FRA AUDITING HAZMAT COMPLIANCE

The Federal Railroad Administration has commenced nationwide a 90-day audit of railroad compliance with hazardous materials transportation regulations.
The audit, which began July 1, will be concentrated during second and third shifts and on weekends. Inbound and outbound trains will be targeted. FRA inspectors will operate in teams. Each of the Class I railroads has been notified of the audit.

Among violations that interest FRA inspectors most are improper placement of hazmat cars in trains and missing or improper documentation of hazmat.

FRA inspectors also will focus on assuring train and engine service employees have received appropriate training in hazmat handling and regulations, and that there is proper placarding of hazmat loads.

UTU International President Paul Thompson urged train and engine service employees to cooperate with FRA inspectors, and to report any railroad's knowing and willful violations to UTU local officers so that they might pass them along to FRA inspectors through the State Legislative Director