[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 25, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-12736]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: May 25, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Petition for Waivers of Compliance
In accordance with 49 CFR 211.9 and 211.41, notice is hereby given
that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has received from Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department of request for waivers of compliance with
certain requirements of Federal regulations. The petition is described
below, including the regulatory provisions involved, the nature of the
relief being requested and the petitioner's arguments in favor of
relief.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWX), Docket Number SA-92-4
The TPWX on behalf of the Texas State Railroad (TSR) seeks a waiver
of compliance from certain Sections of 49 CFR part 231, Railroad Safety
Appliance Standards. The TSR is requesting a permanent waiver of the
provisions of 49 CFR 231.29 ``Road Locomotives with corner stairways''
which requires that road locomotives with corner stairways must be
equipped with (a) uncoupling levers that can be operated safely from
the bottom stairway opening step as well as from the ground level, and
(b) the vertical handholds and horizontal and handholds as prescribed
in 231.30(e) and (g). The TSR is also requesting a waiver of 49 CFR
231.30 ``Locomotives used in switching service'' which requires that
each locomotive used in switching service be equipped with four side
switching steps, each of which has a minimum width of 24 inches and a
minimum depth of 12 inches for locomotives built after March 31, 1977,
and for locomotives built prior to April 1, 1977, a minimum width of 18
inches and the minimum depth of 8 inches.
The locomotive TSRR number 1 for which this waiver is requested is
a 45-ton center cab, industrial switcher type locomotive. This type of
locomotive has a side switching step and ladder configuration located
at each of the four corners which are narrower and of less depth than
those required by the Safety Appliance Standards. The railroad states
that the construction of this locomotive does not permit it to be
retrofitted with side switching steps different than it currently
possesses.
Locomotive TSRR number 1 is used primarily in shop areas to move
dead locomotives and cars in the work area. Occasionally when the road
locomotives are out of service, it is used on a light work train. The
switchman will mount or dismount the locomotive only when it is
stopped.
Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings
by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate
scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since
the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party
desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in
writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for
their request.
All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the
appropriate docket number (e.g., Waiver Petition Docket Number SA-92-4
and must be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Clerk, Office of
Chief Counsel, FRA, Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20590. Communications received before June 28, 1994,
will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments
received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All
written communications concerning these proceedings are available for
examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) in room 8201,
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590.
Issued in Washington, DC on May 19, 1994.
Phil Olekszyk,
Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Compliance and Program
Implementation.
[FR Doc. 94-12736 Filed 5-24-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-M
