FRA Emergency Response Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct response when a crew member receives an 'Emergency' radio call from a following train reporting a runaway car?
- Switch to a siding and hold position until the runaway passes
- Increase train speed to create separation and notify the dispatcher immediately (Correct answer)
- Stop the train and evacuate all crew to a safe location
- Apply independent brakes and wait for dispatcher instructions
Correct answer: Increase train speed to create separation and notify the dispatcher immediately
Increasing speed to create separation while immediately notifying the dispatcher allows time for the dispatcher to route traffic and the crew to take protective action.
Question 2: Under FRA emergency preparedness rules, railroad employees involved in an accident resulting in injury must complete which form?
- FRA Form 6180.55a (Correct answer)
- FRA Form 6180.98
- FRA Form 6180.78
- FRA Form 6180.54
Correct answer: FRA Form 6180.55a
FRA Form 6180.55a is the Employee Human Factor Report used to document accidents where human factors may have contributed.
Question 3: When a train strikes a vehicle at a highway-rail grade crossing and the vehicle remains on the track, what is the crew's FIRST obligation?
- Exit and attempt to free any occupants trapped in the vehicle
- Stop the train as quickly as possible and protect the scene (Correct answer)
- Continue to the next station to summon help
- Back the train off the vehicle immediately
Correct answer: Stop the train as quickly as possible and protect the scene
The crew must stop safely, then protect the accident scene and summon emergency services before any other action.
Question 4: Which placard color and number indicates a flammable gas on a railroad car?
- Red, UN 1993
- Red, UN 1075 (Correct answer)
- Yellow, UN 1075
- Orange, UN 1203
Correct answer: Red, UN 1075
UN 1075 (liquefied petroleum gases) displays a red flammable gas placard; responders use this to identify the hazard class.
Question 5: What action is required if a train's air brakes become inoperative on a descending grade during an emergency?
- Apply the independent brake only and coast to a stop
- Use the hand brakes on as many cars as possible and derail if necessary to prevent a runaway (Correct answer)
- Increase throttle to control descent speed
- Open all angle cocks to bleed off air and stop
Correct answer: Use the hand brakes on as many cars as possible and derail if necessary to prevent a runaway
When air brakes fail on a grade, crew must apply hand brakes aggressively; controlled derailment may be necessary as a last resort to prevent a catastrophic runaway.
Question 6: The Emergency Notification System (ENS) number posted at highway-rail crossings allows callers to reach whom directly?
- The local police dispatch
- The railroad's 24-hour emergency operations center (Correct answer)
- The FRA regional office
- The nearest fire department
Correct answer: The railroad's 24-hour emergency operations center
ENS numbers connect the caller directly to the railroad's emergency operations center, enabling rapid dispatch of maintenance and safety personnel.
Question 7: A conductor notices smoke coming from a journal box on a freight car. What hazard does this represent and what should be done?
- Electrical fire from a short circuit; isolate the car electronically
- A 'hot box' indicating bearing failure; set out the car immediately (Correct answer)
- Brake shoe overheating from a stuck brake; release the brake and continue
- Cargo smoldering inside; contact the shipper for guidance
Correct answer: A 'hot box' indicating bearing failure; set out the car immediately
A smoking journal box (hot box) signals a failed or failing roller bearing, which can lead to axle failure and derailment; the car must be set out.
FRA Emergency Response Procedures 3
What is the correct response when a crew member receives an 'Emergency' radio call from a following train reporting a runaway car?