Railroad Track Inspection & Safety Standards
Railroad Track Inspection & Safety Standards
WHEN November 4, 2024 – November 8, 2024 | 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
WHERE Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
WHO Course Instructor: Barton E. Jennings, Ph.D.
PDHs AVAILABLE
27 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) can be granted for this course.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
4121 Cromwell Road
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Tel: 865-974-5255 for directions
WHAT THIS IS ABOUT
Overview
Track is the foundation of the railroad’s physical plant. Although railroad track components are relatively simple in concept, they interact in a complex fashion to form a system capable of withstanding the extremely large forces applied by rail vehicles. Safe and reliable train operations rely upon the track system remaining within established specifications. Because the combined effects of traffic and environment degrade track, regular inspection is essential to identify defects and initiate remedial action before problems develop. This course describes track defects and acceptable corrective actions, presents a recommended methodology for conducting inspections, and discusses in depth the Federal Track Safety Standards in 49 CFR, Part 213.
Objectives and Benefits
In this class, you will:
- learn how to organize, conduct, and document track inspections;
- learn how to measure track parameters;
- develop a clear understanding of the Federal Track Safety Standards and the FRA track inspection process; and
- learn how to use inspection results to identify track maintenance needs and plan maintenance activities.
This course has been reviewed and approved by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under CFR Part 243 of the new training rule. This course is intended for safety-related railroad employees or independent students who seek employment with a railroad and/or a railroad contractor and who may be tasked with the application of Federal regulation 49 CFR Part 213, Track Safety Standards, Subparts A-F. The course does not contain an on-the-job training (OJT component). This is the only comprehensive course on track inspection providing sufficient time to discuss this complex subject in detail and to demonstrate the measurement techniques needed. Hundreds of attendees through the years have increased their understanding of the track inspection process as a result of this class.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Track inspection personnel from shortline, regional, and Class I railroads; railroad contractors and consultants; state and local government officials associated with railroad operation, finance, and regulation; and railway engineers have all benefited from attending this workshop.
INSTRUCTOR
Barton E. Jennings, Ph.D.
Barton Jennings, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of supply chain management in the College of Business & Technology at Western Illinois University. At WIU, Dr. Jennings was responsible for the development of the supply chain management degree program and for significant amounts of industrial outreach, working with an SCM Advisory Board to produce the necessary talent for companies that recruit through the program. His research and teaching interests focus on transportation, distribution, and inventory management strategies as well as regulatory issues in the freight transportation industry. He previously managed the railroad training program and taught transportation at the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Jennings worked in the field of railroad engineering and maintenance at Union Pacific Railroad, working in multiple positions across the system. Among his responsibilities, he was responsible for rebuilding tunnels and a bridge on the former Western Pacific route across Nevada, rebuilding the railroad’s mainline on the eastern slope of the Blue Mountains in Oregon, upgrading several mainline in southeastern Arkansas, and establishing budget priorities for railroad projects between Los Angeles (CA) and Cheyenne (WY). He later helped to establish a shortline railroad for a holding company, conducting a track engineering and operational needs assessment. He has also provided engineering recommendations for numerous railroads, both freight and passenger.
Since 1992, Dr. Jennings has conducted workshops on various regulations enforced by the Federal Railroad Administration, including a five-day workshop on the Railroad Track Inspection and Safety Standards (49 CFR, Part 213). During this time, more than 400 railroads and private rail operators have attended these workshops. He has also provided legal consultation on a number of cases involving railroad operations and engineering, including the first “feeder line” clause case, a case settled by the U.S. Supreme Court.
He has presented at several industry conferences, and has written a number of books and articles on the railroad industry. Dr. Jennings has also managed four week-long railroad conventions and has chartered and managed passenger trains in more than 25 states. He remains an active participant in both the professional railroad industry, as well as the railroad tourism industry.
AGENDA
The workshop begins each day at 8:00am. Activities on days 1-4 end no later than 5:00pm; day 5 will be completed by 11:00am.
Day 1
Introduction and overview
Part 213 Subpart A-General
Part 213 Subpart B-Roadbed
Part 213 Subpart C-Track Geometry
Day 2
Part 213 Subpart C-Track Geometry (cont.)
Part 213 Subpart D-Track Structure
Field Exercises – Geometry Measurement
Day 3
Part 213 Subpart D-Track Structure (cont.)
Part 213 Subpart E-Track Appliances
Part 213 Subpart F-Inspection
Day 4
The Inspection Process
Field Inspection and Review
Day 5
Review and Conclusion
REGISTRATION
The course registration of $1,025 includes course materials. Registration fees must be received to guarantee your place in the class. Attendees are responsible for meals and lodging. Registrants will be provided information on available lodging in the course vicinity.