Action
Notice of informal safety inquiry; technical conference.
Summary
Pursuant to 49 CFR 211.61, FRA is issuing this document to notify all interested parties that FRA is conducting an informal safety inquiry and technical conference related to the application of safety appliances on passenger equipment. The primary focus of this informal safety inquiry and technical conference is to elicit views and information from interested parties to aid FRA in its safety oversight of existing passenger equipment with safety appliance arrangements that are mechanically affixed to brackets or plates that are welded onto the equipment. FRA intends for this informal inquiry to clarify further both the safety concerns and economic considerations involved in the various approaches available to FRA for addressing this existing equipment. The technical conference may also include a general discussion of the safety issues and practical concerns related to FRA's general prohibition on the weldment of safety appliances and safety appliance brackets or supports.