FRA F 6180.4p Sample Car Inspection Checklist for: Road Locomotives wi

Sample Car Inspection Checklist for:
Road locomotives with corner stairways - §231.29
(Built after October 1, 1979)

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration

Inspector(s):

Inspection Location:

Builder:

Locomotive Initials & Number:

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Item
Uncoupling
Mechanism

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

G
G

Vertical
Handholds

G
G
G
G
G
G
G

FRA F 6180.4p

Locomotive Type:

Rev. 08/22/2003

Date:

Region:

No. of locos to be Built:

Builder Job #

CFR
Reference*

Road locomotives with corner stairway openings must be equipped with uncoupling
mechanisms that can be operated safely from the bottom stairway opening step as well
as ground level.
No part of the uncoupling mechanism may extend into the stairway opening or end
platform area when the mechanism is in its normal position or when it is operated.

231.29(a)

Each switching step must be provided with two vertical handholds or handrails, one on
each side of the switching step stairway.
Constructed of wrought iron, steel or other material of equivalent strength and durability
that is at least one inch diameter and be securely fastened to the locomotive with ½ inch
or larger bolts or rivets.
Begin not less than six inches nor more than thirty-two inches above the safety tread
surface of the switching step.
On units with high snow-plows, each must begin not more than 36 inches above the
safety tread surface of the switching step.
Extend upward from switching step surface at least 48 inches.
Be painted in a contrasting color to a height of at least 48 inches above the safety tread
surface of the switching step.
Provide at least 2½ inches of usable hand clearance throughout its entire length.

231.30(e)

Page 1 of 3

OMB No. 2130-XXXX

231.29(b)

231.30(e)(i)

231.30(e)(ii)

231.30(e)(iii)
231.30(e)(iv)
231.30(e)(v)

Notes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Item
Horizontal
End
Handholds

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

G
G
G
G

G
G
G

Hand
Brake

FRA F 6180.4p

Each locomotive used in switching service must have four horizontal end handholds.
Each horizontal end handhold must:
Be constructed of wrought iron, steel or other material of equivalent strength and
durability that is at least e inch 1 in diameter and be securely fastened to the locomotive
with ½ inch or larger bolts or rivets.
Be located not less than 30 inches nor more than 50 inches above the top of rail with its
outer end not more than 16 inches from the side of the locomotive. 2
On units with a high snowplow that makes normal end handhold location inaccessible,
end handhold shall be located on top of plow blade, with the center of the handhold not
more than 53 inches above the top of rail, and be in line with the slope of the plow blade.
(Note: Take exception to plow-mounted horizontal end handholds if the clear length
begins more than 16 inches from the outside edge of plow.)
Be at least fourteen inches long.
Provide at least two inches usable hand clearance throughout its entire length.
The uncoupling lever may also serve as a horizontal end handhold if it complies with the
requirements of this paragraph. When an uncoupling lever also serves as the horizontal
end handhold, it is considered to be securely fastened if its securement brackets are
attached to the locomotive by ½ inch or larger bolts or rivets and its movement between
those brackets is limited to the rotation necessary for performance of the uncoupling
function.

All freight locomotives ordered on or after August 1, 2002, or placed in service for the first time
on or after April 1, 2004, shall be equipped with a hand or parking brake that is:
G Capable of application or activation by hand.
G Capable of release by hand.
G Capable of holding the unit on a 3% grade.
G The date of the last inspection shall be either entered on F 6180-49A or suitably stenciled
or tagged on the locomotive.
All passenger locomotives except MU locomotives, shall be equipped with a hand or parking
brake 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.

Page 2 of 3

CFR
Reference*
231.30(g)
231.30(g)(1)(i)

231.30(g)(1)(ii)

231.30(g)(1)(iii)
231.30(g)(1)(iv)
231.30(g)(2)

232.105(b)
232.105(b)(1)
232.105(b)(2)
232.105(b)(3)
232.105(c)
238.231(h)(1)
238.231(h)(1)(i)
238.231(h)(1)(ii)
238.231(h)(1)(iii)

Notes

Number - Dimensions - Location - Manner of Application

Item
Misc.

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

G
G
G
G
G
G
G

Digital
Photos

G
G

Inspect all components to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Check for any sharp or protruding objects or areas on the equipment that may create a
safety concern or personal injury.
Check for potential pinch points at all safety appliance arrangements.
Check to ensure that all brackets used solely to support a safety appliance are
mechanically fastened. The use of weld on brackets is prohibited.
Check to ensure compliance with all applicable federal regulations.
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.
When additional safety appliances are used (e.g. ladders, handholds, etc.), the
dimensions, location and manner of application shall conform to appropriate regulatory
requirements.

CFR
Reference*

Notes

231.31(a)(1)

General Arrangement Photo Sheet ~ No Deviations Noted (six photos minimum, A & B
ends, each corner at 45 degree angle)
Deviation Photo Sheet ~ Deviations Noted: As many photos as necessary to fully depict,
document and illustrate CFR deviations (e.g. 229, 231 & 232)

* 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.
2
TB MP&E 98-68 ...The FRA will not take exception, if application of horizontal end handhold placement is measured from either the side of the locomotive or
side of the end plate.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Equipment that is not adequately addressed in Part 231. For examples: There are no ladder requirements in §§231.29 or 231.30.
However, if additional safety appliances are used on any type of equipment, (i.e., §231.18 Cars of special construction), they must meet the dimension, location, and
a manner of application requirements. This logic holds true regardless of the equipment inspected. When applying §231.6 during a sample-car inspection on an
auto rack, you will encounter components not mentioned in that section such as ladders, stenciling, end ladder clearance, etc. These additional components must
meet the appropriate requirements. If there is any doubt, consult your regional specialist.
Pubic reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 60 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 6180.4p

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