FRA Final Rule

Occupational Safety and Health in the Locomotive Cab

Set to go in effect March 26, 2024, The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) Final Rule is amending its regulations as it relates to the occupational noise exposure standard. The FRA is revising its current standard in three ways:

1. The FRA is expanding regulations to require railroads provide an appropriate atmosphere-supplying emergency escape breathing apparatus to every train crew member. This includes those employees who are occupying a locomotive cab transporting a hazardous material that could pose an inhalation hazard if released during an accident.
2. A name change from “Occupational Noise Exposure” to “Occupational Safety and Health in the Locomotive Cab” to reflect the additional subject matter in this part of the regulations.
3. FRA is removing the provision stating the preemptive effect of this part of FRA’s regulations because it is unnecessary.

Again, this final rule is effective March 26, 2024 which is right around the corner. For more information on how and why these changes have been proposed and accepted, you can click the link HERE to see the final rule in its entirety. However, if you enjoy these short reads where we give you the meat and potatoes fast, you can check out other quick reads here in our news section on our website.

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