Mission Statement
Commission Adopts Remote Control Locomotive Rules
The UTC has adopted rules to address remote control locomotive safety. (Docket 021465 - for more information, see the "Documents" link at the bottom of this page)
At its Jan. 28 open meeting, the commission considered alternative proposals for amendments to remote control rail operations. One proposal would have addressed protection of the point of movement of remote-controlled trains at grade crossings and where trains can enter mainline tracks. The alternative would clarify and amend reporting requirements in WAC 480-62-320, add definitions to WAC 480-62-125, and proceed with a rulemaking on point protection issues generally. The commission decided to proceed with the latter alternative.
Background - The commission began an inquiry on Jan. 31, 2003, into whether the UTC should adopt rules governing remote control locomotive (RCL) technology. The initial inquiry (CR-101) topics included whether federal law preempts UTC action to any degree, whether Washington rules are necessary to protect railroad employees and the public, and to what extent federal guidelines are implemented by Washington railroad companies.
On November 1, 2002, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) filed a petition asking the Commission to adopt federal RCL guidelines relating to remote control locomotive technology. Although the Federal Railroad Administration safety advisory contains extensive guidelines for the rail industry (listed below), compliance is optional:
- Safety design and operational requirements;
- Training;
- Operating practices;
- Security;
- Inspections and tests;
- Notification of remote control locomotives; and
- Accident-incident reporting procedures.
The BLE asserted that the Commission should adopt these guidelines as mandatory rules to ensure safety to railroad employees and to the general public. The BLE cited a recent accident in Shelton caused by the use of remote control locomotive technology to illustrate the need for enforceable rules.
Commission Rail Safety Staff agreed that there are potential safety concerns with remote control locomotive operations, and that these concerns need to be explored, but recommended that the Commission open a rulemaking rather than granting the petition, as a rulemaking would allow enough time to include all affected parties, and to consider other questions (e.g. whether or not federal law preempts the Commission from taking the action proposed by the BLE).
On December 31, 2002, the Commission adopted Staff's recommendations and directed the Commission Secretary to issue a pre-proposal statement of inquiry (CR-101).
(The address of this page is www.wutc.wa.gov/021465)
Staff contact: Mike Rowswell
Posted/updated: 01/30/2003
Document list:
021465 Documents Schedule Orders All
