FRA, the US Federal Railroad Administration, has published its final rule establishing minimum safety requirements for the size of train crews. The rule aims to ensure that trains are adequately staffed for their intended operation and railroads have appropriate safeguards in place for safe train operations whenever using a one-person train crew.
The rule includes specific requirements for trains carrying certain types and quantities of hazardous materials that have been determined to pose the highest risk during transport, both from a safety and security standpoint, although there are some exceptions for existing operations and for Class II and III railroads.
FRA says the rule responds to some “troubling trends” over the past decade, including a 41% increase in accidents caused by human factors; ensuring that a second crewmember is onboard can help avoid many of those errors. The final rule will take effect on 10 June.
