Action
Final Rule; correction and petition for reconsideration.
Summary
On June 24, 1992, FRA published safety standards for the protection of those who work on railroad bridges (49 CFR Part 214). FRA now corrects certain sections of that regulation, and changes or clarifies certain requirements in response to a petition for reconsideration filed by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). First, three sections have been corrected by adding citations to reflect the most recent American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for personal protective equipment. Second, the rule now sets forth conditions under which employees specially-designated as bridge inspectors may work without fall protection. Third, the rule no longer requires toeboards on walkways, and in certain instances permits work without fall protection on roadways attached to a railroad bridge. Finally, FRA clarifies that railroads and their contractors must require the use of protective footwear, but need not necessarily furnish it, which reflects current practice in the railroad, construction, and other industries where such equipment is necessary.