Norfolk Southern has petitioned FRA for waiver of compliance regarding 49 CFR part 232, Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment; End-of-Train Devices.
Norfolk Southern would like to create 3D simulation software to meet the “hands-on” portion of the refresher training requirements. Refresher training must be completed every three years and consist of both classroom education and hands-on training. Norfolk Southern has requested the waiver be system-wide to all craft personnel who are responsible for freight air brake tests, freight car repairs, supervisors, and conductors.
It can be difficult for railroads to provide a consistent training or testing environment with the proper car selection, defects, and availability. The 3D simulation software will allow the user to simulate a Class 1 Brake Test and will require specific responses to an array of preprogrammed defects on various types of freight cars and brake systems while performing the brake test. To successfully complete the
scenario, the user must identify key components and identify and correct all defects, including but not limited to closed cut-out cocks, uncoupled air hoses, closed angle cocks, wrongly positioned retainer valves, and fouled brake rigging. Interested parties can submit comments on the waiver until March 25, 2019.
