RAIL SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008 (H.R. 2095)

 
 
Links to HR 2095:

Final Version (text):
   Full text of HR 2095

Printable PDF:
   Full text of HR 2095 (PDF)

Summary:
   HR 2095 Summary

Printable PDF Summary:
   HR 2095 Summary (PDF)

FRA Overview:
   Overview & Highlights (PDF)

Highlights of HR 2095:

  • Mandates installation of Positive Train Control (PTC)
  • Reforms made to hours of service for workers
  • Rail Passenger Disaster Family Assistance program
  • Locomotive Cab Safety study on use of personal electronics
  • Sets minimum training standards for all employees
  • Railroad workers rights to medical attention
  • Requires use of Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus
  • Develop and implement regulations for concrete rail ties
  • Study of inspection procedures
  • Railroads must have a 1-800 number for malfunction reports
  • Develop legislation for removing sight obstructions at crossings
  • Audit railroads to ensure they are reporting accidents
  • National inventory of crossing devices and signage
  • State action plan on grade crossing collisions
  • Grants for safety improvements at recent crossing collision sites
  • Increases to penalties for violations
  • Enforcement transparancy by annual summary to public
  • Authorization to FRA to monitor railroad radios
  • Increase number of railroad inspectors by 200
  • Bridge safety reports to be made by track owners
  • States can protect citizens from nearby environmental hazards
  • Railroads to maintain tunnel information and give briefings to local government
  • Increases capital and operating grants to Amtrak
  • Grants to develop State passenger corridors
  • Grants to relieve passenger rail congestion
  • Provides $1.5 billion for High-Speed Rail Corridors
  • Grants to improve on-time performance of passenger railroads
  • Reductions will be made to Amtrak's debt
  • Request for proposals on high-speed rail service project
  • Resolves disputes between commuter and freight railroads
  • Provides $1.5 billion for Washington Metro System maintenance

Associated Links:

Federal Railroad Administration
National Transportation Safety Board
Association of American Railroads
United Transportation Union
Railroad Safety
Positive Train Control

  This Month's Featured Information
 

Compliance with Section 413. EMERGENCY ESCAPE BREATHING APPARATUS

The amendment to the Rail Safety Act that was enacted in October, 2008 includes a provision for Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) for all crewmembers on freight trains that carry hazardous materials that may become airborne. All rail carriers that fall under this requirement must be in compliance by April, 2010.

Excerpt:

Sec. 20166. Emergency escape breathing apparatus

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, the Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe regulations that require railroad carriers--

  1. to provide emergency escape breathing apparatus suitable to provide head and neck coverage with respiratory protection for all crewmembers in locomotive cabs on freight trains carrying hazardous materials that would pose an inhalation hazard in the event of release;
  2. to provide convenient storage in each freight train locomotive to enable crewmembers to access such apparatus quickly;
  3. to maintain such equipment in proper working condition; and
  4. to provide their crewmembers with appropriate training for using the breathing apparatus.

Featured Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus

North Safety Products offers two models of Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) in five and ten minute units. These self contained units allow crewmembers to safely exit and move upwind from a contaminated area.

Your EEBA needs to be easily accessible to crewmembers during an emergency. North offers a bracket (sold seperately) that can be mounted to the locomotive.

North 5-Minute (item no. 845) and 10-Minute (item no. 850) EEBA suppliers:
Work Gear Online - EEBA Compliance Solution

   
  In The News
 

Broken wheel blamed for train derailment
June 10, 2009

A crack in the wheel of a freight car has been blamed for a May 29 train derailment that stalled rail traffic throughout the region for one day and has continued to impede vehicle travel along Highway 30 just south of Haines as cleanup continues. Read Article from Baker City Herald
   
  Deadlines
 

October, 2008 - Prompt Medical Attention for Injured Train Crew members. (Section 419)

February, 2009 - Railroads must maintain two years of historical documentation of structural inspection and maintenance activities for large tunnels. (Section 414)

July, 2009 - Freight railroads must implement the required hours of service changes. (Section 108)

October, 2009 - Department of Transportation must issue minimum training standards. (Section 401)

October, 2009 - The study on use of personal electronic devices in cabs due. (Section 405)

October, 2009 - Department of Transportation must publish regulations or guidance governing the use of technology in dark territory, which includes switch position indicators.

April, 2010 - Class I and passenger railroads must submit plans for implementing Positive Train Control by 2015. (Section 104)

April, 2010 - Department of Transportation must have in place procedures to certify conductors. (Section 402)

April, 2010 - Department of Transportation must require emergency breathing apparatus for train crews. (Section 413)

October, 2010 - Secretary must deliver report on museum locomotive safety study. (Section 415)

October, 2012 - Carriers must develop programs to manage and reduce crew fatigue. (Section 103)
   

© 2010 GCN Publishers | www.RailSafetyAct.info