§ 232.25 - Inspection and testing of end-of-train devices.

(a) After each installation of either the front or rear unit of an end-of-train device, or both, on a train and before the train departs, the railroad shall determine that the identification code entered into the front unit is identical to the unique identification code on the rear-of-train unit.

(b) After each installation of either the front or rear unit of an end-of-train device, or both, the functional capability of the device shall be determined, after charging the train, by comparing the quantitative value displayed on the front unit with the quantitative value displayed on the rear unit or on a properly calibrated air gauge. The end-of-train device shall not be used if the difference between the two readings exceeds three pounds per square inch.

(c) A two-way end-of-train device shall be tested at the initial terminal or other point of installation to ensure that the device is capable of initiating an emergency power brake application from the rear of the train. If this test is conducted by a person other than a member of the train crew, the locomotive engineer shall be informed that the test was performed.

(d) The telemetry equipment shall be calibrated for accuracy according to the manufacturer's specifications at least every 365 days. The date of the last calibration, the location where the calibration was made, and the name of the person doing the calibration shall be legibly displayed on a weather-resistant sticker or other marking device affixed to the outside of both the front unit and the rear unit.

Pt. 232, App. A Appendix A to Part 232—Schedule of Civil Penalties 1SectionViolationWillful violation232.1Power brakes, minimum percentage $5,000 $7,000232.2Drawbars; standard height 2,500 5,000232.3Power brakes and appliances for operating power brake systems 2,500 5,000 Rules for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Air Brake Equipment:232.10General rules—locomotives:(b) Air brake equipment not inspected or tested to assure it is in a safe and suitable condition 2,500 5,000(c) Compressor not tested for capacity 2,500 5,000(d) Main reservoir not tested 2,500 5,000(e) Air gauges not tested; if inaccurate not repaired or replaced 2,500 5,000(f)(1) Operating portion of air brake equipment, dirt collectors, and filters not cleaned, repaired, and tested 2,500 5,000(2) Hand brakes, parts and connections not inspected or suitably stenciled 1,000 2,000(g) Date of testing or cleaning of air brake equipment not displayed in the cab 1,000 2,000(h)(1) Minimum brake cylinder piston travel insufficient 2,500 5,000(2) Maximum brake cylinder piston travel excessive 2,500 5,000(i)(1) Foundation brake rigging, safety supports and brake shoes 2,500 5,000(2) Foundation brake rigging or safety supports have improper clearance to the rails 2,500 5,000(j)(1) Main reservoir leakage 2,500 5,000(2) Brake pipe leakage 2,500 5,000(3) Brake cylinder leakage 2,500 5,000(4) Main reservoir safety valve 2,500 5,000(5) Governor 2,500 5,000(6) Compressor governor when used in connection with automatic air brake system 2,500 5,000(k) Communicating signal system on locomotive 1,000 2,000(l) Enginemen taking charge of locomotive 2,500 5,000(m) Drain cocks on air compressors of steam locomotives 2,500 5,000(n) Air pressure regulating devices 2,500 5,000232.11Train air brake system tests:(b) Communicating signal system on passenger train 2,500 5,000(c) Effective and operative air brakes 2,500 5,000(d) Condensation from yard line or motive power 2,500 5,000232.12Initial terminal road train air brake tests:(a) Total failure to perform initial terminal test 10,000 (1)(b) 1,000 mile inspection not performed 5,000 10,000(c)-(j) partial failure to perform initial terminal test 2,500 5,000232.13Road train and intermediate terminal train air brake tests:(a) Passenger trains: locomotive is detached 5,000 7,500(b) Freight trains: locomotive is detached 5,000 7,500(c)(1) Locomotive or caboose is changed, or one or more cars are cut off from the rear end or head end 5,000 7,500(2) Brake pipe pressure restored 5,000 7,500(3) Electropneumatic application and release test 5,000 7,500(d)(1) Cars are added at a point other than a terminal 5,000 7,500(2)(i) Cars added at a terminal and have not been charged and tested 5,000 7,500(ii) Cars added at a terminal and have not been charged and tested 5,000 7,500(3) Brake pipe pressure restored at the rear of freight train 5,000 7,500(e)(1) Transfer train and yard train movements 2,500 5,000(2) Transfer train and yard train movements exceeding 20 miles 5,000 7,500(f) Locomotives, cars or train standing on a yard 5,000 7,500(h) Device is used to comply with test requirement 2,500 5,000232.14Inbound brake equipment inspection:(a) Inspection of trains upon arrival at terminals 1,000 2,000(b) Special instructions provide for immediate brake inspection and repairs 1,000 2,000232.15Double heading and helper service:(a) Engineman of the leading locomotive shall operate the brakes 5,000 7,500(b) Electro-pneumatic brake valve 5,000 7,500232.16Running tests 2,500 5,000232.17Freight and passenger train car brakes:(a) Testing and repairing brakes on cars while in shop or on repair track:(1) Periodic attention on freight car air brake equipment while car is on repair track 5,000 7,500(2)(i) Single car testing of freight cars 2,500 5,000(ii) Repair track tests of freight cars 2,500 5,000(iii) Single car testing of freight cars 2,500 5,000(iv) Car is released from a shop or repair track 2,500 5,000(b)(1) Brake equipment on cars other than passenger cars 2,500 5,000(2) Brake equipment on passenger cars 4,000 6,000232.19End of train device:(a) Location of front unit and rear unit 2,500 5,000(b) Rear unit 2,500 5,000(c) Reporting rate 2,500 5,000(d) Operating environment 2,500 5,000(e) Unique code 2,500 5,000(f) Front unit 2,500 5,000(g) Radio equipment 2,500 5,000232.21Two-way EOTs:(a)-(h) Design Standards2,500 5,000232.23Operating standards:(b) Failure to equip5,000 7,500(c) Purchases2,500 5,000(f)(1) Device not armed or operable5,000 7,500(2) Insufficient battery charge2,500 5,000(g) En route failure, freight or other non-passenger5,000 7,500(h) En route failure, passenger5,000 7,500232.25Inspection and Testing:(a) Unique code2,500 5,000(b) Comparing values2,500 5,000(c) Test of emergency capability5,000 7,500(d) Calibration2,500 5,0001 A penalty may be assessed against an individual only for a willful violation. The Administrator reserves the right to assess a penalty of up to $22,000 for any violation where circumstances warrant. See 49 CFR part 209, appendix A.