Passenger Equipment Safety Standards Flashcards

Under 49 CFR Part 238, what is the minimum static end compression load that Tier I passenger car end frames must be designed to withstand?

Answer: 800,000 lbs

Part 238 requires Tier I passenger car end frames to withstand a minimum static end compression load of 800,000 lbs to protect the occupied volume in a collision.

What is the minimum duration that emergency lighting must remain functional on a passenger car following loss of normal power under FRA Part 238?

Answer: 90 minutes

FRA Part 238 requires emergency lighting to remain operational for at least 90 minutes after loss of normal power to support safe passenger evacuation.

Under 49 CFR Part 238, how must emergency exits on passenger cars be marked?

Answer: Conspicuously marked to be visible from both inside and outside the car

Part 238 requires emergency exits to be conspicuously marked so they can be identified from both inside and outside the passenger car under emergency conditions.

What is the primary safety purpose of anti-climbing devices required on FRA-regulated passenger equipment?

Answer: To prevent cars from overriding one another during a collision

Anti-climbing devices prevent passenger cars from overriding (riding up on top of) adjacent cars in a collision, preserving the occupied volume and protecting passengers.

Under 49 CFR Part 238, which classification describes 'Tier I' passenger equipment?

Answer: Equipment operating at speeds up to 125 mph

Tier I under Part 238 covers conventional passenger equipment operating at speeds up to 125 mph and must meet the associated structural and safety standards.

What does 49 CFR Part 238 require before passenger equipment enters revenue service each day?

Answer: A pre-departure inspection to verify key safety systems are functional

Part 238 mandates a pre-departure inspection of key safety systems each day before passenger equipment carries revenue passengers.

Under FRA Part 238, which requirement applies to interior materials used in newly manufactured passenger cars?

Answer: Interior materials must meet prescribed flammability and smoke emission standards

Part 238 requires all interior materials in passenger cars to meet FRA flammability and smoke emission standards to limit fire spread and protect passengers.