[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR231.13]

[Page 404-405]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 231--RAILROAD SAFETY APPLIANCE STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 231.13  Passenger-train cars with open-end platforms.

    (a) Hand brakes--(1) Number. Each passenger-train car shall be 
equipped with an efficient hand brake, which shall operate in harmony 
with the power brake thereon.
    (2) Location. Each hand brake shall be so located that it can be 
safely operated while car is in motion.
    (b) End handholds--(1) Number. Four.
    (2) Dimensions. Minimum diameter, five-eighths of an inch, wrought 
iron or steel. Minimum clear length, 16 inches. Minimum clearance, 2, 
preferably 2\1/2\ inches. Handholds shall be flush with or project not 
more than 1 inch beyond surface of end sill.
    (3) Location. Horizontal, one near each side of each end on face of 
platform end sill, projecting downward. Clearance of outer end of 
handhold shall be not more than 16 inches from end of end sill.
    (4) Manner of application. End-handholds shall be securely fastened 
with bolts or rivets.
    (c) End-platform handholds--(1) Number. Four. (Cars equipped with 
safety gates do not require end-platform handholds.)
    (2) Dimensions. Minimum clearance, 2, preferably 2\1/2\ inches, 
metal.
    (3) Location. Horizontal from or near door post to a point not more 
than 12 inches from corner of car, then approximately vertical to a 
point not more than 6 inches from top of platform. Horizontal portion 
shall be not less than 24 inches in length nor more than 40 inches above 
platform.
    (4) Manner of application. End-platform handholds shall be securely 
fastened with bolts, rivets, or screws.
    (d) Uncoupling levers. (1) Uncoupling attachments shall be applied 
so they can be operated by a person standing on the ground.
    (2) Minimum length of ground uncoupling attachment, 42 inches, 
measured from center of end of car to handle of attachment.

[[Page 405]]

    (3) On passenger-train cars used in freight or mixed-train service 
the uncoupling attachments shall be so applied that the coupler can be 
operated from left side of car.