Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) submitted a petition to FRA seeking a waiver of compliance from performing the 5th annual inspection as it pertains to the flexible staybolt caps. IAIS is requesting permission to extend the inspection interval to the 10th annual inspection. However, IAIS has stated it will perform all other inspections as required by 49 CFR 230.16, Annual inspection.
The justification for the request is based on the fact that the two engines in question, IAIS 6988 & 7018, have a low number of service days so the current level of safety would be maintained. Additionally, there would be a significant financial savings as IAIS estimates it would take 3 months and 5 full time employees to perform each inspection.
Interested parties may submit comments on the petition until November 25, 2019.
