§ 33.84. Track inspection.

 In the case of all tracks over which there are regularly scheduled passenger movements and all tracks currently being used for the movement of freight trains if the authorized speed is 20 miles an hour or greater, the following regulations shall apply to track inspection by all common carrier railroads operating within this Commonwealth.

   (1)  Each common carrier railroad having trackage subject to this section shall provide that such inspection be made by a track foreman or equally qualified employe of the railroad company involved, and that such employe shall not be required to inspect more than 100 miles of track per day.

   (2)  Each common carrier railroad having trackage subject to this section shall provide the track patrolman or track inspector assigned to such inspection with a standard numbered form with detachable receipt, on which such employe shall indicate the date of inspection, specific tracks inspected, and their location including the district, division or region; such forms shall require a listing of defects found and in need of correction, with respect to track stability and alignment, track surface, gauge, ties and rail fastenings, welding, insulated joints, track anchors and bolts, frogs and switches, guardrails, drainage and such other conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the carrier concerned. Such form shall be completed by the track patrolman or inspector for each trip, in multiple; the original shall be submitted to his immediate supervisor with a copy to such other personnel as the carrier may direct, and retained by both carrier and patrolman or inspector for a period of not less than 6 months and be available to the Commission or its staff for review upon request.

   (3)  Each common carrier railroad having trackage subject to this section shall assign a supervisory employe above the rank of foreman to be responsible for the inspection required by this section within his assigned area, which area shall be clearly designated.

   (4)  Tracks subject to the provisions of this section shall be inspected not less than twice each week.

   (5)  All switches shall be inspected on foot at least once each month.

   (6)  If track cars or other vehicles, including off-track vehicles, are used for such twice-weekly inspections, they shall be operated at such speed as shall insure adequate inspection, but not in excess of 5 miles per hour at all railroad crossings, highway crossings and switches, or adjacent structures where guardrails are in use.

   (7)  If track cars or other vehicles are used, only the track upon which such vehicles are traveling shall be considered as inspected.

   (8)  In all inspections of highway crossings, particular attention shall be given to the detection of unsafe conditions resulting from loose planking or obstructed flangeways, or other conditions which may endanger the safety of train movements and the traveling public.

   (9)  In the monthly on-foot inspection of switches, particular attention shall be given to the detection of unsafe conditions resulting from open or defective switch points, loose or missing bolts in heel filler blocking, and defective guardrails or frogs. Switches not in territories utilizing automatic signals or centralized traffic controls shall be operated at least once each month to insure that they are in proper working order.

   (10)  If twice-weekly inspections are required, such inspections shall not be made on consecutive days.

   (11)  If trains carrying passengers are to be operated over tracks not subject to this section, such tracks shall be inspected within 48 hours prior to the operation of such trains, except in case of emergency.

   (12)  If the track inspection reveals improper alignment, improper cross level, faulty gauge, loose ties, defective switch points, or any condition which, in the judgment of the individual inspecting the track, creates an unsafe condition, such employe shall take immediate appropriate action for the safety of operations. If the condition presents an immediate hazard, a Slow Order should be issued or, if necessary, the track taken out of service. The inspector should continue to report the condition until it is corrected.

   The provisions of this §  33.84 were formerly designated Rule 15 by the Commission.