[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 3, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 64191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30737]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Notice of Safety Bulletin
AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of safety bulletin.
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SUMMARY: The FRA is issuing a Safety Bulletin addressing recommended
safety practices for Direct Train Control (DTC) operations.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Taylor, Staff Director, Operating
Practices Division, Office of Safety Assurance and Compliance, FRA, 400
Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 (telephone 202-632-3346).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Preliminary investigatory findings following
the head-on collision of two CSX freight trains at Smithfield, West
Virginia, on August 20, 1996, indicate that existing carrier Direct
Train Control 1 rules and procedures should be enhanced in order
to reduce the risk of similar collisions. Therefore, the following
three safety practices are recommended in DTC territory:
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1 This is an umbrella term and refers to methods of
operation known variously as Direct Traffic Control (DTC), Track
Warrant Control (TWC), Track Permit Control Systems (TPCS), Form D
control system (DCS), and similar methods of authorizing train
movements.
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In non-signalled DTC territory--when a train holds an ``after
arrival of'' block authority:
1. After the train to be met has been visually identified by engine
number and the rear end marker has passed the point of restriction, the
train being restricted shall establish positive radio contact with the
train to be met in order to confirm the identity of the passing train.
If radio contact cannot be established, the train dispatcher shall be
contacted to provide the required confirmation. The train
identification information received from the train to be met or from
the dispatcher shall be recorded in writing by both the conductor and
engineer, i.e., Engine (number) has passed (location) at (time).
In all DTC territory:
2. Once a movement authority is in effect, no alterations may be
made other than those specifically prescribed by carrier operating
rules.
3. Conductors and engineers should retain for seven days copies of
all en route movement authorities transmitted by radio. These records
should be periodically inspected by carrier officials.
In addition to these recommended safety practices, FRA emphasizes
that strict adherence to existing FRA safety regulations will enhance
safety of these rail operations. Railroad officials and employees
should be particularly aware of the following regulations and their
effect on the safety of DTC operations:
FRA regulations at 49 CFR 220.61(b)(5) require that both the
conductor and engineer shall have a copy of all movement authorities
transmitted by radio. FRA has traditionally interpreted this to mean
that the conductor and the engineer shall each have a copy. Both
crewmembers having their own copy of all movement authorities will, in
accordance with the purpose of the rule, provide needed safety checks
on unauthorized train movements.
FRA regulations at 49 CFR 217.9(b)(1) require that a carrier's
program of operational tests and inspections provide for operational
testing and inspection under the various operating conditions on the
railroad. Consequently, operational tests and inspections conducted in
accordance therewith must include a representative number of tests and
inspections specifically covering operations in DTC territory.
Issued in Washington, D.C. on November 25, 1996.
Bruce Fine,
Associate Administrator for Safety.
[FR Doc. 96-30737 Filed 12-2-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
