[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: 49CFR231.6]

[Page 407-408]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 231--RAILROAD SAFETY APPLIANCE STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 231.6  Flat cars.

    (Cars with sides 12 inches or less above the floor may be equipped 
the same as flat cars.)
    (a) Hand brakes--(1) Number. Same as specified for ``Box and other 
house cars'' (see Sec. 231.1(a)(1)).
    (2) Dimensions. Same as specified for ``Box and other house cars'' 
(see Sec. 231(a)(2)).
    (3) Location. (i) Each hand brake shall be so located that it can be 
safely operated while car is in motion.
    (ii) The brake shaft shall be located on the end of car to the left 
of center, or on side of car not more than 36 inches from right-hand end 
thereof.
    (iii) Carriers are not required to change the brakes from right to 
left side on steel or steel-underframe cars with platform end sills, in 
service July 1, 1911, except when such appliances are renewed, at which 
time they must be made to comply with the standards prescribed.
    (iv) Carriers are not required to change the location of brake 
wheels and brake shafts on cars in service July 1, 1911, where the 
appliances are within 3 inches of the required location, except that 
when cars undergo regular repairs they must then be made to comply with 
the standards prescribed.
    (4) Manner of application. Same as specified for ``Box and other 
house cars'' (see Sec. 231.1(a)(4)).
    (b) Sill steps. Same as specified for ``Box and other house cars'' 
(see Sec. 231.1(d)).
    (c) Side handholds--(1) Number. Same as specified for ``Box and 
other house cars'' (see Sec. 231.1(h)(1)).
    (2) Dimensions. Same as specified for ``Box and other house cars'' 
(see Sec. 231.1(h)(2)).
    (3) Location. (i) Horizontal, one on face of each side sill near 
each end. Clearance of outer end of handhold shall be not more than 12 
inches from end of car.
    (ii) Carriers are not required to change the location of handholds 
on cars in service July 1, 1911, except end handholds under end sills, 
where the appliances are within 3 inches of the required location, 
except that when cars undergo regular repairs they must then be made to 
comply with the standards prescribed.
    (4) Manner of application. Same as specified for ``Box and other 
house cars'' (see Sec. 231.1(h)(4)).

[[Page 408]]

    (d) End handholds--(1) Number. Four.
    (2) Dimensions. Same as specified for ``Box and other house cars'' 
(see Sec. 231.1(i)(2)).
    (3) Location. (i) Horizontal, one near each side of each end of car 
on face of end sill. Clearance of outer end of handhold shall be not 
more than 16 inches from side of car.
    (ii) Carriers are not required to change the location of handholds 
on cars in service July 1, 1911, except end handholds under end sills, 
where the appliances are within 3 inches of the required location, 
except that when cars undergo regular repairs they must then be made to 
comply with the standards prescribed.
    (4) Manner of application. Same as specified for ``Box and other 
house cars'' (see Sec. 231.1(i)(4)).
    (e) Uncoupling levers. Same as specified for ``Box and other house 
cars'' (see Sec. 231.1(k)).