[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: 49CFR229.31]

[Page 349-350]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 229_RAILROAD LOCOMOTIVE SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
                     Subpart B_Inspections and Tests
 
Sec. 229.31  Main reservoir tests.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, before it 
is put in service and at intervals that do not exceed 736 calendar days, 
each main reservoir other than an aluminum reservoir shall be subjected 
to a hydrostatic pressure of at least 25 percent more than the maximum 
working pressure fixed by the chief mechanical officer. The test date, 
place, and pressure shall be recorded on Form FRA F 6180-49A, and the 
person performing the test and that person's supervisor shall sign the 
form.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, each main 
reservoir other than an aluminum reservoir shall be hammer tested over 
its entire surface while the reservoir is empty at intervals that do not 
exceed 736 calendar days. The test date and place shall be recorded on 
Form FRA F 6180-49A, and the person performing the test and that 
person's supervisor shall sign the form.
    (c) Each welded main reservoir originally constructed to withstand 
at least five times the maximum working pressure fixed by the chief 
mechanical officer may be drilled over its entire surface with telltale 
holes that are three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter. The holes shall 
be spaced not more than 12 inches apart, measured both longitudinally 
and circumferentially, and

[[Page 350]]

drilled from the outer surface to an extreme depth determined by the 
formula--

D=(.6PR/(S-0.6P))

where:
D=extreme depth of telltale holes in inches but in no case less than 
one-sixteenth inch;
P=certified working pressure in pounds per square inch;
S=one-fifth of the minimum specified tensile strength of the material in 
pounds per square inch; and
R=inside radius of the reservoir in inches.


One row of holes shall be drilled lengthwise of the reservoir on a line 
intersecting the drain opening. A reservoir so drilled does not have to 
meet the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, except 
the requirement for a hydrostatic test before it is placed in use. 
Whenever any such telltale hole shall have penetrated the interior of 
any reservoir, the reservoir shall be permanently withdrawn from 
service. A reservoir now in use may be drilled in lieu of the tests 
provided for by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, but it shall 
receive a hydrostatic test before it is returned to use.
    (d) Each aluminum main reservoir before being placed in use and at 
intervals that do not exceed 736 calendar days thereafter, shall be--
    (1) Cleaned and given a thorough visual inspection of all internal 
and external surfaces for evidence of defects or deterioration; and
    (2) Subjected to a hydrostatic pressure at least twice the maximum 
working pressure fixed by the chief mechanical officer, but not less 
than 250 p.s.i. The test date, place, and pressure shall be recorded on 
Form FRA F 6180-49A, and the person conducting the test and that 
person's supervisor shall sign the form.