Trains are an essential aspect of travel and freight transports, both domestically and internationally. Since trains are so large and travel at such high speeds, it’s imperative that safety measures are properly maintained every step of the way. From reflective tape requirements for trains to carefully transporting flammable liquids by rail, safety is key when it comes to train operation.
Rules & Regulations in Railroad Transportation
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), new rules have been implemented in recent years to strengthen the rail industry and improve safety measures across both the United States and Canada. These new regulations have the purpose of reducing train accidents and improving the overall safety of the public.
Transportation of Flammable Liquids
The new rules that specifically address the transportation of flammable liquids involve implementing an enhanced tank car standard, as well as a risk-based retrofitting schedule for older models that are transporting crude oil and ethanol. “Safety has been our top priority at every step in the process for finalizing this rule, which is a significant improvement over the current regulations and requirements and will make transporting flammable liquids safer,” said Anthony Foxx, U.S. Transportation Secretary. “Our close collaboration with Canada on new tank car standards is recognition that the trains moving unprecedented amounts of crude by rail are not U.S. or Canadian tank cars — they are part of a North American fleet and a shared safety challenge.”
Railroad Braking Systems
Railway braking systems have been revamped, as well. The DOT’s new rules require new braking standard for specific rail cars in order to offer improved safety and significantly reduce the severity of potential accidents and the “pile-up effect.”
Reflective Tape Regulations For Transportation
In addition to these changes that have recently been unveiled, it’s important that all transport vehicles are equipped with the right kind of reflective tape requirements for trains. High-quality reflective tape provides other rail traffic , drivers, and civilians with the ability to identify coming or passing trains in order to avoid catastrophic collisions. This is especially so at all grade crossings. This reflective tape, which is mandated by the federal government, is known as FRA 224 Reflective Tape and must be 4” in width. Installation guidelines get pretty technical so it’s best to do further research online but in general 18” sections must be installed down each lower side of the rail car with no more than 12 feet between each section. End pieces must be 36” wide. Either yellow or white color is fine, but yellow is the most popular.
Contact Our Team
If you want to learn more about reflective tape requirements for trains, other DOT safety requirements for trains, or are interested in purchasing FRA 224 Reflective Tape from us, get in contact with us today!