49 C.F.R. § 231.23 Unidirectional passenger-train cars adaptable to van-type semi-trailer use.
Title 49 - Transportation
(a) Hand brakes—(1) Number. Same as specified for “Passenger-Train Cars Without End-Platforms.” (2) Location. Each hand brake shall be so located that it can be safely operated while car is in motion. The hand brake operating device shall be located on the end of car to the left of center. (b) Brake step—(1) Number. One (1). (2) Dimensions. Not less than twenty-eight (28) inches in length. Outside edge not less than eight (8) inches from face of car, except when “A” frame is used and extends beyond end of car, a platform of anti-skid design covering the extended portion of the “A” frame may be used as brake step. (3) Manner of application. Brake step shall be securely fastened to car and when additional support is necessary, metal braces having a minimum cross-sectional area three-eighths ( (c) Sill steps—(1) Number. Two (2). (2) Dimensions. Minimum length of tread, ten (10) preferably twelve (12) inches. Minimum cross-sectional area, one-half ( (3) Location. One (1) near the rear or trailing end of the car on each side, not more than twenty-four (24) inches from corner of car to center of tread of sill step. (4) Manner of application. Same as specified for “Passenger-Train Cars Without End-Platforms.” (d) End-clearance. No part of car above end sills except the brake step shall extend to within twenty (20) inches of a vertical plane parallel with end of car and passing through the outside edge of any part of an adjoining car. (e) Side handholds—(1) Number. Four (4). (2) Dimensions. Minimum diameter, five-eighths ( (3) Location. Horizontal, two (2) over each sill step. Lower handhold shall be not less than twenty-four (24) nor more than thirty (30) inches above center line of coupler. Upper handhold shall be not less than fifteen (15) nor more than nineteen (19) inches above lower handhold. Clearance of outer end of handhold shall be not more than eight (8) inches from end of car. (4) Manner of application. Side handholds shall be securely fastened with not less than one-half ( (f) Horizontal end-handholds—(1) Number. Seven (7). (2) Dimensions. Minimum diameter, five-eighths ( (3) Location. End-sill: One (1) near each side at the rear or trailing end of car on face of end-sill or sheathing over end-sill, projecting outward or downward. Clearance of outer end of handhold shall be not more than sixteen (16) inches from side of car. (i) Lower: One near each side of the rear or trailing end of car, not less than twenty-four (24) nor more than thirty (30) inches above center line of coupler. (ii) Upper: One (1) near each side at the rear or trailing end of car not less than fifteen (15) nor more than nineteen (19) inches above lower handholds. Clearance of outer ends of lower and upper handholds shall be not more than eight (8) inches from side of car. Lower and upper handholds shall be spaced to coincide with corresponding side handholds, a variation of two (2) inches being allowed. On front end of car there shall be one (1) additional end handhold full length of car not less than forty (40) nor more than fifty (50) inches above center line of coupler. Clearance of each end of handhold shall be not more than eight (8) inches from side of car. When construction will not permit the use of a single handhold, four (4) handholds, each not less than sixteen (16) inches in length may be used, provided dimensions and location coincide. (4) Manner of application. End handholds shall be securely fastened with not less than one-half ( (g) Uncoupling levers. Each car shall be equipped to provide means of coupling and uncoupling without the necessity of men going between the cars.
Title 49: Transportation
PART 231—RAILROAD SAFETY APPLIANCE STANDARDS
§ 231.23 Unidirectional passenger-train cars adaptable to van-type semi-trailer use.