§232.505. Pre-revenue service acceptance testing plan. — Inbound Citations

(2) The elements prescribed in § 232.505.

(3) Locomotive cab means that portion of the superstructure designed to be occupied by the crew operating the locomotive.

Locomotive, controlling means the locomotive from which the engineer exercises control over the train.

Mechanical securement device means a device, other than the air brake, that provides at least the equivalent securement that a sufficient number of hand brakes would provide in the same situation. Current examples include skates, retarders, and inert retarders.

Off air means not connected to a continuous source of compressed air of at least 60 pounds per square inch (psi).

Ordered date or date ordered means the date on which notice to proceed is given by a procuring railroad to a contractor or supplier for new equipment.

Overlay ECP brake system means a brake system that has both conventional pneumatic brake valves and ECP brake components, making it capable of operating as either a conventional pneumatic brake system or an ECP brake system. This brake system can operate in either a conventionally braked train using the conventional pneumatic control valve or in an ECP braked train using the ECP brake system's CCD.

Piston travel means the amount of linear movement of the air brake hollow rod (or equivalent) or piston rod when forced outward by movement of the piston in the brake cylinder or actuator and limited by the brake shoes being forced against the wheel or disc.

Pre-revenue service acceptance testing plan means a document, as further specified in § 232.505, prepared by a railroad that explains in detail how pre-revenue service tests of certain equipment demonstrate that the equipment meets Federal safety standards and the railroad's own safety design requirements.

Previously tested equipment means equipment that has received a Class I brake test pursuant to § 232.205 and has not been off air for more than four hours.

Primary responsibility means the task that a person performs at least 50 percent of the time. The totality of the circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis in circumstances where an individual does not spend 50 percent of the day engaged in any one readily identifiable type of activity.

Qualified mechanical inspector means a qualified person who has received, as a part of the training, qualification, and designation program required under § 232.203, instruction and training that includes “hands-on” experience (under appropriate supervision or apprenticeship) in one or more of the following functions: troubleshooting, inspection, testing, maintenance or repair of the specific train brake components and systems for which the person is assigned responsibility. This person shall also possess a current understanding of what is required to properly repair and maintain the safety-critical brake components for which the person is assigned responsibility. Further, the qualified mechanical inspector shall be a person whose primary responsibility includes work generally consistent with the functions listed in this definition.

Qualified person means a person who has received, as a part of the training, qualification, and designation program required under § 232.203, instruction and training necessary to perform one or more functions required under this part. The railroad is responsible for determining that the person has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the required function for which the person is assigned responsibility. The railroad determines the qualifications and competencies for employees designated to perform various functions in the manner set forth in this part. Although the rule uses the term “qualified person” to describe a person responsible for performing various functions required under this part, a person may be deemed qualified to perform some functions but not qualified to perform other functions. For example, although a person may be deemed qualified to perform the Class II/intermediate brake test required by this part, that same person may or may not be deemed qualified to perform the Class I/initial Terminal brake test or authorize the movement of defective equipment under this part. The railroad will determine the required functions for which an individual will be deemed a “qualified person” based upon the instruction and training the individual has received pursuant to § 232.203 concerning a particular function.

Railroad means any form of non-highway ground transportation that runs on rails or electromagnetic guideways, including:

(a) Pursuant to the procedures contained in § 232.17, each railroad shall obtain special approval from the FRA Associate Administrator for Safety of a pre-revenue service acceptance testing plan, developed pursuant to § 232.505, for the new brake system technology, prior to implementing the plan.