[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] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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