[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 49, Volume 4]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 49CFR238.313]



[Page 684-685]

 

                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

 

       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 

                             TRANSPORTATION

 

PART 238_PASSENGER EQUIPMENT SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents

 

 Subpart D_Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Requirements for Tier I 

                           Passenger Equipment

 

Sec. 238.313  Class I brake test.



    (a) Each commuter and short-distance intercity passenger train shall 

receive a Class I brake test once each calendar day that the train is 

placed or continues in passenger service.

    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, each long-

distance intercity passenger train shall receive a Class I brake test:

    (1) Prior to the train's departure from an originating terminal; and

    (2) Every 1,500 miles or once each additional calendar day, 

whichever occurs first, that the train remains in continuous passenger 

service.

    (c) Each passenger car and each unpowered vehicle added to a 

passenger train shall receive a Class I or Class IA brake test at the 

time it is added to the train unless notice is provided to the train 

crew that a Class I brake test was performed on the car within the 

previous calendar day and the car has not been disconnected from a 

source of compressed air for more than four hours prior to being added 

to the train. The notice required by this section shall contain the 

date, time, and location of the last Class I brake test.

    (d) Each Class I brake test shall be performed by a qualified 

maintenance person.

    (e) Each Class I brake test may be performed either separately or in 

conjunction with the exterior calendar day mechanical inspection 

required under Sec. 238.303.

    (f) Except as provided in Sec. 238.15(b), a railroad shall not use 

or haul a passenger train in passenger service from a location where a 

Class I brake test has been performed, or was required by this part to 

have been performed, with less than 100 percent operative brakes.

    (g) A Class I brake test shall be performed at the air pressure at 

which the train's air brakes will be operated, but not less than 90 psi, 

and shall be made to determine and ensure that:

    (1) The friction brakes apply and remain applied on each car in the 

train until a release of the brakes has been initiated on each car in 

response to train line electric, pneumatic, or other signals. This test 

shall include a verification that each side of each car's brake system 

responds properly to application and release signals;

    (2) The brake shoes or pads are firmly seated against the wheel or 

disc with the brakes applied;

    (3) Piston travel is within prescribed limits, either by direct 

observation, observation of an actuator, or in the case of tread brakes 

by determining that the brake shoe provides pressure to the wheel. For 

vehicles equipped with 8\1/2\-inch or 10-inch diameter brake cylinders, 

piston travel shall be within 7 to 9 inches. If piston travel is found 

to be less than 7 inches or more than 9 inches, it must be adjusted to 

nominally 7\1/2\ inches. Proper release of the brakes can be determined 

by observation of the clearance between the brake shoe and the wheel or 

between the brake pad and the brake disc.



[[Page 685]]



    (4) The communicating signal system is tested and known to be 

operating as intended; a tested and operating two-way radio system meets 

this requirement;

    (5) Each brake shoe or pad is securely fastened and correctly 

aligned in relation to the wheel or to the disc;

    (6) The engineer's brake valve or controller will cause the proper 

train line commands for each position or brake level setting;

    (7) Brake pipe leakage does not exceed 5 pounds per square inch per 

minute if leakage will affect service performance;

    (8) The emergency brake application and deadman pedal or other 

emergency control devices function as intended;

    (9) Each brake shoe or pad is not below the minimum thickness 

established by the railroad. This thickness shall not be less than the 

minimum thickness necessary to safely travel the maximum distance 

allowed between Class I brake tests;

    (10) Each angle cock and cutout cock is properly positioned;

    (11) The brake rigging or the system mounted on the car for the 

transmission of the braking force operates as intended and does not bind 

or foul so as to impede the force delivered to a brake shoe, impede the 

release of a brake shoe, or otherwise adversely affect the operation of 

the brake system;

    (12) If the train is equipped with electropneumatic brakes, an 

electropneumatic application of the brakes is made and the train is 

walked to determine that the brakes on each car in the train properly 

apply;

    (13) Each brake disc is free of any crack in accordance with the 

manufacturer's specifications or, if no specifications exist, free of 

any crack to the extent that the design permits;

    (14) If the equipment is provided with a brake indicator, the brake 

indicator operates as intended; and

    (15) The communication of brake pipe pressure changes at the rear of 

the train is verified, which may be accomplished by observation of an 

application and release of the brakes on the last car in the train.

    (h) Records. A record shall be maintained of each Class I brake test 

performed.

    (1) This record may be maintained in writing or electronically, 

provided FRA has access to the record upon request.

    (2) The written or electronic record must contain the following 

information:

    (i) The date and time that the Class I brake test was performed;

    (ii) The location where the test was performed;

    (iii) The identification number of the controlling locomotive of the 

train;

    (iv) The total number of cars inspected during the test; and

    (v) The signature or electronic identification of the inspector.

    (3) This record shall be maintained at the place where the 

inspection is conducted or at one central location and shall be retained 

for at least 92 days.

    (i) A long-distance, intercity passenger train that misses a 

scheduled calendar day Class I brake test due to a delay en route may 

proceed to the point where the Class I brake test was scheduled to be 

performed. A Class I brake test shall be completed at that point prior 

to placing the train back in service.



[64 FR 25660, May 12, 1999, as amended at 65 FR 41309, July 3, 2000]