[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 64 (Thursday, April 3, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15960-15966]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-8540]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary
Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment
Request
AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its
implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of 8 currently approved
information collection activities. Before submitting these information
collection requirements for clearance by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of
the activities identified below.
DATES: Comments must be received no later than June 2, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following
proposed activities by mail to either: Ms. Gloria Swanson, Office of
Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad
Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590, or Ms.
MaryAnn Johnson, Office of Information Technology and Productivity
Improvement, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 400 Seventh
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590. Commenters requesting FRA to
acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must include a self-
addressed stamped postcard stating, ``Comments on OMB control number
________.'' Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via facsimile to
(202) 632-3843 or (202) 632-3876, or by E-mail to Ms. Swanson at
gloria.swanson@fra.dot.gov, or to Ms. Johnson at
maryann.johnson@fra.dot.gov. Please refer to the assigned OMB control
number in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments
received in response to this notice in a subsequent notice and include
them in its information collection submission to OMB for approval.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Gloria Swanson, Office of Planning
and Evaluation division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 400
Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 632-3318) or
MaryAnn Johnson, Office of Information Technology and Productivity
Improvement, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 400 Seventh
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone (202) 632-3226). (These
telephone numbers are not toll-free.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA),
Pub. L. 104-13, section 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at
44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part
1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60 days notice to the public
for comment on information collection activities before seeking
approval for reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A);
5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(i), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA
invites interested respondents to comment on the following summary of
proposed information collection activities regarding (i) whether the
information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly
execute its functions, including whether the activities will have
practical utility; (ii)
[[Page 15961]]
the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the burden of the information
collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used to determine the estimates; (iii) ways for FRA to
enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information being
collected; and (iv) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information
collection activities on the public by automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms
of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic submission of
responses). See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(i)-(iv); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(i)-
(iv). FRA believes that soliciting public comment will promote its
efforts to reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated
with the collection of information mandated by Federal regulations. In
summary, FRA reasons that comments received will advance three
objectives: (i) Reduce reporting burdens; (ii) ensure that it organizes
information collection requirements in a ``user friendly'' format to
improve the use of such information; and (iii) accurately assess the
resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested. See
44 U.S.C. 3501.
Below are brief summaries of 8 currently approved information
collection activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as
required by the PRA:
Title: Certification of Glazing Material.
OMB Control Number: 2130-0525.
Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration's Safety Glazing
Standards (49 CFR part 223) establish minimum requirements for glazing
materials to protect individuals from personal injury as a result of
objects striking the windows of locomotives, passenger cars and
cabooses. Specifically, appendix A of part 223 establishes requirements
for the certification and permanent marking of glazing materials by the
manufacturer along with the responsibility of the manufacturer to make
available test verification data to railroads and the FRA upon request.
The certification, marking and supporting testing data assure the
railroads and the FRA that the particular type of glazing material has
been tested and verified for use as either FRA Type I or Type II
glazing.
Form Number(s): N/A.
Affected Public: Businesses.
Respondent Universe: 5 Manufacturers of Glazing Material.
Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
Reporting Burden:
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Total
Information collection Average time per annual
requirement Respondent universe Total responses response burden
hours
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Request for Glazing Material..... 5 Manufacturers..... 105 requests........ 30 minutes.......... 265
Preparing and recording glazing 5 Manufacturers..... 20,000 pieces of 480 per hour........ 41.7
marking information. glazing material.
New certification tests.......... 1 Manufacturer...... 1 every five years.. 70 hours............ 14
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Respondent Universe: 5 Glazing Material Manufacturers.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 320.7.
Status: Regular Review.
Title: Rear-end Marking Devices.
OMB Control Number: 2130-0523.
Abstract: On January 11, 1977, FRA issued part 221 (Rear End
Marking Device--Passenger, Commuter and Freight Trains) of Title 49,
Transportation. Through the requirements of part 221, FRA ensures that
marking devices for the trailing end of rear cars meet minimum
requirements regarding visibility and display. The regulations
establish the performance standards for ``highly visible'' marking
devices in order to be approved by the Federal Railroad Administrator.
The required submissions and record keeping requirements enable FRA's
enforcement personnel to effectively control the use of illegal,
ineffective, or approved devices which do not provide sufficient
``visibility'' to maintain the desired degree of safety in train
operations.
Form Number(s): N/A.
Affected Public: Businesses.
Respondent Universe: 5 new railroads.
Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
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Information collection Respondent Total annual Average time per Total annual
requirement universe responses response burden hours
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Request for approval............ 5 railroads....... 5 requests........ 4 hour............ 20.
Recordkeeping................... 5 railroads....... 5 records......... 6 minutes......... 30 min.
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Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 20.5 hours.
Status: Regular Review.
Title: Transmission of Train Order by Radio.
OMB Control Number: 2130-0524.
Abstract: As a result of increasing human-factor related accident
rates, including those accidents attributed to misuse of radios in
railroad operations, the Federal Railroad Administration determined
that there was a need for stricter rules governing the use of radios in
railroad operations. Many unsafe practices in the use of radios in
railroad operations were occurring routinely. On January 27, 1977, the
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published in the Federal Register
a final rule establishing a new part 220 (Radio Standards and
Procedures) which prescribes mandatory procedures governing the use of
radio communications in connection with railroad operations. FRA's
Office of Safety personnel review this information to determine that
the minimum standards established by the regulation are being met and
will enable both the railroads and the FRA to focus attention on these
procedures which are unique to radio-train operations. FRA's analysis
of the submittal will enable it to identify unsafe operating practices
in the use of radio communications in railroad operations. If the
submissions were not required, accidents would then be the primary
method of identification and prevention efforts would be hampered.
Form Number(s): N/A.
Affected Public: Businesses.
Respondent Universe: 620 railroads.
Frequency of Submission: On occasion (record keeping).
Total Responses: 7,200,000 train orders annually.
Average Time Per Response: 2 minutes.
[[Page 15962]]
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 240,000 hours.
Status: Regular Review.
Title: Railroad Operating Rules and Radio Standards and Procedures.
OMB Control Number: 2130-0035.
Abstract: As a result of an increasing number of accidents caused
by human factors, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) determined
that railroad operating rules, implemented by all of the nation's
railroads, needed regulatory review. On November 23, 1974, FRA issued
part 217 (Railroad Operating Rules). 39 FR 41175 (1974). These rules
were substantially revised on August 22, 1994. The requirements of this
rule enable FRA to monitor each railroad's compliance with its
operating rules regarding the movement of trains and other rolling
equipment in the railroad industry and the operating rules instructions
that each railroad provides to its employees. FRA's Office of Safety
analyzes the information in considering waiver petitions, accident
investigations, and inquires into operating practices on selected
railroads. Information will also enable the FRA to review amendments to
railroad operating rules, timetables, and timetable special
instructions and evaluate those changes in reference to operational
safety. Furthermore, this information enables FRA to monitor a
railroad's compliance with its operating rules and evaluate a
railroad's program to achieve employee compliance with its operating
rules. If this information was not made available to FRA, such
nondisclosure would impede prevention efforts, leaving accidents as the
primary method to identify unsafe railroad operating practices.
Form Number(s): N/A.
Affected Public: Businesses.
Respondent Universe:
Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
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Information collection Respondent Total annual Average time per Total annual
requirement universe responses response burden hours
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Part 217.7--Filing of operating 1 new railroad.... 1 filing.......... 1 hour............ 1.
rules, timetable and timetable
special instructions.
217.7--Filing of amendments to 25 railroads...... 75 amendments..... .33 hour.......... 25.
operating rules, timetables and
timetable special instructions.
217.7--Record keeping 25 new Class III 25 records........ .92 hour.......... 23.
requirement--Class III RRs.
railroads--copy of operating
rules, timetables, and
timetable special instructions.
217.7--Class III RRs--Amendments 595 railroads..... 1,785 amendments.. 15 minutes........ 446.
to operating rules, timetables,
and timetable special
instructions.
217.9
--Program for periodic 25 new railroads.. 25 filings........ 9.92 hours........ 25.
performance of operational
tests and inspections.
--Filing of amendments to 620 railroads..... 3,100 amendments.. 1.92 hour......... 5,952.
the program for periodic
performance of operational
tests and inspections.
--Records of operational 620 railroads..... 495,000 records... 15 minutes........ 123,750.
tests and inspections.
--Written summary........... 55 railroads...... 55 summaries...... 7 hours........... 385.
217.11
--Program for periodic 25 railroads...... 25 programs....... 9.92 hours........ 248.
instructions of its
employees.
--Amendments to operating 620 railroads..... 75 amendments..... .92 hour.......... 69.
rules instruction program.
220.21(b)--Radio Operating Rules 620 railroads..... N/A............... N/A............... No additional
burden--covered
under 217.7.
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Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 130,924.
Status: Regular Review.
Title: State Safety Participation Regulations.
OMB Control Number: 2130-0509.
Abstract: October 16, 1970, Congress enacted the Federal Railroad
Safety Act of 1970 (45 U.S.C. 435). This Act gave the Secretary of
Transportation the authority to prescribe, as necessary, appropriate
rules, regulations, orders, and standards for all areas of railroad
safety.
In order to establish nationally uniform railroad regulations, the
statute envisioned that the Federal Government would be responsible for
the establishment and primary enforcement of railroad safety
regulations. To assist in achieving this goal, conflicting state rules
were preempted. In lieu of their prior role, states were given the
opportunity to participate with the Federal Government in carrying out
a portion of the investigative and surveillance activities relating to
any safety rules issued under this statute.
FRA implemented this statutory concept with the adoption of the
State Participation Regulation in 1975 (49 CFR part 212) which provided
the necessary administrative and legal framework for enforcement and
funding purposes. Federal funding for the state participation program
was eliminated in Fiscal Year 1986.
State inspectors are now authorized to work in all FRA inspection
disciplines. States can currently inspect track, freight cars,
locomotives, brake systems, operating practices, safety glazing, safety
appliances, hazardous materials, and signal systems.
FRA continues to assist the states in (1) certifying their
inspectors and provides on-the-job and classroom training and (2)
coordinating and consolidating state inspection plans into FRA's
National Inspection Plan. This plan is revised annually to reflect
current safety issues and to establish the priority of national
inspection efforts
[[Page 15963]]
and ensure coordination with state safety programs.
The information is collected in order to comply with Federal
railroad safety laws and regulations concerning the State Participation
Program. Inspection information received from state agencies on their
railroad safety investigative and surveillance activities will be used
by FRA to implement the statutory laws. A portion of the information is
needed to establish the legal authority for certain aspects in
processing administrative or litigation responses in noncompliance
situations. The final portion of the information is needed for the
overall administration and management of the program. These data are
used in monitoring the effectiveness of the program and in preparing
various annual safety reports including mandated reports to the
Congress. From this information, FRA can determine if the State
Participation Program is being productive and properly managed.
Form Number(s): 6180.10, 29, 29A, 67, 68, 68A, 69, 79, 96, 96A,
96B.
Affected Public: Businesses.
Respondent Universe: 49 States.
Frequency of Submission: On occasion; Record keeping; Annually.
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Total
Information collection Total annual Average time per annual
requirement Respondent universe responses response burden
hours
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Application for Participation:
--Annual update.............. 16 States........... 16 updates.......... 2.5 hours........... 40
--Exhibit 3--training funding 32 States........... 32 agreements....... 1 hour.............. 32
agreement.
Annual Work Plan................. 32 States........... 32 reports.......... 30 hours............ 960
Motive Power and Equipment 18 States........... 335 reports......... 1 hour.............. 335
Violation Report (6180.68, 68A,
and 69).
Operating Practices Violation 9 States............ 40 reports.......... 1 hour.............. 40
Report (6180.67).
Violation of Hazardous Materials 10 States........... 64 reports.......... 13 hours............ 832
Inspection Reports (FRA F
6180.67).
Violations of Locomotive 15 States........... 27 reports.......... 40 minutes.......... 18
Inspection Act Reports (FRA F
6180.10).
Violation of Safety Appliance Law 17 States........... 53 reports.......... 1 hour.............. 53
Report (FRA F 6180.29 & 29A).
Violation of Hours of Service Law 9 States............ 21 reports.......... 1 hour.............. 21
Report (FRA F 6180.33).
Violation of Accident/Incident 9 States............ 10 reports.......... 1 hour.............. 5
Reporting Rules Report (FRA F
6180.61).
Inspection Report (FRA F 6180.96, 32 States........... 12,500 reports...... 33 minutes.......... 6,875
96A, and 96B).
Remedial Action Report........... 32 States........... 5,048 reports....... 15 minutes.......... 1,262
Remedial Action Report--Written 620 railroads....... 1,010 written 1 hour.............. 1,010
explanation. explanations.
Remedial Action Report--Delayed 620 railroads....... 505 reports......... 30 minutes.......... 253
Reports.
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Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 11,736.
Status: Regular Review.
Title: Qualification of Locomotive Engineers.
OMB Control Number: 2130-0533.
Abstract: Section 4 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 1988
required FRA to adopt rules prescribing the licensing or certification
of locomotive operators. Under the statute those rules were to be
structured so that (1) FRA approves the qualification standards set by
railroads; (2) FRA prescribes minimum training requirements; (3) FRA
requires comprehensive knowledge of relevant operating procedures; and
(4) consideration of motor vehicle driving records (including data on
file with the National Driver Register maintained by National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration) (NHTSA) is provided for. On June 19,
1991, FRA issued a final rule on Qualifications for Locomotive
Engineers implementing the requirements of Section 4 of the Rail Safety
Improvement Act of 1988.
Information collection requirements concerning individuals
primarily will be used by railroads to evaluate each person's
qualification to be a locomotive operator. Secondary usage will be made
by FRA in monitoring those qualification determinations and in certain
circumstances (appeals of improper denial or revocation of
certification) direct review of the person's fitness to be a locomotive
operator. Information concerning an individual encompasses four areas:
(1) Eligibility to be a locomotive operator based on prior conduct; (2)
physical fitness to perform the task in terms of visual and hearing
acuity; (3) possession of adequate knowledge to perform the task as
demonstrated by successful passage of examinations; and (4) possession
of adequate operational skills as demonstrated by successful passage of
performance skill tests. In the absence of the data or any subset of
this data, it will not be possible for a railroad to determine whether
a person is qualified to operate a locomotive. Stated conversely,
railroads will be free to certify unqualified persons to operate
locomotives. Furthermore, absent such data it would not be possible for
FRA to determine whether a railroad had acted appropriately in granting
or denying a person certification.
Information collection requirements concerning particular railroads
will be used by FRA to evaluate the quality of each railroad's
localized aspect of the overall program. Information concerning each
railroad's program encompasses eight areas: (1) The selection of
designated supervisors of locomotive engineers, (2) the selection of
the classes of service for engineers, (3) the evaluation of the safety
conduct of engineers, (4) the evaluation of engineers' hearing and
visual acuity, (5) the education of engineers, (6) the testing of
engineers, (7) the operational monitoring of engineers, and (8) the
procedural aspects of the operation of the certification program. In
the absence of the data or any subset of this data, it will not be
possible for FRA to
[[Page 15964]]
determine whether a railroad has an appropriate method for determining
that a person is qualified to operate a locomotive.
Form Number(s): N/A.
Affected Public: Businesses.
Respondent Universe: 620 Railroads.
Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
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Information collection Respondent Total annual Average time per Total annual
requirement universe responses response burden hours
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240.9--Waivers.................. 620 Railroads..... 10 waivers........ 1 hour............ 10.
240.101/103/107/109/119/121/123/ 3 new Railroads... 3 programs with 200 hours......... 600.
125/127/129/303/Appendix B-- student training.
Certification Program.
22 new railroads.. 22 programs 40 hours.......... 880.
without student
program.
25 railroads...... 25 reviews........ 1 hour............ 25.
240.111/Appendix C--Request for
State driving license data and
National Driver Register Data:
--Driver's license data..... 11,333 11,333 15 minutes........ 2,833.
certification certifications.
candidates.
--National Driver Register N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... Approved under OMB
Data. # 2127-0001.
--Request for NDR data from 1,133 candidates.. 1,133 requests.... 30 minutes........ 567.
a State agency.
--Response from State agency 4 States.......... 1,133 responses... 15 minutes........ 283.
on request for NDR data.
--Railroad Notification to 227 candidates.... 227 notifications/ 30 minutes........ 114.
candidate when there is an requests.
NDR match and subsequent
request from candidate to
State agency for relevant
data.
240.111(g)--Notice to railroad 34,000 candidates. 4 notices......... 15 minutes........ 1.
of absence of license.
240.113--Notice to railroad 227 candidates.... 227 notices....... 45 minutes........ 170.
furnishing data on prior safety
conduct as an employee of a
different railroad.
240.115--Candidate's review and 340 candidates.... 340 responses..... 30 minutes........ 170.
written comments on prior
safety conduct data.
240.201/221--List of designated 620 railroads..... 620 updates....... 15 minutes........ 155.
supervisor of locomotive
engineers.
240.201/221--List of Designated 620 railroads..... 620 updates....... 15 minutes........ 155.
qualified locomotive engineers.
240.201/223/301:
--Locomotive engineers 620 railroads..... 11,333 5 minutes......... 944.
certificate. certificates.
--List of designated persons 620 railroads..... 20 lists.......... 15 minutes........ 5.
authorized to sign
locomotive engineers
certificate.
240.205--Data to EAP Counselor.. 227 candidates.... 227 requests...... 5 minutes......... 19.
240.207--Medical Certificate.... 11,333 candidates. 11,333 70 minutes........ 13,222.
certificates.
240.209/211/213:
--Written test.............. 620 railroads..... 11,333 tests...... 2 hours........... 22,666.
--Performance test.......... 620 railroads..... 11,333 tests...... 2 hours........... 22,666.
Recordkeeping for each certified 620 railroads..... 11,333 records.... 10 minutes........ 1,889.
locomotive engineer.
Denial of certification:
--notification and 620 railroads..... 1,113 denials-- 1.5 hours......... 1,700.
candidate's response. responses.
--notification to candidate 620 railroads..... 1,113 1 hour............ 1,113.
of adverse decision. notifications.
240.227--Canadian certification ________ railroads 200 certifications 15 minutes........ 50.
data.
240.303--Annual Operational 620 railroads..... 34,000 tests...... 1 hour............ 34,000.
Monitor Test.
Annual Operational Observation.. 620 railroads..... 34,000 tests...... 2 hours........... 68,000.
240.305--Engineer's notification 34,000 engineers.. 340 notifications. 15 minutes........ 85.
of non-qualification.
240.305--Engineer's notice of 34,000 engineers.. 510 notices....... 1 hour............ 510.
loss of qualification.
240.307--Notice to engineer of 620 railroads..... 3,400 notices..... 1 hour............ 3,400.
disqualification.
Railroad Annual Review.......... 75 railroads...... 75 reviews........ 80 hours.......... 6,000.
Engineer's appeal to FRA when a 34,000 engineers.. 70 petitions...... 30 minutes........ 35.
certification is denied,
revoked or suspended.
[[Page 15965]]
Railroad's Response to Appeal... 620 railroads..... 70 appeal cases... 15 minutes........ 18.
Request for a Hearing........... 70 engineers...... 14 requests....... 30 minutes........ 7.
Appeals......................... 14 engineers...... 2 appeals......... 30 minutes........ 1.
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Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 182,293.
Status: Regular Review.
Title: Hours of Service Regulations.
OMB Control Number: 2130-0005.
Abstract: These requirements resulted from enactment of the Hours
of Service Act of 1907, later revised in 1969 by Pub. L. 91-169.
Further amendments were enacted as part of the Federal Railroad Safety
Authorization Act of 1976, Pub. L. 94-348. The stated purpose of the
Act is ``* * * to promote the safety of employees and travelers upon
railroads by limiting the hours of service of employees * * *.''
Congress enacted the Act because of the many serious accidents that
were occurring before the limitations were imposed. The Act specified
the maximum working hours of employees engaged in one or more critical
categories of work. Through the requirements of 49 CFR part 228, the
Federal Railroad Administration administers the requirements of the
Hours of Service Act.
The record keeping requirements contained in 49 CFR part 228 were
designed to collect the hours of duty for covered employees, and
records of train movements. Railroads whose employees have exceeded
maximum duty limitations must report the circumstances. These
requirements serve as a deterrent to violations and to document
violations for prosecution. Loss of life caused by excess service today
is practically nonexistent.
The regulations pertaining to construction of employee sleeping
quarters are contained in subpart C of 49 CFR part 228 (Hours of
Service of Railroad Employees). A railroad that has developed plans for
construction or reconstruction of sleeping quarters must obtain
approval of the Federal Railroad Administration by filing a petition
conforming to the requirements of Secs. 228.101, 228.103, and 228.105.
FRA's Office of Safety utilizes the information while performing
compliance, violation and accident investigations. Without this
information, FRA would be impeded during enforcement and a railroad
would permit excess service to occur.
The information contained in the petitions for approval for
construction of employee sleeping quarters is used by FRA headquarters
staff to prepare and issue the public notice, by regional staff in
investigation of the petitions, and by the Associate Administrator for
Safety to render an informed and logical approval or denial of such
petitions.
Form Number(s): 6180.3.
Affected Public: Businesses.
Respondent Universe: 400 railroads.
Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
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Total
Information collection Total annual Average time per annual
requirement Respondent universe responses response burden
hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
228.11-Hours of duty records..... 400 railroads....... 5.475 million 7 minutes........... 638,750
records.
228.17-Dispatchers record of 150 dispatch offices 54,750 records...... 2 hours............. 109,500
train movement.
228/19-Monthly reports of excess 400 railroads....... 1,500 reports....... 15 minutes.......... 375
service.
228.103-Construction of employee 400 railroads....... 1 petition.......... 16 hours............ 16
sleeping quarters.
45 U.S.C. 61-641-Hours of Service 15 railroads........ 15 petitions........ 10 hours............ 150
Act-Request of exemption.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 748,791.
Status: Regular Review.
Title: Designation of Qualified Persons (Track) and Records of
Results of Track Inspections.
OMB Control Number: 2130-0010.
Abstract: The Track Standards (49 CFR part 213) establish
requirements for the inspection of all track to determine its
suitability for train operation and Section 213.7 prescribes that
inspections for determination of safety compliance must be conducted by
persons possessing the necessary qualifications and authority to
institute immediate remedial action. Since the first indications of
impending safety defects must be recognized and acted upon by the
railroad employee assigned to inspect track, it is imperative that the
individual assigned possess the experience and knowledge required to
effectively perform that function. The railroads are required to assure
themselves that any person assigned to inspect track or repair track is
indeed qualified and to maintain a list of those employees. The form of
that record is left to the discretion of the railroad and may be
computerized. However, the record must show each designation in effect
and the basis for each designation. These records must be kept current
and available to Federal and State track inspectors engaged in the
enforcement of the Track Standards.
Subpart F of the Track Standards (49 CFR part 213) establishes
requirements for the inspection of all track by qualified persons to
determine its suitability for train operation and Sec. 213.241
prescribes that appropriate records of those inspections are maintained
at the railroad's division headquarters. The form of that record is
left to the discretion of the railroad and may be either preprinted or
computerized. However, the record must show when the inspection was
made, the specific track inspected, any conditions which require repair
and must be signed by the inspector. Track inspection records must be
retained at the railroad's division headquarters for one year. Rail
inspection records must be retained for two years after the inspection.
These reports are used initially by the railroad companies to see
that tracks are inspected periodically, that the inspectors are
properly qualified, that the tracks are in safe condition for train
operations, and the reports may be used for maintenance planning where
repetitive defective conditions occur.
These same inspection reports are examined periodically by Federal
and State investigators to determine the
[[Page 15966]]
railroad's compliance with the inspection frequency requirement of the
Track Safety Standards and persons assigned to inspect tracks have been
properly designated. By comparison of remedial action notations on the
reports with actual track conditions, it is possible to judge the
quality of railroad performed inspections. The railroads employ some
5,000 persons who are routinely engaged in track inspection and the
review of these reports may reveal weaknesses, if any, in the
railroad's inspection and maintenance program or discrepancies in
employee designation. The absence of these inspection reports would
substantially harm the Government's railroad safety program.
Form Number(s): N/A.
Affected Public: Businesses.
Respondent Universe: 620 railroads.
Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Information collection Total annual Average time per annual
requirement Respondent universe responses response burden
hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Track Inspection Records......... 620 railroads....... 1,622,000 inspection 10 miles of track 1,757,166
miles. inspected per hour
+ 5 min. for Report
preparation.
Internal Rail Flaws.............. 620 railroads....... N/A................. N/A................. 6,608
Records of Qualified Track 620 railroads....... 2,000 updates....... 30 minutes.......... 1,000
Inspectors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,764,774.
Status: Regular Review.
Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b),
1320.8(b)(3)(vi), FRA informs all interested parties that it may not
conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 31, 1997.
Marie S. Savoy,
Director, Office of Information Technology and Support Systems, Federal
Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 97-8540 Filed 4-2-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-62-M
