FRA 17-06
Contact: Steve Kulm
DeDe Cordell
Friday, October 27, 2006
Tel.: (202) 493-6024
Working Conditions for Train Crews to Improve with New Federal Regulations to
Help Prevent Hearing Loss
Train crews will be less likely to suffer problems with hearing loss as the
result of revised federal standards aimed to enhance the safety and well being
of railroad employees by limiting locomotive cab noise, announced Federal
Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman.
“Locomotive engineers, conductors, and other rail employees shouldn’t have to
run the risk of hearing loss just for doing their jobs,” said Boardman, noting
that the final rule on Occupational Noise Exposure for Railroad Operating
Employees is published in today’s Federal Register. “Reducing noise will
safeguard train crews and can help improve overall rail safety,” he added.
Boardman explained that the final rule will directly affect approximately 80,000
rail employees and amends existing federal noise standards to require that
railroads perform routine noise monitoring and provide training to employees in
hearing loss prevention. In addition, train crews are required to use hearing
protection.
The final rule also requires the integration of noise reduction features into
the design, manufacturing and maintenance of locomotives, Boardman said. This
includes standards for better insulation, relocation of air brake exhaust
piping, and a reduction in vibration from cab equipment. Some of these features
are already being incorporated into newer locomotives.
Also, FRA strongly believes these changes will reduce the incidence of
noise-induced hearing loss, which may improve train crew communication as well
as reduce the risk of accidents caused by occupational stress and fatigue, said
Boardman.
FRA’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), a consensus oriented rulemaking
body comprising representatives of the railroad industry, rail labor,
manufacturers, suppliers and others, examined the issue of occupational noise
exposure and recommended the new standards. In developing the final rule, FRA
incorporated comments from many interested parties, including locomotive
engineers, audiologists, and rail labor organizations.
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Briefing Room
