The safety of passenger, commuter, and freight trains is paramount, and a critical aspect of this safety is ensuring visibility, especially from the rear. Regulations are in place to standardize and enforce the use of marking devices on the Rear Part Of The Car of these trains. This article delves into these regulations, primarily based on the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) guidelines, to provide a comprehensive understanding of what’s required for rear end marking devices on trains operating within the general railroad system.
Scope and Application of Rear End Marking Regulations
These regulations, as outlined in Part 221 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, are specifically designed to set minimum standards for highly visible marking devices on the trailing end of the last car in passenger, commuter, and freight trains. Railroads are encouraged to exceed these minimums to further enhance safety.
Who Does This Apply To?
Generally, these rules apply to all passenger, commuter, and freight trains when they are operating on a standard gauge main track that is part of the general railroad system of transportation. However, there are specific exceptions:
- Historical or Antiquated Equipment: Railroads that exclusively use historical or old-fashioned equipment for excursions, educational trips, or recreational purposes are exempt.
- Non-General System Operations: Trains operating solely within a private installation that isn’t connected to the general railroad system are not covered.
- Urban Rapid Transit: Rapid transit systems in urban areas that are independent from the general railroad system are excluded.
- Single Train Operations: Railroads that operate only one train at any given time are also exempt.
These exceptions ensure that the regulations are appropriately applied to the rail systems that are most integrated and require standardized safety measures.
Key Definitions: Understanding Train Terminology
To fully grasp the regulations, it’s essential to understand some key definitions:
- Train: A locomotive or multiple locomotives coupled together, with or without cars, involved in railroad operations on a main track. This excludes yard movements, which are operations within a rail yard.
- Commuter Train: A passenger train providing short-haul service within an urban, suburban, or metropolitan area, operating on the general railroad system. This includes trains operated by state or local government entities.
- Locomotive: A self-propelled piece of equipment designed to move other equipment in revenue service. This includes units that can also carry freight or passengers.
- Main Track: A track, not including auxiliary tracks, that extends through yards or between stations. Train movements on main tracks are governed by timetables, train orders, or signal systems.
- Train Order: Mandatory instructions issued to authorize railroad operations outside of yard limits.
- Red-Orange-Amber Color Range: This refers to a specific range of colors defined by international standards (CIE 1931) within the spectrum locus and specific boundary lines, essentially encompassing warm, highly visible colors.
- Effective Intensity: The intensity of a flashing light, measured in candela, as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society.
- Qualified Person: An individual with the necessary skills and training to perform a specific task.
Understanding these definitions is crucial for correctly interpreting and applying the regulations concerning rear part of the car marking devices.
Civil Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the regulations outlined in Part 221 can result in significant civil penalties. Any entity or individual involved in railroad operations who violates these requirements, or causes a violation, is subject to penalties.
The civil penalty can range from a minimum of $1,114 to $36,439 per violation. Individuals may face penalties only for willful violations. In cases of gross negligence or repeated violations that create an imminent hazard of death or injury, or actually cause death or injury, the penalty can be as high as $145,754 per violation. Each day a violation continues is considered a separate offense, emphasizing the importance of continuous compliance.
Waivers and State Regulations
Waivers
Railroads can petition the FRA for a waiver from any requirement in Part 221. To be granted, a waiver must be deemed in the public interest and consistent with railroad safety. Petitions must follow specific guidelines, and any granted waivers, along with the reasons, are published in the Federal Register.
State Regulation
While federal regulations set a baseline, states were allowed to maintain any pre-existing laws, rules, regulations, orders, or standards regarding lighted marking devices on the rear part of the car of freight trains that were in effect on July 8, 1976. However, these state regulations cannot permit practices that would violate the federal standards. This provision ensures a degree of continuity while establishing federal minimum safety standards.
Marking Device Display Requirements
Regulations specify when and how marking devices must be displayed on the rear part of the car of trains.
Display Periods
Every train operating on a main track must:
- Be equipped with an approved marking device.
- Display the device on the trailing end of the rear car.
- Keep the device continuously illuminated or flashing during specified periods.
Illumination Timing
Unless the marking device is equipped with a functioning photoelectric cell activation mechanism, it must be continuously illuminated or flashing:
- Between one hour before sunset and one hour after sunrise.
- At any time when weather conditions restrict visibility to the point where the end silhouette of a standard box car is not visible from 1/2 mile on tangent track by someone with 20/20 corrected vision.
Devices with photoelectric cell activation must automatically illuminate or flash when ambient light levels fall below 1.0 candela per square meter.
Device Location
The marking device must be positioned above the coupler on the rear part of the car. This placement ensures it is visible, not obstructed, and does not interfere with any safety appliances or employee access.
Specifications for Marking Devices
Marking devices used on the rear part of the car of trains must meet specific technical standards to ensure effectiveness.
Approved Characteristics
To be approved by the FRA, a marking device must have:
- Intensity: An intensity between 100 and 1000 candela (or effective intensity for flashing lights) measured at the beam center.
- Beam Width: A horizontal beam with a minimum arc width of 15 degrees on each side of the vertical centerline, and a vertical beam with a minimum arc width of 5 degrees on each side of the horizontal centerline (at 50 candela intensity points).
- Color: A color within the red-orange-amber range.
- Flash Rate (if flashing): A flash rate between once every 1.3 seconds and once every 0.7 seconds.
These specifications are designed to ensure that the marking devices are highly visible under various operating conditions, enhancing the safety of train operations by clearly marking the rear part of the car.
Locomotive Marking Devices
When a locomotive is operating alone or at the rear of a train, marking device requirements can be met in several ways:
- Using a marking device that complies with the general specifications.
- Using at least one illuminated red or amber classification light on the rear of the locomotive that meets the general specifications.
- Illuminating the rear headlight of the locomotive on low beam.
These options provide flexibility while ensuring that the rear part of the car, even when it is a locomotive, is appropriately marked.
Inspection and Maintenance of Marking Devices
Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial to ensure that marking devices on the rear part of the car function correctly.
Inspection Requirements
Each marking device must be examined at every crew change point to verify it is in proper operating condition. This inspection can be done by:
- Visually confirming that the device is functioning.
- Verifying the device will function when needed by repositioning the activation switch or covering the photoelectric cell.
Inspection Responsibility
The inspection can be performed by the train crew or another qualified person. If someone other than a train crew member conducts the inspection, they must communicate their findings to the locomotive engineer of the new train crew.
Remote Monitoring
For devices equipped with radio telemetry, the inspection can be performed remotely by observing the readout information in the cab of the controlling locomotive, confirming the light is functioning as required. This technology enhances efficiency and safety by allowing for remote verification of the rear part of the car marking device.
Inspection Procedure Safety
Safety during inspection is paramount. Non-train crew personnel must ensure they are protected against unexpected train movement before operating activation switches or covering photoelectric cells. This protection can be achieved through:
- Following procedures established in Part 218 (railroad operating rules and practices).
- Alternative protection measures specifically for marker inspection.
Alternative Protection Measures
Alternative protection measures for inspection include:
- Ensuring the train is stationary on a main track.
- Limiting the task to verifying marker operation.
- Direct communication between the inspector and the locomotive engineer or hostler, confirming that the train is secure against movement until inspection is complete.
These measures ensure the safety of personnel inspecting the rear part of the car marking devices.
Movement of Defective Equipment
Procedures are in place to handle situations where marking devices become inoperative en route or equipment is defective.
Inoperative Devices En Route
If a marking device becomes inoperative during a trip, the train can proceed to the nearest location where the device can be repaired or replaced. This allows for continued operation while addressing safety equipment issues.
Defective Rolling Stock
Defective rolling stock that must be placed at the rear of a train for movement to a repair location does not need to be equipped with marking devices. This exception recognizes the logistical challenges of moving damaged equipment.
Derailments
If part of a train derails and a portable marking device isn’t available, the remaining portion of the train can be moved to the nearest terminal without a marking device. This provision addresses emergency situations and allows for safe removal of train sections after an incident.
Procedures for Approval of Rear End Marking Devices
The FRA has a detailed process for approving rear end marking devices to ensure they meet the required standards.
Approval Submissions
Submissions for approval vary based on the type of marking device:
- Lighted Devices: Must include a detailed description of the device and certification that it has been tested according to FRA guidelines. Test records must be maintained and available for FRA inspection.
- Non-Lighted or Combination Devices: Require detailed descriptions of the device and any external light sources. Proposed test procedures and theoretical performance data must be submitted for FRA review and potential participation in testing.
- Previously Approved Devices: For devices already on the FRA’s approved list (Appendix B), submissions need to reference the model designation and include a certification of component consistency.
All submissions are filed with the FRA Office of Safety.
Appendix B: Approved Devices
Appendix B of Part 221 lists approved rear end marking devices, categorized by manufacturer and devices tested by rail carriers. This list simplifies compliance by providing pre-approved options.
Part I – Approved Devices Tested for or by Manufacturers: includes devices from companies like Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Julian A. McDermott Corp., and American Electronics, Inc.
Part II – Approved Devices Tested for or by Rail Carriers: lists devices approved through testing by carriers such as Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Co. and Amtrak, using manufacturers like Trans-Lite, Inc., Luminator Division of Gulfton Industries, Inc., and Whelen Engineering Co., Inc.
This appendix serves as a valuable resource for railroads seeking compliant marking devices for the rear part of the car.
Conclusion
Regulations surrounding rear part of the car marking devices are integral to ensuring the safety of train operations. By setting clear standards for visibility, performance, inspection, and approval, these regulations minimize risks and protect both railway personnel and the public. Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone involved in the railroad industry, emphasizing the importance of compliance and continuous vigilance in maintaining safe railway systems.
