[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR231.12]

[Page 417-418]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 231--RAILROAD SAFETY APPLIANCE STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 231.12  Passenger-train cars with wide vestibules.

    (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) Side handholds--(1) Number. Eight.
    (2) Dimensions. Minimum diameter, five-eighths of an inch, metal. 
Minimum clear length, 16 inches. Minimum clearance, 1\1/4\, preferably 
1\1/2\ inches.
    (3) Location. Vertical, one on each vestibule door post.
    (4) Manner of application. Side handholds shall be securely fastened 
with bolts, rivets, or screws.
    (c) End handholds--(1) Number. Four.
    (2) Dimensions. (i) Minimum diameters, five-eighths of an inch, 
wrought iron or steel. Minimum clear length, 16 inches. Minimum 
clearance, 2, preferably 2\1/2\ inches.

[[Page 418]]

    (ii) Handholds shall be flush with or project not more than 1 inch 
beyond vestibule face.
    (3) Location. Horizontal, one near each side on each end projecting 
downward from face of vestibule end sill. Clearance of outer end of 
handhold shall be not more than 16 inches from side of car.
    (4) Manner of application. End handholds shall be securely fastened 
with bolts or rivets. When marker sockets or brackets are located so 
that they can not be conveniently reached from platforms, suitable steps 
and handholds shall be provided for men to reach such sockets or 
brackets.
    (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 line of end of car to handle of attachment.
    (3) On passenger-train cars used in freight or mixed-train service, 
the uncoupling attachment shall be so applied that the coupler can be 
operated from left side of car.