By: Michael Barron Jr.

FRA is proposing to amend regulations related to employee exposure in the event of a catastrophic hazmat release. In particular, FRA is proposing to add regulations to require that railroads provide an appropriate atmosphere supplying emergency escape breathing apparatus to every train crew member and certain other employees while they are occupying a locomotive cab of a freight train transporting a hazardous material that would pose an inhalation hazard in the event of release during an accident. FRA had previously proposed such a rule a number of years ago but it never went final.  Therefore they are issuing this NPRM as a supplemental one.  Comments are due June 20, 2023.  A link to the proposed rule can be found here. FRA SNPRM PPP

Please contact Michael Barron Jr. at MBarron@fletcher-sippel.com 312-252-1511 if you have questions.