Glazng0525R

SUPPORTING JUSTIFICATION FOR

CERTIFICATION OF GLAZING MATERIAL

1. EXPLAIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAKE THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION NECESSARY. IDENTIFY ANY LEGAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS THAT NECESSITATE THE COLLECTION. ATTACH A COPY OF THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF EACH STATUTE AND REGULATION MANDATING OR AUTHORIZING THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION.

This collection of information is a request for an extension of a currently approved submission. There is no change in burden in this information collection submission from the last approved submission.

Background

On October 16, 1970, Congress enacted Public Law 96-458, the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970. This Act gave the Secretary of Transportation the authority to prescribe as necessary appropriate rules, regulations, orders, and standards for all areas of railroad safety. Under the authority of this Act, FRA established the Safety Glazing Standards (49 CFR Part 223) for locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses. These standards establish minimum requirements for glazing materials to protect individuals from personal injury as a result of objects striking the windows of locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses. Specifically, Appendix A of Part 223 establishes requirements for the certification and permanent marking of glazing materials by the manufacturer along with the responsibility of the manufacturer to make available test verification data to railroads and FRA upon request.

These standards were also issued in response to a joint petition from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Railway Labor Executives Association (RLEA).

2. INDICATE HOW, BY WHOM, AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE THE INFORMATION IS TO BE USED. EXCEPT FOR A NEW COLLECTION, INDICATE THE ACTUAL USE THE AGENCY HAS MADE OF THE INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM THE CURRENT COLLECTION.

This information is not maintained for the purpose of information collection per se. The certification, marking, and supporting testing data assures railroads and FRA that the particular type of glazing material has been tested and verified for use as either FRA Type I or Type II glazing. If this information were not required, there would be no assurance that the glazing material would meet the minimum safety requirements established under 49 CFR 223. Also, in the event of an accident or incident where glazed train windows did not meet Federal standards or proved defective, FRA would be able to identify the manufacturer of the material as well as the type or brand of material. FRA could then ensure that the railroad industry was fully aware of any problems/deficiencies regarding a particular manufacturer or type of material.

3. DESCRIBE WHETHER, AND TO WHAT EXTENT, THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION INVOLVES THE USE OF AUTOMATED, ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, OR OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL COLLECTION TECHNIQUES OR OTHER FORMS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, E.G. PERMITTING ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES, AND THE BASIS FOR THE DECISION FOR ADOPTING THIS MEANS OF COLLECTION. ALSO DESCRIBE ANY CONSIDERATION OF USING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE BURDEN.

The amount and type of information required does not require elaborate information processing.

The majority of glazing manufacturers required to provide this information are already utilizing modern information technology, including word processors and associated automated data storage/retrieval methods which minimize the burden of providing this information when requested. In addition, the manufacturers have apparently developed an efficient, practical, and cost effective method of marking the glazing as required.

It should be noted as well that the burden for this information collection is extremely minimal (119 hours).

4. DESCRIBE EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY DUPLICATION. SHOW SPECIFICALLY WHY ANY SIMILAR INFORMATION ALREADY AVAILABLE CANNOT BE USED OR MODIFIED FOR USE FOR THE PURPOSES DESCRIBED IN ITEM 2 ABOVE.

The source of this information is unique for each separate manufacturer and, therefore, there is no known duplication of this material. Further, FRA is the sole Federal agency requiring glazing certification for locomotives, rail passenger cars, and cabooses.

There is no other information available. This information is particular to each manufacturer of glazing material, and only they can provide it when requested.

5. IF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION IMPACTS SMALL BUSINESSES OR OTHER SMALL ENTITIES (ITEM 5 OF OMB FORM 83-I), DESCRIBE ANY METHODS USED TO MINIMIZE BURDEN.

The collection of this information does not involve small businesses or other small entities. Again, it should be noted that the burden is already extremely minimal (119 hours).

6. DESCRIBE THE CONSEQUENCE TO FEDERAL PROGRAM OR POLICY ACTIVITIES IF THE COLLECTION IS NOT CONDUCTED OR IS CONDUCTED LESS FREQUENTLY, AS WELL AS ANY TECHNICAL OR LEGAL OBSTACLES TO REDUCING BURDEN.

If this information collection were not conducted, rail safety throughout the U.S. might be significantly hindered. Specifically, if this information collection were not conducted, neither FRA nor the railroads could be assured that units of glazing material installed on freight cars, passenger cars, and cabooses met Federal safety standards. If such glazing material did not meet Federal standards and were installed on passenger or freight trains, the safety of train crews and the traveling public might be seriously jeopardized. In particular, train crews and passengers might suffer greater injuries – possibly even fatalities – in cases where projectiles hit trains traveling at a high rate of speed and the glazing material of these windows could not withstand the impact or in the event of an accident/incident where substandard glass shattered.

Also, the collection of information ensures that FRA and railroads can identify the manufacturer and type of various glazed materials. In the event of the discovery of defective or substandard glazed material, FRA could ensure that the entire railroad community was fully informed of any problems/deficiencies regarding a particular manufacturer or type of material, and that appropriate action is taken, such as finding another manufacturer or different type of glazed material, so as to protect both train crews and the traveling public.

7. EXPLAIN ANY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WOULD CAUSE AN INFORMATION COLLECTION TO BE CONDUCTED IN A MANNER:

- REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO REPORT INFORMATION TO THE AGENCY MORE OFTEN THAN QUARTERLY;

- REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO PREPARE A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO A COLLECTION OF INFORMATION IN FEWER THAN 30 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF IT;

- REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO SUBMIT MORE THAN AN ORIGINAL AND TWO COPIES OF ANY DOCUMENT;

- REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO RETAIN RECORDS, OTHER THAN HEALTH, MEDICAL, GOVERNMENT CONTRACT, GRANT-IN-AID, OR TAX RECORDS FOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS;

- IN CONNECTION WITH A STATISTICAL SURVEY, THAT IS NOT DESIGNED TO PRODUCE VALID AND RELIABLE RESULTS THAT CAN BE GENERALIZED TO THE UNIVERSE OF STUDY;

- REQUIRING THE USE OF A STATISTICAL DATA CLASSIFICATION THAT HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY OMB;

- THAT INCLUDES A PLEDGE OF CONFIDENTIALITY THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED BY AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED IN STATUE OR REGULATION, THAT IS NOT SUPPORTED BY DISCLOSURE AND DATA SECURITY POLICIES THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE PLEDGE, OR WHICH UNNECESSARILY IMPEDES SHARING OF DATA WITH OTHER AGENCIES FOR COMPATIBLE CONFIDENTIAL USE; OR

- REQUIRING RESPONDENTS TO SUBMIT PROPRIETARY TRADE SECRET, OR OTHER CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION UNLESS THE AGENCY CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT IT HAS INSTITUTED PROCEDURES TO PROTECT THE INFORMATION'S CONFIDENTIALITY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

All information collection requirements are in compliance with this section.

8. IF APPLICABLE, PROVIDE A COPY AND IDENTIFY THE DATE AND PAGE NUMBER OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER OF THE AGENCY'S NOTICE, REQUIRED BY 5 CFR 1320.8(d), SOLICITING COMMENTS ON THE INFORMATION COLLECTION PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO OMB. SUMMARIZE PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THAT NOTICE AND DESCRIBE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE AGENCY IN RESPONSE TO THOSE COMMENTS. SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS COMMENTS RECEIVED ON COST AND HOUR BURDEN.

DESCRIBE EFFORTS TO CONSULT WITH PERSONS OUTSIDE THE AGENCY TO OBTAIN THEIR VIEWS ON THE AVAILABILITY OF DATA, FREQUENCY OF COLLECTION, THE CLARITY OF INSTRUCTIONS AND RECORDKEEPING, DISCLOSURE, OR REPORTING FORMAT (IF ANY), AND ON THE DATA ELEMENTS TO BE RECORDED, DISCLOSED, OR REPORTED.

CONSULTATION WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THOSE FROM WHOM INFORMATION IS TO BE OBTAINED OR THOSE WHO MUST COMPILE RECORDS SHOULD OCCUR AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS--EVEN IF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ACTIVITY IS THE SAME AS IN PRIOR PERIODS. THERE MAY BE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY PRECLUDE CONSULTATION IN A SPECIFIC SITUATION. THESE CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD BE EXPLAINED.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FRA published a notice in the Federal Register on September 2, 2009, soliciting comment on this particular information collection. 74 FR 45516. FRA received no comments in response to this notice.

Background

On October 16, 1978, FRA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to add a new part to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to establish minimum safety requirements for glazing materials intended for use in locomotive, passenger car, and caboose windows. FRA solicited written comments and views on this proposed rule, and held a public hearing on November 29, 1978, to obtain oral comments and views. The commenters generally expressed support for the proposed rule and concerns over specific provisions were reviewed by FRA prior to adopting the Final Rule on December 31, 1979. In addition, persons at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), along with glazing manufacturers and railroads, were consulted concerning available data, procedures, and related costs.

9. EXPLAIN ANY DECISION TO PROVIDE ANY PAYMENT OR GIFT TO RESPONDENTS, OTHER THAN ENUMERATION OF CONTRACTORS OR GRANTEES.

There are no monetary payments or gifts made to respondents associated with the information collection requirements contained in this regulation.

10. DESCRIBE ANY ASSURANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY PROVIDED TO RESPONDENTS AND THE BASIS FOR THE ASSURANCE IN STATUTE, REGULATION, OR AGENCY POLICY.

This is not an information collection per se, and no confidentiality is promised any respondent.

11. PROVIDE ADDITIONAL JUSTIFICATION FOR ANY QUESTIONS OF A SENSITIVE NATURE, SUCH AS SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES, RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, AND OTHER MATTERS THAT ARE COMMONLY CONSIDERED PRIVATE. THIS JUSTIFICATION SHOULD INCLUDE THE REASONS WHY THE AGENCY CONSIDERS THE QUESTIONS NECESSARY, THE SPECIFIC USES TO BE MADE OF THE INFORMATION, THE EXPLANATION TO BE GIVEN TO PERSONS FROM WHOM THE INFORMATION IS REQUESTED, AND ANY STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO OBTAIN THEIR CONSENT.

Again, this is not an information collection activity per se. The record-keeping does not involve information of a personal nature.

12. PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF THE HOUR BURDEN OF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION. THE STATEMENT SHOULD:

- INDICATE THE NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS, FREQUENCY OF RESPONSE, ANNUAL HOUR BURDEN, AND AN EXPLANATION OF HOW THE BURDEN WAS ESTIMATED. UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO, AGENCIES SHOULD NOT CONDUCT SPECIAL SURVEYS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON WHICH TO BASE HOUR BURDEN ESTIMATES. CONSULTATION WITH A SAMPLE (FEWER THAN 10) OF POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS IS DESIRABLE. IF THE HOUR BURDEN ON RESPONDENTS IS EXPECTED TO VARY WIDELY BECAUSE OF DIFFERENCES IN ACTIVITY, SIZE, OR COMPLEXITY, SHOW THE RANGE OF ESTIMATED HOUR BURDEN, AND EXPLAIN THE REASONS FOR THE VARIANCE. GENERALLY, ESTIMATES SHOULD NOT INCLUDE BURDEN HOUR FOR CUSTOMARY AND USUAL BUSINESS PRACTICES

- IF THIS REQUEST FOR APPROVAL COVERS MORE THAN ONE FORM, PROVIDE SEPARATE HOUR BURDEN ESTIMATES FOR EACH FORM AND AGGREGATE THE HOUR BURDENS IN ITEMS 13 OF OMB FORM 83-I.

- PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF ANNUALIZED COST TO RESPONDENTS FOR THE HOUR BURDENS FOR COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION, IDENTIFYING AND USING APPROPRIATE WAGE RATE CATEGORIES. THE COST OF CONTRACTING OUT OR PAYING OUTSIDE PARTIES FOR INFORMATION COLLECTION ACTIVITIES SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED HERE. INSTEAD, THIS COST SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ITEM 14.

Note: FRA has consulted with the agency program specialist responsible for Part 223 compliance to determine that there are no changes in burden estimates from the last approved submission.

§ 223.17 - Identification of Equipped Locomotives, Passenger Cars, and Cabooses

Each locomotive, passenger car, and caboose that is fully equipped with glazing materials that meets the requirements of this Part must be stenciled on an interior wall as follows: “Fully equipped FRA Part 223 glazing” or similar words conveying that meaning in letters at least 3/8 inch high.

FRA estimates that approximately 200 cars (100 locomotives + 100 passenger cars) will be stenciled, or have a metal plate installed with the required inscription each year. This is either done at the locomotive/car manufacturer for new locomotives/cars or in a shop for cars that are rebuilt and need to be retrofitted. It is estimated that it will take approximately 15 minutes to stencil/attach a metal plate to each car. Total annual burden for this requirement is 50 hours.

Respondent Universe: 4 manufacturers (locomotives/cars)

Burden time per response: 15 minutes

Frequency of Response: On occasion

Annual number of Responses: 200 stencilings/metal plates

Annual Burden: 50 hours

Calculation: 200 stencilings/metal plates x 15 min. = 50 hours

§ 223.17 - Appendix A

As provided in this Part, certified glazing materials installed in locomotives, passenger cars, or cabooses must be certified by the glazing manufacturer in accordance with the following procedures:

(a) General Requirements. (1) Each manufacturer that provides glazing materials, intended by the manufacturer for use in achieving compliance with the requirements of this Part, shall certify that each type of glazing material being supplied for this purpose has been successfully tested in accordance with this appendix and that test verification data is available to a railroad or to FRA upon request; (2) The test verification data shall contain all pertinent original data logs and documentation that the selection of material samples, test set-ups, test measuring devices, and test procedures were performed by qualified personnel using recognized and acceptable practices and in accordance with this appendix.

(b) Testing Requirements. (1) The material to be tested (Target Materials) shall be a full scale sample of the largest dimension intended to be produced and installed; (2) The Target Material shall be representative of production material and shall be selected on a documented random choice basis . . . . (b)(16) After successful completion of the prescribed set of required consecutive tests, a manufacturer may certify in writing that a particular glazing material meets the requirements of these standards.

There are approximately five (5) manufacturers of glazing materials. FRA estimates that each manufacturer will receive approximately two (2) requests per year (or a total of 10) for glazing certification information from the railroads and/or FRA. These figures are based on conversations with knowledgeable FRA staff. It is estimated that it will take approximately 15 minutes (on average) to respond to a certification request. Total annual burden for this requirement is three (3) hours.

Respondent Universe: 5 manufacturers

Burden time per response: 15 minutes

Frequency of Response: On occasion

Annual number of Responses: 10 requests

Annual Burden: 3 hours

Calculation: 10 requests x 15 min. = 3 hours

c. Material Identification. (1) Each individual unit of glazing material must be permanently marked, prior to installation, to indicate that this type of material has been successfully tested as set forth in this appendix and that marking must be done in such a manner that it is clearly visible after the material has been installed; (2) Each individual unit of glazing material that has successfully passed the Type I testing regimen must be marked to indicate: (i) “FRA Type I” material; (ii) the manufacturer of the material; (iii) the type or brand identification of the material; (3) each individual unit of a glazing material that has successfully passed the Type II testing regimen must be marked to indicate: (i) “FRA Type II” material ; (ii) the manufacturer of the material; and (iii) the type or brand identification of the material.

FRA estimates that approximately 25,000 pieces of glazing will be identified each year. It is estimated that approximately 480 pieces per hour will be appropriately marked. Total annual burden for this requirement is 52 hours.

Respondent Universe: 5 manufacturers

Burden time per response: 480 pieces per hour

Frequency of Response: On occasion

Annual number of Responses: 25,000 pieces

Annual Burden: 52 hours

Calculation: 25,000 pieces ÷ 480 p/hr. = 52 hours

Approximately every five years, a new manufacturer is added, or a current manufacturer tests a new material. FRA estimates that it will take approximately 70 man-hours to conduct the necessary tests, and produce the required test verification data. Total annual burden for this requirement is 14 hours (70 hours divided by 5 years).

Respondent Universe: 5 manufacturers

Burden time per response: 14 hours (5 yr. average)

Frequency of Response: On occasion

Annual number of Responses: 1 test

Annual Burden: 14 hours

Calculation: 1 test x 14 hrs. = 14 hours

Total annual burden for this entire information collection is 119 hours (50 + 3 + 52 + 14).

13. PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE OF THE TOTAL ANNUAL COST BURDEN TO RESPONDENTS OR RECORDKEEPERS RESULTING FROM THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION. (DO NOT INCLUDE THE COSTS OF ANY HOUR BURDEN SHOWN IN ITEMS 12 AND 14).

- THE COST ESTIMATES SHOULD BE SPLIT INTO TWO COMPONENTS: (A) A TOTAL CAPITAL AND START-UP COST COMPONENT (ANNUALIZED OVER IT EXPECTED USEFUL LIFE); AND (B) A TOTAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE AND PURCHASE OF SERVICES COMPONENT. THE ESTIMATES SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH GENERATING, MAINTAINING, AND DISCLOSING OR PROVIDING THE INFORMATION. INCLUDE DESCRIPTIONS OF METHODS USED TO ESTIMATE MAJOR COSTS FACTORS INCLUDING SYSTEM AND TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION, EXPECTED USEFUL LIFE OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT, THE DISCOUNT RATE(S), AND THE TIME PERIOD OVER WHICH COSTS WILL BE INCURRED. CAPITAL AND START-UP COSTS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHER ITEMS, PREPARATIONS FOR COLLECTING INFORMATION SUCH AS PURCHASING COMPUTERS AND SOFTWARE; MONITORING, SAMPLING, DRILLING AND TESTING EQUIPMENT; AND RECORD STORAGE FACILITIES.

- IF COST ESTIMATES ARE EXPECTED TO VARY WIDELY, AGENCIES SHOULD PRESENT RANGES OF COST BURDENS AND EXPLAIN THE REASONS FOR THE VARIANCE. THE COST OF PURCHASING OR CONTRACTING OUT INFORMATION COLLECTION SERVICES SHOULD BE A PART OF THIS COST BURDEN ESTIMATE. IN DEVELOPING COST BURDEN ESTIMATES, AGENCIES MAY CONSULT WITH A SAMPLE OF RESPONDENTS (FEWER THAN 10), UTILIZE THE 60-DAY PRE-OMB SUBMISSION PUBLIC COMMENT PROCESS AND USE EXISTING ECONOMIC OR REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RULEMAKING CONTAINING THE INFORMATION COLLECTION, AS APPROPRIATE.

- GENERALLY, ESTIMATES SHOULD NOT INCLUDE PURCHASES OF EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES, OR PORTIONS THEREOF, MADE (1) PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1, 1995, (2) TO ACHIEVE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE INFORMATION COLLECTION, (3) FOR REASONS OTHER THAN TO PROVIDE INFORMATION OR KEEP RECORDS FOR THE GOVERNMENT, OR (4) AS PART OF CUSTOMARY AND USUAL BUSINESS OR PRIVATE PRACTICES.

Total estimated cost to the respondents for certification of glazing material is based on the annual cost to the glazing manufacturers associated with the purchase of metal plates that are attached to the interior wall of the locomotive, passenger car, or caboose; the annual cost for providing the certification information to either the railroad or FRA; the manufacturers annual cost associated with marking the individual glazing pieces; and a portion of the cost associated with the testing and certification of new glazing material.

The cost for the metal plates is $7 each. The total annual cost for purchasing 200 (pre-printed) metal plates is $1,400 (200 x $7).

The glazing certification testing for the majority of the existing manufacturers was performed at government expense by FRA at the Transportation Test Center in Pueblo, Colorado. There have been no new certification tests conducted in the last several years to our knowledge. FRA anticipates, however, that approximately every five years a new manufacturer of glazing will be added or a current manufacturer will test a new material and conduct certification tests. The estimated cost is $7,000 total for Type I and II certification (material). Since FRA anticipates that this will only occur once every five years, the total annual cost associated with certification testing will be $1,400 ($7,000 divided by 5).

The estimated annual cost to the glazing manufacturers in providing certification information when requested includes the cost to store the results from proof testing in addition to the cost to prepare and forward a statement of certification, including a copy of the test results. Several of the glazing manufacturers have pre-printed copies of the test results which are available upon request; some are included as part of sales promotion information packets. The average estimated annual cost to the respondents to maintain and provide certification information is estimated to be $3,000 (costs for printing/copying and mailing test data).

The estimated annual cost to the glazing manufacturers associated with marking each piece of glazing includes the cost necessary to prepare the marking labels along with recordkeeping associated with retaining the required marking information. No additional cost is estimated to affix the label in the material since this is accomplished in conjunction with normal manufacturing processes and requires no special setup time or delays. The average estimated annual cost to the respondents for glazing marking is $750, which includes the cost for marking material (25,000 labels at $.03 each).

The total estimated additional cost to respondents is $6,550 (1,400 + 1,400 + 3,000 + 750).

14. PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF ANNUALIZED COST TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. ALSO, PROVIDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD USED TO ESTIMATE COSTS, WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE QUANTIFICATION OF HOURS, OPERATIONAL EXPENSES SUCH AS EQUIPMENT, OVERHEAD, PRINTING, AND SUPPORT STAFF, AND ANY OTHER EXPENSE THAT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INCURRED WITHOUT THIS COLLECTION OF INFORMATION. AGENCIES ALSO MAY AGGREGATE COST ESTIMATES FROM ITEMS 12, 13, AND 14 IN A SINGLE TABLE.

Currently, there is no cost to the Federal Government in connection with the certification of glazing materials.

15. EXPLAIN THE REASONS FOR ANY PROGRAM CHANGES OR ADJUSTMENTS REPORTED IN ITEMS 13 OR 14 OF THE OMB FORM 83-I.

There are no changes in the information collection requirements for this submission and there are no changes in burden estimates as well. Consequently, there is no change in total burden hours from the last approved information collection submission.

Also, there is no change in burden costs from the last approved submission.

16. FOR COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION WHOSE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED, OUTLINE PLANS FOR TABULATION, AND PUBLICATION. ADDRESS ANY COMPLEX ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES THAT WILL BE USED. PROVIDE THE TIME SCHEDULE FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT, INCLUDING BEGINNING AND ENDING DATES OF THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION, COMPLETION OF REPORT, PUBLICATION DATES, AND OTHER ACTIONS.

This is not an information collection activity per se, and the agency does not plan to publish this information for statistical use.

17. IF SEEKING APPROVAL TO NOT DISPLAY THE EXPIRATION DATE FOR OMB APPROVAL OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION, EXPLAIN THE REASONS THAT DISPLAY WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE.

Once OMB approval is received, FRA will publish the approval number for these information collection requirements in the Federal Register.

18. EXPLAIN EACH EXCEPTION TO THE CERTIFICATION STATEMENT IDENTIFIED IN ITEM 19, "CERTIFICATION FOR PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT SUBMISSIONS," OF OMB FORM 83-I.

No exceptions are taken at this time.

Meeting Department of Transportation (DOT) Strategic Goals

This information collection supports the main DOT strategic goal, namely transportation safety. Without this collection of information, rail safety throughout the U.S. might be significantly impeded. Specifically, the safety of train crews and the traveling public might be jeopardized because units of glazing material were installed on the windows of freight, passenger cars, and cabooses which did not meet Federal safety standards. If such glazing materials were used, train crews and passengers might suffer greater injuries – possibly higher fatalities – in the event of an accident/incident where substandard or defective glass shattered. Also, train crews and passengers might suffer significant injuries – possibly even fatalities – in cases where projectiles hit trains traveling at a high rate of speed, and the glazing material of these windows could not withstand the impact.

The collection of information promotes safety by assuring railroads and FRA that the glazing materials used on the windows of every passenger car, freight car, and caboose have been tested and meet Federal safety standards. The collection of information further promotes safety by providing FRA and railroads with the name of the manufacturer and the type of material should problems/deficiencies arise with a given glazing material. In the event defective glazing material is discovered, FRA could then apprise the entire railroad community so that they could take appropriate action to protect passengers and train crews.

In summary, this collection of information enhances railroad safety by providing an additional layer of protection relating to a key component of all locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars that comprise the totality of passenger and freight movement in this country. It furthers DOT’s goal of promoting the public health and safety by working toward the elimination of transportation-related deaths, injuries, and property damage.

In this information collection, as in all its information collection activities, FRA seeks to do its utmost to fulfill DOT Strategic Goals and to be an integral part of One DOT.

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