Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
09/17/2024
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
09/30/2024
4,947,392
28,715,581
324,638
528,432
10,429
60,530
FRA is revising its regulations governing brake inspections, tests, and equipment. The changes include the incorporation of relief from various provisions provided in long-standing waivers related to single car air brake tests, end-of-train devices, helper service, and brake maintenance. FRA is also extending the time that freight rail equipment can be âoff-airâ before requiring a new brake inspection. In addition, FRA is making various modifications to the existing brake-related regulations to improve clarity and remove outdated or unnecessary provisions.
The information collected is used by locomotive engineers and train crews to verify that the terminal air brake test has been performed in an adequate manner. This collection of information is mandatory, and affects Class I, Class II, Class III, passenger and commuter railroads in the United States. Information collected is done on a quarterly, annual, and occasional basis. The collection of information involves both reporting and recordkeeping requirements. FRA uses the information collected under Part 232 to monitor and enforce railroad compliance with the rule's requirements. In particular, FRA examines required records to ensure railroads perform Class I train brake tests or single car brake tests as required and hat they are done satisfactorily. FRA reviews operating rules and practices to ensure that they require briefings of securement for any activity that will impact or require securement of any unattended equipment in the course of work being performed. FRA reviews required records to ensure that a qualified railroad employee inspects all equipment that an emergency responder has been on, under, or between for proper securement before the rail equipment or train is left unattended.
US Code:
49 USC 20103
Name of Law: Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970
This is an extension without change (with changes in estimates) to a currently approved information collection request (ICR). The current OMB inventory for this ICR shows a total burden of 528,432 hours and 28,715,580 responses, while the requesting inventory estimates a total burden of 324,638 hours and 4,947,392 responses.
FRA has conducted a thorough review and analysis of this ICR package and has determined that several of the PRA estimates reported in the previous submission were overestimated and some of the estimates were determined not to be PRA. For instance, §232.103 Job Briefings and §232.209 Roll-by Inspections are usual and customary practice, therefore there is no burden associated with these requirements. Under §232.17 Special Approval Procedure it was determined that the burden hours for this requirement is already covered under §232.505. Additionally, the previously reported burden for public comments under §232.17(f) is exempt from PRA under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(4).
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Sep 17, 2024 FR Notice (30-Day).pdf
2130-0008_Brakes SJ_clean 08-30-2024 .docx
49 U.S.C. 20101.doc
Brake System Safety Standards