Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 106 Part 2.djvu/99

 PUBLIC LAW 102-365 —SEPT. 3, 1992 106 STAT. 979 adopted by the Association of American Railroads in 1989, in improving the safety of locomotive cabs; and "(B) the extent to which environmental, sanitary, and other working conditions in locomotive cabs affect productivity, health, and the safe operation of locomotives. "(2) In support of the proceeding required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall conduct research and analysis, including computer modeling and full-scale crash testing, as appropriate, to consider— "(A) the costs and benefits associated with equipping locomotives with— "(i) braced collision posts; "(ii) rollover protection devices; " (iii) deflection plates; "(iv) shatterproof windows; "(v) readily accessible crash refuges; "(vi) uniform sill heights; "(vii) anticlimbers, or other equipment designed to prevent overrides resulting from head-on locomotive collisions; "(viii) equipment to deter post-collision entry of flammable liquids into locomotive cabs; "(ix) any other devices intended to provide crash protection for occupants of locomotive cabs; and "(x) functioning and regularly maintained sanitary facilities; and "(B) the effects on train crews of the presence of asbestos in locomotive components. "(3) If on the basis of the proceeding required under paragraph (1) the Secretary determines not to prescribe regulations, the Secretary shall report to Congress on the reasons for that determination.". SEC. 11. RAILROAD RADIO COMMUNICATIONS. 45 USC 431 note. (a) SAFETY INQUIRY. —The Secretary shall, within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act and in consultation with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, freight and commuter railroads, rsdl equipment manufacturers, and railroad employees, conduct a safety inquiry regarding the Department of Transportation's railroad radio standards and procedures. At a minimum, such inquiry shall include assessment of— (1) the advantages and disadvantages of requiring that every locomotive (and every caboose, where applicable) be equipped with a railroad voice communications system capable of permitting a person in the locomotive (or caboose) to engage in clear two-way communications with persons on following and leading trains and with train dispatchers located at railroad stations; (2) a requirement that replacement radios be made available at intermediate terminals; (3) the effectiveness of radios in ensuring timely emergency response; (4) the effect of interference and other disruptions of radio communications on safe railroad operation; (5) how advanced communications technologies such as digital radio can be implemented to best enhance the safety of railroad operations;

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