Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment

The information collected is used by locomotive engineers and train crews to verify that the terminal air brake test has been performed in an adequate manner. In August 2015, FRA amended Part 232 for freight and other non-passenger trains and equipment to strengthen the requirements relating to the securement of unattended equipment. FRA uses the information collected under § 232.103(n) and § 232.103(h) to ensure that railroads fulfill all the requirements in these two new sections to secure unattended locomotives and freight cars to prevent accidents/incidents like the one that occurred in Lac Megantic, Quebec, that resulted in 47 fatalities. This collection of information is mandatory, and affects Class I, Class II, Class III, passenger and commuter railroads in the United States. Information collected is done on a quarterly, annual, and occasional basis. The collection of information involves both reporting and recordkeeping requirements. FRA uses the information collected under Part 232 to monitor and enforce railroad compliance with the rule's requirements. In particular, FRA examines required records to ensure railroads perform Class I train brake tests or single car brake tests as required and hat they are done satisfactorily. FRA reviews operating rules and practices to ensure that they require briefings of securement for any activity that will impact or require securement of any unattended equipment in the course of work being performed. FRA reviews required records to ensure that a qualified railroad employee inspects all equipment that an emergency responder has been on, under, or between for proper securement before the rail equipment or train is left unattended. Required job briefings are used by railroad employees to make certain that all crew members and other involved railroad employees are aware of what is necessary to properly secure the equipment to be in compliance with section 232.103(n).

The latest form for Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment expires 2022-01-31 and can be found here.