Search

DOT Train Staffing Rule Back on Track

Posted on 7/28/2022 by Roger Marks

The US DOT Federal Rail Administration (FRA) proposed a rulemaking to establish minimum staffing requirements for all railroad operations (except those that pose no significant safety risks). The proposed rule also lays out requirements for location of crewmembers on a moving train and rules to ensure communication between crew members.

FRA proposed a similar rule in 2016, which was later withdrawn.

DOT Train Staffing Rule Back on Track

Hazardous Materials Trains

The proposed rule would require a two-person crew (at minimum) on all trains containing certain quantities and types of hazardous materials that pose a safety and security risk. The rule would apply to trains transporting one or more car loads containing materials designed as rail security-sensitive materials (RSSM).

Defined at 49 CFR 1580.3, RSSM include:
  • Rail cars carrying more than 5,000 lbs. of Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives,
  • Poison by inhalation (PIH) materials including anhydrous ammonia,
  • Division 6.1 liquids assigned to hazard zone A or B, and
  • Highway route-controlled quantities of Class 7 (radioactive) material. 
The rule would also cover trains transporting 20 or more car loads or portable tank loads of flammable gas (Division 2.1), flammable or combustible liquids (Class 3), Division 1.1 or 1.2 explosive, or hazardous substances regulated by US DOT.

The proposed rule includes a list of exceptions to the train staffing requirements. Operators will also be able to continue certain legacy operations with a one-person crew.

The exceptions will not be applicable to trains carrying hazardous materials identified above and continuing one-person legacy operations will be prohibited on trains carrying hazardous materials.

Hazmat Employee Training

US DOT considers crew members aboard trains hauling hazardous materials to be “hazmat employees” who can affect transportation safety  (87 FR 45576).

US DOT’s hazmat training requirements apply to all hazmat employees. Crew members must complete training that covers a general awareness of hazardous materials, the security risks inherent in hazmat transportation, function-specific training to safely perform any job roles they are assigned. Hazmat safety training and in-depth security training are also required for these employees (see 49 CFR 172.704).

Learn more: DOT Hazmat Training FAQ

Lac-Mégantic Derailment

In the proposed rule, PHMSA highlights a catastrophic hazardous materials incident involving a one-person train crew that occurred in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec in 2013.

In July of that year, a freight train carrying one and a half million gallons of petroleum crude oil (UN 1267) derailed, causing explosions and fires that killed forty-seven people, destroyed fifty-three vehicles, and spilled about one million gallons of product.

The incident began when the train’s one crew member left the train unattended on a mainline track. The train did not stay secured, rolled down a grade into the center of the town, and ultimately derailed. Following the incident, and a spate of crude oil derailments, spills, and fires in North America, PHMSA collaborated with Transport Canada to bolster the regulations for shipping flammable liquids by rail.

Training on Additional Hazmat Rail Rules

The Shipping Hazmat by Ground–Additional Rail Requirements online course will expand on your 49 CFR highway shipping expertise and introduce the unique rules for rail shipments. The course provides critical function-specific training for hazmat employees who prepare or offer hazmat shipments by rail. 
 
Maintain your 49 CFR, IATA DGR, and IMDG Code hazmat training certifications with Lion's interactive online hazmat courses: 

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)
Hazmat Air Shipper Certification (IATA)
Hazmat Vessel Shipper Certification (IMDG)

Tags: DOT compliance, hazardous materials, hazmat by rail

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Knowing why TSDFs reject loads of hazardous waste—and the exact steps to follow if it happens—can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about rejection.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.