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Railroads

Work Schedules and Sleep Pattern Survey Data

A Note About Downloading Excel Databases:

The Excel databases online have been locked to prevent accidental data corruption. In order to use the databases for your research, please utilize the "File, Save As" commands in your browser tool set at the top of your screen.  After you...

Technology Transfer

Program Description

The process of Technology Transfer is an area of responsibility undertaken in the Human Factors program to encourage utilization of project research results by the railroad industry, as well as Government, to develop policy and operating practices resulting in safer and...

Contextual Factors and Strategic Planning

Program Description

This subprogram element focuses on the selection of projects, evaluation of program utility and effectiveness and product dissemination. Because human factors related accidents and injuries account for such a large proportion of overall incidents, it is imperative that...

Program Evaluation

Program Description

Program evaluation is the systematic assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a program with respect to implementation, impact, and long-term viability. The goal of evaluation is to provide documentation for accountability, direction for policy making, and guidance...

Close Call Reporting

FRA R&D and C3RS

In 2002, FRA’s office of Research and Development (R&D) noted that there had not been any major improvements in human-factors-caused accident levels in recent years. On the basis of this observation, FRA decided to implement and evaluate an approach to safety...

Key Functions

Introduction

The objectives of FRA's Human Factors R&D Program, consistent with Departmental strategic goals, are to improve the safety of rail transportation. This goal is achieved through applied and theoretical research activities, dissemination of research results...

Human Factors Overview

Human errors now account for more than one third of all train accidents in the U.S. railroad industry. Railroads depend on the adaptability of people, as well as the performance of infrastructure, equipment, and control systems to keep the system safe. Railroad workers need knowledge, training,...

Next Generation Tank Car Project (NGRTC)

The following reports and papers were produced and published under this cooperative effort with FRA, VOLPE, The Chlorine Institute, Tank Car and Railroad industries:

ARA Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Detailed Puncture Analyses of Various Tank Car Designs: Final Report - Revision...

Miscellaneous Hazmat Papers

Papers and reports are listed by their document titles starting with the most recent published document. Click on the title under "Report" for an electronic copy of the document, if available.  Notice and Disclaimer: These documents are disseminated under the sponsorship of the...

Tank Car Integrity

Critical Flaw Size

The AAR Manuals (referenced in US DOT hazmat regulations) set forth guidelines for tank car structural integrity determination and design parameters.  These guidelines are very general in nature and their use in tank car integrity evaluation, e.g., periodic inspection...