[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR214.107]

[Page 151]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 214_RAILROAD WORKPLACE SAFETY--Table of Contents
 
                Subpart B_Bridge Worker Safety Standards
 
Sec. 214.107  Working over or adjacent to water.

    (a) Bridge workers working over or adjacent to water with a depth of 
four feet or more, or where the danger of drowning exists, shall be 
provided and shall use life vests or buoyant work vests in compliance 
with U.S. Coast Guard requirements in 46 CFR 160.047, 160.052, and 
160.053. Life preservers in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard 
requirements in 46 CFR 160.055 shall also be within ready access. This 
section shall not apply to bridge workers using personal fall arrest 
systems or safety nets that comply with this subpart.
    (b) Life vests or buoyant work vests shall not be required when 
bridge workers are conducting inspections that involve climbing 
structures above or below the bridge deck.
    (c) Prior to each use, all flotation devices shall be inspected for 
defects that reduce their strength or bouyancy by designated individuals 
trained by the railroad or railroad contractor. Defective units shall 
not be used.
    (d) Where life vests are required by paragraph (a) of this section, 
ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line shall be provided and readily 
available for emergency rescue operations. Distance between ring buoys 
shall not exceed 200 feet.
    (e) Where life vests are required, at least one lifesaving skiff, 
inflatable boat, or equivalent device shall be immediately available. If 
it is determined by a competent person that environmental conditions, 
including weather, water speed, and terrain, merit additional 
protection, the skiff or boat shall be manned.

[57 FR 28127, June 24, 1992, as amended at 67 FR 1908, Jan. 15, 2002]