Action
Notice of Safety Advisory.
Summary
FRA is issuing Safety Advisory 2001-03 addressing the in- service failures of railroad airbrake system trainline angle cocks manufactured by Ellcon-National. The manufacturer notified the Association of American Railroads (AAR) of failures of Model 7000 Thread-to-Thread and Model 7270 Thread-to-Flange Angle Cocks. To date, no derailments, collisions, or injuries have resulted from these failures; however, closed angle cocks occurring en route may lead to insufficient braking and in the worst case could result in runaway trains on grades. FRA recommends that all railroads and private car owners obtain a copy of AAR's Early Warning EW-177 (C-9296) issued on March 29, 2001, and review the document's extensive listing of cars that had the subject angle cocks installed as original equipment. FRA also recommends that cars found with the original angle cocks still installed have the angle cocks replaced, at both ends, or be retrofitted with a handle assembly torque kit in accordance with AAR's guidance. AAR has applied Severity Code "MG," which means "See Early Warning Letter for Instructions."