FR A F 6180.4n Sample Car Inspection Checklist for: Passenger-train Car

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Sample Car Inspection Checklist for:
Passenger-train cars with open-end platforms - §231.13

Inspector(s):

Inspection Location:

Builder:

Car Initials & Number:

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Item
Hand
Brake

End
Handholds

End
Platform
Handholds

Uncoupling
Levers

Car Type:

(All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically fastened per MP&E TB 98-14)

Date:

Region:

Cars to be Built:

Builder Job #

CFR
Reference*

G Each passenger-train car shall be equipped with an efficient hand brake, which shall
operate in harmony with the power brake thereon.
G Each hand brake shall be so located that it can be safely operated while car is in motion.
Except for a private cars, all passenger equipment, including MU locomotives, shall be
equipped with a hand brake that meets the requirements for hand brakes contained in Part
231 of this chapter and that can:
G Be applied or activated by hand.
G Be released by hand.
G Hold the loaded unit on the maximum grade anticipated by the operating railroad.

231.13(a)(1)

G
G
G
G
G
G

Four.
Minimum diameter, e of an inch, wrought iron or steel 1.
Minimum clear length, 16 inches.
Minimum clearance, two inches.
Handholds shall be flush with or project not more than one inch beyond surface of end sill.
Horizontal, one near each side of each end on face of platform end sill, projecting
downward.
G Clearance of outer end of handhold shall be not more than 16 inches from end of end sill.
G End-handholds shall be securely fastened with bolts or rivets.

231.13(b)(1)
231.13(b)(2)

G Four. (Cars equipped with safety gates do not require end-platform handholds.)
G Minimum clearance, 2 inches, metal.
G Horizontal from or near door post to a point not more than 12 inches from corner of car,
then approximately vertical to a point not more than 6 inches from top of platform.
G Horizontal portion shall be not less than 24 inches in length nor more than 40 inches above
platform.
G End-platform handholds shall be securely fastened with bolts, rivets, or screws.

231.13(c)(1)
231.13(c)(2)
231.13(c)(3)

G Uncoupling attachments shall be applied so they can be operated by a person standing on
the ground.
G Minimum length of ground uncoupling attachment, 42 inches, measured from center of end
of car to handle of attachment.
G On passenger-train cars used in freight or mixed-train service, the uncoupling attachment
shall be so applied that the coupler can be operated from left side of car.

231.13(d)(1)

FRA F 6180.4n

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OMB No. 2130-XXXX

231.13(a)(2)
238.231(h)(2)

238.231(h)(2)(i)
238.231(h)(2)(ii)
238.231(h)(2)(iii)

231.13(b)(3)

231.13(b)(4)

231.13(c)(4)

231.13(d)(2)
231.13(d)(3)

Notes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Item
Other

Digital
Photos

(All brackets used solely to support safety appliances are mechanically fastened per MP&E TB 98-14)

G Ensure all brake components are located so that an inspection can be safely conducted
without an inspector placing himself in a precarious or unsafe position, (TB MP&E 98-32).
G Check for any sharp or protruding objects or areas on the equipment that may create a
safety concern or personal injury.
G Check for potential pinch points at all safety appliance arrangements.
G Check to ensure that all brackets used solely to support a safety appliance are
mechanically fastened. The use of weld on brackets is prohibited.
G Check to ensure compliance with all applicable federal regulations.
G Verify coupler height 31½ inch minimum, 34½ inch maximum ~ allow up to, but no more
than one inch over the maximum height for settling of new truck components.

CFR
Reference*

Notes

231.31(a)(1)

G General Arrangement Photo Sheet ~ No Deviations Noted (six photos minimum, A & B
ends, each corner at 45 degree angle)
G Deviation Photo Sheet ~ Deviations Noted: As many photos as necessary to fully depict,
document and illustrate CFR deviations (e.g. 221, 223, 229, 238 & 239)

* The CFR reference sections noted throughout the check list refers to the actual regulatory requirement.

Footnotes:
1 TB MP&E 98-18 Ladder treads, handholds of circular cross-section, 13/16 inch diameter and sill steps, e inch thick and 2 inches wide, when constructed of
6061-T6 aluminum alloy exceeds the current Federal Railroad Administration's requirements.

Pubic reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 30 minutes per response. This estimate includes the time for reviewing each
page of the checklist. According to the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this collection of information is 2130-XXXX

FRA F 6180.4n

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