FRA requiring Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) on some locomotives – SAFTENG

FRA is amending its regulations related to occupational noise exposure in three (3) ways.

Special NOTE: although I agree with this new requirement, it will be virtually impossible for the railroads to comply by March 2024. There are NOT enough EEBAs in inventory to supply the Class 1s. Then there is the written program and training that has to be put in place, and one month is impossible if we want to do it RIGHT.

First, in response to a congressional mandate, FRA is expanding those regulations to

require that railroads provide an appropriate atmosphere-supplying emergency escape breathing apparatus EEBA to every train crew member and certain other employees while they are occupying a locomotive cab of a freight train transporting a hazardous material that would pose an inhalation hazard in the event of release during an accident.
This final rule is effective March 26, 2024.

SAFTENG members can read what this entails below.

Second, FRA is changing the name of this part of its regulations from

“Occupational Noise Exposure” to “Occupational Safety and Health in the Locomotive Cab”

to reflect the additional subject matter of this final rule and to make other conforming amendments.

Third, FRA is removing the provision stating the preemptive effect of this part of FRA’s regulations because it is unnecessary.

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