[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5437-5438]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3005]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
Petition for Waiver of Compliance
In accordance with Title 49 CFR 211.9 and 211.41, notice is hereby
given that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has received from
CSX Transportation (CSXT), Burlington Northern Santa Fe and New York
Air Brake Corporation (NYAB) requests for a waiver of compliance with a
requirement of Federal rail safety standards. The petitions are
described below, including the regulatory provisions involved and the
nature of the relief being requested.
CSX Transportation (CSXT) Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and
New York Air Brake Corporation (NYAB) Waiver Petition Docket Number
H-95-3
The CSXT, BNSF and NYAB individually seek waivers of compliance
with certain provisions of the Locomotive Safety Regulations (Title 49
CFR Part 229). CSXT, BNSF and NYAB are each requesting a temporary
waiver of compliance with Sec. 229.29, for all of their locomotives
equipped with the New York Air Break Company/Knorr Brake Corporation
Computer Controlled Brake (CCB). This includes all locomotives
currently built or on order plus any that may be ordered for delivery
up to month 48 of the test period.
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has also
petitioned the FRA for a similar waiver. This was published in the
Federal Register on July 31, 1995 (Vol. 60, No. 146, Page 39069). Since
the three petitions apply to the same type of brake equipment and for
the same time interval, FRA is combining the three petitions under
Docket Number H-95-3.
Section 229.29 stipulates that all brake valves must be cleaned,
tested and inspected every 736 calendar days. On January 29, 1985, FRA
published a notice granting approval for the 26-L type air brake
equipment to be cleaned, inspected and tested every 1104 calendar days
(Vol. 50, No. 19, Page 3910). The petition requests that the CCB brake
valves be maintained on a 5-year test interval.
The CCB brake equipment combines certain pneumatic features of the
26L brake with microprocessor controls. The CCB pneumatic and electro-
pneumatic devices rely on poppet valve and seat technology which has
been proven in service in other Knorr brake equipment.
The CCB system consists of a console desk controller, an electronic
control system unit and a pneumatic interface unit. The electronic
control system unit contains the logic processor (computer), power
supply, input/output interfaces, diagnostic program and brake operation
programs. The desk console controller contains the standard automatic
and independent brake operating handles. The console controller also
contains a direct connection to brake pipe which is utilized for
emergency brake applications. The pneumatic interface unit contains the
connections to the standard train line and locomotive multiple unit
pneumatic lines. The pneumatic unit contains all of the devices which
are driven by the electronic control system to perform all functions
currently carried out by the 26-L brake system.
The brake system includes advanced diagnostics and a self test
program. The self test program is manually initiated and provides a
test of all electronic and pneumatic interface functions. Any faults
detected are displayed on the system unit. In-service faults are
detected and stored in nonvolatile memory. The railroad states that
safety is enhanced by the CCB Equipment in (1) Constant vigilance for
deviation from performance by the microcomputer, (2) the control of
faults to a known safe condition, and (3) the capability of warning the
operator of a fault condition. These features are not available in the
existing 26-L Brake Equipment. Life of all components are rated in
excess of 5-years.
Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings
by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate
scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since
the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party
desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify ERA, in
writing, before and end of the comment period and specify the basis for
their request.
All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the
appropriate docket number (e.g., Waiver Petition Docket Number H-95-3)
and must be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Clerk, Office of
Chief Counsel, ERA, Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20590. Communications received within 45 days of the
date of publication of this notice will be considered by FRA before
final action action is taken. Comments received after that date will be
considered as far as practicable. All written communications concerning
these proceedings are available for examination during regular business
hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) in Room 8201,
[[Page 5438]]
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 7, 1996.
Phil Olekszyk,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Compliance and Program
Implementation.
[FR Doc. 96-3005 Filed 2-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4190-06-M