform boards 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 boards shall have uniform
slip-resistant surfaces and shall be of construction to provide sufficient clear opening
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.

Appendix E4, 13.2

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.

Appendix E4, 13.3

Operating Platform

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

The operating platform 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 E4, 13.4

Operating Platform
Filler Plates (Optional)

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

Appendix E4, 14.1

Dimensions

Filler plates shall be of steel or other material of equivalent strength and shall have
uniform slip-resistant 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 E4, 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 E4, 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 E4, 14.3.1

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 E4, 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 1/4 in.

Appendix E4, 14.3.3

ITEM
Manner of Application

Location

Manner of Application

Operating Platform
Vertical Toe Boards
(Optional)
Dimensions

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

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 E4, 14.4

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

Appendix E4, 15.1

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 E4, 15.2.1

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

ITEM

Location

Manner of Application
Operating Platform
Safety Railing

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

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. 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.

Appendix E4, 15.2.2

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 E4, 15.3.1

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

Appendix E4, 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 E4, 15.4

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

Dimensions

Operating platform safety railings, including intermediate safety railings, shall
conform 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, as measured between the vertical
portions of the safety railing, shall be not less than 18 in. and not more than 24 in.
Openings in the safety railing other than those at running boards, as measured
between the vertical portions of the safety railing, shall be no wider than 36 in.
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.

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

Appendix E4, 16.1.1
Appendix E4, 16.1.2

Appendix E4, 16.2.1

Appendix E4, 16.2.2

Appendix E4, 16.2.3
Appendix E4, 16.2.4

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

ITEM

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Safety chains, when applied, shall be of steel and shall have link thickness not less
than 1/4 in. Safety chain fastening components shall be securely fastened with
fasteners not less than 1/4 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.

Appendix Reference

Appendix E4, 16.2.5

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 E1, 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 E4, 16.3.2

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 E4, 16.3.3

Operating platform safety railings shall be supported at or near every corner of the
operating platform and at intervals as required such that the spans between support
centerlines do not exceed 10 ft. The ends of the safety railing shall be securely
fastened to the operating platform or platform supports.

Appendix E4, 16.4.1

Where the 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 E4, 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 transverse end running boards 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
running board, other than the exceptions herein noted, shall extend beyond the outer
face of the striker or end of the center sill.

Appendix E4, 17.0

Uncoupling Devices

There shall be a minimum of two uncoupling devices that conform to the
requirements of the base standard.

Appendix E4, 18.0

Location

Manner of Application

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

ITEM

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

Uncoupling Devices

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

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

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes

Expires xx/xx/xxxx

OMB No. 2130-0565

US Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

ITEM

Sample Car Inspection Checklist For: S-2044 Appendix E-4
Safety Appliances for Tank Cars with End Ladders and
Low Side-Mounted Hand Brakes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Appendix Reference

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.

Miscellaneous

Check for any sharp or protruding objects or areas on the equipment that may create a safety concern or personal injury.

49 CFR Part 232.305

Check for potential pinch points at all safety appliance arrangements.
Digital Photos

General Arrangement Photo Sheet ~ No Deviations Noted (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 E4 or CFR Parts (e.g. 215, 224 & 232)

FRA F 6180.161 N (09/20)

OMB No. 2130-0565
FRA F6180.161 N

Notes