Authors: U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Date of Publication:  1979

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Performing Organization:  U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Report No: SEE-79-2

Abstract:

The Congress directed NTSB to "conduct a thorough review of hazardous materials rail shipments and the applicable Federal (track) standards as well as determine how the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) can more effectively prevent the occurrence and reduce the severity of derailments of hazardous materials."

The report is based on information obtained through interviews and reviews of technical literature and Department of Transportation organizational documents. The review was limited to the derailment of hazardous materials and the applicable track standards.

The review found that FRA needs a full-time railroad safety expert at the head of the Office of Safety. The data base is inadequate to define and rate the problems The program should be based on risks and the goals and objectives should be based on the level of risk that is acceptable. The Federal/State partnership required by the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 should be improved for more effective use of State inspectors.