U. S. D e p art m e nt 

of Tr a n s p ort ati o n

F e d er al R ailr o a d

A d mi ni str ati o n

Pr e p ar e d b y

U. S. D e p art m e nt of Tr a n s p ort ati o n

J o h n A. V ol p e N ati o n al Tr a n s p ort ati o n S y st e m s C e nt er

E n vir o n m e nt al M e a s ur e m e nt a n d M o d eli n g Di vi si o n

5 5 Br o a d w a y

C a m bri d g e, M A 0 2 1 4 2

Pr e p ar e d f or

U. S. D e p art m e nt of Tr a n s p ort ati o n

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n

Offi c e of S af et y

1 2 0 0 N e w J er s e y A v e n u e, S E

W a s hi n gt o n, D. C. 2 0 5 9 0

H a n d b o o k f or R ailr o a d N oi s e

M e a s ur e m e nt a n d A n al y si s

O ct o b er 2 0 0 9
 R E P O R T D O C U M E N T A TI O N P A G E F or m A p pr o v e d 

 O M B N o. 0 7 0 4 -0 1 8 8

P u b l i c r e p o r t i n g b u r d e n f o r t h i s c o l l e c t i o n o f i n f o r m a t i o n i s e s t i m a t e d t o a v e r a g e 1 h o u r p e r r e s p o n s e , i n c l u d i n g t h e t i m e f o r r e v i e w i n g 

i n s t r u c t i o n s , s e a r c h i n g e x i s t i n g d a t a s o u r c e s , g a t h e r i n g a n d m a i n t a i n i n g t h e d a t a n e e d e d , a n d c o m p l e t i n g a n d r e v i e w i n g t h e c o l l e c t i o n o f 

i n f o r m a t i o n . S e n d c o m m e n t s r e g a r d i n g t h i s b u r d e n e s t i m a t e o r a n y o t h e r a s p e c t o f t h i s c o l l e c t i o n o f i n f o r m a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g s u g g e s t i o n s 

f o r r e d u c i n g t h i s b u r d e n , t o W a s h i n g t o n H e a d q u a r t e r s S e r v i c e s , D i r e c t o r a t e f o r i n f o r m a t i o n O p e r a t i o n s a n d R e p o r t s , 1 2 1 5 J e f f e r s o n D a v i s H i g h w a y , 

S u i t e 1 2 0 4 , A r l i n g t o n , V A 2 2 2 0 2 - 4 3 0 2 , a n d t o t h e O f f i c e o f M a n a g e m e n t a n d B u d g e t , P a p e r w o r k R e d u c t i o n P r o j e c t ( 0 7 0 4 - 0 1 8 8 ) , W a s h i n g t o n , D C 2 0 5 0 3 .

1 . A G E N C Y U S E O N L Y ( L e a v e b l a n k ) 2 . R E P O R T D A T E

 O c t o b e r 2 0 0 9 

3 . R E P O R T T Y P E A N D D A T E S C O V E R E D

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 1 t h r u O c t . 2 0 0 9 

4 . T I T L E A N D S U B T I T L E 

H a n d b o o k f o r R a i l r o a d N o i s e M e a s u r e m e n t a n d A n a l y s i s 5 . F U N D I N G N U M B E R S

6 . A U T H O R ( S ) R R 9 3 B 1 F G 3 9 9 

E r i c R . B o e k e r , G r e g g F l e m i n g , A m a n d a S . R a p o z a , G i n a 

B a r b e r i o 

7 . P E R F O R M I N G O R G A N I Z A T I O N N A M E S A N D A D D R E S S E S 

U . S . D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n 

 R e s e a r c h a n d I n n o v a t i v e T e c h n o l o g y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n 

 J o h n A . V o l p e N a t i o n a l T r a n s p o r t a t i o n S y s t e m s C e n t e r 

 A c o u s t i c s F a c i l i t y , R V T - 4 1 

 K e n d a l l S q u a r e 

 C a m b r i d g e , M A 0 2 1 4 2 - 1 0 9 3 

8 . P E R F O R M I N G O R G A N I Z A T I O N 

 R E P O R T N U M B E R

D O T - V N T S C - F R A - 1 0 - 0 1 

9 . S P O N S O R I N G / M O N I T O R I N G A G E N C Y N A M E S A N D A D D R E S S 

U . S . D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n 

 F e d e r a l R a i l r o a d A d m i n i s t r a t i o n 

 O f f i c e o f S a f e t y 

 W a s h i n g t o n , D C 2 0 5 9 0 

1 0 . S P O N S O R I N G / M O N I T O R I N G 

 A G E N C Y R E P O R T N U M B E R

D O T / F R A / R R S - 0 9 / 1 0 - I H 

1 1 . S U P P L E M E N T A R Y N O T E S

1 2 a . D I S T R I B U T I O N / A V A I L A B I L I T Y S T A T E M E N T 1 2 b . D I S T R I B U T I O N C O D E 

1 3 . A B S T R A C T ( M a x i m u m 2 0 0 w o r d s )

T h i s h a n d b o o k i s a n u p d a t e , r e s t r u c t u r i n g a n d e x p a n s i o n o f t h e 1 9 8 2 d o c u m e n t “ H a n d b o o k f o r t h e M e a s u r e m e n t , 

A n a l y s i s , a n d A b a t e m e n t o f R a i l r o a d N o i s e ” o r i g i n a l l y d e v e l o p e d b y W y l e L a b o r a t o r i e s . 

T h e h a n d b o o k i s i n t e n d e d a s g u i d a n c e f o r t h o s e c o n d u c t i n g s o u n d l e v e l m e a s u r e m e n t s f o r r a i l r o a d r e g u l a t o r y 

c o m p l i a n c e u n d e r 4 0 C F R P a r t 2 0 1 a n d 4 9 C F R P a r t s 2 1 0 , 2 2 2 , 2 2 7 , 2 2 8 , a n d 2 2 9 . S p e c i f i c a l l y , i t a d d r e s s e s 1 ) 

n o i s e g e n e r a t e d b y l o c o m o t i v e s a n d r a i l - c a r s d u r i n g l i n e h a u l o p e r a t i o n s , 2 ) n o i s e g e n e r a t e d b y y a r d 

o p e r a t i o n s f r o m s t a t i o n a r y l o c o m o t i v e s , l o c o m o t i v e s w i t c h i n g , c a r - c o u p l i n g i m p a c t s , r e t a r d e r s , a n d l o a d c e l l 

t e s t s t a n d s , 3 ) l o c o m o t i v e h o r n s o u n d l e v e l s , 4 ) n o i s e l e v e l s i n s i d e l o c o m o t i v e c a b s , 5 ) n o i s e l e v e l s 

i n s i d e e m p l o y e e s l e e p i n g q u a r t e r s , a n d 6 ) t r a i n e m p l o y e e o c c u p a t i o n a l n o i s e e x p o s u r e . I t c o n t a i n s a h i s t o r y 

o f t h e s e r e g u l a t i o n s , a g e n e r a l p r o c e d u r e f o r c o n d u c t i n g a n o i s e m e a s u r e m e n t o r n o i s e e x p o s u r e m o n i t o r i n g 

p r o g r a m a n d r e g u l a t i o n - s p e c i f i c m e a s u r e m e n t a n d d a t a a n a l y s i s p r o c e d u r e s a n d g u i d a n c e f o r e a c h t y p e o f 

c o m p l i a n c e , i n c l u d i n g p l a n n i n g r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s a n d m e a s u r e m e n t e q u i p m e n t . I t a l s o c o n t a i n s e x a m p l e f o r m s 

a n d l o g s h e e t s t o h e l p f a c i l i t a t e t h e d o c u m e n t a t i o n o f e a c h m e a s u r e m e n t . T h e s e g e n e r a l p r o c e d u r e s c a n b e 

e a s i l y a d a p t e d t o e f f e c t i v e l y m e a s u r e m o s t t y p e s o f r a i l r o a d - g e n e r a t e d n o i s e . 

1 4 . S U B J E C T T E R M S 

R a i l r o a d N o i s e , n o i s e m e a s u r e m e n t , n o i s e e x p o s u r e m o n i t o r i n g , n o i s e 

a n a l y s i s , l o c o m o t i v e , r a i l c a r , s w i t c h e r l o c o m o t i v e , c a r - c o u p l i n g , 

r e t a r d e r , l o a d c e l l t e s t s t a n d , h o r n , e m p l o y e e n o i s e e x p o s u r e , s l e e p i n g 

q u a r t e r s , l o c o m o t i v e c a b , s o u n d l e v e l m e t e r , d o s i m e t e r , F R A p o l i c y , 

r e g u l a t o r y c o m p l i a n c e .

1 5 . N U M B E R O F P A G E S 

 2 7 7 

1 6 . P R I C E C O D E 

1 7 . S E C U R I T Y 

C L A S S I F I C A T I O N 

 O F R E P O R T 

 U n c l a s s i f i e d 

1 8 . S E C U R I T Y 

C L A S S I F I C A T I O N 

 O F T H I S P A G E 

 U n c l a s s i f i e d 

1 9 . S E C U R I T Y 

C L A S S I F I C A T I O N 

 O F A B S T R A C T 

 U n c l a s s i f i e d 

2 0 . L I M I T A T I O N O F 

A B S T R A C T 

N S N 7 5 4 0 - 0 1 - 2 8 0 - 5 5 0 S t a n d a r d F o r m 2 9 8 ( R e v . 2 - 8 9 ) 

P r e s c r i b e d b y A N S I S t d . 2 3 9 - 1 8 

2 9 8 - 1 0 2
M E T RI C/ E N G LI S H C O N V E R SI O N F A C T O R S 

E N G LI S H T O M E T RI C M E T RI C T O E N G LI S H

L E N G T H ( A P P R O XI M A T E) L E N G T H ( A P P R O XI M A T E) 

1 i n c h (i n) = 2. 5 c e nti m et er s ( c m) 1 milli m et er ( m m) = 0. 0 4 i n c h (i n) 

1 f o ot (ft) = 3 0 c e nti m et er s ( c m) 1 c e nti m et er ( c m) = 0. 4 i n c h (i n) 

1 y ar d ( y d) = 0. 9 m et er ( m) 1 m et er ( m) = 3. 3 f e et (ft) 

1 mil e ( mi) = 1. 6 kil o m et er s ( k m) 1 m et er ( m) = 1. 1 y ar d s ( y d) 

 1 kil o m et er ( k m) = 0. 6 mil e ( mi) 

A R E A ( A P P R O XI M A T E) A R E A ( A P P R O XI M A T E) 

1 s q u ar e i n c h ( s q i n, i n ) = 6. 5 s q u ar e c e nti m et er s 

( c m ) 

1 s q u ar e c e nti m et er ( c m ) = 0. 1 6 s q u ar e i n c h ( s q i n, 

i n ) 

1 s q u ar e f o ot ( s q ft, ft ) = 0. 0 9 s q u ar e m et er ( m ) 1 s q u ar e m et er ( m ) = 1. 2 s q u ar e y ar d s ( s q y d, 

y d ) 

1 s q u ar e y ar d ( s q y d, y d ) = 0. 8 s q u ar e m et er ( m ) 1 s q u ar e kil o m et er ( k m ) = 0. 4 s q u ar e mil e ( s q mi, 

mi ) 

1 s q u ar e mil e ( s q mi, mi ) = 2. 6 s q u ar e kil o m et er s 

( k m ) 

1 0, 0 0 0 s q u ar e m et er s ( m ) = 1 h e ct ar e ( h a) = 2. 5 a cr e s 

1 a cr e = 0. 4 h e ct ar e ( h e) = 4, 0 0 0 s q u ar e m et er s ( m ) 

M A S S - W EI G H T ( A P P R O XI M A T E) M A S S - W EI G H T ( A P P R O XI M A T E) 

1 o u n c e ( o z) = 2 8 gr a m s ( g m) 1 gr a m ( g m) = 0. 0 3 6 o u n c e ( o z) 

1 p o u n d (l b) = 0. 4 5 kil o gr a m ( k g) 1 kil o gr a m ( k g) = 2. 2 p o u n d s (l b) 

1 s h ort t o n = 2, 0 0 0 

p o u n d s (l b) 

= 0. 9 t o n n e (t) 1 t o n n e (t) = 

= 

1, 0 0 0 kil o gr a m s ( k g) 

1. 1 s h ort t o n s 

V O L U M E ( A P P R O XI M A T E) V O L U M E ( A P P R O XI M A T E) 

1 t e a s p o o n (t s p) = 5 millilit er s ( ml) 1 millilit er ( ml) = 0. 0 3 fl ui d o u n c e (fl o z) 

1 t a bl e s p o o n (t b s p) = 1 5 millilit er s ( ml) 1 lit er (l) = 2. 1 pi nt s ( pt) 

1 fl ui d o u n c e (fl o z) = 3 0 millilit er s ( ml) 1 lit er (l) = 1. 0 6 q u art s ( qt) 

1 c u p ( c) = 0. 2 4 lit er (l) 1 lit er (l) = 0. 2 6 g all o n ( g al) 

1 pi nt ( pt) = 0. 4 7 lit er (l) 

 1 q u art ( qt) = 0. 9 6 lit er (l) 

1 g all o n ( g al) = 3. 8 lit er s (l) 

1 c u bi c f o ot ( c u ft, ft ) = 0. 0 3 c u bi c m et er ( m ) 1 c u bi c m et er ( m ) = 3 6 c u bi c f e et ( c u ft, ft ) 

1 c u bi c y ar d ( c u y d, y d ) = 0. 7 6 c u bi c m et er ( m ) 1 c u bi c m et er ( m ) = 1. 3 c u bi c y ar d s ( c u y d, 

y d ) 

T E M P E R A T U R E ( E X A C T) T E M P E R A T U R E ( E X A C T) 

[( x-3 2)( 5/ 9)] °F = y °C [( 9/ 5) y + 3 2] °C = x °F 

Q UI C K I N C H - C E N TI M E T E R L E N G T H C O N V E R SI O N

I n c h e s

C e nti m et er s 0 1 1 11 0987 1 31 2

Q UI C K F A H R E N H EI T - C E L SI U S T E M P E R A T U R E C O N V E R SI O

 - 4 0° - 2 2° - 4° 1 4° 3 2° 5 0° 6 8° 8 6° 1 0 4° 1 2 2° 1 4 0° 1 5 8° 1 7 6° 1 9 4° 2 1 2°

 

° F

 ° C - 4 0° - 3 0° - 2 0° - 1 0° 0° 1 0° 2 0° 3 0° 4 0° 5 0° 6 0° 7 0° 8 0° 9 0° 1 0 0°

 F or m or e e x a ct a n d or ot h er c o n v er si o n f a ct or s, s e e NI S T Mi s c ell a n e o u s P u bli c ati o n 2 8 6, U nit s of W ei g ht s a n d 

M e a s ur e s. Pri c e $ 2. 5 0 S D C at al o g N o. C 1 3 1 0 2 8 6 U p d at e d 6/ 1 7/ 9 8
ii 

1 I ntr o d ucti o n ..................................................................................................................................................... 1

T a ble of C o nte nts 

1. 1 De vel o p me nt of t he Ha n d b o o k ................................................................................................................... 1 

1. 2 Or ga nizati o n ............................................................................................................................................... 1 

1. 3 Hist or y a n d Brief S u m mar y of Railr oa d N oise Re g ulati o ns ....................................................................... 2 

2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Meas ure me nts ......................................................................................................... 7 

2. 1 Safet y C o nsi derati o ns ................................................................................................................................. 7 

2. 2 Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nts ........................................................................................................................... 8 

2. 2. 1 N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nts ........................................................................................................... 9 

2. 2. 2 Mete or ol o gical I nstr u me nts ................................................................................................................. 1 2 

2. 2. 3 A d diti o nal E q ui p me nt .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 

2. 3 Pr oce d ure f or N oise Meas ure me nt ........................................................................................................... 1 2 

2. 3. 1 N oise Meas u re me nt A d va nce Pla n ni n g ............................................................................................... 1 2 

2. 3. 2 S pecific Meas ure me nt Site Selecti o n .................................................................................................. 1 3 

2. 3. 3 Fiel d Pr oce d ure f or N oise Meas ure me nts ............................................................................................ 1 6 

2. 4 Pr oce d ure f or P ers o nal M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u pati o nal N oise E x p os ure ............................... 1 9 

2. 4. 1 P ers o nal M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u pat i o nal N oise E x p os ure - A d va nce Pla n ni n g ................. 2 0 

2. 4. 2 P ers o nal M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u pati o nal N oise E x p os ure - Fiel d Pr oce d ure ..................... 2 0 

2. 5 D oc u me ntati o n ......................................................................................................................................... 2 2 

3 Re g ulati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui da nce: Li ne -H a ul O perati o ns ................................................ 2 9 

3. 1 Meas ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p ..................................................................................................... 3 0 

3. 2 N oise Mea s ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs .................................................................................................. 3 1 

3. 3 N oise Meas ure me nt Pr oce d ure ................................................................................................................. 3 1 

3. 4 D oc u me ntati o n ......................................................................................................................................... 3 2 

3. 5 Pr oce d ure f or Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nc e ................................................................ 3 4 

3. 6 E xa m ple of Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce ................................................................... 3 4 

3. 7 Re prese ntati ve S o u n d Le vel D ata ............................................................................................................. 3 5 

4 Re g ulati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui da nce: Yar d O perati o ns ........................................................ 3 7 

4. 1 Fi x e d -Site Si deli ne Meas ure me nts: Stati o nar y L oc o m oti ves a n d L oa d Cell T est Sta n ds ....................... 4 1

4. 1 . 1 M eas ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p ................................................................................................ 4 1 

4. 1. 2 N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs ............................................................................................. 4 2 

4. 1. 3 N oise Meas ure me nt Pr oce d ure ............................................................................................................ 4 2 

4. 1. 4 D oc u me ntati o n .................................................................................................................................... 4 3 

4. 1. 5 Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce .................................................................................. 4 5 

4. 1. 6 E xa m ple of Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce ............................................................... 4 5 

4. 2 Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Meas ure me nts: Stati o nar y S witc her L oc o m oti ves a n d L oa d Cell T est Sta n ds ......... 4 6 

4. 2. 1 Meas ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p ................................................................................................ 4 6 

4. 2. 2 N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs ............................................................................................. 4 7 

4. 2. 3 N oise Meas ure me nt Pr oce d ure ............................................................................................................ 4 8 

4. 2. 4 D oc u me ntati o n .................................................................................................................................... 4 9 

4. 2. 5 Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val u ati o n f or C o m plia nce ................................................................................. 5 2 

4. 2. 6 E xa m ple of Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce ............................................................... 5 3 

4. 3 Car -C o u pli n g a n d Retar ders: Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Meas ure me nts ........................................................... 5 4 

4. 3. 1 Meas ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p ................................................................................................ 5 4 

4. 3. 2 N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs ............................................................................................. 5 5 

4. 3. 3 N oise Meas ure me nt Pr oce d ure ............................................................................................................ 5 5 

4. 3. 4 D oc u me ntati o n .................................................................................................................................... 5 7 

4. 3. 5 Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce .................................................................................. 5 8 

4. 3. 6 E xa m ple Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce ................................................................... 6 0 

5 Re g ulati o n -S pecific Meas ure me nt G ui da nce: A u di ble W ar ni n g De vices, L oc o m oti ve Ca b I nteri or, a n d 

E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q uarters ......................................................................................................................... 6 1 

5. 1 A u di ble W ar ni n g De vices ........................................................................................................................ 6 1 

5. 1. 1 Meas ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p ................................................................................................ 6 2 

5. 1. 2 N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs ............................................................................................. 6 3 

5. 1. 3 N oi se Meas ure me nt Pr oce d ure ............................................................................................................ 6 3 
iii 

5. 1. 4 D oc u me ntati o n .................................................................................................................................... 6 4 

5. 1. 5 Pr oce d ure f or Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nc e ........................................................... 6 6 

5. 1. 6 E xa m ple Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce ................................................................... 6 7 

5. 2 L oc o m oti ve Static I n -Ca b N oise Meas ure me nts ...................................................................................... 6 7 

5. 2. 1 Meas ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p ................................................................................................ 6 8 

5. 2. 2 N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs ............................................................................................. 6 9 

5. 2. 3 N oise Meas ure me nt Pr oce d ure ............................................................................................................ 7 0 

5. 2. 4 D oc u me ntati o n .................................................................................................................................... 7 0 

5. 2. 5 Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uat i o n of C o m plia nce .................................................................................. 7 2 

5. 2. 6 E xa m ple Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce ................................................................... 7 3 

5. 3 Railr oa d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q uarters ...................................................................................................... 7 3 

5. 3. 1 Meas ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p ................................................................................................ 7 4 

5. 3. 2 N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs ............................................................................................. 7 4 

5. 3. 3 N oise Meas ure me nt Pr oce d ure ............................................................................................................ 7 5 

5. 3. 4 D oc u me ntati o n .................................................................................................................................... 7 5 

5. 3. 5 Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce .................................................................................. 7 7 

5. 3. 6 E xa m ple Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce ................................................................... 7 7 

6 P ers o nal M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u pati o nal N oise E x p os ure ........................................................... 7 9 

6. 1 N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs .................................................................................................. 8 0 

6. 2 N oise M o nit ori n g Pr oce d ure .................................................................................................................... 8 0 

6. 3 D oc u me ntati o n ......................................................................................................................................... 8 1 

6. 4 Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce ....................................................................................... 8 3 

6. 5 E xa m ple Data Pr ocessi n g a n d E val uati o n of C o m plia nce ........................................................................ 8 4 

7 Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts .......................................................................................................................... 8 5 

7. 1 S o u n d W a ves a n d Press ure ....................................................................................................................... 8 5 

7. 2 S o u n d Press ure Le vels a n d L o garit h mic Mat he matics ............................................................................. 8 7 

7. 3 S pectral Re prese ntati o n of S o u n d ............................................................................................................. 8 9 

7. 4 W ei g hte d S o u n d Le vels ............................................................................................................................ 9 1 

7. 5 S o u n d Le vel Descri pt ors .......................................................................................................................... 9 3 

8 A d diti o nal T o pics .......................................................................................................................................... 9 5 

8. 1 O pti o nal Ac o ustic Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt C o m p o ne nts ....................................................................... 9 5 

8. 2 Healt h Effects of N oise ............................................................................................................................. 9 7 

8. 3 N oise A bate me nt .................................................................................................................................... 1 0 0 

8. 3. 1 S o urce C o ntr ols ................................................................................................................................. 1 0 1 

8. 3. 2 Pr o pa gati o n P at h C o ntr ols ................................................................................................................. 1 0 2 

8. 3. 3 Recei ver C o ntr ols .............................................................................................................................. 1 0 4 

A p pe n di x A: Gl ossar y .............................................................................................................................................. 1 0 5 

A p pe n di x B: Bla n k L o g S heets a n d C hec klists ........................................................................................................ 1 1 5 

A p pe n di x C: Data A nal ysis C alc ulati o ns a n d E xa m ples .......................................................................................... 1 4 1 

A p pe n di x D: Railr oa d N oise Re g ulati o ns ................................................................................................................ 1 5 1 

A p pe n di x E: Refere nces ........................................................................................................................................... 2 6 6 
i v 

List of Fi g u res 

Fi g ur e 1. T y pical N oise Meas ur e m e nt I nstr u m e nt .................................................................................................. 9 

Fi g ur e 2. Mi cr o p h o n e I n ci d e n ce ........................................................................................................................... 1 0 

Fi g ur e 3. T est sit e r e q uir e m e nts: Si d eli n e Meas ur e m e nt Sit e Crit eria - Li n e Ha ul Pass -B y ( L oc o m oti ves a n d Rail 

Cars), Yar d O p er ati o ns a n d L oc o m oti v e H or ns .................................................................................. 1 4 

Fi g ur e 4. T est Sit e Re q uir e m e nts: Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Meas ur e m e nt Sit e Crit eria ................................................. 1 5 

Fi g ur e 5. Heari n g Z o n e f or Mi cr o p h o n e Pla ce m e nt .............................................................................................. 2 2 

Fi g ur e 6. Ge n er al N oise Meas ur e m e nt Dat a L o g S h eet ......................................................................................... 2 4 

Fi g ur e 7. Ge n er al Occ u pati o nal N oise E x p os ur e M o nit ori n g Dat a L o g S h eet ........................................................ 2 5 

Fi g ur e 8. Ge n er al Meas ur e m e nt Sit e Ge o m etr y a n d Met e or ol o gi cal C o n diti o ns L o g S h eet .................................... 2 6 

Fi g u r e 9. Ge n er al Recei vi n g Pr o pert y N oise Meas ur e m e nt L o g S h eet ................................................................... 2 7 

Fi g ur e 1 0. Cl ear Z o n e f or Si deli n e Meas ur e m e nts a n d Ra di us of C ur vat ur e of Railr oa d Tr a c k .............................. 3 0 

Fi g ur e 1 1. Sa m pl e L o g S h eet f or M o vi n g L oc o m oti ve a n d/ or Rail Car N oise Meas ur e m e nts ................................ 3 3 

Fi g ur e 1 2. Fi xe d -Sit e Si deli n e Cl ear Z o n e ............................................................................................................ 4 2 

Fi g ur e 1 3. Sa m pl e L o g S h eet f or Si deli n e Meas ur e m e nts of St ati o n ar y or Stati o nar y S wit c h er L oc o m oti ves, or L oa d 

Cell T est Sta n ds ............................................................................................................................. 4 4 

Fi g ur e 1 4. Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Sit e Re q uir e m e nts ................................................................................................. 4 7 

Fi g ur e 1 5. Sa m pl e Data L o g S h eet f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y S wit c h er L oc o m oti ve N oise Meas ur e m e nts ................. 5 0 

Fi g ur e 1 6. Sa m pl e Rec ei vi n g Pr o pert y N oise Meas ur e m e nt L o g S h eet ................................................................. 5 1 

Fi g ur e 1 7. Recei vi n g Pr o p ert y Sit e Re q uir e m e nts ................................................................................................. 5 5 

Fi g ur e 1 8. Sa m pl e Data L o g S h eet f or Car -C o u pli n g I m pa ct N oise Meas ur e m e nts ............................................... 5 7 

Fi g ur e 1 9. L A F m x f or a Car-C o u pli n g E ve nt Wit hi n a 3 0 -Sec o n d Wi n d o w of C o nti n u o us N oise Dat a ..................... 5 8 

Fi g ur e 2 0. L A F m x f or M ulti pl e Ret ar d er N oise E ve nts i n C o nti n u o us N oise Dat a .................................................... 5 9 

Fi g ur e 2 1. Part 2 2 9 ( A u di bl e War ni n g De vi ce) Re q uir e d Meas ur e m e nt Cl ear Z o n e .............................................. 6 2 

Fi g ur e 2 2. Sa m pl e Data L o g S h eet f or L oc o m oti ve H or n N oise Meas ur e m e nts ..................................................... 6 5 

Fi g ur e 2 3. Meas ur e m e nt Sit e f or L oc o m oti ve I n -Ca b N oise Meas ur e m e nts .......................................................... 6 8 

Fi g ur e 2 4. Mi cr o p h o n e L ocati o ns I nsi de t h e L oc o m oti ve Ca b f or I n -Ca b N oise Meas ur e m e nts. ............................ 6 9 

Fi g ur e 2 5. Mi cr o p h o n e Hei g hts I nsi de a L oc o m oti ve Ca b f or I n -Ca b N oise Meas ur e m e nts. .................................. 6 9 

Fi g ur e 2 6. Sa m pl e Data L o g S h eet f or L oc o m oti ve Ca b N oise Meas ur e m e nts ...................................................... 7 1 

Fi g ur e 2 7. Sa m ple N oise M o nit ori n g Dat a L o g S h eet f or Railr oa d E m pl o ye e Sl ee pi n g Q u art ers ........................... 7 6 

Fi g ur e 2 8. Sa m pl e Pers o nal M o nit ori n g f or Det er mi ni n g Occ u pati o n al N oise E x p os ur e Dat a L o g S h eet ............... 8 2 

Fi g ur e 2 9. E x pa n di n g S o u n d Wa ves ..................................................................................................................... 8 5 

Fi g ur e 3 0. Si n e Wa ve Re pr ese nt ati o n of a S o u n d Wa ve ........................................................................................ 8 6 

Fi g ur e 3 1. Sa m pl e Fr e q ue n c y S pe ctr u m (i n O n e -T hir d Octa ve -ba n ds) .................................................................. 9 0 

Fi g ur e 3 2. A -, B-, a n d C-Wei g hti n g C ur ves ......................................................................................................... 9 2 

Fi g ur e 3 3. N oise Le vel Effects o n S peec h I nt erfer e n ce ....................................................................................... 1 0 0 
v 

List of T a bles 

T a ble 1. Re g ulati o ns G o ver ni n g Railr oa d N oise E missi o ns ......................................................................................... 4

T a ble 2. I nstr u me nts Re q uire d f or F R A C o m plia nce Meas ure me nt b y T y pe .............................................................. 8

T a ble 3. S u m mar y of Li ne -H a ul Meas ure me nt Re g ulat or y Re q uire me nts ................................................................. 2 9

T a ble 4. S u m mar y of N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Li ne -Ha ul P ass -B y Me as ure me nts .................... 3 1

T a ble 5. S u m mar y of Yar d O perati o n Re g ulat or y Re q uire me nts ............................................................................... 3 8

T a ble 6. S u m mar y of N oise Mea usre me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Fi xe d -Site Rail Yar d O perati o ns ....................... 4 2

T a ble 7. S u m mar y of N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y M eas ure me nts .................... 4 7

T a ble 8. S u m mar y of N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y M eas ure me nts .................... 5 5

T a ble 9. A dj ust me nt t o L a ve ma x t o O btai n La dj a ve ma x f or Retar ders a n d Car-C o u pli n g I m pacts ................................... 5 9

T a ble 1 0. S u m mar y of Re g ul at or y Re q uire me nts: A u di ble W ar ni n g De vices, L oc o m oti ve Ca b I nteri or, a n d 

E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q uarters ..................................................................................................................... 6 1

T a ble 1 1. S u m mar y of N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or A u di ble W ar ni n g De vi ce Meas ure me nts ......... 6 3

T a ble 1 2. S u m mar y of N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or L oc o m oti ve Ca b N ois e Meas ure me nts ............ 6 9

T a ble 1 3. S u m mar y of N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Slee pi n g Q uarters Meas ure me nts .................... 7 5

T a ble 1 4. P er mitte d S o u n d Le vel D urati o ns ............................................................................................................... 7 9

T a ble 1 5. S u m mar y of N oise Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Occ u pati o nal N oise E x p os ure M o nit ori n g ...... 8 0

T a ble 1 6. Relati o ns hi p B et we e n A p pr o xi mate C ha n ge i n S o u n d Press ure Le vel a n d P ercei ve d C ha n ge i n L o u d ness

 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 7

T a ble 1 7. C o m paris o n B et we e n S o u n d Press ure Le vels of T y pical S o u n d S o urces .................................................. 8 8

T a ble 1 8. Octa ve a n d O ne -T hir d Octa ve -ba n d Fre q ue ncies ....................................................................................... 9 1

T a ble 1 9. A, B a n d C Fre q ue nc y -W ei g hti n g A d j ust me nts ......................................................................................... 9 3

T a ble 2 0. C o m paris o n of Di gital a n d A nal o g Rec or ders ............................................................................................. 9 5

T a ble 2 1. Micr o p h o ne I nf or mati o n .............................................................................................................................. 9 7

T a ble 2 2. A p plicati o n of A -W ei g hti n g t o U n -W ei g hte d Octa ve N oise Data ............................................................ 1 4 3
vi 

C hec klist 1. N oise Meas ure me nt A d va nce Pla n ni n g .............................................................................................. 1 3 

List of C hec klists 

C hec klist 1 . B asic Pr oce d ure f or N oise Meas ure me nts .......................................................................................... 1 6 

C hec klist 2 . P ers o nal M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u pati o nal E x p os ure – A d va nce Pla n ni n g ......................... 2 0 

C hec klist 3 . B asic Pr oce d ure f or N oise E x p os ure M o nit ori n g ............................................................................... 2 1 

C hec klist B-1. Meas ure me nt E q ui p me nt .............................................................................................................. 1 2 1 

C hec klist B -2. N oise Meas ure me nt A d va nce Pla n ni n g ........................................................................................ 1 2 2 

C hec klist B -3. B asic Pr oc e d ure f or N oise Meas ure me nts .................................................................................... 1 2 3 

C hec klist B -4a. Pr oce d ure f or Li ne -Ha ul Meas ure me nts ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 2 a n d 2 0 1. 1 3) ................................. 1 2 4 

C hec klist B -4 b. Data Pr ocessi n g f or Li ne -Ha ul Meas ure me nts ............................................................................ 1 2 5 

C hec klist B -5a. Pr oce d ure f or Fi xe d -Site Si deli ne Meas ure me nts: 

St ati o nar y L oc o m oti ves a n d L oa d Cell T est Sta n ds 

( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 1 a n d 2 0 1. 1 6) ............................................................................................... 1 2 6 

C hec klist B -5 b. Data Pr ocessi n g f or Fi xe d -Site Si deli ne Me as ure me nts: 

Stati o nar y L oc o m oti v es a n d L oa d Cell T est Sta n ds ................................................................... 1 2 7 

C hec klist B -6a. Pr oce d ure f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Meas ure me nts: 

S witc her L oc o m oti ves a n d L o a d Cell T est Sta n ds 

( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 1, 2 0 1. 1 2, 2 0 1. 1 6, a n d 2 0 1. 2 7) .................................................................... 1 2 8 

C hec klist B -6 b. Data Pr ocessi n g f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Me as ure me nts: 

S witc her L oc o m oti ves a n d L o a d Cell T est St a n ds .................................................................... 1 2 9 

C hec klist B -7a. Pr oce d ure f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Meas ure me nts: 

Car C o u pli n g a n d Retar ders ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 4 a n d 2 0 1. 1 5) ................................................ 1 3 0 

C hec klist B -7 b. Data Pr ocessi n g f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Me as ure me nts: 

Car C o u pli n g a n d Retar ders ...................................................................................................... 1 3 1 

C hec klist B -8a. Pr oce d ure f or A u di ble W ar ni n g De vice Meas ure me nts: 

L oc o m oti ve H or n a n d W a ysi de H or n 

( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 9 a n d P art 2 2 2 A p pe n di x E) ..................................................................... 1 3 2 

C hec klist B -8 b. Data Pr ocessi n g f or A u di ble W ar ni n g De vic e Meas ure me nts ..................................................... 1 3 3 

C hec klist B -9a. Pr oce d ure f or L oc o m oti ve I n -Ca b Static N oise Meas ure me nts 

( 4 9 C F R 2 2 9. 1 2 1) ..................................................................................................................... 1 3 4 

C hec klist B -9 b. Data Pr ocessi n g f or L oc o m oti ve I n - Ca b Static N oise Meas ure me nts ......................................... 1 3 5 

C hec klist B -1 0a. Pr oce d ure f or E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q uarters Meas ure me nts 

( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8) ...................................................................................................................... 1 3 6 

C hec klist B -1 0 b. Data Pr ocessi n g f or E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q uarters Meas ure me nts ............................................. 1 3 7 

C hec klist B -1 1a. Pr oce d ure f or P ers o nal M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g 

Occ u pati o n al E x p os ure ( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7) ................................................................................ 1 3 8 

C hec klist B -1 1 b. Data Pr ocessi n g f or P ers o nal M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g 

Occ u pati o nal E x p os ur e ( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7) ................................................................................ 1 3 9 
vii 

T his pa ge left i nte nti o nall y bla n k 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 1 I ntr o d ucti o n 

1 

1 I ntr o d ucti o n 

T his Ha n d b o o k is a n u p date of t he 1 9 8 2 d oc u me nt “ Ha n d b o o k f or t he Meas ure me nt, A nal ysis, a n d A bate me nt of 

Railr oa d N oise”

T his Ha n d b o o k d oes n ot c o ver t he meas ure me nt or assess me nt of tra nsit rail or hi g h -s pee d rail n oise. Assess me nt of 

n oise fr o m tra nsit rail, i ncl u di n g li g ht rail, is d oc u me nte d i n t he 2 0 0 6 Fe deral Tra nsit A d mi nistrati o n ( F T A) re p ort 

“ Tra nsit N oise a n d Vi brati o n I m pact Assess me nt

. Si nce t he ti me of t he 1 9 8 2 p u blicati o n, si g nifica nt c ha n ges ha ve occ urre d i n t he Fe deral Railr oa d 

A d mi nistrati o n’s ( F R A) n oise re g ulati o ns, t he a p plica ble nati o nal a n d i nter nati o nal n oise st a n dar ds, acce pte d n oise 

meas ure me nt pr oce d ures, a n d n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt ati o n. T hese c ha n ges ha ve ne cessitate d t he 

de vel o p me nt of t his u p date d Ha n d b o o k. 

.” Assess me nt of n oise fr o m hi g h-s pee d rail (i.e., rail ve hicles 

ca pa ble of ma xi m u m s pee ds of 1 2 5 m p h ( 2 0 1 k m/ h) a n d hi g her) is d oc u me nte d i n t he 1 9 9 8 F R A re p ort “ Hi g h -

S pee d Gr o u n d Tra ns p ortati o n N oise a n d Vi brati o n I m pact Assess me nt

1. 1 De vel o p me nt of t he H a n d b o o k 

.” 

T his Ha n d b o o k was de vel o pe d b y t he U. S. De part me nt of Tra ns p ortati o n, Researc h a n d I n n o vati ve T ec h n ol o g y 

A d mi nistrati o n , J o h n A. V ol pe Nati o nal Tra ns p ortati o n S yst e ms Ce nter, E n vir o n me ntal M eas ure me nt a n d M o deli n g 

Di visi o n, Ac o ustics Facilit y i n s u p p ort of t he Fe deral Railr oa d A d mi nistrati o n, Office of Safet y. As a part of t his 

eff ort, a n i n d ustr y peer re vie w of t he Ha n d b o o k was c o n d uct e d wit h Ti m ot h y Case y of H D R, I nc., J o h n Ears he n of 

A n ge vi ne Ac o ustical C o ns ulta nts, I nc., a n d Dr. Eric St us nic k. T heir fee d bac k was i nc or p orate d i nt o t his d oc u me nt. 

1. 2 Or g a niz ati o n 

T his Ha n d b o o k is or ga nize d i nt o ei g ht c ha pters. T he first c h a pter c o nsists of a brief i ntr o d ucti o n a n d o ver vie w of 

t he Ha n d b o o k, i ncl u di n g its i nte n de d use. T his c ha pter als o pr o vi des a n o ver vie w a n d brief hist or y of t he c urre nt 

railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns. 

Si nce t he f oc us of t his Ha n d b o o k is g ui da nce f or F R A re g ul at or y n oise c o m plia nce meas ure me nts, t he maj orit y of 

t he d oc u me nt f oc uses o n meas ure me nt pr oce d ures. C ha pter 2 prese nts a ge neral pr oce d ure f or c o n d ucti n g a n oise 

meas ure me nt or n oise e x p os ur e m o nit ori n g pr o gra m, i ncl u di n g pla n ni n g rec o m me n dati o ns a n d meas ure me nt 

e q ui p me nt. T his c ha pter als o c o ntai ns e xa m ple f or ms a n d l o g s heets t o hel p facilitate t he d oc u me ntati o n of eac h 

meas ure me nt. T he ge neral pr oce d ure ca n be easil y a da pte d t o effecti vel y meas ure m ost t y pes of railr oa d -ge nerate d 

n oise, e ve n t h ose n ot s pecificall y a d dresse d i n t his Ha n d b o o k. 

C ha pters 3, 4, 5, a n d 6 prese nt re g ulati o n -s pecific meas ure me nt a n d data a nal ysis pr oce d ures a n d g ui da nce f or eac h 

t y pe of n oise or s o u n d le vel c o m plia nce c o vere d u n der fe der al re g ulati o ns. C ha pter 3 is f or n oise ge nerate d b y 

l oc o m oti ves a n d rail-cars d uri n g li ne ha ul o perati o ns, C ha pt er 4 is f or n oise ge nerate d b y yar d o perati o ns fr o m 

stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves, l oc o m oti ve s witc hi n g, car-c o u pli n g i m pacts, retar ders, a n d l oa d cell test sta n ds, C ha pter 5 is 

f or ot her meas ure me nt t y pes i ncl u di n g l oc o m oti ve h or n s o u n d le vels, n oise le vels i nsi de l oc o m oti ve ca bs, a n d n oise 

le vels i nsi de e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters, a n d C ha pter 6 is f or pers o nal m o nit ori n g of occ u pati o nal n oise e x p os ure. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 1 I ntr o d ucti o n 

2 

T hese c ha pters, i n c o nj u ncti o n wit h C ha pter 2, ca n be use d t o c o n d uct a railr oa d n oise c o m plia nce meas ure me nt i n a 

scie ntific a n d le gall y defe nsi bl e ma n ner. 

T his Ha n d b o o k i ncl u des s u p ple me ntar y i nf or mati o n t hat ma y be usef ul t o t h ose wit h mi ni mal e x perie nce i n t he fiel d 

of ac o ustics a n d n oise c o ntr ol. C ha pter 7 pr o vi des a c o ncise ba c k gr o u n d i n ac o ustics as it a p plies t o t he fiel d of 

railr oa d n oise. T his i ncl u des a n i ntr o d ucti o n t o t he c o nce pts of s o u n d wa ves a n d s o u n d press ure, as well as t he 

calc ulati o n of s o u n d press ure le vel a n d t he ass ociate d l o garit h mic mat he matics re q uire d t o a d d a n d a vera ge s o u n d 

le vels. It als o descri bes t he scie nce be hi n d t he s pectral re prese ntati o n of s o u n d. C ha pter 8 pr o vi des i nf or mati o n o n 

s o me a d diti o nal t o pics w hic h ma y be usef ul w he n c o n d ucti n g m ore detaile d railr oa d n oise meas ure me nts, s uc h as 

ma y b e necessar y t o c o n d uct assess me nts of e n vir o n me ntal i m pact. I ncl u de d is i nf or mati o n o n a d diti o nal 

meas ure me nt e q ui p me nt, s uc h as s pectr u m a nal yzers a n d rec or di n g de vices, i ncl u di n g meas ure me nt iss ues, s uc h as 

t he electr o nic n oise fl o or a n d electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce. T he healt h effects ca use d b y e x p os ure t o n oise are 

disc usse d t o pr o vi de a d diti o nal m oti vati o n f or e nc o ura gi n g g o o d n oise c o ntr ol practices. Fi nall y, t his c ha pter 

disc usses n u mer o us n oise c o ntr ol o pti o ns, or ga nizi n g t he m a cc or di n g t o s o urce , pat h a n d recei ver c o ntr ols. T his is 

mea nt t o prese nt a n o ver vie w of p ossi ble n oise c o ntr ol o pti o ns as a n i nitial desi g n ste p; it d oes n ot g o i nt o t he 

de vel o p me nt a n d i m ple me ntati o n of t hese o pti o ns i n great d etail. O nce t he p ossi ble railr oa d n oise c o nt r ol o pti o ns 

ha ve bee n c o nsi dere d a n d narr o we d d o w n, t he n t he de vel o p me nt a n d i m ple me ntati o n of t h ose n oise a bate me nt 

meas ures s h o ul d be assi g ne d t o a n e x perie nce d, n oise a bate me nt pr ofessi o nal. 

I n a d diti o n t o t hese ei g ht c ha pters, t his Ha n d b o o k als o c o ntai ns fi ve s u p p orti n g a p pe n dices. A p pe n di x A c o ntai ns a 

gl ossar y of t he ter mi n ol o g y us e d i n t he Ha n d b o o k, i ncl u di n g t he ac o ustic metrics e m pl o ye d herei n. A p pe n di x B 

c o ntai ns a c ollecti o n of t he c hec klists, e xa m ple f or ms a n d l o g s heets t o hel p facilitate t h e d oc u me ntati o n of eac h 

n oise meas ure me nt or m o nit ori n g st u d y. A p pe n di x C i ncl u d es e xa m ple calc ulati o ns f or eac h n oise metric prese nte d 

i n C ha pter 3, as well as e xa m ple calc ulati o ns f or s o me of t he data pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis material. A p pe n di x D 

c o ntains c o pies of all t he F R A a n d E n vir o n me ntal Pr otecti o n A ge nc y ( E P A) re g ulati o ns a d dresse d i n t his 

Ha n d b o o k. Fi nall y, A p pe n di x E c o ntai ns a list of refere nces use d t hr o u g h o ut t his Ha n d b o o k. 

1. 3 Hist or y a n d Brief S u m m a r y of R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

T he N oise C o ntr ol Act of 1 9 7 2 i de ntifie d n oise as a gr o wi n g da n ger a n d declare d t he p olic y of t he U nite d States t o 

be “t o pr o m ote a n e n vir o n me nt f or all A merica ns free fr o m n oise t hat j e o par diz es t heir healt h a n d welfare.” 

I ncl u de d i n t he Act was t he a ut h orizati o n t o esta blis h fe deral n oise e missi o n sta n dar ds f or pr o d ucts distri b ute d i n 

c o m merce , a n d t he ma n date f or t he U. S. E n vir o n me ntal Pr otecti o n A ge nc y ( E P A) t o c o or di nate fe deral acti vities i n 

n oise c o ntr ol. Secti o n 1 7 of t he Act s pecific all y re q uire d t he E P A t o pr o m ul gate re g ulati o ns setti n g li mits o n “ n oise 

e missi o n res ulti n g fr o m o perati o n of t he e q ui p me nt a n d facilities of s urface carriers e n ga ge d i n i nterstate c o m merce 

b y railr oa d.” It f urt her re q uire d t hat s uc h re g ulati o ns i ncl u de n oise e missi o n sta n dar ds w hi c h “reflect t he de gree of 

n oise re d ucti o n ac hie va ble t hr o u g h t he a p plicati o n of t he best a vaila ble tec h n ol o g y, ta ki n g i nt o acc o u nt t he c ost of 

c o m plia nce.” 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 1 I ntr o d ucti o n 

3 

I n acc or da nce wit h Secti o n 1 7 of t he Act, t he E P A iss ue d fi nal railr oa d noise e missi o n sta n dar ds o n Dece m ber 3 1, 

1 9 7 5. T hese sta n dar ds a p plie d t o all railr oa d cars a n d l oc o m oti ves, e xce pt stea m l oc o m oti ves. O n A u g ust 2 3, 1 9 7 7, 

t he Fe deral Railr oa d A d mi nistrati o n ( F R A) p u blis he d Railr o a d N oise E missi o n C o m plia nc e re g ulati o ns setti n g f ort h 

pr oce d ures f or e nf orci n g t he E P A sta n dar ds. 

I n J u ne of 1 9 7 7, t he Ass ociati o n of A merica n Railr oa ds, al o n g wit h se veral railr oa d c o m p a nies, c halle n ge d t he E P A 

re g ulati o n i n t he U. S. C o urt of A p peals o n t he basis t hat it di d n ot i ncl u de sta n dards f or all

T h e j u d g me nt of t he c o urt was i n fa v or of t he railr oa d i n d ustr y. As a res ult, E P A p u blis he d n oise re g ulati o ns f or 

a d diti o nal railr oa d e q ui p me nt a n d facilities i n A pril 1 9 7 9. T hese re g ulati o ns esta blis he d st a n dar ds f or o verall 

railr oa d facilit y a n d e q ui p me nt n oise, as well as s pecific sta n dar ds f or retar ders, refri gerat or cars, a n d car c o u pli n g 

o perati o ns. 

 railr oa d e q ui p me nt a n d 

facilities as re q uire d b y t he N oise C o ntr ol Act. T he c o ncer n of t he railr oa d i n d ustr y was t hat, lac ki n g fe deral 

pree m pti o n of all railr o ad n ois e s o urce re g ulati o ns, a variet y of differi n g a n d i nc o nsiste nt st a n dar ds i n e ve r y 

j uris dicti o n al o n g t he railr oa d’s r o utes ma y be de vel o pe d . I n a d diti o n, l ocal c o m m u nities w o ul d n ot necessaril y be 

b o u n d b y t he pr otecti ve “ best a vaila ble tec h n ol o g y, ta ki n g i nt o acc o u nt t he c ost of c o m pli a nce” re q uire me nt of t he 

N oise C o ntr ol Act. 

After a n e xte n de d p u blic c o m me nt peri o d, E P A p u blis he d fi nal r ules o n J a n uar y 4, 1 9 8 0, esta blis hi n g sta n dar ds f or 

n oise fr o m f o ur s pecific s o urc es, na mel y, l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n ds, s witc her l oc o m oti ves, retar ders, a n d car 

c o u pli n gs. A pr o pert y li ne sta n dar d, li miti n g t he t otal n oise e mitte d fr o m rail yar d facilities i ncl u di n g s o urces w hic h 

are n ot c o vere d b y e xisti n g sta n dar ds, was t o be iss ue d b y E P A after f urt her assess me nt of t he e xte nsi ve c o m me nts 

recei ve d. H o we ver, E P A di d n ot pr ocee d wit h t he sc he d ule d pr o m ul gati o n. I nstea d, o n N o ve m ber 1 2, 1 9 8 1, t he 

parties t o t he A A R liti gati o n file d wit h t he c o urt a " Stat us Re p ort," stati n g t hat t he a ge nc y ha d " c o ncl u de d t hat n o 

f urt her sta n dar ds are necessar y t o re g ulate rail facilities a n d e q ui p me nt". C o ncl u di n g t hat "t he pr o p ose d sta n dar ds 

are u n necessar y," E P A wit h dre w b ot h t he pr o p ose d pr o pert y li ne a n d refri gerat or car sta n d ar ds. 

C o nc urre nt wit h t he de vel o p me nt of railr oa d n o ise sta n dar ds b y E P A, t he F R A was de vel o pi n g r ules of per missi ble 

ma xi m u m n oise le v e ls wit hi n l oc o m oti ve ca bs a n d railr oa d e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters a n d safet y sta n dar ds setti n g 

mi ni m u m a n d ma xi m u m s o u n d le vels fr o m a u di ble war ni n g de vices ( h or ns) o n l oc o m oti ves. 

U p u ntil 1 9 8 3, t he E n vir o n me ntal Pr otecti o n A ge nc y ( E P A) c o or di nate d all fe deral n oise c o ntr ol acti vities t hr o u g h 

its Office of N oise A bate me nt a n d C o ntr ol. H o we ver, C o n gress p hase d o ut t he office’s f u n di n g i n F Y 1 9 8 3 as part 

of a s hift i n fe deral n oise c o ntr ol p olic y t o tra nsfer t he pri mar y res p o nsi bilit y of re g ulati n g n oise t o state a n d l ocal 

g o ver n me nts. Alt h o u g h E P A n o l o n ger pla ys a pr o mi ne nt r ole i n re g ulati n g n oise, its past sta n dar ds a n d re g ulati o ns 

re mai n i n effect, a n d ot her fe d eral a ge ncies, i ncl u di n g t he F R A, c o nti n ue t o set a n d e nf orce n oise sta n dar ds f or 

s o urces wit hi n t heir re g ulat or y j uris dicti o n. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 1 I ntr o d ucti o n 

4 

As a n e nf orce me nt e ntit y , t he F R A has c o nti n ue d t o use t he E P A sta n dar ds as t he basis f or c o m plia nce 

deter mi nati o n wit h re gar d t o m ost areas of railr oa d n oise. W here F R A has re g ulat or y a ut h orit y t o d o s o, F R A has 

als o pr o m ul gate d ne w re g ulati o ns or c ha n ge d e xisti n g sta n dar ds f or n oise t o acc o m m o date ne w nee ds f or p u blic 

safet y a n d occ u pati o nal healt h. 

T he re g u lati o ns w hic h g o ver n railr oa d n oise e missi o ns are s u m marize d i n T a ble 1 . T he sc o pe of eac h railr oa d n oise 

sta n dar d a n d/ or re g ulati o n is briefl y disc usse d i n t he f oll o wi n g para gra p hs . C o m plia nce wit h t hese re g ulati o ns is 

e val uate d b y F R A i ns pect ors, a n d ma y als o be e val uate d b y n oise pr ofessi o nals w or ki n g f or railr oa d e q ui p me nt 

ma n ufact urers, or b y t he railr oa ds t he msel ves. T he re g ulati o ns cite d i n t his Ha n d b o o k are c urre nt as of Dece m ber 

3 1 , 2 0 0 7. T he Fe deral Re gist er a n d C o de of Fe deral Re g ulati o ns s h o ul d be c o ns ulte d f or u p dates bef ore a n y 

meas ure me nt pr o gra m be gi ns. 

T a ble 1 . Re g ul ati o ns G o ver ni n g R ailr o a d N oise E missi o ns 

A ge ncy C o de of Fe der al Re g ul ati o ns 

( C F R) N u m ber Title 

E P A 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1 N oise E missi o n Sta n dar ds f or Tra ns p ortati o n E q ui p me nt; 

I nterstate Rail Carriers 

F R A 4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0 Railr oa d N oise E missi o n C o m plia nce Re g ulati o ns 

F R A 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2 Use of L oc o m oti ve H or ns at P u blic Hi g h wa y -rail Gra de Cr ossi n gs 

F R A 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7 Occ u pati o nal N oise E x p os ure 

F R A 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8 H o urs of Ser vice of Railr oa d E m pl o yees ( Slee pi n g Q uarters) 

F R A 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9 1 0 Railr oa d L oc o m oti ve Safet y Sta n dar ds 

( L oc o m oti ve H or ns a n d L oc o m oti ve Ca b I nteri or N oise) 

Li ne h a ul a n d y ar d o per ati o ns: T he n oise e missi o ns fr o m railr oa d li ne ha ul a n d yar d o perati o ns are g o ver ne d b y 

t w o c o m pli me ntar y r ules: 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1 – N oise E missi o n Sta n dar ds f or Tra ns p ortati o n E q ui p me nt; I nterstate 

Rail Carriers a n d 4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0 - Railr oa d N oise E mis si o n C o m plia nce Re g ulati o ns. T he E P A sta n dar ds i n 4 0 

C F R P art 2 0 1 c o ver: 

 2 0 1. 1 1 Sta n dar d f or l oc o m oti ve o perat i o n u n der stati o nar y c o n diti o ns. 

 2 0 1. 1 2 Sta n dar d f or l oc o m oti ve o perati o n u n der m o vi n g c o n diti o ns. 

 2 0 1. 1 3 Sta n dar d f or rail car o perati o ns. 

 2 0 1. 1 4 Sta n dar d f or retar ders. 

 2 0 1. 1 5 Sta n dar d f or car c o u pli n g o perati o ns. 

 2 0 1. 1 6 Sta n dar d f or l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n ds. 

 2 0 1. 2 3 T est site, weat her c o n diti o ns a n d bac k gr o u n d n oise criteria f or meas ure me nt at a 3 0 meter ( 1 0 0 

feet) dista nce of t he n oise fr o m l oc o m oti ve a n d rail car o perati o ns a n d l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test 

sta n ds. 

 2 0 1. 2 4 Pr oce d ures f or meas ure me nt at a 3 0 meter ( 1 0 0 feet) dista nc e of t he n oise fr o m l oc o m oti ve a n d 

rail car o perati o ns a n d l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n ds. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 1 I ntr o d ucti o n 

5 

 2 0 1. 2 5 Meas ure me nt l ocati o n a n d we at her c o n diti o ns f or meas ure me nt o n recei vi n g pr o pert y of t he n oise 

of retar ders, car c o u pli n g, l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n ds a n d stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves. 

 2 0 1. 2 6 Pr oce d ures f or t he meas ure me nt o n recei vi n g pr o pert y of ret ar der a n d car c o u pli n g n oise. 

 2 0 1. 2 7 Pr oce d ures f or: ( 1) Deter mi ni n g a p plica bilit y of t he l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n d sta n dar d a n d 

s witc her l oc o m oti ve sta n dar d b y n oise meas ure me nt o n a re cei vi n g pr o pert y; ( 2) meas ure me nt of 

l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n ds m ore t ha n 1 2 0 meters ( 4 0 0 feet) o n a recei vi n g pr o pert y. 

 2 0 1. 2 8 T esti n g b y railr oa d t o deter mi ne pr o ba ble c o m plia nce wit h t he sta n dar d. 

T he e nf orce me nt pr o visi o ns c o ntai ne d i n 4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0 i ncl u de: 

 2 1 0. 2 5 Meas ure me nt criteria a n d pr oce d ures. 

 2 1 0. 2 7 Ne w l oc o m oti ve certificati o n. 

 2 1 0. 2 9 O perati o n sta n dar ds ( m o vi n g l oc o m oti ves a n d rail cars). 

 2 1 0. 3 1 O perati o n sta n dar ds (stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves at 3 0 meters). 

 2 1 0. 3 3 O perati o n sta n dar ds (s witc her l oc o m oti ves, l oa d cell test sta n ds, car c o u pli n g o perati o ns, a n d 

retar ders). 

R ailr o a d e m pl o yee slee pi n g q u arters: T he n oise e n vir o n me nt i n railr oa d e m pl o yee sle e pi n g q uarters is re g ulate d 

b y t he F R A i n 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8 – H o urs of Ser vice of Railr oa d E m pl o yees. T his re g ulati o n esta blis hes t he 

ma xi m u m n oise le ve l w hic h will be re gar de d as t he le vel per mitti n g “a n o p p ort u nit y t o rest.” T his re g ulati o n is 

ta ke n i nt o c o nsi derati o n d uri n g t he c o nstr ucti o n ( or rec o nstr ucti o n) of railr oa d e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters o n 

railr oa d pr o pert y. T his re g ulati o n was iss ue d b y t he F R A o n J ul y 1 9, 1 9 7 8, i n acc or da nce wit h pr o visi o ns of t he 

H o urs of Ser vices Act ( P u blic La w 9 1 -1 6 9). T his Act ma de it u nla wf ul f or a n y c o m m o n c arrier “t o pr o vi de slee pi n g 

q uarters f or e m pl o yees ... w hic h d o n ot aff or d s uc h e m pl o yees a n o p p ort u nit y f or re st, free fr o m i nterr u pti o ns ca use d 

b y n oise u n der t he c o ntr ol of t he railr oa d ...” 

L oc o m oti ve c a b n oise: T he n oise e n vir o n me nt i n l oc o m oti ve ca bs is g o ver ne d b y a set of c o m pli me ntar y F R A 

re g ulati o ns: 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7 – Occ u pati o nal N oise E x p os ure , p u blis he d o n Fe br uar y 2 6, 2 0 0 7 , a n d 4 9 C F R P art 

2 2 9 – Railr oa d L oc o m oti ve Safet y Sta n dar ds (s pecificall y, 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 1 a n d A p pe n di x H t o P art 2 2 9), b ot h 

of w hic h were first e nacte d i n 1 9 8 0. 

4 9 C F R 2 2 7 esta blis he d n oise e x p os ure sta n dar ds f or railr oa d e m pl o yees w h o re g ularl y e nc o u nter t heir pre d o mi na nt 

occ u pati o nal n oise e x p os ure i n t he l oc o m oti ve ca b. T his r ul e was base d o n t he Occ u pati o nal Safet y a n d Heat h 

A d mi nistrati o n’s ( O S H A) occ u pati o nal n oise sta n dar d, wit h certai n as pect a da pte d t o t he u ni q ue circ u msta nces of 

t he railr oa d e n vir o n me nt. It re q uires railr oa ds t o li mit e m pl o yee n oise e x p os ure t o a n 8-h o ur ti me -wei g hte d a vera ge 

( T W A) of 9 0 d B( A), t o de vel o p a n d i m ple me nt a n oise m o nit ori n g pr o gra m a n d a d mi nister a n effecti ve heari n g 

c o nser vati o n pr o gr a m f or t h os e e m pl o yees w h o are e x p ose d t o n oise at or a b o ve a n 8 -h o ur T W A of 8 5 d B( A). 

Alt h o u g h t he re g ulati o n als o c o ntai ns pr o visi o ns o n t he de vel o p me nt of heari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gra ms a n d 

a u di o metric testi n g pr o gra ms, t hese t o pics are n ot a d dresse d i n t his Ha n d b o o k. Please n ote t hat n oise e x p os ure f or 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 1 I ntr o d ucti o n 

6 

railr oa d e m pl o yees w h ose pri mar y occ u pati o nal n oise e x p os ure d oes n ot occ ur i nsi de t he l oc o m oti ve ca b is 

re g ulate d b y t he Occ u pati o nal Safet y a n d Healt h A d mi nistrati o n ( O S H A) i n 2 9 C F R 1 9 1 0. 9 5. 

T he pr o visi o ns of 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 1 relate d t o P art 2 2 7, re q uire railr oa ds t o o btai n a n d mai ntai n l oc o m oti ves t hat 

meet s pecifie d sta n dar ds f or li miti n g i n -ca b n oise. P urs ua nt t o t he last of t hese re q uire me nts, 4 9 C F R 2 2 9. 1 2 1 

prese nts c o m plia nce criteria f or n o ise i nsi de l oc o m oti ve ca bs d uri n g static o perati o ns. T his re g ulati o n c o vers b ot h 

ne w l oc o m oti ves a n d l oc o m oti ves u n der g oi n g mai nte na nce i n res p o nse t o a n e xcessi ve n oise re p ort. 

I nstr u me ntati o n a n d test site r e q uire me nts, n oise meas ure me nt pr oce d ures, a nd rec or d kee pi n g g ui da nce are all 

prese nte d. 

T hese r ules , b ot h t he ne w P art 2 2 7 a n d t he re visi o ns t o P art 2 2 9 , were t he res ult of directi o n c o ntai ne d i n t he 1 9 9 2 

Rail Safet y E nf orce me nt a n d Re vie w Act. T his Act was passe d i n res p o nse t o c o ncer ns r aise d b y e m pl o yee 

or ga nizati o ns, C o n gressi o nal me m bers, a n d rec o m me n dati o ns of t he Nati o nal Tra ns p ortati o n Safet y B oar d ( N T S B) 

c o ncer ni n g cras h w ort hi ness of a n d w or ki n g c o n diti o ns i n l oc o m oti ve ca bs. It re q uire d F R A “t o c o nsi der 

prescri bi n g re g ulati o ns t o i m pr o v e t he safet y a n d w or ki n g c o n diti o ns of l oc o m oti ve ca bs” t hr o u g h o ut t he railr oa d 

i n d ustr y. 

L oc o m oti ve h or ns ( a u di ble w ar ni n g de vices): T he s o u n ds e mitte d b y l oc o m oti ve h or ns a n d ot her a u di ble war ni n g 

de vices are re g ulate d b y 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9 – Railr oa d L oc o m oti ve Safet y Sta n dar ds (s pecificall y, 4 9 C F R P art 

2 2 9. 1 2 9), a n d 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2 - Use of L oc o m oti ve H or ns at P u blic Hi g h wa y -rail Gra de Cr ossi n gs. T hese r ules set 

b ot h mi ni m u m a n d ma xi m u m s o u n d le vels f or l oc o m oti ve a n d wa ysi de h or ns; descri be t he meas ure me nt 

i nstr u me nts a n d test site re q uir e me nts; a n d s pecif y mete or ol o gical criteria, bac k gr o u n d n ois e criteria, s o u n d le vel 

meas ure me nt pr oce d ures a n d rec or d kee pi n g pr oce d ures. 

4 9 C F R 2 2 9 was first e nacte d i n 1 9 8 0 a n d re q uire d eac h l oc o m oti ve t o be e q ui p pe d wit h a de vice w hic h pr o vi de d 

a u di ble war ni n g at a mi ni m u m of 9 6 d B( A) at 1 0 0 ft. Alt h o u g h t his r ule re q uire d t he h or n be place d o n t he 

l oc o m oti ve, it ne ver re q uire d its use. I n 1 9 9 4, c o n gress e nacte d t he S wift Rail De vel o p me nt Act ( P u blic La w 1 0 3-

4 4 0) w hic h directe d t he F R A t o iss ue re g ulati o ns t hat re q uire t he use of l oc o m oti ve h or ns at Hi g h wa y -Railr oa d 

gra de cr ossi n gs. O n J u ne 2 4, 2 0 0 5, t he F R A p u blis he d t he Fi nal R ule re q uiri n g t he use of l oc o m oti ve h or n 

s o u n di n g f or trai ns a p pr oac hi n g hi g h wa y-Rail r oa d gra de cr ossi n gs ( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2 a n d 4 9 C F R 2 2 9. 1 2 9). I n 

a d diti o n t o t he mi ni m u m s o u n d le vel re q uire me nt, t his r ule n o w s pecifies a ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or railr oa d h or ns, 

1 1 0 d B( A). P art 2 2 2 re q uires s o u n di n g t he h or n at all p u blic hi g h wa y -railr oa d gra de cr ossi n gs, as re q uires t he use 

of a p pr o ve d s u p ple me ntal safet y meas ures bef ore a gra de cr ossi n g ca n be e xe m pte d fr o m t his r ule. 

I n a d diti o n, 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2 A p pe n di x E prese nts s o u n d le vel criteria f or wa ysi de h or ns i n use at hi g h wa y-rail 

gra de cr os si n gs. W hile t his st a n dar d m ostl y c o vers o perati o nal a n d p ositi o n re q uire me nts f or t he wa ysi de h or n, it 

d oes briefl y a d dress wa ysi de h or n n oise meas ure me nt pr oce d ures. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

7 

2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

T his c ha pter s u m marizes t he basic ele me nts nee de d f or s ucc essf ul F R A n oise c o m plia nce meas ure me nt s. F or t he 

data c ollecte d t o be scie ntificall y a n d le gall y defe nsi ble f or deter mi ni n g c o m plia nce wit h F R A n oise re g ulati o ns, t he 

meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt s a n d t heir set u p a n d perf or ma nce, meas ure me nt site, mete or ol o gical a n d e n vir o n me ntal 

c o n diti o ns, a n d data c ollecti o n met h o ds m ust all c o m pl y wit h t he criteria defi ne d i n t he a p plica ble F R A re g ulati o ns 

a n d A N SI sta n dar ds

2. 1 S af et y C o nsi der ati o ns

. T hese re g ulati o ns a n d sta n dar ds pr o vi de cita ble criteria t hat e ns ure meas ure me nt re peata bilit y 

a n d ass ure t hat t he hi g hest q ualit y of n oise data are c ollecte d. T he basic ele me nts s u m mari ze d here i ncl u de 

g ui da nce o n safet y preca uti o ns t hat m ust be ta ke n w he n w or ki n g ar o u n d railr oa d e q ui p me nt, t he i nstr u me nts 

re q uire d f or t he n oise meas ure me nts, t he basic pr oce d ure t o be f oll o we d f or b ot h n oise me as ure me nts a n d pers o nal 

n oise e x p os ure m o nit ori n g, a n d d oc u me ntati o n re q uire me nts. T his pr oce d ure is e x pa n de d u p o n i n C ha pters 3 , 4, 5, 

a n d 6 w he n s pecific re q uire me nts f or eac h re g ulati o n are dis c usse d. 

Rail r oa d yar ds a n d areas cl ose t o railr oa d trac ks are p ote ntiall y da n ger o us l ocati o ns, w here t here is a si g nifica nt ris k 

of l osi n g life a n d li m b. W he n perf or mi n g a n y t y pe of meas ure me nts near rail r oa d e q ui p me nt, t hos e i n v ol ve d m ust 

be c o nsta ntl y alert a n d a ware of t he da n gers of m o vi n g railr oa d e q ui p me nt, a n d i n s o me p arts of t he c o u ntr y, hi g h 

v olta ge electrical s yste ms . T he f oll o wi n g safet y practices are rec o m me n de d f or all t y pes of rail r oa d n oise 

meas ure me nts. I n a d diti o n, be s ure t o al wa ys f oll o w l ocal safet y directi ves. 

• F or n o n -F R A pers o n nel, p er missi o n t o be o n or near railr oa d e q ui p me nt or i n a rail yar d m ust be gai ne d fr o m 

t he a p pr o priate railr oa d official pri or t o t he n oise meas ure me nts, a n d s hall be rec o nfir me d wit h t he 

a p pr o priate railr oa d pers o n nel u p o n arri val t o t he meas ure me nt site. 

• Pr otecti ve cl ot hi n g (s uc h as har d hats, safet y g o g gles, reflecti ve cl ot hi n g, ear pr otecti o n a n d steel -t oe w or k 

b o ots) s h o ul d be w or n w he n a p pr o priate or re q uire d. 

• B e a ware of t he p ositi o n(s) of a n y ca bli n g ass ociate d wit h t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts , it ma y prese nt 

a tri p pi n g hazar d. It is a g o o d i dea t o eit her i de ntif y t he ca bles wit h bri g ht c ol ors, or ta pe t he m d o w n. 

• B e alert a n d a ware of all railr oa d e q ui p me nt i n t he vici nit y of t he railr oa d trac ks: 

- L o o k b ot h wa ys w he n i n t he vici nit y of a railr oa d trac k, 

- Cr oss trac ks o nl y w he n a bs ol utel y necessar y , a n d ne ver i n t he pat h of m o vi n g l oc o m oti ves, cars, or 

trai ns, 

- Ne ver cr oss u n der or t hr o u g h a n y rail e q ui p me nt, 

- W atc h y o ur ste p , ne ver ste p o n t he rail, a n d o nl y wal k al o n g desi g nate d pat hs, 

- Ne ver sit, sta n d or wal k o n a n y part of t he trac k str uct ure, 

- Sta y o utsi de of t he cleara nce e n vel o pe ( wit hi n 3 m [ or 10 ft] of t he trac k ce nter li ne), a n d 

- Al wa ys be a ware of m o vi n g rail e q ui p me nt. 

 

 S p ecific A N SI sta n d ar ds, al o n g wit h t w o I nter n ati o n al Electr otec h nical C o m missi o n (I E C) sta n d ar ds, are refere n ce d i n t h e 

F R A re g ulati o ns, s o t h e criteria set f ort h i n t h ose sta n d ar ds were i nc or p orate d i nt o t h e pr o ce d ures a n d g ui d a n ce prese nte d i n 

t his Ha n db o o k. I nter n ati o n al Sta n d ar ds Or ga nizati o n (I S O) sta n d ar ds are als o refere n ce d, b ut t h e y wer e pri maril y i n c or p orate d 

i nt o t h e pr o ce d ures a n d g ui d a n ce prese nte d i n t his Ha n d b o o k as rec o m me n d e d practices, n ot as c o m plia n ce criteria.
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

8 

• P ositi o n meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts o utsi de of t he cleara nce e n vel o pe (at least 3 m [ or 1 0 ft] fr o m t he trac k 

ce nter li ne ). 

• O be y railr oa d pers o n nel’s i nstr ucti o ns. 

• Sta y o ut of hi g h v olta ge areas (e. g. t hir d rail, s u bstati o ns, tra nsf or mers, etc.). 

• W he n cr ossi n g trac ks i n fr o nt of a st o p pe d l oc o m oti ve, sta y i n vie w of t he l oc o m oti ve ca b s o y o u ca n be see n 

b y t he cre w. 

2. 2 Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nts 

T his Secti o n disc usses t he i nstr u me nt s re q uire d t o c ollect data f or F R A re g ulat or y c o m plia nce meas ure me nts. T he 

A N SI sta n dar ds g o ver ni n g t hese i nstr u me nts, al o n g wit h a d diti o nal i nf or mati o n o n t heir s p ecificati o ns a n d use, are 

disc usse d i n C ha pter 8. If a n y q uesti o ns arise a b o ut s pecific e q ui p me nt, c o ns ult t he ma n ufact urer’s d oc u me ntati o n 

or c o ntact t he ma n ufact urer f or m ore i nf or mati o n. T a ble 2 s u m marizes t he e q ui p me nt re q uire d f or eac h t y pe of F R A 

c o m plia nce meas ure me nt. 

T a ble 2 . I nstr u me nts Re q ui re d f or F R A C o m pli a nce M e as ure me nt b y T y pe 

M e as ure me nt T y pe 

M o vi n g L oc o m oti ve or R ailc ar X X X X X X X X 

Y ar d O per ati o ns at Si deli ne 

( St ati o n ar y L oc o m oti ve or S witc her 

L oc o m oti ve, L o a d Cell Test St a n d) 

X X X X X X X 

Y ar d O per ati o ns at Recei vi n g 

Pr o pert y ( S witc her L oc o m oti ve, 

L o a d Cell Test St a n d) 

X X X X X X X 

Y ar d O per ati o ns at Recei vi n g 

Pr o pert y ( C ar C o u pli n g, Ret ar ders) X X X X X X X 

L oc o m oti ve H or n or W a ysi de 

A u di ble W a r ni n g De vice X X X X X X X 

L oc o m oti ve C a b I nteri or X X X X X X 

E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

Tr ai n E m pl o yee Pers o n al N oise 

E x p os ure 
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9 

2. 2. 1 N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nts 

T here are t w o t y pes of i nstr u me nts w hic h ca n be use d f or meas uri n g railr oa d n oise data f or re g ulat or y c o m plia nce : 

eit her a s o u n d le vel meter ( S L M) or a d osi meter (a s pecialize d t y pe of s o u n d le vel meter). T hese i nstr u me nts 

act uall y c o nsist of t hree se para te c o m p o ne nts: a micr o p h o ne, a prea m plifier, a n d a meas ure me nt de vice, re prese nte d 

in Fi g ure 1 . T his Ha n d b o o k will refer t o t he c ollecti ve s u m of t hese c o m p o ne nts as t he ‘ meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt’. 

I n ma n y cases, t he ma n ufact ur er will sell t hese c o m p o ne nts as a set. If t he y are n ot p urc hase d as a set, care m ust be 

ta ke n t o e ns ure c o m pati bilit y. Eac h of t he se parate c o m p o ne nts is disc usse d f urt her i n t he f oll o wi n g para gra p hs. 

T his i nstr u me nt als o re q uires a wi n dscree n t o pr otect t he mi cr o p h o ne, a s o u n d le vel cali brat or t o verif y t he acc urac y 

of t he c o m p o ne nts , a n d batteries t o p o wer t he meas ure me nt de vice. 

Fi g ure 1 . T y pic al N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt 

T he s o u n d le vel meters, d osi meters, a n d micr o p h o ne c o m p o ne nts m ust u n der g o peri o dic , c o m pre he nsi ve, 

la b orat or y cali brati o n t o verif y a n d d oc u me nt t heir acc urac y1 1

Micr o p h o ne : A micr o p h o ne tra nsf or ms s o u n d -press ure variati o ns i nt o electrical si g nals. T here are n u mer o us t y pes 

of micr o p h o nes, eac h wit h a u ni q ue set of c haracteristics. A m o n g t hese c haracteristics are t y pe, size, a n d se nsiti vit y 

(f urt her disc ussi o n of t hese c haracteristics ca n be f o u n d i n C ha pter 8 ). A o ne -half i nc h dia meter, electret c o n de nser 

micr o p h o ne is c o m m o n a n d ca n be use d f or all F R A c o m plia nce meas ure me nts. 

. T y picall y, t hese pr ofessi o nal cali brati o ns are 

perf or me d o n a n a n n ual basis , h o we ver, t he ma n ufact urers’ i nstr ucti o ns f or eac h c o m p o ne nt s h o ul d be c o ns ulte d f or 

s pecific ti me i nter vals. A certificate of cali brati o n fr o m t he Nati o nal I nstit ute of Sta n dar ds a n d T ec h n ol o g y ( NI S T) 

is pr o vi de d t o t he user, a n d t his d oc u me ntati o n s h o ul d be ke p t o n file f or f ut ure refere nce. 

W he n c o n d ucti n g meas ure me nts, pa y atte nti o n t o t he ma n ufact urer’s i nstr ucti o ns re gar di n g orie ntati o n of t he 

micr o p h o ne wit h res pect t o t he s o u n d s o urce f or o pti m u m s e nsiti vit y perf or ma nce (see Fi g ure 2 ). F or meas ure me nts 

of a stati o nar y s o u n d s o urce, n or mal i nci de nce, w here t he s o u n d wa ves arri ve at a n a n gle p er pe n dic ular t o t he 

micr o p h o ne dia p hra g m (t he t hi n s heet of plastic stretc he d o ver t he t o p of t he micr o p h o ne) is rec o m me n de d . F or 

m o vi n g s o urces , grazi n g i nci de nce, w here t he s o u n d wa ves arri ve at a n a n gle parallel t o t he micr o p h o ne dia p hra g m, 

is preferre d si nce t he micr o p h o ne prese nts a c o nsta nt i nci de nce a n gle t o a n y s o urce l ocate d wit hi n t he pla ne of t he 

 I n a d diti o n, pr ofessi o nal i nstr u me nt cali brati o n s h o ul d be c o n d ucte d after a n i nstr u me nt is re paire d or has 

e x perie nce d re occ urri n g pr o ble ms d uri n g meas ure me nts. 

 Micr o p h o ne Prea m plifier 

Meas ure me nt

De vice 

( S L M or 

D osi meter) 

Wi n dscree n 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

1 0 

micr o p h o ne dia p hra g m. It is a cce pta ble t o p ositi o n a micr o p h o ne f or grazi n g i nci de nce e ve n if it has its flattest 

fre q ue nc y res p o nse c haracteristics i n a n or mal i nci de nce c o nfi g urati o n . 

Fi g ure 2. Micr o p h o ne I nci de nce 1 2

T he micr o p h o ne 's perf or ma nc e is s usce pti ble t o e n vir o n me ntal fact ors a n d p h ysical da ma ge. T heref ore, care s h o ul d 

be ta ke n t o pr o perl y ha n dle t he micr o p h o ne. F or e xa m ple, a micr o p h o ne ma y n ot o perate c orrectl y if it is e x p ose d t o 

e xcessi ve d ust or m oist ure, is dr o p pe d or s u bj ecte d t o ot her da ma gi n g m o ve me nts d uri n g use. 

Pre a m plifier: A prea m plifier is a de vice desi g ne d t o a m plif y t he electrical si g nal pr o d uce d b y t he micr o p h o ne, as 

well as t o pr o perl y matc h t he i m pe da nce of t he micr o p h o ne t o t he rest of t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr ume nt . T he 

prea m p lifier ma y be part of t he micr o p h o ne or a se parate c o m p o ne nt. C o ns ult t he micr o p h o ne ma n ufact urer’s 

literat ure f or rec o m me n dati o ns o n t he o pti m u m prea m plifier. Ofte n, t he prea m plifier als o p h ysical l y s u p p orts t he 

micr o p h o ne.

S o u n d le vel meter : A s o u n d le vel meter ( S L M) is a n ac o ustic de vice desi g ne d t o meas ure s o u n d press ure le vels. A 

sta n dar d S L M c o nsists of electr o nic filters (f or e xa m ple, a n A-wei g hti n g filter t hat all o ws t he de vice t o res p o n d t he 

sa me wa y as t he h u ma n ear), a p pr o priate e x p o ne ntial ti me -a vera gi n g circ uits t o calc ulate fast a n d sl o w res p o nses, 

a n d a met h o d t o dis pla y t he meas ure d s o u n d press ure le vel . M a n y S L Ms ha ve t he a d de d a bilit y t o st ore s o u n d le vel 

data a n d i nter nall y calc ulate ma n y metrics re q uire d f or F R A re g ulati o ns ( ma xi m u m s o u n d l e vel, e q ui vale nt s o u n d 

le vel, a n d e xcee da nce perce ntile s o u n d le vel). Hist oricall y, t he S L M was a n a nal o g meter wit h a nee dle/ dial dis pla y 

a n d n o st ora ge ca pa bilities, b ut n o w m ost are di gital a n d i ncl u de s o me i nter nal data st ora ge ca pa bilities. 

S L Ms use d t o perf or m meas ur e me nts f or c o m plia nce wit h F R A re g ulati o ns m ust meet t he perf or ma nce 

s pecificati o ns i n t he a p pr o priate A N SI/I E C Sta n dar ds1 1 , 1 3 , 1 4 , 1 5

 

 I n cases w here precisi o n meas ure me nts are re q uire d, ma n ufact urer-p u blis he d c orrecti o ns s h o ul d be a p plie d. 

. T hese sta n dar ds c haracterize t he S L M b y its 

acc urac y, referre d t o as ‘t y pe’ ( or ‘class’). T y pe 1 s o u n d le vel meters ( or precisi o n s o u n d le vel meters) are 

rec o m me n de d f or all railr oa d n oise meas ure me nts. T he re g ulati o ns all o w f or use of t he less precise, T y pe 2 s o u n d 

le vel meters if t he T y pe 1 is n ot a vaila ble . Use of a T y pe 2 meter ma y re q uire t he use of s o u n d le vel a dj ust me nt 

val ues . 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

1 1 

N ote t hat certai n e q ui p me nt a n d o perati o ns, s uc h as heat sealers, i n d ucti o n f ur naces, ge ner at ors, tra nsf or mers, 

electr o ma g nets, arc wel di n g, a n d ra di o tra ns mitters ge nerate electr o ma g netic fiel ds t hat ca n i n d uce c urre nt i n t he 

electr o nic circ uitr y of s o u n d le vel meters a n d n oise d osi meters a n d ca use erratic rea di n gs . A d diti o nal i nf or mati o n 

o n t his t o pic ca n be f o u n d i n C ha pter 8 u n der ‘ micr o p h o ne si m ulat ors’. 

N oise d osi meter : A n oise d osi meter is a s mall de vice desi g ne d pri maril y f or pers o nal n oise m o nit ori n g pr o gra ms. 

T he y are us uall y w or n b y t he m o nit ori n g s u bj ect, a n d ma y b e desi g ne d s o t he y ca n n o t be t ur ne d off a n d t he setti n gs 

ca nn o t be ta m pere d wit h d uri n g t he m o nit ori n g pr o gra m. T he y are desi g ne d t o meas ure a n d i nte grate s o u n d 

press ure le vels o ver ti me , t o calc ulate n oise e x p os ure metrics s uc h as perce nta ge n oise d ose or ei g ht-h o ur ti me 

wei g hte d a vera ge. T he y are esse ntiall y s pecialize d S L Ms wit h i nte grati o n, data pr ocessi n g a n d data st ora ge 

ca pa bilities, a n d t heref ore are s u bj ect t o t he s o u n d le vel met er sta n dar d s1 6 , 1 7

C ali br at or : A n ac o ustic cali brat or is a de vice t hat pr o vi des a mea ns of c hec ki n g t he i nstr u me nt ’s se nsiti vit y b y 

ge nerat i n g a t o ne at k n o w n fre q ue ncies ( us uall y bet wee n 2 5 0 Hz a n d 1 k Hz ) a n d a k n o w n s o un d press ure le vel (9 4 

or 1 1 4 d B ). A cali brat or w hic h meets A N SI T y pe 1 re q uire me nts

. D osi meters are t y picall y T y pe 2 

de vice s, u nless o t her wise s pecifie d i n t he ma n ufact urer’s literat ure. 

1 8 , t hat is n ot press ure se nsiti ve a n d t hat yiel ds a 9 4 

d B, A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ur e le vel at 1 k Hz , is s uita ble f or use i n F R A n oise meas ure me nts

Wi n dscree n: Re gar dless of t he t y pe of micr o p h o ne use d, a wi n dscree n is esse ntial f or b ot h i n d o or a n d o ut d o or 

meas ure me nts. A wi n dscree n is a p or o us s p here place d o ver t he micr o p h o ne t o g uar d a gai nst wi n d n oise a n d 

da ma ge fr o m d ust, dirt, a n d h u ma n c o ntact. W he n t he wi n dscree n is clea n, dr y, i n g o o d c o n diti o n, a n d meets 

ma n ufact urer’s rec o m me n dati o ns, it has a ne gli gi ble effect o n t he s o u n d le vel meas ure me nts. T he wi n dscree n will 

n ot pr otect t he micr o p h o ne fr o m rai n or e xtre me h u mi dit y. Ne ver c o n d uct meas ure me nts wit h a n y t y pe of c o ver i n g 

o ver t he micr o p h o ne (e. g., plastic ba g or plastic wra p) t o pr otect it fr o m m oist ure. S uc h materials will dist ort t he 

n oise pic k u p, a n d t he rea di n gs will be i n vali d. 

. It is als o i m p orta nt 

t o kee p i n mi n d t hat s o me t y p es of ac o ustic cali brat ors are press ure se nsiti ve, a n d ma y re q uire c orrecti o ns t o t heir 

n o mi nal o ut p ut le vel t o acc o u nt f or use at altit u des differe nt t ha n sea le vel . 

P o w er s u p pl y : T he perf or ma nce of t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt is directl y de pe n d e nt o n its p o wer s u p pl y . 

O perat ors s h o ul d re g ularl y c hec k t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt t o e n s ure it has s ufficie nt p o wer. M ost i nstr u me nt 

ma n uals will i ncl u de a n a vera ge o perati o nal d urati o n usi n g a sta n dar d batter y t y pe f or pla n ni n g p ur p oses. Lit hi u m 

batteries are ofte n e m pl o ye d i n n oise meas ure me nt pr o gra ms beca use of t heir e xte n d e d batter y life i n electr o nic 

e q ui p me nt c o m pare d wit h sta n dar d batteries. Nic kel -ca d mi u m gel cell batteries are als o a practical s o urce of p o wer. 

 

 

 U nless ot her wise rec o m me n d e d b y t he i nstr u me ntati o n ma n ufact urer. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

1 2 

2. 2. 2 M ete or ol o gic al Instr u me n ts 

B a d weat her ca n ne gati vel y i m pact a n oise meas ure me nt st u d y a n d da ma ge se nsiti ve i nstr u me nt s. F or t his reas o n, 

railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns, vari o us nati o nal a n d i nter nati o nal sta n dar ds, a n d m ost ma n ufact urers’ i nstr ucti o ns f or 

n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u ment s pr o vi de criteria g o ver ni n g t he weat her c o n diti o ns d uri n g w hic h n oise meas ure me nts 

ma y occ ur. T he re g ulati o ns a n d sta n dar ds are n ot s pecific as t o h o w t he weat her data are c ollecte d, as l o n g as t he 

data are re prese ntati ve of t he c o n diti o ns at t he meas u re me nt site. Wi n d s pee d a n d directi o n s h o ul d al wa ys be 

c ollecte d o n-site; wi n d s pee d is easil y meas ure d wit h a ha n d-hel d a ne m o meter; a vera ge wi n d directi o n ca n be 

a p pr o xi mate d. T e m perat ure a n d h u mi dit y data ca n be c ollecte d o n -site usi n g a t her m o met er a nd ps yc hr o meter, or 

ca n be o btai ne d fr o m a near b y air p ort or mete or ol o gical stati o n. 

2. 2. 3 A d diti o n al E q ui p me nt 

F oll o wi n g is a list of s u p ple me ntar y e q ui p me nt w hic h ma y be usef ul i n a n oise meas ure me nt st u d y . 

• Tri p o ds

• 

 a n d/ or ot her e q ui p me nt t o m o u nt a n d sta bil ize t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt a n d 

micr o p h o ne. 

L o g s heets , pe ns & pe ncils .

• A 

 

st o p watc h or ra dar g u n

• 

 t o meas ure l oc o m oti ve or rail car s pee d. 

Electr o nic st ora ge me dia

• 

 t o d o w nl oa d a n d sa ve t he s o u n d le vel data, s uc h as a la pt o p c o m p uter. 

• A 

S pare batteries . 

ta pe meas ure 

• A 

t o acc uratel y place t he micr o p h o ne (its hei g ht a n d dista nce fr o m t he l oc o m oti ve or ot her 

s o u n d s o urce). 

ca mera

• 

 t o d oc u me nt t he me as ure me nt st u d y. 

S pare s o u n d le vel meter or d osi meter c o m p o ne nts

2. 3 Pr o ce d ure f or N ois e Me as ure me nt 

, if a vaila ble. 

T his s ecti o n o utli nes a ge neral pr oce d ure f or perf or mi n g railr oa d n oise meas ure me nts (a se parate pr oce d ure f or 

occ u pati o nal n oise e x p os ure m o nit ori n g is o utli ne d i n Secti o n 2. 4). Alt h o u g h eac h t y pe of meas ure me nt ma y ha ve 

differe nt re q uire me nts , t here are si milar ele me nts w hic h ca n be u ni versall y a p plie d, re gar dless of t he g o ver ni n g 

re g ulati o n. Secti o n 2. 3. 1 o utli nes t he necessar y tas ks t hat s h o ul d be carrie d o ut i n a d va nce of a n y n oise 

meas ure me nts. Secti o n 2. 3. 2 s u m marizes t he criteria w hic h eac h n oise meas ure me nt site s h o ul d meet. Secti o n 2. 3. 3 

o utli nes t he ge neral pr oce d ure w hic h s h o ul d be f oll o we d w he n c o n d ucti n g n oise meas ure me nts i n t he fiel d. 

Variati o ns o n , a n d e xce pti o ns t o , t his pr oce d ure re q uire d f or c o m plia nce wit h s pecific F R A re g ulati o ns are disc usse d 

i n C ha pters 3, 4 a n d 5. 

2. 3. 1 N oise M e as ure me nt A d v a nc e Pl a n ni n g 

B ef ore a n y railr oa d n oise meas ure me nts ca n ta ke place, t her e are necessar y tas ks w hic h s h o ul d be carrie d o ut i n 

a d va nce. C hec klist 1 o utli nes t he preli mi nar y ste ps t hat s h o ul d be ta ke n bef ore a n y n oise meas ure me nt. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

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C hec klist 1. N oise M e as ure me nt A d v a nce Pl a n ni n g 

 I de ntif y t he t y pe of test.

 I de ntif y t he railr oa d e q ui p me nt or l ocati o ns t hat will be t he s u bject of t he test, a n d deter mi ne t heir 

a vaila bilit y.

• L oc o m oti ve l ocati o n f or l oc o m oti ve ca b i nteri or / railr oa d h or n meas ure me nts,

• Cre w b oar di n g l ocati o n f or pers o nal m o nit ori n g of occ u pati o nal n oise e x p os ure,

• Trac k wa ysi de, rail yar d, or recei vi n g p r o pert y, or

• Slee pi n g q uarter s l ocati o n.

 Deter mi ne t he ge neral l ocati o n, ti me, a n d date of t he meas ure me nts.

A d dress _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Cit y _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

C o u nt y _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

State _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Railr oa d/ Mile p ost _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Rail Yar d _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 I de ntif y a n d re vie w a p plica ble sta n dar ds a n d re g ulati o ns.

C F R P A R T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 Re vie w railr oa d safet y r ules a n d site -s pecific safet y c o nsi derati o ns.

 I de ntif y a n d c o ntact ot her partici pa nts w h o will assist. 

 Select a n d pre pare a p pr o priate n oise meas ure me nt a n d ot her i nstr u me nts.

• C hec k batteries

• Reset / C o nfir m pr o per c o nfi g urati o n of i nstr u me nts. ( wei g hti n g, res p o nse rate, etc.).

2. 3. 2 S pecific M e as ure me nt S ite Selecti o n 

O nce t he ge neral l ocati o n of t he meas ure me nts has bee n c h ose n, a s pecific meas ure me nt site w hic h meets t he 

criteria set f ort h i n t he re g ulati o ns m ust be l ocate d. If t his is n ot p ossi ble, meas ure me nts at n o n -c o nf or mi n g sites 

ma y be d o ne , b ut t h o se meas ure me nts ca n n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce deter mi nati o ns. All site c o n diti o ns, es peciall y 

t h ose t hat ma ke t he site n o n-c o nf or mi n g, s h o ul d be d oc u me nte d wit h pict ures or dra wi n gs a n d descri pti ve te xt. 

S pecific re q uire me nts are s u m marize d bel o w: Fi g ure 3 s h o ws t he criteria f or fi xe d-site si deli ne meas ure me nts , 

w hic h are use d f or li ne ha ul pass - b ys (l oc o m oti ves a n d rail cars), so me yar d o perati o ns, a n d l oc o m oti ve h or ns; 

Fi g ure 4 s h o ws t he criteria f or recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts, w hic h are use d f or ot her yar d o perati o ns, i ncl u di n g 

car -c o u pli n g i m pacts a n d retar ders. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

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Micr o p h o ne Ele v ati o n at M e as ure me nt Site f or R ailr o a d Si deli ne 

M e as ure me nts 

T he gr o u n d m ust be relati vel y flat. T hat is, wit hi n + 5 a n d -1 0 ft of t he 

t o p of t he test rail at t he micr o p h o ne. 

W here p ossi ble, a v oi d : 

• Meas ure me nts o ver water, wet 

gr o u n d, s n o w c o vere d gr o u n d or hi g h 

grass. Meas ure me nts o ver water will 

be hi g her t ha n meas ure me nts o ver 

la n d d ue t o reflecti o n. 

• T est site s less t ha n 1⁄4 mile fr o m a 

gra de cr ossi n gs , to a v oi d n ois e 

c o nta mi nati o n fr o m t he h or n a n d 

cr ossi n g bells. 

• T est sites cl ose t o a nte n nas, p o wer 

li nes, ge nerat ors a n d ot her s o urces of 

electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce. 

D oc u me nt t he l ocati o n of t hes e 

s o urces if a v oida nce is n ot p ossi ble. 

Electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce is 

disc usse d i n m ore de pt h i n C ha pter 8 

of t his Ha n d b o o k. 

M e as ure me nt Site – Tr ac k visi bilit y – all sites 

F or pass -b y meas ure me nts, at least 8 0 % of o ne rail al o n g t he test trac k m ust be visi ble fr o m t he micr o p h o ne 

l ocati o n, a n d n o si n gle o bstr ucti o n s h o ul d o bsc ure m ore t ha n 5 % of t he test trac k. 

M e as ure me nt Site - Cle ar z o ne re q uire me nts – all sites 

T he meas ure me nt site m ust be free of lar ge, reflecti n g o bj ects s uc h as b uil di n gs, hills, si g n p osts, b ri d ges, par ke d 

ve hicles, railr oa d cars a n d l oc o m oti ves ( ot her t ha n t he o ne bei n g teste d). Reflecti o ns off of t hese o bj ects ma y 

i ncrease t he meas ure d s o u n d l e vel.

M e as ure me nt Site B o u n d ari es f or 

R ailr o a d H or n M e as ure me nts 

M e as ure me nt Site B o u n d ari es f or 

R ailr o a d Si deli ne M e as ure me nts 

Fi g ure 3 . Test Site Re q uire me nts: Si deli ne M e as ure me nt Site Criteri a - Li ne H a ul P ass -B y ( L oc o m oti ves a n d 

R ail C ars), Y ar d O per ati o ns a n d L oc o m oti ve H or ns

- 1 0ft 

+ 5ft 

R ailr o a d Tr a ck Elev ati o n 

All o we d 

Micr o p h o n e 

Elev ati o n 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

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T he micr o p h o ne m ust be set u p i n a flat, o pe n 

area, free of vertical s urfaces l ar ger t ha n 

1. 2 m ( 4 ft) i n hei g ht wit hi n 1 0 m ( 3 3. 3 ft) of 

t he micr o p h o ne, as ill ustrate d, E X C E P T: 

• Resi de ntial or c o m mercial u nit walls 

or facilit y n oise barriers ma y be i n 

cl oser pr o xi mit y t o t he m icr o p h o ne, 

b ut still m ust be at least 2. 0 m ( 6. 6 ft) 

a wa y fr o m t he micr o p h o ne p ositi o n. 

• If t he recei vi n g pr o pert y 

meas ure me nts are bei n g ma de near a 

far m h o me, t he n o ne of t he o uter 

walls of t he far m h o use m ust be 

wit hi n a 2. 0 m t o 1 0. 0 m ( 6. 6 ft t o 

3 3. 3 ft) ra n ge of t he micr o p h o ne. 

 T he micr o p h o ne m ust be bet wee n 4 ft a n d 5 ft 

a b o ve t he gr o u n d. 

F or car -c o u pli n g i m pact meas ure me nts o nl y , 

t he micr o p h o ne m ust be at least 1 0 0ft fr o m t he 

nearest trac k w here car -c o u pli n g occ urs.

Fi g ure 4. Test Site Re q uire me nts: Recei vi n g Pr o pert y M e as ure me nt Site Criteri a
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

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2. 3. 3 Fi el d Pr oce d ur e f or N oi se Me as ur e me nts 

C h ec klist 2, bel o w , o utli n es a ge n eral, st e p -b y -st e p pr oce d ur e t h at s h o ul d be f oll o we d d uri n g t h e c o urse of t h e n oise 

m eas ur e m e nts. F urt h er e x pl a nati o n of t h e m or e detail e d st e ps ca n be f o u n d i n t h e para gra p hs t hat f oll o w. 

C he c klist 2 . B asic Pr oc e d ur e f or N oise M e as ur e me nts 

S et u p t he n oise me as ur e me nt instr u me nt (s).

 Verif y t he n ois e meas ur e me nt i nstr u me nt c o n diti o n a n d setti n gs:

• F ull batter y p o wer ,

• Fr e q u e nc y wei g hti n g filt er ( A or C) ,

• D y na mic r es p o ns e (fast, sl o w) , a n d

• Meas ur e me nt metric ( L A F m x , L A S m x , L A e qT ).

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or offs et :

• N ois e meas ur e me nt i nstr u me nt (s o u n d le vel met er or d osi met er) ,

• Wrist watc h ( or c ell p h o ne) , a n d/ or

• La pt o p .

 M o u nt t he n ois e meas ur e me nt i nstr u me nt o n a tri p o d ( or h ol d at ar m's le n gt h) at t he hei g ht s pecifie d 

i n t he r e g ulati o ns. 

 Orie nt t he micr o p h o ne a cc or di n g t o t he s o u n d s o ur c e: 

• n or mal i nci de nc e f or stati o nar y s o ur c es, or 

• gr a zi n g i nci de nc e f or m o vi n g s o ur c es .

 C ali br ate t he n ois e meas ur e me nt i nstr u me nt ( or verif y cali br ati o n). Meas ur e a n d d oc u me nt 1 0 

sec o n ds of t he a c o ustic cali br ati o n si g nal. A dj ust as nec essar y.

 Pla ce a wi n dscr ee n o ver t he micr o p h o ne .

 C o nfir m cle ar n oise me as ure me nt p at h w a ys.

P ositi o n o bs er vers, o per at ors a n d e m pl o yees a wa y fr o m t he micr o p h o ne, r ail e q ui p me nt a n d o ut of 

t he dir ect pat h of t he n ois e s o ur ce.

 Me as ur e a n d c o nfir m t h at t he e n vir o n me nt al c o n diti o ns are wit hi n t he s pecifie d li mits.

• Wi n d s pee d: s ustai ne d < 5 m/s ( 1 2 m p h ), gusts < 9 m/s ( 2 0 m p h )

• N o Pr eci pitati o n

• T e m p er at ur e: 1 4° F t o 1 2 2° F (- 1 0° t o 5 0°C), 3 6° F t o 9 5° F ( 2°C t o 3 5 °C) is pr ef err e d

• R elati ve h u mi dit y: F oll o w ma n ufa ct ur ers' i nstr ucti o ns ( ge ner all y 5 % t o 8 0 %)

 Me as ure a n d d oc u me nt t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel . T he s p ecific pr oc e d ur e a n d metric is 

r e g ulati o n-de p e n da nt . 

Pe rf o r m s o ur ce n oise m e as ur e me nts . ( R ef er t o C ha pt ers 3 , 4, a n d 5 f or s pecific pr oc e d ur es). 

 D oc u me nt a n y n otic ea ble e n vir o n me ntal c ha n ges, i ncl u di n g s u bsta ntial c ha n ges i n weat her, 

ba c k gr o u n d n ois e or c o nta mi nati o n fr o m ot her n ois e s o ur ces. 

 Fiel d cali br ate t he n ois e meas ur e me nt i nstr u me nt at i nt er vals n ot e xc ee di n g a n h o ur f or l o n ger 

d ur ati o n me as ur e me nts. ( N ot r e q uir e d f or all meas ur e me nts) 

Pe rf o r m p ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks .

 Meas ur e a n d r ec or d t he ba c k gr o u n d n ois e le vel . 

 Meas ur e a n d r ec or d a cali br ati o n t o ne.

 D oc u me nt t he e n vir o n me ntal c o n diti o ns .

B ac k u p d at a .

 S a ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t he data t o me m or y or a n e xt er nal st or a ge de vi c e.

 Ma ke ba c k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t he c orr es p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n ve nie nt ti me.

 

 If t h e a c o usti c cali brat or us es a fr e q ue n c y ot h er t h a n 1 0 0 0 Hz, t h e fr e q ue n c y-wei g hti n g i n t h e n oise m eas ur e m e nt 

i nstr u m e nt m ust be set t o u n-wei g ht e d (rat h er t ha n A -wei g hte d) d uri n g cali brati o n. 

N ot r e q uir e d f or i n d o or m e a s ur e m e nt 

 ( c a b i nt eri or, sl e e pi n g q u art er s) 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

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N oise me as ure me nt i nstr u me nt set u p : T he i nstr u me nt m ust be place d s o t he micr o p h o ne is at t he pr o per hei g ht : 

1. 2 m ( 4 ft) a b o ve t he gr o u n d f or li ne-ha ul a n d m ost l oc o m oti ve h or n meas ure me nts, 4. 6 m ( 1 5 ft) a b o ve t he gr o u n d 

f or ce nter-m o u nte d l oc o m oti ve h or n meas ure me nts, bet wee n 1. 2 a n d 1. 5 m ( 4 -5 ft) f or yar d o perati o n 

meas ure me nts, a n d 0. 7 6 a n d 1. 4 5 m ( 2. 5 a n d 4. 7 5 ft) a b o ve t he ca b seat or fl o or f or l oc o m oti ve i n -ca b n oise 

meas ure me nts (see Secti o n 5. 2. 1 f or f urt her details). F or best res ults, t he e ntire i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be place d o n a 

tri p o d or si milar de vice ( o pti o nall y, t he micr o p h o ne a n d prea m plifier ca n be m o u nte d o n t he tri p o d a n d c o n necte d t o 

t he s o u n d le vel meter or d osi meter wit h t he a p pr o priate ca bli n g). W it h t he e xce pti o n of l oc o m oti ve h or n 

meas ure me nts, F R A re g ulati o ns all o w f or ha n d hel d n oise mea s ure ment i nstr u me nts, b ut t his is disc o ura ge d d ue t o 

t he pr o ba bilit y of s hiel di n g a n d n oise pr o d uce d b y t he i nstr u me nt o perat or. If a ha n d hel d meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt 

m ust be use d, t he n it s h o ul d be hel d a wa y fr o m t he b o d y. T he o perat or m ust ne ver sta n d bet wee n t he i nstr u me nt a n d 

t he n oise s o urce. 

Orie nt t he micr o p h o ne wit h pr o per res pect t o t he s o u n d s o ur ce f or o pti m u m se nsiti vit y perf or ma nce , as descri be d 

bel o w . F or meas ure me nts of a stati o nar y s o u n d s o urce, n or mal i nci de nce, w here t he s o u n d wa ves arri ve at a n a n gle 

per pe n dic ular t o t he micr o p h o ne dia p hra g m is best. F or m o vi n g s o urces, grazi n g i nci de nc e, w here t he s o u n d wa ves 

arri ve at a n a n gle parallel t o t he micr o p h o ne dia p hra g m, is pr eferre d beca use grazi n g i nci de nce will e ns ure a 

c o nsta nt micr o p h o ne fre q ue nc y res p o nse re gar dless of t he p ositi o n of t he n oise s o urce. It is perfectl y acce pta ble t o 

p ositi o n a micr o p h o ne f or gra zi n g i nci de nce e ve n if it has its flattest fre q ue nc y res p o nse c haracteristics i n a n or mal 

i nci de nce c o nfi g urati o n. 

C o ver t he mic r o p h o ne wit h a wi n dscree n t o g uar d a gai nst wi n d n oise a n d da ma ge fr o m d ust, dirt, a n d h u ma n 

c o ntact. The wi n dscree n will n ot , h o we ver, pr otect t he micr o p h o ne fr o m rai n or e xtre me h u mi dit y. Alt h o u g h 

plastic ba gs are usef ul t o ha ve o n ha n d t o c o ver t he micr o p h o ne a n d wi n dscree n i n t he e ve nt of s u d de n or 

i nter mitte nt rai n s h o wers, nev er c o n d uct t he meas ure me nts wit h t his t y pe of c o veri n g o ver t he micr o p h one . S uc h 

materials will dist ort t he n oise detecte d , a n d t he rea di n gs will be i n vali d. 

Fiel d c ali br ati o n : T he pre -meas ure me nt fiel d cali brati o n is a t w o -ste p pr ocess as part of n oise meas ure me nt 

i nstr u me nt set u p. B ef ore t his pre-meas ure me nt fiel d cali brati o n, t he i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be all o we d t o a dj ust t o t he 

e n vir o n me ntal c o n diti o ns (es p eciall y te m perat ure) at t he site. First, place t he cali brat or o n t he micr o p h o ne, a n d 

a dj ust t he i nstr u me nt s o t hat t he s o u n d le vel dis pla ye d b y t he i nstr u me nt matc hes t he k n o w n le vel of t he cali brati o n 

t o ne. Si nce t he a vaila ble meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts var y i n o perati o n, f oll o w t he i nstr u me nt ma n ufact urer’s 

re q uire me nts w he n perf or mi n g t his pr oce d ure. After t his a dj ust me nt , t he sec o n d ste p of t he pr ocess is t o meas ure 

t he cali brati o n t o ne f or 1 0 sec o n ds after t he si g nal has sta bilize d, a n d st ore t he meas ure me nt wit hi n t he i nstr u me nt if 

p ossi ble. T he cali brati o n le vel s h o ul d als o be d oc u me nte d i n t he meas ure me nt l o g. 

F or meas ure me nts w hic h c o nti n ue l o n ger t ha n a n h o ur, t he l e vel of t he cali brati o n t o ne s h o ul d be meas ure d a n d 

rec or de d i n t he meas ure me nt l o g at h o url y i nter vals . T his is s o meti mes referre d t o as a cali brati o n ‘c hec k’. N ot 

o nl y ca n t hese a d diti o nal cali brat i o n c hec ks be use d t o pr o vi de verificati o n of c o nti n ue d, relia ble perf or ma nce of t he 

meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt si nce t he i nitial ( or latest) cali brati o n, b ut t he y ca n als o be use d t o test t he meas ure me nt 

i nstr u me nt f or fa ult y c o n necti o ns a n d defecti ve o perati o n. As s uc h, t hese h o url y c hec ks will li mit t he a m o u nt of 

data l oss w he n t hese t y pes of pr o ble ms arise. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

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A fi nal cali brati o n le vel ‘c hec k’ s h o ul d be perf or me d at t he e n d of eac h meas ure me nt. T he c o m paris o n of 

cali brati o n le vels bef ore a n d after t he meas ure me nt is use d t o c hec k t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt’s precisi o n o ver 

t he c o urse of t he meas ure me nts. If t hese bef ore a n d after le vels differ b y m ore t ha n 1 d B ( 0. 5 d B f or l oc o m oti ve 

h or n a n d ca b i nteri or), t he n oise meas ure me nts ma y n ot be use d t o deter mi n e c o m plia nce wit h F R A re g ulati o ns. In 

a d diti o n, if a vi olati o n occ urs , it m ust be n ote d a n d i m me diatel y f oll o we d u p b y a fiel d cali brati o n t o e ns ure t hat t he 

vi olati o n is n ot d ue t o a meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt malf u ncti o n . 

T he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt s h o ul d als o be fiel d cali brate d b ot h bef ore a n d after a n y c ha n ges are ma de t o its 

c o nfi g urati o n or parts . S uc h c ha n ges ca n i ncl u de m o ve me nt of t he i nstr u me nt t o a n ot her l ocati o n (es peciall y if t he 

i nstr u me nt is disasse m ble d), a c ha n ge i n micr o p h o ne, or a c ha n ge i n i nstr u me nt setti n gs. 

M ete or ol o gic al c o n diti o ns : Wi n d s pee d a n d directi o n s h o ul d al wa ys be c ollecte d o n -sit e; wi n d s pee d is easil y 

meas ure d wit h a ha n d -hel d a ne m o meter; wi n d directi o n ca n be a p pr o xi mate d. If i nstr u me nts t o meas ure wi n d s pee d 

a n d directi o n are n ot a vaila ble, data fr o m t he nearest air p ort or mete or ol o gical stati o n s h o ul d be use d. T e m perat ure 

a n d h u mi dit y data ca n be c olle cte d o n -site usi n g a t her m o meter a n d ps yc hr o meter, or ca n be o btai ne d fr o m t he 

nearest air p ort or mete or ol o gi c al stati o n. 

B ac k gr o u n d n oise : T he bac k gr o u n d a m bie nt n oise at a site c o nsists of a n y n oise ( e n vir o n me ntal, mec ha nical or 

ot her s o urce ) w hic h is n ot directl y attri b uta ble t o t he n oise s o urce bei n g i n vesti gate d. B ac k gr o u n d n oise le vels are 

meas ure d b ot h bef ore a n d after t he meas ure me nts t o deter mi ne t heir i nfl ue nce o ver t he c o urse of t he meas ure me nts. 

M ost railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns sti p ulate t hat a n y bac k gr o u n d n oise m ust be at least 1 0 d B( A ) l o wer t ha n t he 

ma xi m u m meas ure d s o u n d le vel f or t he meas ure me nt t o be vali d. If b ot h t he i nitial a n d fi nal bac k gr o u n d n oise 

le vels are at least 1 0 d B( A ) l o wer t ha n t he meas ure d s o u n d l e vels a n d t he y are sta ble, t he n it ca n be i nferre d t hat t he 

bac k gr o u n d n ois e di d n ot c orr u pt t he s o u n d le vels d uri n g t he meas ure me nt i nter val . If t he bac k gr o u n d n oise is n ot 

1 0 d B( A ) l o wer, n ote i n t he l o g b o o k t hat “t he meas ure me nt is n ot vali d a n d di d n ot meet c o m plia nce d ue t o 

bac k gr o u n d n oise.” W ait t o s ee if t he bac k gr o u n d n oise g oes d o w n a n d re peat t he meas ur e me nt if p ossi ble. 

If t he s o u n d le vel i n t he a bse nce of t he s o urce is c o nsta nt, t he bac k gr o u n d s o u n d le vel is t hat c o nsta nt le vel. 

H o we ver, t his is q uite ofte n n ot t he case. Us uall y t he meas ure d s o u n d le vel i n t he a bse nc e of t he desire d s o urce 

varies o ver a ra n ge of val ues. I n t his case, it is m ore diffic ult t o defi ne precisel y t he bac k gr o u n d le vel. F or t he 

p ur p oses of c haracterizi n g var yi n g bac k gr o u n d n oise, t he L 9 0 e xcee da nce perce ntile s o u n d le vel is ofte n use d. T his 

is t he metric t hat is s pecifie d i n t he recei vi n g pr o pert y-t y pe meas ure me nts (see C ha pter 4). 

F or n o n -re g ulat or y meas ure me nts, if it is desira ble t o esti mate t he s o urce le vel, l o garit h mi c deci bel s u btracti o n 

( Ls o urce – Lbac k gr o u n d ) ma y be us e d w he n t he bac k gr o u n d le vel is bet wee n 3 a n d 1 0 d B( A) bel o w t he meas ure d s o u n d 

le vel. F or e xa m ple, if t he s o u n d le vel of a passi n g railcar is meas ure d at 7 0 d B( A), a n d, after t he trai n has passe d, 

t he bac k gr o u n d le vel is meas ure d t o be 6 5 d B( A), deci bel s u btracti o n ca n be use d t o esti mate t he act ual le vel of t he 

passi n g railcar. 

1 0l o g( 1 0 7 0/ 1 0 – 1 0 6 5/ 1 0 ) = 6 8. 3 d B( A) 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

1 9 

B ac k gr o u n d n oise meas ure me nts s h o ul d be ma de usi n g t he s a me meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt a n d set u p as t hat use d f or 

t he c orres p o n di n g s o urce n ois e meas ure me nt s. T he e xact metric a n d pr oce d ure t o be use d f or bac k gr o u n d n oise 

meas ure me nts is re g ulati o n s p ecific, refer t o C ha pters 3, 4 a n d 5 f or f urt her details.

2. 4 Pr o ce d ure f or Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u p ati o n al N oise E x p os ure 

P ers o nal n oise m o nit ori n g f or F R A c o m plia nce is d o ne o n e m pl o yees w h ose e x p os ures oc c ur pri maril y i n t he 

l oc o m oti ve ca b. It is us uall y c o n d ucte d d uri n g a heari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gra m a u dit, or beca use of a n e xcessi ve 

n oise re p ort fr o m a n e m pl o yee w h ose e x p os ure occ urs i n t he l oc o m oti ve ca b, a n d it is use d t o deter mi ne if 

e m pl o yees’ e x p os ures re q uire t he esta blis h me nt of a heari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gra m. If t he m o nit ori n g is d ue t o a n 

e xcessi ve n oise c o m plai nt, it m ust be c o n d ucte d i n t he s pecific l ocati o n o r e q ui p me nt fr o m w hic h t he c o m plai nt has 

arise n. T he e m pl o yee’s w or k s h o ul d n ot var y fr o m t he n or mal r o uti ne, a n d s h o ul d be d oc u me nte d. I n m ost cases, it 

is pr u de nt t o o bser ve t he m o nit ori n g a n d l o g t he ge neral s o ur ces of n oise, es peciall y t h ose a b o ve t he t hres h ol d le vel. 

T his S ecti o n o utli nes a pr oce d ure f or perf or mi n g pers o nal n oise e x p os ure m o nit ori n g of t his gr o u p of e m pl o yees. A 

m ore detaile d descri pti o n of t his pr oce d ure ca n be f o u n d i n C ha pter 6. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

2 0 

2. 4. 1 Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u p ati o n al N ois e E x p os ure - A d v a nce Pl a n ni n g 

B ef ore a n y e m pl o yee m o nit ori n g ca n ta ke place, t he necessar y tas ks s h o ul d be pla n ne d o ut i n a d va nce. C hec klist 3 

o utli nes t he preli mi nar y ste ps t hat s h o ul d be ta ke n bef ore a n y n oise meas ure me nt is c o n d ucte d. 

C hec klist 3. Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u p ati o n al N oise E x p os ure - A d v a nce Pl a n ni n g 

 Deter mi ne t he r o ute det ails, fr o m t he e m pl o yee or r ailr o a d m a n a ge me nt.

• B oar di n g l ocati o n. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

• Ti me a n d date. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

• R o ute a n d esti mate d ti me o n b oar d. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

• R o ute e n d p oi nt - if n ot a r o u n d tri p. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 N o n - FR A/r ailr o a d pers o n nel s h o ul d bec o me f a mili ar wit h r ailr o a d s afet y c o nsi der ati o ns .

• Re q uire d pers o nal pr otecti ve e q ui p me nt.

• Railr oa d safet y r ules/ p olic y f or b oar di n g/ri di n g i n o perati n g l oc o m oti ves.

 E q ui p me nt pre p ar ati o n - Select a n d pre p are a p pr o pri ate n oise me as ure me nt a n d ot her 

e q ui p me nt .

• N oise d osi meters/ S L M 

( Deter mi ne h o w ma n y) 

T y pe - S/ N _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

• Cali brat or T y pe - S/ N _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

• T a pe or cli ps t o faste n ca bles

• Fres h batteries

• Reset/c o nfir m pr o per c o nfi g urati o n of d osi meters/ S L M. ( wei g hti n g, res p o nse rate, etc.). 

• N ote b o o k/cli p b oar ds/f or ms f or d oc u me nti n g meas ure me nt para meters a n d e ve nts.

• La pt o p a n d re q uire d s oft ware/i nterface de vices f or d o w nl oa d /st ora ge of data. 

 P re p are pers o n al nee ds f or tr a vel. 

• Gat her a n d pac k water a n d n o n -peris ha ble f o o d (a n d me ds if nee de d) f or le n gt h of tri p. 

• Tra ns p ortati o n bac k fr o m r o ute e n d p oi nt (if n ot r o u n d tri p o n b oar d).

• Pers o nal c o m m u nicati o ns .

N ote: T he a b o ve c hec klist pres u mes t he m o nit ori n g will be directl y o bser ve d t o e ns ur e t he i nte grit y of 

t he meas ure me nts. 

2. 4. 2 Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u p ati o n al N ois e E x p os ure - Fiel d Pr oce d ur e 

C hec klist 4 o utli nes a ste p -b y -ste p pr oce d ure t hat s h o ul d be f oll o we d d uri n g t he c o urse of t he n oise m o nit ori n g . 

F urt her e x pla nati o n of t he m or e detaile d ste ps ca n be f o u n d i n t he f oll o wi n g para gra p hs. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

2 1 

C hec klist 4. B asic Pr oce d ure f or Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u p ati o n al N oise E x p os ure 

Set u p t he n oise me as ure me nt instr u me nt (s).

 T ur n o n a n d verif y t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt(s) c o n diti o n a n d setti n gs.

• F ull batter y p o wer

• Fre q ue nc y wei g hti n g filter ( A)

• Filter Res p o nse ( Sl o w)

• E xc ha n ge Rate ( 5 d B)

• T hres h ol d Le vel ( 8 0 d B( A))

• Criteri o n Le vel ( 9 0 d B( A))

• Meas ure me nt Metric ( L T W A( 8)

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n bet wee n n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt, wrist watc h ( or cell 

p h o ne), a n d la pt o p.

 Cali brate t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt(s) ( or verif y cali brati o n). T he i nstr u me nt(s) 

s h o ul d be a dj uste d s o t hat t he meas ure d le vel matc hes t he k n o w n le vel of t he cali brati o n t o ne. 

(Ma y be d o ne i m me diatel y bef ore g oi n g t o fiel d).

 Verif y t he i nstr u me nt is rea di n g t he a p pr o priate cali brati o n val ue, t he n l o g / d oc u me nt 1 0 

sec o n ds of t he ac o ustic cali brati o n si g nal after t he si g nal sta bilizes (f or eac h de vice use d).

 Place a wi n dscree n o ver t he micr o p h o ne.

P ositi o n t he n oise me as ure me nt i nstr u me nt a n d be gi n m o nit ori n g . ( Use of a d osi meter is 

ass u me d)

 P ositi o n t he micr o p h o ne i n t he e m pl o yee’s heari n g z o n e, a s p here 0. 6 m ( 2 ft ) i n dia meter 

ar o u n d t he e m pl o yee’s hea d.

 Use ta pe or cli ps t o e ns ure t hat t he ca ble c o n necti n g t he d osi meter b o d y a n d micr o p h o ne d oes 

n ot i nterfere wit h t he e m pl o yee’s safet y or perf or ma nce. 

 Start data l o g gi n g a n d l oc k ke y b oar d.

O bser ve acti vities a n d e ve nts d uri n g m o nit ori n g .

 D oc u me nt t he s o urce of a n y n oticea bl y l o u d n oises, sla m mi n g d o ors, s o u n di n g of h or n, o pe n 

wi n d o ws, l o u d ra di o calls, etc. (es peciall y t h ose p ote ntiall y e xc ee di n g 1 1 5 d B( A)). 

o N ot e: Re q uires use of S L M or a d diti o nal d osi meter t o o bser ve le vels. 

 If p ossi ble, peri o dicall y me as ure a n d d oc u me nt t he te m perat ure i nsi de t he l oc o m oti ve ca b. 

 E n d m o nit ori n g .

U nl oc k ke y b oar d a n d st o p data l o g gi n g.

P erf or m p ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks .

 Meas ure a n d l o g / d oc u me nt 1 0 s ec o n ds of t he ac o ustic cali brati o n si g nal after t he si g nal 

sta bilizes. 

 C o nfir m t hat t his cali brati o n le vel is wit hi n +/ - 1 d B( A ) fr o m i nitial cali brati o n le vel. 

 Meas ure me nts ma y n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce if t he differe nce is greater t ha n 1 d B.

B ac k u p d at a

 Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t he data st ore d t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge de vice.

 Ma ke ba c k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t he c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n ve nie nt ti me.

 

 If t he ac o ustic cali brat or uses a fre q ue nc y ot her t ha n 1 0 0 0 Hz, t he filter c haracteristics m ust be set t o u n-wei g hte d 

(rat her t ha n A-wei g hte d) d uri n g cali brati o n. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

2 2 

D osi meter pl ace me nt f or n oise e x p os ure m o nit ori n g : W he n usi n g a d osi meter t he e ntire meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt 

is w or n b y t he e m pl o yee. T he micr o p h o ne m ust be place d i n t he e m pl o yee’s heari n g z o ne, a 0. 6 m ( 2 ft ) dia meter 

s p here ar o u n d t he e m pl o yee’s hea d 1 9

It is i m p orta nt t hat t he e m pl o yee wear t he d osi meter f or t he e ntire meas ure me nt peri o d a n d d o n ot t o uc h t he 

meas ure me nt e q ui p me nt, w hil e t he y perf or m t heir d uties n or mall y. Ma n y d osi meters ha ve “l oc k f u ncti o ns,” t hat 

pre ve nt t he setti n gs fr o m bei n g altere d d uri n g t he c o urse of t he st u d y. T he d osi meter ma n ufact urer’s i nstr ucti o ns 

s h o ul d c o ntai n su g gesti o n s f or pr otecti ve casi n g, if o ne is n ot pr o vi de d wit h t he d osi meter. 

. It is us uall y cli p pe d t o t he mi d-t o p of t he e m pl o yee’s s h o ul der ( or u p per 

la pel) a n d orie nte d acc or di n g t o t he ma n ufact urer’s i nstr ucti o ns ( us uall y parallel t o t he we arer’s s h o ul der). If o ne 

si de of t he e m pl o yee is t y picall y cl oser t o t he n oise s o urce(s), 

t he n t he micr o p h o ne s h o ul d b e attac he d o n t hat si de. C o ns ult 

t he d osi meter ma n ufact urer’s i nstr ucti o ns f or pr o per attac h me nt 

tec h ni q ues, if t he micr o p h o ne d oes n o t c o me wit h a n attac he d 

m o u nti n g cli p. T he micr o p h o ne is us uall y c o n necte d t o t he 

d osi meter wit h a s h ort ca ble. T he place me nt o n t he b o d y of t he 

d osi meter is n ot ver y i m p orta nt, o nl y t hat it a n d t he ca ble d o n ot 

i nterfere wit h t he e m pl o yee’s j o b perf or ma nce or p ose a 

p ote ntial safet y hazar d. T y picall y, t he d osi meter is cli p pe d t o 

t he e m pl o yee’s belt, carrie d i n t heir p oc ket, or o ver t heir 

s h o ul der wit h a stra p. 

T o ens ure t he i nte grit y of t he meas ure me nts, t he m o nit ori n g s h o ul d be o bser ve d. I n or der t o d oc u me nt e ve nts 

pr o perl y, t he o bser ver s h o ul d ha ve a vaila ble a n a d diti o nal d osi meter o r s o u n d le vel meter s o t hat t he s o u n d le vels 

ca n be easil y rea d fr o m t he i nstr u me nt’s dis pla y a n d c orrelate d wit h act ual n oise e ve nts ( h or n s o u n di n gs, etc.). If 

p ossi ble, wit h o ut i nterferi n g wit h or distracti n g t he e m pl o yee, t he a d diti o nal i nstr u me nt’s mi cr o p h o ne s h o ul d be 

p ositi o ne d near t he e m pl o yee, wit hi n t he e m pl o yee’s heari n g z o ne if practical. T he a p pr o xi mate p ositi o n of t he 

micr o p h o ne s h o ul d be d oc u me nte d i n t he data l o gs. 

2. 5 D oc u me nt ati o n 

D oc u me ntati o n is re q uire d f or all c o m plia nce meas ure me nt s. Ever y as pect of t he test l ocati o n a n d t he n oise 

meas ure me nts m ust be pr o perl y d oc u me nte d, fr o m t he site ge o metr y t o t he mete or ol o gical c o n diti o ns t o t he act ual 

meas ure d s o u n d le vels. W hil e t here ma y be s o me a d diti o nal d oc u me ntati o n re q uire me nts de pe n di n g o n t he s pecific 

re g ulati o n g o ver ni n g t he meas ure me nts, t he f oll o wi n g i nf or mati o n s h o ul d be d oc u me nte d f or all rail n oise 

meas ure me nts. 

• Na mes of e q ui p me nt o perat ors/ o bser vers. 

• Date a n d start ti me of t he meas ure me nts. 

• List of t he meas ure me nt e q ui p me nt use d a n d serial n u m bers. 

• T he railr oa d e q ui p me nt’s call n u m ber or ot her i de ntif yi n g i nf or mati o n t o trace ma ke, m o d el n u m ber, 

serial n u m ber, a n d date of ma n ufact ure. 

0. 3 m ( 1. 0 ft) 

Fi g ure 5 . He ari n g Z o ne f or Micr o p h o ne Pl ace me nt 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

2 3 

• S h ort meas ure me nt descri pti o n t o i de ntif y t he re g ulati o n bei n g c o m plie d wit h, a n d t o i de ntif y t he pri mar y 

n oise s o urce bei n g i n vesti gate d. 

• Meas ure me nt site descri pti o n, i ncl u di n g: 

- L ocati o n descri pti o n; a n d 

- S ketc h of meas ure me nt site ge o metr y, n oti n g a n y c o n diti o ns w hic h ma ke t he site n o n -c o m plia nt 

(i.e., lar ge b uil di n gs i n t he me as ure me nt site, or b o dies of water bet wee n t he n oise s o urce a n d 

micr o p h o ne) . 

• Mete or ol o gical data, w hic h s h o ul d i ncl u de, at a mi ni m u m: 

- Air te m perat ure; 

- Wi n d vel ocit y/s pee d a n d directi o n; 

- Relati ve H u mi dit y. 

• Cali brati o n s o u n d press ure le vels. T he ti me of da y a n d d urati o n c orres p o n di n g t o eac h meas ure me nt 

s h o ul d als o be d oc u me nte d. 

• B ac k gr o u n d n oise le vels meas ure d usi n g t he a p pr o priate metric, al o n g wit h t he ti me of da y a n d d urati o n 

c orres p o n di n g t o eac h meas ure me nt. 

• Res ults of re g ulati o n -s pecific n oise meas ure me nt(s), al o ng wit h t he ti me of da y a n d d urati o n 

c orres p o n di n g t o eac h meas ure me nt. 

T he f oll o wi n g pa ges c o ntai n bla n k l o g s heets t hat ca n b e d u plicate d as necessar y. Fi g ure 6 is a ge neral n oise 

m eas ure me nt l o g s heet, a p pli ca ble t o all n oise meas ure me nts. Fi g ure 7 is a ge neral noise e x p os ure mo nit ori n g l o g 

s heet, a p plica ble t o m o nit ori n g of e m pl o yee pers o nal n oise e x p os ure. Fi g ure 8 is a site c o n diti o n a n d mete or ol o gical 

data l o g s heet, a p plica ble t o all t y pes of meas ure me nts. Fi g ure 9 is a recei vi n g pr o pert y s o u n d le vel l o g s heet, 

a p plica ble o nl y w he n t he s o u n d le vel data are n ot st o re d wit hi n t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt. Sa m ple uses of t hese 

data l o g s heets are i ncl u de d i n t he a p plica ble part of C ha pters 3 t o 6 f or eac h t y pe of meas ure me nt. T hese files 

s h o ul d be mai ntai ne d at Re gi o nal Offices, or f oll o w a ge nc y d oc u me ntati o n g ui da nce. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

2 4 

Fi g ure 6. Ge ner al N oise M e as ure me nt D at a L o g S heet 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o. T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. L e v el

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

G e n er al N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ _

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt:

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e:

Fr e q u e n c y: H z

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e C o m m e nt s
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

2 5 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e:

J o b Titl e:

W or k s hift D ur ati o n:

H e ari n g Pr ot e cti o n/ T y p e:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o.: T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. T a s k/ E v e nt

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

N oi s e E x p o s ur e M o nit ori n g D at a L o g S h e et _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ _

T y p e of M o nit ori n g:

M o nit or e d R ailr o a d E m pl o y e e I nf or m ati o n

R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

M o nit ori n g I n str u m e nt I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e:

Fr e q u e n c y: H z

Mi c. L o c ati o n:

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e E v e nt D e s cri pti o n a n d C o m m e nt s

Fi g ure 7 . Ge ner al Occ u p ati o n al N oise E x p os ure M o nit ori n g D at a L o g S heet 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

2 6 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

R el ati v e 

S p e e d Dir e cti o n H u mi dit y

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e G e o m etr y a n d M et e or ol o gi c al C o n diti o n s L o g S h e et _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ _

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt:

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

T e m p er at ur e

M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e G e o m etr y ( Pl a n Vi e w)

M et e or ol o gi c al C o n diti o n s

E v e nt N o. Ti m e Wi n d C o m m e nt s

Fi g ure 8 . Ge ner al M e as ure me nt Site Ge o metr y a n d M ete or ol o gic al C o n diti o ns L o g S heet 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

2 7 

N a m e( s): D at e:

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt: St art Ti m e:

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

N a m e s: R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e: C ali br at or:

S eri al N o.: T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: Fr e q u e n c y:

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

1 0 1 5 2 0 2 5 3 0

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

R e c ei vi n g Pr o p ert y N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ _

d B H z

N u m b er of O c c ur a n c e s

Fi g ure 9 . Ge ner al Recei vi n g Pr o pert y N oise M e as ure me nt L o g S heet 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 2 B asic Ele me nts of N oise Me as ure me nts 

2 8 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 3. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Li n e H a ul O per ati o ns 

2 9 

3 Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce : Li ne-H a ul O per ati o ns 

T his secti o n descri bes t he met h o ds use d t o ma ke e xteri or, si deli ne n oise meas ure me nts o n m o vi n g l oc o m oti ves a n d 

rail cars a n d t o deter mi ne if t he res ulti n g, meas ure d n oise le vels are i n c o m plia nce wit h t he a p pr o priate fe deral 

re g ulati o ns ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 2 a n d 2 0 1. 1 3). C o m plete c hec klists, i nc or p orati n g t he a p pr o priate ele me nts of b ot h 

C ha pters 2 a n d 3 f or m o vi n g l oc o m oti ve a n d rail car meas ur e me nts, ma y be f o u n d i n A p pe n di x B. 

T he i m p le me ntati o n of t hese pr oce d ures ass u mes t hat all t he ste ps i n t he ge neral meas ure me nt pr oce d ures prese nte d 

i n C ha pter 2 are f oll o we d ( u nl ess ot her wise s pecifie d). T a ble 3 is a s u m mar y of t he re g ulati o n-s pecific setti ngs as 

well as t he n oise le vel li mits, meas ure me nt t olera nces, etc. f or all t he meas ure me nts o utli ne d i n t his c ha pter. 

A p pe n di x B c o ntai ns a ste p -b y -ste p pr oce d ure f or eac h c o m plia nce meas ure me nt, c o m bi ni n g t he rele va nt ele me nts 

fr o m C ha pters 2 a n d 3. 

T a bl e 3 . S u m m ar y of Li ne-H a ul M e as ure me nt Re g ul at or y Re q uire me nts 

N oise S o urce G o ver ni n g 

Re g ulati o n 

C o m plia n ce 

Le vel T olera n ce O p erati n g 

C o n diti o n D urati o n Meas ure me nt 

L o cati o n 

L o c o m oti ves 

(i n cl u di n g all switc h ers , 

re gar dless of b uil d d ate ) 

4 0 C F R P art 

2 0 1. 1 2(a ) 9 0 d B( A) + 2 d B 

M o vi n g 

D urati o n of 

l o c o m oti ve 

or rail car 

p ass -b y 

Si d eli n e 

 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 

ft) 

micr o p h o n e 

h ei g ht 

1. 2 m ( 4 ft.) 

L o c o m oti ves b uilt b ef ore 

1 2/ 3 1/ 7 9 * 

4 0 C F R P art 

2 0 1. 1 2( b ) 9 6 d B( A) + 2 d B 

Rail cars 

s p ee d ≤ 7 5 k m/ h ( 4 5 m p h) 

4 0 C F R P art 

2 0 1. 1 3 8 8 d B( A) + 2 d B 

Rail cars 

s p ee d > 7 5 k m/ h ( 4 5 m p h) 

4 0 C F R P art 

2 0 1. 1 3 9 3 d B( A) + 2 d B 

* If t h e b uil d d ate of a l o c o m oti ve ca n n ot b e esta blis h e d, t h e n it s h o ul d b e e val u ate d as if it h a d a b uil d d ate b ef ore Dece m b er 

3 1 st, 1 9 7 9.

L oc o m oti ves: All of t he s o u n d e mitte d b y t he m o vi n g l oc o m oti ve, i ncl u di n g air c o n diti o ni n g s yste m n oises, s h o ul d 

be c o nsi dere d part of t he railr oa d n oise bei n g meas ure d , e xc e pt f or n oise fr o m railr oa d war ni n g de vices s uc h as 

h or ns. F urt her m ore, t he l oc o m oti ve ma y be m o vi n g at a n y ti me a n d be u n der a n y gra de, l oa d, accelerati o n , or 

decelerati o n c o n diti o n d uri n g t he ti me of t hese n oise meas ure me nts . 

T he n oise e missi o n sta n dar ds f or m o vi n g l oc o m oti ves (i ncl u di n g s witc her l oc o m oti ves) s pe cif y differe nt n oise 

e missi o n le vel c o m plia nce re q uire me nts f or l oc o m oti ves b uilt after Dece m ber 3 1 st

 1 9 7 9 t ha n t h ose b uilt o n or bef ore 

Dece m ber 3 1 st

, 1 9 7 9. T heref ore, w he n meas uri n g a n d e val uati n g a c o nsist w hic h c o ntai ns m ulti ple l oc o m oti ves, t he 

f oll owi n g re g ulat or y re q uire me nts m ust be c o nsi dere d: 

• If eac h l oc o m oti ve bei n g e val uate d is se parate d fr o m all ot her l oc o m oti ves b y at least te n r ail car le n gt hs or 

1 5 2. 4 m ( 5 0 0ft), t he n t he l oc o m oti ves ma y be e val uate d i n d e pe n de ntl y acc or di n g t o t heir i n di vi d ua l b uil d dates. 

• If t he l oc o m oti ves are n ot se parate d b y at least te n rail car le n gt hs, t he e ntire c o nsist ma y b e e val uate d t o get her 

a gai nst t he c o m plia nce re q uire me nts of t he ol dest l oc o m oti ve (e. g., a c o nsist of fi ve l oc o m oti ves wit h o ne b uilt 

bef ore Dece m ber 3 1 st

, 1 9 7 9 w o ul d all be e val uate d a gai nst t he ‘ b uilt o n or bef ore Dece m b er 3 1st, 1 9 7 9’ 

re q uire me nts). 

R ail c ars: T he maj orit y of t he n oise ge nerate d b y rail cars is d ue t o w heel -rail i nteracti o ns, w hic h is de pe n de nt, i n 

part, o n t he s pee d of t he rail car. T he n oise e missi o n sta n dar ds f or m o vi n g rail cars prese nt criteria f or: 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 3. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Li n e H a ul O per ati o ns 

3 0 

( 1) Rail cars tra veli n g u p t o a n d i ncl u di n g 7 5 k m/ h ( 4 5 m p h); a n d 

( 2) Rail cars tra veli n g faster t ha n 7 5 k m/ h ( 4 5 m p h). 

T heref ore, t he s pee d of t he m o vi n g rail cars s h o ul d be meas ure d ( usi n g a st o p watc h, ra dar, or l oc o m oti ve 

s pee d o meter) a n d d oc u me nte d f or e val uati o n. If t he s pee d ca n n o t be meas ure d wit h a n ac c urac y of at least ± 8 k m/ h 

( 5 m p h), c o m plia nce s h o ul d b e e val uate d as if t he rail car was o perati n g at a s pee d greater t ha n 7 5 k m/ h ( 4 5 m p h) . 

T here m ust be a se parati o n dista nce of a least 1 5 2. 4 m ( 5 0 0 ft) or 1 0 rail cars bet wee n t he nearest o perati o nal 

l oc o m oti ve a n d eac h rail car w h ose n oise le vels are bei n g meas ure d, or t he meas ure me nts are i n vali d. 

3. 1 Me as ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p 

T he meas ure me nt site f or li ne ha ul o perati o ns m ust meet t he criteria i n 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 2, 2 0 1. 1 3, a n d 2 0 1. 2 3 as 

f oll o ws, a n d s h o w n i n Fi g ure 1 0 . 

• T he micr o p h o ne s hall be p ositi o ne d at a dista nce of 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) fr o m, a n d per pe n dic ular t o, t he ce nterli ne of 

t he trac k. 

• T he test secti o n of railr oa d trac k m ust be strai g ht, s uc h t hat it e x hi bits less t ha n a 2 de gree c ur ve or a ra di us of 

c ur vat ure less t ha n 8 7 3 m ( 2 8 6 5 ft ). 

• T he trac k m ust be tie a n d ballast, free of s pecial trac k w or k a n d bri d ges or trestles. If t hes e railr oa d trac k 

s pecificati o ns are n ot o bser ve d, n oise res ulti n g fr o m u n desir a ble trac k c o n diti o ns, s uc h as s q ueal, ma y ha ve a n 

i m pact o n t he s o u n d le vel meas ure me nts. 

Fi g ure 1 0 . Cle ar Z o ne f or Si deli ne M e as ure me nts a n d R a di us of C ur v at ure of R ailr o a d Tr ac k 

M eas ure me nts at n o n -c o nf or mi n g sites ma y be c o n d ucte d, b ut t h ose meas ure me nts ca n n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce 

deter mi nati o ns. All site c o n diti o ns, es peciall y t h ose t hat ma ke t he site n o n -c o nf or mi n g, s h o ul d be d oc u me nte d wit h 

pict ures or dra wi n gs a n d descri pti ve te xt. 

2 ° 

8 7 3 m ( 2 8 6 5 ft) 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 3. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Li n e H a ul O per ati o ns 

3 1 

As part of t he set u p pr oce d ures f or rail car n oise meas ure me nts, a n y s pee d detecti o n i nstr u me nts (s uc h as a ra dar 

g u n or st o p watc h) s h o ul d be s et u p a n d p ositi o ne d. W he n usi n g a ra dar g u n, ma ke s ure t o s et u p, orie nt, a n d cali brate 

it acc or di n g t o ma n ufact urer’s i nstr ucti o ns. 

3. 2 N oise Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs 

T he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be set usi n g t he para meters i n T a ble 4 . If t he i nstr u me nt is e q ui p pe d wit h 

data st ora ge ca pa bilities, t he n it is str o n gl y rec o m me n de d t hat o ne -sec o n d n oise data are c ollecte d for d oc u me ntati o n 

a n d verificati o n p ur p oses. 

T a ble 4 . S u m m ar y of N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Li ne -H a ul P ass -B y M e as ure me nts 

Fre q ue nc y Wei g hti n g Filter Res p o nse M etric 

A Fast Ma xi m u m S o u n d Press ure Le vel ( L A F m x ) 

3. 3 N oise Me as ure me nt Pr oce d ure 

T he n oise meas ure me nt pr oce d ure f or li ne -ha ul o perati o ns is relati vel y strai g htf or war d, a n d ca n be s u m marize d i nt o 

t he f oll o wi n g ste ps, w hic h are f urt her detaile d i n t he f oll o wi n g para gra p hs. 

N oise le vels f or o nl y a si n gle pass-b y are re q uire d f or c o m plia nce wit h t he fe deral re g ulati o ns. F or researc h or 

s o urce n oise c haracterizati o n p ur p oses, meas ure me nts of m ulti ple pass-b ys are rec o m me n de d t o c o nfir m acc urac y. 

M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise: B ac k gr o u n d n o ise s h o ul d be rec or de d well bef ore a n d after t he l oc o m oti ve / 

c o nsist is a u di ble. Start t he i nstr u me nt, a n d o bser ve t he bac k gr o u n d n oise le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds. If p ossi ble, st ore 

t hese meas ure me nts i n t he i nstr u me nt. N ote t he ma xi m u m le vel o n t he l o g s heet.

C o n d uct t he p ass -b y me as ur e me nt: W ait f or t he trai n t o a p pr oac h, or si g nal t he cre w t o start t he pass -b y. 

• Start t he i nstr u me nt a n d be gi n meas ur i n g as t he l oc o m oti ve sta rts its a ppr oac h, a n d c o nti n ue u ntil it is 1 0 

car le n gt hs ( ~ 5 0 0 feet) past t he micr o p h o ne li ne. A g o o d r ule-of -t h u m b is t o be gi n meas uri n g as s o o n as 

t he trai n is clearl y a u di ble. 

L oc o m otives: 

• N ote t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel a n d ti me of ma xi m u m d uri n g t he pass-b y o n t he l o g s he ets . 

• Start t he i nstr u me nt a n d be gi n meas uri n g w he n t he l oc o m oti ve is at least 1 0 cars le n gt hs ( ~ 5 0 0 feet) past 

t he micr o p h o ne li ne. 

R ail c ars : 

 M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds, n ote t he m a xi m u m. 

 C o n d uct p ass -b y me as ure me nt. C o nti n u o usl y me as ure t he s o u n d le vel d uri n g t he 

p ass b y, n ote t he m a xi m u m . 

 C hec k f or pr o ble ms . 

 M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds, n ote t he m a xi m u m. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 3. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Li n e H a ul O per ati o ns 

3 2 

• N ote t he n u m ber of cars se parati n g t he test ( hi g hest n oise) rail car fr o m t he o perati n g l oc o m oti ve . 

• Meas ure t he s pee d of t he car s / c o nsist. Eit her meas ure wit h a ra dar g u n, or esti mate b y d o c u me nti n g t he 

ti me t he rail car passes a partic ular la n d mar k, t he ti me it passes t he micr o p h o ne li ne, a n d t he dista nce 

bet wee n t he t w o. 

• St o p t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt w he n t he trai n is n o l o n ger a u di ble ( or t he s o u n d le vel has dr o p pe d 

t o 1 0 d B( A ) bel o w t he ma xi m u m – t his 1 0-d B -d o w n ‘ wi n d o w’ is c o nsi dere d o pti mal). 

• N ote t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel a n d ti me of ma xi m u m d uri n g t he pass -b y o n t he l o g s heets . 

B eca use b ot h s o u n d le vel a n d s pee d data m ust be c ollecte d d uri n g a rail car pass-b y, it is hel pf ul t o ha ve a 2 -pers o n 

meas ure me nt tea m: o ne t o me as ure s o u n d le vels a n d c o u nt t he n u m ber of cars, a n d a n ot her t o meas ure s pee d. 

C hec k f or pr o ble ms : 

 If a so u n d le vel vi olati o n occ urs , t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be re-cali brate d bef ore pr ocee di n g 

wit h a n ot her set of meas ure me nts. 

 If a n a u di ble war ni n g de vice, s uc h as a h or n or bell, is s o u n de d d uri n g t he meas ure me nt i nter val, or if t here 

is a n y s u bsta ntial c o nta mi nati o n fro m o utsi de n oise s o urces, t he n oise meas ure me nt is i n vali d a n d m ust be 

re peate d. 

 If t here are s o u n ds i n dicati n g a b n or mal perf or ma nce, s uc h as bra ke s q ueal, t he n oise meas ure me nt s h o ul d 

be discar de d. 

3. 4 D oc u me nt ati o n 

Fi g ure 1 1 prese nts a sa m ple usa ge of t he f or ms t hat ma y be use d t o d oc u me nt t he li ne ha ul meas ure me nts a n d n oise 

data. Alt h o u g h t he use of t hes e s pecific f or ms is n ot re q uire d b y t he F R A, t heir use will fa cilitate t he l o g gi n g of 

i nf or mati o n perti ne nt t o t he meas ure me nt i n a n or ga nize d ma n ner. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 3. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Li n e H a ul O per ati o ns 

3 3 

Fi g ure 1 1 . S a m ple L o g S heet f or M o vi n g L oc o m oti ve a n d/ or R ail C ar N oise M e as ure me nts 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o. T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: 1 1 4. 0 d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. L e v el

C A L 1 1 4. 0

5 2. 3

9 2. 9

8 1. 0

8 2. 0

5 1. 0

C A L 1 1 4. 2

Hi g h w a y- R ail Gr a d e Cr o s si n g

Br a n d Y

S eri al N o. 4 2 4, 3 7 7

# 1 2 3 b uilt 7/ 0 7/ 1 9 7 7, # 1 2 4 b uilt 7/ 0 7/ 9 7

S m all T o w n, U S A 

1 mil e e a st of M ai n St. 

B a c k gr o u n d N oi s e (fi n al)

1 3: 4 0: 0 3 1 3: 4 0: 4 0 Fi n al C ali br ati o n

1 3: 3 0: 0 0 1 3: 3 1: 1 5

s p e e d = 5 0 m p h

1 2: 4 7: 1 5 1 2: 4 7: 3 2 L o c o m oti v e # 1 2 3 p a s s b y

1 2: 4 8: 0 5 1 2: 4 8: 2 2

1 2: 0 1: 0 0 1 2: 0 1: 3 0 C ali br ati o n

1 2: 4 9: 1 5 1 2: 4 9: 4 3 1 5 c ar s a w a y fr o m L o c o m oti v e # 1 2 4

1 2: 2 2: 0 0 1 2: 2 3: 0 5 B a c k gr o u n d N oi s e (I niti al)

L o c o m oti v e # 1 2 4 p a s s b y

Fr e q u e n c y: 1 0 0 0 H z

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e C o m m e nt s

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e: Br a n d X, i S L M Br a n d X

A- w ei g hti n g

F a st R e s p o ns e, L A F mx

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt: M o vi n g L o c o m oti v e 1 2: 2 2: 0 0

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

Fr a nk R ailr o a d, B o b L o c m oti v e R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt: L o c o m oti v e # 1 2 3 & # 1 2 4

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

G e n er al N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ 1 _ of _ _ 1 _ _

J o e N oi s e 2/ 2 2/ 2 0 0 2
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 3. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Li n e H a ul O per ati o ns 

3 4 

3. 5 Pr o ce d ure f or D at a Pr o cessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a nce 

T he pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis of n oise data c ol lecte d d uri n g li ne-ha ul n oise meas ure me nts s h o ul d use t he f oll o wi n g 

ste ps. Eac h circ u msta nce w here a pr o ble m ca uses a n o n-c o m plia nt meas ure me nt or meas ur e me nt c o n diti o n is 

preface d b y . 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) bet wee n t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial) a n d after ( CalFi nal ) t he pass-b y 

e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal - Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese cali brati o ns. 

2) Deter mi ne t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or eac h pass -b y e ve nt, a n d eac h bac k gr o u n d n oise meas ure me nt. 

T he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt ca n us uall y be set t o a ut o mati call y re p or t/ dis pla y t hese le vels. If n ot, t he 

le vels m ust be deter mi ne d fr o m t he st ore d data. T his is us uall y acc o m plis he d b y d o w nl oa di n g t he data t o a 

te xt file or s prea ds heet a n d c o m pari n g t he ti meli ne of t he data t o t he fiel d n otes. T he ti mefra me of t he 

pass - by e ve nt is deter mi ne d fr o m t he fiel d n otes. T he c orres p o n di n g ti mefra me is t he n i de ntifie d i n t he 

meas ure d n oise data a n d t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel wit hi n t hat meas ure me nt i nter val is i de ntifie d. 

3) Verif y t hat bac k gr o u n d n oise di d n ot c o nta mi nate t he meas ure m e nts. T he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he 

e ve nt m ust be 1 0 d B( A) a b o ve t he bac k gr o u n d le vels b ot h bef ore a n d after t he e ve nt. 

 If bac k gr o u n d n oise c o nta mi nati o n occ urs, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

4) C o m pare t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he e ve nt t o t he a p pr o priate railr oa d n oise le vel crit eria fr o m T a ble 

3 . T o acc o u nt f or t he effects of variati o ns i n i nstr u me nt t oler a nces, site t o p o gra p h y, at m os p heric 

c o n diti o ns, reflecte d s o u n d fr o m s mall o bj ects, a n d t he c o m m o n practi ce of re p orti n g s o u n d le vels t o t he 

nearest deci bel, 2 d B( A) ma y be a d de d t o t he c o m plia nce le vel. 

5) E val uate C o m plia nce. 

 If t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel is greater t ha n t he c o m plia nce l e vel pl us t olera nce, t he n t he 

l oc o m oti ve or rail car s h o ul d be c o nsi dere d no n -c o m plia nt a n d t he a p pr o priate acti o n s h o ul d be 

ta ke n. T he re g ulati o ns state t hat a n o n -c o m plia nt l oc o m oti ve or rail car s hall be s u bj ecte d t o 

a n ot her pass -b y test pri or t o ret ur n t o ser vice. H o we ver, n o retest is re q uire d if t he ca use of t he 

n oise de fect is rea dil y a p pare nt a n d is c orrecte d b y t he re plac e me nt of defecti ve c o m p o ne nts or b y 

a n or mal mai nte na nce or re pair pr oce d ure. 

3. 6 E x a m ple of D at a Pr o cessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a nce 

B ase d o n t he e xa m ple l o g s he et i n Fi g ure 1 1 : 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) bet wee n t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial) a n d after ( CalFi nal ) t he pass-b y 

e ve nt(s). 

C al I niti al = 1 1 4. 0 d B( A) C al Fi n al = 1 1 4. 4 d B( A) 

∆ C al = 1 1 4. 4 – 1 1 4. 0 = 0. 4 d B ( A). 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 3. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Li n e H a ul O per ati o ns 

3 5 

H al ve t he differe nce ( 0. 2 d B) a n d s u btr act fr o m all of t he me as ure d d at a. 

2) Deter mi ne t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or eac h pass -b y e ve nt, a n d eac h bac k gr o u n d n oise meas ure me nt fr o m 

l o g s heets or st ore d data. 

I niti al B ac k gr o u n d = 5 2. 1 d B( A) 

Fi n al B ac k gr o u n d = 5 0. 8 d B( A) 

L oc o m oti ve # 1 2 3 = 92. 9 d B( A) 

R ailc ar = 8 1. 8 d B( A) 

L oc o m oti ve # 1 2 4 = 8 0. 8 d B( A) 

3) C o m pare t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or eac h e ve nt a n d eac h bac k gr o u n d n oise meas ure me nt, a n d verif y 

t hat bac k gr o u n d n oise di d n ot c o nta mi nate t he meas ure me nts. T he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he e ve nt 

m ust be 1 0 d B( A) a b o ve t he bac k gr o u n d le vels b ot h bef ore a n d after t he e ve nt. 

L oc o m oti ve # 1 2 3 – I niti al B ac k gr o u n d = 9 2. 9 – 5 2. 1 = 3 9. 8 d B( A) 

L oc o m oti ve # 1 2 3 – Fi n al B ac k gr o u n d = 9 2. 9 – 5 0. 8 = 4 1. 1 d B( A) 

R ailc ar – I niti al B ac k gr o u n d = 8 1. 8 - 5 2. 1 = 2 9. 7 d B( A) 

R ailc ar – Fi n al B ac k gr o u n d = 8 1. 8 – 5 0. 8 = 3 1. 0 d B( A) 

L oc o m oti ve # 1 2 4 – I niti al B ac k gr o u n d = 8 0. 8 – 5 2. 1 = 2 8. 7 d B( A) 

L oc o m oti ve # 1 2 4 – Fi n al B ac k gr o u n d = 8 0. 8 – 5 0. 8 = 3 0. 0 d B( A) 

 All differe nces are gre ater t h a n 1 0 d B( A), t here is n o b ac k gr o u n d n oise c o nt a mi n ati o n . 

4) C o m pare t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he e ve nt t o t he a p pr o priate railr oa d n oise le vel crit eria. 

E ve nt M a xi m u m 

Le vel ( d B( A)) 

C o m pli a nce 

Le vel ( d B( A)) 

C o m pli a nce + 

T oler a nc e ( d B( A)) 

L oc o m oti ve # 1 2 3 

P ass ? 

9 2. 9 9 0. 0 9 2. 0 N o 

R ailc ar, s pee d 5 0 

m p h 8 1. 8 9 3. 0 9 5. 0  Yes 

L oc o m oti ve # 1 2 4 8 0. 8 9 0. 0 9 2. 0  Yes 

5) E val uate c o m plia nce. 

 After all o w i n g f or 2 d B( A ) t oler a nce, l oc o m oti ve # 1 2 3 is n ot i n c o m pli a nce. T his l oc o m oti ve m ust 

be s u bjecte d t o a n ot her p ass-b y test pri or t o ret ur n t o ser vice. H o w e ver, n o retest is re q uire d if 

t he c a use of t he n oise defect is re a dil y a p p are nt a n d is c orrecte d b y t he re pl ace me nt of defecti ve 

c o m p o ne nts or b y a n or m al m ai nte n a nce or re p air pr oce d ure. 

3. 7 Re prese nt ati ve S o u n d Le vel D at a 

T he p ur p ose of t h ese data are t o pr o vi de a s u m mar y of re pres e ntati ve l oc o m oti ve a n d rail car s o u n d le vels t o w hic h 

fiel d meas ure me nts ca n be c o m pare d. A n i n di vi d ual s o urce meas ure me nt l yi n g far a b o ve t he ra n ge of val ues 

re porte d here s h o ul d be ca use f or c o ncer n. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 3. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Li n e H a ul O per ati o ns 

3 6 

O n t he basis of t he res ults of 3 7 9 l oc o m oti ve pass -b y n oise t ests re p orte d b y t he F R A f or t he 1 9 8 2 versi o n of t his 

ha n d b o o k , t he A-wei g hte d s o u n d le vels fr o m m o vi n g l oc o m oti ve c o nsists at a dista nce of 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 feet) ma y 

ra n ge fr o m 6 9 t o 9 7 d B( A) wit h a mea n val ue of 8 7. 8 d B( A). M ore rece nt data fr o m t he F T A Tra nsit N oise a n d 

Vi brati o n I m pact Assess me nt Ma n ual re p orts t he f oll o wi n g ‘a p pr o xi mate’ ma xi m u m s o u n d le vels at 1 0 0 ft: 

Diesel L oc o m oti ves 8 5 d B( A) , 

 Elec tric L oc o m oti ves 8 3 d B( A) , a n d 

Rail Cars 7 7 d B( A) .
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

3 7 

4 Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce : Y ar d O per ati o ns 

Railr oa d yar d o perati o ns i ncl u de t he classificati o n of railr oa d cars, t he perf or ma nce of r o uti ne mai nte na nce a n d 

si m ple re pair of l oc o m oti ves a n d railr oa d cars, a n d, i n s o me cases, t he carr yi n g o ut of l oc o m oti ve l oa d tests t o c hec k 

t he perf or ma nce of l oc o m oti ves. Lar ge yar ds als o pr o vi de m or e c o m pre he nsi ve mai nte na nce a n d re pair facilities, 

a n d, i n s o me cases, d or mit or y facilities f or l oc o m oti ve cre w me m bers. I n a d diti o n, ma n y yar ds ser ve as ter mi nal 

areas f or trai ler-o n -flatcar a n d c o ntai ner- o n-flatcar ( T O F C / C O F C) o perati o ns. 

T o s u p p ort t hese o perati o ns, a yar d ma y c o ntai n a variet y of n oise s o urces i ncl u di n g: stati o nar y i dli n g l oc o m oti ves, 

m o vi n g l oc o m oti ves, l oa d test cells, mai nte na nce a n d re pair facilities, a n d T O F C / C O F C l oa di n g a n d u nloa di n g 

facilities. Alt h o u g h railr oa d car s pee ds wit hi n a yar d are s ufficie ntl y l o w t hat w heel/rail n oise is ne gli gi ble, car -t ocar a n d m ulti ple car i m pacts i n t he classificati o n area d o ge nerate l o u d i m p ulsi ve s o u n ds. Fi nall y, i n h u m p yar ds, 

t he i nteracti o n of w heel, rail, a n d retar der bra ke s h oes ca n pr o d uce l o u d s q ueal-t y pe n oise e ve nts.

T his secti o n descri bes t he met h o ds use d t o ma ke e xteri or n oise meas ure me nts o n l oc o m oti ves a n d ot her e q ui p me nt 

o perati n g wit hi n a rail yar d fa cilit y, t o e val uate t he meas ure d n oise le vels , a n d t o deter mi ne if t he y are i n c o m plia nce 

wit h t he a p pr o priate re g ulati o ns. T he i m ple me ntati o n of t hese pr oce d ures ass u mes t hat all t he ste ps i n t he ge neral 

meas ure me nt pr oce d ures prese nte d i n C ha pter 2 are f oll o we d ( u nless ot her wise s pecifie d). T a ble 5 pr o vi des a 

s u m mar y of t he re g ulati o n-s pe cific setti n gs as well as t he n oise le vel li mits, meas ure me nt t olera nces, etc. f or all t he 

meas ure me nts o utli ne d i n t his c ha pter. A p pe n di x B c o ntai ns a ste p -b y -ste p pr oce d ure f or eac h c o m plia nce 

meas ure me nt, c o m bi ni n g t he r ele va nt ele me nts fr o m C ha pters 2 a n d 4. 

Meas ure me nt pr oce d ures f or o perati o ns i nsi de a rail yar d differ fr o m t h ose use d f or m o vi n g railr oa d e q ui p me nt 

tra veli n g al o n g a rail c orri d or, si nce t he yar d o perati o ns are m ore e ve nt dri ve n. T he f oll o wi n g rail yar d o perati o ns, 

descri be d i n t he f oll o wi n g para gra p hs, are c o vere d b y s pecific re g ulat or y n oise li mits: 

( 1) Stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves, i ncl u di n g s witc her l oc o m oti ves, o perati n g at ma xi m u m t hr ottle setti n gs 

c o n necte d t o l oa d test cells, a n d at i dle ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 1), 

( 2) S witc her l oc o m oti ves perf or mi n g s witc hi n g o perati o ns ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 2), 

( 3) Car -c o u pli n g i m pacts ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 5), 

( 4) Retar ders ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 4), a n d 

( 5) L oa d Cell T est Sta n ds ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 6 a n d 2 0 1. 2 7). 

T he n oise le vels fr o m t hese o p erati o ns are meas ure d a n d e val uate d usi n g o ne of t w o pri mar y t y pes of meas ure me nt 

site criteria t hat are a p plica ble t o yar d o perati o ns: fi xe d -site, si deli ne meas ure me nts, a n d recei vi n g pr o pert y 

meas ure me nts. Fi xe d -site si d eli ne meas ure me nts are c o n d ucte d at a dista nce of 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) fr o m t he n oise s o urce 

wit hi n t he rail yar d. T his t y pe of site is a p plica ble t o s tati o nar y loc o m oti ves a n d l oa d cell test s ta n ds, a n d is 

s u m marize d i n Secti o n 4. 1. Recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts , a p plica ble t o switc her lo c o m oti ves , retar ders, car 

co u pli n g a n d certai n loa d cell test sta n d meas ure me nts, are c o n d ucte d at a n y pr o pert y o utsi de of t he rail yar d, a n d 

are s u m marize d i n Secti o n 4. 2. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

3 8 

T a ble 5 . S u m m ar y of Y ar d O per ati o n Re g ul at or y Re q uire me nts 

N oise S o urce O perati n g 

C o n diti o ns 

G o ver ni n g 

Re g ulati o n 

C o m plia nce 

Le vel 

( d B( A)) 

T olera nce D urati o n Meas ure me nt 

L ocati o n 

L oc o m oti ve Stati o n ar y 

i dle 

4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 1 1(a) A S m x = 7 0 + 2 d B Mi ni m u m of 3 0 

sec o n ds 

Si d eli n e at 3 0 m 

( 1 0 0 ft) 

Mic. Ht. = 1. 2 m 

( 4 ft.) 

L oc o m oti ve b uilt 

b ef ore 1 2/ 3 1/ 7 9 

4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 1 1( b) A S m x = 7 3 

L oc o m oti ve 

attac h e d t o a l oa d 

cell Stati o n ar y 

A n y t hr ottle setti n g 

(e xce pt i dle) 

4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 1 1(a) A S m x = 8 7 

+ 2 d B Mi ni m u m of 3 0 

sec o n ds 

Si d eli n e at 3 0 m 

( 1 0 0 ft) 

Mic. Ht. = 1. 2 m 

( 4 ft.) 

L oc o m oti ve b uilt 

b ef ore 1 2/ 3 1/ 7 9, 

attac h e d t o a l oa d 

cell 

4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 1 1( b) A S m x = 9 3 

S witc h er 

loc o m oti ve 

Stati o n ar y 

idle 4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 1 1(c) 

A S m x = 7 0 

+ 2 d B Mi ni m u m of 3 0 

sec o n ds 

Si d eli n e at 3 0 m 

( 1 0 0 ft) 

Mic. Ht. = 1. 2 m 

( 4 ft.) 

S witc h er 

loc o m oti ve 

Stati o n ar y 

A n y t hr ottle setti n g 

(e xce pt i dle) A S m x = 8 7 

L oa d cell test sta n d 

W it h stati o nar y 

l oc o m oti ve at 

ma xi m u m t hr ottle 

setti n g 

4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 1 6(a) A S m x = 7 8 + 2 d B Mi ni m u m of 3 0 sec o n ds 

Si d eli n e at 3 0 m 

( 1 0 0 ft) 

Mic. Ht. = 1. 2 m 

( 4 ft.) 

S witc h er 

l oc o m oti ves 

(“tri g ger” f or 

si d eli n e 

meas ure me nts) * 

Stati o n ar y, 

ma xi m u m t hr ottle 

setti n g, w/ o l oa d cell 

4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 1 1(c) 

a n d 2 0 1. 1 2(c) 9 0 (fast) = 6 5 + 2 d B 

Meas ure at least 

o n ce e ver y 1 0 

sec o n ds, f or 1 0 0 

meas ure me nts 

Recei vi n g 

pr o p ert y, Mic. Ht. 

= 1. 2 m ( 4 ft) 

Car -c o u pli n g 

i m pacts All 4 0 C F R Part 2 0 1. 1 5 a dja ve ma x (fast) 

= 9 2 

+ 2 d B( A) 

[ + 4 f or T y p e 

2 meters] 

Bet wee n 6 0 a n d 

2 4 0 mi n utes 

Recei vi n g 

pr o p ert y, Mic. Ht. 

= 1. 2 m ( 4 ft) 

Retar d ers All 4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 1 4 a dja ve ma x (fast) 

= 8 3 

+ 6 d B 

[ + 6 f or T y p e 

2 meters] 

Bet wee n 6 0 a n d 

2 4 0 mi n utes 

Recei vi n g 

pr o p ert y, Mic. Ht. 

= 1. 2 m ( 4 ft) 

L oa d cell test 

sta n ds (“tri g ger” 

f or si d eli n e 

meas ure me nts) * 

All l oa d cell sta n ds 

i n a rail yar d, in 

c o nj u n cti o n wit h 

stati o nar y 

l oc o m oti ve at 

ma xi m u m t hr ottle 

setti n g 

4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 1 6( b) & 

4 0 C F R Part 

2 0 1. 2 7 

9 0 (fast) = 6 5 + 2 d B 

Meas ure at least 

o n ce e ver y 1 0 

sec o n ds, f or 1 0 0 

meas ure me nts 

Recei vi n g 

pr o p ert y, Mic. Ht. 

= 1. 2 m ( 4 ft) 

T h e 6 5 d B( A) recei vi n g pr o p ert y criteria is t h e ‘tri g ger’ f or re q uiri n g t h e si d eli n e test of s witc h er l oc o m oti ves or l o a d cell test 

sta n ds. If t h e recei vi n g pr o p ert y meas ure me nts are n ot i n c o m plia n ce, t h e n b ot h m o vi n g a n d stati o nar y si d eli n e meas ure me nts 

m ust b e c o n d u cte d. 

St ati o n ar y loc o m oti ves : Stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves i ncl u de l oc o m oti ves o perati n g at a n i dle t hr ottle setti n g, as well as 

t h ose at n o n-i dle setti n gs. T he y are disti n g uis he d fr o m m o vi n g o nes i n t he re g ulati o ns, bec a use i dli n g a n d stati o nar y 

l oc o m oti ves t y picall y o perate at a l o w t hr ottle setti n g, a n d ma y n ot o perate u n der a l oa d ( u nless c o n necte d t o a l oa d 

cell test sta n d). F urt her m ore, t he y d o n ot pr o d uce a d diti o nal n oise res ulti n g fr o m i nteracti o n bet wee n t he 

l oc o m oti ve w heels a n d t he tra c k. 

T hese l oc o m oti ves are meas ure d at a f i xe d si deli ne 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) l ocati o n a n d e val uate d usi n g t he ma xi m u m s o u n d 

le vel. T here are differe nt c o m plia nce li mits f or l oc o m oti ves b uilt o n or bef ore Dece m ber 3 1st

, 1 9 7 9, a n d 

l oc o m oti ves b uilt after Dece m ber 3 1st

 1 9 7 9. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

3 9 

S witc her l oc o m oti ves

T he si deli ne meas ure me nt crit eria f or s witc her l oc o m oti ves states t hat all s witc her l oc o m oti ves, w het her m o vi n g or 

stati o nar y, re gar dless of t he b uil d date, m ust meet t he sa me n oise e missi o n criteria, usi n g t he sa me meas ure me nt 

pr oce d ures as a n y ot her t y pe of l oc o m oti ves b uilt after Dece m ber 3 1 st

, 1 9 7 9. T hese criteria a p pl y t o i n de pe n de ntl y 

o perati n g, m o vi n g s witc her l o c o m oti ves, as well as m o vi n g s witc hers o perati n g i n c o m bi nati o n wit h a n y ot h er t y pe 

of l oc o m oti ve. 

: N oise fr o m s witc her l oc o m oti ves ca n be e val uate d usi n g eit her fi xe d-site si deli ne 

meas ure me nts or recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts. Ge nerall y, t he recei vi n g pr o pert y me as ure me nt s h o ul d be 

c o nsi dere d as t he first o pti o n. T he re g ulati o ns state t hat n ois e d ue t o all s witc her l oc o m oti ves t hat o perate i n a 

partic ular railr oa d facilit y are i n c o m plia nce if t he A -wei g hte d s o u n d le vel fr o m t he stati o nar y s witc hers, ( o perati n g 

si n gl y or i n c o nj u ncti o n wit h ot her stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves) d oes n ot e xcee d a n L9 0 of 6 5 d B( A) at t he recei vi n g 

pr o pert y l ocati o n. It is ass u me d t hat if t he recei vi n g pr o pert y criteria ha ve bee n met, t ha n t he si deli ne 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) 

criteria ha ve als o bee n met. T he recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nt is gi ve n m ore e m p hasis t o e nc o ura ge railr oa ds t o 

e m pl o y n oise a bate me nt pr oce d ures, s uc h as o perati o nal c ha n ges. 

L o a d cell test s t a n ds: L oa d cell test sta n ds are e xter nal, ele ctricall y resisti ve de vices f o u n d pri maril y i n rail yar ds 

a n d railr oa d testi n g facilities t hat si m ulate l oc o m oti ve perf or ma nce u n der hea v y l oa d d uri n g a stati o nar y test. T he y 

are use d f or l oc o m oti ve perf or ma nce testi n g a n d m o nit ori n g. Ma n y l oc o m oti ves ma n ufact ure d i n rece nt years are 

n o w e q ui p pe d wit h t heir o w n self -l oa di n g ca pa bilit y, w hic h pr o vi des a met h o d t o c o n d uct stati o nar y tests u n der l oa d 

i n a ma n ner t hat is si gnifica ntl y q uieter t ha n l oa d cell test sta n ds. T here are n o F R A re g ulati o ns s pecificall y 

a d dressi n g self-l oa di n g n oise fr o m l oc o m oti ves. 

L oa d cell test sta n ds o perate d wit h a stati o nar y l oc o m oti ve ha ve differe nt n oise li mits t ha n t h ose f or stati o nar y 

l oco m oti ves al o ne. Stati o nar y s witc her l oc o m oti ves o perati n g wit h l oa d cell test sta n ds als o are s u bj ect t o be i n 

c o m plia nce wit h stati o nar y s witc her n oise re g ulati o ns. 

As wit h s witc her l oc o m oti ves, t he recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ur e me nt s h o ul d be c o nsi dere d as t he first o pti o n. T he 

re g ulati o ns state t hat n oise d ue t o all l oa d cells t hat o perate i n a partic ular railr oa d facilit y are i n c o m plia nce if t he 

A- wei g hte d s o u n d le vel fr o m t he l oa d cells d oes n ot e xcee d a n L 9 0 of 6 5 d B( A) at t he recei vi n g pr o pert y l ocati o n. 

It is ass u me d t hat if t he recei vi n g pr o pert y criteri o n has bee n met, t ha n t he si deli ne 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) criteri o n has als o 

bee n met. T he recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nt is gi ve n m ore e m p hasis t o e nc o ura ge railr oa ds t o e m pl o y n oise 

a bate me nt pr oce d ures, s uc h as o perati o nal c ha n ges. 

If, h o we ver, t he recei vi n g pr o pert y criteri o n is n ot met, t he n a s uita ble si deli ne meas ure me nts site m ust be use d. 

H o we ver, d ue t o t he l ocati o n of m ost l oa d cell test sta n ds ( near lar ge reflecti ve str uct ures), t he si deli ne si te criteria 

are ofte n i m p ossi ble t o meet. T heref ore t he re g ulati o ns all o w f or a variati o n o n t he recei vi n g pr o pert y 

 

A list of l o c o m oti ves s p ecificall y d esi g n e d as s witc h ers ca n b e f o u n d i n 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1 A p p e n di x A.
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 0 

meas ure me nts, w here t he micr o p h o ne m ust be at least 1 2 0 m ( 4 0 0 ft) fr o m t he ge o metric ce nter of t he l oc o m oti ve 

bei n g teste d wit h t he l oa d c ell. 

C ar -c o u pli n g i m p acts : Car -c o u pli n g i m pacts are meas ure d at a recei vi n g pr o pert y a n d e val uate d usi n g t he a dj uste d 

a vera ge ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel ( L a dj a ve ma x ) of at least 3 0 c o ns ec uti ve car-c o u pli n g e ve nts. T he a dj ust me nt fact or is 

base d o n t he t otal n u m ber of e ve nts a n d t he d urati o n of t he meas ure me nt peri o d. T he e ve nts m ust occ ur d uri n g a 

meas ure me nt peri o d of at least 6 0 mi n utes b ut less t ha n 2 4 0 mi n utes. 

A car c o u pli n g s o u n d is defi ne d i n t he re g ulati o ns as ‘a s o u n d w hic h is hear d a n d i de ntifie d b y t he o bser ver as t hat 

of a car -c o u pli n g i m pact, a n d t hat ca uses a n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt i n dicat or ( Fast) t o re gister a n i ncrease of 

at least te n deci bels a b o ve t he le vel o bser ve d i m me diatel y bef ore heari n g t he s o u n d.’ I n m ost cases, t he i nitial car -

c o u pli n g i m pact will res ult i n a c hai n -reacti o n-li ke tra ns missi o n of i m pacts t hr o u g h o ut t he rail car c o nsist, d ue t o t he 

slac k acti o n of t he c o u plers o n eac h car bei n g eit her c o m presse d or e x pa n de d, res ulti n g i n a d diti o nal n oise e ve nts. 

T hese res ulta nt n oises are t y pi call y at a l o wer le vel t ha n t he i nitial n oise d ue t o tra ns missi o n l oss bet wee n t he rail 

cars, r olli n g fricti o n, a bs or pti o n a n d da m pi n g fr o m car -c o u pli n g c us hi o ns. T he i nitial car -c o u pli n g i m pact will m ost 

li kel y pr o d uce t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he car -c o u pli n g c hai n reacti o n, b ut t he o bser ver s h o ul d tr y t o 

d oc u me nt t he ti mes of t he act ual c o u pli n g e ve nts, if p ossi bl e t o hel p se parate a n d i de ntif y t he m i n t he data c ollecte d. 

Ret ar ders: Retar der o perati o ns are meas ure d at a recei vi n g pr o pert y a n d e val uate d usi n g t he a dj uste d a vera ge 

ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel ( L a dj a ve ma x ) of at least 3 0 c o nsec uti ve e ve nts. T he sa me e ve nt-base d a dj ust me nt fact or use d 

f or car-c o u pli n g is als o a p plie d t o retar der n oise meas ure me nts. 

A maj or s o urce of n oise pre se nt i n h u m p yar ds is railr oa d car retar ders. T hese de vices occasi o nall y e mit hi g h -

fre q ue nc y s q ueals d ue t o a stic k-sli p pr ocess bet wee n t he car w heel, t he rail, a n d t he retar der bra ke s h oes. Retar ders 

o perate b y ha vi n g a m o va ble bra ke s h oe press eac h w heel a gai nst a stati o nar y s h oe. T he res ulti n g fricti o nal f orces 

ser ve t o sl o w d o w n t he r olli n g car. 

I n a n acti ve retar der, t he press ure a p plie d t o t he w heels b y t he bra ke s h oes is ge nerall y s u p plie d b y p ne u matic or 

h y dra ulic c yli n ders w hic h are c o ntr olle d eit her ma n uall y b y a n o perat or or a ut o maticall y b y a c o m p uter. I n a n i nert 

retar der, t he bra ke s h oes are s pri n g-acti vate d b y t he wei g ht of t he railr oa d car as it passes o ver t he retar der. 

T he retar ders i n a h u m p yar d are gi ve n differe nt na mes de pe n di n g o n w here i n t he yar d t he y are l ocate d. T he master 

retar der, w hic h is a n acti ve ret ar der l ocate d a s h ort dista nce past t he crest of t he h u m p, ser ves as t he pri mar y s pee d 

c o ntr ol f or cars e nteri n g t he cl assificati o n area. All cars pass t hr o u g h t he master retar der after w hic h t he y are se nt 

t hr o u g h s witc hes t o vari o us gr o u ps of trac ks. 

B ef ore e nteri n g a s pecific trac k i n a gr o u p, t he car passes t hr o u g h a n ot her acti ve retar der calle d a gr o u p retar der 

w here a sec o n d s pee d a dj ust me nt ca n be ma de. Ge nerall y, a ma ster retar der will ser ve u p t o si x or se ve n gr o u p 

retar ders; t h us, o n t he a vera ge, o nl y o ne-si xt h or o ne-se ve nt h of t he cars t hat pass t hr o u g h t he master retar der will 

pass t hr o u g h a gi ve n gr o u p retar der. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 1 

After passi n g t hr o u g h t he gr o u p retar der, t he car will be directe d b y a series of s witc hes t o a s pecific trac k w hic h, i n 

m ost yar ds, it will e nter u ni n hi bite d. I n s o me yar ds, h o we ver, a t hir d set of acti ve retar ders e xists – o ne o n eac h 

i n di vi d ual trac k. T hese retar ders, calle d ta n ge nt p oi nt retar ders, all o w a t hir d o p p ort u nit y t o a dj ust t he car s pee d. 

I n m ost yar ds, a n i nert retar der is l ocate d at t he e n d of eac h classificati o n trac k t o pre ve nt t he first car i nt o t he trac k 

fr o m r olli n g o ut of t he classifi cati o n area. T hese retar ders ge nerall y e mit n oise o nl y w he n a stri n g of cars is p ulle d 

t hr o u g h t he m f or re m o val fr o m t he classificati o n trac k. S o me i nert retar ders are releasa ble, i n w hic h case t he y ca n 

be l oc ke d o pe n s o t hat t he y d o n ot e mit n oise w he n cars are p ulle d t hr o u g h t he m. 

A si n gle retar der s o u n d i ncl u d es n oises e mitte d fr o m all retar ders o perati n g si m ulta ne o usl y i n t he rail yar d. T his 

c o nser vati ve defi niti o n of a ret ar der s o u n d acc o u nts f or a n d pr otects a gai nst o verall rail car retar der n oise at t he 

recei vi n g pr o pert y. 

4. 1 Fi x e d-Site Si deli ne Me as ure me nts: St ati o n ar y L oc o m oti ves a n d L o a d Cell Test 

St a n ds 

Stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves are s u bj ect t o differe nt li mits de pe n di n g o n t heir date of ma n ufact ure a n d t heir o perati n g 

state, f or e xa m ple l oc o m oti ves o perati n g at a n i dle t hr ottle setti n g, as well as t h ose at n o n-i dle setti n gs w hile 

c o n necte d t o a l oa d test cell. T he y are disti n g uis he d fr o m m o vi n g o nes i n t he re g ulati o ns, beca use i dli n g a n d 

stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves t y picall y o perate at a l o w t hr ottle setti n g, a n d ma y n ot o perate u n der a l oa d ( u nless c o n necte d 

t o a l oa d cell test sta n d). F urt her m ore, t he y d o n ot pr o d uce a d diti o nal n oise res ulti n g fr o m i nteracti o n bet wee n t he 

l oc o m oti ve w heels a n d t he tra c k. T here are differe nt c o m pli a nce li mits f or l oc o m oti ves b uilt o n or bef ore Dece m ber 

3 1 st

, 1 9 7 9, a n d l oc o m oti ves b uilt after Dece m ber 3 1st 1 9 7 9. 

4. 1. 1 M e as ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p 

Fi xe d -site si deli ne meas ure me nts ha ve si milar criteria t o li ne-ha ul meas ure me nt sites. T he y are c o n d ucte d wi t h t he 

micr o p h o ne at a dista nce of 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) fr o m a stati o nar y s o urce i n a clear z o ne, defi ne d as o pe n s pace wit h n o 

lar ge reflecti n g o bj ects wit hi n 3 0 m of t he s o urce bei n g meas ure d or t he micr o p h o ne p ositi o n (ill ustrate d i n Fi g ure 

1 2 ). T he s pecific criteria i ncl u de: 

• T he micr o p h o ne s hall be p ositi o ne d at a ri g ht a n gle t o t he c e nter li ne bet wee n t he t w o rails of t he test 

trac k. T he micr o p h o ne s hall be 3 0 m ( 1 0 0ft) a wa y fr o m t hat li ne (i n t he directi o n m ost ne arl y t o war ds 

t he cl osest recei vi n g pr o pert y) at t he ge o metric ce nter p oi nt of t he l oc o m oti ve. 

• T he test site s h o ul d be a n o pe n s pace free of lar ge, s o u n d -reflecti n g o bj ects, s uc h as barriers, hills, 

si g n b oar ds, par ke d ve hicles, l oc o m oti ves or rail cars o n a djace nt trac ks, brid ges or b uil di n gs wit hi n 

clear z o ne b o u n daries. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 2 

• Wit hi n t he c o m plete test site, t he t o p of at least o ne 

rail u p o n w hic h t he l oc o m oti ve or trai n is l ocate d 

s hall be visi ble (li ne of site) fr o m t he micr o p h o ne 

l ocati o n, 1. 2 m ( 4 ft) a b o ve t he gr o u n d, e xce pt as 

pr o vi de d i n t he criteria bel o w . 

• Gr o u n d c o ver s uc h as ve getati o n, fe nce p osts, 

s mall trees, tele p h o ne p oles, etc.., s hall be li mite d 

wit hi n t he area i n t he test site bet wee n t he ve hicle 

u n der test a n d t he meas uri n g micr o p h o ne s uc h t hat 

8 0 perce nt of t he t o p of at le ast o ne rail al o n g t he 

e ntire test secti o n of trac k be visi bl e fr o m t he 

micr o p h o ne p ositi o n 1. 2 m ( 4 ft) a b o ve t he gr o u n d; 

e xce pt t hat n o si n gle o bstr ucti o n s hall acc o u nt f or 

m ore t ha n 5 perce nt of t he t otal all o wa ble 

o bstr ucti o n. 

• T he gr o u n d ele vati o n at t he micr o p h o ne l ocati o n 

s hall be wit hi n 1. 5 m ( 5 ft) a b o ve a n d 3 m ( 1 0 ft) 

bel o w t he ele vati o n of t he rail i n li ne wit h t he 

micr o p h o ne. 

4. 1. 2 N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n g s 

T he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be set usi n g t he para meters i n T a ble 6 . If t he i nstr u me nt is e q ui p pe d wit h 

data st ora ge ca pa bilities, t he n it is str o n gl y rec o m me n de d t hat o ne -sec o n d n oise data are c ollecte d. 

T a ble 6 . S u m m ar y of N oise M e a sure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Fi xe d-Site R ail Y ar d O per ati o ns 

Fre q ue nc y Wei g hti n g Filter Res p o nse M etric 

A Sl o w Ma xi m u m S o u n d Le vel ( L A S m x ) 

4. 1. 3 N oise M e as ure me nt Pr oce d u re 

T he n oise meas ure me nt pr oce d ure f or fi xe d -site si deli ne me as ure me nts ca n be s u m marize d i nt o t he f oll o wi n g ste ps, 

w hic h are f urt her detaile d i n t he f oll o wi n g para gra p hs. 

 M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds, n ote t he m a xi m u m. 

 W ar m- u p t he l oc o m oti ve 

 M e as ure t he l oc o m oti ve n oise le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds , n ote t he m a xi m u m. 

 M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel , n ote t he m a xi m u m.

Fi g ure 1 2 . Fi xe d -Site Si deli ne Cle ar Z o ne 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 3 

M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel : B ac k gr o u n d n oise s h o ul d be rec or de d bef ore t he l oc o m oti ve war m -u p 

peri o d c o m me nces, a n d after t he l oc o m oti ve test has bee n c o m plete d. Start t he i nstr u me nt, a n d o bser ve t he 

bac k gr o u n d n oise le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds. If p ossi ble, st ore t hese meas ure me nts i n t he i nstr u me nt. N ote t he ma xi m u m 

le vel o n t he l o g s heet. 

W ar m u p t he test l oc o m oti v e : T he e n gi ne of t he l oc o m oti ve m ust reac h t he n or mal c o oli n g water o perati n g 

te m perat ure as s pecifie d b y t he l oc o m oti ve ma n ufact urer, bef ore t he n oise le vel meas ure me nts ma y be gi n. O nce t he 

test l oc o m oti ve has bee n set t o t he desire d test t hr ottle setti n g, a 4 0-sec o n d l o n g sta bilizati o n peri o d s h o ul d be 

o bser ve d bef ore t he n oise meas ure me nts ca n pr oce e d

M e as ure t he l oc o m oti ve n oise le vel: Start t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt, a n d meas ure t he l oc o m oti ve n oise le vel f or 

at least 3 0 sec o n ds . N ote t he ti me, ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel a n d o perati n g c o n diti o ns. T he l oc o m oti ve ma y be: 

. All c o oli n g fa ns s hall be o perati n g. 

• Stati o nar y, at i dle. 

• S tati o nar y at a n y t hr ottle setti n g. 

• C o n necte d t o a l oa d cell, at a n y t hr ottle setti n g (e xce pt i dl e). 

T he partic ular or der of t hese meas ure me nts is n ot a c o ncer n. Eac h of t hese c o n diti o ns has a se parate c o m plia nce 

li mit. 

4. 1. 4 D oc u me nt ati o n 

T he f oll o wi n g pa ge c o ntai ns a n e xa m ple of t he use of t he ge neral l o g s heet f or t he si deli ne n oise meas ure me nt of 

rail yar d o perati o ns descri be d i n t his Secti o n. Fi g ure 1 3 is a n e xa m ple of t he use of t he ge neral meas ure me nt f or m 

f or fi xe d-site si deli ne meas ure me nts of stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves, stati o nar y s witc her l oc o m oti ves, a n d l oa d cell test 

sta n ds. 

 

 I n a d diti o n, if t he l oc o m oti ve m ust be t ur ne d off as it s hifts fr o m i dle t o t he desire d t hr ottle setti n g, or as it is 

c o n necte d or re m o ve d fr o m a l oa d cell, t he n it s h o ul d be all o we d t o war m u p a gai n bef ore t he ne xt n oise 

meas ure me nt . 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 4 

Fi g ure 1 3 . S a m ple L o g S heet f or Si deli ne M e as ure me nts of St ati o n ar y or St ati o n ar y S witc her L oc o m oti ves, 

or L o a d Cell Test St a n ds 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o. T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: 1 1 4. 0 d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. L e v el

C A L 1 1 4. 0

3 4. 2

8 5. 1

8 4. 7

8 1. 6

8 1. 7

6 9. 2

6 8. 8

3 6. 5

C A L 1 1 4. 0

Br a n d Y

S eri al N o. 4 2 4

 b uilt 7/ 0 7/ 1 9 7 7

S m all T o w n, U S A 

S m all T o w n R ailr o a d R ail y ar d

1 4: 1 1: 0 0 1 4: 1 1: 3 7 Fi n al C ali br ati o n

1 3: 3 5: 1 0 1 3: 3 6: 0 0

1 3: 4 0: 3 0 1 3: 4 1: 0 7 St ati o n ar y, I dl e, Si n gl y ( b a c k u p)

1 3: 5 7: 0 0 1 3: 5 7: 4 5 Fi n al B a c k gr o u n d N oi s e

St ati o n ar y, M a x T hr ottl e, Si n gl y ( aft er w ar m u p)

1 3: 2 4: 0 0 1 3: 2 4: 5 5 St ati o n ar y, M a x T hr ottl e, Si n gl y ( b a c k u p)

1 3: 2 0: 3 0 1 3: 2 1: 1 0

1 2: 2 2: 0 0 1 2: 2 4: 1 5 I niti al B a c k gr o u n d N oi s e

St ati o n ar y, I dl e, Si n gl y ( aft er w ar m u p)

1 3: 0 0: 0 0 1 3: 0 1: 0 0 St ati o n ar y, M a x T hr ottl e, L o a d C ell ( aft er w ar m u p)

1 3: 0 2: 0 0 1 3: 0 2: 3 5 St ati o n ar y, M a x T hr ottl e, L o a d C ell ( b a c k u p)

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e C o m m e nt s

1 2: 0 8: 0 0 1 2: 0 8: 3 7 I niti al C ali br ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e: Br a n d X, i S L M

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Fr e q u e n c y: 1 0 0 0 H z

R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt: L o c o m oti v e # 1 2 3

A- w ei g hti n g

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt: St ati o n ar y S wit c h er ( w a ysi d e) 1 2: 2 2: 0 0

Sl o w R e s p o ns e, L A S mx

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

J o e N oi s e 7/ 1 1/ 2 0 0 7

Br a n d X

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ 1 _ of _ _ 1 _ _

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

Fr a nk R ailr o a d
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 5 

4. 1. 5 D at a P r ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of Co m pli a nce 

T he pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis of n oise data c ollecte d d uri n g fi xe d -site si deli ne meas ure me nts of stati o nar y 

l oc o m oti ves, s witc her l oc o m oti ves, a n d l oa d cell test sta n ds s h o ul d pr ocee d wit h t he f oll o wi n g ste ps. Eac h 

circ u msta nce w here a pr o ble m ca uses a n o n -c o m plia nt meas ure me nt or meas ure me nt c o n diti o n is preface d b y  . 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) bet wee n t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial) a n d after ( CalFi nal ) t he 

e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi n al – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese cali brati o ns. 

2) Deter mi ne t he L A S m x f or eac h e ve nt a n d eac h bac k gr o u n d n oise meas ure me nt. If it was n ot meas ure d 

directl y, it m ust be deter mi ne d fr o m t he st ore d data. T his is us uall y acc o m plis he d b y d o w nl oa di n g t he 

data t o a te xt file or s prea ds he et. T he ti mefra me of t he e ve nt is i de ntifie d fr o m t he l o g s he ets, t he 

c orres p o n di n g i nter val i n t he meas ure d n oise data is i de ntifi e d, a n d the ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel wit hi n 

t hat i nter val is deter mi ne d. 

3) Verif y t hat bac k gr o u n d n oise di d n ot c o nta mi nate t he meas ure me nts. T he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or 

t he e ve nt m ust be 1 0 d B( A) a b o ve t he bac k gr o u n d le vels b ot h bef ore a n d after t he e ve nt. 

 If bac k gr o u n d n oise c o nta mi nati o n occ urs, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d t o e val uate 

c o m plia nce. 

4) C o m pare t he LA S m x t o t he a p pr o priate railr oa d n oise le vel crit eria s u m marize d i n T a ble 5 . T o acc o u nt 

f or variati o ns i n: 1) i nstr u me nt t olera nces, 2) site t o p o gra p h y, 3) at m os p heric c o n diti o ns, 4) reflecte d 

s o u n d fr o m s mall o bj ects, a n d 5) t he c o m m o n practice of re p orti n g s o u n d le vels t o t he near est deci bel, 

2 d B( A) ma y be a d de d t o t he c o m plia nce le vel. 

5) E val uate c o m plia nce. 

 If t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel is greater t ha n t he c o m plia nce l e vel pl us t olera nce, t he n t he 

meas ure me nt is i n vi olati o n a n d t he a p pr o priate acti o n s h o ul d be ta ke n. 

4. 1. 6 E x a m ple of D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a n ce 

B ase d o n t he e xa m ple l o g s he et i n Fi g ure 1 3 : 

1) C o m pare s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore a n d after t he e ve nt(s). 

C al I niti al = 1 1 4. 0 d B( A) C al Fi n al = 1 1 4. 0 d B( A) 

∆ C al = 1 1 4. 0 – 1 1 4. 0 = 0 d B( A) 

 N o c ali br ati o n a dj ust me nt is necess ar y. 

2) Deter mi ne t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or eac h 3 0 -sec o n d n oise meas ure me nt, a n d eac h bac k gr o u n d 

n oise meas ure me nt fr o m t he data. 

I niti al b ac k gr o u n d = 3 4. 2 d B( A) 

Fi n al b ac k gr o u n d = 3 6. 5 d B( A) 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 6 

St ati o n ar y, m a x t hr ottle, l o a d cell = 8 5. 1 d B( A) 

St ati o n ar y, m a x t hr ottle, si n gle = 8 1. 6 d B( A) 

St ati o n ar y, i dle = 6 9. 2 d B( A) 

3) Verif y t hat bac k gr o u n d n oise di d n ot c o nta mi nate t he meas ure me nts. T he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or 

t he e ve nt m ust be 1 0 d B( A) a b o ve t he bac k gr o u n d le vels b ot h bef ore a n d after the e ve nt. 

St ati o n ar y, m a x t hr ottle, l o a d cell – I niti al b ac k gr o u n d = 8 5. 1 - 3 4. 2 = 5 0. 9 d B( A) 

St ati o n ar y, m a x t hr ottle, l o a d cell – Fi n al b ac k gr o u n d = 8 5. 1 – 3 6. 5 = 4 8. 6 d B( A) 

St ati o n ar y, m a x t hr ottle, si n gle – I niti al b ac k gr o u n d = 8 1. 6 – 3 4. 2 = 4 7. 4 d B( A) 

St ati o n ar y, m a x t hr ottle, si n gle – Fi n al b ac k gr o u n d = 8 1. 6 – 3 6. 5 = 4 5. 1 d B( A) 

St ati o n ar y, i dle – I niti al b ac k gr o u n d = 6 9. 2 – 3 4. 2 = 3 5. 0 d B( A) 

St ati o n ar y, i dle – Fi n al b ac k gr o u n d = 6 9. 2 – 3 6. 5 = 3 2. 7 d B( A) 

 T hese differe nces are all gre ater t h a n 1 0 d B( A). T hese me as ure me nts h a ve n ot bee n 

c o nt a mi n ate d a n d m a y be us e d f or c o m pli a nce. 

4) C o m pare t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he e ve nt t o t he a p pr o priate railr oa d n oise le vel crit eria a n d 

e val uate c o m plia nce. 

E ve nt M a xi m u m Le vel 

( d B( A)) 

C o m pli a nce Le vel 

( d B( A)) 

St ati o n ar y, M a x T hr ottle, 

L o a d Cell 

P ass ? 

8 5. 1 9 3. 0  Yes 

St ati o n ar y, M a x T hr ottle, 

Si n gle 8 1. 6 9 3. 0  Yes 

St ati o n ar y, I dle 6 9. 2 7 3. 0  Yes 

4. 2 Recei vi n g Pr o p ert y M e as ure me nts: St ati o n ar y S witc her L oc o m oti v es a n d L o a d Cell 

Test St a n ds 

T he s pecific site re q uire me nts, i nstr u me nt setti n gs, meas ure me nt pr oce d ures, d oc u me ntati o n re q uire me nts, a n d data 

pr ocessi n g re q uire me nts s pecific t o recei vi n g pr o pert y, yar d -o perati o n meas ure me nts of st ati o nar y s witc her 

l oc o m oti ves a n d l oa d cell test sta nds are s u m marize d i n t he f oll o wi n g secti o ns. 

4. 2. 1 M e as ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p 

Recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts are c o n d ucte d at a n y n o n -railr oa d pr o pert y o utsi de of t he rail yar d. I n ma n y 

cases, t he rail yar d ma y n ot be c o m pletel y visi ble fr o m t he recei vi n g pr o pert y, a n d it ma y be hel pf ul t o ha ve a 

sec o n d pers o n l ocate d i n or wit hi n si g ht of t he rail yar d t o c o or di nate a n d d oc u me nt acti viti es. 

T his site-t y pe is t he pri mar y meas ure me nt o pti o n f or s witc her l oc o m oti ves a n d l oa d cells. If t hese measure me nts are 

n o n -c o m plia nt, it is necessar y t o meas ure usi n g t he fi xe d -site, 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) si deli ne p ositi o n. T he s pecific criteria 

f or recei vi n g pr o pert y sites i ncl u de: 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 7 

• T he micr o p h o ne is l ocate d o n recei vi n g 

pr o pert y wit h n o vertica l pla ne s urfaces 

e xcee di n g 1. 2 m ( 4 ft) i n hei g ht wit hi n 1 0 m 

( 3 3. 3 ft) of t he micr o p h o ne p ositi o n. 

H o we ver, r esi de ntial or c o m mercial b uil di n gs 

ca n be wit hi n t he 1 0 m b o u n d ar y as l o n g as 

t he y are at least 2 m ( 6. 6 ft ) fr o m t he 

micr o p h o ne p ositi o n a n d n ot bl oc ki n g t he 

n oise pa t h. I n a d diti o n, facilit y b o u n dar y 

n oise barrier s are per mitte d t o be i n t he pat h 

of t he s o u n d e missi o n. 

• If t he resi de ntial str uct ure is a far m h o me, t he 

micr o p h o ne m ust

 F or l o a d cell test st a n d me as ure me nts o nl y , 

w h e n t he pri mar y recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nt 

site is n ot s uita ble, a variati o n o n t he recei vi n g 

pr o pert y site criteria ma y be use d. T his varia ti o n 

re q uires t he meas ure me nt micr o p h o ne t o be l ocate d o n t he recei vi n g pr o pert y at le ast 1 2 0 m ( 4 0 0 ft) a wa y fr o m t he 

ge o metric ce nter of t he l oc o m oti ve c o n necte d t o t he l oa d cell bei n g teste d, a n d n ot si m pl y at a n y p oi nt o n t he 

pr o pert y. 

 be l ocate d bet wee n 2 m a n d 

1 0 m a wa y fr o m t he wall of t he far m h o me . 

I n a d diti o n, f or l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n d n oise meas ure me nts, a t hir d set of criteria, w hic h is mea nt t o si m ulate 

t he ac o ustic fiel d o n n o n-railr oa d recei vi n g pr o pert y, all o ws meas ure me nts t o be ma de b y t he railr oa d o n its o w n 

pr o pert y. 

4. 2. 2 N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs 

F or recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts, t he i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be set usi n g t he para meters i n T a ble 7 . If t he S L M is 

e q ui p pe d wit h data st ora ge ca pa bilities, t he n it is str o n gl y re c o m me n de d t hat o ne -sec o n d n oise data are c ollecte d. 

T a ble 7 . S u m m ar y of N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y M e as ure me nts 

M e as ure me nt T y pe Fre q ue nc y 

Wei g hti n g 

Filter 

Res p o nse M etric (s) 

Stati o nar y s witc her l oc o m oti ve A Fast E xcee da nce perce ntile l e vels: 

9 0, L 1 0 , L9 9 

L oa d cell test s ta n ds A Fast E xcee da nce perce ntile l e vels: 

9 0, L1 0 , L9 9 

Fi g ure 1 4 . Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Site Re q uire me nts 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 8 

4. 2. 3 N oise M e as ure me nt P r oce d u re 

T he n oise meas ure me nt pr oce d ure f or recei vi n g pr o pert y me as ure me nts ca n be s u m marize d i nt o t he f oll o wi n g ste ps, 

w hic h are f urt her detaile d i n t he f oll o wi n g para gra p hs. 

M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise : Meas ure at t he recei vi n g pr o pert y

W a r m u p a n d st a bilize t he l oc o m oti ve (sa me pr oce d ure as t he stati o nar y l oc o m oti ve) : T he l oc o m oti ve s h o ul d be 

o perati n g si n gl y at ma xi m u m t hr ottle. As part of t he acce pte d n oise e n vir o n me nt, t he railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns 

all o w f or ot her stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves (i ncl u di n g ot her stati o nar y s witc he r l oc o m oti ves) t o be o perati n g d uri n g t hese 

meas ure me nts. T he re g ulati o ns als o all o w f or t he o perati o n of l oa d cell test sta n ds d uri n g t he stati o nar y s witc her 

meas ure me nts. 

, bef ore a n d after s o urce n oise meas ure me nts. 

F or l oa d cells, t his ca n be d uri n g a n y peri o d w he n t he s o urce l oa d cell is off. Meas ure a n d rec or d / d oc u me nt t he Awei g hte d s o u n d le vel at a rate of at lea st o nce e ver y 1 0 sec o n ds u ntil 1 0 0 meas ure me nts ha ve bee n o btai ne d. If t he 

n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt is set t o rec or d 1 -sec o n d sa m ples, t he n t he meas ure me nt peri o d s h o ul d be at least 1 5 

mi n utes. T his d urati o n is us uall y necessar y t o arri ve at a statis ticall y vali d sa m ple; l o n ger d urati o ns ma y be 

a d visa ble at sites w here t he bac k gr o u n d s o u n ds are i nter mitt e nt / var yi n g. If t he L 9 0 ca n b e directl y calc ulate d b y t he 

i nstr u me nt, n ote t his val ue o n t he l o g s heet. 

B e gi n s o urce n oise me as ure me nts: Meas ure a n d rec or d / d oc u me nt t he A-wei g hte d s o u n d le vel at a rate of at least 

o nce e ver y 1 0 sec o n ds f or at least 1 5 mi n utes or u ntil 1 0 0 meas ure me nts are o btai ne d. T hese meas ure me nts are 

use d t o calc ulate t he vali date d L 9 0 of t he n oise s o urce . If t he L1 0 , L9 0 a n d L9 9 ca n be directl y calc ulate d b y t he 

i nstr u me nt, n ote t hese val ues o n t he l o g s heet. 

C hec k f or l o a d cell o per ati o n al pr o ble ms: T he s o u n d le vel fr o m l oa d cells s h o ul d be ne arl y stea d y -state. If t he 

s o u n d le vel is o bser ve d t o c ha n ge b y 1 0 d B( A ) or m ore at t he recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nt l ocati o n, a n d t here is 

 

Eit h er b ef ore t h e s witc h er l o c o m oti ve is o p erati n g or o n ce t h e s witc h er l o c o m oti ve h as b ee n m o ve d t o a n ot h er l o cati o n, fr o m 

w h ere it ca n n ot b e d etecte d at t h e micr o p h o n e l o cati o n.

 M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel at le ast o nce e ver y 1 0 sec o n ds f or at le ast 1 5 

m i n utes or u ntil 1 0 0 me as ur e me nts h a ve bee n o bt ai ne d. 

 W ar m- u p t he l oc o m oti ve. 

 M e as ure t he l oc o m oti ve n oise le vel at le ast o nce e ver y 1 0 sec o n ds f or at le ast 1 5 

mi n utes or u ntil 1 0 0 me as ur e me nts h a ve bee n o bt ai ne d. 

 C hec k f or ge ner al pr o ble ms. 

 C hec k f or l o a d cell o per ati o n al pr o ble ms. S pecific all y, a n y c h a n ge of 1 0 d B( A) or 

m ore i n l o a d cell s o u n d le vel. 

 M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel , at le ast o nce e ver y 1 0 sec o n ds f or at le ast 1 5 

mi n utes or u ntil 1 0 0 me as ur e me nts h a ve bee n o bt ai ne d. 

 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

4 9 

e vi de nce t hat t his c ha n ge i n s o u n d le vel is c oi nci de nt wit h a c ha n ge i n t he l oa d cell test sta n d o perati o n (e. g., c ha n ge 

i n o perati o nal setti n gs, etc.), w hile t he stati o nar y l oc o m oti ve o perati o n re mai ns u nc ha n ge d, t he n t he L 9 0 m ust be re -

meas ure d u n der t hese ne w l oa d cell perf or ma nce c o n diti o ns. 

4. 2. 4 D oc u me nt ati o n 

T he f oll o wi n g pa ges c o ntai n e xa m ples of t he use of t he ge neral l o g s heets f or t he recei vi n g pr o pert y n oise 

meas ure me nt of rail yar d o perati o ns descri be d i n t his Secti o n. Fi g ure 1 5 prese nts a n e xa m ple of a l o g s heet use d 

d uri n g meas ure me nts w here t he i nstr u me nt was a ble t o a ut o maticall y calc ulate a n d st ore/re p ort t he L 1 0 , L9 0 , a n d L9 9

e xcee da nce le vels. 

Fi g ure 1 6 prese nts a n e xa m ple l o g s heet use d d uri n g meas ur e me nts w here t he i nstr u me nt was n ot a ble t o 

a ut o maticall y calc ulate t he e xcee da nce le vels: t he user n ote d t he s o u n d le vel o n t he matri x o nce e ver y 1 0 sec o n ds 

b y directl y rea di n g fr o m t he i nstr u me nt dis pla y. I n t his e xa m ple s heet, t he L 1 0 , L9 0 , a n d L9 9 are circle d. 

• T he L 1 0 is t he le vel e xcee de d b y 1 0 % of t he meas ure me nts, e q ui vale nt t o t he statistical 9 0t h perce ntile 

s o u n d le vel or, o ut of 1 0 0 meas ure me nts, t he 1 0t h hi g hest s o u n d le vel. 

• Si milarl y, t he L 9 0 is t he le vel e xcee de d b y 9 0 % of t he meas ure me nts, e q ui vale nt t o t he statistical 1 0t h

perce ntile s o u n d le vel, or, o ut of 1 0 0 meas ure me nts, t he 1 1 t h l o west s o u n d le vel. 

• T he L 9 9 is t he le vel e xcee de d b y 9 9 % of t he meas ure me nts, e q ui vale nt t o t he statistical 1st perce ntile 

s o u n d le vel, or, o ut of 1 0 0 me as ure me nts, t he 2n d l o west s o u n d le vel. 

 Duri n g recei vi n g pr o pert y me as ure me nts , t o t he e xte nt p ossi ble, d oc u me nt all t he n oise s o urce l ocati o n i nf or mati o n 

o n a dia gra m of t he meas ure me nt site (rail yar d a n d recei vi n g pr o pert y), la beli n g t he l ocati o ns of t he micr o p h o nes, 

t y pe a n d l ocati o ns of a n y a n d all n oise s o urces, a n d a p pr o xi mate dista nce bet wee n eac h s o urce t y pe a n d t he 

micr o p h o ne. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 0 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o.: T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: 1 1 4. 0 d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. L e v el

C A L 1 1 4. 0

4 3. 0

6 5. 1

4 2. 0

C A L 1 1 4. 2

n e xt t o S m all T o w n R ailr o a d R ail y ar d

Br a n d Y., S eri al N o. 4 2 4 1

i dl e @ m a x. t hr ottl e, n o l o a d c ell

 b uilt 7/ 0 7/ 1 9 8 7

B a c k y ar d of 2 2 5 M ai n St.

i n S m all T o w n, U S A

1 0 = 6 7. 0 d B( A)

1 3: 5 2: 3 0 1 3: 5 3: 1 0 Fi n al C ali br ati o n

1 3: 3 0: 0 0 1 3: 4 8: 0 0 fi n al B a c k gr o u n d N oi s e ( L9 0 = 4 2. 0 d B( A))

t ur n e d off l o c o m oti v e

9 0 = 6 5. 1 d B( A)

9 9 = 6 4. 2 d B( A)

( 3 ot h er st a n d ar d l o c o m oti v e s w er e si m ult a n e o u sl y

i dli n g d uri n g m e a s.)

all o w e d l o c o m oti v e t o w ar m u p

1 2: 5 1: 0 0 1 3: 1 0: 0 5 St ati o n ar y S wit c h er at m a x. t h ottl e ( n o l o a d c ell)

1 2: 0 8: 0 0 1 2: 0 8: 3 7 I niti al C ali br ati o n

1 2: 2 2: 0 0 1 2: 3 8: 3 0 I niti al B a c k gr o u n d N oi s e ( L9 0 = 4 3 d B( A))

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e C o m m e nt s

A- w ei g hti n g, o n c e e v er y 1 0 s e c

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Fr e q u e n c y: 1 0 0 0 H z

9 0 ( L1 0 & L9 9 ) [ a ut o m ati c all y]

F a st R e s p o n s e f or 1 5 mi n

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e: Br a n d X, i S L M Br a n d X

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

Fr a n k R ailr o a d R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt: L o c o m oti v e # 1 2 3 1

J o e N oi s e 2/ 1 2/ 2 0 0 4

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt: M o vi n g/ St ati o n ar y S wit c h er ( R e c. Pr o p ert y) 1 2: 2 2: 0 0

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

G e n er al N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ 1 _ of _ _ 1 _ _

Fi g ure 1 5 . S a m ple D at a L o g S heet f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y S witc her L oc o m oti ve N ois e M e as ure me nts 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 1 

N a m e( s): D at e:

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt: St art Ti m e:

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o.: T y p e:

S etti n g s: L e v el: Fr e q u e n c y:

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

6 5

6 0

x x

5 5 x x

x x x

x x x

x x

5 0 x x x x x

x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

4 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x

x x

4 0

3 5

3 0

1 0 1 5 2 0 2 5 3 0

i niti al C al 1 1 4. 0 @ 1 2: 0 8: 0 0 fi n al C al 1 1 4. 2 @ 1 3: 5 2: 3 0

A- w ei g hti n g, 1 2: 2 2: 0 0- 1 2: 3 8: 3 0

F a st R e s p o n s e

Br a n d X, i S L M

Fr a n k R ailr o a d

S eri al N o.: 6 7 8 9

J o e N oi s e 2/ 2 2/ 2 0 0 2

2: 2 2: 0 0

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

R e c ei vi n g Pr o p ert y N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ 1 _ of _ 3 _ _

1 1 4. 0 d B

B a c k y ar d of 2 2 5 M ai n St. i n 

Br a n d X

1 0 0 0 H z

S m all T o w n, U S A

n e xt t o S m all T o w n R ailr o a d R ail y ar d

Br a n d Y. S eri al N o. 4 2 4 1

1 2 3 4 5

N u m b er of O c c ur a n c e s

St ati o n ar y S wit c h er ( R e c ei vi n g Pr o p ert y)

b uilt 7/ 0 7 1 9 8 7

L, o n c e e v er y 1 0 s e c f or 1 5 mi n

R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt: L o c o m oti v e # 1 2 3 1

M e a s. D e vi c e:

Fi g ure 1 6 . S a m ple Recei vi n g Pr o pert y N oise M e as ure me nt L o g S heet 

(I niti al B ac k gr o u n d N oise f or St ati o n ar y S witc her L oc o m oti ve N oise me as ure me nts at Recei vi n g Pr o pert y) 

1 0

9 0

9 9
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 2 

4. 2. 5 D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n f or C o m pli a nce 

T he pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis of n oise data c ollecte d d uri n g r ecei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts s h o ul d use t he 

f oll o wi n g ste ps. Eac h circ u msta nce w here a pr o ble m ca uses a n o n-c o m plia nt meas ure me nt or mea s ure me nt 

c o n diti o n is preface d b y a  . 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial), d uri n g, 

a n d after ( Cal Fi nal ) t he e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese cali brati o ns. 

2) Calc ulate: L9 0 of t he i nitial bac k gr o u n d n oise data; 

9 0 , 1 0, a n d L9 9 f or t he s witc her l oc o m oti ve or l oa d cell

9 0 of t he fi nal bac k gr o u n d n oise data. 

 n ois e data; a n d 

T hese metrics ma y be a ut o maticall y calc ulate d b y t he i nstr u me nt. If n ot , t he y m ust be deter mi ne d 

fr o m t he st ore d data or t he c o m plete d l o g s heet (Fi g ure 1 6 is a n e xa m ple). 

a. Usi n g st ore d data, t he c o m plia nce le vel metrics ca n be deter mi ne d b y tra nsferri n g t he data ( us uall y 

i n t he f or m of a c o m ma-deli mite d file) t o a s prea ds heet. S ort t he data fr o m hi g hest t o l o west n oise 

le vels. T he L 9 0 is t he le vel e xcee de d b y 9 0 % of t he meas ure me nts, or t he 1 0t h statistical perce ntile 

(i n a dataset of 1 0 0 sa m ples, t his w o ul d be t he 1 1t h l o west s a m ple). Si milarl y, t he L9 9 is t he le vel 

e xcee d e d b y 9 9 % of t he meas ure me nts, or t he 1 st

 statistical perce ntile, a n d t he L1 0 is t he le vel 

e xcee de d b y 1 0 % of t he meas ure me nts, or t he statistical 9 0 t h perce ntile. 

b. Usi n g t he c o m plete d l o g s heet, t he c o m plia nce metrics are deter mi ne d b y fi n di n g t he 2 n d l o west 

( L9 9 ), 1 1t h l o west ( L9 0 ), a n d 1 0t h hi g hest ( L 1 0 ) val ues. 

3) Vali date t he n oise s o urce L 9 0 (s). T he differe nce bet wee n t he L 1 0 a n d L 9 9 m ust be less t ha n 4 d B( A). 

 If L 1 0 – L9 9 is greater t ha n 4 d B( A), t he meas ure me nt s hall n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o T he meas ure me nts ma y be re peate d o ver a l o n ger peri o d t o atte m pt t o i m pr o ve t he relia bilit y 

of t he meas ure me nt a n d vali date t he L 9 0 . 

4) Assess t he bac k gr o u n d n oise l e vels ( b ot h i nitial a n d fi nal). T he differe nce bet wee n t he vali date d L9 0

a n d t he b ac k gr o u n d L9 0 m ust be greater t ha n 5 d B( A) . Differe nces less t ha n 5 d B( A) i n dic ate a n 

u nacce pta ble le vel of c o nta mi nati o n fr o m bac k gr o u n d n oise. 

 If t he differe nce is less t ha n 5 d B( A), t he meas ure me nt s hall n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

 If eit her re q uire me nt i n ste p 3 or 4 ca n n ot satisfie d, t he n t he “ vali date d” L 9 0 recei vi n g pr o pert y 

meas ure me nt ma y n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. T he a p pr o priate m o vi n g or stati o nar y s witc her 

l oc o m oti ve pass-b y/si deli ne meas ure me nt m ust be use d i nste a d. 

 

If t w o l o a d cell meas ure me nts were c ollecte d d u e t o a c h a n ge i n s o u n d le vel greater t h a n 1 0 d B, t h e n b ot h s h o ul d b e vali d ate d 

a n d assesse d f or c o m plia n ce. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 3 

o H o we ver, if si g nifica nt a bate me nt acti o ns are t o be c o m plet e d t o re d uce t he n oise le vels at t he 

recei vi n g pr o pert y, t he F R A ma y all o w a retest of t he offe n di n g s witc her l oc o m oti ve(s) wit h 

recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts o nce t he a bate me nt has be e n i nstalle d. 

5) E val uate c o m plia nce. 

o If t w o L9 0 meas ure me nts were c ollecte d d ue t o a c ha n ge i n l oa d cell s o u n d le vel > 1 0 d B 

• C o m pare t he L 9 0 val ues. 

• If t he sec o n d vali date d L9 0 me as ure me nt ( L 9 0, 2 ) differs fr o m t he first ( L9 0, 1 ) b y 1 0 d B( A ) or 

m ore, t he n t he lar ger of t he t w o vali date d L 9 0 meas ure me nts s hall be u se d f or assessi n g 

c o m plia nce. 

• If t he differe nce bet wee n t he t w o vali date d L9 0 meas ure me nts is less t ha n 1 0 d B( A), t he n L9 0, 1

ma y be use d f or assessi n g c o m plia nce . 

 If t he vali date d L9 0 is greater t ha n 6 5 d B( A), t he n t he s o urces are in vi olati o n. 

o If a vi olati o n occ urs, t he f oll o wi n g e val uati o n m ust ta ke pla ce: 

• Liste n t o t he s o u n d a n d atte m pt t o deter mi ne t he s pecific s o urce a n d pri nci pal directi o n of t he 

nearl y stea d y -state s o u n d. 

• If t he s o u n d e ma nates fr o m o nl y stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves, i ncl u di n g at least o ne s witc her 

l oc o m oti ve, t he n a vi olati o n of t he 6 5 d B( A) criteria f or t hes e l oc o m oti ves has occ urre d. As a 

res ult, fi xe d-site si deli ne meas ure me nts m ust be c o n d ucte d f or t hese l oc o m oti ves. 

• If t he s o u n d e ma nates fr o m o nl y a l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n d a n d t he l oc o m oti ve bei n g 

teste d, t he n a vi olati o n of t he 6 5 d B( A) criteria has occ urre d. T he fi xe d-site si deli ne 

meas ure me nts m ust be atte m pte d f or t his l oa d cell a n d l oc o m oti ve c o m bi nati o n. 

• If t he s o u n d i ncl u des b ot h a l oa d cell test sta n d a n d at least o ne stati o nar y s witc her 

l oc o m oti ve, t he n 3 d B( A) ma y be s u btracte d fr o m t he vali dat e d L 9 0 bef ore deter mi ni n g 

c o m plia nce wit h t he 6 5 d B( A) criteria. 

4. 2. 6 E x a m ple of D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a n ce 

B ase d o n t he e xa m ple l o g s he et i n Fi g ure 1 6 , 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce (∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial), d uri n g, 

a n d after ( Cal Fi nal ) t he e ve nt(s). 

C al I niti al = 1 1 4. 0 d B( A) C al Fi n al = 1 1 4. 2 d B( A) 

∆ C al = 1 1 4. 2 - 1 1 4. 0 = 0. 2 d B ( A) 

 ∆ C al is less t h a n 0. 3 d B( A); no c ali br ati o n a dj ust me nt is necess ar y. 

2) Calc ulate: L9 0 of t he i nitial bac k gr o u n d n oise data; 

9 0 , L1 0 a n d L9 9 f or t he s witc her l oc o m oti ve or l oa d cell

 

 If t w o l oa d cell meas ure me nts were c ollecte d d ue t o a c ha n ge i n s o u n d le vel greater t ha n 1 0 d B( A), t he n b ot h 

s h o ul d be vali date d a n d assess e d f or c o m plia nce. 

 n ois e data; a n d 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 4 

9 0 of t he fi nal bac k gr o u n d n oise data. 

I niti al b ac k gr o u n d n oise L9 0 = 4 3 d B( A) 

S wi tc her l oc o m oti ve m a x t h r ottle, L 9 0 = 6 5. 1 d B( A) 

 L9 9 = 6 4. 2 d B( A) 

 L1 0 = 6 7. 0 d B( A) 

Fi n al b ac k gr o u n d n oise L 9 0 = 4 2. 0 d B( A) 

3) Vali date t he n oise s o urce L 9 0 (s). L 1 0 - L9 9 m ust be ≤ 4 d B( A). 

1 0 - L9 9 = 6 7. 0 – 6 4. 2 = 2. 8 d B( A) 

 T he me as ure me nt m a y be us e d f or c o m pli a nce. 

4) Assess t he bac k gr o u n d n oise l e vels ( b ot h i nitial a n d fi nal). T he v ali date d L9 0 – B ac k gr o u n d L 9 0 m ust be ≥ 

5 d B( A). 

V ali d ate d L 9 0 – I niti al bac k g r o u n d L 9 0 = 6 5. 1 – 4 3 = 2 2. 1 d B( A) 

V ali d ate d L 9 0 – fi n al b ac k gr o u n d L9 0 = 6 5. 1 – 4 2. 0 = 2 3. 1 d B( A) 

 T he me as ure me nt m a y be us e d f or c o m pli a nce. 

5) E val uate c o m plia nce. C o m pare t he Vali date d L 9 0 f or t he e ve nt a gai nst t he a p pr o priate railr oa d n oise le vel 

criteria s u m marize d i n T a ble 5. 

E ve nt V ali d ate d L C o m pli a nce 9 0 

( d B( A)) 

C o m pli a nce Le vel + 

Le vel ( d B( A)) T oler a nc e ( d B( A)) 

St ati o n ar y S witc her, 

m a x t hr ottle, n o l o a d 

cell 

P ass ? 

6 5. 1 6 5. 0 6 3. 1  Yes 

4. 3 C ar -C o u pli n g a n d Ret ar ders: R ecei vi n g Pr o p ert y Me as ure me nts 

T he s pecific site re q uire me nts, i nstr u me nt setti n gs, meas ure me nt pr oce d ures, d oc u me ntati o n re q uire me nts, a n d data 

pr ocessi n g re q uire me nts s pecific t o recei vi n g pr o pert y, yar d -o perati o n meas ure me nts of c ar -c o u pli n g a n d retar ders 

are s u m marize d i n t he f oll o w i n g Secti o ns. Recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts are c o n d uct e d at a n y n o n -railr oa d 

pr o pert y o utsi de of t he rail yar d. I n ma n y cases, t he rail yar d ma y n ot be c o m pletel y visi ble fr o m t he recei vi n g 

pr o pert y, a n d it ma y be hel pf ul t o ha ve a sec o n d pers o n l o cat e d i n or wit hi n si g ht of t he rail yar d t o c o or di nate a n d 

d oc u me nt acti vities. 

4. 3. 1 M e as ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p 

T he n oise meas ure me nt site criteria f or recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts of car -c o u pli n g a n d retar ders is i de ntical t o 

t he criteria f or meas ure me nts of s witc her l oc o m oti ves a n d l oa d cell test sta n ds, re-s u m marize d bel o w. T here is a n 

a d diti o nal criteri o n f or c ar-c o u pli n g i m p act meas ure me nts o nl y: 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 5 

• T he micr o p h o ne o n t he recei vi n g pr o pert y 

m ust be at le ast 3 0 m ( 1 0 0ft) fr o m t he nearest 

trac k w here car-c o u pli n g occ urs. All s o u n ds 

res ulti n g fr o m car c o u pli n g i m pacts t hat 

occ ur o n trac ks less t ha n 3 0 m fr o m t he 

micr o p h o ne are disre gar de d. 

T he s pecific criteria f or recei vi n g pr o pert y sites 

i ncl u de: 

• T he micr o p h o ne is l ocate d o n recei vi n g 

pr o pert y wit h n o vertica l pla ne s urfaces 

e xcee di n g 1. 2 m ( 4 ft) i n hei g ht wit hi n 1 0 m 

( 3 3. 3 ft) of t he micr o p h o ne p ositi o n. 

H o we ver, r esi de ntial or c o m mercial b uil di n gs 

ca n be wit hi n t he 1 0 m b o u n d ar y as l o n g as 

t he y are at least 2 m ( 6. 6 ft ) fr o m t he 

micr o p h o ne p ositi o n a n d n ot bl oc ki n g t he 

n oise pat h. I n a d diti o n, f acilit y b o u n dar y 

n oise barrier s are per mitte d t o be i n t he pat h of 

t he s o u n d e missi o n. 

• If t he resi de ntial str uct ure is a far m h o me, t he micr o p h o ne m ust

4. 3. 2 N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs 

 be l ocate d bet wee n 2 m a n d 1 0 m a w ay fr o m 

the wall of t he far m h o me .

F or recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts, t he i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be set usi n g t he para meters i n T a ble 8 . If t he 

i nstr u me nt is e q ui p pe d wit h d ata st ora ge ca pa bilities, t he n it is stro n gl y rec o m me n de d t hat o ne -sec o n d n oise data are 

c ollecte d. 

T a ble 8 . S u m m ar y of N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Recei vi n g Pr o pert y M e as ure me nts 

M e as ure me nt T y pe Fre q ue nc y Wei g hti n g Filter Res p o nse M etric (s) 

Car -co u pli n g A Fast Ma xi m u m S o u n d Le vel 

 ( LA F m x ) 

Retar ders A Fast Ma xi m u m S o u n d Le vel 

 ( LA F m x ) 

4. 3. 3 N oise M e as ure me nt Pr oce d u re 

F or recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts of car -c o u pli n g i m pacts a n d retar ders, t he n oise meas ure me nt pr oce d ure 

s h o ul d be c o n d ucte d as f oll o ws. 

Fi g ure 1 7 . Recei vi n g Pr o pert y Site Re q uire me nts 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 6 

S o urce n oise me as ure me nts: Meas ure a n d rec or d t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel ( LA F m x ) d uri n g eac h of at least 3 0 

c o nsec uti ve car -c o u pli n g or retar der e ve nts o ver a peri o d of at least 6 0 mi n utes b ut n ot m ore t ha n 2 4 0 mi n utes

T w o differe nt a p pr oac hes ma y be use d t o meas ure t he e ve nts

. A 

si n gle retar der s o u n d i ncl u des n oises e mitte d fr o m all retar ders o perati n g si m ulta ne o usl y i n t he rail yar d. T his 

c o nser vati ve defi niti o n of a ret ar der s o u n d acc o u nts f or a n d pr otects a gai nst o verall rail car retar der n oise at t he 

recei vi n g pr o pert y. 

a) F or ra n d o ml y -occ urri n g e ve nts, meas ure t he A -wei g hte d s o u n d le vel c o nti n u o usl y w hile t a ki n g detaile d 

n otes o n t he ti me of eac h e ve nt. It is str o n gl y rec o m me n de d t hat t he n oise le vels (a n d c orres p o n di n g ti me, 

if p ossi ble) o ver t he e ntire me as ureme nt peri o d be rec or de d wit h a n d st ore d wit hi n t he i nstr u me nt or ot her 

di gital st ora ge me dia (s uc h as a c o m p uter har d dri ve ), if a vaila ble. T his all o ws f or t he 3 0 or m ore LA F m x

meas ure me nts t o be i de ntifie d d uri n g t he p ost pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis pr oce d ures, a n d frees u p t he 

meas ure me nt tea m t o m ore ac c uratel y i de ntif y a n d d oc u me nt t he ti me eac h e ve nt occ urs. If rec or di n g 

de vices are u na vaila ble or i m practical, t he sec o n d met h o d s h o ul d be use d. 

b) F or meas uri n g c o or di nate d a n d cl osel y m o nit ore d e ve nts, meas ure t he A -wei g hte d s o u n d l e vel d uri n g eac h 

e ve nt. B e gi n data c ollecti o n a p pr o xi matel y 1 5 sec o n ds bef ore i m pact, a n d c o nti n ue f or at least 3 0 sec o n ds 

or t he d urati o n of t he e ntire e ve nt. T he ma xi m u m s o u n d le v el o bser ve d o ver t his meas ure me nt i nter val 

s hall be d oc u me nte d, al o n g wit h t he start ti me a n d d urati o n of t he meas ure me nt. Eit her cl ose c o or di nati o n 

bet wee n t he rail yar d staff a n d t he meas ure me nt tea m is re q uire d, or t he meas ure me nt tea m s h o ul d be i n a 

p ositi o n t o cl osel y m o nit or a n d d oc u me nt all e ve nts. Ma ke s ure w hat y o u are i de ntif yi n g is t he e ve nt, n ot 

ot her yar d n oises. 

Alt h o u g h t he re g ulati o ns s pecif y meas uri n g 3 0 or m ore “c o nsec uti ve” e ve nts, it is n ot al wa ys p ossi ble beca use of 

t he m ultit u de of extra ne o us n oises i n a rail yar d at a n y gi ve n ti me. T heref ore, i n di vi d ual e ve nts c o nta mi nate d b y 

a d diti o nal n oise s o urces (i ncl u di n g bac k gr o u n d n oise less t ha n 1 0 d B( A ) of t he LA F m x of t he e ve nt) ma y be re m o ve d 

fr o m t he c ollecte d data, a n d t he meas ure me nts ma y res u me u ntil at least 3 0 t otal vali d e ve nts are meas ure d. If a 

mi ni m u m of 3 0 vali d e ve nts are n ot c ollecte d d uri n g t he me as ure me nt peri o d ( 6 0 t o 2 4 0 mi n utes), t he n t he e ntire 

meas ure me nt m ust be re peate d at a later ti me, w he n e ve nts are m ore fre q ue nt. If t here are ne ver m ore t ha n 2 9 vali d 

e ve nts wit hi n a n y 2 4 0 mi n ute peri o d at t he rail yar d, t he n t he rail yar d d oes n ot vi olate t he car -c o u pli n g or retar der 

n oise re g ulati o ns. 

 

 The meas ure me nt peri o d is n ot 6 0 t o 2 4 0 mi n utes of c o nsec uti ve meas ure me nts (i.e., 1 2 0 t o 4 8 0 car -c o u pli n g 

e ve nts), b ut rat her a n o verall, c o nti n u o us meas ure me nt peri o d, starti n g at t he be gi n ni n g of t he first 3 0 sec o n d l o n g, 

meas ure me nt i nter val a n d c o nti n ui n g u ntil at least 3 0 c o nsec uti ve e ve nts ha ve bee n meas ur e d. 

 M e as ure t he m a xi m u m n ois e le vel of 3 0 c o nsec uti ve c ar -c o u pli n g or ret ar der e ve nts 

o ver a peri o d of at least 6 0 mi n utes b ut n ot m ore t ha n 2 4 0 mi n utes .
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 7 

4. 3. 4 D o c u me nt ati o n 

T he f oll o wi n g pa ge c o ntai ns a n e xa m ple of t he use of t he ge neral l o g s heets f or t he recei vi n g pr o pert y n oise 

meas ure me nt of rail yar d o perati o ns descri be d i n t his Secti o n. 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o.: T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: 1 1 4. 0 d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. L e v el

C A L 1 1 4. 0

3 5. 0

9 0. 0

9 4. 7

9 2. 0

8 8. 6

9 1. 3

8 3. 7

9 0. 4

8 2. 5

1 0 9 5. 2

1 1 9 3. 2

1 2 9 5. 2

1 3 9 0. 3

1 4 9 4. 1

n e xt t o S m all T o w n R ailr o a d R ail y ar d

2 2 7 E v er gr e e n T err a c e

i n S m all T o w n, U S A

1 2: 5 6: 4 3 i n v ali d, h or n s o u n d c o nt a mi n ati o n

1 2: 5 2: 1 0

1 2: 5 5: 0 7

1 2: 4 9: 5 1

1 2: 4 7: 1 5

1 2: 4 8: 0 2

1 2: 4 1: 5 8

1 2: 4 6: 3 6

1 2: 3 8: 5 5

1 2: 4 1: 1 5

1 2: 4 0: 0 5

1 2: 3 7: 0 0 ot h er wi s e n ot e d

1 2: 3 8: 1 0

1 2: 0 8: 0 0 1 2: 0 8: 3 7 I niti al C ali br ati o n

1 2: 2 2: 0 0 1 2: 2 2: 5 1 st art ti m e, s p e e d s > 1 2. 9 k m/ hr u nl e s s 

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e C o m m e nt s

4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A- w ei g hti n g, Fr e q u e n c y: 1 0 0 0 H z

F a st R e s p o n s e, L A F m x

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e: Br a n d X, S L M Br a n d X

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

Fr a n k R ailr o a d R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt: N/ A

J o e N oi s e 7/ 2/ 2 0 0 8

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt: C ar- C o u pli n g I m p a ct 1 2: 2 2: 0 0

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ 1 _ of _ _ 3 _ _

Fi g ure 1 8 . S a m ple D at a L o g S heet f or C ar -C o u pli n g I m p act N oise M e as ure me nts 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 8 

4. 3. 5 D at a P r ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a nc e 

T he pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis of n oise data c ollecte d d uri n g t hese yar d meas ure me nts s h o ul d pr ocee d wit h t he 

f oll o wi n g ste ps. Eac h circ u msta nce w here a pr o ble m ca uses a n o n -c o m plia nt meas ure me nt or meas ure me nt 

c o n diti o n is preface d b y a  . 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) i n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial), d uri n g, a n d after 

( CalFi nal ) t he n oise e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese cali brati o ns. 

2) Deter mi ne t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or eac h e ve nt. If t he s o u n d le vels were c ollecte d c o nti n u o usl y o ver 

t he e ntire meas ure me nt peri o d, d o w nl oa d t he data t o a s prea ds heet or te xt file a n d cr oss-refere nce wit h t he 

e ve nt ti mes d oc u me nte d i n t he o bser ver l o g. 

F or car -c o u pli n g e ve nts, t he L A F m x is deter mi ne d fr o m a wi n d o w at least +/- 1 5 sec o n ds fr o m t he o bser ve d 

start ti me, e nc o m passi n g t he e ntire e ve nt (see Fi g ure 1 9 ). 

Fi g ure 1 9 . L A F m x f or a C ar-C o u pli n g E ve nt Wit hi n a 3 0 - Sec o n d Wi n d o w of C o nti n u o us N oise D at a 

It is i m p orta nt t o kee p i n mi n d t hat a l ot of n oise data ca n be c ollecte d wit h retar der n oise meas ure me nts, 

si nce a retar der s o u n d is n ot a n i m pact a n d ma y last f or se veral sec o n ds d uri n g w hic h a d diti o nal retar ders 

ma y als o be acti vate d a n d i ncr ease t he o verall s o u n d. As s uc h, it is ver y i m p orta nt t o pr o perl y i de ntif y t he 

A F m x f or t he e ntire retar der ‘e ve nt’ (see Fi g ure 2 0 ). 

C ar C o u pli n g I m p a ct N oi s e E v e nt

9: 0 0: 0 0 9: 0 0: 0 5 9: 0 0: 1 0 9: 0 0: 1 5 9: 0 0: 2 0 9: 0 0: 2 5 9: 0 0: 3 0 9: 0 0: 3 5

Ti m e [ s e c o n d s]

-1 5 Sec o n ds + 1 5 Sec o n ds

O bser ve d car -c o u pli n g i m pact ti me 

A F m x 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

5 9 

Fi g ure 2 0 . L A F m x f or M ulti ple Ret ar der N oise E ve nts i n C o nti n u o us N oise D at a 

3) Calc ulate t he L a dj a ve ma x fr o m t he i n di vi d ual n oise meas ure me nts. 

a dj a ve ma x = L a ve ma x + C 

W here: La ve ma x is t he e ner g y a vera ge of t he i n di vi d ual LA F m x ; a n d 

C is t he d urati o n a dj ust me nt fact or . 

1 0 1 0 ++ 1 0... l o g1 0

1 0/L1 0/L 1 0/L

ma xa ve 1 0

A F m x 1 2A F m x A F m x n

W here: LA F m x 1 ... L A F m x n = t he i n di vi d ual ma xi m u m s o u n d le vels; a n d 

n = t otal n u m ber of e ve nts. 

C , t he d urati o n a dj ust me nt fact or, is calc ulate d as f oll o ws or esti mate d usi n g T a ble 9. 

C = 1 0l o g 1 0 ( n/ T) 

W here: T = d urati o n of t he meas ure me nts [i n mi n utes]. 

T a ble 9 . A dj ust me nt t o L a ve m a x t o O bt ai n La dj a ve m a x f or Ret ar ders a n d C ar-C o u pli n g I m p acts 

n/ T 0. 1 1 1 

t o 

0. 1 4 1 

0. 1 4 2 

t o 

0. 1 7 8 

0. 1 7 9 

t o 

0. 2 2 4 

0. 2 2 5 

t o 

0. 2 8 2 

0. 2 8 3 

t o 

0. 3 5 5 

0. 3 5 6 

t o 

0. 4 4 7 

0. 4 4 8 

t o 

0. 5 6 2 

0. 5 6 3 

t o 

0. 7 0 8 

0. 7 0 9 

t o 

0. 8 9 1 

0. 8 9 2 

t o 

1. 1 2 2 

1. 1 2 3 

t o 

1. 4 1 3 

1. 4 1 4 

t o 

1. 7 7 8 

1. 7 7 9 

t o 

2. 2 3 9 

2. 2 4 0 

t o 

2. 8 1 8 

2. 8 1 9 

t o 

3. 5 4 8 

3. 5 4 9 

t o 

4. 4 6 7 

C - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 

4) C o m pare t he L a dj a ve ma x f or t he e ve nts a gai nst t he a p pr o priate railr oa d n oise le vel criteria s u m marize d i n 

T a ble 5 . 

F or c ar c o u pli n g i m p act me as ure me nts o nl y, if t he n oise meas ure me nts fail t o satisf y t he s o u n d le vel 

criteria, t he re g ulati o ns per mit t he railr oa d t o de m o nstrate c o m plia nce: “if t he railr oa d de m o nstrates t hat 

t he sta n dar d is e xcee de d at t he recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nt l ocati o ns ( w here t he sta n d ar d was 

O b s er v e d R et ar d er E v e nt s

Ti m e ( s e c o n d s) 1 0: 0 5: 3 0 1 0: 0 7: 1 7 1 0: 1 2: 0 0

A F m x 

O bser ve d retar d er e v e nt 

ti mes
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 4. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

Y ar d O per ati o ns 

6 0 

pre vi o usl y e xcee de d) w he n cars re prese ntati ve of t h ose f o u n d t o e xcee d t he sta n dar d are c o u ple d at si milar 

l ocati o ns at c o u pli n g s pee ds of ei g ht miles per h o ur or less.” 

4. 3. 6 E x a m ple D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a nce 

B ase d o n t he e xa m ple l o g s he et i n Fi g ure 1 8 , 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal ) i n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( CalI nitial) a n d after ( CalFi nal ) t he 

e ve nts. 

C al I niti al = 1 1 4. 0 d B( A) C al Fi n al = 1 1 3. 4 d B( A) 

∆ C al = 1 1 3. 4 - 1 1 4. 0 = -0. 6 d B ( A) 

 A -0. 3 d B( A) a dj ust me nt m ust be s u btr acte d fr o m all me as ure d d at a. 

2) Deter mi ne t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or eac h e ve nt. If t he s o u n d le vels were c ollecte d c o nti n u o usl y o ver 

t he e ntire meas ure me nt peri o d, d o w nl oa d t he data t o a s prea ds heet or te xt file a n d cr oss -refere nce wit h t he 

e ve nt ti mes d oc u me nte d i n t he o bser ver l o g. T he f oll o wi n g is a n e xa m ple of t he L A F m x , a dj uste d f or 

cali brati o n, of 3 0 car -c o u pli n g e ve nts, meas ure d o ver a peri o d of 2 0 0 mi n utes. 

9 0. 0 9 4. 7 9 2. 0 8 8. 6 9 1. 3 8 3. 7 9 0. 4 8 2. 5 9 5. 2 9 3. 2 

9 5. 2 9 0. 3 8 9. 2 9 7. 9 9 3. 0 9 1. 1 9 2. 2 8 3. 1 8 4. 4 9 3. 0 

9 0/ 7 9 1. 1 9 0. 3 8 9. 4 8 8. 8 8 8. 9 8 8. 3 8 7. 6 8 5. 5 8 7. 6 

3) Calc ulate t he L a dj a ve ma x fr o m t he i n di vi d ual n oise meas ure me nts usi n g t he e q uati o n i n ste p 3) a b o ve 

i m ple me nte d i n a s prea ds heet. 

a ve m a x = 9 1. 4 d B( A) 

C = 1 0l o g 1 0 ( n/ T) = 1 0 *l o g 1 0( 3 0/ 2 0 0) = -8. 2 

a dj a ve m a x = L a ve m a x + C = 9 1. 4 – 8. 2 = 8 3. 2 d B( A) 

4) C o m pare t he L a dj a ve ma x t o t he a p pr o priate railr oa d n oise le vel criteria s u m marize d i n T a ble 5 , a n d e val uate 

c o m plia nce. 

E ve nt L a dj a ve m a x ( d B( A)) C o m pli a nce Le vel ( d B( A)) 

C ar c o u pli n g 

P ass ? 

8 3. 2 9 2. 0  Yes 

 T hese e ve nts are i n c o m pli a nce. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

6 1 

5 Re g ul ati o n -S pecific Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: A u di ble W ar ni n g De vices, 

L oc o m oti ve C a b I nteri or, a n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

T his secti o n descri bes t he met h o ds use d t o perf or m t he a p pr o priate e xteri or n oise meas ure me nts of railr oa d a u di ble 

war ni n g de vices (s pecificall y l oc o m oti ve h or ns), n oise meas ure me nts i n t he i nteri or of t he l oc o m oti ve ca b, a n d n oise 

meas ure me nts i n t he i nteri or of e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters. T he a p plica ble sta n dar ds are s u m marize d i n T a ble 1 0 . 

T a ble 1 0 . S u m m ar y of Re g ul at or y Re q uire me nts: A u di ble W ar ni n g De vices, L oc o m oti ve C a b I nteri or, a n d 

E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

N oise 

S o urce 

O perati n g 

C o n diti o ns 

G o ve r ni n g 

Re g ulati o n 

C o m plia nce 

Le vel ( d B( A)) A dj ust me nt D urati o n Meas ure me nt 

L ocati o n 

A u di ble 

war ni n g 

d e vice: 

l oc o m oti ve 

h or n Sta ble a n d 

c o nti n u o us h or n 

blast, stati o n ar y 

4 9 C F R Part 

2 2 9. 1 2 9 

Ae q mi ni m u m of 9 6 

d B( A), ma xi m u m of 

1 1 0 d B( A), wit h 

sta n dar d d e viati o n ≤ 

1. 5 d B 0 1 0 sec o n ds 

3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) i n 

fr o nt of t h e 

l oc o m oti ve or 

wa ysi d e h or n 

mic. ht. = 1. 2 m ( 4 

ft) or 4. 6 m ( 1 5 ft) 

A u di ble 

war ni n g 

d e vice: 

wa ysi d e h or n 

4 9 C F R Part 

2 2 2 

A p p e n di x E 

Ae q mi ni m u m of 9 2 

d B( A), ma xi m u m of 

1 1 0 d B( A), wit h 

sta n dar d d e viati o n ≤ 

1. 5 d B 

L oc o m oti ve 

ca b i nteri or 

n e w 

ma n ufact ure 

Self -l oa di n g, 

stati o nar y at 

ma xi m u m 

t hr ottle 

4 9 C F R Part 

2 2 9. 1 2 1 (a) 

Ae q ≤ 8 5 d B( A) wit h 

9 9 % C L ≤ 8 7 d B( A) + 3 d B( A)(a d d e d t o 

meas ure d le vel) f or 

n o n -self l oa di n g 

l oc o m oti ves 

Mi ni m u m 

of 3 0 

sec o n ds 

4 P ositi o ns i nsi d e 

t h e l oc o m oti ve ca b L oc o m oti ve 

ca b i nteri or 

After 

alterati o ns or 

mai nte na nce 

Self -l oa di n g, 

stati o nar y at 

ma xi m u m 

t hr ottle 

4 9 C F R Part 

2 2 9. 1 2 1 ( b) 

Ae q ≤ 8 2 d B( A) or 8 5 

d B( A), d e p e n di n g o n 

t h e ori gi n al 

certificati o n le vel 

E m pl o yee 

slee pi n g 

q uarters 

A n y, i nsi d e t h e 

railr oa d 

e m pl o yee 

slee pi n g q uarters 

4 9 C F R Part 

2 2 8 Ae q ( 8) ≤ 5 5 d B( A) 0 8 h o urs * Heari n g z o n e 

(at b e d si d e) 

*If t he slee pi n g q uarters are use d m ore t ha n 8 h o urs a da y, t he n m ulti ple L Ae q ( 8) meas ure me nts s h o ul d be perf or me d 

i n t he slee pi n g q uarters, i n or der t o c o ver all h o urs of use. 

5. 1 A u di ble W ar ni n g De vices 

T his secti o n descri bes t he met h o ds use d t o perf or m t he a p pr o priate e xteri or n oise meas ure me nts of railr oa d a u di ble 

war ni n g de vices (s pecificall y l oc o m oti ve h or ns), a n d t o e val uate t he res ulti n g meas ure d n oise le vels f or c o m plia nce 

wit h t he a p pr o priate fe deral re g ulati o ns ( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 9 a n d 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2 A p pe n di x E) . A u dible 

war ni n g s o u n ds are desi g ne d t o be l o u d a n d disti ncti ve i n or der t o pr o vi de a n effecti ve war ni n g of t he a p pr oac hi n g 

trai n t o e ver y o ne near t he railr oa d trac ks a n d hi g h wa y-rail gr a de cr ossi n gs . F or t his reas o n, railr oa d a u di ble 

war ni n g de vices m ust a d h ere t o relati vel y stri n ge nt testi n g a n d o perati o nal re q uire me nts. 

L oc o m oti ve -m o u nte d h or n s: T here is a ma xi m u m a n d mi ni m u m all o wa ble s o u n d le vel o ut p ut f or l oc o m oti ve -

m o u nte d h or ns. All o perati o nal l oc o m oti ves ma n ufact ure d after Se pte m ber 1 8, 2 0 0 6 m ust be e q ui p pe d wit h h or ns 

t hat are i n c o m plia nce wit h t he railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns, a n d all l oc o m oti ves b uilt bef ore Se pte m ber 1 8, 2 0 0 6 s hall 

 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 9 is t h e secti o n of t h e railr o a d n oise re g ulati o ns p ertai ni n g s p ecificall y t o l o c o m oti ve -m o u nte d a u di ble 

war ni n g d e vices. 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2 A p p e n di x E prese nts t h e re q uire me nts f or wa ysi d e h or ns. 

 E xce pt i n sit u ati o ns d escri b e d i n 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2, w h ere a u di ble war ni n g d e vices ar e pr o hi bite d (s u c h as w histle b a ns).
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

6 2 

be teste d f or c o m plia nce wit h t his sta n dar d b y J u ne 2 4, 2 0 1 0. Als o, a n y l oc o m oti ves re b uilt acc or di n g t o t he F R A 

b ra ke s yste m safet y sta n dar ds m ust als o be i n c o m plia nce wit h t his re g ulati o n. Alt h o u g h t he c o n diti o n a n d 

o perati o n of l oc o m oti ve -m o u nte d a u di ble war ni n g de vices or h or ns is deter mi ne d b y F R A r e g ulati o n 4 9 C F R 2 2 2 

a n d a m yria d of state a n d l ocal or di na nce s, all s o u n d le vels o ut p ut b y t h ose h or ns are s u bj ect t o t he F R A safet y 

sta n dar d 4 9 C F R 2 2 9. 1 2 9. 

W a ysi de h or ns ( gr a de -cr ossi n g m o u nte d): O n ma n y occasi o ns, a wa ysi de a u di ble war ni n g de vice ma y be use d as 

t he pri mar y a u di ble war ni n g w he n a w histle ba n is i n effect at a gra de cr ossi n g. W a ysi de h or ns are desi g ne d t o alert 

ve hicles a n d pe destria ns of t he prese nce of a n a p pr oac hi n g tr ai n, perf or mi n g t he sa me safet y a n d war ni n g f u ncti o ns 

as t he l oc o m oti ve h or ns. N ois e fr o m wa ysi de h or ns is treate d i n m uc h t he sa me ma n ner as n oise fr o m l oc o m oti ve 

h or ns. 

5. 1. 1 M e as ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p 

A u di ble war ni n g de vice s o u n d le vel c o m plia nce meas ure me nts are c o n d ucte d at a si deli ne l ocati o n wit h t he h or n 

m o u nte d o n a stati o nar y l oc o m oti ve, or pr o perl y i nstalle d at t he gra de cr ossi n g. T he meas ure me nt site criteria f or 

si deli ne meas ure me nts are s u m marize d bel o w. 

• T he test site s hall be free of lar ge reflecti ve 

str uct ures, s uc h as barriers, hills, bill b oar ds, 

tract or trailers or ot her lar ge ve hicles, 

l oc o m oti ves or rail cars o n a djace nt trac ks, 

bri d ges or b uil di n gs, wit hi n 6 1 m ( 2 0 0 ft ) t o t he 

fr o nt a n d si des of t he l oc o m oti ve or h or n . T he 

l oc o m oti ve s hall be p ositi o ne d o n strai g ht, le vel 

trac k. 

• T he micr o p h o ne ma y be p ositi o ne d at a n a n gle of 

n o greater t ha n 2 0 de grees fr o m t he ce nterli ne of 

t he trac k, at a dista nce of 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) fr o m t he 

fr o nt kn uc kle of t he l oc o m oti ve or wa ysi de h or n 

(see Fi g ure 2 1 ). 

• F or h or ns m o u nte d o n t he ca b, f or war d of t he 

ca b, or wa ysi de h or ns, t he micr o p h o ne s h o ul d be 

m o u nte d at a hei g ht of 1. 2 m ( 4 ft) a b o ve t he 

gr o u n d. 

• F or h or ns m o u nte d be hi n d t he l oc o m oti ve ca b, t he micr o p h o ne s h o ul d be m o u nte d at a hei g ht of 4. 6 m ( 1 5 

ft) a b o ve t he gr o u n d. 

 

 4 9 C F R P art 2 3 2. 5 Bra ke S yste m Safet y Sta n d ar ds f or Frei g ht a n d Ot h er N o n -P asse n ger Trai ns a n d E q ui p me nt; E n d -of - Trai n 

De vices.

Fi g ure 2 1 . P art 2 2 9 ( A u di bl e W ar ni n g De vice) 

Re q uire d M e as ure me n t Cle ar Z o ne 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

6 3 

• Pr o per safet y e q ui p me nt (e. g. heari n g pr otecti o n) s h o ul d be w or n d uri n g t his meas ure me nt. 

5. 1. 2 N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs 

F or a u di ble war ni n g de vice meas ure me nts, t he i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be set usi n g t he para met ers i n T a ble 1 1 . If t he 

i nstr u me nt is e q ui p pe d wit h d ata st ora ge ca pa bilities, t he n it is str o n gl y rec o m me n de d t hat o ne-sec o n d n oise data are 

c ollecte d. N ote t hat t he a u di bl e war ni n g de vice re g ulati o ns s pecif y I E C Sta n dar ds 1 5 f or s o u n d le vel meters a n d 

cali brat ors, rat her t ha n A N SI f or t he meas ure me nt of l oc o m oti ve h or n s o u n d le vels. 

 If t he sa me meter is t o c o m pl y wit h b ot h A N SI a n d I E C S L M sta n dar ds, t he n it is ge nerall y m ore i m p orta nt t o 

c o m pl y wit h t he A N SI criteria. T he mai n differe nces bet we e n A N SI 1. 4 -1 9 8 3 (r 2 0 0 1) a n d I E C 6 1 6 7 2 -1 E d. 1 

( 2 0 0 2) are liste d bel o w. 

• T he A N SI sta n dar d cate g orizes meter t olera nce li mits i n ter ms of meter T y pe (i.e., T y pe 0, T y pe 1 a n d 

T y pe 2), w hereas t he I E C sta n dar d cate g orizes meter t olera nce li mits i n ter ms of meter Class (i.e., Class 1 

a n d Class 2). T y pe 1 S L Ms esse ntiall y c orres p o n d t o Class 1 S L Ms, a n d T y pe 2 S L Ms ess e ntiall y 

c orres p o n d t o Class 2 S L Ms, as far as t olera nce li mits a n d directi o nal res p o nse are c o ncer ne d. H o we ver, 

if t he sa me meter is t o c o m pl y wit h b ot h A N SI a n d I E C S L M sta n dar ds, t he n it is m ore i m p orta nt t o 

c o m pl y wit h t he A N SI t olera nce a n d directi o nal res p o nse criteria, beca use t he y are sli g htl y m ore stri n ge nt 

o ver t he a u di ble fre q ue nc y ra n ge. 

• Alt h o u g h b ot h sta n dar ds defi ne A -, a n d C-wei g hti n g a dj ust me nts t hat are e q ui vale nt, t he A N SI sta n dar d 

pr o vi des B -wei g hti n g a dj ust me nts, w hereas t he I E C sta n dar d pr o vi des a defi niti o n of Z -wei g hti n g. 

• Alt h o u g h b ot h sta n dar ds s pecif y relati vel y c o m para ble e n vir o n me ntal re q uire me nts, if t he sa me meter is t o 

c o m pl y t o A N SI a n d I E C S L M sta n dar ds, t he n it is m ore i m p orta nt t o c o m pl y wit h t he A N SI 

e n vir o n me ntal criteria, beca us e t he y are sli g htl y m ore stri n ge nt. 

T a ble 1 1 . S u m m ar y of N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or A u di ble W ar ni n g De vice M e as ure me nts 

Fre q ue nc y 

Wei g hti n g 

Filter 

Res p o nse M etric Rec o m me n de d S a m pli n g 

R ate 

A Sl o w E q ui vale nt S o u n d Press ure Le vel 

( LAe q ) 1- sec o n d 

5. 1. 3 N oise M e as ure me nt Pr oce d u re 

F or l oc o m oti ve h or n n oise me as ure me nts, t he ge neral meas ure me nt pr oce d ure s h o ul d c o m me nce as f oll o ws: 

 M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds; n ote t he e q ui v ale nt s o u n d le vel 

( LAe q ). 

 C o n d uct h or n s o u n d le vel me as ure me nt. C o nti n u o usl y me as ure t h e s o u n d le vel f or 

1 0 sec o n ds , n ote t he e q ui v ale nt le vel. 

 Re pe at h or n s o u n d le vel me as ure me nt u ntil si x, 1 0 -sec o n d e q ui v ale nt le vel re a di n gs 

h a ve bee n o bt ai ne d. 

 M e as ure t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds; n ote t he e q ui v ale nt s o u n d le vel 

( LAe q ). 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

6 4 

M e as ure a n d rec or d t he A- wei g hte d b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel o ver a peri o d of at least 3 0 sec o n ds, b ot h bef ore a n d 

after t he h or n s o u n d le vel meas ure me nts. T he metric t o d oc u me n t f or t his meas ure me nt is t he e q ui vale nt s o u n d 

le vel, LAe q . T his metric is rec o m me n de d beca use t he s o urce n oise metric of i nterest is als o LAe q . 

S o urce N oise M e as ure me nts : 

a. Si g nal t he l oc o m oti ve cre w t o start t he l oc o m oti ve h or n. O nce t he h or n has reac he d a stea d y-state o ut p ut, 

t he s o u n d le vel s h o ul d be meas ure d f or 1 0 sec o n ds ( LAe q, 1 0s ). T his ca n be eit her d o ne a ut o maticall y usi n g 

a n i nte grati n g-a vera gi n g s o u n d le vel meter, or it ca n be d o ne i n directl y b y meas uri n g a n d d oc u me nti n g t he 

s o u n d le vel o nce per sec o n d f or 1 0 sec o n ds, a n d t he n calc ul ati n g L Ae q, 1 0s usi n g a s prea ds heet or calc ulat or. 

b. Re peat t his meas ure me nt a mi ni m u m of fi ve m ore ti mes f or t he sa me l oc o m oti ve h or n, s o a t otal of at least 

si x LAe q, 1 0s le vels are meas ure d a n d d oc u me nte d f or eac h i n di vi d ual l oc o m oti ve h or n. 

c. If a bi-directi o nal h or n is bei n g teste d, t he n t he meas ure me nts nee d t o be c o n d ucte d t wice; o nce f or eac h 

e n d of t he l oc o m oti ve. T his re q uires t hat t he test m ust be c o n d ucte d i n a n area t hat is cle ar of lar ge, 

reflecti n g o bj ects u p t o 6 1 m ( 2 0 0 ft) f or war d of b ot h e n ds of t he l oc o m oti ve. 

N ote t hat t he te m perat ure a n d relati ve h u mi dit y criteria are b ot h a little m ore stri n ge nt f or l oc o m oti ve h or n 

meas ure me nts. Re g ulati o ns s pecif y t hat t he a m bie nt air te m perat ure be bet wee n 2 °C a n d 3 5 °C ( 3 6 °F a n d 9 5 °F) a n d 

relati ve h u mi dit y be bet wee n 2 0 % a n d 9 5 % f or t he d urati o n of t he l oc o m oti ve h or n meas ure me nts. 

5. 1. 4 D oc u me nt ati o n 

Fi g ure 2 2 is a n e xa m ple of t he use of t he ge neral l o g s heet f or t he l oc o m oti ve h or n s o u n d le vel meas ure me nts 

descri be d i n t his Secti o n. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

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6 5 

Fi g ure 2 2 . S a m ple D at a L o g S heet f or L oc o m oti ve H or n N oise M e as ure me nts 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o. T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: 1 1 4. 0 d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. L e v el

C A L 1 1 4. 0

9 9. 7

9 9. 4

9 9. 6

1 0 5. 6

1 0 0. 3

9 9. 8

9 9. 6

1 0 0. 1

C A L 1 1 4. 0

1 2: 5 8: 0 0

1 2: 5 6: 3 0

1 2: 5 8: 2 5 ( e xtr a) LA e q, 1 0 s

# 6 L A e q, 1 0 s

1 3: 2 1: 1 0

# 5 L A e q, 1 0 s

1 2: 5 6: 1 0

1 2: 5 5: 2 0 1 2: 5 5: 4 5

Br a n d Z. S eri al N o. 6 5 4 3- A

B uilt 6/ 1 5/ 1 9 9 4, C e nt er mo u nt e d

5 C hi me Fr o nt F a ci n g H or n, Br a n d J., S eri al N o. 5 5 5 1 2

S m all T o w n, U S A

S m all T o w n R ailr o a d R ail y ar d

1 2: 4 9: 0 6 # 3 L A e q , 1 0s

1 2: 4 7: 3 0 1 2: 4 7: 0 0

1 3: 2 1: 5 5 fi n al C ali br ati o n

i n v ali d, a n ot h er h or n s o u n d e d d uri n g m e a s ur m e nt s

1 2: 5 3: 1 0 1 2: 5 3: 3 1 # 4 L A e q, 1 0 s

i niti al C ali br ati o n

1 2: 4 5: 0 0 1 2: 4 5: 2 2 # 1 L A e q , 1 0s

1 2: 5 1: 0 0 1 2: 5 1: 2 3

1 2: 0 8: 0 0 1 2: 0 8: 3 7

# 2 L A e q , 1 0s

1 2: 4 8: 4 5

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e C o m m e nt s

A- w ei g hti n g,

Sl o w R e s p o ns e, L A e q ( a ut o m ati c all y)

M e a s. D e vi c e: Br a n d X, i S L M Br a n d X

Fr e q u e n c y: 1 0 0 0 H z

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt: L o c o m oti v e H or n 1 2: 2 2: 0 0

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

Fr a nk R ailr o a d R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt: L o c o m oti v e # 2 2 7

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

J o e N oi s e 2/ 2 2/ 2 0 0 9

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ 1 _ of _ _ 1 _ _
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

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6 6 

5. 1. 5 Pr oce d ure f or D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a nce 

T he pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis of n oise data c ollecte d d uri n g l oc o m oti ve h or n s o u n d le vel meas ure me nts s h o ul d 

pr ocee d wit h t he f oll o wi n g ste ps. Eac h circ u msta nce w here a pr o ble m ma y ca use a n o n -c o m plia nt meas ure me nt or 

meas ure me nt c o n diti o n is preface d b y a  . 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore (i nitial) a n d after (fi nal) 

t he e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 5 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q u al t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese cali brati o ns. 

2) If t he LAe q, 1 0s meas ure me nts were n ot calc ulate d directl y b y t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts, t he y m ust be 

deter mi ne d fr o m t he st ore d or ta pe-rec or de d data. I de ntif y e ac h l oc o m oti ve h or n e ve nt i n t he meas ure d 

n oise data b y refere nci n g t he n oise meas ure me nt start a n d st o p ti mes i n t he o bser ver l o g a n d calc ulate t he 

Ae q, 1 0s : 

Ae q T Ai 1 01 0 l o g1 0 1 0

W here: N = n u m ber of 1 -sec o n d sa m pl es (at least 1 0), 

 T = t he d urati o n of t he meas ur e me nt i nter val (i n sec o n ds), a n d 

 LAi = t he it h A = wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel (i n d B( A)). 

3) Al ge braicall y a vera ge a n d cal c ulate t he sta n dar d de viati o n of t he si x ( or m ore) L Ae q, 1 0s le vels usi n g a 

scientific calc ulat or or s prea ds heet (e xa m ples of t hese calc ul ati o ns ca n als o be f o u n d i n A p pe n di x C). 

4) C o m pare t hese val ues a gai nst t he c o m plia nce criteria i n T a ble 1 0 . S pecificall y, 

F or l oc o m oti ve h or ns: 9 6 d B( A) ≤ L Ae q, 1 0s ≥ 1 1 0 d B( A) wit h sta n dar d de viati o n < 1. 5 d B( A) 

F or wa ysi de h or ns: 9 2 d B( A) ≤ LAe q, 1 0s ≥ 1 1 0 d B( A) wit h sta n dar d de viati o n < 1. 5 d B( A) 

If t he h or n s o u n d le vel o ut p ut fails t o satisf y t he c o m plia nce criteria, t he n t he h or n s yste m itself s h o ul d be 

i n vesti gate d. F or e xa m ple, b ot h h or n n oise le vels t hat e xcee d t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel all o we d a n d h or n n oise 

le vels t hat fail t o meet t he mi ni m u m criteria ma y be t he res ult of i nc orrect press ure le vels f or p ne u matic h or ns or 

i nc orrect p o wer f or tra ns d ucer-base d h or ns. T he air press ure or v olta ge a n d c urre nt t o t he l oc o m oti ve h or n s h o ul d 

be teste d a n d c o m pare d a gai nst t he ma n ufact urer’s o perati n g re q uire me nts f or t he war ni n g de vice. Differe nt h or n 

place me nt c o nfi g urati o ns o n t he l oc o m oti ve ma y als o res ol ve s o me c o m plia nce pr o ble ms. Ce nter -m o u nte d 

l oc o m oti ve h or ns faili n g t o meet t he mi ni m u m re q uire me nts of t he re g ulati o n c o ul d be re p ositi o ne d cl oser t o t he 

fr o nt of t he l oc o m oti ve, a n d si milarl y, l oc o m oti ve h or ns e xc ee di n g t he ma xi m u m re q uire me nts c o ul d be 

re p ositi o ne d f urt her bac k o n t he l oc o m oti ve. After i n vesti gati n g all of t hese o pti o ns, re paire d, re p ositi o ne d, or 

alter nati ve h or ns s h o ul d be c o nsi dere d if t he l oc o m oti ve h or n still fails t o meet t he re g ulat or y re q uire me nts. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

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6 7 

5. 1. 6 E x a m ple D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u a ti o n of C o m pli a nce 

Usi n g t he e xa m ple l o g s heet i n Fi g ure 2 2 : 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce bet we e n t he cali brati o ns bef ore a n d after t he e ve nts. 

 C a lI niti al = 1 1 4. 0 d B( A) C a lFi n al = 1 1 4. 0 d B( A) 

∆ C al = 1 1 4. 0 – 1 1 4. 0 = 0 

 N o a dj ust me nt f or c ali br ati o n is necess ar y . 

2) Calc ulate a n d d oc u me nt t he si x L Ae q, 1 0s meas ure me nts. 

9 9. 7 d B( A) 9 9. 4 d B( A) 9 9. 6 d B( A) 1 0 0. 3 d B( A) 9 9. 8 d B( A) 9 9. 6 d B( A) 

N = 6 

3) Al ge braicall y a vera ge a n d cal c ulate t he sta n dar d de viati o n of t he si x ( or m ore ) LAe q, 1 0s . 

A ver a ge L Ae q, 1 0s = ( 9 9. 7 + 9 9. 4 + 9 9. 6 + 1 0 0. 3 + 9 9. 8 + 9 9. 6) / 6 = 9 9. 7 d B( A) 

St a n d ar d De vi ati o n = (

 6- 1 

9 9. 7 -9 9. 7) +( 9 9. 4 -9 9. 7) +( 9 9. 6 -9 9. 7) +( 1 0 0. 3 -9 9. 7) +( 9 9. 8 -9 9. 7) +( 9 9. 6 -9 9. 7) 2 

 = 0. 2 9 d B( A) 

4) C o m pare t hese val ues a gai nst t he c o m plia nce criteria i n T a ble 1 0 . 

E ve nt Ae q, 1 0s 

d B( A)

St a n d ar d C o m pli a nce Le vel 

( d B( A)) 

C o m pli a nce 

De vi ati o n 

( d B( A)) 

St d De vi ati o n 

( d B( A)) 

L oc o m oti ve 

P ass ? 

H or n – 6 

E ve nts 

9 9. 7 9 6 ≤ L Ae q, 1 0s ≥ 1 1 0 0. 2 9 < 1. 5 d B( A)  Yes 

 T his l oc o m oti ve h or n is i n c o m pli a nce. 

5. 2 L oc o m oti ve St atic I n- C a b N oise Me as ure me nts 

A l oc o m oti ve ca b ca n be a n ois y e n vir o n me nt i n w hic h t o w or k. I n a n eff ort t o li mit n oise le vels i nsi de ne wl y 

c o nstr ucte d l oc o m oti ves, F R A p u blis he d re vise d re g ulati o ns i n Oct o ber 2 0 0 6 t o i ncl u de a s pecific secti o n a d dressi n g 

l oc o m oti ve i n-ca b n oise ( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 1). T hese meas ure me nts mi g ht be perf or me d u n der t hree 

circ u msta nces: 

( 1) B y t he ma n ufact urer f or a ne wl y -desi g ne d l oc o m oti ve ( ma n ufact ure d after J a n uar y 1 st

, 2 0 0 5); 

( 2) B y t he railr oa d f or e val uati o n of t he effects of re pairs, mai nt e na nce a n d alterati o ns; a n d 

( 3) B y t he F R A f or e val uati o n of a l oc o m oti ve i n res p o nse t o a n oise c o m plai nt fr o m a railr oa d e m pl o yee. 

L oc o m oti ve i n -ca b n oise meas ure me nts u se a stati o nar y l oc o m oti ve o perati n g at its hi g hest h orse p o wer or t hr ottle 

setti n g; eit her u n der self-l oa di n g c o n diti o ns or wit h t he e n gi ne o perati n g at ma xi m u m R P M wit h n o electrical l oa d. 

Ot her as pects of l oc o m oti ve c a b n oise meas ure me nts, s uc h as i n -ca b micr o p h o ne place me nt, are fairl y u ni q ue a n d 

are disc usse d i n greater detail i n t he f oll o wi n g s u b -secti o ns. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

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T he c o m plia nce le vels f or ne wl y -desi g ne d l oc o m oti ves c o nsist of a n a vera ge of i n -ca b s o u n d le vels f or all 

l oc o m oti ves of a s pecific desi g n or m o del a n d a n u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce li mit. It is i nte n de d f or t he l oc o m oti ve 

ma n ufact urer t o assess t he c o m plia nce of a s pecific m o del of l oc o m oti ves wit h t he railr o a d n oise re g ulati o ns. 

T he railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns f urt her sti p ulate t he railr oa ds s hall n ot ma ke alterati o ns or re pairs t o l oc o m oti ves 

ma n ufact ure d after Oct o ber 2 9 t h, 2 0 0 7 w hic h i ncrease t he i n-ca b n oise le vels. If t he a vera ge i n -ca b n oise le vels 

were l o wer t ha n 8 2 d B( A) w he n ma n ufact ure d, t he n t he n oise le vels after t he re pairs, mai nte na nce or alterati o ns 

ma y n ot e xcee d 8 2 d B( A). If t he a vera ge ca b n oise le vel was bet wee n 8 2 d B( A) a n d 8 5 d B( A), t he n t he n oise le vels 

after re pairs, mai nte na nce or alterati o ns ma y n ot e xcee d 8 5 d B( A). T his mea ns t hat t he railr oa ds m ust als o be 

pre pare d t o perf or m t he meas ure me nts, as necessar y. 

5. 2. 1 M e as ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p 

T he f oll o wi n g meas ure me nt site criteria are u ni q ue t o static i n -ca b n oise meas ure me nts. 

1) T he l oc o m oti ve ma y n ot be p ositi o ne d wit hi n 7. 6 m ( 2 5 ft) of a n y lar ge reflecti ve s urfaces, i ncl u di n g ot her 

l oc o m oti ves or rail cars o n a djace nt railr oa d trac ks (see Fi g ure 2 3 ). 

2) T he l oc o m oti ve ma y n ot be teste d o n a site s pecificall y desi g ne d t o artificiall y l o wer i n -ca b n oise le vels, 

s uc h as ele vate d trac k str uct ures. 

3) Meas ure me nts ma y be c o n d ucte d i n d o ors (e. g.: railr oa d mai nte na nce facilit y), as l o n g as t he test area 

c o m plies wit h t he 7. 6 m ( 2 5 ft) criteria. 

7. 6 m ( 2 5 ft)

7. 6 m ( 2 5 ft)

Fi g ure 2 3 . M e as ure me nt Site f or L oc o m oti ve I n-C a b N oise M e as ure me nts 

4) F o ur micr o p h o nes s hall be p ositi o ne d i nsi de t he l oc o m oti ve ca b (see Fi g ure 2 4 a n d Fi g ure 2 5 ): 

P ositi o n A. 0. 7 6 m ( 2. 5 ft, or 3 0 i n) a b o ve t he ce nter of t he left seat; 

P ositi o n B. 1. 4 5 m ( 4. 7 5 ft, or 5 6 i n) a b o ve t he fl o or i n t he ce nter of t he l oc o m oti ve 

 ca b bet wee n t he t w o seats; 

P ositi o n C. 0. 7 6 m ( 2. 5 ft, or 3 0 i n) a b o ve t he ce nter of t he ri g ht seat; a n d 

P ositi o n D. 1. 4 5 m ( 4. 7 5 ft, or 5 6 i n) a b o ve t he fl o or a n d 0. 3 m ( 1. 0 ft) fr o m t he ce nter 

 of t he bac k i nteri or wall i nsi de t he l oc o m oti ve ca b. 

 

Meas ure me nts ma y be c o n d ucte d usi n g eit her f o ur se parate i nstr u me nts or o ne i nstr u me nt m o ve d fr o m o ne l ocati o n 

t o t he ne xt. If m ulti ple i nstr u me nts are e m pl o ye d, t he y ma y be operate d si m ulta ne o usl y. O nl y t w o pe o ple are 

per mitte d i n t he l oc o m oti ve ca b: a railr oa d e m pl o yee t o o perate t he l oc o m oti ve a n d t he pers o n perf or mi n g t he n oise 

meas ure me nts. T hese meas ur e me nts are n or mall y d o ne i n a mai nte na nce facilit y or rail yar d, s o t hat t he o perat ors 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

6 9 

ca n be p ositi o ne d as far a wa y fr o m t he micr o p h o ne p ositi o ns as p ossi ble. All wi n d o ws, d o ors, ca bi net seals, etc. 

i nsi de t he l oc o m oti ve ca b m ust be i nstalle d a n d faste ne d s h ut pri or t o a n y i n-ca b n oise meas ure me nts, t o pre ve nt 

e xcess rattle a n d t o bl oc k t he direct pat h of n oise i nt o t he l o c o m oti ve ca b. 

Fi g ure 2 4 . Micr o p h o ne L oc ati o ns I nsi de t he L oc o m oti ve C a b f or I n -C a b N oise M e as ure me nts . 

 

Fi g ure 2 5 . Micr o p h o ne Hei g hts I nsi de a L oc o m oti ve C a b f or I n-C a b N oise M e as ure me nts. 

5. 2. 2 N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs 

F or static i n -ca b meas ure me nts, t he i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be set usi n g t he para meters i n T a ble 1 2 . If t he i nstr u me nt is 

e q ui p pe d wit h data st ora ge ca pa bilities, t he n it is str o n gl y re c o m me n de d t hat o ne -sec o n d n oise data are c ollecte d. 

T he meter ma y be set t o a ut o maticall y calc ulate t he L Ae q metric f or eac h micr o p h o ne p ositi o n. 

 

T a ble 1 2 . S u m m ar y of N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or L oc o m oti ve C a b N oise M e as ure me nts 

Fre q ue nc y 

Wei g hti n g 

Filter 

Res p o nse M etric S a m pli n g R ate 

A Sl o w E q ui vale nt S o u n d Press ure Le vel 

( LAe q, T ) 

1 sec o n d 

( 3 0 sec o n d mi ni m u m 

d urati o n) 

0. 3 m ( 1. 0 ft) 

Se at 

1. 4 5 m 

( 4. 7 5 ft) 

0. 7 6 m 

( 2. 5 ft) 

C B, D A 

Se at Se at 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

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7 0 

5. 2. 3 N oise M e as ure me nt Pr oce d u re 

F or l oc o m oti ve static i n -ca b n oise meas ure me nts, t he meas ure me nt pr oce d ure s h o ul d c o m me nce as f oll o ws: 

S o urce n oise m e as ure me nts : B ef ore n oise data are c ollecte d, t he l oc o m oti ve s h o ul d be all o we d t o w ar m u p a n d 

sta bilize at its n or mal o perati n g te m perat ure at hi g hest h orse p o wer or t hr ottle setti n g. T he H V A C s yste m s h o ul d be 

o perate d o n hi g h, a n d all d o ors a n d wi n d o ws s h o ul d be cl ose d. T he 3 0-sec o n d s o u n d le vel meas ure me nts at eac h 

p ositi o n ma y be c o n d ucte d si m ulta ne o usl y or c o nsec uti vel y. 

C hec k f or pr o ble ms : If c o n diti o ns arise t hat c o ul d p ote ntiall y, ne gati vel y i m pact t he l oc o m oti ve ca b n oise le vels 

bei n g rec or de d (a d verse weat her c o n diti o ns, a d diti o nal n oise s o urces, a u di ble o perati o nal c ha n ges i n t he 

l oc o m oti ve’s perf or ma nce, etc.) a n d t he res ulti n g LAe q, T le vels fail t o c o m pl y wit h t he railr o a d n oise re g ulati o ns, t he 

meas ure me nts ma y be re peate d u n der m ore desira ble c o n diti o ns. F urt her m ore, if t he a d diti o nal n oise is 

mec ha nicall y relate d t o t he o perati o n of t he l oc o m oti ve, t he s o urce of t he n oise s h o ul d be i n vesti gate d a n d t he 

mec ha nical pr o ble m s h o ul d be re paire d bef ore t he i n -ca b n oise meas ure me nts are re peate d. All i nsta nces w here t he 

n oise meas ure me nts fail t o c o m pl y wit h t he railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns s h o ul d be d oc u me nte d, al o n g wit h a 

descri pti o n of t he s o urce of t he fail ure, if a p pare nt (e ve n if t he meas ure me nts were re peate d, a n d t he l oc o m oti ve 

passe d). 

5. 2. 4 D oc u me nt ati o n 

Fi g ure 2 6 prese nts a n e xa m ple of t he f or ms w hic h ma y be us e d t o d oc u me nt t he static i n-ca b n oise meas ure me nts . 

Alt h o u g h n ot re q uire d b y t he F R A, t he use of t hese f or ms will facilitate t he l o g gi n g of i nf or mati o n i m p orta nt t o t he 

meas ure me nt i n a n or ga nize d ma n ner . 

 M e as ure a n d rec or d t he A -wei g hte d s o u n d le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds at e ac h of t he f o ur 

mi cr o p h o ne p ositi o ns. 

 C hec k f or pr o ble ms. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

7 1 

Fi g ure 2 6 . S a m ple D at a L o g S heet f or L oc o m oti ve C a b N oise M e as ure me nts 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o. T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: 1 1 4. 0 d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. L e v el

C A L 1 1 4. 0

8 2. 4

8 3. 1

8 0. 7

8 4. 8

C A L 1 3 3. 6

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

G e n er al N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ 1 _ of _ _ 1 _ _

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

Fr a nk R ailr o a d R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt: L o c o m oti v e # 1 2 7 7

J o e N oi s e 2/ 2 2/ 2 0 0 2

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt: L o c o m oti v e - C a b N oi s e 1 2: 2 2: 0 0

Sl o w R e s p o n s e, L A e q

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e: Br a n d X, i S L M Br a n d X

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e C o m m e nt s

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A- w ei g hti n g, E q ui val e nt S o u n d L e vel Fr e q u e n c y: 1 0 0 0 H z

1 2: 0 1: 0 0 1 2: 0 1: 3 0 C ali br ati o n

w ar m u p l o c o m oti ve

1 2: 2 2: 0 0 1 2: 2 2: 4 5 P o siti o n A

1 2: 2 5: 1 0 1 2: 2 6: 1 0 P o siti o n C

1 2: 3 5: 0 0 1 2: 3 5: 3 2

1 2: 5 5: 0 0 1 2: 5 5: 4 5

P o siti o n B

1 2: 3 8: 3 0 1 2: 3 9: 1 5 P o siti o n D

fi n al C ali br ati o n

N ot e: 0. 4 d B C ali br ati o n Drift

Br a n d J. S eri al N o. 1 1 1 A 1

B uilt 1 2/ 1 5/ 1 9 9 6, ori gi n al L A e q = 8 5. 0 d B( A)

s elf-l o a di n g, st ati o n ar y at ma x t hr ottl e, r et e sti n g aft er r e p air s

S m all T o w n R ailr o a d R ail y ar d

i n S m all T o w n, U S A
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

7 2 

5. 2. 5 D at a P r ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of Co m pli a nce 

T he a nal ysis pr oce d ure f or e val uati n g l oc o m oti ve ca b n oise data use s t he metric L Ae q, T : 

1) C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) bet wee n s o u n d le vel of t he c ali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial) a n d after ( CalFi nal ) 

t he e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 5 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese cali brati o ns. 

2) Calc ulate t he L Ae q, T metric f or eac h of t he f o ur micr o p h o ne p ositi o ns. If n ot calc ulate d b y t he i nstr u me nt, it 

ca n be calc ulate d fr o m t he 1 -s ec o n d s o u n d le vel data. 

Ae q T Ai 1 01 0 l o g1 0 1 0

W here: N = n u m ber of 1 -sec o n d sa m pl es (at least 3 0); 

 T = t he d urati o n of t he meas ur e me nt i nter val (i n sec o n ds); a n d, 

 LAi = t he it h A = wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel (i n d B( A)). 

3) A d d a 3 d B( A ) a dj ust me nt fact or if t he l oc o m oti ve was n ot s elf-l oa di n g. 

4) C hec k t he meas ure d val ues a gai nst t he a p pr o priate n oise le vel criteria a n d e val uate c o m pli a nce. 

a. T o assess t he l oc o m oti ve’s c o m plia nce wit h t he railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns after mai nte na nce or 

alterati o ns, use t he hi g hest of t he f o ur L Ae q, T val ues. T his val ue s h o ul d be less t ha n or e q ual t o 8 2 

d B( A) if t he val ue pr o vi de d b y t he ma n ufact urer was less t ha n 8 2 d B( A). If t he ma n ufact urer 

pr o vi de d L Ae q, T va l ue is bet we e n 8 2 d B( A) a n d 8 5 d B( A), t he val ue after alterati o ns m ust be less t ha n 

8 5 d B( A). 

b. T o assess a ne wl y ma n ufact ur e d l oc o m oti ve m o del or desi g n, t he hi g hest of t he f o ur L Ae q, T val ues f or 

eac h l oc o m oti ve s h o ul d be a vera ge d ( usi n g al ge braic a vera gi n g) acr oss all t he l oc o m oti ves bei n g 

teste d, a n d t he u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce li mit ( C L) s h o ul d be calc ulate d as f oll o ws: 

U p per %9 9 C L tL

 W here: L = i -t h s o u n d le vel i n t he dat a set; 

 N = n u m ber of sa m ples i n a data set; 

t = t he critical val ue of t he t-distri b uti o n f or a 9 9 % c o nfi de nc e i nter val 

 = 2. 3 2 6 w he n t he sa m ple size is lar ge; a n d 

σ = sta n dar d de viati o n of t he data set (see A p pe n di x C f or calc ulati o n e xa m ple). 

O nce L Ae q, T (a n d t he u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce li mit, if a p plica ble) has bee n c o m p ute d, t he res ults s h o ul d be 

d oc u me nte d, e ve n if t he l oc o m oti ve fails t o c o m pl y wit h t he re g ulati o n. If L Ae q, T is greater t ha n t he criteria i n t he 

railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns, t he n t he meas ure me nt tea m has t he o pti o n t o retest t he l oc o m oti ve(s) u n der m ore 

desira ble c o n diti o ns, o nce t he e xcee de d n oise le vel has bee n d oc u me nte d al o n g wit h t he s o urce of t he e xcess n oise 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

7 3 

le vels, if k n o w n. T his c o ul d be d ue t o a d verse weat her c o n diti o ns, a d diti o nal near b y n oise s o urces, mec ha nical 

pr o ble ms, etc. If t he fail ure t o c o m pl y wit h t he railr oa d n ois e re g ulati o ns is relate d t o mec ha nical or o perati o nal 

fact ors i n v ol vi n g t he test l oc o m oti ve, t he n t he s o urce of t he n oise s h o ul d be i n vesti gate d a n d t he pr o ble m s h o ul d be 

re paire d bef ore t he i n-ca b n ois e meas ure me nts are re peate d. T his d oc u me ntati o n m ust re mai n part of t he pa per w or k 

ass ociate d wit h t hat partic ular l oc o m oti ve, e ve n if t he l oc o m oti ve c o m plies wit h t he F R A r e g ulati o n u p o n retesti n g. 

5. 2. 6 E x a m ple D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of Co m pli a nce 

T he a nal ysis pr oce d ure f or e val uati n g l oc o m oti ve ca b n oise data uses t he metric L Ae q, T : Fr o m t he e xa m ple l o g s heet 

i n Fi g ure 2 6 : 

1) C o m pare s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore a n d after t he e ve nt(s). If t hes e le vels differ b y m ore t ha n 

0. 5 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

C al I niti al = 1 1 4. 0 d B( A) C al Fi n al = 1 1 3. 6 d B( A) 

∆ C al = 1 1 3. 6 – 1 1 4. 0 = -0. 4 d B( A) 

 A -0. 2 d B( A) a dj ust me nt m ust be s u btr acte d fr o m all me as ure me nts 

2) Calc ulate or d oc u me nt t he L Ae q, T metric f or eac h of t he f o ur micr o p h o ne p ositi o ns. 

P ositi o n A = 8 2. 4 – (- 0. 2 ) = 8 2. 6 d B( A) 

P ositi o n B = 8 0. 7 – (- 0. 2) = 8 0. 9 d B( A) 

P ositi o n C = 8 3. 1 – (- 0. 2) = 8 3. 3 d B( A) 

P ositi o n D = 8 4. 8 – (- 0. 2) = 8 5. 0 d B( A) 

3) A d d a 3 d B( A ) a dj ust me nt fact or if t he l oc o m oti ve was n ot s elf-l oa di n g. 

L oc o m oti ve w as self -l o a di n g, n o a dj ust me nt necess ar y. 

4) C hec k t he meas ure d val ues a gai nst t he a p pr o priate n oise le vel criteria. 

L oc o m oti ve w as te ste d after m ai nte n a nce. Ori gi nal L Ae q T ≤ 8 5 d B( A). 

T heref ore, c urre nt test L Ae q T m ust be ≤ 8 5 d B( A). 

Hi g hest test L Ae q T w as at p ositi o n D: 8 5. 0 d B( A). 

 T his l oc o m oti ve is i n c o m pli a nce. 

5. 3 R ailr o a d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

N oise le vels i nsi de t he railr oa d e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters

 

Slee pi n g q u arters are d efi n e d as a n y “ cre w q u arters, ca m p or b u n k cars, a n d trailers” pr o vi d e d t o railr o a d e m pl o yees as a 

l o cati o n t o s p e n d off d ut y h o urs a n d rest i n b et wee n w or k s hifts. T h e slee pi n g q u arters i n q u esti o n are slee pi n g q u arters pr o vi d e d 

b y t h e railr o a d f or its e m pl o ye es o n railr o a d pr o p ert y, or o n railr o a d e q ui p me nt w h e n c o nsi d eri n g ca m p or b u n k cars. Alt h o u g h 

railr o a d slee pi n g q u arters are n ot as c o m m o n as t h e y o n ce wer e, all e xisti n g railr o a d r u n slee pi n g q u arters are s u bject t o t h e n oise 

criteria sti p ulate d i n F R A Re g ulati o ns g o ver ni n g t h e h o urs of ser vic e of railr o a d e m pl o yees ( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8).

 (i ncl u di n g ca m p cars) are re g ulate d b y t he F R A i n 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8. T his re g ulati o n states t hat t he railr oa d m ust pr o vi de pers o ns c o vere d b y t he H o urs of Ser vice Act 

wit h slee pi n g q uarters t hat are “free fr o m i nterr u pti o ns ca use d b y n oise u n der c o ntr ol of t he railr oa d.” Slee pi n g 

q uarters are n ot c o nsi dere d t o be free fr o m i nterr u pti o ns if t he n oise le vels attri b uta ble t o n oise s o urces u n der t he 

c o ntr ol of t he railr oa d e xcee d a n L Ae q( 8) val ue of 5 5 d B( A). U n der t hese re g ulati o ns, t he n oise le vels mi g ht be 

e val uate d u n der t he f oll o wi n g circ u msta nces: 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

7 4 

1) B y t he railr oa d, if t he y are petiti o ni n g t o c o nstr uct or rec o nstr uct slee pi n g q uarters wit hi n 1⁄2 mile of 

a n y area w here railr oa d s witc hi n g or h u m pi n g o perati o ns are perf or me d. 

2) B y F R A i ns pect ors d uri n g a n a u dit o r after a n e m pl o yee c o m plai nt. 

Slee pi n g q uarter s facilit y meas ure me nts s h o ul d be c o n d ucte d i n eac h slee pi n g q uarter, d uri n g a ti me w he n t he n oise 

le vels are c o nsi dere d re prese ntati ve of t he n oise le vels t y pic all y o bser ve d i n t h ose slee pi n g q uarters. T here is little 

re g ulat or y g ui da nce o n h o w a n d w he n t hese meas ure me nts s h o ul d be c o n d ucte d. T he 1 9 8 2 versi o n of t his 

Ha n d b o o k rec o m me n de d t hre e c o nsec uti ve LAe q ( 8) meas ure me nts t o e val uate eac h of t he railr oa d e m pl o yee’s 

slee pi n g q uarters. Alt h o u g h r ailr oa d n oise le vels (a n d t heref ore railr oa d slee pi n g q uarter’s n oise le vels) ma y var y 

wit h ti me of da y, it is u n necessar y t o perf or m 2 4 -h o ur -l o n g n oise meas ure me nts i n railr oa d e m pl o yee slee pi n g 

q uarters t hat are n ot use d 2 4 h o urs a da y. T heref ore, F R A re c o m me n ds t hat t he n oise le vels i n t he railr oa d 

e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters be meas ure d o nl y d uri n g t he h o urs t he y are n or mall y use d (e. g., 1 0: 0 0 P M t o 6: 0 0 A M), 

w he n e val uati n g c o m plia nce wit h t he railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns. If t he railr oa d e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters are use d 

m ore t ha n 8 h o urs a da y, t he n m ulti ple L Ae q ( 8) meas ure me nts s h o ul d be perf or me d t o c o ver all h o urs of use. T he 

railr oa d e m pl o yees usi n g t he slee pi n g q uarters d uri n g t he me as ure me nts s h o ul d be n otifie d bef ore ha n d, a n d 

i nstr ucte d n ot t o distur b t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt a n d t o act as t he y n or mall y w o ul d i n t he facilit y. 

H o we ver, it ma y be a d visa ble f or meas ure me nt pers o n nel t o o bser ve t he meas ure me nts a n d m o nit or t he i nstr u me nts, 

a n d d oc u me nt a n y n oise s o urc es w hic h are n ot wit hi n t he railr oa d’s c o ntr ol. T he nee d f or o bser vati o n ca n be 

e val uate d o n a case -b y -case basis. 

5. 3. 1 M e as ure me nt Site Selecti o n a n d Set u p 

N oise le vels i n eac h slee pi n g q uarter m ust be m o nit ore d f or a n 8 -h o ur -l o n g peri o d, d uri n g w hic h t he n oise le vels are 

t y pical f or noise le vels o bser ve d i n t hat area. T he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be set u p at t he e x pecte d 

n oisiest slee pi n g l ocati o n i nsi de t he slee pi n g q uarters. T he n oisiest l ocati o n i n eac h of t he slee pi n g q uarters ca n 

eit her be deter mi ne d b y a s u bj ecti ve e val uati o n of n oise le vels b y t he meas ure me nt tea m or b y c o n d ucti n g a s p ot 

c hec k of n oise le vels wit h t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt. T he micr o p h o nes s h o ul d be set u p at a hei g ht t hat 

a p pr o xi mates t he heari n g z o ne of a n off -d ut y e m pl o yee at rest. 

T he railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns s pecif y t hat all meas ure me nts s h o ul d be ta ke n wit h t he wi n d o ws cl ose d. Cl ose d 

wi n d o ws pr o vi de s o me n oise a bate me nt b y re d uci n g railr oa d n oise le vels fr o m o utsi de. H V A C s yste ms s h o ul d n ot 

be c o nsi dere d a ‘ n oise s o urce u n der c o ntr ol of t he railr oa d’. 

5. 3. 2 N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs 

S o u n d le vel meters, i nte grati n g -a vera gi n g s o u n d le vel meters a n d d osi meters ma y all be us e d t o m o nit or n oise le vels 

i n t he railr oa d e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters, pr o vi de d t hat t he y ca n be set u p, m o u nte d a n d orie nte d pr o perl y o n a 

tri p o d or si milar t y pe of instr u me nt sta n d. T he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt s h o ul d be set as i n T a ble 1 3 . 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

7 5 

T a ble 1 3 . S u m m ar y of N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Slee pi n g Q u arters M e as ure me nts 

Fre q ue nc y 

Wei g hti n g Filter Res p o nse M etric Rec o m me n de d 

S a m pli n g R ate 

A Sl o w E q ui vale nt S o u n d 

Press ure Le vel ( L Ae q ) 1 sec o n d 

5. 3. 3 N oise M e as ure me nt Pr oce d u re 

T he n oise meas ure me nt pr oce d ure is fairl y strai g htf or war d a n d s h o ul d pr ocee d as f oll o ws: 

C o n d uct n oise me as ure me nts : O nce t he i nstr u me nt has bee n p ositi o ne d a n d cali brate d, t he meas ure me nt p orti o n 

of t he ge neral pr oce d ure c o nsists o nl y of e ns uri n g t hat at least 8 h o urs of re prese ntati ve data are c ollecte d. I n m ost 

i nsta nces, t he meas ure me nt te a m will n ot be o n site f or t he meas ure me nt. H o we ver, if n oise s o urces o utsi de of t he 

railr oa d’s co ntr ol are s us pecte d t o be si g nifica nt, t he n a n o bs er ver ma y wis h t o be prese nt wit hi n t he q uarters f or t he 

d urati o n. D uri n g t hese o bser ve d meas ure me nts, t he o bser ver s hall d oc u me nt all n o n -railr o a d n oise e ve nts a n d t he 

c orres p o n di n g ti me t hat t he y occ urr e d. 

5. 3. 4 D oc u me nt ati o n 

Fi g ure 2 7 prese nts a n e xa m ple of t he slee pi n g q uarter’s meas ure me nt l o g s heet. Alt h o u g h n ot re q uire d b y t he F R A, 

t he use of t hese f or ms will facilitate t he l o g gi n g of i nf or mati o n i m p orta nt t o t he meas ure me nt i n a n or ga nize d 

ma n ner. 

 C o n d uct n oise me as ure me nts: c ollect at le ast 8 h o urs of re prese nt ati ve d at a .

 If desire d, st ati o n a n o bser v er wit hi n t he q u arters t o d oc u me nt all n o n -r ailr o a d -

rel ate d n oise e ve nts. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

7 6 

Fi g ure 2 7 . S a m ple N oise M o nit ori n g D at a L o g S heet f or R ailr o a d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e:

J o b Titl e:

W or k s hift D ur ati o n:

H e ari n g Pr ot e cti o n/ T y p e:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

T y p e: S eri al N o.:

L e v el: 1 1 4. 1 d B

S etti n g s: C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. T a s k/ E v e nt

C A L C ali br ati o n

A e q( 8)

A e q( 0. 5)

C A L C ali br ati o n

A e q( 8)

C A L C ali br ati o n

A e q( 8)

A e q( 0. 5)

C A L C ali br ati o n

6: 3 2: 1 0 6: 3 3: 5 0 n o n-r ailr o a d n oi s e i n ci d e nt

8: 2 5: 1 0 8: 2 6: 0 0 1 1 4. 2 d B( A), s a v e d d at a

6: 0 0: 0 0 6: 4 5: 3 0 i n ci d e nt s b el o w, 5 8. 7 d B( A), b ef or e i n ci d e nt s r e m o v e

6: 1 3: 3 5 6: 1 5: 5 7 n o n-r ailr o a d n oi s e i n ci d e nt

1 6: 0 5: 4 5 1 1 4. 3 d B( A), s a v e d d at a

2 4: 1 5: 0 0 8: 1 5: 0 0 5 2. 1 d B( A)

2 4: 1 3: 0 0 2 4: 1 3: 3 5 1 1 4. 2 d B( A), s a v e d d at a, s wit c h e d b att eri e s

8: 0 0: 0 0 6: 0 0: 0 0 5 4. 6 d B( A)

1 6: 1 0: 0 0 2 4: 1 0: 0 0 4 8. 2 d B( A)

1 2: 0 0: 0 0 1 2: 3 1: 3 0 o nl y r ailr o a d n o si e i n ci d e nt s, 4 7. 8 d B( A)

1 6: 0 5: 0 0

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e E v e nt D e s cri pti o n a n d C o m m e nt s

7: 0 0: 0 0 7: 0 0: 3 5 1 1 4. 4 d B( A)

Mi c. L o c ati o n: 1 m fr o m Cl o s e d Wi n d o w

1 2 4 4 6 f or L A e q( 0. 5)

A e q( 8)

A- w ei g hti n g, Sl o w R e s p o n s e,

S eri al N o.: 1 2 3 4 5 7 7 6 7 8 9

Fr e q u e n c y:

N/ A N/ A

1 0 0 0 H z

M o nit ori n g I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e: Br a n d X, i S L M Br a n d X

T y p e of M o nit ori n g: Sl e e pi n g Q u art er s 8: 0 0: 0 0

M o nit or e d R ailr o a d E m pl o y e e I nf or m ati o n

Fr a nk R ailr o a d R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

G e n er al N oi s e E x p o s ur e M o nit ori n g D at a L o g S h e et _ 1 _ _ of _1 _ _

J o e N oi s e 0 3/ 0 3/ 2 0 0 3- 0 3/ 0 4/ 2 0 0 3

N/ A

N/ A

E m pl o y e e Sl e e pi n g Q u art er s

n e ar Cl o s e d Wi n d o w
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

7 7 

5. 3. 5 D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a nce 

T he pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis of n oise data c ollecte d d uri n g e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters m o nit ori n g s h o ul d pr ocee d as 

f oll o ws: 

1) C o m pare s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore (i nitial) a n d after (fi nal) t he m o nit ori n g. 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese cali brati o ns. 

2) Calc ulate t he LAe q ( 8) metric(s) , if n ot a ut o maticall y re p orte d o n t he i nstr u me nt, fr o m t he c ollecte d data f or 

eac h railr oa d slee pi n g q uarter . 

Ae q T Ai 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 l o g

W here N = n u m ber of sa m ples; 

 T = e ntire d urati o n of t he meas ure me nt i nter val [i n sec o n ds]; a n d 

 LAi = t he i -t h A-wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel [i n d B( A)]. 

3) C hec k t he L Ae q( 8) a gai nst t he a p pr o priate n oise le vel criteria. T he re g ulati o ns state t hat t he L A e q( 8) s hall n ot 

e xcee d 5 5 d B( A) (fr o m n oise s o urces u n der t he railr oa d’s c o ntr ol) wit h wi n d o ws cl ose d a n d e xcl usi ve of 

c o oli n g, heati n g, a n d ve ntilati n g e q ui p me nt. 

T he L Ae q ( 8) val ue(s) is re prese ntati ve of t he n oise le vels e x p erie nce d f or a gi ve n da y i n t hat s pecific railr oa d slee pi n g 

q uarter. If t he railr oa d slee pi n g q uarters d o n ot meet t he n oise criteria, a n d meas ure me nts were n ot m o nit ore d or 

o bser ve d, n oise s o urces o utsi d e of t he railr oa d’s c o ntr ol ma y ha ve u n k n o wi n gl y ne gati vel y i m pacte d t he L Ae q ( 8)

meas ure me nts. U n der t hese circ u msta nces, meas ure me nts s hall be re peate d wit h a n o bser ver d oc u me nti n g all n o n -

railr oa d n oise e ve nts a n d t he c orres p o n di n g ti me t hat t he y occ urre d. W he n pr ocessi n g t he slee pi n g q uarter’s n oise 

data, all n oise e ve nts c orres p o n di n g wit h n o n -railr oa d n oises d oc u me nte d i n t he o bser ver l o g s h o ul d be re m o ve d 

fr o m t he data set, bef ore t he LAe q ( 8) metric is calc ulate d. T his ne w L Ae q ( 8) metric is re prese ntati ve of n oise i n t he 

railr oa d e m pl o yees slee pi n g q uarters, d ue t o n oise s o urces u n der t he railr oa d’s c o ntr ol, a n d s h o ul d be e val uate d f or 

c o m plia nce wit h t he railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns. 

5. 3. 6 E x a m ple D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a nce 

1) C o m pare s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore a n d after t he e ve nt(s ). 

C al I niti al = 1 1 4. 0 C al Fi n al = 1 1 4. 3 

∆ C al = 1 1 4. 3 – 1 1 4. 0 = 0. 3 d B( A) 

 ∆ C al is less t h a n or e q u al t o 0. 3 d B; no c ali br ati o n a dj ust me nt is necess ar y. 

2) Calc ulate/ d oc u me nt t he Ae q ( 8) metric(s ). 

 L Ae q( 8) 1 = 5 4. 6 d B( A), L Ae q( 8) 2 = 4 8. 2 d B( A), L Ae q( 8) 3 = 5 2. 1 d B( A) 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 5. Re g ul ati o n -S pecific N oise Me as ure me nt G ui d a nce: 

A u di ble W ar ni n g Devices, L oc o m otive C a b I nteri or, 

A n d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters 

7 8 

3) C hec k t he L Ae q( 8) a gai nst t he a p pr o priate n oise le vel criteria. 

M e as ure me nt Ae q( 8) C o m pli a nce Le vel 

E m pl o y ee Slee pi n g 

P ass ? 

Q u arters 

5 4. 6 

4 8. 2 

5 2. 1 

5 5. 0  Yes 

 LAe q( 8) < 5 5 d B( A) fr o m n oise s o urces u n der t he railr oa d’s c o ntr ol. 

 All L Ae q( 8) me as ure me nts are less t h a n 5 5 d B( A). 

 T his slee pi n g q u arters is i n c o m pli a nce 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 6. Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g 

Oc c u p ati o n al N oise Ex p os ure 

7 9 

6 P ers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u p ati o n al N ois e E x p os ure 

T his c ha pt er descri bes t h e m et h o ds use d t o perf or m pers o n al m o nit ori n g f or det er mi ni n g occ u pati o n al n oise 

e x p os ur e, a n d t o e val uat e t h e m eas ur e d n oise dat a f or c o m plia n ce wit h t h e a p pr o priat e fe der al r e g ul ati o ns ( 4 9 C F R 

Part 2 2 7). Pers o nal n oise m o nit ori n g is us uall y c o n d uct e d 1) b y a r ailr oa d t o det er mi n e if a h eari n g c o nser vati o n 

pr o gr a m is n ee de d or 2) b y a r ailr oa d i ns pect or as part of a n i n vesti gati o n. 

T h e pers o n al n oise e x p os ur e of e m pl o ye es is s pecifi call y c o ver e d b y t h e F R A r e g ulati o ns d ue t o t h e u ni q ue 

cir c u mst a n ces of t h e railr oa d e n vir o n m e nt , t o pr ot ect t h e occ u pati o nal h ealt h a n d safet y of e m pl o yees w h ose d uti es 

r e q uir e fr e q ue nt w or k i n t h e l oc o m oti ve ca b a n d w h ose pr e d o mi na nt n oise e x p os ur e is r eas o n a bl y e x pe ct e d t o be 

e x peri e n ce d i n t h e l oc o m oti ve ca b. Occ u pati o nal n oise e x p os ur e a n d h eari n g c o nser vati o n f or e m pl o ye es n ot 

c o ver e d b y t his s u b part is g o ver n e d b y t h e a p pr o pri at e occ u p ati o n al n oise e x p os ur e r e g ulati o n of t h e U. S. 

De part m e nt of La b or, Occ u pati o nal S afet y a n d Healt h A d mi nistr ati o n l ocat e d at 2 9 C F R 1 9 1 0. 9 5. 

Pers o n al n oise m o nit ori n g is us e d t o assess e x p os ur e t o n oise l e vels t h at mi g ht da m a ge a pers o n’s h eari n g. T h e 

m aj orit y of t h e n oise e x p os ur e crit eria c o veri n g railr oa d e m pl o yees ar e base d o n O S H A e m pl o yee n oise e x p os ur e 

r e g ul ati o ns. T h e per missi bl e li mits f or e x p os ur e t o n oise i n t h ese e n vir o n m e nts ar e base d o n t h e a vera ge l e vel of 

e x p os ur e o ver a n 8 h o ur w or k s hift. F or s hifts l ess t h a n or o ver 8 h o urs i n l e n gt h, t h e per missi bl e n oise e x p os ur e t h at 

is per mitt e d vari es de pe n di n g o n t h e a ct ual ti m e of e x p os ur e. T his e x p os ur e ca n be see n i n T a bl es A-1 of t h e 

r e g ulati o n (see A p pe n di x D), a p orti o n of w hi c h is r e pri nt e d bel o w i n T a bl e 1 4 . T his e x p os ur e le vel is d eri ve d fr o m 

m o nit ori n g all c o nti n u o us, i nt er mitt e nt a n d i m p ulsi ve s o u n ds wit hi n t h e ra n ge of 8 0 t o 1 4 0 d B( A). 

T a bl e 1 4 . Pe r mitte d S o u n d Le vel D ur ati o ns 

( Re pri nte d fr o m 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7, T a ble A- 1) 

A -wei g hte d 

s o u n d l e vel, L 

( de ci bel) 

D ur ati o n 

pe r mitte d, T 

( h o ur) 

8 0 3 2 

8 5 1 6 

9 0 8 

9 5 4 

1 0 0 2 

1 0 5 1 

T h er ef or e, f or a n 8 -h o ur s hift, t h e e m pl o yee’s L T W A( 8) m ust n ot e xce e d 9 0 d B( A). If t his l e vel is e xcee de d, t h e 

e m pl o ye e is r e q uir e d t o us e h eari n g pr ot ecti o n, a n d t h e r ailr oa d is e n c o ur a ge d t o us e n oise o per ati o nal c o ntr ols t o 

miti gat e t h e e x p os ur e. F R A’s n oise e x p os ur e r e g ul ati o n has est a blis h e d a n “ Acti o n Le vel ” of a n 8 -h o ur ti m e 

wei g ht e d a vera ge ( T W A) of 8 5 d B( A). At or a b o ve t his l e vel, t h e e m pl o ye e is r e q uir e d t o use h eari n g pr ot ecti o n 

a n d m ust be i n cl u d ed i n t h e railr oa d’s h eari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gr a m. A h eari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gra m is a pr o gra m, 

w h i c h: 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 6. Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g 

Occ u p ati o n al N oise Ex p os ure 

8 0 

( 1) Pr otects t he heari n g of railr oa d e m pl o yees t hr o u g h t he trai ni n g a n d use of heari n g pr otecti o n; a n d 

( 2) M o nit ors eac h e m pl o yee’s heari n g t hr o u g h peri o dic a u di o metric testi n g a n d d oc u me ntati o n 3 0 . 

T he F R A re g ulati o ns t h or o u g hl y detail t he re q uire me nts f or esta blis hi n g a n d e xec uti n g a n e m pl o yee heari n g 

c o nser vati o n pr o gra m, s o t he r es p o nsi bilit y t o act uall y i m ple me nt t he pr o gra m is left t o eac h i n di vi d ual railr oa d. F or 

t his reas o n, it is be y o n d t he sc o pe of t his Ha n d b o o k t o present pr oce d ures f or setti n g u p a heari n g c o nser vati o n 

pr o gra m. If t he details c o ncer ni n g a s pecific heari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gra m are nee de d, t he n t he details s h o ul d be 

gat here d fr o m t he pre vale nt railr oa d or or ga nizati o n directl y. 

D ue t o t he u ni q ue e n vi r o n me nt i n t he l oc o m oti ve ca b, trai n e m pl o yees are all o we d li mite d e x p os ure t o n oise le vels 

ra n gi n g fr o m 1 1 5 d B( A) t o less t ha n or e q ual t o 1 2 0 d B( A), if t he t otal dail y d urati o n d oes n ot e xcee d 5 sec o n ds. 

D uri n g m o nit ori n g, a n o bser ver s h o ul d be prese nt t o d oc u me nt a n y e ve nt w hic h ca uses a n oise le vel rea di n g o ver 

1 1 5 d B( A) (s uc h as t he h or n or cr ossi n g bell). I n a d diti o n, t he re g ulati o ns all o w f or t he i d e ntificati o n a n d re m o val 

of meas ure me nt ‘artifacts’ w hic h ca use n oise le vel rea di n gs a b o ve 1 1 5 d B( A). Artifacts i ncl u de e ve nts s uc h as 

u ni nte nti o nall y c o u g hi n g i nt o or br us hi n g a gai nst t he d osi meter micr o p h o ne. If a d diti o nal e ve nts were later 

disc o vere d w hic h c o ul d n ot be e x plai ne d b y his or her rec or d of t he r u n, t he y c o ul d be re m o ve d a n d t he T W A( 8) 

co ul d be recalc ulate d. 

6. 1 N oise Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs 

B ot h of t he basic n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts ca n be use d t o meas ure trai n e m pl o yee p ers o nal n oise e x p os ure, 

eit her t he s o u n d le vel meter or t he n oise d osi meter. N oise d osi meters are t he preferre d met h o d si nce t he a p pr o priate 

calc ulati o ns are d o ne b y t he d osi meter itself. If d osi meters are use d, t he i nstr u me nt setti n gs s h o ul d be: 

T a ble 1 5 . S u m m ar y of N oise M e as ure me nt I nstr u me nt Setti n gs f or Occ u p ati o n al N oise E x p os ure M o nit ori n g 

Fre q ue nc y 

Wei g hti n g 

Filter 

Res p o nse 

E xc h a n ge 

R ate 

T hres h ol d 

Le vel 

Criteri o n 

Le vel M etric Rec o m me n de d 

S a m pli n g R ate 

A Sl o w 5 d B 8 0 d B( A) 9 0 d B( A) 

8 -H o ur Ti me -

W ei g hte d 

A vera ge 

T W A( 8)

1 sec o n d 

All s o u n d press ure le vels bet wee n 8 0 d B( A) a n d 1 4 0 d B( A) s hall be m o nit ore d. If t he n ois e meas ure me nt de vice is 

e q ui p pe d wit h data st ora ge ca pa bilities, t he n it is str o n gl y re c o m me n de d t hat o ne -sec o n d n oise data are c ollecte d. 

6. 2 N oise M o nit ori n g Pr oce d ure 

B e gi n m o nit ori n g at t he be gi n ni n g of t he w or k s hift, a n d c o nti n ue f or t he d urati o n of t he w or k s hift. D oc u me nt 

e m pl o yee e x p os ure t o s o u n d le vels bet wee n 1 1 5 d B( A) a n d 1 2 0 d B( A), al o n g wit h a descri pti o n of t he n oise s o urce 

(if discer na ble) a n d t he d urati on of t he n oise. A n y c o nti n u o us n oises e xcee di n g 1 2 0 d B( A) s h o ul d als o be 

d oc u me nte d. T his a d diti o nal tas k ma y be acc o m plis he d t hr o u g h s u p ple me ntal m o nit ori n g wit h a sec o n d, ma n ne d 

s o u n d le vel meter a n d a l o g s heet, or b y si m pl y n oti n g t he st art ti me of e ver y si g nifica ntl y l o u d n oise e ve nt d uri n g 

t he m o nit ori n g peri o d, a n d t he n cr oss-c hec ki n g t h ose ti mes a gai nst ti me hist or y data sa ve d b y t he i nstr u me nt. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 6. Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g 

Occ u p ati o n al N oise Ex p os ure 

8 1 

P eri o dicall y c hec k t he i nstr u me nt o ver t he c o urse of t he n ois e e x p os ure m o nit ori n g t o e ns ure t hat it is orie nte d a n d 

p ositi o ne d pr o perl y. 

6. 3 D oc u me nt ati o n 

Fi g ure 2 8 prese nts a n e xa m ple of t he f or m t o d oc u me nt t he pers o nal n oise e x p os ure m o nit ori n g meas ure me nts a n d 

ot her data c ollecti o n. Alt h o u g h n ot re q uire d b y t he F R A, t he use of t hese f or ms will facilit ate t he l o g gi n g of 

i nf or mati o n perti ne nt t o t he meas ure me nt i n a n or ga nize d ma n ner. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 6. Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g 

Occ u p ati o n al N oise Ex p os ure 

8 2 

Fi g ure 2 8 . S a m ple Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u p ati o n al N oise E x p os u re D at a L o g S heet 

N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e:

J o b Titl e:

W or k s hift D ur ati o n:

H e ari n g Pr ot e cti o n/ T y p e:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o.: T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: 1 1 4. 1 d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. T a s k/ E v e nt

C A L C ali br ati o n

D at a

( Br e a k)

C A L C ali br ati o n

N o n e

e n r o ut e b et w e e n

S m all T o w n, U S A t o Bi g Cit y, U S A

Br a n d Y. S eri al N o: 4 2 4

P er s o n al M o nit ori n g

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

G e n er al N oi s e E x p o s ur e M o nit ori n g D at a L o g S h e et _ 1 _ _ of _1 _ _

J o e N oi s e 3/ 3/ 2 0 0 3

T y p e of M o nit ori n g: Per s o n al N oi s e Ex p o s ur e ( L o c o moti v e Per s o n n el) 8: 0 0: 0 0

M o nit or e d R ailr o a d E m pl o y e e I nf or m ati o n

Fr a nk R ailr o a d R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

E n gi n e er L o c o m oti v e # 1 2 3

M o nit ori n g I n str u m e nt ati o n I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e: Br a n d X, D o si m et er Br a n d X

a n d r et ur n

8 H o ur s

1 2 3 4 5 7 7 6 7 8 9

Fr e q u e n c y: 1 0 0 0 H z

Mi c. L o c ati o n: L a p el, i n h e ari n g z o n e

A w ei g hti n g, 5 d B e x c h a n g e R at e,

Sl o w R e s p o n s e T hr e s h ol d L e vel = 8 0 d B( A)

T W A( 8) Crit eri o n L e vel = 9 0 d B( A)

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e E v e nt D e s cri pti o n a n d C o m m e nt s

7: 3 0: 0 5 7: 3 0: 4 5 1 1 4. 4 d B( A)

8: 0 0: 0 0 1 7: 0 5: 0 0 C o nti n u o sl y M o nit or e d L o c o m oti ve E m pl o y e e

1 0: 2 5: 1 7 1 0: 2 6: 1 0 H or n S o u n d L A F m x = 1 1 8. 2 d B( A)

(i n ci d e nt s l o g g e d b el o w)

8: 1 0: 2 5 1 3: 0 7: 4 7 tr a vel fr o m S m all T o w n t o Bi g Cit y

1 3: 0 0: 4 7 1 4: 0 3: 1 0 L u n c h ( off- d ut y), tr ai n st o p p e d

1 2: 0 7: 4 5 1 2: 0 9: 0 6 H or n S o u n d L A F m x = 1 1 7. 8 d B( A)

1 4: 0 3: 1 0 1 7: 0 5: 0 0 tr a vel fr o m Bi g Cit y t o S m all T o w n

1 5: 3 6: 0 0 1 5: 3 8: 3 7 i n vali d, a c ci d e nt all y t al k e d i nt o r a di o n e ar mi c

1 6: 1 0: 1 2 1 6: 4 1: 4 2 H or n S o u n d L A F m x = 1 1 8. 6 d B( A)

1 7: 2 5: 0 0 1 7: 2 6: 1 0 1 1 4. 2 d B( A)
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 6. Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g 

Occ u p ati o n al N oise Ex p os ure 

8 3 

6. 4 D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a nce 

T he data pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis met h o d ass ociate d wit h oc c u pati o nal e x p os ure m o nit ori n g of trai n e m pl o yees f or 

c o m plia nce is prese nte d bel o w. 

1) Calc ulate t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial) d uri n g, a n d 

after ( CalFi nal ) t he m o nit ori n g. 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differ e nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese cali brati o ns. 

2) Calc ulate t he T W A( 8) metric. I n ma n y cases, t he i nstr u me nt ma y ha ve bee n set u p a hea d of ti me t o 

a ut o maticall y calc ulate eit her perce nt d ose ( D) or T W A ( 8). T he res ults fr o m t hese a ut o matic 

calc ulati o ns are acce pta ble, if: 

• T he i nitial a n d fi nal fiel d cali brati o ns were n ot i nc or p orate d i nt o t he data set use d t o deter mi ne 

n oise e x p os ure a n d a cali brati o n a dj ust me nt ca n be a p plie d t o t he data if necessar y; 

• T he data meet all t he a p plica ble criteria ( A -wei g hti n g, etc.); a n d 

• D ose meas ure me nts are c o n verte d t o L T W A ( 8) . 

9 01 0 0/%l o g6 1.1 6 )8( 1 0 ×= D ose T W A 

If t hese metrics are n ot c o m p ute d a ut o maticall y b y t he i nstr u me nt, t he n t he y m ust be calc ul ate d 

fr o m t he c ollecte d n oise e x p os ure data. 

×= T W A )8( 1 0 l o g6 1.1 6

W here: N = n u m ber of sa m ples/tas ks; 

 = meas ure me nt d urati o n w hic h c orres p o n ds t o t he meas ure me nt res ulti n g i n 

 [i n h o urs]; 

 = criteri o n d urati o n [i n h o urs] (i.e.: 8 h o urs); a n d 

 = A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel (a b o ve t he 8 0 d B( A) t hres h ol d le vel o nl y). 

3) T he e xcessi ve n oise ( > 1 1 5 d B( A)) criteri o n i n t he railr oa d n oise e x p os ure m ust still be a d dresse d. T he 

c ollecte d n oise e x p os ure data a n d c orres p o n di n g l o g s heet m ust be e val uate d, a n d all i nsta nces of n oise 

le vels e xcee di n g 1 1 5 d B( A) b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o 1 2 0 d B( A) s h o ul d be n ote d. T he e m pl o yee’s 

n oise e x p os ure d oes n ot c o m pl y wit h t he re g ulati o n if: 

 A n y s o u n d le vels e xcee d 1 2 0 d B( A) 

 E x p os ure t o n oise le vels bet wee n 1 1 5 d B( A) a n d 1 2 0 d B( A) e xcee ds 5 sec o n ds. 

4) O nce t he desire d metrics ha ve bee n calc ulate d, t he y are e val uate d f or c o m plia nce wit h t he a p pr o priate 

n oise e x p os ure re g ulati o ns. All railr oa d e m pl o yees wit h L T W A ( 8) greater t ha n or e q ual t o 8 5 d B( A) 

m ust be i ncl u de d i n t he railr oa d’s heari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gr a m. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis 6. Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g 

Occ u p ati o n al N oise Ex p os ure 

8 4 

6. 5 E x a m ple D at a Pr ocessi n g a n d E v al u ati o n of C o m pli a nce

B ase d o n t he e xa m ple i n Fi g ur e 2 8 , t he data pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis met h o d ass ociate d wit h occ u pati o nal e x p os ure 

m o nit ori n g of trai n e m pl o yees f or c o m plia nce is prese nte d bel o w. 

1) C o m pare s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore (i nitial), d uri n g, a n d after (fi nal) t he m o nit ori n g. 

C al I niti al = 1 1 4. 1 d B( A), C al Fi n al = 1 1 4. 2 d B( A) 

∆ C al = 1 1 4. 2 – 1 1 4. 1 = 0. 1 d B( A) 

 N o a dj ust me nt f or c ali br ati o n is necess ar y. 

2) Calc ulate t he T W A( 8) metric. 

T he L T W A( 8) metric w as a ut o m atic all y c alc ul ate d . H o w e ver, o ne i nci de nt (t al ki n g) m ust be 

re m o ve d fr o m d at a, a n d t he metric s h o ul d be re -c alc ul ate d i n a s pre a ds heet. As a n e x a m ple: 

• Ass u me t he L T W A( 8) me as ure d b y t he i nstr u me nt w as 8 3. 6 d B( A), re prese nti n g 8 

h o urs or 2 8 8 0 0 sec o n ds of d at a. 

• Ass u me 5 sec o n ds of a t al ki n g i nci de n t w ere i de ntifie d i n t he d at a, wit h le vels of 1 0 1, 

1 0 2, 1 0 3, 1 0 2, a n d 1 0 1 d B ( A). 

• T hese le vels c a n be re m o ve d t hr o u g h deci bel s u btr acti o n: 

1 0l o g{ 2 8 8 0 0 * 1 0 ^ ( 8 3. 6/ 1 0) – 1 0 ^ ( 1 0 1/ 1 0) – 1 0 ^ ( 1 0 2/ 1 0) – 1 0 ^ ( 1 0 3/ 1 0) – 1 0 ^ ( 1 0 2/ 1 0) – 1 0 ^ ( 1 0 1/ 1 0)} 

 = 8 3. 5 d B( A). 

3) T he e xcessi ve n oise ( > 1 1 5 d B( A)) criteri o n i n t he railr oa d n oise e x p os ure m ust still be a d dresse d. T he 

c ollecte d n oise e x p os ure data a n d c orres p o n di n g l o g s heet m ust be e val uate d, a n d all i nsta nces of n oise 

le vels e xcee di n g 1 1 5 d B( A) b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o 1 2 0 d B( A) s h o ul d be n ote d. A n y s o u n d le vels t hat 

e xcee d 1 2 0 d B( A) or t he 5 sec o n d o verall li mit o n e x p os ure t o n oise le vels bet wee n 1 1 5 d B( A) a n d 1 2 0 

d B( A) i n dicate t hat t he c orres p o n di n g e m pl o yee’s n oise e x p os ure d oes n ot c o m pl y wit h t he re g ulati o n, a n d 

t he e m pl o yee m ust be i ncl u de d i n t he heari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gra m. 

T he 3 h or n s o u n di n gs i n t he d at a m ust be e x a mi ne d t o deter mi ne h o w l o n g (i n sec o n ds) e ac h 

e ve nt e xcee de d 1 1 5. 0 d B( A). Acc or di n g t o t he l o g s heet, s o u n d le vels ne ver e xcee de d 1 2 0 

d B( A). If t he t ot al ti me bet w ee n 1 1 5 a n d 1 2 0 d B( A) e xcee ds 5 sec o n ds, t he a p pr o pri ate 

acti o n m ust be t a ke n. 

4) O nce t he desire d metrics ha ve bee n calc ulate d, t he y are e val uate d f or c o m plia nce wit h t he a p pr o priate 

n oise e x p os ure re g ulati o ns. All railr oa d e m pl o yees w it h LT W A ( 8) greater t ha n or e q ual t o 8 5 d B( A) m ust be 

i ncl u de d i n t he railr oa d’s heari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gra m. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

8 5 

7 Ac o u stics – B asic C o nce pts 

T his C ha pter pr o vi des a basic i ntr o d ucti o n t o ac o ustics, w hic h ma y be usef ul i n u n dersta n di n g s o me of t he c o nce pts 

a n d ter mi n ol o g y disc usse d i n C ha pters 2 a n d 3 . First, t he p h ysical descri pti o ns of s o u n d wa ves a n d press ure are 

prese nte d , al o n g wit h t he para meters use d t o defi ne t heir be ha vi or. T he c o nce pt of s o u n d press ure le vels a n d t he 

c orres p o n di n g e n gi neeri n g u nits of deci bels are disc usse d, f oll o we d b y a strai g ht -f or war d prese ntati o n of 

l o garit h mic mat he matics. T he s pectral re prese ntati o n of s o u n d is i ntr o d uce d, al o n g wit h t he c o nce pts of fre q ue nc y 

ba n ds a n d wei g hti n g sc he mes. Fi nall y, c o m m o n n oise le vel descri pt ors ( or metrics) are prese nte d. 

 

7. 1 S o u n d W a ves a n d Press ure 

S o u n d is defi ne d i n t he A meri ca n Nati o nal Sta n dar d I nstit ut e’s ( A N SI) Sta n dar d S 1. 1 -1 9 9 4 (r 2 0 0 4) - Ac o ustical 

T er mi n ol o g y, as t he a u dit or y s e nsati o n e v o ke d b y t he oscillati o n i n press ure of a me di u m (s uc h as air) 2 0 . S o u n d 

wa ves are t y picall y ca use d b y a m o vi n g or vi brati n g s o urce, w hic h te m p oraril y dis places t he m olec ules or at o ms 

ma ki n g u p a me di u m fr o m t heir n or mal c o nfi g urati o n s2 1

A sta n dar d a nal o g y f or a s o u n d wa ve is t he dis place me nt ca use d b y a st o ne t hr o w n i nt o a b o d y of water. T hi n k of 

t he i m pact of t he st o ne wit h t he water as t he s o u n d s o urce, a n d t he wa ves i n t he water ra diati n g a wa y fr o m t he 

l ocati o n of t his i m pact as s o u n d wa ves i n t he gi ve n me di u m, kee pi n g i n mi n d t hat s o u n d wa ves ra diate i n all 3 

di me nsi o ns s p hericall y, i nstea d of j ust t w o ( see Fi g ure 2 9

. T his dis place me nt or s o u n d wa ve t he n m o ves a wa y fr o m 

t he s o u n d s o urce t hr o u g h t he s urr o u n di n g me di u m. 

2 1 ). 

Fi g ure 2 9 . E x p a n di n g S o u n d W a ves

F or si m plicit y, t he cr oss secti o n of a s o u n d wa ve ma y be re prese nte d b y a tri g o n o metric si ne wa ve a n d is descri be d 

b y its fre q ue nc y a n d a m plit u de. A si ne wa ve is a peri o dic f u ncti o n, a n d t he rate at w hic h it re peats itself is k n o w n as 

its peri o d (see Fi g ure 3 0 ). Fre q ue nc y is defi ne d as t he n u m b er of c ycles of a peri o dic wa vef or m t hat pass t hr o u g h a 

fi xe d p oi nt eac h sec o n d, w hic h is e x presse d i n Hertz ( Hz) a n d relate d t o peri o d b y t he f oll o wi n g e q uati o n: 

 

W here, f = fre q ue nc y [i n Hz]; a n d 

S o urce 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

8 6 

T = peri o d [i n sec o n ds]. 

W he n a n oise is c o nsi dere d t o s o u n d hi g h fre q ue nc y or ha ve a hi g h pitc h (e. g., s o u n d fr o m a fl ute or p olice w histle), 

t he c orres p o n di n g s o u n d wa ves ha ve hi g h fre q ue nc y c o m p o ne nts, w hereas s o u n ds wit h a l o w pitc h (e. g., s o u n d fr o m 

a t u ba or r u m bli n g tract or -trail er) ha ve l o w fre q ue nc y c o m p o ne nts. 

Fi g ure 3 0 . Si ne W a ve Re prese nt ati o n of a S o u n d W a ve 

T he wa vele n gt h of a s o u n d wa ve is t he p h ysical dista nce bet wee n t w o press ure wa vefr o nts ma ki n g u p o ne peri o d of 

t he si ne wa ve. T herefore, t he fre q ue nc y of t he s o u n d wa ve is base d o n its wa vele n gt h a n d t he s pee d at w hic h t hat 

s o u n d wa ve tra vels t hr o u g h t he me di u m, or s pee d of s o u n d. 

 

 W here c = s pee d of s o u n d [i n m/s] = 3 3 1. 4 + 0. 6 0 7 * T e m perat ure ( °C) ;2 2

 λ = wa vele n gt h [ m]. 

 a n d 

T he s pee d of s o u n d is de pe n de nt o n t he me di u m, a m bie nt press ure a n d te m perat ure, b ut a sta n dar d, acce pte d val ue 

f or s pee d of s o u n d i n air at 2 0 de grees Celsi us at sea le vel is 3 4 3 m/s ( 1 1 2 5 ft/s) 2 3

T he a m plit u de of a s o u n d wa v e is t he differe nce bet wee n t he i nsta nta ne o us press ure of a gi ve n c ycle of t he wa ve 

a n d t he a m bie nt press ure at a m o me nt i n ti me, a n d is a meas ure of t he stre n gt h of t he s o u n d wa ve ( p ma x – pmi n i n 

Fi g ure 3 0 ). W he n t he a m plit u de of a s o u n d wa ve i ncreases, t he c orres p o n di n g percei ve d v ol u me or l o u d ness als o 

i ncreases. T he sta n dar d para meter use d t o q ua ntif y t he a m plit u de of a s o u n d wa ve is t he r o ot-mea n -s q uare press ure, 

r ms, w hic h is t he s q uare-r o ot of t he ti me-a vera ge d, s q uare d press ure a m plit u de o ver a gi ve n ti me i nter val. W he n 

c o nsi deri n g a p ure t o ne s o u n d wa ve, t he p r ms o ver a c ycle of t he wa vef or m is: 

. 

r ms 

W here pr ms = r o ot -mea n -s q uare press ure [i n P a]; a n d 

A = press ure a m plit u de of t he s o u n d wa ve [i n P a]. 

Ti m e ( s e c o n d s)

ref 

mi n

ma x A m plit u d e ( A) 

P eri o d ( T)
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

8 7 

S o u n d press ure is e x presse d i n u nits of f orce per u nit area; t y picall y P ascals ( P a) or Ne wt o ns per meters -s q uare d 

( N/ m ). 

7. 2 S o u n d Press ure Le vels a n d L o g arit h mic M at he m atics 

S o u n d press ure a m plit u des c o ver a wi de ra n ge of val ues o ver se veral or ders of ma g nit u de; fr o m t he t h o usa n dt hs t o 

t he h u n dre ds of t h o usa n ds. F urt her m ore, t he h u ma n ear d oes n ot percei ve s o u n d li nearl y. I n or der t o acc o u nt f or 

t hese t w o p he n o me na, a l o garit h mic scale is use d t o meas ure s o u n d press ure. E xa m ples of l o garit h mic mat he matics 

are prese nte d i n A p pe n di x C. 

T he m ost c o m m o n, l o garit h mi c metric f or e x pressi n g s o u n d press ure is t he s o u n d press ure le vel, w hic h is defi ne d 

as: 

ref

r ms

1 0 l o g1 0 

 W here L = s o u n d press ure le vel [i n d eci bels, d B]; a n d 

ref = 2 0 μ P a, w hic h is a p pr o xi matel y e q ual t o t he t hres h ol d of h u ma n heari n g at 1 k Hz.

S o u n d press ure le vel is a c o m m o nl y use d t o q ua ntif y t he str e n gt h of a s o u n d wa ve, s o it is i m p orta nt t o u n dersta n d 

h o w it relates t o t he h u ma n perce pti o n of s o u n d. L o u d ness is a s u bj ecti ve descri pti o n of t he stre n gt h of a s o u n d, a n d 

t he perce pti o n of l o u d ness c ha n ges wit h t he fre q ue nc y c o nte nt of a s o u n d as well as wit h t he a bs ol ute le vel of t hat 

s o u n d. H o we ver, se veral ge neral, o bj ecti ve descri pt ors ha ve bee n de vel o pe d as t he res ult of e xte nsi ve s u bj ecti ve 

e val uati o ns, i n or der t o relate percei ve d c ha n ge i n l o u d ness wit h a p pr o xi mate c ha n ge i n s o u n d press ure le vel. T h ose 

descri pt ors a n d t he c orres p o n di n g a p pr o xi mate le vels are prese nte d i n T a ble 1 6 . 

T a ble 1 6 . Rel ati o ns h i p B et wee n A p pr o xi m ate C h a n ge i n S o u n d Press ure Le vel a n d 

Percei ve d C h a n ge i n L o u d n ess 

C h a n ge i n S o u n d 

Press ure Le vel 

Percei ve d C h a n ge i n 

L o u d ness 

+ 3 d B B arel y perce pti ble i ncrease 

+ 5 d B N oticea ble i ncrease 

+ 1 0 d B T wice as l o u d 

+ 2 0 d B F o ur ti mes as L o u d 

It is i m p orta nt t o n ote, t hat t he descri pt ors i n d o n ot directl y e q uate t o t he e q ui vale nt c ha n ge i n s o u n d e ner g y. As 

s h o w n earlier, t he c o m bi nati o n of t w o e q ual s o u n d press ure le vels, or a d o u bli n g of s o u n d e ner g y, res ults i n a 3 

d B( A)i ncrease i n t he c o m bi ne d s o u n d press ure le vel, w hic h d oes n ot e q uate t o a d o u bli n g i n percei ve d l o u d ness. I n 

fact, t he e ner g y of a s o u n d wa ve nee ds t o i ncrease a p pr o xi matel y te nf ol d, f or a n o bser ver t o percei ve t he res ulti n g 

s o u n d as t wice as l o u d. 

T o f urt her ill ustrate t he relati o ns hi p bet wee n s o u n d press ure le vel a n d relati ve l o u d ness, as well as t o pr o vi de 

c o ncrete e xa m ples of a vera ge tra ns p ortati o n s o u n d press ure le vels, a c o m paris o n bet wee n t he s o u n d press ure le vels 

of t y pical s o u n d s o urces relati ve t o eac h ot her is prese nte d i n T a ble 1 7 . 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

8 8 

T a ble 1 7 . C o m p aris o n B et w ee n S o u n d Press ure Le vels of T y pi c al S o u n d S o urces 

S P L ( d B) N oise S o urce 

1 4 0 T hres h ol d of P ai n 

1 2 0 J et T a ke-off, 6 1 m ( 2 0 0 ft) 

1 1 0 T h u n der 

1 0 0 Rail Car C o u pli n g I m pact, 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) 

8 0 Alar m Cl oc k 

7 0 Vac u u m Clea ner 

6 0 I dli n g L oc o m oti ve, 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft), 

C o n versati o nal S peec h 

5 0 B usi ness Office 

Li g ht Traffic, 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) 

3 0 W his peri n g 

0 T hres h ol d of Heari n g 

L o g arit h mic m at he m atics – a d di n g or c o m bi ni n g s o u n d l e vels: W he n m ulti ple s o u n d s o urces c o ntri b ute t o a n 

o verall s o u n d at a gi ve n p oi nt, t hei r s o u n d press ure le vels c o m bi ne , res ulti n g i n a n o verall s o u n d press ure le vel. 

H o we ver, t hese le vels ma y n ot be c o m bi ne d b y n or mal a d diti o n; e. g., t w o n or mal c o n versati o ns of a p pr o xi matel y 6 0 

d B( A) ta ki n g place ne xt t o eac h ot her d o n ot res ult i n a n o verall s o u n d press ure le vel of 1 2 0 d B( A) (e q ui vale nt t o t he 

s o u nd press ure le vel of a j et ta ke -off at 6 0 m ( 2 0 0 ft)). S o u n d press ure le vels m ust be c o n verte d bac k t o s o u n d 

e ner g y, s u m me d t o get her, a n d c o n verte d bac k t o t he l o garit h mic deci bel val ue

1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0....1 01 0l o g1 0 t ot al +++

. 

 

 W here L1 ... n = t he 1 - n-t h s o u n d press ure le vels [i n d B];a n d 

 Lt otal = t he t otal s o u n d press ur e le vel fr o m m ulti ple s o u n d s o urces [i n d B]. 

Usi n g t his e q uati o n, t he c o m bi nati o n of t w o 6 0 d B( A) s o u n ds res ults i n a c o m bi ne d s o u n d le vel of 6 3 d B( A). T his 

pr ocess ma y als o be use d f or t he s u btracti o n of s o u n d press ure le vels . 

L o g arit h mic m at he m atics – a ver a gi n g s o u n d le vels: T here are t w o met h o ds t hat are c o m m o nl y use d t o a vera ge 

m ulti ple s o u n d press ure le vels: al ge braic a vera gi n g a n d e ner g y a vera gi n g. Al ge braic a ver a gi n g is use d t o e val uate 

l oc o m oti ve h or n a n d l oc o m oti ve ca b i nteri or c o m plia nce. It is si m pl y t he mea n of t he data set, w here t he s o u n d 

press ure le vels i n d B are a vera ge d directl y. 

 L L L ave

+ + + 1 2 ...

W here n = n u m ber of s o u n d press ure le vels bei n g a vera ge d; a n d 

a ve = a vera ge d s o u n d press ur e le vel f or m ulti ple s o u n d s o ur ces [i n d B]. 

T y picall y, al ge braic a vera gi n g is utilize d t o a vera ge s o u n d le vels acr oss data sets or e ve nts. F urt her m ore, a n 

al ge braicall y a vera ge d data set ca n be use d t o calc ulate ot her usef ul statistical metrics, s uc h as sta n dar d de viati o n 

a n d 9 9 % c o nfi de nce i nter val. 

 

 T his ass u mes t hat t he s o u n d wa ves are i nc o here nt a n d n ot effecte d b y destr ucti ve i nterfere nce 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

8 9 

E ner g y -a vera gi n g is use d i n t he calc ulati o n of L a v e ma x f or car-c o u pli n g i m pact a n d retar der n oise. E ner g y a vera gi n g 

is d o ne is a ma n ner si milar t o l o garit h mic a d diti o n. T he s o u n d press ure le vels are c o n vert e d bac k t o a li near scale 

bef ore t he y are c o m bi ne d, t he n t he y are a vera ge d, a n d t he e n d res ult is c o n verte d bac k t o t he l o garit h mic scale t o 

yiel d t he a vera ge s o u n d press ure le vel. 

ave ave

ref

L L + + + 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0

l o g l o g ... 

w here pa ve = a vera ge s o u n d press ure f or m ulti ple s o u n d s o urces [i n P a]. 

Wit h e ner g y a vera gi n g, t he l o u der s o u n d press ure le vels m ore pr o mi ne ntl y i nfl ue nce t he a vera ge le vel, w hic h is w h y 

it is utilize d t o calc ulate e ner g y a vera ge d metrics, li ke e q ui vale nt s o u n d press ure le vel. H o we ver, statistical metrics 

s uc h as sta n dar d de viati o n a n d 9 9 % c o nfi de nce i nter val are n ot as mea ni n gf ul fr o m data t hat has bee n e ner g y 

a vera ge d. 

7. 3 S pectr al Re prese nt ati o n of S o u n d 

I n Secti o n 7. 1 , t he c o nce pt of fre q ue nc y was i ntr o d uce d as a c o m p o ne nt of a s o u n d wa ve. M ost s o u n d wa ves are 

relati vel y i ntricate, c o ntai ni n g n u mer o us fre q ue nc y c o m p o ne nts. A pl ot of t hese fre q ue nc y c o m p o ne nts wei g hte d 

acc or di n g t o t he a m o u nt of s o u n d p o wer at eac h fre q ue nc y is k n o w n as a s pectr u m (see Fi g ure 3 1 ). T he ra n ge of 

fre q ue ncies a u di ble t o h u ma ns is fr o m 2 0 t o 2 0, 0 0 0 Hz, s o t hese fre q ue ncies are t he mai n c o ncer n of m ost n oise 

st u dies, a n d fre q ue ncies o utsi d e of t his ra n ge ca n be i g n ore d, i n m ost cases. I n fact, f or ma n y practical sit uati o ns it 

is c o m m o n t o li mit t he fre q ue ncies of i nterest t o bet wee n 5 0 a n d 1 0, 0 0 0 Hz. S o u n d s pectra ma y be use d t o i de ntif y 

s pecific n oise s o urces, s uc h as vi brati n g mac hi ner y, a n d ca n be ver y usef ul w he n c o nsi deri n g n oise a bate me nt 

o pti o ns (e. g., barriers t o bl oc k s pecific n oise s o urces, mai nte na nce of s pecific e q ui p me nt, c ha n gi n g o perati o nal 

pr oce d ures, etc.). 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

9 0 

Fi g ure 3 1 . S a m ple Fre q ue n c y S pectr u m (i n O ne-T hir d Oct a ve -b a n ds) 

Si nce t he ra n ge of a u di ble fre q ue ncies f or h u ma ns c o vers t h o usa n ds of discrete fre q ue ncies, fre q ue nc y s pectra are 

t y picall y prese nte d o n a l o garit h mic scale a n d a nal yze d i n ter ms of fre q ue nc y ba n ds. T he t w o m ost c o m m o n 

fre q ue nc y ba n ds use d f or s o u n d press ure le vel meas ure me nts are octa ve-ba n ds a n d o ne -t hir d octa ve-ba n ds. Octa ve -

ba n ds brea k u p t he a u di ble fre q ue nc y s pectr u m i nt o ele ve n fre q ue nc y ba n ds ( 2 0 Hz t o 2 0, 0 0 0 Hz), eac h wit h a 

ba n d wi dt h w here t he u p pe r e d ge fre q ue nc y is t wice t hat of t he l o wer e d ge fre q ue nc y of t he ba n d, 

2 = 2 f

a n d a ce nter fre q ue nc y e q ual t o t he ge o metric mea n of t he u p per a n d l o wer e d ge fre q ue nci es 2 4

21 fff

. 

W here f = ce nter fre q ue nc y of a n oct a ve -ba n d [i n Hz]; 

 = l o wer e d ge fre q ue nc y of a n octa ve -ba n d [i n Hz]; a n d 

 = u p per e d ge fre q ue nc y of a n octa ve -ba n d [i n Hz]. 

F or t he sa ke of c o nti n uit y, t he ce nter fre q ue nc y of a n octa ve -ba n d (a n d o ne -t hir d octa ve-ba n d is r o u n de d t o a n 

acce pta ble n o mi nal fre q ue nc y s pecifie d i n A N SI S 1. 6-1 9 8 4 (r 1 9 9 7) Preferre d Fre q ue ncies, Fre q ue nc y Le vels, a n d 

B a n d N u m bers f or Ac o ustical Meas ure me nts 2 5

W he ne ver a fi ner i ncre me nt of detail is desire d i n a n oise st u d y, o ne -t hir d-octa ve -ba n ds ma y be utilize d. T here are 

t hirt y-f o ur o ne-t hir d octa ve -ba n ds i n t he a u di ble s pectr u m, w here t he u p per e d ge fre q ue nc y of eac h ba n d is t he c u be 

r o ot of t w o ti mes t he l o wer e d ge fre q ue nc y a n d t he ce nter fr e q ue nc y is still t he ge o metric mea n of t he ba n d. 

. 

31 2 ff =

4 0

4 5

5 0

5 5

6 0

6 5

7 0

7 5

8 0

8 5

9 0

Fr e q u e n c y ( H z)
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

9 1 

T he octa ve -ba n ds a n d o ne -t hir d octa ve-ba n ds are prese nte d i n T a ble 1 8 , al o n g wit h t he c orres p o n di n g preferre d 

ce nter, u p per a n d l o wer e d ge fre q ue ncies 2 5 . 

T a ble 1 8 . Oct a ve a n d O ne -T hir d Oct a ve -b a n d Fre q ue n cies 

Oct a ve -b a n d s ( Hz) O ne -T hir d Oct a ve -b a n d s ( Hz) 

L o w er Ce nter U p per L o w er Ce nter U p per 

 9. 2 1 0 1 0. 9 

1 1 1 6 2 2. 4 

1 0. 9 1 2. 5 1 4. 3 

1 4. 3 1 6 1 7. 9 

1 7. 9 2 0 2 2. 4 

2 2. 4 3 1. 5 4 5 

2 2. 4 2 5 2 8 

2 8 3 1. 5 3 5. 5 

3 5. 5 4 0 4 5 

4 5 6 3 9 0 

4 5 5 0 5 6 

5 6 6 3 7 1 

7 1 8 0 9 0 

9 0 1 2 5 1 8 0 

9 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 

1 1 2 1 2 5 1 4 0 

1 4 0 1 6 0 1 8 0 

1 8 0 2 5 0 3 5 5 

1 8 0 2 0 0 2 2 4 

2 2 4 2 5 0 2 8 0 

2 8 0 3 1 5 3 5 5 

3 5 5 5 0 0 7 1 0 

3 5 5 4 0 0 4 5 0 

4 5 0 5 0 0 5 6 0 

5 6 0 6 3 0 7 1 0 

7 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 

7 1 0 8 0 0 9 0 0 

9 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 

1 1 2 0 1 2 5 0 1 4 0 0 

1 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 8 0 0 

1 4 0 0 1 6 0 0 1 8 0 0 

1 8 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 4 0 

2 2 4 0 2 5 0 0 2 8 0 0 

2 8 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 6 0 0 

2 8 0 0 3 1 5 0 3 5 5 0 

3 5 5 0 4 0 0 0 4 5 0 0 

4 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 5 6 0 0 

5 6 0 0 8 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 

5 6 0 0 6 3 0 0 7 1 0 0 

7 1 0 0 8 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 

9 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 

1 1 2 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 2 2 4 0 0 

1 1 2 0 0 1 2 5 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 

1 4 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 1 8 0 0 0 

1 8 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 0 0 

Octa ve -ba n d a n d s o u n d press ure le vel data ca n be calc ulate d fr o m o ne -t hir d octa ve-ba n d data . H o we ver, it is 

i m p orta nt t o n ote t hat t he re verse is n ot tr ue: o ne-t hir d octa ve-ba n d data ma y n ot be ge nerate d fr o m octa ve or s o u n d 

press ure le vel data. 

7. 4 Wei g hte d S o u n d Le vels 

T he res p o nse of t he h u ma n ear is n ot flat. N or mall y, h u ma n heari n g is m ost se nsiti ve bet wee n 1 a n d 6. 3 k Hz, a n d is 

m uc h less se nsiti ve at l o w fre q ue ncies a n d ver y hi g h fre q ue ncies. F or t his reas o n, ma n y r e g ulati o ns, sta n dar ds a n d 

p olicies re q uire t he use of A -wei g hte d s o u n d le vel. A -wei g hti n g is base d o n “a n a p pr o xi mati o n of e q ual l o u d ness 

perce pti o n c haracteristics of h u ma n heari n g f or p ure t o nes relati ve t o a refere nce of 4 0 d B S P L at 1 k Hz” 1 3 . Awei g hti n g is a series of a dj ust me nts t o a n u n -wei g hte d fre q ue nc y s pectra (see T a ble 1 9 ), w hic h are al ge braicall y 

a d de d t o t he c orres p o n di n g fre q ue nc y ba n d data. A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vels are i de ntifie d wit h t he u nits 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

9 2 

d B( A). Alt h o u g h ot her wei g hti n g c ur ves d o e xist (s uc h as B -wei g hti n g a n d C -wei g hti n g ), A-wei g hti n g is b y far 

t he m ost c om m o nl y use d wei g hti n g metric. A n u n -wei g hte d fre q ue nc y s pectr u m is k n o w n as a Z -wei g hte d ( or flat). 

Fi g ure 3 2 prese nts a c o m paris o n bet wee n t he fre q ue nc y res p o nses of A -, B-, a n d C-wei g hti n g c ur ves † 1 3 . 

Fi g ure 3 2 . A-, B-, a n d C-Wei g hti n g C ur ves 

 

 T he res p o nse of t he h u ma n ear c ha n ges wit h a bs ol ute le vel of t he s o u n d, w hic h is w h y m ulti ple wei g hti n g sc he mes 

ha ve bee n de vel o pe d. B -wei g hti n g a n d C -wei g hti n g are base d o n e q ual l o u d ness perce pti o ns c haracteristics of 

h u ma n heari n g relati ve t o 1 k Hz refere nce t o nes of 7 0 d B a n d 1 0 0 d B res pecti vel y. 

 It is i m p orta nt t o n ote t hat t he res p o nse f or t he A-, B-, C-, a n d Z-wei g hti n g c ur ves are all refere nce d t o 1 k Hz, a n d 

t heref ore all ha ve 0 d B wei g hti n g at 1 k Hz. 

-8 0

-7 0

-6 0

-5 0

-4 0

-3 0

-2 0

-1 0

1 0

1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Fr e q u e n c y ( H z) 

A- W ei g hti n g B- W ei g hti n g

C -W ei g hti n g
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

9 3 

T a ble 1 9 . A, B a n d C Fre q u e nc y-Wei g hti n g A dj ust me nts 

(O ne -T hir d -Oct a ve -b a n d s, wit h Oct a ve -b a n d s i n B ol d) 

Wei g hti n g A dj ust me nts ( d B) 

B a n d Ce nter 

Fre q ue nc y ( Hz) A B C 

1 0 -7 0. 4 -3 8. 2 -1 4. 3 

1 2. 5 -6 3. 4 -3 3. 2 -1 1. 2 

1 6 -5 6. 7 -2 8. 5 -8. 5 

2 0 -5 0. 5 -2 4. 2 -6. 2 

2 5 -4 4. 7 -2 0. 4 -4. 4 

3 1. 5 -3 9. 4 -1 7. 1 -3 

4 0 -3 4. 6 -1 4. 2 - 2 

5 0 -3 0. 2 -1 1. 6 -1. 3 

6 3 -2 6. 2 -9. 3 -0. 8 

8 0 -2 2. 5 -7. 4 -0. 5 

1 0 0 -1 9. 1 -5. 6 -0. 3 

1 2 5 -1 6. 1 -4. 2 -0. 2 

1 6 0 -1 3. 4 - 3 -0. 1 

2 0 0 -1 0. 9 - 2 0 

2 5 0 -8. 6 -1. 3 0 

3 1 5 -6. 6 -0. 8 0 

4 0 0 -4. 8 -0. 5 0 

5 0 0 -3. 2 -0. 3 0 

6 3 0 -1. 9 -0. 1 0 

8 0 0 -0. 8 0 0 

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 

1 2 5 0 0. 6 0 0 

1 6 0 0 1 0 -0. 1 

2 0 0 0 1. 2 -0. 1 -0. 2 

2 5 0 0 1. 3 -0. 2 -0. 3 

3 1 5 0 1. 2 -0. 4 -0. 5 

4 0 0 0 1 -0. 7 -0. 8 

5 0 0 0 0. 5 -1. 2 -1. 3 

6 3 0 0 -0. 1 -1. 9 -2 

8 0 0 0 -1. 1 -2. 9 -3 

1 0 0 0 0 -2. 5 -4. 3 -4. 4 

1 2 5 0 0 -4. 3 -6. 1 -6. 2 

1 6 0 0 0 -6. 6 -8. 4 -8. 5 

2 0 0 0 0 -9. 3 -1 1. 1 -1 1. 2 

 

7. 5 S o u n d Le vel Descri pt ors 

M ost s o u n ds t hat occ ur i n t he e n vir o n me nt are n ot c o nsta nt, b ut rat her t heir s o u n d le vel varies o ver ti me. I n or der t o 

c haracterize t he le vel of s uc h s o u n ds, vari o us descri pt ors, or metrics, ha ve bee n de vel o pe d. Fi ve s uc h metrics, 

w hic h are c o m m o nl y use d f or re g ulat or y p ur p oses, will be descri be d here. T hese are t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 7. Ac o ustics – B asic C o nce pts 

9 4 

( LA m x ), e q ui vale nt s o u n d le vel ( LAe q ), t he e xcee da nce perce ntile s o u n d le vels ( L1 0 , L5 0 a n d/ or L9 0 ), t he n oise d ose, 

a n d t he ti me -wei g hte d a vera ge le vel . A p p e n di x C c o ntai ns e xa m ple calc ulati o ns of t hese metrics . 

M a xi m u m s o u n d le vel ( L A F m x or L A S m x ): T he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel ass ociate d wit h a gi ve n e ve nt. 

E q ui v ale nt s o u n d l e vel ( LAe q, T , als o ofte n referre d t o as L E Q): T he e q ui vale nt s o u n d press ure le vel is a si n gle 

le vel, w h ose e ner g y w o ul d be e q ui vale nt t o t he e ner g y f o u n d i n t he act ual, A-wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vels wit hi n 

t he s pecifie d ti me i nter val, T, if t hat si n gle le vel re mai ne d c o nsta nt o ver t he e ntire ti me i nt er val. 

B eca use t he L Ae q T metric is s o hi g hl y de pe n de nt o n t he d urati o n of t he ti me i nter val, o ver w hic h it is calc ulate d, T is 

writte n as part of t he metric; e. g., t he A -wei g hte d, e q ui vale nt s o u n d press ure le vel o ver 3 0 sec o n ds is L Ae q 3 0sec . D ue 

t o var yi n g ter mi n ol o g y use d i n t he F R A re g ulati o ns, t he e q ui vale nt s o u n d press ure le vel ma y als o be writte n as L Ae q 

( T) or L Ae q, T . E xa m ples of calc ulati n g LAe q T are prese nte d i n A p pe n di x C. 

E xcee d a nce perce ntile s o u n d le vel: T he e xcee da nce perce ntile s o u n d le vel, Lx , is t he s o u n d le vel t hat is e xcee de d 

x- perce nt of t he ti me d uri n g t he meas ure me nt peri o d. F or e xa m ple L 1 0 is t he s o u n d le vel t hat is e xcee de d 1 0 perce nt 

of t he ti me. M ost i nte grati n g s o u n d le vel meters will c o m p ute t he vari o us e xcee da nce perce ntile s o u n d le vels. If 

t he y are n ot c o m p ute d directl y, t he y ca n be c o m p ute d fr o m t he statistical perce ntile le vels a vaila ble i n m ost 

s prea ds heet pr o gra ms. F o ur e xcee da nce perce ntile s o u n d le vels are c o m m o nl y use d: 

• L 9 0 , t he s o u n d le vel e xcee de d 9 0 perce nt of t he ti me, re prese nts t he bac k gr o u n d le vel f or w hic h n o si n gle 

s o urce is i de ntifia ble. 

• L 5 0 , t he s o u n d le vel e xcee de d 5 0 perce nt of t he ti me, is t he me dia n s o u n d le vel d uri n g t he meas ure me nt 

peri o d. 

• L 1 0 , t he s o u n d le vel e xcee de d 1 perce nt of t he ti me, re prese nts t he rare l o u d n oise e ve nts w hic h occ urre d. 

• L , t he s o u n d le vel e xcee de d 1 perce nt of t he ti me, re prese nts t he rare l o u d n oise e ve nts w hic h occ urre d. 

N oise d ose ( D): A n oise e x p os ure e x presse d as a perce nta ge of t he all o wa ble dail y e x p os ure. A 1 0 0 % n oise d ose 

e q uals a n 8 -h o ur e x p os ure t o a c o nti n u o us 9 0 d B ( A) n oise. A 5 0 % d ose is a n 8 -h o ur e x p os ure t o a n 8 5 d B ( A) n oise 

or a 4 -h o ur e x p os ure t o a 9 0 d B ( A) n oise. It is a s u m mati o n of a series of rati os of ti me i nt er vals. If a series of Awei g hte d s o u n d le vels ( L , L , .... L ) occ urs d uri n g t he ti me of i nterest, t he perce nt n oise d ose recei ve d d uri n g t hat 

ti me is defi ne d as: 

 ++ )(

)( ... )(

)(

)(

)( 1 0 0 LT

LC

LT

LC

LT

LC XD

W here C( L ) is t he act ual ti me i nter val o ver w hic h le vel Li occ urre d, a n d 

T( L ) is t he all o we d ti me i nter val f or t hat le vel 

8- h o ur ti me w ei g hte d a ver a ge ( L T W A( 8) ): T he val ue, e x presse d i n d B ( A), re prese nti n g t he n oise le vel e x p os ure 

o ver a n 8 -h o ur peri o d. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

9 5 

8 A d diti o n al T o pics 

T his C ha pter pr o vi des i nf or mati o n o n s o me a d diti o nal t o pics w hic h ma y be usef ul w he n c o n d ucti n g m ore detaile d 

railr oa d n oise meas ure me nts, s uc h as ma y be necessar y t o c o n d uct assess me nts of e n vir o n me ntal i m pact. I ncl u de d 

is i nf or mati o n o n a d diti o nal meas ure me nt e q ui p me nt, s uc h as s pectr u m a nal yzers a n d rec or di n g de vices, a n d 

meas ure me nt iss ues, s uc h as t he electr o nic n oise fl o or a n d electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce. T he healt h effects ca use d 

b y e x p os ure t o n oise are disc usse d, t o pr o vi de a d diti o nal m o ti vati o n f or e nc o ura gi n g g o o d n oise c o ntr ol practices. 

Fi nall y, t his c ha pter disc usses n u mer o us n oise c o ntr ol o pti o ns, or ga nizi n g t he m acc or di n g t o s o urce, pat h a n d 

recei ver c o ntr ols. T his is mea nt t o prese nt a n o ver vie w of p ossi ble n oise c o ntr ol o pti o ns as a n i nitial desi g n ste p; it 

d oes n ot g o i nt o t he de vel o p me nt a n d i m ple me ntati o n of t hese o pti o ns i n great detail. O nc e t he p ossi ble railr oa d 

n oise c o ntr ol o pti o ns ha ve bee n c o nsi dere d a n d narr o we d d o w n, t he n t he de vel o p me nt a n d i m ple me ntati o n of t h os e 

n oise a bate me nt meas ures s h o ul d be assi g ne d t o a n e x perie nce d n oise pr ofessi o nal. 

8. 1 O pti o n al Ac o ustic Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nt C o m p o ne nts 

T he i nf or mati o n c o ntai ne d i n t his secti o n a d dresses a d diti o nal i nf or mati o n o n ac o ustic i nstr u me ntati o n a n d its use. 

Al t h o u g h t he i nstr u me nts a n d pr oce d ures c o vere d herei n are n ot re q uire d f or F R A re g ulat or y c o m plia nce 

meas ure me nts, t he y ma y be us ef ul t o t h ose i n v ol ve d i n a br oa der -sc o pe n oise st u d y w here detaile d a nal yses are 

desire d, or if i nstr u me nt pr o ble ms arise d uri n g t he c o urse of a c o m plia nce meas ure me nt. 

Rec or di n g d e vices: A rec or di n g de vice is a n y i nstr u me nt desi g ne d t o act uall y rec or d n oise data as hear d b y t he 

h u ma n ear, i nstea d of meas uri n g s o u n d press ure le vels a n d c o m p uti n g n oise metrics. A u di o rec or di n g al l o ws f or t he 

re peate d pla y bac k of t he n oise data at a later date, w hic h c o ul d be use d t o f urt her i n vesti gat e a q uesti o na ble data 

p oi nt or t o perf or m m ore detaile d a nal ysis at a later date. F or t his reas o n, a rec or di n g de vi ce ma y be a u sef ul 

a d diti o n t o t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts , e ve n t h o u g h it is n ot esse ntial f or c o m plia nce wit h a n y F R A re g ulati o n. 

T here are esse ntiall y t w o mai n t y pes of rec or di n g de vices; di gital a n d a nal o g. T hese ra n ge fr o m ma g netic ta pe 

rec or ders t o rec or di n g s oft war e o n a pers o nal c o m p uter. W he n selecti n g a rec or di n g de vic e f or a meas ure me nt 

pr o gra m, rec or der t y pe ( di gital or a nal o g) nee ds t o be ta ke n i nt o c o nsi derati o n, al o n g wit h t he ass ociate d sa m pli n g 

rate, d y na mic ra n ge, st ora ge c a pa bilities a n d price. T a ble 2 0 prese nts a c o m paris o n of di gital a n d a nal o g re or ders. 

T a ble 2 0 . C o m p aris o n of Di git al a n d A n al o g Rec or ders 

P ar a meter Di git al A n al o g 

D y n a mic R a n ge Di gital rec or ders ha ve a lar ger d y na mic ra n ge t ha n A nal o g. 

Fre q ue nc y 

Res p o nse Wi der ra n ge t ha n A nal o g P o or i n l o w fre q ue ncies 

Dist orti o n Di gital has less dist orti o n t ha n A nal o g 

S a m ple R ate M ust be t wice t he hi g hest fre q ue nc y of i nterest 

 ( De vices c o m m o nl y ha ve sa m ple rate of 4 4 – 4 8 k Hz) 

O verl o a d 

H a n dli n g 

“ Har d” li mite d – si g nal is c h o p pe d off 

at t he ma xi m u m le vel, w hic h res ults i n 

dist orti o n 

“ S oft” li mite d – dist orti o n occ urs a b o ut 6 

d B a b o ve t he t o p of t he d y na mic ra n ge, 

wit h a gra d ual i ncrease i n dist orti o n as t he 

le vel rises 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

9 6 

P ar a meter Di git al A n al o g 

St or a ge M et h o d A series of 1 6 - or 3 2 - bit w or ds 

( Bi nar y) 

C o nti n u o us variati o ns i n a ma g netic 

st ora ge me di u m 

St or a ge C a p acit y Size of dis k or ta pe le n gt h Size of ma g netic me di u m 

C ost A nal o g rec or ders are ge nerall y c hea per, w hic h is t he o nl y be nefit o ver di gital 

e q ui vale nts. 

S pectr u m a n al yzers : Spectr u m a nal yzers are de vices t hat meas ure t he fre q ue nc y c haract eristics of n oise as well as 

s o u n d press ure le vel. A s pectr u m a nal yzer ma y pr o ve t o be a usef ul t o ol f or i de ntif yi n g s pecific railr oa d n oise 

s o urces b y t heir fre q ue nc y c o m p o ne nts. N oise metrics calc ulate d b y a s pectr u m a nal yzer ma y be use d f or 

deter mi ni n g c o m plia nce wit h t he F R A re g ulati o ns, as l o n g as t he a nal yzers c o m pl y wit h t he a p pr o priate 

re g ulati o ns.2 6

Micr o p h o ne si m ul at ors: A passi ve micr o p h o ne si m ulat or ( ot her wise k n o w n as a d u m m y micr o p h o ne) is a s mall 

ca paciti ve de vice t hat affi xes t o t he prea m plifier i n place of t he micr o p h o ne. B y re placi n g t he meas ure me nt 

micr o p h o ne wit h a micr o p h o ne si m ulat or, t he elect r o nic n oise fl o or of t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt ca n be 

esta blis he d, as rec o m me n de d i n A N SI S 1. 1 3 -1 9 9 5 (r 1 9 9 9)

 W he n selecti n g a s pectr u m a nal yzer f or use o n a railr oa d n oise meas ure me nt pr o gra m, t he met h o d t he 

fre q ue nc y i nf or mati o n is ha n dle d b y t he a nal yzers s h o ul d be ta ke n i nt o c o nsi derati o n. 

2 7

It is rec o m me n de d t hat a micr o p h o ne si m ulati o n c hec k be perf or me d i n t he fiel d bef ore meas ure me nts c o m me nce. 

T he e q ui vale nt s o u n d press ure le vel meas ure d d uri n g t his ti me i nter val s hall be use d as t he meas ure of c o m plia nce 

wit h t he electr o nic n oise fl o or criteria. B y ma ki n g a micr o p h o ne si m ulati o n c hec k part of t he i nitial cali brati o n 

pr oce d ure, t he c ollecte d data ca n be use d t o verif y t hat t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt’s n oise fl o or di d n ot ha ve a n 

effect o n t he meas ure d s o u n d press ure le vels. 

. T he esta blis h me nt of t he n oise fl o or is necessar y t o 

acc uratel y meas ure ver y l o w l e vel s o u n ds. 

W he n perf or mi n g a micr o p h o ne si m ulati o n c hec k , it is i m p orta nt t o m o nit or t he i n p ut t o t he meas ure me nt 

i nstr u me nt wit h a u di o hea d p h o nes, if t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt is e q ui p pe d wit h s uc h m o nit ori n g ca pa bilities. 

M o nit ori n g ca n detect e xtra ne o us si g nals t hat mi g ht be pic ke d u p b y t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt, s uc h as 

electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce ( or h u m) fr o m near b y a nte n nae, p o wer li nes, ge nerat ors, etc. Electr o ma g netic 

i nterfere nce a n d ot her e xtra ne o us si g nals are c o nsi dere d t o be part of t he electr o nic n oise fl o or, a n d s h o ul d be 

eli mi nate d, or mi ni mize d t o a le vel t hat has a ne gli gi ble effe ct o n t he meas ure me nts. Meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts ca n 

pic k u p e xtra ne o us si g nals or electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce fr o m near b y a nte n nae, p o wer li nes, ge nerat ors, etc. 

E xa m ples of electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce i ncl u de br oa dcast si g nals fr o m ra di o stati o ns a n d h u m fr o m hi g h -v olta ge 

p o wer li nes. I n ma n y cases, t his electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce is e xacer bate d b y l o n g micr o p h o ne ca bles or metallic 

tri p o ds acti n g as a nte n nae. 

If t he i nterfere nce d ue t o electr o nic n oise is detecte d, atte m pts s h o ul d be ma de t o eli mi nate or re d uce it t o a 

ne gli gi ble le vel. Si nce l o n g micr o p h o ne ca bles mi g ht be pic ki n g u p t he electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce, t he use of 

s h orter micr o p h o ne li nes or s hiel de d, bala nce d micr o p h o ne li nes are t w o p ossi ble met h o ds t o re d uce t he le vel of t he 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

9 7 

i m pi n gi n g electr o ma g netic i nt erfere nce. It is als o a g o o d i dea t o c hec k a n d clea n all of t he gr o un di n g c o ntacts 

i nterc o n necti n g t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts t o ma ke s ure t he c o n necti o ns are s oli d, a n d t o be certai n t hat n o ne of 

t he i nterc o n necti o ns are c o mi n g i nt o direct c o ntact wit h tri p o ds or a n y ot her metallic or c o n d ucti ve s urface. Ot her 

g o o d prac tices are t o re-orie nt t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts a n d micr o p h o ne ca bles or, i n c ases of e xtre me 

electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce, m o ve t o a differe nt meas ure me nt site fart her a wa y fr o m t he s o urce of i nterfere nce. 

Pi n k n oise g e ner at ors: A pi n k n oise ge nerat or is a s mall el ectr o nic de vice t hat ge nerates pi n k n oise. Pi n k n oise is a 

ra n d o m, narr o w ba n d si g nal, ha vi n g a n a p pr o xi matel y flat res p o nse acr oss all fre q ue nc y ba n ds o n a n u n-wei g hte d, 

o ne -t hir d octa ve-ba n d s pectral a nal yzer. Meas ure me nt of t his si g nal al l o ws verificati o n of t he fre q ue nc y res p o nse 

c haracteristics of t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt. T his is parti c ularl y i m p orta nt w he n c ollecti n g fre q ue nc y data, 

beca use t he meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt’s c o m plia nce wit h t he a p pr o priate A N SI sta n dar ds ma y be verifie d. 

A d diti o n al i nf or m ati o n o n mi cr o p h o nes 

T he perf or ma nce of a micr o p h o ne is defi ne d b y its o perati o nal para meters: t y pe, fre q ue nc y res p o nse, sta bilit y, 

directi vit y a n d d y na mic ra n ge ( or se nsiti vit y), w hic h are prese nte d i n t he ma n ufact urer’s lit erat ure f or t he 

micr o p h o ne. T a ble 2 1 s h o ws t he fact ors t o c o nsi der w he n c h o osi n g a micr o p h o ne. 

T a ble 2 1 . Micr o p h o ne I nf or m ati o n 

O per ati o n al 

P ar a meter P ar a meter T y pe Affect o n Micr o p h o ne S pecific use/ C o nsi der ati o ns 

T y pe 

C o n ve nti o nal 

co n de nser 

• Flat fre q ue nc y res p o nse 

• Hi g hl y sta ble 

• Delicate a n d ver y se nsiti ve t o 

m oist ure (ca n i n vali date 

meas ure me nts) 

Re q uires a p olarizati o n v olta ge 

Electret 

co n de nser 

( Electret) 

• R o b ust wit h res pect t o m oist ur e 

• Less sta ble o ver l o n g ti me peri o ds 

( Cal Drift) 

Pre -p olarize d 

Size 

( di a meter) 

S mall dia meter 

( Ge nerall y 1/ 2”) 

• Fre q ue nc y ra n ge i ncreases 

• D y na mic ra n ge decreases 

S ufficie nt f or m ost railr oa d 

n oise meas ure me nts 

Lar ge dia meter 

( Ge nerall y 1”) 

• Fre q ue nc y ra n ge decreases 

• D y na mic ra n ge i ncreases 

L o w fre q ue nc y or l o w s o u n d 

le vel meas ure me nts 

Directi vit y 

N or mal i nci de nce 

( 0o) 

Flat res p o nse w he n meas ure d s o u n d 

wa ves are per pe n dic ular t o t he pla ne of 

t he micr o p h o ne dia p hra g m. 

Stati o nar y n oise meas ure me nts 

Grazi n g 

inci de nce ( 9 0o) 

Flat res p o nse w he n meas ure d s o u n d 

wa ves are parallel t o t he pla ne of t he 

micr o p h o ne dia p hra g m. 

F or a s o urce m o vi n g i n a pla ne, 

s uc h as a m o vi n g l oc o m oti ve or 

rail car. 

Ra n d o m 

inci de nce 

Se nsiti vit y t hat is esse ntiall y c o nsta nt t o 

ra n d o m i nci de nt s o u n d wa ves, as a 

f u ncti o n of fre q ue nc y o ver a s pecifie d 

fre q ue nc y ra n ge. 

A n yti me ra n d o m i nci de nce 

s o u n d wa ves will be meas ure d 

( u n k n o w n s o urce directi o n) 

8. 2 He alt h Eff ects of N oise 

N oise is n ot o nl y u n desira ble s o u n d, b ut it ma y als o ha ve ne gati ve heat h effects o n h u ma ns. T hese healt h effects 

ca n be br o ke n d o w n i nt o p h ysi ol o gical effects, s uc h as heari n g i m pair me nt a n d slee p dist ur ba nce, a n d ps yc h ol o gical 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

9 8 

effects, s uc h as a n n o ya nce a n d s peec h i nterfere nce. T his Se cti o n prese nts a brief e x pla nati o n of n oise -relate d healt h 

effects, i n or der t o better u n dersta n d t he i m p orta nce of railr o a d n oise c o ntr ol. 

N oise has bee n see n t o ha ve n u mer o us ne gati ve p h ysi ol o gic al effects o n h u ma n healt h ; t he m ost pr o mi ne nt o ne 

bei n g heari n g l oss. E x p os ure t o ver y l o u d s o u n ds ca n ca use a pers o n’s i n ner ear t o p h ysicall y c ha n ge, res ulti n g i n 

eit her a te m p orar y or per ma ne nt ne gati ve i m pact o n t heir he ari n g. W hile n ot all e x p os ure t o ver y l o u d n oise le vels 

res ults i n per ma ne nt heari n g l oss, c o nti n ue d or re peate d e x p os ure t o hi g h le vel n oise ca n r es ult i n per ma ne nt heari n g 

da ma ge. Heari n g da ma ge is ofte n f o u n d t o start wit h t he decrease d a bilit y t o hear hi g her fr e q ue ncies, 4 0 0 0 Hz a n d 

a b o ve, a n d ma y be acc o m pa ni e d b y a ri n gi n g i n t he pers o n’s ears, k n o w n as ti n nit us 2 8 ,2 9

O S H A has atte m pte d t o li mit t he a m o u nt of heari n g l oss d ue t o n oise e x p os ure i n t he w or k place, b y esta blis hi n g a 

series of ma xi m u m per missi bl e d urati o ns t o be e x p ose d t o s pecific s o u n d press ure le vels

. Si nce m ost h u ma n s peec h 

falls wit hi n t he ra n ge of 2 0 0 t o 6 0 0 0 Hz2 1 , t his ma y als o res ult i n a re d ucti o n of a pers o n’s s peec h c o m pre he nsi o n. 

Heari n g l oss d ue t o n oise e x p os ure ma y n ot o nl y be pr o ble matic a n d fr ustrati n g i n its o w n ri g ht, b ut it i ne vita bl y 

lea ds t o i ncrease d stress le vels. I n t ur n, t his ma y pr o d uce n u mer o us stress-relate d healt h pr o ble ms, s uc h as hi g hbl o o d press ure, heart disease a n d ulcers. 

3 0 . Alt h o u g h c o m plia nce 

wit h t his re g ulati o n d oes n ot d efi niti vel y pr otect e ver y o ne fr o m n oise -i n d uce d heari n g l oss, es peciall y si nce 

e ver y o ne’s heari n g is u ni q ue a n d ma y n ot be affecte d t he sa me wa y b y t he sa me n oise, it d oes pr o vi de a meas ure of 

pr otecti o n f or all e m pl o yees, w hic h ma y be s u p ple me nt e d wit h heari n g pr otecti o n, if nec essar y. If t he railr oa d n oise 

i n a gi ve n w or k area ca n n ot be s ufficie ntl y a bate d b y ot her mea ns, t he n oise e x perie nce d b y eac h i n di vi d ual railr oa d 

e m pl o yee ca n be a d dresse d t hr o u g h t he use of heari n g pr otecti o n . Heari n g pr otecti o n us uall y c o mes i n o ne of t w o 

f or ms; ear m uffs or ear pl u gs. Ear m uffs are lar ge f oa m or li q ui d-fille d s hells t hat c o ver t he wearer’s ear 

c o m pletel y, f or mi n g a seal a n d rese m bli n g lar ge a u di o hea d p h o nes. Ear pl u gs are desi g ne d t o fit i nsi de or bl oc k t he 

o pe ni n g t o t he wearer’s ear ca nals o nl y, a n d are t y picall y ma de fr o m a m ol da ble material, li ke r u b ber, f oa m or 

silic o n. T w o mai n fact ors s h o ul d be ta ke n i nt o c o nsi derati o n w he n selecti n g heari n g pr otecti o n; c o mf ort ( w hic h is 

self e x pla nat or y) a nd n oise re d ucti o n rati n g. T he n oise re d ucti o n rati n g ( N R R) is a meas ure of t he perf or ma nce of 

heari n g pr otect ors, as s pecifie d b y E P A re g ulati o n 4 0 C F R P art 2 1 1 – Pr o d uct N oise La beli n g 3 5 , 3 1 ,†

H P = L – ( N R R – 7 d B) 

. T he f oll o wi n g 

e q uati o n pr o vi des a met h o d f or deter mi ni n g t he a p pr o xi mate n oise e x p os ure a n e m pl o yee will e x perie nce if t he y use 

heari n g pr otect ors wit h a s pecific n oise re d ucti o n rati n g i n a gi ve n w or k place n oise e n vir o n me nt, 

W here LH P = Esti mate d N oise E x p os ure wit h Heari n g Pr otecti o n [i n d B( A)]; 

 = W or k place N oise Le vel [i n d B( A)]; 

N R R = N oise Re d ucti o n Rati n g; a n d 

 

 It is i m p orta nt t o n ote t hat he ari n g pr otecti o n s h o ul d o nl y b e c o nsi dere d a n oise a bate me nt o pti o n f or railr oa d 

e m pl o yees. It s h o ul d n ot be c o nsi dere d as a via ble n oise c o ntr ol o pti o n f or resi de nts nei g h b ori n g railr oa d facilities 

a n d r o utes. 

 4 0 C F R P art 2 1 1 als o prese nts met h o ds f or calc ulati n g N R R, if it is n ot pr o vi de d t he heari n g pr otect or 

ma n ufact urer. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

9 9 

7 d B = a n a dj ust me nt fact or t o c o nser vati vel y acc o u nt f or t he C -t o- A-wei g hti n g 

differe nce i n t he N R R 3 5 *

T heref ore, t he a b o ve e q uati o n ma y be use d t o deter mi ne t he effecti ve ness of a certai n t y pe of heari n g pr otect or i n a 

s pecific n oise e n vir o n me nt at re d uci n g n oise e x p os ure t o a n acce pta ble le vel. Re gar dless of t he t y pe of heari n g 

pr otecti o n use d b y a n e m pl o ye e, t he y m ust be trai ne d i n its pr o per use. 

. 

E x p os ure t o n oise d uri n g t he ni g htti me h o urs ma y res ult i n sl ee p dist ur ba nce. N oise ma y a wa ke n a slee pi n g pers o n, 

as well as re d uce t he q ualit y of t heir slee p a n d i ncrease t he ti me it ta kes t o fall aslee p 3 2

N oise has als o bee n see n t o ha ve n u mer o us ne gati ve ps yc h ol o gical effects o n h u ma n healt h, s uc h as s peec h 

i nterfere nce a n d a n n o ya nce. Si m pl y p ut, s peec h i nterfere nc e is t he res ult of s peec h bei n g mas ke d b y ot her 

si m ulta ne o usl y-occ urri n g s o u n ds, s uc h as n oise, w hic h ma y res ult i n mis u n dersta n di n gs, r e d uce d s peec h 

c o m pre he nsi o n a n d e ve n faile d c o m m u nic ati o n. F urt her m or e, n oise ma y mas k ot her i m p orta nt ac o ustical si g nals, 

li ke alar ms a n d ot her war ni n g si g nals. S peec h i nterfere nce b ec o mes es peciall y pr o ble matic w he n t he i nterferi n g 

n oise occ urs o ver t he sa me fre q ue ncies as h u ma n s peec h, 2 0 0 t o 6 0 0 0 Hz 2 8 . Fail ure t o c o m m u nicate pr o perl y i n a 

n ois y e n vir o n me nt ma y n ot o nl y ca use fr ustrati o n, b ut it ma y als o effect t he perf or ma nce of o ne’s j o b, o ne’s a bilit y 

t o lear n i n a classr o o m e n vir o n me nt a n d e ve n prese nt a safet y iss ue, if war ni n g s o u n ds are mas ke d. 

. Alt h o u g h s o me pe o ple 

bec o me a cc ust o me d t o ma n y r h yt h mic, bac k gr o u n d n oise s o urces at l o w t o m o derate s o u n d press ure le vels d uri n g 

t he ni g htti me h o urs, n oise, es peciall y i m p ulsi ve a n d u nfa mili ar n oise, ca n ne gati vel y i m pact o n a pers o n’s slee pi n g 

patter ns. Slee p dist ur ba nce ca n lea d t o i ncrease d fati g ue, de presse d m o o ds, decrease d pr o d ucti vit y, i ncrease d stress, 

i ncrease d bl o o d press ure a n d a decrease i n a pers o n’s o verall q ualit y of life. 

S peec h i nterfere nce ma y be re d uce d b y s pea ki n g l o u der, sta n di n g cl oser t o t he liste ner, or re d uci n g t he le vel of t he 

i nterferi n g n oise. A N SI S 3. 1 4-1 9 7 7 (r 1 9 9 7) A merica n Nati o nal Sta n dar d f or Rati n g N oise wit h Res pect t o S peec h 

I nterfere nce prese nts a relati o n bet wee n t he relati ve v oice le vel of a s pea ker, t he dista nce fr o m t he s pea ker t o t he 

liste ner a n d t he a p pr o xi mate A-wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel of t he i nterferi n g n oise i n or der t o i ns ure effecti ve 

c o m m u nica ti o n3 3 . T hese a p pr o xi mati o ns are s u m marize d i n Fi g ure 3 3 3 3, 3 4

T he re d ucti o n of s peec h i nterfere nce i n t he w or k place is o ne of t he i m pet uses be hi n d t he F R A’s e m pl o yee n oise 

e x p os ure re g ulati o ns ( 4 9 C F R P arts 2 2 7 a n d 2 2 9), i ncl u di n g t he i n -ca b static meas ure me nt pr oce d ures f or 

l oc o m oti ves. 

. 

 

 N R R is base d o n C -wei g hte d data. A variati o n o n E q uati o n 2 3 f or C -wei g hte d n oise le vels is: L H P [i n d B( C)] = L

[ W or k place N oise Le vel i n d B( C)] - N R R. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

1 0 0 

Fi g ur e 3 3 . N oise Le vel Effects o n S pee c h I nte rfer e nce3 3 

A n n o ya n ce is a n ot h er ps yc h ol o gi cal effe ct d ue t o n oise, w hic h has bee n see n t o r e d uc e t h e q ualit y of life of t h ose 

affect e d. U nf ort u n at el y, a n n o ya n ce is ver y s u bj ecti ve, a n d vari es fr o m pers o n t o pers o n. S o m e of t h e fa ct ors see n 

t o c o ntri b ut e t o a pers o n’s a n n o ya n ce wit h n oise ar e: n oise l e vel a n d fr e q ue n c y co nt e nt, w h et h er t h e n oise is 

c o nst a nt or fl u ct u at es wit h ti m e, t h e d urati o n of t h e n oise, s o ur ce of n oise, fa mili arit y wit h n oise, i m p orta n ce of 

n oise (e. g., p oli ce sir e n), a n d pr e di ct a bilit y of n oise (e. g., ra n d o ml y vs. o n ce a n h o ur) 2 9 . A n n o ya n ce d ue t o n oise 

mi g ht als o r es ult i n s o m e p h ysi ol o gi cal effects, s uc h as sl ee p de pri vati o n a n d i n cr ease d str ess l e vels. Alt h o u g h 

a n n o ya n ce d ue t o n oise is diffi c ult t o q ua ntif y, it is a n i m p orta nt fa ct or t o kee p i n mi n d w h e n assessi n g 

tr a ns p ort ati o n n oise s o ur ces, es p eci all y t h ose l ocat e d i n cl ose pr o xi mit y t o pri vat e r esi d e n ces, li k e h o m es l ocat e d 

n ear rail yar ds. 

8. 3 N oise A b at e me nt 

T h e w orst case sce n ari o f or a n y railr oa d n oise m eas ur e m e nt or m o nit ori n g st u d y is f or t h e r es ulti n g s o u n d l e vels t o 

n ot be i n c o m plia n ce wit h t h e a p pli ca bl e F R A r e g ul ati o ns. If s uc h a sce n ari o occ urs, t h e n m eas ur es m ust be t a ke n t o 

a bat e t h e offe n di n g n oise. N oise a bat e m e nt ( or n oise c o ntr ol) m eas ur es ar e s u b di vi de d i nt o t hr ee cat e g ori es; s o ur ce 

c o ntr ols, pat h c o ntr ols a n d r ecei ver c o ntr ols. S o ur ce c o ntr ols descri be c ha n ges t o t h e n oise s o ur ce itself, i n or der t o 

r e d uc e n oise l e vels. Pat h c o ntr ols descri be m eas ur es us e d t o bl oc k or att e n uat e n oise o n t h e pat h bet we e n t h e s o ur ce 

a n d t h e r ecei ver. Recei ver c o ntr ols d escri be a bat e m e nt m eas ur es perf or m e d at t h e r ecei ver l ocati o n, i n or der t o 

r e d uc e n oise l e vels. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

1 0 1 

A n y of t hese t hree t y pes of n oise c o ntr ol meas ures ( or a c o m bi nati o n t here of) ma y be i m pl e me nte d, as l o n g as t he y 

re d uce t he railr oa d n oises t o acce pta ble le vels. Rec o m me n d ati o ns o n s pecific n oise c o ntr ols, t hat ma y be m ore 

effecti ve f or a bati n g certai n t y pes of railr oa d n oise, will be prese nte d t hr o u g h o ut t his c ha pt er. O nce i m ple me nte d, 

t he re d uce d n oise le vels d ue t o n oise a bate me nt meas ures m ust be verifie d b y re peati n g t he a p pr o priate n oise 

meas ure me nt pr oce d ures prese nte d i n C ha pter 3 of t his Ha n d b o o k, t o reassess c o m plia nce wit h t he a p plica ble F R A 

n oise re g ulati o ns.

8. 3. 1 S o urce C o ntr ols 

Alt h o u g h t he re g ulati o n -s pecific railr oa d n oise meas ure me nt a n d m o nit ori n g pr oce d ures i n C ha pter 3 hel p t o 

i de ntif y ge neral railr oa d o perati o ns or pieces of railr oa d e q ui p me nt t hat ma y ha ve n oise iss ues, li ke car-c o u pli n g or a 

l oa d cell test sta n d, t he y d o n’t al wa ys pi n-p oi nt t he act ual n oise s o urce(s). L oc o m oti ve n oise ma y ha ve a variet y of 

s o urces, w hic h ca n be p ut i nt o t w o mai n cate g ories; ve hicle pr o p ulsi o n n oise a n d w heel -rail i nteracti o n n oise. 

Ve hicle pr o p ulsi o n n oise is d o mi nate d b y diesel -e n gi ne e x ha ust n oise f or l oc o m oti ves, b ut als o i ncl u des g ear n oise 

a n d n oise fr o m c o oli n g fa ns 2, 3 . Ve hicle pr o p ulsi o n n oise is t he mai n n oise s o urce f or l oc o m oti ves ( b ot h stati o nar y 

a n d m o vi n g), h o we ver w heel -rail i nteracti o n n oise als o c o ntri b utes t o t he o verall n oise e mitte d fr o m m o vi n g 

l oc o m oti ves, a n d is t he d o mi na nt s o urce of n oise fr o m m o vi n g rail cars3 5

Offe n di n g railr oa d n oise s o urc es are t y picall y i de ntifie d b y railr oa d e m pl o yees, or b y c o m plai nts fr o m l ocal 

resi de nts. O nce t he n oise meas ure me nts ha ve bee n c o n d ucte d, t he n oise data has bee n pr ocesse d, a n d it has bee n 

deter mi ne d t hat t he railr oa d n oise s o urce is n ot i n c o m plia nce wit h t he a p plica ble F R A re g ulati o ns, t he n it s h o ul d be 

a d dresse d. If t he n oise s o urce is d ue t o s o me pr o ble matic railr oa d e q ui p me nt (s uc h as a s pecific l oc o m oti ve or 

secti o n of trac k), t he n it ma y b e a p pr o priate t o i m ple me nt s o urce c o ntr ols t o a d dress t he n oise iss ue. 

. W heel-rail i ntera cti o n n oise is ca use d b y 

r olli n g n oise d ue t o r o u g h ness or c orr u gati o n o n t he railr oa d trac ks, i m pact n oise d ue t o w h eel flats or rail j u ncti o ns, 

a n d s q ueal n oise fr o m fricti o n o n ti g ht c ur ves i n t he railr oa d trac ks. 

S o urce c o ntr ols descri be a n y c ha n ges t o t he n oise s o urce itself, i n or der t o re d uce ass ociate d n oise le vels. T he y are 

t y picall y t he m ost desira ble f or m of n oise a bate me nt. S o urc e c o ntr ols ca n ta ke t w o maj or f or ms w he n a p pl yi n g 

t he m t o railr oa d n oise s o urces; m o dificati o ns t o railr oa d e q ui p me nt a n d c ha n ges t o railr oa d o perati o ns. 

Si nce t he e q ui p me nt o perate d b y t he railr oa d is t he s o urce of t he n oise, it ma kes se nse t hat t he i m ple me ntati o n of 

ne wer, q uieter e q ui p me nt is a p ossi ble s ol uti o n. H o we ver, i n ma n y cases, it ma y n ot be reas o na ble or feasi ble t o 

re place e xisti n g, f u ncti o nal railr oa d e q ui p me nt, li ke e ntire l oc o m oti ves a n d l oa d cell test st a n ds, wit h ne wer, q uieter 

e q ui p me nt. A n ot her o pti o n ma y be t o ma ke m o dificati o ns t o t he c urre nt railr oa d e q ui p me nt, i n or der t o re d uce t he 

n oise le vels ge nerate d b y its o perati o n. T his ma y i ncl u de re placi n g or re pairi n g n ois y a n d/ or defecti ve e q ui p me nt, 

li ke fa ns, gear b o xes, bra kes, r attli n g wi n d o ws, d o or seals, etc., or a d di n g a d diti o nal n oise-da m pe ni n g e q ui p me nt, 

li ke m ufflers a n d i ns ulati o n. 

Ofte n, t he n ois y railr oa d e q ui p me nt i n nee d of re place me nt or re pair is easil y i de ntifia ble wit h t he h u ma n ear. If n ot, 

it ma y be necessar y t o i ncre me ntall y re m o ve, i ns ulate, or t ur n off s pecific pieces of e q ui p me nt t hat ma y be ca usi n g 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

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t he e xcess n oise, a n d t he n re-meas ure t he s o u n d le vels f or c o m plia nce wit h t he a p pr o priate F R A re g ulati o n. T his 

pr ocess ma y be f urt her s u p ple me nte d b y perf or mi n g a fre q ue nc y a nal ysis of t he n oise data ( wit h a s pectr u m 

a nal yzer), w hic h will i de ntif y s pecific fre q ue nc y ba n ds c o ntri b uti n g t o t he e xcessi ve o verall n oise le vels, a n d t he 

effects of a n y of t he m o dificati o ns t o t he railr oa d e q ui p me nt o n t he res ulti n g n oise le vels. 

M o dificati o ns t o railr oa d e q ui p me nt ma y be a usef ul s ol uti o n f or al m ost a n y t y pe of railr o a d n oise. N oise fr o m 

l oc o m oti ves ( m o vi n g a n d stati o nar y, i ncl u di n g s witc hers) a n d l oa d cell test sta n ds ma y be re d uce d b y t he a d diti o n of 

a ne wer m uffler, c hec ki n g all seals, ti g hte ni n g l o ose parts, a n d kee pi n g u p wit h l oc o m oti ve mai nte na nce a n d 

l u bricati o n . If w heel-rail i nteracti o n n oise is t he pri mar y iss ue, da m pe d w heels c o ul d be use d t o re d uce s q ueal o n 

trac k c ur ves, w heel flats c o ul d be re m o ve d b y tr ui n g t he w he els a n d f ut ure flats c o ul d be pre ve nte d t hr o u g h t he 

i m ple me ntati o n of s pi n-sli de c o ntr ol s yste ms

C ha n ges t o railr oa d o perati o ns ma y als o re d uce t he o verall n oise e mitte d fr o m t he railr oa d n oise s o urce(s). T his 

i ncl u des c ha n ges i n t he met h o d a n d fre q ue nc y of a tas k. C ha n ges i n t he s pee d, a n d t heref ore t hr ottle setti n g, will 

c ha n ge t he n oise le vels ge nerate d b y m o vi n g l oc o m oti ves (i ncl u di n g s witc hers), as well as b y m o vi n g rail cars, 

retar der o perati o ns a n d car-c o u pli n g o perati o ns, w here t he res ulti n g n oise le vels are t y picall y l o wer w he n t he 

o perati o ns are c o n d ucte d at l o wer s pee ds. Si nce e m pl o yee n oise e x p os ure meas ure me nts are t y picall y c o n d ucte d 

o ver a n ei g ht -h o ur -l o n g m o nit ori n g peri o d a n d t he railr oa d o perati o ns t hat occ ur i n t he vici nit y of t hat e m pl o yee 

directl y i m pact t heir n oise e x p os ure, s paci n g o ut n ois y railr o a d o perati o ns or re d uci n g t heir o perati o n ti me, li ke l oa d 

cell test sta nd use, s o fe wer n oise e ve nts occ ur o ver eac h ei g ht -h o ur w or k s hift will als o hel p re d uce e m pl o yee n oise 

e x p os ure. 

, a n d r olli n g n oise c o ul d be re d uce d by gri n di n g d o w n t he r o u g h ness 

o n t he trac ks . I m ple me nti n g l o w-n oise bra ke s h oes a n d kee pi n g u p wit h t he pr o per a m o u nt of l u bricati o n ma y 

effecti vel y re d uce n oise fr o m retar ders. If n oise le vels are t o o hi g h or t o o l o w fr o m a l oc o m oti ve h or n, c ha n ges i n 

m o u nti n g p ositi o n a n d o perati o nal air press ure s h o ul d be c o nsi dere d, as well as t he re place me nt of t he h or n wit h 

a n ot her m o del t hat mi g ht better meet t he F R A re q uire me nts. 

8. 3. 2 Pr o p a g ati o n P at h C o ntr ols 

N oise pr o pa gates fr o m its s o ur ce t o t he recei ver, a n d a n y n oise c o ntr ol meas ures ta ke n t o bl oc k or atte n uate n oise o n 

t his pat h are k n o w n as pat h c o ntr ols. W he n s o u n d pr o pa gates, it is s prea ds o ut fr o m t he s o urce ra diall y. As t he 

s o u n d pr o pa gates a wa y fr o m t he s o urce, t he o verall s o u n d le vel at a n y gi ve n p oi nt is affect e d b y t he: 

( 1) di ver ge nce ca use d b y ge o metrical s pr ea di n g; 

( 2) atte n uati o n d ue t o air a bs or pti o n a n d mete or ol o gical effects; 

( 3) atte n uati o n d ue t o gr o u n d s urfaces (reflecti o ns off of har d gr o u n d, a n d a bs or pti o n d ue t o s oft gr o u n d); a n d 

( 4) s hiel di n g of t he recei ver fr o m t he s o urce b y a barrier or str uct ure, t hat disr u pts t he li ne-of -si g ht bet wee n 

t he m1, 2 1 . 

T hese fact ors i n dicate t hat t he p h ysical l ocati o n of t he n oise s o urce a n d t he li ne -of -si g ht bet wee n t he s o urce a n d t he 

recei ver are i nte gral i n deter mi ni n g n oise le vels at selecte d recei vers d ue t o railr oa d e q ui p me nt a n d o perati o ns. 

 

Trai ns o p erati n g wit h s m o ot h w h eel trea ds ma y b e u p t o 2 0 d B( A) q uieter t h a n t h ose o p erati n g wit h w h eel flats.
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

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T heref ore, t he rel ocati o n of n ois y railr oa d e q ui p me nt a wa y fr o m p ote ntial recei vers a n d/ or bl oc ki n g t he li ne -of -si g ht 

of t h ose recei vers t o t he railr oa d n oise s o urces are b ot h effe cti ve pr o pa gati o n pat h c o ntr ols. T he maj or disa d va nta ge 

f or t hese pr o pa gati o n pat h c o ntr ols is t hat t he y ma y restrict c ertai n t y pes of railr oa d/rail yar d o perati o ns t o certai n 

l ocati o ns, a n d t he y ma y o nl y b e nefit a s mall s u bset of t he e x p ose d p o p ulati o n. 

N oise barriers are ofte n a n effecti ve pr o pa gati o n pat h c o ntr ol f or re d uci n g railr oa d n oise le vels. B arriers bl oc k t he 

li ne-of -si g ht bet wee n t he recei ver a n d t he n oise s o urce. Eart h ber ms a n d b uil di n gs are als o ofte n use d i n t he sa me 

ma n ner as ( or i n s u bstit uti o n of) n oise barriers a wa y t o effecti vel y bl oc k t he li ne -of -site bet wee n recei vers a n d n oise 

s o urces. Alt h o u g h t his Ha n d b o o k d oes disc uss railr oa d n ois e c o ntr ol iss ues a n d s ol uti o ns, it is be y o n d t he sc o pe of 

t his Ha n d b o o k t o g o i nt o t he n u mer o us fact ors t hat g o i nt o d esi g ni n g a n effecti ve n oise barrier. 

Effecti ve n oise barrier desi g n a n d c o nstr ucti o n s h o ul d be left u p t o e x perie nce d ac o ustical e n gi neers. H o we ver, a 5 

d B( A) re d ucti o n i n n oise le vels at t he recei ver is a n acce pte d, r ule-of -t h u m b f or barriers j ust bl oc ki n g t he li ne-of -

si g ht bet wee n t he n oise s o urce a n d recei ver, wit h a n esti mate d a d diti o nal 1. 5 d B( A) re d ucti o n f or eac h a d diti o nal 1 

m of barrier hei g ht a b o ve t he li ne -of -si g ht 3 6

W hile t he rel ocati o n of railr oa d e q ui p me nt a wa y fr o m n oise -se nsiti ve recei vers ca n i m pl y t he rel ocati o n of e ntire 

rail yar ds or railr oa d trac ks, it is m ore c o m m o nl y use d t o descri be t he rel ocati o n of railr oa d o perati o ns a n d 

e q ui p me nt i nsi de t he c o nfi nes of t he e x isti n g rail yar d. B y m o vi n g n ois y rail yar d o perati o ns, li ke car-c o u pli n g, l oa d 

cell testi n g a n d t he use of retar ders (i.e., t he h u m p yar d), t o a n ot her p orti o n of t he rail yar d fart her a wa y fr o m nearest 

p ote ntial recei vers (i ncl u di n g railr oa d e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters), t he s o u n d press ure le vels o bser ve d at t hat 

recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nt l ocati o n will be re d uce d. 

. B arriers t hat are ma de of a bs or pti ve material or ha ve a bs or pti ve la yers 

faci n g t he n oise s o urce ma y pr o vi de a d diti o nal n oise re d ucti o n. T hese esti mate d s o u n d le vel re d ucti o ns s h o ul d be 

ta ke n i nt o c o nsi derati o n al o n g wit h c ost, w he n c o m pari n g t he p ote ntial effecti ve ness of a n oise barrier wit h ot her 

n oise a bate me nt o pti o ns. Al o n g t he sa me li nes, e ncl os ures ar o u n d certai n rail yar d n oise s o urces, s uc h as l oa d cell 

test sta n ds a n d mai nte na nce s h o ps, ma y als o be effecti ve pr o pa gati o n pat h c o ntr ols f or li miti n g railr oa d-relate d n oise 

le vels. 

A n oise st u d y s h o ul d be c o n d ucte d b y a n e x perie nce d n oise -c o m pati ble la n d -use pla n ni n g pr ofessi o nal, i n or der t o 

deter mi ne t he o pti m u m rel ocati o n site f or railr oa d n oise s o urces as a n oise a bate me nt meas ure. W he n c o m p uti n g 

a p pr o xi mate re d ucti o ns i n s o u n d press ure le vel per d o u bli n g of dista nces o ver relati vel y fl at areas wit h o ut a n y 

i nter ve ni n g o bj ects bl oc ki n g t he pr o pa gati o n pat h, a ge neral, a p pr o xi mati o n val ue is 6 d B( A) per d o u bli n g of 

dista nce f or p oi nt s o urces, s uc h as l oa d cell test sta n ds, a n d 3 d B( A) f or li ne s o urces, s uc h as c o nsists of m o vi n g 

l oc o m oti ves a n d rail cars2 1 , 3 6 . T hese a p pr o xi mati o ns s h o ul d be ta ke n as ge neral r ules-of -t h u m b, w he n c o nsi deri n g 

railr oa d n oise s o urce rel ocati o n as a pr o pa gati o n pat h c o ntr ol. 

Al o n g t he sa me li nes, n oise -c o m pati ble la n d -use pla n ni n g practices i n t he areas s urr o u n di n g rai l yar ds a n d railr oa d 

trac ks ma y als o be a n effecti ve t o ol i n re d uci n g n oise le vels at t he nearest recei vers, beca use it hel ps t o i ns ure t hat 

t he nearest p ote ntial recei vers are fart her a wa y fr o m t he n ois e s o urce. As far as directi o nal railr oa d n oise s o urces, 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt 8. A d diti o n al T o pics 

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s uc h as l oc o m oti ve h or ns, are c o ncer ne d, t he orie ntati o n of t he n oise s o urce wit h res pect t o p ote ntial recei vers 

s h o ul d be c o nsi dere d as a n oise a bate me nt meas ure.

8. 3. 3 Recei ver C o ntr ols 

As me nti o ne d at t he be gi n ni n g of t his C ha pter, recei ver c o ntr ols descri be n oise a bate me nt meas ures perf or me d at 

i n di vi d ual recei vers. Recei ver c o ntr ols are t y picall y t he least desira ble f or m of n oise a bate me nt, beca use t he y 

pri maril y deal wit h t he wa y a n oise s o urce effects a n i n di vi d ual recei ver or l ocati o n, a n d d o n ot a d dress t he s o urce of 

t he n oise. T w o differe nt t y pes of recei ver c o ntr ols are t y picall y utilize d t o a d dress railr oa d n oise iss ues; i ns ulati o n 

of b uil di n gs a n d w or k areas, a n d i m ple me ntati o n of heari n g pr otecti o n a n d heari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gra ms. 

O ne me t h o d of re d uci n g railr o a d n oise le vels i nsi de a b uil di n g or w or k area, s uc h as railr oa d e m pl o yee slee pi n g 

q uarters or a recei vi n g pr o pert y b uil di n g, is t he i nstallati o n of i ns ulati o n. I n a n e ncl ose d w or k area, t he s o u n d 

press ure le vel d ue t o o utsi de n oise is a f u ncti o n of t he tra ns missi o n l oss of t he material c o m prisi n g t he b uil di n g 

str uct ure. Tra ns missi o n l oss is a meas ure of t he s o u n d i ns ul ati o n pr o perties of a wall or partiti o n, a n d is calc ulate d 

as f oll o ws: 

 T L 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0

1 0

1 0 l o g

w here T L = Tra ns missi o n L oss [i n d B( A)]; 

 = S o u n d Press ure Le vel o n t he S o urce Si de of t he P artiti o n [i n d B( A)]; a n d 

 = S o u n d Press ure Le vel o n t he Recei ver Si de of t he P artiti o n [i n d B( A)] 3 5 . 

As a ge neral r ule -of -t h u mb, hea vier materials ha ve a hi g her tra ns missi o n l oss. N ot o nl y d oes a n oise i ns ulati o n 

pr ocess i ncl u de t he use of b uil di n g materials wit h hi g h tra ns missi o n l oss, b ut it als o i ncl u des seali n g all crac ks, h oles 

a n d ot her n oise lea ks i n t he w or k area’s walls , i ncl u di n g t he seals ar o u n d t he wi n d o ws a n d d o ors. T his ma y i ncl u de 

re placi n g e xisti n g wi n d o ws a n d d o ors wit h o nes t hat ha ve hi g her tra ns missi o n l osses a n d reseali n g all o pe n crac ks 

a n d ga ps ar o u n d eac h wi n d o w a n d d o or, as well as i m ple me nti n g air -c o n diti o ni n g, s o t he resi de nts n o l o n ger ha ve t o 

kee p o pe n t heir wi n d o ws i n war m weat her a n d t h us e x perie nce i ncrease d s o u n d press ure le vels fr o m t he railr oa d 

n oise s o urces. 
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A p pe n di x A: Gl oss ar y 

T his A p pe n di x prese nts perti ne nt, tec h nical ter mi n ol o g y use d t hr o u g h o ut t his Ha n d b o o k, or ga nize d al p ha beticall y. 

T hese defi niti o ns are ge nerall y c o nsiste nt wit h t h ose prese nt e d i n t he a p plica ble F R A re g ulati o ns a n d A merica n 

Nati o nal Sta n dar d I nstit ute ( A N SI) sta n dar ds, i ncl u di n g A N SI S 1. 1-1 9 9 4 (r 2 0 0 4) Ac o usti c T er mi n ol o g y 2 0 . 

A- W EI G H TI N G: A wei g hti n g met h o d ol o g y use d t o acc o u nt f or c ha n ges i n h u ma n heari n g se nsiti vit y as a 

f u ncti o n of fre q ue nc y. T he A-wei g hti n g net w or k de -e m p hasizes t he hi g h ( 6. 3 k Hz a n d a b o ve) a n d l o w ( bel o w 1 

k Hz) fre q ue ncies, a n d e m p hasizes t he fre q ue ncies bet wee n 1 k Hz a n d 6. 3 k Hz, i n a n eff ort t o si m ulate t he relati ve 

res p o nse of h u ma n heari n g. A dj ust me nt fact ors f or A-wei g hti n g are prese nte d o n pa ge 9 3 of t his Ha n d b o o k. See 

als o fre q ue ncy wei g hti n g. 

A 

A C O U S TI C E N E R G Y: Als o i de ntifie d as s o u n d e ner g y, or j ust e ner g y. C o m m o nl y referre d t o as t he mea n -

s q uare s o u n d-press ure rati o, s o u n d e ner g y, or j ust plai n e ner g y, ac o ustic e ner g y is t he s q uare d s o u n d press ure ( ofte n 

fre q ue nc y wei g hte d), di vi de d b y t he s q uare d refere nce s o u n d press ure of 2 0 μ P a, t he t hres h ol d of h u ma n heari n g. It 

is al ge braicall y e q ui vale nt t o 1 0L/ 1 0 , w here L is t he s o u n d le vel, e x presse d i n deci bels. 

A C O U S TI C A L S H A D O W: Area wit h o ut direct li ne -of -si g ht of t he n oise s o urce ( or diffracte d n oise s o urce) 

characterize d b y l o wer s o u n d l e vels. 

A C O U S TI C S: T he scie nce of s o u n d. 

A M BI E N T N OI S E: All -e nc o m passi n g s o u n d at a s pecific place, w hic h ma y be t he res ult of n u mer o us n oise 

s o urces. Railr oa d n oise s o urc es bei n g meas ure d acc or di n g t o t his Ha n d b o o k are n ot p art of t he a m bie nt n oise. 

A M P LI T U D E: T he ma xi m u m val ue of a si n us oi dal q ua ntit y. F or a s o u n d wa ve, t he a m plit u de is t he differe nce 

bet wee n t he i nsta nta ne o us press ure of a gi ve n c ycle of t he wa ve a n d t he a m bie nt press ure at a m o me nt i n ti me. 

A N G L E O F I N CI D E N C E: T he a n gle at w hic h a s o u n d wa ve c o mes i n c o ntact wit h a s urface. 

A N N O Y A N C E: A n y b ot hers o me or irritati n g occ urre nce. 

A N XI E T Y: A feeli n g of a p pre he nsi o n, u ncertai nt y, a n d fe ar wit h o ut a p pare nt sti m ul us. It is ass ociate d wit h 

p h ysi ol o gical c ha n ges (s weati n g, tre m or, etc.) - t he s o urce of w hic h is ofte n n o ns pecific or u n k n o w n t o t he 

i n di vi d ual. 

A U DI BI LI T Y: T he a bilit y of a h u ma n o bser ver t o detect a n ac o ustic si g nal i n t he prese nce of n oise (e. g., aircraft 

detecti o n i n t he prese nce of a m bie nt n o ise). 

A U DI B L E S P E C T R U M: T he ra n ge of fre q ue ncies a u di bl e t o h u ma ns; 2 0 Hz t o 2 0, 0 0 0 Hz. 

A U DI O M E T R Y: Meas ure me nt/testi n g of t he heari n g, i ncl u di n g as pects ot her t ha n heari n g se nsiti vit y. 

A U DI T O R Y T H R E S H O L D: Mi ni m u m a u di ble percei ve d s o u n d. Als o referre d t o as t he t hres h ol d of heari n g.
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B A C K G R O U N D N OI S E: T otal of all t he s o urces of n oise i nter fere nce f or a meas ure me nt i n a gi ve n e n vir o n me nt, 

n ot i ncl u di n g t he railr oa d s o u n d s o urce of i nterest. T his i ncl u des a m bie nt n oise as well as electr o nic n oise fr o m t he 

meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt. 

B 

B A N D P R E S S U R E L E V E L: S o u n d press ure le vel f or a s o u n d c o ntai ne d wit hi n a s pecifi c fre q ue nc y ba n d.

B A R RI E R: See n oise b arrier .

B A S E -1 0 L O G A RI T H M: l o g1 0 ( x). 

B E R M: A m o u n d or wall of eart h.

C A R C O U P LI N G: T he act of c o n necti n g t w o rail cars 

C 

C A R C O U P LI N G E V E N T: A s o u n d w hic h is hear d a n d i de ntifie d b y t he o bser ver as t hat of car c o u pli n g i m pact. 

C A R RI E R: A carrier b y railr oa d, or partl y b y railr oa d a n d partl y b y water, wit hi n t he c o nti ne ntal U nite d State s, 

e xcl u di n g street, s u b ur ba n, a n d i nter ur ba n electric rail wa ys u nless o perate d as a part of a ge neral railr oa d s yste m of 

tra ns p ortati o n. 

C O N FI D E N C E I N T E R V A L: A meas ure of data re peata bilit y, w hic h i n dicates t hat t here is a s pecific perce nta ge 

pr o ba bilit y t hat t he a vera ge of a n ot her data set c ollecte d fr o m t he sa me or si milar s o urce u n der si milar 

circ u msta nces as t he first data set will fall wit hi n t his i nter v al. C o nfi de nce i nter val is e x pr esse d as t he X % 

C o nfi de nce I nter val; e. g., 8 5 % C o nfi de nce I nter val or 8 5 % CI. F R A Re g ulati o n 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 1 s pecificall y 

calls f or t he use of a n u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce li mit, w hic h is base d o n t he u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce i nter val f or a data 

set. See u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce i nterv al . 

C O N FI D E N C E LI MI T: A meas ure of data re peata bilit y base d o n a s pecific perce nta ge u p per c o nfi de nce i nter val, 

w hic h i n dicates t hat t here is a s pecific perce nta ge pr o ba bilit y t hat t he a vera ge of a n ot her d ata set c ollecte d fr o m t he 

sa me or si milar s o urce u n der si milar circ u msta nces as t he first data set will fall a b o ve or bel o w t his li mit. 

C o nfi de nce li mit is e x presse d as t he X % C o nfi de nce Li mit; e. g., U p per 9 5 % C o nfi de nce Li mit or U p per 9 5 % C L. 

F R A Re g ulati o n 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 1 s pecificall y calls f or t he use of a n u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce li mit. See u p per 

9 9 % c o nfi de nce li mit. 

C O N SI S T O F A L O C O M O TI V E A N D R AI L C A R S: O ne or m ore l oc o m oti ves c o u pl e d t o a rail car or rail cars. 

C O N T A MI N A TI O N: See N oise C o nt a mi n ati o n. 

C RI T E RI O N S O U N D L E V E L: Le vel of s o u n d w hic h pr o d uce 1 0 0 % n oise d ose o ver t he c o urse of ei g ht h o urs. 

T he criteri o n s o u n d le vel acc or di n g t o F R A Re g ulati o n 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7 is 9 0 d B( A).

D: See perce nt a ge n oise d ose . 

D 
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D A T: Di gital a u di o ta pe. 

D A T A L O G G E R: A de vice t o st ore or l o g data. 

d B( A): A n a b bre viati o n mea ni n g A -wei g hte d s o u n d le vel i n deci bels, refere nce d t o 2 0 μ P a. 

D E CI B E L, d B: A u nit of me as ure of s o u n d le vel. T he n u m ber of deci bels is calc ulate d as te n ti mes t he base -1 0 

l o garit h m of t he s q uare of t he rati o of t he mea n-s q uare s o u n d press ure ( ofte n fre q ue nc y wei g hte d), a n d t he refere nce 

mea n -s q uare s o u n d press ure of 2 0 μ P a, t he t hres h ol d of h u ma n heari n g. 

D E G R A D A TI O N: T he i ncre ase i n n oise le vels at recei vers d ue t o c o n diti o ns s uc h as refl ecti o ns fr o m a si n gle 

barrier, m ulti ple reflecti o ns of t he n oise bet wee n parallel barriers, n oise lea ks i n a barrier, etc. 

DI F F R A C T E D W A V E: A s o u n d wa ve w h ose fr o nt has bee n c ha n ge d i n directi o n b y a n o bstacle i n t he 

pr o pa gati o n me di u m, w here t he me di u m is air f or t he p ur p oses of t his d oc u me nt. 

DI R E C TI O N A L MI C R O P H O N E: Micr o p h o ne w h ose perf or ma nce de pe n ds o n t he dir ecti o n of t he i nci de nt 

s o u n d. 

DI V E R G E N C E: T he s prea di n g of s o u n d wa ves fr o m a s o urce i n a free fiel d e n vir o n me nt. 

D O S E: See perce nt a ge n oise d ose. 

D O SI M E T E R: A de vice t hat meas ures a n d i nte grates s o u n d press ure o ver a s pecifie d peri o d of ti me, i n or der t o 

deter mi ne s o u n d e x p os ure. D osi meters m ust c o nf or m t o A N SI S 1. 2 5 -1 9 9 1 (r 2 0 0 2) 1 6 . 

D Y N A MI C R A N G E: T he al ge braic differe nce bet wee n t he hi g hest i n p ut s o u n d press ure le vel ac hie va ble wit h o ut 

e xcee di n g a s pecifie d n o n -li ne arit y or dist orti o n of t he o ut p ut si gnal, f or a s pecifie d fre q ue nc y ra n ge, a n d t he l o west 

i n p ut s o u n d press ure le vel f or w hic h t he le vel li nearit y is wit hi n s pecifie d t olera nces. 

E A R M U F F: Heari n g pr otect or w or n o ver t he o utsi de of t he ear. 

E 

E A R P L U G: Heari n g pr otect or t hat is place d i nsi de t he ear ca nal. 

EI G H T -H O U R TI M E -W EI G H T E D A V E R A G E, L T W A ( 8) : T he A -wei g hte d c o nsta nt s o u n d press ure le vel t hat 

w o ul d e x p ose a pers o n i n ei g ht h o urs t o t he sa me d ose as di d t he act ual ti me -var yi n g s o u n d press ure le ve l. 

E N E R G Y A V E R A G E L E V E L: A q ua ntit y calc ulate d b y ta ki n g te n ti mes t he base -1 0 l o garit h m of t he al ge braic 

a vera ge of t he a nti -l o gs of o ne-te nt h of eac h of t he le vels bei n g a vera ge d. T he le vels ma y be of a n y c o nsiste nt t y pe, 

e. g. ma xi m u m s o u n d le vels, a n d s o u n d e x p os ure le vels. 

E N E R G Y S U M M A TI O N O F L E V E L S: A q ua ntit y calc ulate d b y ta ki n g te n ti mes t he base -1 0 l o garit h m of t he 

s u m of t he a nti-l o gs of o ne-te nt h of eac h of t he le vels bei n g s u m me d. T he le vels ma y be of a n y c o nsiste nt t y pe, e. g., 

e q ui vale nt s o u n d le vel. 

E Q UI V A L E N T S O U N D P R E S S U R E L E V E L, L Ae q T : Te n ti mes t he base -1 0 l o garit h m of t he s q uare of t he rati o 

of ti me -mea n -s q uare, i nsta nta ne o us A-wei g hte d s o u n d press ure, d uri n g a state d ti me i nter val, T , di vi de d b y t he 
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s q uare d refere nce s o u n d press ure of 2 0 μ P a. T he e q ui vale nt s o u n d press ure le vel is a si n gl e le vel, w h ose e ner g y 

w o ul d be e q ui vale nt t o t he e ner g y f o u n d i n t he act ual, A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vels wit hi n t he s pecifie d ti me 

i nter val, if t hat si n gle le vel re mai ne d c o nsta nt o ver t he e ntir e ti me i nter val. Als o k n o w n as t he ti me -i nterv al 

e q uiv ale nt c o nti n u o us A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure level. 

E X C E E D A N C E P E R C E N TI L E S O U N D P R E S S U R E L E V E L, L : T he le vel i n deci bels t hat is e xcee de d i n a 

state d perce nta ge ( x) of t he d urati o n of t he meas ure me nt peri o d. F or i nsta nce, L9 0 is t he s o u n d press ure le vel 

e xcee de d 9 0 % of t he ti me o ver a meas ure me nt i nter val. T heref ore, if 1 0 0 c o nsec uti ve, s o u n d press ure le vels were 

meas ure d o ver a meas ure me nt i nter val a n d arra n ge d fr o m hi g hest t o l o west le vel, t he n t he 9 0 t h sa m ple fr o m t he 

hi g hest val ue w o ul d be t he L 9 0 . 

E X C H A N G E R A T E: T he a m o u nt a s o u n d le vel is i ncreas e d or decrease d t o preser ve a certai n n oise e x p os ure 

w he n t he e x p os ure d urati o n is d o u ble d or hal ve d. F or e xa m ple, if t he e xc ha n ge rate is 5 d B, t he n t he calc ulate d 

n oise d ose f or a n oise of le vel X d B( A) f or a d urati o n of Y h o urs w o ul d be t he sa me as t he n oise d ose of a n oise of 

le vel X + 5 d B( A) f or a d urati o n of Y/ 2 h o urs. A 5 d B e xc ha n ge rate is use d f or calc ulati n g n oise d ose f or 

c o m plia nce wit h F R A re g ulati o ns, b ut s o me ot her a p plicati o ns d o call f or 3 d B a n d 4 d B e xc ha n ge rates. T he use of 

a 3 d B e xc ha n ge rate i n dicates t hat t he meas ure d s o u n d press ure le vels are u n m o difie d i n t he calc ulati o n of t he n oise 

e x p os ure metric. 

E XI S TI N G L E V E L: T he meas ure d or calc ulate d e xisti n g n oise le vel at a gi ve n l ocati o n. 

F A R FI E L D: T hat p orti o n of a p oi nt s o urce’s s o u n d fiel d i n w hic h t he s o u n d press ure le vel ( d ue t o t his s o u n d 

s o urce) decreases b y 6 d B per d o u bli n g of dista nce fr o m t he s o urce; i.e., s p herical di ver ge nce. F or a li ne s o urce, t he 

far-fiel d is t he p orti o n of t he s o u n d fiel d i n w hic h t he s o u n d press ure le vel decreases b y 3 d B per d o u bli n g of 

dista nce. 

F 

F A R M H O U S E: A d welli n g o n far m, w hic h is t y picall y s olitar y str uct ure or s mall gr o u pi n g of str uct ures i n a r ural 

area (i.e., n ot part of a lar ge gr o u pi n g of h o uses i n a c o m m u nit y). 

F A S T M E T E R R E S P O N S E: Mea ns t hat t he “fast” res p o nse of t he s o u n d le vel meter s hall be use d. Fast res p o nse 

c haracteristics effecti vel y da m p a si g nal as if it were t o pass t hr o u g h a l o w -pass filter wit h a ti me c o nsta nt of 1 2 5 

millisec o n ds. Fast res p o nse is t y picall y use d t o c haracterize brief s o u n ds t hat c ha n ge n o tic ea bl y o ver t he 

meas ure me nt i nter val. T he fast d y na mic res p o nse s hall c o m pl y wit h t he meter d y na mic c haracteristics i n t he A N SI 

S pecificati o n f or S o u n d Le vel Meters, A N SI S 1. 4 -1 9 8 3 (r 2 0 0 1) 1 3 . 

F L A T F R E Q U E N C Y R E S P O N S E ( O R W EI G H TI N G): See Fre q ue ncy Wei g hti n g or Z -wei g hti n g . 

F R E Q U E N C Y: T he n u m ber of c ycles of re petiti o n per sec o n d or t he n u m ber of wa vele n gt hs t hat ha ve passe d b y a 

stati o nar y p oi nt i n o ne sec o n d. 

F R E Q U E N C Y W EI G H TI N G: A met h o d use d t o acc o u nt f or c ha n ges i n le vel se nsiti vit y as a f u ncti o n of 

fre q ue nc y. T hree sta n dar d wei g hti n g net w or ks, A, B, a n d C, are use d t o acc o u nt f or differe nt res p o nses t o s o u n d 
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press ure le vels. A dj ust me nt fact ors f or A -, B- a n d C -wei g hti n g are prese nte d i n A N SI S 1. 4 -1 9 8 3 (r 2 0 0 1) a n d I E C 

6 1 6 7 2 -1 E d. 1 ( 2 0 0 2), a n d are re pri nte d o n pa ge 9 3 of t his H a n d b o o k. N ote: T he a bse nce of fre q ue nc y wei g hti n g 

is referre d t o as Z-wei g hti n g (als o k n o w n as a “flat” fre q ue nc y res p o nse or wei g hti n g). See als o A - a n d Z -

wei g hti n g. 

G R A ZI N G I N CI D E N T ( S O U N D): S o u n d wa ves t hat stri ke a r ecei ver at a n a n gle parall el t o t he a n gle of 

i nci de nce. Als o referre d t o as 9 0-de gree i nci de nce. 

G 

G R O U N D A T T E N U A TI O N: T he c ha n ge i n s o u n d le vel, eit her p ositi ve or ne gati ve, d ue t o i nter ve ni n g gr o u n d 

bet wee n s o urce a n d recei ver. Als o referre d t o as gr o u n d effect. 

H A R D G R O U N D: A n y hi g hl y reflecti ve s urface i n w hic h t he p hase of t he s o u n d e ner g y is esse ntiall y preser ve d 

u p o n reflecti o n; e xa m ples i ncl u de water, as p halt, a n d c o ncrete. 

H 

H E A RI N G I M P AI R M E N T: A decrease d a bilit y t o percei ve s o u n ds as c o m pare d wit h w hat t he i n di vi d ual or 

e xa mi ner w o ul d re gar d as n or mal. T he res ult is a n i ncrease i n t he t hres h ol d of heari n g. 

H E A RI N G T H R E S H O L D: F or a gi ve n liste ner a n d s pecifie d si g nal, t he mi ni m u m: 

( 1) s o u n d press ure le vel; or 

( 2) f orce le vel t hat is ca pa ble of e v o ki n g a n a u dit or y se nsati o n i n a s pecifie d f u ncti o n of trials. 

H E R T Z , Hz: U nit of fre q ue nc y, t he n u m ber of ti mes a p he n o me n o n re peats itself i n a u nit of ti me. 

H U M P Y A R D: A rail yar d c o nsisti n g of se veral parallel tr ac ks, use d f or ma ki n g u p rail car c o nsists, w here t he rail 

cars m ust be p us he d o ver a s u m mit, or h u m p, be y o n d w hic h t he y are m o ve d b y gra vit y.

H V A C: Heati n g, ve ntilati o n a n d air c o n diti o ni n g s yste m. 

I D L E: T he c o n diti o n w here all e n gi nes ca pa ble of pr o vi di n g m oti ve p o wer t o t he l oc o m oti ve are set at t he l o west 

o perati n g t hr ottle p ositi o n; a n d w here all a u xiliar y n o n -m oti ve p o wer e n gi nes are n ot o perati n g. 

I 

I N S P E C T O R: F R A I ns pect ors or F R A s pecialists. 

I N T E G R A TI N G-A V E R A GI N G S O U N D L E V E L M E T E R: A de vice use d t o meas ure a n d i nte grates s o u n d 

press ure le vels o ver a state d ti me i nter val, w hic h c o nf or ms t o A N SI S 1. 4 3 -1 9 9 7 1 4 . 

1 0 : A statistical descri pt or descri bi n g t he s o u n d le vel e xce e de d 1 0 perce nt of a meas ure me nt peri o d. See als o 

excee d a nce perce ntile s o u n d press ure level. 

L 
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9 0 : A statistical descri pt or descri bi n g t he s o u n d le vel e xce e de d 9 0 p erce nt of a meas ure me nt peri o d. See als o 

excee d a nce perce ntile s o u n d press ure level. 

9 9 : A statistical descri pt or descri bi n g t he s o u n d le vel e xce e de d 9 9 perce nt of a meas ure me nt peri o d. See als o 

excee d a nce perce ntile s o u n d press ure level. 

a dj a ve m a x : T he a dj uste d a vera ge ma xi m u m A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel, w hic h is s p ecific t o t he e val uati o n of 

car -c o u pli n g i m pact a n d retar der n oise. It is calc ulate d b y a p pl yi n g a n a dj ust me nt fact or, base d o n t he n u m ber of 

t otal car-c o u pli n g e ve nts di vi d e d b y t he meas ure me nt peri o d ( C), t o t he L a ve ma x metric. See als o L ave m ax . 

Ae q T : See e q uiv ale nt s o u n d press ure level. 

A F m x a n d L A S m x : See m axi m u m s o u n d press ure level . 

a ve m a x : T he a vera ge ma xi m u m A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ur e le vel, w hic h is s pecific t o t he e val uati o n of car -

c o u pli n g i m pact a n d retar der n oise. It is c o m prise d of a n e ner g y -a vera ge of t he A -wei g hte d ma xi m u m s o u n d le vels 

c ollecte d d uri n g at least 3 0 c o nsec uti ve car -c o u pli n g or retar der e ve nts. 

T W A ( 8 ): See ei g ht -h o ur ti me -wei g hte d aver a g e. 

: See excee d a nce perce ntile s o u n d press ure level . 

LI N E -O F -SI G H T: Refers t o t he direct pat h fr o m t he s o urce t o recei ver wit h o ut a n y i nter ve ni n g o bj ects, 

t o p o gra p h y. 

LI N E H A U L: T he m o ve me nt o ver t he railr oa d trac ks of a carrier fr o m o ne cit y t o a n ot her, n ot i ncl u di n g s witc hi n g. 

LI N E S O U R C E: M ulti ple p oi nt s o urces m o vi n g i n o ne directi o n; e. g., a c o nsist of rail cars. N ote: As a r ule of 

t h u m b, s o u n d press ure le vels meas ure d fr o m a li ne s o urce d ecrease at a rate of 3 d B per d o u bli n g of dista nce. 

L O A D C E L L: A de vice e xter nal t o t he l oc o m oti ve, of hi g h electrical resista nce, use d i n l oc o m oti ve testi n g t o 

si m ulate e n gi ne l oa di n g w hile t he l oc o m oti ve is stati o nar y. ( Electrical e ner g y pr o d uce d b y t he diesel ge nerat or is 

dissi pate d i n t he l oa d cell resist ors i nstea d of t he tracti o n m ot ors). See als o l oc o m otive l o a d cell test st a n d. 

L O C O M O TI V E: F or t he p ur p ose of t his Ha n d b o o k, a self -pr o pelle d ve hicle desi g ne d f or a n d use d o n railr oa d 

trac ks i n t he tra ns p ort of rail cars, i ncl u di n g self-pr o pelle d rail passe n ger ve hicles. 

L O C O M O TI V E L O A D C E L L T E S T S T A N D: T he l oa d cell a n d ass ociate d str uct ure, e q ui p me nt, trac k a n d 

l oc o m oti ve bei n g teste d. 

M A XI M U M S O U N D L E V E L, L A F m x or L A S m x : T he ma xi m u m, A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel ass ociate d wit h 

a gi ve n ti me i nter val. Ma xi m u m s o u n d le vels are c haracteri ze d as ha vi n g eit her a fast or sl o w res p o nse. Fast 

res p o nse ( LA F m x ) a n d sl o w res p o nse ( LA S m x ) c haracteristics effecti vel y da m p a si g nal as if it were t o pass t hr o u g h a 

l o w-pass filter wit h a ti me c o nsta nt of 1 2 5 a n d 1 0 0 0 millisec o n ds, res pecti vel y. Sl o w res p o nse is t y picall y utilize d 

f or m ore c o nti n u o us s o u n ds, w hereas fast res p o nse better c haracterizes brief s o u n ds t hat c ha n ge n oticea bl y o ver t he 

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meas ure me nt i nter val. W he n c o m pare d directl y, L A F m x ma y be sli g htl y hi g her t ha n L A S m x f or t he sa me s o u n d o ver 

t he sa me ti me i nter val, beca us e t he s maller a vera gi n g i nter val use d b y fast res p o nse mi g ht better c haracterize a s h ort 

pea k i n s o u n d pr ess ure le vels. 

M E A S U R E M E N T P E RI O D: A c o nti n u o us peri o d of ti me d uri n g w hic h n oise of railr oa d yar d o perati o ns is 

assesse d, t he be gi n ni n g a n d e n di n g ti mes of w hic h ma y be selecte d after c o m pleti o n of t he meas ure me nts. 

MI C R O P H O N E : Electr o ac o ustic tra ns d ucer desi g ne d t o o ut p ut electrical si g nals i n res p o nse t o a n ac o ustic or 

press ure i n p ut.

M O TI V E P O W E R: T he p o wer use d t o dri ve self -pr o pelle d railr oa d e q ui p me nt, li ke l oc o m oti ve s. 

N OI S E: Br oa dl y descri be d as a n y u n wa nte d s o u n d. “ N ois e” a n d “s o u n d” are ofte n use d i nterc ha n gea bl y. I n t he 

case of t he railr oa d i n d ustr y, r ailr oa d n oise ma y be c o nsi dere d t o be a n y s o u n d ge nerate d b y railr oa d e q ui p me nt or 

o perati o ns. 

N 

N OI S E B A R RI E R: T he str uct ure, or str uct ure t o get her wit h ot her material, t hat p ote ntiall y alters t he n oise at a 

site. 

N OI S E C O N T A MI N A TI O N: A n y n oise e ve nt, ot her t ha n t hat w hic h is i nte n de d f or meas ure me nt. C o nta mi nati o n 

t y picall y occ urs w he n t he bac k gr o u n d n oise is wit hi n 1 0 d B of t he n oise pr o d uce d b y t he s o urce i nte n de d f or 

meas ure me nt. 

N OI S E D E F E C TI V E: T he c o n diti o n i n w hic h railr oa d e q ui p me nt is f o u n d t o e xcee d t he Railr oa d N oise E missi o n 

Sta n dar ds, 4 0 C F R part 2 0 1. 

N OI S E D O S E: See perce nt a ge n oise d ose . 

N OI S E D O SI M E T E R: See d osi meter. 

N OI S E E X P O S U R E: T he i nte gral o ver a gi ve n ti me i nter val of t he i nsta nta ne o us, fre q ue nc y wei g hte d s o u n d 

press ure. T his is ofte n tra nslat e d as t he a m o u nt of n oise a pers o n is e x p ose d t o o ver a s pecific peri o d of ti me. 

N O R M A L I N CI D E N T ( S O U N D): S o u n d wa ves t hat stri ke a recei ver at a n a n gle per pe n dic ular, or n or mal, t o t he 

a n gle of i nci de nce. Als o referre d t o as 0 -de gree i nci de nce . 

O C T A V E: Fre q ue nc y i nter val bet wee n t w o fre q ue ncies wit h a base of t w o. 

O 

O M NI DI R E C TI O N A L MI C R O P H O N E : Micr o p h o ne wit h a res p o nse t hat is esse nti all y i n de pe n de nt of t he 

directi o n of a n i nci de nt s o u n d.

O N E -T HI R D O C T A V E: Fre q ue nc y i nter val bet wee n t w o fre q ue ncies wit h a base of t w o t o t he o ne -t hir d.
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P E A K S O U N D P R E S S U R E L E V E L: Le vel of t he pea k s o u n d press ure wit h state d fre q ue nc y wei g hti n g, wit hi n a 

state d ti me i nter val. 

P 

P E R C E N T A G E N OI S E D O S E, D: T he rati o of (a) t he ti me i nte gral of t he s q uare d, A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure 

o ver a gi ve n ti me, a n d ( b) t he pr o d uct of t he criteri o n d urati o n a n d t he s o u n d press ure c or res p o n di n g t o t he criteri o n 

s o u n d le vel, as a perce nta ge. It is a meas ure of a n i n di vi d ual’s t otal per missi ble n oise e x p os ure as a perce nta ge. 

P E R S O N A L N OI S E M O NI T O RI N G: T he act of m o nit ori n g t he n oise e x p os ure f or a s pecific pers o n ( or pers o ns) 

o ver a s pecifie d peri o d of ti me ( us uall y a n ei g ht h o ur w or k d a y/s hift). 

PI N K N OI S E: A ra n d o m si g nal f or w hic h t he s pectr u m de nsit y, i.e., narr o w -ba n d si g nal, varies as t he i n ver se of 

fre q ue nc y. I n ot her w or ds, o ne-t hir d octa ve-ba n d s pectral a nal ysis of pi n k n oise yiel ds a fl at res p o nse acr oss all 

fre q ue nc y ba n ds. 

P OI N T S O U R C E: S o urce t hat ra diates s o u n d s p hericall y. N ote: As a r ule of t h u m b, s o u n d press ure le vels 

meas ure d fr o m a p oi nt s o urce decrease at a rate of 6 d B per d o u bli n g of dista nce. 

R AI L C A R: A n o n -self-pr o pelle d ve hicle desi g ne d f or a n d use d o n railr oa d trac ks. 

R 

R AI L R O A D: All t he r oa ds i n use b y a n y carrier o perati n g a railr oa d, w het her o w ne d or o perate d u n der a c o ntract, 

a gree me nt, or lease. 

R AI L R O A D E Q UI P M E N T: Rail cars, l oc o m oti ves, acti ve retar ders, a n d l oa d cell test sta n ds. 

R A N D O M I N CI D E N T ( S O U N D): S o u n d wa ves t hat stri ke a recei ver ra n d o ml y fr o m all a n gles of i nci de nce. 

S uc h wa ves are c o m m o n i n a diff use s o u n d fiel d. 

R E C EI VI N G P R O P E R T Y: A n y resi de ntial or c o m mercial pr o pert y t hat recei ves t he s o u n d fr o m railr oa d facilit y 

o perati o ns, b ut t hat is n ot o w ne d or o perate d b y a railr oa d; e xce pt t hat occ u pie d resi de nces l ocate d o n pr o pert y 

o w ne d or c o ntr olle d b y t he railr oa d are i ncl u de d i n t he defi niti o n of “recei vi n g pr o pert y.” F or p ur p oses of t his 

defi niti o n railr oa d cre w slee pi n g q uarters l ocate d o n pr o pert y o w ne d or c o ntr olle d b y t he r ailr oa d are n ot c o nsi dere d 

as resi de nces. 

R E C EI VI N G P R O P E R T Y M E A S U R E M E N T L O C A TI O N: A l ocati o n o n recei vi n g pr o pert y t hat is o n or 

be y o n d t he railr oa d facilit y b o u n dar y a n d t hat meets t he recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nt l ocati o n criteria. 

R E V E R B E R A TI O N: S o u n d t hat persists i n a n e ncl ose d s pace, as a res ult of re peate d refl ecti o n or scatteri n g, after 

t he s o urce has st o p pe d. 

R E T A R D E R: A de vice or s yste m f or decelerati n g r olli n g r ail. 

R E T A R D E R S O U N D: A s o u n d w hic h is hear d a n d i de ntifie d b y t he o bser ver as t hat of a retar der, a n d t hat ca uses 

a s o u n d le vel meter i n dicat or at fast meter res p o nse t o re gist er a n i ncrease of at least te n d eci bels a b o ve t he le vel 

o bser ve d i m me diatel y bef ore heari n g t he s o u n d. 
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S E L F -L O A DI N G: T he ca pa bilit y f or s o me l oc o m oti ves t o si m ulate e n gi ne l oa di n g w hile re mai ni n g stati o nar y, 

wit h o ut t he ai d of a n e xter nal de vice. 

S 

S L O W M E T E R R E S P O N S E: Mea ns t hat t he “sl o w” res p o nse of t he s o u n d le vel meter s hall be use d. Sl o w 

res p o nse c haracteristics effecti vel y da m p a si g nal as if it wer e t o pass t hr o u g h a l o w-pass filter wit h a ti me c o nsta nt 

of 1 0 0 0 millisec o n ds. Sl o w res p o nse is t y picall y use d t o c haracterize relati vel y c o nti n u o us s o u n ds. T he sl o w 

d y na mic res p o nse s hall c o m pl y wit h t he meter d y na mic c har acteristics i n t he A N SI S pecifi cati o n f or S o u n d Le vel 

Meters, A N SI S 1. 4 -1 9 8 3 (r 2 0 0 1) 1 3 . 

S O U N D E N E R G Y: See ac o ustic e ner gy . 

S O U N D E X P O S U R E : See n oise ex p os ure . 

S O U N D L E V E L M E T E R ( S L M): A de vice use d t o meas ure s o u n d press ure le vels, t hat c o nf or ms w it h A N SI 

S 1. 4 -1 9 8 3 (r 2 0 0 1) 1 3 . 

S O U N D P R E S S U R E: T he r o ot -mea n -s q uare of t he i nsta nt a ne o us s o u n d press ures d uri n g a s pecifie d ti me i nter val 

i n a state d fre q ue nc y ba n d. 

S O U N D P R E S S U R E L E V E L, L ( S P L): T e n ti mes t he base -1 0 l o garit h m of t he s q uare of t he rati o of t he mea ns q uare s o u n d press ure, i n a state d fre q ue nc y ba n d ( ofte n wei g hte d), a n d t he refere nce mea n -s q uare s o u n d press ure of 

2 0 μ P a, w hic h is a p pr o xi matel y e q ual t o t he t hres h ol d of h u ma n heari n g at 1 k Hz. S o u n d pr ess ure le vel is 

e x presse d i n deci bels. 

S O U N D P R E S S U R E L E V E L ( A -W EI G H T E D), L : T he A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure l e vel is t he differe nce 

bet wee n i nsta nta ne o us press ur e of a s o u n d wa ve a n d t he a m bie nt press ure at a m o me nt i n ti me i n deci bels, a dj uste d 

f or A-we i g hti n g, a n d meas ure d b y i nstr u me ntati o n w hic h satisfies t he re q uire me nts of t he A N SI Sta n dar d f or S o u n d 

Le vel Meters S 1. 4 -1 9 8 3 (r 2 0 0 1) 1 3 . F or t he p ur p ose of t hese pr oce d ures t he s o u n d le vel is t o be meas ure d wit h A -

wei g hti n g a n d eit her t he “fast” or “sl o w” d y na mic a vera gi n g c haracteristics, as desi g nate d b y t he F R A re g ulati o ns. 

S P E CI A L T R A C K W O R K: Trac k ot her t ha n t he n or mal tie a n d ballast b olte d or wel de d rail or c o ntai ni n g 

de vices s uc h as retar ders or s witc hi n g mec ha nis ms. 

S P E C T R U M: A si g nal's res ol uti o n e x presse d i n c o m p o ne nt fre q ue ncies, octa ve or fracti o nal octa ve -ba n ds. 

S P E C T R U M A N A L Y Z E R: A de vice use d t o meas ure fre q ue nc y s pectra, as wel l as s o u n d press ure le vels. 

S P E E D O F S O U N D: T he s pee d at w hic h s o u n d tra vels t hr o u g h a me di u m. T he s pee d of s o u n d is de pe n de nt o n 

t he me di u m, a m bie nt press ure a n d te m perat ure, b ut a sta n dar d, acce pte d val ue f or s pee d of s o u n d i n air at 2 0 

de grees Celsi us at sea le vel is 3 4 3 m/s ( 1 1 2 5 ft/s) 1 6 . 

S T A N D A R D D E VI A TI O N, σ: Meas ure of h o w wi del y t he val ues i n a data set var y fr o m t he a vera ge val ue. 

S T A N D A R D S: T he Railr oa d N oise E missi o n Sta n dar ds. 

S T E A D Y S T A T E N OI S E: C o nti n u o us n oise. 
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S T R E S S: T he s u m of t he bi ol o gical reacti o ns t o a n y a d vers e sti m ul us, p h ysical, me ntal, or e m oti o nal, i nter nal or 

e xter nal, t hat te n ds t o dist ur b t he or ga nis m’s state of sta bilit y. 

S WI T C H E R L O C O M O TI V E: A n y l oc o m oti ve desi g nate d as a s witc her b y t he b uil der or re p orte d t o t he 

I nterstate C o m merce C o m missi o n as a s witc her b y t he o perat or-o w ni n g -railr oa d a n d i ncl u di n g. 

T H R E S H O L D L E V E L: T he s o u n d le vel bel o w w hic h t he d osi meter disre gar ds w he n calc ulati n g perce nta ge n oise 

d ose. 

T 

T H R E S H O L D O F H E A RI N G: S ee He ari n g T hres h ol d 

T R A N S MI S SI O N L O S S ( T L): T he l oss i n s o u n d e ner g y, e x presse d i n deci bels, as s o u n d passes t hr o u g h a barrier 

or a wall. 

U P P E R 9 9 % C O N FI D E N C E I N T E R V A L: A meas ure of data re peata bilit y, w hic h i n di cates t hat t here is a 9 9 % 

pr o ba bilit y t hat t he a vera ge of a n ot her data set c ollecte d fr o m t he sa me or si milar s o urce u n der si milar 

circ u msta nces as t he first data set will fall wit hi n t his i nter val. 

U 

U P P E R 9 9 % C O N FI D E N C E LI MI T: A meas ure of data re peata bilit y base d o n t he u p p er 9 9 % c o nfi de nce 

i nter val, w hic h in dicates t hat t here is a 9 9 % pr o ba bilit y t hat t he a vera ge of a n ot her data set c ollecte d fr o m t he sa me 

or si milar s o urce u n der si milar circ u msta nces as t he first data set will fall bel o w t his u p per li mit. 

“ V A LI D A T E D ” L 9 0 : A statistical descri pt or descr i bi n g t he s o u n d le vel e xcee de d 9 0 perce nt of a meas ure me nt 

peri o d f or a stea d y state s o u n d, w hic h is s pecific t o t he e val uati o n of railr oa d n oise at recei vi n g pr o pert y l ocati o ns, 

as defi ne d i n t he s witc her l oc o m oti ve a n d l oa d cell test sta n d n oise re g ulati o ns . See als o excee d a nce perce ntile 

s o u n d press ure level a n d L9 0 . 

V 

W A R NI N G D E VI C E: A s o u n d e mitti n g de vice use d t o alert a n d war n pe o ple of t he prese nce of railr oa d 

e q ui p me nt. 

W 

W A V E L E N G T H: T he p h ysi cal dista nce bet wee n t w o press ure wa ve fr o nts ma ki n g u p o ne peri o d of t he si ne wa ve. 

Z- W EI G H TI N G: T he a bse nce of fre q ue nc y wei g hti n g. Als o k n o w n as a “flat” fre q ue nc y res p o nse or wei g hti n g. 

See als o fre q ue nc y wei g hti n g.

Z 
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A p p e n di x B: Bl a n k L o g S heets a n d C hec klists 

T his A p pe n di x prese nts c o pies of t he ge neral l o g s heets first prese nte d i n C ha pter 2, al o n g wit h a series of c hec klists 

t hat s u m marize eac h of t he ge neral a n d re g ulati o n s pecific r ailr oa d n oise meas ure me nt a n d n oise e x p os ure 

m o nit ori n g pr oce d ures prese nt e d i n C ha pters 2 – 6 , al o n g wit h t he c orres p o n di n g data pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis 

pr oce d ures. 
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N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o.: T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. L e v el

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e C o m m e nt s

Fr e q u e n c y: H z

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e:

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt:

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ _

Ge ner al N oise M e as ure me nt D at a L o g S heet 
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N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e:

J o b Titl e:

W or k s hift D ur ati o n:

H e ari n g Pr ot e cti o n/ T y p e:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

C ali br at or:

S eri al N o.: T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: d B

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt N o. T a s k/ E v e nt

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

N oi s e E x p o s ur e M o nit ori n g D at a L o g S h e et _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ _

T y p e of M o nit ori n g:

M o nit or e d R ailr o a d E m pl o y e e I nf or m ati o n

R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

M o nit ori n g I n str u m e nt I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e:

Fr e q u e n c y: H z

Mi c. L o c ati o n:

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

St art Ti m e St o p Ti m e E v e nt D e s cri pti o n a n d C o m m e nt s

Ge ner al N oise E x p os ure M o nit ori n g D at a L o g S heet 
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N a m e( s): D at e:

St art Ti m e:

N a m e s:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

R el ati v e 

S p e e d Dir e cti o n H u mi dit y

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e G e o m etr y a n d M et e or ol o gi c al C o n diti o n s L o g S h e et _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ _

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt:

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

T e m p er at ur e

M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e G e o m etr y ( Pl a n Vi e w)

M et e or ol o gi c al C o n diti o n s

E v e nt N o. Ti m e Wi n d C o m m e nt s

Ge ner al M e as ure me nt Site Ge o metr y a n d M ete or ol o gic al C o n diti o ns L o g S heet 
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N a m e( s): D at e:

T y p e of M e a s ur e m e nt: St art Ti m e:

R ailr o a d P er s o n n el a n d M e a s ur e m e nt Sit e I nf or m ati o n

N a m e s: R ailr o a d E q ui p m e nt:

L o c ati o n: C o m m e nt s:

M e a s ur e m e nt I n str u m e nt I nf or m ati o n

M e a s. D e vi c e: C ali br at or:

S eri al N o.: T y p e: S eri al N o.:

S etti n g s: L e v el: Fr e q u e n c y:

C o m m e nt s:

E v e nt s a n d I n ci d e nt s L o g

1 0 1 5 2 0 2 5 3 0

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi ni str ati o n P a g e

R e c ei vi n g Pr o p ert y N oi s e M e a s ur e m e nt D at a L o g S h e et _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ _

d B H z

N u m b er of O c c ur a n c e s

Ge ner al Recei vi n g Pr o pert y N oise M e as ure me nt L o g S he et 
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Recei vi n g Pr o pert y M e as ure me nt Site Criteri a - Y ar d O per ati o ns 

 

T he micr o p h o ne m ust be set u p i n a flat, o pe n 

area, free of vertical s urfaces l ar ger t ha n 1. 2 

m ( 4 ft) i n hei g ht wit hi n 1 0 m ( 3 3. 3 ft) of t he 

micr o p h o ne, as ill ustrate d, E X C E P T 

• Resi de ntial or c o m mercial u nit walls 

or facilit y n oise barriers ma y be i n 

cl oser pr o xi mit y t o t he micr o p h o ne, 

b ut still m ust be at least 2. 0 m ( 6. 6 

ft) a wa y fr o m t he micr o p h o ne 

p ositi o n. 

• If t he recei vi n g pr o pert y 

meas ure me nts are bei n g ma de near a 

far m ho me, t he n o ne of t he o uter 

walls of t he far m h o use m ust be 

wit hi n a 2. 0 m t o 1 0. 0 m ( 6. 6 ft t o 

3 3. 3 ft) ra n ge of t he micr o p h o ne. 

 T he micr o p h o ne m ust be bet wee n 1. 2 a n d 1. 5 

m ( 4 ft a n d 5 ft ) a b o ve t he gr o u n d. 

F or car -c o u pli n g i m pact meas ure me nts o nl y , 

t he micr o p h o ne m ust be at le ast 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) 

fr o m t he nearest trac k w here car-c o u pli n g 

occ urs.
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Si deli ne M e as ure me nt Site Criteri a - Li ne H a ul P ass -B y ( L oc o m oti ves a n d R ail C ars), Y ar d O per ati o ns a n d L oc o m oti ve 

H or ns 

Micr o p h o ne Ele v ati o n at M e as ure me nt Site f or R ailr o a d Si deli ne 

M e as ure me nts 

T he gr o u n d m ust be relati vel y flat. T hat is, wit hi n + 5 a n d -1 0 ft of t he 

t o p of t he test rail at t he micr o p h o ne. 

W here p ossi ble, a v oi d : 

• Meas ure me nts o ver water, wet 

gr o u n d, s n o w c o vere d gr o u n d or hi g h 

grass. Meas ure me nts o ver water will 

be hi g her t ha n meas ure me nts o ver 

la n d d ue t o reflecti o n. 

• T est site s less t ha n 1⁄4 mile fr o m a 

gra de cr ossi n gs , to a v oi d n ois e 

c o nta mi nati o n fr o m t he h or n an d 

cr ossi n g bells. 

• T est sites cl ose t o a nte n nas, p o wer 

li nes, ge nerat ors a n d ot her s o urces of 

electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce. 

D oc u me nt t he l ocati o n of t hes e 

s o urces if a v oi da nce is n ot p ossi ble. 

Electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce is 

disc usse d i n m ore de pt h i n C ha pter 8 

of t his Ha n d b o o k. 

M e as ure me nt Site – Tr ac k visi bilit y – all sites 

F or pass -b y meas ure me nts, at least 8 0 % of o ne rail al o n g t he test trac k m ust be visi ble fr o m t he micr o p h o ne 

l ocati o n, a n d n o si n gle o bstr ucti o n s h o ul d o bsc ure m ore t ha n 5 % of t he test trac k. 

M e as ure me nt Site - Cle ar z o ne re q uire me nts – all sites 

T he meas ure me nt site m ust be free of lar ge, reflecti n g o bj ects s uc h as b uil di n gs, hills, si g n p osts, bri d ges, par ke d 

ve hicles, railr oa d cars a n d l oc o m oti ves ( ot her t ha n t he o ne bei n g teste d). Reflecti o ns off of t hese o bj ects ma y 

i ncrease t he meas ure d s o u n d l e vel.

M e as ure me nt Site B o u n d ari es f or 

R ailr o a d H or n M e as ure me nts 

M e as ure me nt Site B o u n d ari es f or 

R ailr o a d Si deli ne M e as ure me nts 

- 1 0ft 

+ 5ft 

R ailr o a d Tr a ck Elev ati o n 

All o we d 

Micr o p h o n e 

Elev ati o n 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix B – Bl a nk L o g S h eets a n d C h ecklists

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C hec klist B - 1. Me as ure me nt E q ui p me nt

B asic N oise Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nts 

 S o u n d Le v el Meter ( S L M), i ncl u di n g: 

 Wi n ds cree n 

 Micr o p h o ne 

 Prea m plifier 

 Meas ure me nt De vice ( S o u n d Le v el Meter or D osi meter) 

 Cali brat or ( 9 4 d B, A- wei g hte d s o u n d pr ess ure le vel at 1 k Hz) 

 Batteries (lit hi u m, nic kel -ca d mi u m gel cell, et c) 

 Ha n d hel d a ne m o met er t o meas ur e wi n d data 

A d diti o n al E q ui p me nt 

 Ta pe meas ure 

 Ca mera 

 St o p watc h or s pee d detecti o n e q ui p me nt 

 C o m m u nicati o n e q ui p me nt (cell p h o ne, wal ki e -tal kie, etc.) 

 Tri p o ds 

 L o g s h eets 

 Bac k u p e q ui p me nt ( meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt, batteries, st ora ge me dia, pe ns, etc.) 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix B – Bl a nk L o g S h eets a n d C h ecklists

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C hec klist B - 2. N oise Me as ure me nt A d v a nce Pl a n ni n g 

 I d e ntif y t he t y pe of test. 

 I d e ntif y t he railr o a d e q ui p me nt or l ocati o ns t hat will be t he s u bject of t he test, a n d deter mi ne 

t heir a vaila bilit y. 

• L oc o m oti ve l ocati o n f or l oc o m oti ve ca b i nteri or / railr oa d h or n meas ure m e nts, 

• Cre w b oar di n g l ocati o n f or pers o nal m o nit ori n g of occ u pati o nal n oise e x p os ure, 

• Trac k w a ysi de, r ail yar d, or recei vi n g pr o pert y, or 

• Slee pi n g q uarter l ocati o n. 

 Deter mi ne t he ge ner al l ocati o n, ti me, a n d date of t he meas ur e me nts. 

A d dress _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Cit y _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

C o u nt y _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

State _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Railr oa d/ Mile p ost _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Rail Yar d _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

 I d e ntif y a n d r e vie w a p pli ca ble sta n dar ds a n d r e g ul ati o ns. 

C F R P A R T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

 Re vie w railr oa d s afet y r ules a n d site-s pecifi c saf et y c o nsi derati o ns. 

 I d e ntif y a n d c o nt act ot her partici pa nts w h o will assist. 

 Select a n d pr e p ar e a p pr o priate n oise meas ure me nt a n d ot her i nstr u me nts . 

• C hec k batteries 

• Reset / C o nfir m pr o per c o nfi g ur ati o n of i nstr u me nts. ( Wei g hti n g, r es p o nse rate, etc.). 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix B – Bl a nk L o g S h eets a n d C h ecklists

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C hec klist B - 3. B asic Pr oce d ure f or N oise Me as ure me nts 

Set u p t he N oise Me as u re me nt I nst r u me nt(s). 

 M o u nt t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt o n a tri p o d ( or h ol d at ar m's le n gt h) at t he 

hei g ht s pecifie d i n t he r e g ulati o ns. 

 Orie nt t he micr o p h o ne acc or di n g t o t he s o u n d s o ur ce: 

• N or mal i nci de nc e f or stati o nar y s o urces , or 

• Grazi n g i nci de n ce f or m o vi n g s o urces. 

 Verif y t he i n str u me nt c o n diti o n a n d setti n gs. 

• Cali brati o n setti n g ( Meas ure a n d d oc u m e nt 1 0 sec o n ds of t he ac o ustic cali brati o n 

si g nal. A dj ust as necessar y) 

• F ull batter y p o wer 

• Fre q u e nc y w ei g hti n g filt er ( A or C) 

• D y n a mic res p o ns e (f ast, sl o w) 

• Meas ure me nt metric ( L A F m x , LA S m x , LA e q T ) 

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or offset . 

• I nstr u me nt ( S L M or D osi meter) 

• Wrist watc h ( or cell p h o n e) 

• La pt o p 

 Place a wi n dscree n o v er t he micr o p h o ne. 

 C o nfir m cle a r n oise me as ure me nt p at h w a ys. 

P ositi o n o bser vers, o perat ors a n d e m pl o yees a wa y fr o m t he micr o p h o ne, rail e q ui p me nt a n d 

o ut of t he direct pat h of t he n oise s o urce. 

 Me as ure a n d c o nfir m t h at t he e n vir o n me nt al c o n diti o ns are wit hi n t he s pecifie d 

li mits. 

• Wi n d s pee d: S ustai ne d < 1 2 m p h, G usts < 2 0 m p h 

• N o Preci pitati o n 

• Te m perat ur e: 1 4° F t o 1 2 2° F ( 3 6° F t o 9 5° F pr ef erre d) 

• Relati ve h u mi dit y: F oll o w ma n ufact urers' i nstr ucti o ns ( ge n erall y 5 % t o 8 0 %) 

 Me as ure a n d d oc u me nt t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le vel. T he s pe cific pr oce d ur e a n d m etri c is 

re g ulati o n-de p e n da nt. 

 Perf or m s o u rce n oise me as ure me nt s. 

• D oc u me nt a n y n oticea ble e n vir o n me ntal c ha n ges, i ncl u di n g s u bsta ntial c ha n ges i n 

weat her, b ac k gr o u n d n oise or c o nta mi nati o n fr o m ot her n oise s o urces. 

• Fiel d cali brate t he i nstr u me nt at i nter vals n ot e x cee di n g o ne h o ur f or l o n ger d urati o n 

meas ure me nts. ( N ot re q uire d f or all meas ure me nts) 

 Perf or m p ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks . 

• Meas ure a n d rec or d t he b ac k gr o u n d n oise le v el. 

• Meas ure a n d rec or d a cali brati o n t o ne. 

• D oc u me nt t he e n vir o n me ntal c o n diti o ns. 

 B ac k u p d at a . 

• Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t h e data t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge d e vice. 

• Ma ke bac k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t h e c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n v e nie nt 

ti me. 

N ot r e q uir e d f or i n d o or m e a s ur e m e nt 

 ( c a b i nt eri or sl e e pi n g q u art er s) 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

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C hec klist B - 4 a. Pr oce d ure f or Li ne -H a ul Me as ure me nt s ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 2. a n d 2 0 1. 1 3) 

I ns pect t he test site f or re g ul at or y c o m pli a nce. D oc u me nt s pecific n o n -c o m pli a nt 

c o n diti o ns. 

 Gr o u n d at t he micr o p h o ne site is wit hi n + 5 t o - 1 0 ft of trac k hei g ht.

 Free of lar ge, reflecti n g o bjects.

 At least 8 0 % of o ne rail is visi ble fr o m t he micr o p h o ne; n o si n gle 

o bstr ucti o n o bsc ures m ore t ha n 5 % of t he trac k.

 T he trac k m ust ha ve less t ha n a 2 de gree c ur ve, free of rail 

c orr u gati o ns a n d wit h o ut rail j oi nts. 

 W here p ossi ble , a v oi d:

• Meas ure me nt o ver water, s n o w c o vere d gr o u n d, or hi g h 

grass;

• Sites less t ha n 1⁄4 mile fr o m a gra de cr ossi n g; a n d

• Areas cl ose t o s o urces of electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce.

Set u p t he I nstr u me nts.

 M o u nt t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt o n a tri p o d ( or h ol d at 

ar m's le n gt h). 

 3 0 m fr o m t he ce nterli ne of t he trac k  1. 2 m 

a b o ve gr o u n d 

• Orie nt t he micr o p h o ne pr o perl y t o war ds t he pass- b y l ocati o n; us uall y grazi n g i nci de nce.

 Verif y t he i nstr u me nt setti n gs.

• A- wei g hti n g  Fast -res p o nse  Ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel, LA F m x, metric

 Cali brate t he i nstr u me nt ( or verif y c ali brati o n).

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or d oc u me nt offset.

• I nstr u me nt  Watc h ( or cell p h o ne)  La pt o p

 Place a wi n dscree n o ver t he micr o p h o ne.

 F or r ail c ar me as ure me nts o nly , set- u p a met h o d of s pee d detecti o n (l oc o m oti ve s pee d o meter, 

st o p watc h, or ra dar g u n).

 C o nfir m cle ar n oise me as ure me nt p at h w a ys.

 C o nfir m t h at t he e n vir o n me nt al c o n diti o ns are wit hi n s pecifie d li mits.

• Wi n d s pee d: S ustai ne d < 1 2 m p h, G usts < 2 0 m p h  N o Preci pitati o n

• T e m perat ure: 1 4° F t o 1 2 2° F ( 3 6° F t o 9 5° F preferre d)

• Relati ve h u mi dit y: F oll o w ma n ufact urers' i nstr ucti o ns ( ge nerall y 5 % t o 8 0 %)

P erf or m n oise me as ure me nts. 

 Meas ure bac k gr o u n d n oise f or 3 0 sec o n ds - d oc u me nt t he ma xi m u m le vel.

 Meas ure a n d rec or d t he l oc o m oti ve/rail car s o u n d le vel, be gi n ni n g as it starts its a p pr oac h, 

c o nti n ui n g u ntil it is well past t he micr o p h o ne. 

 D oc u me nt t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel (if p ossi ble), al o n g wit h t he ti me of pass-b y. 

 Ma ke s ure t hat t he test s u bject l oc o m oti ve or rail car was se parate d fr o m ot her o perati n g 

l oc o m oti ves b y 1 0 car le n gt hs or 5 0 0 ft. 

 F or r ail c ars, d oc u me nt t he s pee d a n d n u m ber of cars se parati n g t he test car fr o m t he o perati n g 

l oc o m oti ve. 

P erf or m p ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d t he bac k gr o u n d n oise le vel. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d a cali brati o n t o ne. 

 D oc u me nt t he e n vir o n me ntal c o n diti o ns.
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

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C hec klist B - 4 b. Li ne -H a ul Me as ure me nt D at a Pr o cessi n g 

( m ay be d o n e o n-site, if desire d) 

B ac k u p D at a 

 Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t h e data t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge d e vice. 

 Ma ke bac k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t h e c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n v e nie nt ti me. 

C o m p ute C ali br ati o n A dj ust me nt 

 C o m p ute t he differe n ce (∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore (Cal I nitial) 

a n d after ( Cal Fi n al ) t he pass-b y e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi n al – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q u al t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he diff ere nc e 

s h o ul d be hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese 

cali brati o ns. 

 Deter mi ne t he m a xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or eac h p ass- b y e ve nt a n d eac h bac k gr o u n d n oise 

meas ure me nt. 

• Fr o m l o g s heet, or 

• I d e ntif y t he ti mefr a me of t he pass-b y e v e nt i n t he meas ure d n oise d ata a n d t he 

ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel wit hi n t hat meas ure me nt i nter val.

 Verif y t h at b ac k gr o u n d n oise di d n ot c o nt a mi n ate t he me as ure me nts. 

 T he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he e v e nt m ust be 1 0 d B( A ) a b o ve t h e bac k gr o u n d 

le vels b ot h bef ore a n d after t he e v e nt. 

 C o m p are t he m a xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he e ve nt t o t he a p pr o p ri ate r ailr o a d n oise le vel 

criteri a. 

9 0 d B( A) L oc o m oti ves 

9 6 d B( A) L oc o m oti ves ma n ufact ur e d bef ore 1 2/ 3 1/ 1 9 7 9 

8 8 d B( A) R ail cars at s pee ds ≤ 7 5 k m/ h 

9 3 d B( A) R ail cars at s pee ds > 7 5 k m/ h 

T o acc o u nt f or t he effects of variati o ns i n i nstr u me nt t olera nces, site t o p o gra p h y, at m os p heric 

c o n diti o ns, reflecte d s o u n d fr o m s mall o bjects, a n d t he c o m m o n practice of re p orti n g s o u n d 

le vels t o t he near est deci bel, 2 d B( A) ma y be a d d e d t o t he c o m plia nce le v el. 

 E v al u ate C o m pli a nce. 

T he re g ulati o ns state t hat a n o n- c o m plia nt l oc o m oti ve or rail car s hall be s u bjecte d t o a n ot her 

pass b y test pri or t o re t ur n t o ser vice. H o w e ver, n o retest is re q uire d if t he ca use of t h e n oise 

defect is r ea dil y a p pare nt a n d is c orrecte d. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

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C hec klist B - 5 a. Pr oce d ure f or Fi xe d -Site Si deli ne Me as ure me nts: 

St ati o n ar y L oc o m oti ves a n d L o a d Cell Test St a n ds ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 1 a n d 2 0 1. 1 6) 

I ns pect t he test site f or re g ul at or y c o m pli a nce. D oc u me nt s pe cific 

n o n- c o m pli a nt c o n diti o ns. 

 Gr o u n d at t he micr o p h o ne site wit hi n + 5 t o - 1 0 ft of trac k 

hei g ht.

 Free of lar ge, reflecti n g o bjects.

 At least 8 0 % of o ne rail is visi ble fr o m t he micr o p h o ne; n o 

si n gle o bstr ucti o n o bsc ures m ore t ha n 5 % of t he trac k.

 W here p ossi ble , a v oi d:

• Meas ure me nt o ver water, s n o w c o vere d gr o u n d, or hi g h 

grass.

• Sites less t ha n 1⁄4 mile fr o m a g ra de cr ossi n g.

• Areas cl ose t o s o urces of electr o ma g netic i nterfere nce.

Set u p t he N oise Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nt(s).

 M o u nt t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt o n a tri p o d ( or h ol d 

at ar m's le n gt h): 

 3 0 m fr o m t he ce nterli ne of t he trac k, at t he ge o metric 

ce nter of t he l oc o m oti ve, 

 1. 2 m a b o ve gr o u n d, 

• Orie nt t he micr o p h o ne pr o perl y t o war ds t he pass- b y l ocati o n; us uall y grazi n g i nci de nce.

 Verif y t he i nstr u me nt setti n gs:

• A- wei g hti n g  Sl o w -res p o nse  Ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel, LA S m x, metric

 Cali brate t he i nstr u me nt ( or verif y c ali brati o n).

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or d oc u me nt offset.

• I nstr u me nt  Watc h ( or cell p h o ne)  La pt o p

 Place a wi n dscree n o ver t he micr o p h o ne.

 C o nfir m cle ar n oise me as ure me nt p at h w a ys.

 C o nfir m t h at t he e n vir o n me nt al c o n diti o ns are wit hi n s pecifie d li mits.

• Wi n d s pee d: S ustai ne d < 1 2 m p h, G usts < 2 0 m p h  N o Preci pitati o n

• T e m perat ure: 1 4° F t o 1 2 2° F ( 3 6° F t o 9 5° F preferre d)

• Relati ve h u mi dit y: F oll o w ma n ufact urers' i nstr ucti o ns ( ge nerall y 5 % t o 8 0 %)

P erf or m N oise Me as ure me nts 

 Meas ure bac k gr o u n d n oise f or 3 0 sec o n ds - d oc u me nt t he ma xi m u m le vel.

 War m - u p t he l oc o m oti ve. T he e n gi ne m ust reac h t he n or mal c o oli n g water o perati n g 

te m perat ure.

 Set l oc o m oti ve t o desire d t hr ottle setti n g. Sta bilize f or 4 0 sec o n ds.

 Meas ure a n d rec or d t he l oc o m oti ve s o u n d le vel f or 3 0 sec o n ds – d oc u me nt t he ma xi m u m le vel.

P erf or m P ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks 

 Meas ure t he ba c k gr o u n d n oise f or 3 0 s ec o n ds – d oc u me nt t he ma xi m u m le vel. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d a cali brati o n t o ne.

 D oc u me nt t he e n vir o n me ntal c o n diti o ns. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

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C hec klist B - 5 b. D at a Pr ocessi n g f or Fi xe d-Site Si deli ne Me as ure me nts: 

St ati o n ar y L oc o m oti ves a n d L o a d Cell Test St a n ds 

 (m ay be d o n e o n-site, if desire d) 

B ac k u p D at a 

 Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t h e data t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge d e vice. 

 Ma ke bac k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t h e c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n v e nie nt ti me. 

C o m p ute C ali br ati o n A dj ust me nt 

 C o m p ute t he differe n ce (∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore (Cal I nitial) 

a n d after ( Cal Fi n al ) t he e v e nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi n al – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q u al t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he diff ere nc e 

s h o ul d be hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese 

cali brati o ns. 

 Deter mi ne t he m a xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or eac h e ve nt a n d eac h bac k gr o u n d n oise 

meas ure me nt. 

• Fr o m l o g s heet, or 

• I d e ntif y t he ti mefr a me of t he e ve nt i n t he meas ure d n oise data, a n d t he ma xi m u m 

s o u n d le vel wit hi n t hat meas ure m e nt i nter val.

 Verif y t h at b ac k gr o u n d n oise di d n ot c o nt a mi n ate t he me as ure me nts. 

 T he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he e v e nt m ust be 1 0 d B( A ) a b o ve t h e bac k gr o u n d 

le vels b ot h bef ore a n d after t he e v e nt. 

 C o m p are t he m a xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he e ve nt t o t he a p pr o p ri ate r ailr o a d n oise le vel 

criteri a. 

A S m x ≤ 7 0 d B( A) L oc o m oti ves (i n cl u di n g s witc hers), stati o nar y, i dl e 

A S m x ≤ 7 3 d B( A) L oc o m oti ves , stati o nar y, i dle, ma n ufact ur e d bef or e 1 2/ 3 1/ 1 9 7 9 

A S m x ≤ 8 7 d B( A) L oc o m oti ves (i n cl u di n g s witc hers) attac he d t o l oa d cell, a n y 

t hr ottle 

A S m x ≤ 9 3 d B( A) L oc o m oti ve attac he d t o l oa d cell, a n y t hr ottle, ma n ufact ur e d 

bef ore 1 2/ 3 1/ 1 9 7 9 

A S m x ≤ 7 8 d B( A) L oa d cell test sta n d, wit h stati o nar y l o c o m oti ve at ma xi m u m 

t hr ottle. 

T o acc o u nt f or t he effects of variati o ns i n i nstr u me nt t olera nces, site t o p o gra p h y, at m os p heric 

c o n diti o ns, reflecte d s o u n d fr o m s mall o bjects, a n d t he c o m m o n practice of re p orti n g s o u n d 

le vels t o t he near est deci bel, 2 d B( A) ma y be a d d e d t o t he c o m plia nce le v el. 

 E v al u ate C o m pli a nce. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 2 9 

C hec kli st B- 6 a : Pr oc e d ure f or Recei vi n g Pr o p ert y Me as ure me nts: 

S witc her L oc o m oti v es a n d L o a d Cell Test St a n ds ( 4 0 C F R P a rt 2 0 1. 1 1, 2 0 1. 1 2, 2 0 1. 1 6. a n d 

2 0 1. 2 7) 

I ns pect t he Test Site f or Re g ul at or y C o m pli a nce

 T he micr o p h o ne is set u p i n a flat, o pe n area, free 

of vertical s urfaces o ver 1. 2 m i n hei g ht wit hi n 1 0 

m of t he micr o p h o ne, as ill ustrate d, E X C E P T: 

• Resi de ntial or c o m mercial u nit walls, or 

facilit y n oise barriers, ma y be i n cl oser 

pr o xi mit y t o t he micr o p h o ne, b ut still m ust be 

at least 2. 0 m a wa y fr o m t he mic r o p h o ne 

p ositi o n. 

• If t he recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts are 

near a far m h o me, t he n o ne of t he o uter walls 

of t he far m h o use m ust be wit hi n 2. 0 m t o 1 0. 0 

m of t he micr o p h o ne. 

 D oc u me nt t he meas ure me nt site la y o ut (rail yar d 

a n d recei vi n g pr o pert y); la bel t he l ocati o ns of t he 

micr o p h o nes, n oise s o urces, a n d t he a p pr o xi mate 

dista nce bet wee n eac h s o urce a n d t he micr o p h o ne.

Set u p t he N oise Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nt.

 M o u nt t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt o n a tri p o d ( or h ol d at ar m's le n gt h). 

  3 0 m fr o m t he ce nterli ne of t he trac k  1. 2 - 1. 5 m a b o ve gr o u n d 

• Orie nt t he micr o p h o ne pr o perl y t o war ds t he rail yar d l ocati o n; us uall y grazi n g i nci de nce.

 Verif y t he i nstr u me nt setti n gs:

 A-wei g hti n g  Fast res p o nse  E xcee da nce Perce ntile Le vels : L 9 0, 1 0 , L9 9 . 

 Cali brate t he i nstr u me nt ( or verif y c ali brati o n).

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or d oc u me nt offset.

• I nstr u me nt  Watc h ( or cell p h o ne)  La pt o p

 Place a wi n dscree n o ver t he micr o p h o ne.

 C o nfir m t h at t he e n vir o n me nt al c o n diti o ns are wit hi n s pecifie d li mits.

• Wi n d s pee d: S ustai ne d < 1 2 m p h, G usts < 2 0 m p h  N o Preci pitati o n

• T e m perat ure: 1 4° F t o 1 2 2° F ( 3 6° F t o 9 5° F preferre d)

• Relati ve h u mi dit y: F oll o w ma n ufact urers' i nstr ucti o ns ( ge nerall y 5 % t o 8 0 %)

P erf or m N oise Me as ure me nts. 

 Meas ure t he bac k gr o u n d n oise le vel at least o nce e ver y 1 0 sec o n ds f or at least 1 5 mi n utes or u ntil 1 0 0 

meas ure me nts ha ve bee n o btai ne d. 

 War m u p a n d sta bilize t he s witc her l oc o m oti ve or l oc o m oti ve c o n necte d t o t he l oa d cell. T he 

s witc her l oc o m oti ve s h o ul d be o perati n g si n gl y at ma xi m u m t hr ottle. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d t he s o u n d le vel of t he s witc her l oc o m oti ve at a rate of at least o nce e ver y 1 0 

sec o n ds u ntil 1 0 0 meas ure me nts are o btai ne d. 

 C hec k f or pr o ble ms. 

• If t here was a c ha n ge i n l oa d cell s o u n d le vel greater t ha n 1 0 d B( A), meas ure me nts m ust be 

re peate d. 

P erf or m p ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d t he bac k gr o u n d n oise le vel.

 Meas ure a n d rec or d a cali brati o n t o ne. 

 D oc u me nt t he e n vir o n me ntal c o n diti o ns.
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 0 

C hec klist B- 6 b : D at a Pr ocessi n g f or Recei vi n g Pr o p ert y Me as ure me nts: 

S witc her L oc o m oti v es a n d L o a d Cell Test St a n ds 

B ac k u p D at a

 Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t he data t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge de vice.

 Ma ke ba c k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t he c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n ve nie nt ti me.

C o m p ute C ali br ati o n A dj ust me nt

 C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) i n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial) a n d after 

( CalFi nal ) t he e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese c ali brati o ns. 

 Deter mi ne t he e xcee d a nce perce ntile s o u n d le vels ( L 9 0 , L1 0 , L9 9 ) f or eac h e ve nt a n d eac h 

bac k gr o u n d n oise meas ure me nt. 

• Fr o m l o g s heets, i nstr u me nt, or st ore d data. 

- T he L 1 0 is t he le vel e xcee de d b y 1 0 % of t he meas ure me nts, e q ui vale nt t o t he statistical 9 0t h

perce ntile s o u n d le vel or, o ut of 1 0 0 meas ure me nts, t he 1 0 t h hi g hest s o u n d le vel. 

- Si milarl y, t he L 9 0 is t he le vel e xcee de d b y 9 0 % of t he meas ure me nts, e q ui vale nt t o t he 

statistical 1 0t h perce ntile s o u n d le vel, or, o ut of 1 0 0 meas ure me nts, t he 1 1 t h l o west s o u n d le vel. 

- T he L 9 9 is t he le vel e xcee de d b y 9 9 % of t he meas ure me nts, e q ui vale nt t o t he statistical 1st 

perce ntile s o u n d le vel, or, o ut of 1 0 0 meas ure me nts, t he 2 n d l o west s o u n d le vel. 

 V ali d ate t he n oise s o urce L 9 0 . 

 Calc ulate L 1 0 – L9 9. If t his val ue is m ore t ha n 4 d B( A), t he meas ure me nt m ust n ot be use d f or 

c o m plia nce. 

 Verif y t h at b ac k gr o u n d n oise di d n ot c o nt a mi n ate t he me as ure me nts. 

 If L9 0 of t he n oise s o urce is n ot at least 5 d B( A) m ore t ha n t he L9 0 of t he bac k gr o u n d l e vels b ot h 

bef ore a n d after t he e ve nt, t he meas ure me nt m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

 C o m p are t he m a xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or t he e ve nt t o t he r ailr o a d n oise le vel criteri a: 

9 0 ≤ 6 5 d B( A) S witc her l oc o m oti ve a n d l oa d cell test sta n d 

If t w o L9 0 meas ure me nts were c ollecte d d ue t o a c ha n ge i n l oa d cell s o u n d le vel > 1 0 d B( A), c o m pare 

t he L9 0 val ues: 

• If t he sec o n d val ue differs fr o m t he first b y 1 0 d B( A) or m ore, t he n use t he lar ger of t he t w o 

meas ure me nts. 

• If t he seco n d d oes n ot differ b y at least 1 0 d B( A), t he n use t he first. 

2 d B( A) t olera nce ma y be a d de d t o t he c o m plia nce le vel. 

 E v al u ate C o m pli a nce. 

 If t he vali date d L9 0 is greater t ha n 6 5 d B( A), t he n t he s o urces are i n vi olati o n. 

o If a vi olati o n occ urs, t he f oll o wi n g e val uati o n m ust ta ke place: 

1. Liste n t o t he s o u n d a n d atte m pt t o deter mi ne t he s pecific s o urce a n d pri nci pal directi o n. 

2. If t he s o u n d e ma nates fr o m o nl y stati o nar y l oc o m oti ves, i ncl u di n g at least o ne s witc her 

l oc o m oti ve, t he n a vi olati o n of t he 6 5 dB( A) criteria f or t hese l oc o m oti ves has occ urre d. As a 

res ult, fi xe d-site si deli ne meas ure me nts m ust be c o n d ucte d f or t hese l oc o m oti ves. 

3. If t he s o u n d e ma nates fr o m o nl y a l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n d a n d t he l oc o m oti ve bei n g 

teste d, t he n a vi olati o n of t he 6 5 d B( A) criteria has occ urre d. T he fi xe d-site si deli ne 

meas ure me nts m ust be atte m pte d f or t his l oa d cell a n d l oc o m oti ve c o m bi nati o n. 

4. If t he s o u n d i ncl u des b ot h a l oa d cell test sta n d a n d at least o ne stati o nar y s witc her l oc o m oti ve, 

t he n 3 d B( A) ma y be s u btracte d fr o m t he vali date d L9 0 bef ore deter mi ni n g c o m plia nce wit h t he 

6 5 d B( A) criteria. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 1 

C hec klist B- 7 a : Pr oc e d ure f or Recei vi n g Pr o p ert y Me as ure me nts: 

C ar C o u pli n g a n d Ret ar ders ( 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 4 a n d 2 0 1. 1 5) 

I ns pect t he Test Site f or Re g ul at or y C o m pli a nce.

 T he micr o p h o ne m ust be at least 3 0 m fr o m t he 

nearest trac k w here car -c o u pli n g occ urs. 

 T he micr o p h o ne is s et u p i n a flat, o pe n area, 

free of vertical s urfaces o ver 1. 2 m i n hei g ht 

wit hi n 1 0 m of t he micr o p h o ne, as ill ustrate d, 

E X C E P T: 

• Resi de nti al or c o m mercial u nit walls, or 

facilit y n oise barriers, ma y be i n cl oser 

pr o xi mit y t o t he micr o p h o ne, b ut still m ust 

be at least 2. 0 m a wa y fr o m t he 

micr o p h o ne p ositi o n. 

• If t he recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts are 

near a far m h o me, t he n o ne of t he o uter 

walls of t he far m h o us e m ust be wit hi n 2. 0 

m t o 1 0. 0 m of t he micr o p h o ne. 

 D oc u me nt t he meas ure me nt site la y o ut (rail 

yar d a n d recei vi n g pr o pert y); la bel t he l ocati o ns of t he micr o p h o nes, n oise s o urces, a n d t he 

a p pr o xi mate dista nce bet wee n eac h s o urce a n d t he micr o p h o ne.

Set u p t he N oise Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nt.

 M o u nt t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt o n a tri p o d ( or h ol d at ar m's le n gt h). 

  3 0 m fr o m t he ce nterli ne of t he trac k  1. 2 - 1. 5 m a b o ve gr o u n d 

• Orie nt t he micr o p h o ne pr o perl y t o war ds t he rail yar d l ocati o n; us uall y grazi n g i nci de nce.

 Verif y t he i nstr u me nt setti n gs:

 A-wei g hti n g  Fast res p o nse  Ma xi m u m s o u n d Le vel 

 Cali brate t he i nstr u me nt ( or verif y c ali brati o n).

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or d oc u me nt offset.

• I nstr u me nt  Watc h ( or cell p h o ne)  La pt o p

 Place a wi n dscree n o ver t he micr o p h o ne.

 C o nfir m t h at t he e n vir o n me nt al c o n diti o ns are wit hi n s pecifie d li mits.

• Wi n d s pee d: S ustai ne d < 1 2 m p h, G usts < 2 0 m p h  N o Preci pitati o n

• T e m perat ure: 1 4° F t o 1 2 2° F ( 3 6° F t o 9 5° F preferre d)

• Relati ve h u mi dit y: F oll o w ma n ufact urers' i nstr ucti o ns ( ge nerall y 5 % t o 8 0 %)

P erf or m N oise Me as ure me nts. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d t he ma xi m u m s o u n d le vel of at least 3 0 c o nsec uti ve car -c o u pli n g or retar der 

e ve nts o ver a peri o d of at least 6 0 b ut n ot m ore t ha n 2 4 0 mi n utes. 

• If it is n ot p ossi ble t o meas ure 3 0 e ve nts i n 2 4 0 mi n utes, re peat t he meas ure me nt w he n 

e ve nts are e x pecte d t o be m ore fre q ue nt. If t his d oes n ot ha p pe n, t he n t he rail yar d is i n 

c o m plia nce. 

P erf or m P ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d a cali brati o n t o ne. 

 D oc u me nt t he e n vir o n me ntal c o n diti o ns.
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 2 

C hec klist B- 7 b : D at a Pr ocessi n g Pr oc e d ure f or Recei vi n g Pr o p ert y M e as ure me nts: 

C ar C o u pli n g a n d Ret ar ders 

B ac k u p D at a

 Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t he data t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge de vice.

 Ma ke bac k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t he c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n ve nie nt ti me.

C o m p ute C ali br ati o n A dj ust me nt .

 C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) i n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( CalI nitial) a n d after 

( CalFi nal ) t he e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal – Cal I nitial

 If Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese c ali brati o ns. 

 Deter mi ne m a xi m u m s o u n d le vel f or eac h e ve nt. 

• Fr o m l o g s heets, i nstr u me nt, or st ore d data. 

 C alc ul ate t he L a dj a ve m a x f r o m t he i n di vi d u al n oise me as ure me nts. 

a dj a ve ma x = L a ve ma x + C 

a v e ma x is t he e ner g y a ver a ge of t he i n di vi d ual LA F m x . 

++ A F m x A F ms A F m x n

ave

1 0/ 1 0/ 1 0/

m a x 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0... l o g1 0

W here: LA F m x 1 ... L A F m x n = t he i n di vi d ual ma xi m u m s o u n d 

le vels a n d 

n = t otal n u m ber of e v e nts. 

C is t he d urati o n a dj ust me nt fact or: 

C = 1 0l o g 1 0 ( n/ T) 

T = d urati o n of t he meas ure me nts [i n mi n utes]. 

 C o m p are t he a dj a ve m a x s o u n d l e vel f or t he e ve nts t o t he a p pr o pri ate r ailr o a d n oise le vel 

criteri a. 

a dj a ve ma x ≤ 9 2 d B( A) Car C o u pli n g 

a dj a ve ma x ≤ 8 3 d B( A ) Retar ders 

T o acc o u nt f or t he effects of variati o ns i n i nstr u me nt t olera nces, site t o p o gra p h y, at m os p heric 

c o n diti o ns, reflecte d s o u n d fr o m s mall o bjects, a n d t he c o m m o n practice of re p orti n g s o u n d 

le vels t o t he near est deci bel, 2 d B( A) t olera nce ma y be a d de d t o t he c o m plia nce le vel. 

A n a d diti o na l 2 d B( A) t olera nce ma y be a d de d t o t he c o m plia nce le vel w he n usi n g T y pe 2 S o u n d 

Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nts f or car c o u pli n g e ve nts. 

A n a d diti o nal 4 d B( A) t olera nce ma y be a d de d t o t he c o m plia nce le vel w he n usi n g T y pe 2 S o u n d 

Meas ure me nt I nstr u me nts f or retar der e ve nts. 

 E v al u ate C o m pli a nce 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 3 

C hec klist B - 8 a. Pr oce d ure f or A u di ble W ar ni n g De vice Me as ure me nts: 

L oc o m oti ve H or n a n d W a ysi de H or n ( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 9 a n d P a rt 2 2 2 A p pe n di x E) 

I ns pect t he test site f or re g ul at or y c o m pli a nce. 

D oc u me nt s pecific n o n-c o m pli a nt c o n diti o ns. 

 Free of lar ge, reflecti n g o bjects i n clear z o ne.

 W here p ossi ble , a v oi d:

• meas ure me nt o ver water, s n o w c o vere d 

gr o u n d, or hi g h grass.

• areas cl ose t o s o urces of electr o ma g netic 

i nterfere nce.

Set u p t he N oise Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nt .

 M o u nt t he n oise meas ure me nt i nstr u me nt o n a 

tri p o d: 

 3 0 m fr o m t he fr o nt k n uc kle of t he 

l oc o m oti ve, at a p ositi o n n o greater t ha n ± 2 0o 

fr o m t he ce nterli ne of t he trac k. 

 1. 2 m a b o ve gr o u n d f or h or ns m o u nte d o n 

t he fr o nt of t he l oc o m oti ve, or wa ysi de h or ns. 

• 4. 6 m a b o ve gr o u n d f or h or ns m o u nte d 

be hi n d t he l oc o m oti ve ca b. 

• Orie nt t he micr o p h o ne pr o perl y t o war ds t he h or n.

 Verif y t he i nstr u me nt setti n gs:

• A- wei g hti n g  Sl o w -res p o nse  E q ui vale nt s o u n d le vel, L Ae q, metric

 Cali brate t he i nstr u me nt ( or verif y c ali brati o n).

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or d oc u me nt offset

• I nstr u me nt  Watc h ( or cell p h o ne)  La pt o p

 Place a wi n dscree n o ver t he micr o p h o ne.

 C o nfir m cle ar n oise me as ure me nt p at h w a ys.

 We ar he ari n g pr otecti o n.

 C o nfir m t h at t he e n vir o n me nt al c o n diti o ns are wit hi n s pecifie d li mits.

• Wi n d s pee d: S ustai ne d < 1 2 m p h, G usts < 2 0 m p h  N o Preci pitati o n

• T e m perat ure: 2° C t o 3 5° C ( 3 6° F t o 9 5° F)

• Relati ve h u mi dit y bet wee n 2 0 % a n d 9 5 %

P erf or m N oise Me as ure me nts. 

 Meas ure bac k gr o u n d n oise f or 3 0 sec o n ds - d oc u me nt t he e q ui vale nt s o u n d le vel ( L Ae q ) if 

dis pla ye d b y t he i nstr u me nt.

 Meas ure a n d rec or d t he h or n s o u n d le vel f or 1 0 s ec o n ds. 

 D oc u me nt t he e q ui vale nt s o u n d le vel ( L Ae q ), if dis pla ye d b y t he i nstr u me nt, al o n g wit h t he ti me. 

 Re peat f or a t otal of 6 e ve nts. 

- If a bi-directi o n al h or n is bei n g teste d, t he n t he me as ure me nts m us t be c o n d ucte d t wice; 

o nce f or e ac h e n d of t he l oc o m otive. 

P erf or m P ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d t he bac k gr o u n d n oise le vel – d oc u me nt t he e q ui vale nt s o u n d le vel ( L Ae q ). 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d a cali brati o n t o ne.

 D oc u me nt t he e n vir o n me ntal c o n diti o ns.
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 4 

C hec klist B- 8 b. D at a Pr ocessi n g f or A u di ble W ar ni n g De vice Me as u re me nts 

B ac k u p D at a 

 Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t h e data t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge d e vice. 

 Ma ke bac k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t h e c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n v e nie nt ti me. 

C o m p ute C ali br ati o n A dj ust me nt . 

 C o m p ute t he differe n ce (∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore (Cal I nitial) 

a n d after ( Cal Fi n al ) t he e v e nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi n al – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 5 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q u al t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he diff ere nc e 

s h o ul d be hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese 

cali brati o ns. 

 Deter mi ne t he e q ui vale nt s o u n d le vel f or eac h e ve nt a n d eac h bac k gr o u n d n oise 

meas ure me nt. 

• Fr o m t he l o g s heet, or 

• I d e ntif y t he ti mefr a me of t he e ve nt i n t he meas ure d n oise data a n d t he s o u n d le vels 

wit hi n t hat 1 0-sec o n d meas ure me nt i nter v al. Usi n g a s cie ntific calc ulat or o r 

s prea ds he et, calc ul ate t he LAe q, 1 0s : 

Ae q T Ai 1 01 0 l o g1 0 1 0

W here: N = n u m ber of 1-sec o n d s a m ples (at least 1 0), 

 T = t he d urati o n of t he m eas ure m e nt i nter val (i n s ec o n ds), 

a n d 

 LAi = t he it h A = wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le v el (i n d B( A)). 

 C alc ul ate t he al ge br aic a ver a ge of t he 6 h or n me as ure me nts . 

 C alc ul ate t he st a n d ar d de vi ati o n of t he 6 h or n me as ure me nt s, usi n g a s prea ds heet or 

scie ntific calc ul at or. (a n e x a m ple of t h is calc ulati o ns ca n als o be f o u n d i n A p pe n di x C). 

 Verif y t h at b ac k gr o u n d n oise di d n ot c o nt a mi n ate t he me as ure me nts. 

 T he L Ae q, 1 0s f or eac h e ve nt m ust be 1 0 d B( A ) a b o ve t he bac k gr o u n d LAe q meas ure d 

b ot h bef ore a n d after t he e ve nts. 

 C o m p are t he a v er a ge L Ae q a n d st a n d ar d de vi ati o n of t he si x e ve nts t o t he a p pr o p ri ate 

r ailr o a d n oise le vel crit eri a. 

• A vera ge l oc o m oti ve h or n L Ae q gr eater t ha n 9 6 d B( A) a n d less t ha n 1 1 0 d B( A) 

Sta n dar d de viati o n ≤ 1. 5 d B( A) 

• A vera ge wa ysi de h or n L Ae q gr eater t ha n 9 2 d B( A) a n d less t ha n 1 1 0 d B( A) 

Sta n dar d de viati o n ≤ 1. 5 d B( A) 

T here is n o t oler a nce all o wa nce f or t hese m eas ur e me nts i n t he re g ulati o ns. 

 E v al u ate C o m pli a nce. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 5 

C hec klist B - 9 a. Pr oce d ure f or L oc o m oti ve St atic I n- C a b Me as ure me nts ( 4 9 C F R P art 

2 2 9. 1 2 1) 

 I ns pect t he test site f or re g ul at or y c o m pli a nce. 

D oc u me nt s pecific n o n -c o m pli a nt c o n diti o ns. 

• T he site m ust be free of lar ge, reflecti n g o bjects i n 

t he clear z o ne, 7. 6 m t o eit her si de of t he l oc o m oti ve. 

• T he l oc o m oti ve m ust n ot be o n a site s pecificall y 

desi g ne d t o artificiall y l o wer i n -ca b n oise le vels, 

s uc h as ele vate d trac k str uct ures.

• Meas ure me nts ma y be c o n d ucte d i n d o ors, as l o n g as 

t he test area c o m plies wit h t he clear z o ne criteria.

Set u p t he N oise Me as ure me nt I nstr u me nt(s).

 Micr o p h o nes m ust be p ositi o ne d at f o ur l ocati o ns 

i nsi de t he l oc o m oti ve ca b. Meas ure me nts ma y be 

c o n d ucte d b y usi n g f o ur i nstr u me nts si m ulta ne o usl y or 

o ne i nstr u me nt m o ve d fr o m o ne l ocati o n t o t he ne xt.

P ositi o n A. 0. 7 6 m ( 3 0 i n) a b o ve t he ce nter of t he 

left seat; 

P ositi o n B. 1. 4 5 m ( 5 6 i n) a b o ve t he fl o or i n t he 

ce nter of t he l oc o m oti ve ca b bet wee n t he t w o s eats; 

P ositi o n C. 0. 7 6 m ( 3 0 i n) a b o ve t he ce nter of t he ri g ht 

seat; 

P ositi o n D. 1. 4 5 m ( 5 6 i n) a b o ve t he fl o or, 0. 3 m ( 1 2 i n) 

fr o m t he ce nter of t he bac k i nteri or wall of 

t he l oc o m oti ve c a b. 

Verif y t he i nstr u me nt setti n gs: 

• A- wei g hti n g  Sl o w -res p o nse  LAe q, metric

 Cali brate t he i nstr u me nt ( or verif y c ali brati o n).

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or d oc u me nt offset.

• I nstr u me nt  Watc h ( or cell p h o ne)  

La pt o p

 Place a wi n dscree n o ver t he micr o p h o ne.

 War m -u p a n d sta bilize l oc o m oti ve at t he hi g hest h orse p o wer or t hr ottle setti n g.

 Clear all e xtra pers o n nel o ut of t he ca b: o nl y t w o pe o ple are per mitte d i nsi de t o o perate t he 

l oc o m oti ve a n d meas ure me nt i nstr u me nts.

 Cl ose all wi n d o ws, d o ors, a n d ca bi net sea ls.

 O perate t he H V A C s yste m o n hi g h.

P erf or m N oise Me as ure me nts. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d t he s o u n d l e vel at eac h p ositi o n f or 3 0 s ec o n ds. 

 D oc u me nt t he e q ui vale nt s o u n d le vel ( L Ae q ), if dis pla ye d b y t he i nstr u me nt, al o n g wit h t he ti me. 

 C hec k f or P r o ble ms 

• E xtra ne o us n oise fr o m: a d verse weat her, ot her s o urces, l oc o m oti ve o perati o nal pr o ble ms. 

• Meas ure me nts ma y be re peate d after t he pr o ble m has bee n res ol ve d, b ut t he fail ure a n d a p pare nt 

reas o n f or fail ure m ust be d oc u me nte d. 

P erf or m P ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d a cali brati o n t o ne.

1. 4 5 

m 

0. 7 6 m 

( 2. 5 ft) 

C B, D A 

0. 3 m ( 1. 0 ft) 

A B C 

D Se at Se at 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 6 

C hec klist B- 9 b. D at a Pr ocessi n g L oc o m oti ve St atic I n- C a b Me as ure me nts 

B ac k u p D at a

 Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t he data t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge de vice.

 Ma ke ba c k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t he c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n ve nie nt ti me.

C o m p ute C ali br ati o n A dj ust me nt

 C o m p ute t he differe nce ( ∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore ( Cal I nitial) a n d after 

( CalFi nal ) t he e ve nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi nal – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 5 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q ual t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he differe nce s h o ul d be 

hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese cali brati o ns. 

 Deter mi ne t he e q ui v ale nt s o u n d le vel f or at eac h of t he f o ur micr o p h o ne p ositi o ns. 

• Fr o m t he l o g s heet, or 

• I de ntif y t he ti mefra me of t he e ve nt i n t he meas ure d n oise data a n d t he s o u n d le vels wit hi n 

t hat 3 0-sec o n d meas ure me nt i nter val. Usi n g a scie ntific calc ulat or or s prea ds heet, calc ulate 

t he LAe q, 3 0s : 

Ae q T Ai 1 01 0 l o g1 0 1 0

W here: N = n u m ber of 1-sec o n d sa m ples (at least 3 0),

 T = t he d urati o n of t he meas ure me nt i nter val (i n sec o n ds), a n d

 LAi = t he it h A = wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel (i n d B( A)).

 A d d a 3 d B( A ) a dj ust me nt f act or if t he l oc o m oti ve w as n ot self-l o a di n g. 

 F or ne w l oc o m oti ves, c alc ul ate t he u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce le vel acr oss all l oc o m oti ves teste d: 

U p per %9 9 C L tL

 W here: L = i -t h s o u n d le vel i n t he data set; 

 N = n u m ber of sa m ples i n a data set; 

t = t he critical val ue of t he t - distri b uti o n f or a 9 9 % c o nfi de nce i nter val ( 2. 3 2 6 

w he n t he sa m ple size is lar ge); a n d

σ = sta n dar d de viati o n of t he data set.

 C o m p are t he L Ae q t o t he a p pr o pri ate r ailr o a d n oise le vel criteri a. 

After mai nte na nce or alterati o ns

o T he hi g hest of t he f o ur L Ae q val ues m ust be: 

: 

 < 8 2 d B( A) if t he ori gi nal ( ma n ufact urer-s u p plie d) val ue was < 8 2 d B( A). 

 < 8 5 d B( A) if t he ori gi nal val ue was 8 2- 8 5 d B( A). 

Ne w l oc o m oti ves

o T he hi g hest of t he f o ur L Ae q val ues, a vera ge d acr oss all l oc o m oti ves teste d, m ust be < 8 5 

d B( A). 

: 

o T he u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce li mit acr oss all l oc o m oti ves m ust be ≤ 8 7 d B( A). 

T here is n o t olera nce all o wa nce f or t hese meas ure me nts i n t he re g ulati o ns. 

 E v al u ate C o m pli a nce. 

If pr o ble ms e xiste d w hic h ca use a n o n c o m plia nt meas ure me nt, t he meas ure me nts ma y be re peate d 

u n der m ore desira ble c o n diti o ns. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 7 

C hec klist B - 1 0 a. Pr oce d ure f or E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters Me as ure me nts: 

( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8) 

I ns pect a n d d oc u me nt t he test site. D oc u m e nt s pecific n o n -c o m pli a nt c o n diti o ns. 

 N oise le vels i n t he railr o a d e m pl o yee slee pi n g q u arters s h o ul d be meas ure d o nl y d uri n g t he 

h o urs t he y are n or mall y use d (e. g., 1 0: 0 0 P M t o 6: 0 0 A M). 

• If t he railr o a d e m pl o yee slee pi n g q u arters are us e d m ore t ha n 8 h o urs a d a y, t he n 

m ulti ple L Ae q ( 8) meas ure me nts s h o ul d be perf or m e d t o c o ver all h o urs of use. 

 All wi n d o ws m ust be cl ose d. 

 If p ossi ble, perf or m meas ure me nts w hile H V A C s yste ms ar e b ot h off a n d o n. 

Set u p t he N oise Me as u re me nt I nst r u me nt(s). 

 T he i nstr u me nt (s) s h o ul d be set u p at the e x pecte d n oisiest slee pi n g l ocati o n i nsi de t he 

slee pi n g q u arters. 

 M o u nt t he i nstr u me nt o n a tri p o d or ot her t y pe of i nstr u me nt sta n d , at a hei g ht t hat 

a p pr o xi mates t he heari n g z o ne of a n off- d ut y e m pl o yee at r est. 

 Verif y t he i nstr u me nt setti n gs: 

• A- wei g hti n g  Sl o w-res p o nse  E q ui vale nt s o u n d le vel, LA e q , metric 

 Cali brate t he i nstr u me nt ( or verif y cali brati o n). 

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or d oc u me nt offs et . 

• I nstr u me nt  Watc h ( or cell p h o ne)  La pt o p 

 Place a wi n dscree n o v er t he micr o p h o ne. 

Perf or m N oise Me as ure me nts . 

 Meas ure at least 8 h o urs of re pr ese ntati ve n oise i n t he e m pl o yee slee pi n g q uarters. 

 If p ossi ble, o bser ve m eas ure me nts t o d oc u me nt n oise s o urce i nf or mati o n, s pecificall y 

w het her or n ot t he s o urce is u n der t he railr o a d’s c o ntr ol. 

Perf or m P ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d a cali brati o n t o ne. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 8 

C hec klist B- 1 0 b. E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters Me as ure me nts D at a Pr ocessi n g 

B ac k u p D at a 

 Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t h e data t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge d e vice. 

 Ma ke bac k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t h e c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n v e nie nt ti me. 

C o m p ute C ali br ati o n A dj ust me nt 

 C o m p ute t he differe n ce (∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore (Cal I nitial) 

a n d after ( Cal Fi n al ) t he e v e nt(s). 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi n al – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q u al t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he diff ere nc e 

s h o ul d be hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese 

cali brati o ns. 

 Deter mi ne t he e q ui v ale nt s o u n d le vel f or t he 8- h o ur peri o d. 

• Fr o m t he i nstr u me nt dis pla y, or; 

• D o w nl oa d t he 1-sec o n d s o u n d le vels t o a s prea ds h eet a n d calc ulate t he LAe q ( 8): 

Ae q T Ai 1 01 0 l o g1 0 1 0

W here: N = n u m ber of 1-sec o n d s a m ples, 

 T = t he d urati o n of t he m eas ure m e nt i nter val (i n s ec o n ds), 

a n d 

 LAi = t he it h A = wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le v el (i n d B( A)). 

• Re m o ve a n y hi g h -le vel, n o n-railr oa d s o u n ds ( h or ns, sire ns, etc.) fr o m t he data i n t he 

s prea ds he et bef or e calc ul ati o n. 

 C o m p are t he L Ae q ( 8) t o t he a p pr o p ri ate r ailr o a d n oise le vel criteri a. 

Ae q( 8) m ust n ot e x cee d 5 5 d B( A) fr o m s o ur ces u n der t he r ailr oa d’s c o ntr ol, e x cl usi ve of 

c o oli n g, heati n g a n d ve ntilati n g e q ui p me nt. 

 E v al u ate C o m pli a nce. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 3 9 

C hec klist B - 1 1 a. Pr oce d ure f or Pers o n al M o nit ori n g f or Deter mi ni n g Occ u p ati o n al 

E x p os ure 

 ( 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7) 

 D oc u me nt t he t est l oc ati o n a n d c o n diti o ns . ( L oc o m oti ve n u m ber, l oc ati o n, wi n d o ws 

o p e n/cl ose d, etc.)

Set u p t he N oise Me as u re me nt I nst r u me nt . 

 Verif y t he i nstr u me nt setti n gs: 

• A- wei g hti n g  Sl o w-res p o nse  8- h o ur Ti me Wei g hte d A v era ge, 

T W A( 8) , metric 

• 8 0 d B( A) t hres h ol d le vel • 9 0 d B( A) criteri o n le v el 

• 1- sec o n d s a m pli n g rat e 

 Cali brate t he i nstr u me nt ( or verif y cali brati o n). 

Rec or d 1 0 sec o n ds of t he cali brati o n t o ne. 

 Verif y ti me s y nc hr o nizati o n - or d oc u me nt offs et . 

• I nstr u me nt  Watc h ( or cell p h o ne)  

La pt o p 

 Place a wi n dscree n o v er t he micr o p h o ne. 

 P ositi o n t he micr o p h o ne i n t he e m pl o yee’s heari n g 

z o ne, a s p here 2 ft i n dia meter ar o u n d t h e 

e m pl o yee’s he a d. 

 E ns ure t hat t he ca ble c o n necti n g t h e d osi meter b o d y a n d micr o p h o ne d o n ot i nterfere 

wit h t he e m pl o yee’s safet y or perf or m a nce. 

Perf or m N oise Me as ure me nts . 

 M o nit or f or t he d urati o n of t he w or k s hift. 

 D oc u me nt t he s o urce of s o u n d le vels o ver 1 1 5 d B( A), or i nsta nces w her e artifacts, s uc h 

as br us hi n g a gai nst t he micr o p h o ne or c o u g hi n g, ma y ca use rea di n gs o ver 1 1 5 d B( A). ( a 

sec o n d, h a n d hel d, n oise me as ure me nt i nstr u me nt m ay be hel pf ul) 

 Peri o dicall y c hec k t h e i nstr u me nt o ver t he c o urse of t he n oise e x p os ure m o nit ori n g t o 

e ns ure t hat it is orie nte d a n d p ositi o ne d pr o perl y. 

Perf or m P ost -me as ure me nt c hec ks. 

 Meas ure a n d rec or d a cali brati o n t o ne. 

0. 3 m ( 1. 0 ft) 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt a n d A n alysis A p p e n dix B – F or ms a n d C h ecklists

1 4 0 

C hec klist B- 1 1 b. D at a Pr o cessi n g f or Pers o n al M o nit ori n g t o Det er mi ne Occ u p ati o n al 

N oise E x p os ure 

B ac k u p D at a 

 Sa ve a n d/ or d o w nl oa d t h e data t o me m or y or a n e xter nal st ora ge d e vice. 

 Ma ke bac k u p c o pies of t he data a n d t h e c orres p o n di n g l o g s heets at a c o n ve nie nt ti me. 

C o m p ute C ali br ati o n A dj ust me nt . 

 C o m p ute t he differe n ce (∆ Cal) bet wee n t he s o u n d le vel of t he cali brati o ns bef ore (Cal I nitial) 

d uri n g, a n d after (Cal Fi n al ) t he m o nit ori n g. 

∆ Cal = Cal Fi n al – Cal I nitial

 If ∆ Cal bet wee n a n y t w o c o ns ec uti ve cali brati o ns is m ore t ha n ± 1. 0 d B, t he 

meas ure me nts m ust n ot be use d f or c o m plia nce. 

o If ∆ Cal is m ore t ha n ± 0. 3 d B b ut less t ha n or e q u al t o ± 1. 0 d B, t he n t he diff ere nc e 

s h o ul d be hal ve d a n d s u btracte d fr o m all t he meas ure d n oise le vel(s) bet wee n t hese 

calibrati o ns. 

 Calc ulate t he L T W A( 8) metric. T he i nstr u me nt ma y ha ve bee n set u p a hea d of ti me t o 

a ut o maticall y calc ulat e eit her D ose ( D) or L T W A ( 8) . 

• If necessar y, c o n vert d os e meas ur e me nts t o LT W A ( 8) . 

T W A( 8) = 1 6. 6 1 *l o g1 0 ( D/ 1 0 0) + 9 0 

C hec k f or Pr o ble ms 

 D o w nl oa d t he 1-sec o n d s o u n d le vel data t o a s pr ea ds heet. 

 I d e ntif y a n y i nsta nc es i n t he data w here t he 1-sec o n d s o u n d le vels ha ve e x cee d 1 1 5 d B( A), 

a n d i de ntif y p r o ba ble ca uses base d o n l o g s heets.

• If t he rea di n gs ar e ca us e d b y c o u g hi n g, br us hi n g a gai nst t he micr o p h o n e, et c., or if n o 

ca use ca n be i de ntifie d, t he n t hese artifacts ma y b e re m o ve d fr o m t he data, a n d t he 

T W A( 8) ma y be re -calc ul ate d. 

• Deter mi ne t he n u m ber of 1-sec o n d sa m ples w h er e t he s o u n d le vel e x cee d 1 1 5 d B( A), 

n ot i ncl u di n g t he artif acts descri be d a b o ve.

 C o m p are t he L Ae q ( 8) t o t he a p pr o p ri ate r ailr o a d n oise le vel criteri a. 

• L Ae q( 8) m ust be < 9 0 d B( A) 

• If L Ae q( 8) is ≥ 8 5 d B( A), t he e m pl o yee m ust be i ncl u de d i n t he railr oa d’s heari n g 

c o nser vati o n pr o gra m. 

 C o m p are 1 -s ec o n d s a m ples o ver 1 1 5 d B( A) t o t he criteri a. 

 1-sec o n d s o u n d le v els o ver 1 2 0 d B( A) are n ot p er mitte d 

 1-sec o n d s o u n d le v els bet wee n 1 1 5 d B( A) a n d 1 2 0 d B( A) ar e n ot per mitte d f or m ore t ha n 

5 sec o n ds. 

 E v al u ate C o m pli a nce. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 4 1 

A p pe n di x C: D at a A n al ysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d E x a m ples 

T his A p pe n di x prese nts a seri es of ste p -b y -ste p e xa m ples f or perf or mi n g t he calc ulati o ns disc usse d i n t his 

Ha n d b o o k. First, e xa m ples ar e pr o vi de d f or calc ulati n g t he vari o us mat he matical o perati o ns a n d n oise metri cs 

prese nte d i n C ha pters 2 t hr o u g h 6 of t h is Ha n d b o o k. Sec o n d, t he calc ulati o ns ass ociate d wit h t he preli mi nar y data 

pr ocessi n g pr oce d ures fr o m are de m o nstrate d. T hir d, e xa m ples of t he re g ulati o n -s pecific d ata pr ocessi n g a n d 

a nal ysis calc ulati o ns are prese nte d. 

C alc ul ati n g S o u n d Press ure Le vels 

C. 1. M at he m atic al O per ati o ns a n d N oise M etrics E x a m ples 

First, t he p r ms is calc ulate d f or a s o u n d wa ve wit h k n o w n s o u n d press ure a m plit u de of A = 1 0 P a, usi n g: 

P a

r ms = = 1 0

7 0 7 1.

Ne xt, t he L is calc ulate d usi n g p ref = 2 0 micr o -P a; 

d B

r ms

ref

1 0 1 0 7 0 7 1

0 0 0 0 0 2

1 0 5 0

4 1 0

1 0 1 2 5 1 0

1 1 1

1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0

1 0

1 1

l o g l o g

l o g

l o g .

A d di n g S o u n d Le vels - L o g arit h mic A d diti o n 

E x a m ple 1: Gi ve n t w o s o u n d press ure le vels eac h at 6 0 d B, t he y are a d de d t o get her usi n g: 

d B

t ot al t ot al

ref

L L

= ×

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 2 1 0

6 3

1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0

1 0

6 0 1 0 6 0 1 0

1 0

l o g l o g

l o g

l o g

E x a m ple 2: Gi ve n L = 4 0 d B, L = 5 0 d B, L = 6 0 d B, L = 7 0 d B, L = 8 0 d B, L t otal is calc ulate d usi n g: 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 4 2 

d B

t ot al t ot al

ref

L L L L L + + + +

+ + + +

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

8 0 5

1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0

4 0 1 0 5 0 1 0 6 0 1 0 7 0 1 0 8 0 1 0

1 0

l o g l o g

l o g

l o g .

S u btr acti n g S o u n d Le vels - L o g arit h mic S u btr acti o n 

Gi ve n L = 6 3 d B( A)a n d L = 6 0 d B, t he t w o le vels ca n be l o garit h micall y s u btracte d: 

d B

t ot al t ot al

ref

L L 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 0 9 9 5 1 0

6 0

1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0

1 0

6 3 1 0 6 0 1 0

1 0

l o g l o g

l o g

l o g .

Al ge br aic A ver a gi n g of S o u n d Le vels 

T he al ge braic a vera ge of t hree s o u n d press ure le vels ( L = 5 0 d B, L = 6 0 d B, a n d L = 7 0 d B) is calc ulate d usi n g: 

L L L

d B

ave

+ + + + 1 2 3 5 0 6 0 7 0

6 0

E ner g y A ver a gi n g of S o u n d Le vels 

T he e ner g y a vera ge of t hree s o u n d press ure le vels ( L = 5 0 d B, L = 6 0 d B, a n d L = 7 0 d B) is calc ulate d usi n g: 

 

d B

ave ave

ref

L L L + +

+ +

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 1 1 1 0

6 5 7

1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0

5 0 1 0 6 0 1 0 7 0 1 0

1 0

l o g l o g

l o g

l o g

C alc ul ati n g A -w ei g hte d S o u n d Press ure Le vels fr o m U n -w ei g hte d S pectr al D at a 

First, t he c orres p o n di n g A -wei g hti n g a dj ust me nt fact or fr o m T a ble 1 9 s h o ul d be arit h metic all y a d de d t o eac h u nwei g hte d, octa ve fre q ue nc y ba n d press ure le vel [i n d B], t o pr o d uce t he A -wei g hte d ba n d press ure le vel [i n d B( A)] 

(see T a ble 2 2 ). 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 4 3 

T a ble 2 2 . A p plic ati o n of A -Wei g hti n g t o U n -Wei g hte d Oct a ve N oise D at a 

Fr e q u e n c y 

[ H z] 

U n -W ei g ht e d 

B a n d Pr e s s ur e 

L e v el [ d B] 

+ A- W ei g hti n g 

A dj u st m e nt 

F a ct or [ d B] 

= A- W ei g ht e d 

B a n d Pr e s s ur e 

L e v el [ d B( A)] 

1 6 8 0 + -5 6. 7 = 2 3. 3 

3 1. 5 8 0 + -3 9. 4 = 4 0. 6 

6 3 8 0 + -2 6. 2 = 5 3. 8 

1 2 5 8 0 + -1 6. 1 = 6 3. 9 

2 5 0 8 0 + -8. 6 = 7 1. 4 

5 0 0 8 0 + -3. 2 = 7 6. 8 

1 0 0 0 8 0 + 0 = 8 0 

2 0 0 0 8 0 + 1. 2 = 8 1. 2 

4 0 0 0 8 0 + 1 = 8 1 

8 0 0 0 8 0 + -1. 1 = 7 8. 9 

1 6 0 0 0 8 0 + -6. 6 = 7 3. 4 

T he A -wei g hte d, octa ve -ba n d press ure le vels are t he n use d t o calc ulate t he A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel usi n g 

l o garit h mic a d diti o n: 

d B A

Af i

+ + + + +

+ + + + + +

1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 5 2 1 0

8 7 2

1 0

1 0

1 0

2 3 3 1 0 4 0 6 1 0 5 3 8 1 0 6 3 9 1 0 7 1 4 1 0

7 6 8 1 0 8 0 1 0 8 1 2 1 0 8 1 1 0 7 8 9 1 0 7 3 4 1 0

1 0

1 2 3 l o g

l o g ...

...

l o g .

. ( )

( )

T his pr ocess ca n als o be a p plie d t o o ne -t hir d octa ve-ba n d data. 

 

C alc ul ati n g L Ae q ( A-Wei g hte d E q ui v ale nt S o u n d Press u re Le vel) 

Gi ve n A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vels c ollecte d o nce a se c o n d f or t hirt y sec o n ds res ulti n g i n: 

 1 sec o n d at 9 5 d B( A), 

 4 sec o n ds at 8 7 d B( A), 

 1 0 sec o n ds at 7 5 d B( A), 

 1 3 sec o n ds at 6 2 d B( A), a n d 

 2 sec o n ds at 5 5 d B( A), 

T he L Ae q, 3 0s ma y be calc ulate d usi n g: 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 4 4 

[ ] d B A

Ae q s Ai

3 0 1 0

1 0

1 0 3 0

9 5 1 0 8 7 1 0 7 5 1 0 6 2 1 0 5 5 1 0

1 0 3 0

1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 4 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 2 1 0

1 0 5 5 0 5 1 0

8 2 6

+ × + × + × + ×

l o g

l o g

l o g .

. ( )

C alc ul ati n g L T W A( 8) ( Ei g ht-H o ur Ti me -Wei g hte d A ver a ge) 

A k n o w n perce nta ge n oise d os e ( D = 9 5 %) ma y be c o n verte d t o L T W A ( 8).

( )

( )

( )

)A(d B6.8 9

9 00 2 2 3.06 1.1 6

9 01 0 0/9 5l o g6 1.1 6

9 01 0 0/Dl o g6 1.1 6

1 0

)8(T W A 1 0

+−×=

×=

×=

 

Perf or mi n g C ali br ati o n A dj ust me nts 

C. 2. Preli mi n ar y D at a Pr ocessi n g E x a m ples 

I n C ha pter 3, t he a dj ust me nt of t he meas ure d n oise data f or c ha n ge cali brati o n le vels bet we e n t he i nitial a n d fi nal 

cali brati o n is disc usse d. If t he c ha n ge i n cali brati o n le vel o ver t he c o urse of t he meas ure me nts is less t ha n 0. 3 d B, 

t he n n o cali brati o n a dj ust me nt is nee de d, a n d if t hat c ha n ge is greater t ha n 1. 0 d B, t he n t he n oise meas ure me nt data 

affecte d b y t he cali brati o n is i n vali d. H o we ver, if t he cali brati o n drift is bet wee n 0. 3 d B( A)a n d 1. 0 d B( A), t he n t he 

meas ure d s o u n d press ure le vels s h o ul d be a dj uste d f or t his differe nce. Gi ve n t he f oll o wi n g meas ure d s o u n d 

press ure le vels: 

 Railr oa d E ve nt S o u n d Press ure Le vels, L = 8 0 d B( A) f or 1 5 sec o n ds, a n d 

 L = 7 5 d B( A) f or 1 5 sec o n ds, 

 I nitial Cali brati o n Le vel, Cali nitial = 1 1 4. 0 d B( A), a n d 

 Fi nial Cali brati o n Le vel, C alfi n al = 1 1 4. 6 d B( A), 

t he cali brati o n a dj ust me nt ma y be a p plie d t o t he railr oa d s o u n d press ure le vels usi n g: 

)A(d B3.8 0L )A(d B3.7 5

6.1 1 40.1 1 4 7 5L 6.1 1 40.1 1 4 8 0L

C A L C A L

.a dj_1 .a dj_2

.a dj_1 .a dj_2

i nitial fi nal a dj_i i.

−= −=

−=

 

After t he cali brati o n a dj ust me nt has bee n a p plie d t o t he meas ure d n oise data, t he n t he a dj uste d data ma y be use d t o 

calc ulate t he a p pr o priate re g ulati o n-s pecific n oise metric. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 4 5 

T his secti o n of A p pe n di x C de als wit h data pr ocessi n g e xa m ples f or s pecific F R A n oise re g ula ti o ns. I n se veral 

i nsta nces, t he data pr ocessi n g a n d a nal ysis pr oce d ures a n d e xa m ples are s ufficie ntl y c o ver e d i n C ha pters 3- 6 a n d i n 

Secti o n C. 2. of t his A p pe n di x, a n d d o n ot re q uire f urt her e x pla nati o n or e xa m ples here. H o we ver, detaile d e xa m ples 

will be prese nte d f or t he re mai n der of t he a nal ysis pr oce d ures. 

C. 3. Re g ul ati o n S pecific D at a Pr ocessi n g E x a m ples 

P r ocessi n g Recei vi n g Pr o pert y N oise D at a f or St ati o n ar y S witc her L oc o m oti ves a n d L o a d Cell Test St a n ds 

Ass u mi n g t hat L 1 0 , L9 0 , a n d L9 9 val ues are eit her calc ulate d a ut o maticall y b y t he ac o ustic i nstr u me ntati o n, are 

deter mi ne d usi n g s prea d -s heet s orti n g tec h ni q ues, or are ma n uall y deter mi ne d usi n g t he l o g s heets (Fi g ure 1 6 ), t he 

f oll o wi n g i nf or mati o n is gi ve n: 

 L1 0 = 6 6 d B( A), 

S witc her L oc o m oti ve N oise 

 L9 0 = 6 4 d B( A), a n d 

 L9 9 = 6 3 d B( A) 

 I nitial L9 0, bac k gr o u n d i = 4 2 d B( A), a n d 

B ac k gr o u n d N oise 

 Fi nal L 9 0, bac k gr o u n d f = 4 3 d B( A). 

T he L 9 0 f or t he s witc her n oise is “ vali date d”: 

Is L1 0 - L9 9 < = 4 d B( A)? 

{ 6 6 -6 3 = 3 d B( A) } – Yes. 

T heref ore, t he L 9 0 f or t he s wit c her l oc o m oti ve recei vi n g pr o pert y meas ure me nts is c o nsi dere d “ vali date d”. Ne xt, 

t his “ vali date d” L9 0 m ust be c o m pare d t o L 9 0, bac k gr o u n d i a n d L9 0, bac k gr o u n d f : 

Is “ vali date d” L9 0 – L9 0, bac k gr o u n d I > 5 d B 

A n d “ vali date d” L9 0 – L9 0, bac k gr o u n d f > 5 d B? 

 6 4 -4 2 = 2 2 – Yes. 

6 4 -4 3 = 2 1 – Yes. 

I n t his case, t he “ vali date d” L9 0 meets t he bac k gr o u n d n oise criteria, a n d t his metric ma y n o w be use d t o e val uate 

c o m plia nce wit h 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 1 a n d P art 2 0 1. 1 2. 

L oa d cell test sta n d n oise pr ocessi n g pr oc e d ures prese nt a variati o n t o t he n or mal pr ocessi n g pr oce d ure, f or 

i nsta nces w he n t he n oise ge nerate d b y t he l oa d cell test sta n d is o bser ve d t o c ha n ge b y 1 0 d B( A) or m ore d uri n g t he 

n oise meas ure me nts. F or e xa m ple: 

A meas ure me nt of L 9 0, 1 = 5 2 d B( A) was m a de f or a l oc o m oti ve l oa d cell test sta n d, b ut a l ar ge c ha n ge i n 

s o u n d press ure le vels ( m ore t ha n 1 0 d B) was o bser ve d d uri n g t he meas ure me nts a n d attri b ute d t o t he l oa d 

cell test sta n d. T heref ore, a sec o n d a sec o n d set of n oise data was c ollecte d, res ulti n g i n L 9 0, 2 = 6 6 d B( A). 

T heref ore, t he data set c o ntai ni n g t he lar ger of t he t w o val ues (t he sec o n d data set c o ntai ni n g L 9 0, 2 i n t his 

e xa m ple) will be use d f or t he r e mai n der of t he data pr ocessi n g. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 4 6 

Pr ocessi n g Recei vi n g Pr o pert y N oise D at a f or C ar C o u pl i n g I m p acts

Car -c o u pli n g i m pact n oise me as ure me nts re q uire c ollecte d L A F m x n oise data f or a mi ni m u m of 3 0 c o nsec uti ve car -

c o u pli n g e ve nts, s o f or t he p ur p ose of t his e xa m ple, it is gi ve n t hat 3 0 car -c o u pli n g e ve nts ( N) t o o k place wit hi n 7 5 

mi n utes ( T) a n d res ulte d i n; 

 

 LA F m x 1 t hr o u g h LA F m x 1 0 = 8 5 d B( A), 

 LA F m x 1 1 t hr o u g h LA F m x 2 0 = 8 0 d B( A), 

 LA F m x 2 1 t hr o u g h LA F m x 2 3 = 9 7 d B( A), a n d 

 LA F m x 2 4 t hr o u g h LA F m x 3 0 = 7 5 d B( A). 

First, t he n oise data is e ner g y a vera ge d t o yiel d L a ve ma x ; 

d B A

ave ave

ref

A F mx i

ma x l o g l o g

l o g

l o g

. ( )

× + × + × + ×

1 0 1 0 1 0

1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 3 1 0 7 1 0

3 0

1 0 1 9 4 1 0

3 0

8 8 1

1 0 1 0

1 0

1 0

8 5 1 0 8 0 1 0 9 7 1 0 7 5 1 0

1 0

1 0

Si nce 3 0 car -c o u pli n g e ve nts t o o k place i n 7 5 mi n utes, n/ T = 3 0/ 7 5 = 0. 4, w hic h is use d t o calc ulate t he car -c o u pli n g 

a dj ust me nt fact or, C: 

 

d B

= =

= −

1 0 1 0 0 4

4 0

1 0 1 0 l o g l o g .

T his a dj ust me nt fact or is a d de d t o L a ve ma x t o calc ulate La dj a ve ma x ; 

 L L C

d B A

a dj ave ave m ax m ax = +

= − 8 8 1 4 0

8 4 1

. .

. ( )

T his L a dj a ve ma x is use d f or deter mi ni n g c o m plia nce wit h 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1. 1 5. 

Pr ocessi n g L oc o m oti ve H or n N oise D at a

T he si x data sets of l oc o m oti ve h or n n oise c ollecte d usi n g t he meas ure me nt pr oce d ure prese nte d i n Secti o n 1 s h o ul d 

be use d t o c o m p ute a se parate L Ae q, 1 0s val ue, if it was n ot cal c ulate d a ut o maticall y b y t he a c o ustic i nstr u me ntati o n. 

F or t his e xa m ple, ass u me t his pr oce d ure ge nerate d t he f oll o wi n g si x L Ae q, 1 0s val ues; 

 

 T his e xa m ple is als o vali d f or e val uati n g retar der n oise meas ure d at recei vi n g pr o pert y l ocati o ns. 

 T his e xa m ple is als o vali d f or e val uati n g wa ysi de h or n n ois e. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 4 7 

 LAe q, 1 0s 1 = 1 1 1 d B( A), 

 LAe q, 1 0s 2 = 1 1 4 d B( A), 

 LAe q, 1 0s 3 = 1 0 8 d B( A), 

 LAe q, 1 0s 4 = 9 8 d B( A), 

 LAe q, 1 0s 5 = 9 4 d B( A), a n d 

 LAe q, 1 0s 6 = 1 0 3 d B( A). 

T he se si x val ues are al ge braic all y a vera ge d: 

A vera ge L Ae q, 1 0s = ( 1 1 1 + 1 1 4 + 1 0 8 + 9 8 + 9 4 + 1 0 3)/ 6 

 = 1 0 4. 7 d B( A) 

T he data s h o ul d t he n be use d t o calc ulate t he sta n dar d de viati o n ( σ) of t he h or n n oise data; 

 

d B

siAe q siAe q

2.1 0

7.1 0 46 2 8

16

1 0, ∑∑ 1 0

∑∑

Alt h o u g h t he a vera ge L Ae q, 1 0s was wit hi n t he desire d o perati o nal ra n ge s pecifie d b y 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 9, t he 

sta n dar d de viati o n was t o o lar ge ( ma xi m u m σ = 1. 5 d B). T heref ore, t he l oc o m oti ve h or n was n ot i n c o m plia nce 

wit h t he F R A re g ulati o n, a n d t he perf or ma nce s h o ul d be i n vesti gate d bef ore it is reteste d. 

Pr ocessi n g R ailr o a d E m pl o yee Pers o n al N oise E x p os ure D at a 

F or a l oc o m oti ve e m pl o yee, t he f oll o wi n g n oise e x p os ure le vels a n d c orres p o n di n g d urati o ns are gi ve n f or a n 8 h o ur 

w or k s hift; 

 L = 8 8 d B( A) f or 2 h o urs, 

 = 6 5 d B( A) f or 4 h o urs, 

 = 9 5 d B( A) f or 1 h o ur, 

 = 1 0 4 d B( A) f or 5 9 mi n utes a n d 5 6 sec o n ds ( 0. 9 9 8 8 9 h o urs), a n d 

 = 1 1 8 d B( A) f or 4 sec o n ds ( 0. 0 0 1 1 1 h o urs), 

T W A( 8) ca n be calc ulate d fr o m t he c ollecte d n oise e x p os ure data, usi n g E q uati o n 2 3. 

×= T W A )8( 1 0 l o g6 1.1 6
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 4 8 

E q u ati o n 1 

w here N = n u m ber of sa m ples/tas ks; 

 = meas ure me nt d urati o n w hic h c orres p o n ds t o t he meas ure me nt res ulti n g i n L [i n 

h o urs]; 

 = criteri o n d urati o n [i n h o urs] (i.e.: 8 h o urs); a n d 

 = A -wei g hte d s o u n d press ure le vel (a b o ve t he 8 0 d B( A) t hres h ol d le vel o nl y). 

( ) ( ) ( )

) (

[ ] 

)(1.9 2

l o g6 1.1 6 1 07 9.2

20 0 1 1 1.029 9 8 8 9.0

212422 l o g6 1.1 6

1 0

5/1 0 4 5/1 1 8

5/8 8 5/6 5 5/9 5

)8( 1 0

Ad B

T W A

×=

×=

×=

×=

E ve n t h o u g h t here was less t ha n 5 sec o n ds of e x p os ure t o n oises bet wee n 1 1 5 d B( A) a n d 1 2 0 d B( A), t he o verall 

n oise e x p os ure was lar ger t ha n 9 0 d B( A). T heref ore, t his m o nit ore d e m pl o yee was n ot i n c o m plia nce wit h 4 9 C F R 

P art 2 2 7. 

Pr ocessi n g R ailr o a d E m pl o yee Slee pi n g Q u arters N oise D at a 

Gi ve n t he f oll o wi n g data set: 

 L = 4 8 d B( A) f or 2 h o urs, 

 = 5 6 d B( A) f or 4 h o urs, a n d 

 = 4 5 d B( A) f or 2 h o urs. 

Ae q ( 8) is calc ulate d: 

 

d B A

Ae q Ai( ) l o g

l o g

l o g

. ( )

1 0

1 0

1 0

4 8 1 0 5 6 1 0 4 5 1 0

1 0

1 0 1 0

1 0 2 1 0 4 1 0 2 1 0

1 0 1 7 8 1 0

5 3 5

× + × + ×

Ae q ( 8) ma y be use d f or deter mi ni n g c o m plia nce wit h 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8. 

Pr ocessi n g L oc o m oti ve C a b N oise D at a 

E x a m ple 1, Si n gle l oc o m oti v e : A l oc o m oti ve, w h o’s ori gi nal ma n ufact urer’s a vera ge le vel was 8 0 d B( A), is n o w 

ha vi n g its i n -ca b n oise le vels r eteste d after s o me re pairs. T he n oise meas ure me nts pr o d uce d t he f oll o wi n g s o u n d 

press ure le vels f or t he data set at meas ure me nt p ositi o n A u n der n o -l oa d c o n diti o ns; 

 LAe q, A = 8 1. 4 d B( A) f or 1 0 sec o n ds, 

Ae q = 8 1. 7 d B( A), 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 4 9 

 LAe q C = 8 0. 9 d B( A), a n d 

 LAe q D = 8 2. 9 d B( A). 

Si nce L Ae q D is t he ma xi m u m of t hese f o ur val ues, it is use d f or c o m plia nce wit h 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 1 ( b). Alt h o u g h 

Ae q D is less t ha n 8 5 d B( A), t he ori gi nal ma n ufact urer’s a vera ge l oc o m oti ve ca b n oise le vel was 8 0 d B( A), w hic h 

re q uires LAe q t o be less t ha n 8 2 d B( A). T heref ore, t he l oc o m oti ve is n ot i n c o m plia nce wit h t he F R A re g ulati o n, a n d 

t he s o urce of t hat n oise pr o ble m nee ds t o be i n vesti gate d. 

E x a m ple 2, m ulti ple l oc o m oti ves fr o m a ne w m o del li ne : Gi ve n 2 5 0 ne wl y c o nstr ucte d l oc o m oti ves, t he 

ma xi m u m L Ae q val ues f or eac h l oc o m oti ve i n t he li ne are liste d bel o w; 

 LAe q 1 t hr o u g h LAe q 1 0 0 = 7 5 d B( A), 

 LAe q 1 0 1 t hr o u g h LA e q 1 7 5 = 8 3 d B( A), 

 LAe q 1 7 6 t hr o u g h LAe q 1 9 8 = 8 7 d B( A), 

 LAe q 1 9 9 t hr o u g h LAe q 2 0 0 = 8 9 d B( A), 

 LAe q 2 0 1 t hr o u g h LAe q 2 4 0 = 8 5 d B( A), a n d 

 LAe q 2 4 1 t hr o u g h LAe q 2 5 0 = 7 7 d B( A). 

T he a vera ge L a v f or t he e ntire li ne is calc ulate d usi n g al ge braic a vera gi n g; 

A vera ge < L Ae q = ( 1 0 0 * 7 5 + 7 5 * 8 3 + 2 2 * 8 7 + 2 * 8 9 + 4 0 * 8 5 + 1 0 * 7 7)/ 2 5 0 

 = 8 0. 0 d B( A) 

Ne xt, t he sta n dar d de viati o n ( σ) of t he L Ae q val ues s h o ul d be calc ulate d; 

 

d B

av i av i

2 5 0 2 5 0

2 5 0

2 5 0 1

1 9 9 8 7 8 0

2 4 9

8 9.

O nce t he sta n dar d de viati o n has bee n deter mi ne d, t he u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce i nter val is cal c ulate d, w here t, t he 

critical val ue of t he t -distri b uti o n f or a 9 9 % c o nfi de nce le vel a n d N = 2 5 0 is 2. 3 2 6; 

 

d B

U p per tC L

3 2.1

2 5 0

9.8 3 2 6.2

%9 9

Fr o m here, t he u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce li mit is calc ulate d; 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix C – D at a A n alysis C alc ul ati o ns a n d Ex a m ples

1 5 0 

 U p per C L L U p per CI

d B A

9 9 % 9 9 %

8 0 0 1 3 2

8 1 3 2

= +

= + . .

. ( )

T heref ore, t he l oc o m oti ve m o del li ne is i n c o m plia nce wit h 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9. 1 2 1 (a), beca use t he a vera ge i n -ca b 

Ae q f or t he li ne is less t ha n 8 5 d B( A) wit h a n u p per 9 9 % c o nfi de nce li mit less t ha n 8 7 d B( A). 

C alc ul ati n g Esti m ate d N oise E x p os ure wit h He ari n g Pr otecti o n 

Gi ve n t he s o u n d press ure le vel i n t he w or k place of 1 0 8 d B( A), t he esti mate d n oise e x p os ure of a railr oa d e m pl o yee 

utilizi n g heari n g pr otecti o n wit h a n oise re d ucti o n rati n g of 1 5 is calc ulate d as f oll o ws: 

 L H P = L A – ( N R R – 7 d B) 

 = 1 0 8 -( 1 5-7) 

 = 1 0 0 d B( A) 

If t he heari n g pr otecti o n was b ei n g use d as part of a heari n g c o nser vati o n pr o gra m t o re d uc e a railr oa d e m pl o yee’s 

pers o nal n oise e x p os ure t o 9 0 d B( A) o ver a n ei g ht h o ur l o n g w or k da y, t he n t h ese heari n g pr otect ors are i ns ufficie nt. 

T he heari n g pr otect ors w o ul d nee d t o ha ve a N N R val ue greater t ha n or e q ual t o 2 5, i n or der t o satisf y t he c o n diti o ns 

i n 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7 i n t his s pe cific w or k e n vir o n me nt. 
H a n d b o o k of R a ilr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix D – R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns

1 5 1 

A p pe n di x D: R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

T his A p pe n di x prese nts all of t he railr oa d n oise re g ulati o ns refere nce d i n t his Ha n d b o o k i n t heir e ntiret y. T he 

re g ulati o ns are u p date d o n a re g ular basis; t he re g ulati o ns a n d a n y u p dates ca n be f o u n d i n m ost li braries a n d o nli ne 

at w w w. g p oaccess. g o v . T he f oll o wi n g n oise re g ulati o ns are prese nte d i n t his A p pe n di x: 

( 1) 4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1 - N oise E missi o n Sta n dar ds f or Tra ns p ortati o n E q ui p me nt; I nterstate Rail Carriers; 

( 2) 4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0 - Railr oa d N oise E missi o n C o m plia nce Re g ulati o ns; 

( 3) 4 9 C F R P arts 2 2 2 a n d 2 2 9 . 1 2 9 - Use of L oc o m oti ve H or ns at Hi g h wa y -Rail Gra de Cr ossi n gs; 

( 4) 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7 - Occ u pati o nal N oise E x p os ure f or Railr o a d O perati n g E m pl o yees; a n d 

( 5) 4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8 - H o urs of S e r vice of Railr oa d E m pl o yees. 
6 9 

S U B C H A PT E R G — N OI S E A B AT E M E NT P R O G R A M S 

P A RT 2 0 1 — N OI S E E MI S SI O N ST A N D A R D S F O R T R A N S P O RT ATI O N E Q UI P M E NT; I NT E R ST AT E 

R AIL C A R RI E R S 

S u b p art A — G e n er al Pr o visi o ns 

S e c. 

2 0 1. 1 D efi ni ti o n s. 

P P E N DI X A T O U B P A R T A O F A R T 2 0 1 — 

WI T C H E R O C O M O TI V E S

S u b p art B —I nt erst at e R ail C arri er 

O p er ati o ns St a n d ar ds 

2 0 1. 1 0 A p pli c a bili t y. 

2 0 1. 1 1 S t a n d a r d f o r l o c o m o ti v e o p e r a ti o n 

u n d e r s t a ti o n a r y c o n di ti o n s. 

2 0 1. 1 2 S t a n d a r d f o r l o c o m o ti v e o p e r a ti o n 

u n d e r m o vi n g c o n di ti o n s. 

2 0 1. 1 3 S t a n d a r d f o r r ail c a r o p e r a ti o n s. 

2 0 1. 1 4 S t a n d a r d f o r r e t a r d e r s. 

2 0 1. 1 5 S t a n d a r d f o r c a r c o u pli n g o p e r a ti o n s. 

2 0 1. 1 6 S t a n d a r d f o r l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d s. 

S u b p art C — M e as ur e m e nt Crit eri a 

2 0 1. 2 0 A p pli c a bili t y a n d p u r p o s e. 

2 0 1. 2 1 Q u a n ti ti e s m e a s u r e d. 

2 0 1. 2 2 M e a s u r e m e n t i n s t r u m e n t a ti o n. 

2 0 1. 2 3 T e s t si t e, w e a t h e r c o n di ti o n s a n d 

b a c k g r o u n d n oi s e c ri t e ri a f o r m e a s u r em e n t a t a 3 0 m e t e r ( 1 0 0 f e e t) di s t a n c e of 

t h e n oi s e f r o m l o c o m o ti v e a n d r ail c a r 

o p e r a ti o n s a n d l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d s. 

2 0 1. 2 4 P r o c e d u r e s f o r m e a s u r e m e n t a t a 3 0 

m e t e r ( 1 0 0 f e e t) di s t a n c e of t h e n oi s e 

f r o m l o c o m o ti v e a n d r ail c a r o p e r a ti o n s 

a n d l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d s. 

2 0 1. 2 5 M e a s u r e m e n t l o c a ti o n a n d w e a t h e r 

c o n di ti o n s f o r m e a s u r e m e n t o n r e c ei vi n g 

p r o p e r t y of t h e n oi s e of r e t a r d e r s, c a r 

c o u pli n g, l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d s, a n d s t a ti o n a r y l o c o m o ti v e s. 

2 0 1. 2 6 P r o c e d u r e s f o r t h e m e a s u r e m e n t o n 

r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y of r e t a r d e r a n d c a r 

c o u pli n g n oi s e. 

2 0 1. 2 7 P r o c e d u r e s f o r: ( 1) D e t e r mi ni n g a p plic a bili t y of t h e l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d s t a n d a r d a n d s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e 

s t a n d a r d b y n oi s e m e a s u r e m e n t o n a r ec ei vi n g p r o p e r t y; ( 2) m e a s u r e m e n t of l oc o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d s m o r e t h a n 

1 2 0 m e t e r s ( 4 0 0 f e e t) o n a r e c ei vi n g p r o pe r t y. 

2 0 1. 2 8 T e s ti n g b y r ail r o a d t o d e t e r mi n e 

p r o b a bl e c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e s t a n d a r d. 

U T H O RI T Y : N oi s e C o n t r ol A c t of 1 9 7 2, s e c. 

1 7( a), 8 6 S t a t. 1 2 3 4 ( 4 2 U. S. C. 4 9 1 6( a)). 

O U R C E : 4 5 F R 1 2 6 3, J a n. 4, 1 9 8 0, u nl e s s o t he r wi s e n o t e d. 

S u b p art A — G e n er al Pr o visi o ns 

§ 2 0 1. 1 D efi niti o n s. 

A s u s e d i n t hi s p a r t, all t e r m s n o t d efi n e d h e r ei n s h all h a v e t h e m e a ni n g 

gi v e n t h e m i n t h e A c t: 

( a) A ct m e a n s t h e N oi s e C o n t r ol A c t 

of 1 9 7 2 ( P u b. L. 9 2 – 5 7 4, 8 6 S t a t. 1 2 3 4). 

( b) C ar C o u pli n g S o u n d m e a n s a s o u n d 

w hi c h i s h e a r d a n d i d e n tifi e d b y t h e o bs e r v e r a s t h a t of c a r c o u pli n g i m p a c t, 

a n d t h a t c a u s e s a s o u n d l e v el m e t e r i ndi c a t o r ( F A S T) t o r e gi s t e r a n i n c r e a s e 

of a t l e a s t t e n d e ci b el s a b o v e t h e l e v el 

o b s e r v e d i m m e di a t el y b ef o r e h e a ri n g 

t h e s o u n d. 

( c) C arri er m e a n s a c o m m o n c a r ri e r 

b y r ail r o a d, o r p a r tl y b y r ail r o a d a n d 

p a r tl y b y w a t e r, wi t hi n t h e c o n ti n e n t al 

U ni t e d S t a t e s, s u bj e c t t o t h e I n t e r s t a t e 

C o m m e r c e A c t, a s a m e n d e d, e x cl u di n g 

s t r e e t, s u b u r b a n, a n d i n t e r u r b a n el e ct ri c r ail w a y s u nl e s s o p e r a t e d a s a p a r t 

of a g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of t r a n sp o r t a ti o n. 

( d) Cl assifi c ati o n of R ailr o a ds m e a n s 

t h e di vi si o n of r ail r o a d i n d u s t r y o p e ra ti n g c o m p a ni e s b y t h e I n t e r s t a t e 

C o m m e r c e C o m mi s si o n i n t o t h r e e c a te g o ri e s. A s of 1 9 7 8, Cl a s s I r ail r o a d s 

m u s t h a v e a n n u al r e v e n u e s of $ 5 0 milli o n o r g r e a t e r, Cl a s s II r ail r o a d s m u s t 

h a v e a n n u al r e v e n u e s of b e t w e e n $ 1 0 

a n d $ 5 0 milli o n, a n d Cl a s s III r ail r o a d s 

m u s t h a v e l e s s t h a n $ 1 0 milli o n i n a nn u al r e v e n u e s. 

( e) C o m m er ci al Pr o p ert y m e a n s a n y 

p r o p e r t y t h a t i s n o r m all y a c c e s si bl e t o 

t h e p u bli c a n d t h a t i s u s e d f o r a n y of 

t h e p u r p o s e s d e s c ri b e d i n t h e f oll o wi n g 

s t a n d a r d l a n d u s e c o d e s ( r ef e r e n c e 

St a n d ar d L a n d Us e C o di n g M a n u al. U. S. 

D O T/ F H W A, r e p ri n t e d M a r c h 1 9 7 7): 5 3 – 

5 9, R e t ail T r a d e; 6 1 – 6 4, Fi n a n c e, I n s u ra n c e, R e al E s t a t e, P e r s o n al, B u si n e s s 

a n d R e p ai r S e r vi c e s; 6 5 2 – 6 5 9, L e g al a n d 

o t h e r p r of e s si o n al s e r vi c e s; 6 7 1, 6 7 2, a n d 

6 7 3 G o v e r n m e n t al S e r vi c e s; 6 9 2 a n d 6 9 9, 

W elf a r e, C h a ri t a bl e a n d O t h e r Mi sc ell a n e o u s S e r vi c e s; 7 1 2 a n d 7 1 9, N a t u r e 

e x hi bi ti o n s a n d o t h e r C ul t u r al A c ti viti e s; 7 2 1, 7 2 3, a n d 7 2 9, E n t e r t ai n m e n t, 

P u bli c a n d o t h e r P u bli c A s s e m bl y; a n d 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 7 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 5 2
7 0 

§ 2 0 1. 1 4 0 C F R C h. I ( 7 – 1 – 0 6 E diti o n) 

7 4 – 7 9, R e c r e a ti o n al, R e s o r t, P a r k a n d 

o t h e r C ul t u r al A c ti vi ti e s. 

(f) d B( A) i s a n a b b r e vi a ti o n m e a ni n g 

A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el i n d e ci b el s, r efe r e n c e: 2 0 mi c r o p a s c al s. 

( g) D a y- ni g ht S o u n d L e v el m e a n s t h e 

2 4- h o u r ti m e of d a y w ei g h t e d e q ui v al e n t s o u n d l e v el, i n d e ci b el s, f o r a n y 

c o n ti n u o u s 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d, o b t ai n e d 

af t e r a d di ti o n of t e n d e ci b el s t o s o u n d 

l e v el s p r o d u c e d i n t h e h o u r s f r o m 1 0 

p. m. t o 7 a. m. ( 2 2 0 0 – 0 7 0 0). I t i s a b b r evi a t e d a s L d n . 

( h) D e ci b el m e a n s t h e u ni t m e a s u r e of 

s o u n d l e v el, a b b r e vi a t e d a s d B. 

(i) E n er g y A v er a g e L e v el m e a n s a 

q u a n ti t y c al c ul a t e d b y t a ki n g t e n 

ti m e s t h e c o m m o n l o g a ri t h m of t h e 

a ri t h m e ti c a v e r a g e of t h e a n til o g s of 

o n e- t e n t h of e a c h of t h e l e v el s b ei n g 

a v e r a g e d. T h e l e v el s m a y b e of a n y 

c o n si s t e n t t y p e, e. g. m a xi m u m s o u n d 

l e v el s, s o u n d e x p o s u r e l e v el s, a n d d a yni g h t s o u n d l e v el s. 

(j) E n er g y S u m m ati o n of L e v els m e a n s 

a q u a n ti t y c al c ul a t e d b y t a ki n g t e n 

ti m e s t h e c o m m o n l o g a ri t h m of t h e 

s u m of t h e a n til o g s of o n e- t e n t h of 

e a c h of t h e l e v el s b ei n g s u m m e d. T h e 

l e v el s m a y b e of a n y c o n si s t e n t t y p e, 

e. g., d a y- ni g h t s o u n d l e v el o r e q ui v al e n t s o u n d l e v el. 

( k) E q ui v al e nt S o u n d L e v el m e a n s t h e 

l e v el, i n d e ci b el s, of t h e m e a n- s q u a r e 

A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d p r e s s u r e d u ri n g a 

s t a t e d ti m e p e ri o d, wi t h r ef e r e n c e t o 

t h e s q u a r e of t h e s t a n d a r d r ef e r e n c e 

s o u n d p r e s s u r e of 2 0 mi c r o p a s c al s. I t i s 

t h e l e v el of t h e s o u n d e x p o s u r e di vi d e d 

b y t h e ti m e p e ri o d a n d i s a b b r e vi a t e d 

a s L e q. 

(l) F ast M et er R es p o ns e m e a n s t h a t 

t h e ‘‘f a s t’’ r e s p o n s e of t h e s o u n d l e v el 

m e t e r s h all b e u s e d. T h e f a s t d y n a mi c 

r e s p o n s e s h all c o m pl y wi t h t h e m e t e r 

d y n a mi c c h a r a c t e ri s ti c s i n p a r a g r a p h 

5. 3 of t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d 

S p e cifi c a ti o n f o r S o u n d L e v el M e t e r s. 

A N SI S 1. 4 – 1 9 7 1. T hi s p u bli c a ti o n i s 

a v ail a bl e f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al 

S t a n d a r d s I n s ti t u t e, I n c., 1 4 3 0 B r o a dw a y, N e w Y o r k, N e w Y o r k 1 0 0 1 8. 

( m) I dl e m e a n s t h a t c o n di ti o n w h e r e 

all e n gi n e s c a p a bl e of p r o vi di n g m o ti v e 

p o w e r t o t h e l o c o m o ti v e a r e s e t a t t h e 

l o w e s t o p e r a ti n g t h r o t tl e p o si ti o n; a n d 

w h e r e all a u xili a r y n o n- m o ti v e p o w e r 

e n gi n e s a r e n o t o p e r a ti n g. 

( n) I nt erst at e C o m m er c e m e a n s t h e 

c o m m e r c e b e t w e e n a n y pl a c e i n a S t a t e 

a n d a n y pl a c e i n a n o t h e r S t a t e, o r b et w e e n pl a c e s i n t h e s a m e S t a t e t h r o u g h 

a n o t h e r S t a t e, w h e t h e r s u c h c o m m e r c e 

m o v e s w h oll y b y r ail o r p a r tl y b y r ail 

a n d p a r tl y b y m o t o r v e hi cl e, e x p r e s s, 

o r w a t e r. T hi s d efi ni ti o n of ‘‘i n t e r s t a t e 

c o m m e r c e’’ f o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s r e g ul ati o n i s si mil a r t o t h e d efi ni ti o n of 

‘‘i n t e r s t a t e c o m m e r c e’’ i n s e c ti o n 

2 0 3( a) of t h e I n t e r s t a t e C o m m e r c e A c t 

( 4 9 U. S. C. 3 0 3( a)). 

( o) L o a d C ell m e a n s a d e vi c e e x t e r n al 

t o t h e l o c o m o ti v e, of hi g h el e c t ri c al r esi s t a n c e, u s e d i n l o c o m o ti v e t e s ti n g t o 

si m ul a t e e n gi n e l o a di n g w hil e t h e l o c om o ti v e i s s t a ti o n a r y. ( El e c t ri c al e ne r g y p r o d u c e d b y t h e di e s el g e n e r a t o r 

i s di s si p a t e d i n t h e l o a d c ell r e si s t o r s 

i n s t e a d of t h e t r a c ti o n m o t o r s). 

( p) L o c o m oti v e m e a n s f o r t h e p u r p o s e 

of t hi s r e g ul a ti o n, a s elf- p r o p ell e d v e hicl e d e si g n e d f o r a n d u s e d o n r ail r o a d 

t r a c k s i n t h e t r a n s p o r t o r r ail c a r s, i ncl u di n g s elf- p r o p ell e d r ail p a s s e n g e r v ehi cl e s. 

( q) L o c o m oti v e L o a d C ell T est St a n d 

m e a n s t h e l o a d c ell § 2 0 1. 1( o) a n d a s s oci a t e d s t r u c t u r e, e q ui p m e n t, t r a c k a g e 

a n d l o c o m o ti v e b ei n g t e s t e d. 

( r) M a xi m u m S o u n d L e v el m e a n s t h e 

g r e a t e s t A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el i n 

d e ci b el s m e a s u r e d d u ri n g t h e d e si g n a t e d ti m e i n t e r v al o r d u ri n g t h e 

e v e n t, wi t h ei t h e r f a s t m e t e r r e s p o n s e 

§ 2 0 1. 1(l) o r sl o w m e t e r r e s p o n s e 

§ 2 0 1. 1(ii) a s s p e cifi e d. I t i s a b b r e vi a t e d 

a s L ma x . 

( s) M e as ur e m e nt P eri o d m e a n s a c o nti n u o u s p e ri o d of ti m e d u ri n g w hi c h 

n oi s e of r ail r o a d y a r d o p e r a ti o n s i s a ss e s s e d, t h e b e gi n ni n g a n d fi ni s hi n g 

ti m e s of w hi c h m a y b e s el e c t e d af t e r 

c o m pl e ti o n of t h e m e a s u r e m e n t s. 

( t) R ail C ar m e a n s a n o n- s elf- p r op ell e d v e hi cl e d e si g n e d f o r a n d u s e d o n 

r ail r o a d t r a c k s. 

( u) R ailr o a d m e a n s all t h e r o a d s i n 

u s e b y a n y c o m m o n c a r ri e r o p e r a ti n g a 

r ail r o a d, w h e t h e r o w n e d o r o p e r a t e d 

u n d e r a c o n t r a c t, a g r e e m e n t, o r l e a s e. 

( v) R e c ei vi n g Pr o p ert y M e as ur e m e nt 

L o c ati o n m e a n s a l o c a ti o n o n r e c ei vi n g 

p r o p e r t y t h a t i s o n o r b e y o n d t h e r ailr o a d f a cili t y b o u n d a r y a n d t h a t m e e t s 

t h e r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y m e a s u r e m e n t 

l o c a ti o n c ri t e ri a of s u b p a r t C. 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 5 3
7 1 

E n vir o n m e nt al Pr ot e cti o n A g e n c y § 2 0 1. 1 

( w) R e c ei vi n g Pr o p ert y m e a n s a n y r e sid e n ti al o r c o m m e r ci al p r o p e r t y t h a t 

r e c ei v e s t h e s o u n d f r o m r ail r o a d f a cili t y o p e r a ti o n s, b u t t h a t i s n o t o w n e d o r 

o p e r a t e d b y a r ail r o a d; e x c e p t t h a t o cc u pi e d r e si d e n c e s l o c a t e d o n p r o p e r t y 

o w n e d o r c o n t r oll e d b y t h e r ail r o a d a r e 

i n cl u d e d i n t h e d efi ni ti o n of ‘‘ r e c ei vi n g 

p r o p e r t y.’’ F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s d efi niti o n r ail r o a d c r e w sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s l oc a t e d o n p r o p e r t y o w n e d o r c o n t r oll e d 

b y t h e r ail r o a d a r e n o t c o n si d e r e d a s 

r e si d e n c e s. If, s u b s e q u e n t t o t h e p u blic a ti o n d a t e of t h e s e r e g ul a ti o n s, t h e 

u s e of a n y p r o p e r t y t h a t i s c u r r e n tl y 

n o t a p pli c a bl e t o t hi s r e g ul a ti o n 

c h a n g e s, a n d i t i s n e wl y cl a s sifi e d a s 

ei t h e r r e si d e n ti al o r c o m m e r ci al, i t i s 

n o t r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y u n til f o u r y e a r s 

h a v e el a p s e d f r o m t h e d a t e of t h e a ct u al c h a n g e i n u s e. 

( x) R esi d e nti al Pr o p ert y m e a n s a n y 

p r o p e r t y t h a t i s u s e d f o r a n y of t h e 

p u r p o s e s d e s c ri b e d i n t h e f oll o wi n g 

s t a n d a r d l a n d u s e c o d e s ( r ef. St a n d ar d 

L a n d Us e C o di n g M a n u al. U. S. D O T/ 

F H W A W a s hi n g t o n, D C, r e p ri n t e d 

M a r c h 1 9 7 7): 1, R e si d e n ti al: 6 5 1, M e di c al 

a n d o t h e r H e al t h S e r vi c e s; 6 8, E d uc a ti o n al S e r vi c e s; 6 9 1, R eli gi o u s A c ti viti e s; a n d 7 1 1, C ul t u r al A c ti vi ti e s. 

( y) R et ar d er ( A cti v e) m e a n s a d e vi c e 

o r s y s t e m f o r d e c el e r a ti n g r olli n g r ail 

c a r s a n d c o n t r olli n g t h e d e g r e e of d ec el e r a ti o n o n a c a r b y c a r b a si s. 

( z) R et ar d er S o u n d m e a n s a s o u n d 

w hi c h i s h e a r d a n d i d e n tifi e d b y t h e o bs e r v e r a s t h a t of a r e t a r d e r, a n d t h a t 

c a u s e s a s o u n d l e v el m e t e r i n di c a t o r a t 

f a s t m e t e r r e s p o n s e § 2 0 1. 1(l) t o r e gi s t e r 

a n i n c r e a s e of a t l e a s t t e n d e ci b el s 

a b o v e t h e l e v el o b s e r v e d i m m e di a t el y 

b ef o r e h e a ri n g t h e s o u n d. 

( a a) S o u n d L e v el m e a n s t h e l e v el, i n 

d e ci b el s, m e a s u r e d b y i n s t r u m e n t a ti o n 

w hi c h s a ti sfi e s t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of 

A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d S p e cifi c ati o n f o r S o u n d L e v el M e t e r s S 1. 4 – 1 9 7 1 

T y p e 1 ( o r S 1 A) o r T y p e 2 if a dj u s t e d a s 

s h o w n i n T a bl e 1. T hi s p u bli c a ti o n i s 

a v ail a bl e f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al 

S t a n d a r d s I n s ti t u t e, I n c., 1 4 3 0 B r o a dw a y, N e w Y o r k, N e w Y o r k 1 0 0 1 8. F o r 

t h e p u r p o s e of t h e s e p r o c e d u r e s t h e 

s o u n d l e v el i s t o b e m e a s u r e d u si n g t h e 

A w ei g h ti n g of s p e c t r u m a n d ei t h e r t h e 

F A S T o r S L O W d y n a mi c a v e r a gi n g 

c h a r a c t e ri s ti c s, a s d e si g n a t e d. I t i s a bb r e vi a t e d a s L . 

( b b) S o u n d E x p os ur e L e v el m e a n s t h e 

l e v el i n d e ci b el s c al c ul a t e d a s t e n 

ti m e s t h e c o m m o n l o g a ri t h m of ti m e 

i n t e g r al of s q u a r e d A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d 

p r e s s u r e o v e r a gi v e n ti m e p e ri o d o r 

e v e n t di vi d e d b y t h e s q u a r e of t h e 

s t a n d a r d r ef e r e n c e s o u n d p r e s s u r e of 2 0 

mi c r o p a s c al s a n d a r ef e r e n c e d u r a ti o n 

of o n e s e c o n d. 

( c c) S o u n d Pr ess ur e L e v el (i n s t a t e d 

f r e q u e n c y b a n d) m e a n s t h e l e v el, i n 

d e ci b el s, c al c ul a t e d a s 2 0 ti m e s t h e 

c o m m o n l o g a ri t h m of t h e r a ti o of a 

s o u n d p r e s s u r e t o t h e r ef e r e n c e s o u n d 

p r e s s u r e of 2 0 mi c r o p a s c al s. 

( d d) S p e ci al P ur p os e E q ui p m e nt m e a n s 

m ai n t e n a n c e- of- w a y e q ui p m e n t w hi c h 

m a y b e l o c a t e d o n o r o p e r a t e d f r o m 

r ail c a r s i n cl u di n g: B all a s t c ri b bi n g 

m a c hi n e s, b all a s t r e g ul a t o r s, c o n diti o n e r s a n d s c a rifi e r s, b ol t m a c hi n e s, 

b r u s h c u t t e r s, c o m p a c t o r s, c o n c r e t e 

mi x e r s, c r a n e s a n d d e r ri c k s, e a r t h b o ri n g m a c hi n e s, el e c t ri c w el di n g m ac hi n e s, g ri n d e r s, g r o u t e r s, pil e d ri v e r s, 

r ail h e a t e r s, r ail l a y e r s, s a n d bl a s t e r s, 

s n o w pl o w s, s pi k e d ri v e r s, s p r a y e r s a n d 

o t h e r t y p e s of s u c h m ai n t e n a n c e- ofw a y e q ui p m e n t. 

( e e) S p e ci al Tr a c k W or k m e a n s t r a c k 

o t h e r t h a n n o r m al ti e a n d b all a s t 

b ol t e d o r w el d e d r ail o r c o n t ai ni n g d evi c e s s u c h a s r e t a r d e r s o r s wi t c hi n g 

m e c h a ni s m s. 

(ff) St atisti c al S o u n d L e v el m e a n s t h e 

l e v el i n d e ci b el s t h a t i s e x c e e d e d i n a 

s t a t e d p e r c e n t a g e ( x) of t h e d u r a ti o n of 

t h e m e a s u r e m e n t p e ri o d. I t i s a b b r evi a t e d a s L . 

( g g) S wit c h er L o c o m oti v e m e a n s a n y 

l o c o m o ti v e d e si g n a t e d a s a s wi t c h e r b y 

t h e b uil d e r o r r e p o r t e d t o t h e I C C a s a 

s wi t c h e r b y t h e o p e r a t o r- o w ni n g- r ailr o a d a n d i n cl u di n g, b u t n o t li mi t e d t o, 

all l o c o m o ti v e s of t h e b uil d e r/ m o d el 

d e si g n a ti o n s li s t e d i n A p p e n di x A t o 

t hi s s u b p a r t. 

( h h) W ar ni n g D e vi c e m e a n s a s o u n d 

e mi t ti n g d e vi c e u s e d t o al e r t a n d w a r n 

p e o pl e of t h e p r e s e n c e of r ail r o a d 

e q ui p m e n t. 

(ii) Sl o w M et er R es p o ns e m e a n s t h a t 

t h e sl o w r e s p o n s e of t h e s o u n d l e v el 

m e t e r s h all b e u s e d. T h e sl o w d y n a mi c 

r e s p o n s e s h all c o m pl y wi t h t h e m e t e r 

d y n a mi c c h a r a c t e ri s ti c s i n p a r a g r a p h 

5. 4 of t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d 

S p e cifi c a ti o n f o r S o u n d L e v el M e t e r s. 

A N SI S 1. 4 – 1 9 7 1. T hi s p u bli c a ti o n i s 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 5 4
7 2 

Pt. 2 0 1, S u b pt. A, A p p. A 4 0 C F R C h. I ( 7 – 1 – 0 6 E diti o n) 

a v ail a bl e f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al 

S t a n d a r d s I n s ti t u t e I n c., 1 4 3 0 B r o a dw a y, N e w Y o r k, N e w Y o r k 1 0 0 1 8. 

[ 4 5 F R 1 2 6 3, J a n. 4, 1 9 8 0, a s a m e n d e d a t 4 7 F R 

1 4 7 0 9, A p r. 6, 1 9 8 2] 

P P E N DI X A T O U B P A R T A O F A R T

2 0 1 — S WI T C H E R O C O M O TI V E S

[ T h e f oll o wi n g l o c o m oti v e s ar e c o n si d er e d t o b e ‘‘ s wit c h er 

l o c o m oti v e s’’ u n d er t h e g e n er al d efi niti o n of t hi s r e g ul ati o n] 

T y p e E n gi n e

G e n er al El e ctri c C o. 

4 4 t o n ........................................................ 8 – D 1 7 0 0 0( 2). 

7 0 t o n ........................................................ 6 – C B F W L – 6 T. 

9 5 t o n ........................................................ 6 – C B F W L – 6 T. 

El e ctr o m oti v e Di vi si o n ( G M C) 

S C ............................................................. 8 – 2 0 1 A. 

N C ............................................................. 1 2 – 2 0 1 A. 

N C 1 ........................................................... 1 2 – 2 0 1 A. 

N C 2 ........................................................... 1 2 – 2 0 1 A. 

N W ............................................................ 1 2 – 2 0 1 A. 

N W 1 .......................................................... 1 2 – 2 0 1 A. 

N W 1 A ........................................................ 1 2 – 2 0 1 A. 

N W 2 .......................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7. 

N W 2 .......................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7 A. 

N W 3 .......................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7. 

N W 4 .......................................................... 1 2 – 2 0 1 A. 

N W 5 .......................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7 B. 

S W ............................................................ 8 – 2 0 1 A/ 6 – 5 6 7. 

S W 1 .......................................................... 6 – 5 6 7 A/ A C. 

S W 2 .......................................................... 6 – 5 6 7. 

S W 3 .......................................................... 6 – 5 6 7. 

S W 6 0 0 ...................................................... 6 – 5 6 7 C. 

S W 7 .......................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7 A. 

S W 8 .......................................................... 8 – 5 6 7 B/ B C. 

S W 9 0 0 ...................................................... 8 – 5 6 7 B. 

S W 9 .......................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7 B/ B C/ C. 

S W 1 2 0 0 .................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7 C. 

S W 1 0 0 0 .................................................... 8 – 6 4 5 E. 

S W 1 0 0 1 .................................................... 8 – 6 4 5 E. 

S W 1 5 0 0 .................................................... 1 2 – 6 4 5 E. 

M P 1 5 ......................................................... 1 2 – 6 4 5 E. 

M P 1 5 A C .................................................... 1 2 – 6 4 5 E. 

G M D 1 ........................................................ 1 2 – 5 6 7 C. 

R S 1 3 2 5 ..................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7 C. 

Tr a n sf er S wit c h er i n cl u di n g ‘‘ C o w a n d C alf’’ 

T ................................................................ 1 2 – 2 0 1 A( 2) 

T R ............................................................. 1 2 – 5 6 7( 2) 

T R 1 ........................................................... 1 6 – 5 6 7( 2) 

T R 2 ........................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7 A( 2) 

T R 3 ........................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7( 3) 

T R 4 ........................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7 A( 2) 

T R 5 ........................................................... 1 2 – 5 6 7 B( 2) 

T R 6 ........................................................... 8 – 5 6 7 B( 2) 

B al d wi n 

V O – 6 6 0 ..................................................... 6 – V O. 

D S – 4 4 6 ..................................................... 6 – 6 0 6 N A. 

D S 4 4 7 5 ..................................................... 6 – 7 5 0. 

S – 8 ............................................................ 6 – 6 0 6. 

V O – 1 0 0 0 ................................................... 8 – V O. 

D S – 4 4 1 0 ................................................... 8 – 6 0 8 N A. 

D S – 4 4 1 0 ................................................... 6 – 6 0 6 S C. 

S – 1 2 .......................................................... 6 – 6 0 6 A. 

D R S – 4 4 1 0 .............................................. 6 – 6 0 6 S C. 

D R S – 1 2 .................................................. 6 – 6 0 6 A. 

[ T h e f oll o wi n g l o c o m oti v e s ar e c o n si d er e d t o b e ‘‘ s wit c h er 

l o c o m oti v e s’’ u n d er t h e g e n er al d efi niti o n of t hi s r e g ul ati o n] 

T y p e E n gi n e

F air b a n k s M or s e 

H – 1 0 – 4 4 ................................................... 6 – O P. 

H – 1 2 – 4 4 ................................................... 6 – O P. 

H – 1 2 – 4 4 T S ............................................... 6 – O P. 

H – 1 2 – 4 6 ................................................. 6 – O P. 

Li m a 

7 5 0 h p. ...................................................... 6 – H a milt o n. 

8 0 0 h p. ...................................................... 6 – H a milt o n. 

1 0 0 0 h p. .................................................... 8 – H a milt o n. 

1 2 0 0 h p. .................................................... 8 – H a milt o n. 

L R S ......................................................... 8 – H a milt o n. 

T L ............................................................ 8 – H a milt o n ( 2). 

A L C O a n d M L W 

S 1 .............................................................. 6 – 5 3 9 N A. 

S 2 .............................................................. 6 – 5 3 9 T. 

S 3 .............................................................. 6 – 5 3 9 N A. 

S 4 .............................................................. 6 – 5 3 9 T. 

S 5 .............................................................. 6 – 2 5 1. 

S 6 .............................................................. 6 – 2 5 1 A, B. 

S 7 .............................................................. 6 – 5 3 9. 

S 1 0 ............................................................ 6 – 5 3 9. 

S 1 1 ............................................................ 6 – 5 3 9. 

S 1 2 ............................................................ 6 – 5 3 9 T. 

S 1 3 ............................................................ 6 – 2 5 1 C. 

R S D – 1 ...................................................... 6 – 5 3 9. 

R S C – 1 3 .................................................... 6 – 5 3 9. 

R S C – 2 4 .................................................... 1 2 – 2 4 4 

R S 1 ........................................................... 6 – 5 3 9 T. 

R S 2 ......................................................... 1 2 – 2 4 4. 

R S 3

R S 1 0 ....................................................... 1 2 – 2 4 4. 

R S C – 2 .................................................... 1 2 – 2 4 4. 

R S 3 ......................................................... 1 2 – 2 4 4. 

R S D – 4 .................................................... 1 2 – 2 4 4. 

R S D – 5

T 6 .............................................................. 6 – 2 5 1 B. 

C – 4 1 5 ..................................................... 8 – 2 5 1 F. 

M – 4 2 0 T R .................................................. 1 2 – 2 5 1. 

T h e s e m o d el s m a y b e f o u n d a s si g n e d t o r o a d s er vi c e a s 

w ell a s s wit c h er s er vi c e, b ut ar e c o n si d er e d s wit c h er l o c om oti v e s f or t h e p ur p o s e of t hi s r e g ul ati o n. 

S u b p art B —I nt erst at e R ail C arri er O p er ati o ns St a n d ar ds 

§ 2 0 1. 1 0 A p pli c a bilit y. 

T h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s s u b p a r t a p pl y 

t o all r ail c a r s a n d all l o c o m o ti v e s, e xc e p t s t e a m l o c o m o ti v e s, o p e r a t e d o r 

c o n t r oll e d b y c a r ri e r s a s d efi n e d i n s u bp a r t A of t hi s p a r t, e x c e p t t h a t § 2 0 1. 1 1 

( a), ( b), a n d ( c) d o n o t a p pl y t o g a s t u rbi n e- p o w e r e d l o c o m o ti v e s a n d t o a n y 

l o c o m o ti v e t y p e w hi c h c a n n o t b e c o nn e c t e d b y a n y s t a n d a r d m e t h o d t o a 

l o a d c ell. T h e y a p pl y t o t h e t o t al s o u n d 

l e v el e mi t t e d b y r ail c a r s a n d l o c om o ti v e s o p e r a t e d u n d e r t h e c o n di ti o n s 

s p e cifi e d, i n cl u di n g t h e s o u n d p r o d u c e d 

b y r ef ri g e r a ti o n a n d ai r c o n di ti o ni n g 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 5 5
7 3 

E n vir o n m e nt al Pr ot e cti o n A g e n c y § 2 0 1. 1 2 

u ni t s w hi c h a r e a n i n t e g r al el e m e n t of 

s u c h e q ui p m e n t. T h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s 

s u b p a r t a p pl y t o all a c ti v e r e t a r d e r s, 

all c a r c o u pli n g o p e r a ti o n s, all s wi t c he r l o c o m o ti v e s, a n d all l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d s. T h e s e p r o vi si o n s d o n o t a p pl y 

t o t h e s o u n d e mi t t e d b y a w a r ni n g d evi c e, s u c h a s a h o r n, w hi s tl e o r b ell 

w h e n o p e r a t e d f o r t h e p u r p o s e of s af et y. T h e y d o n o t a p pl y t o s p e ci al p u rp o s e e q ui p m e n t w hi c h m a y b e l o c a t e d 

o n o r o p e r a t e d f r o m r ail c a r s; t h e y d o 

n o t a p pl y t o s t r e e t, s u b u r b a n o r i n t e ru r b a n el e c t ri c r ail w a y s u nl e s s o p e r a t e d 

a s a p a r t of a g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m 

of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n. W h e n l a n d u s e 

c h a n g e s af t e r t h e p u bli c a ti o n d a t e of 

t hi s r e g ul a ti o n f r o m s o m e o t h e r u s e t o 

r e si d e n ti al o r c o m m e r ci al l a n d u s e 

a r o u n d a s p e cifi c r ail y a r d f a cili t y, t hi s 

r e g ul a ti o n will b e c o m e eff e c ti v e f o u r 

( 4) y e a r s f r o m t h e d a t e of t h a t l a n d u s e 

c h a n g e. 

§ 2 0 1. 1 1 St a n d a r d f o r l o c o m oti v e o p e rati o n u n d e r st ati o n a r y c o n diti o n s. 

( a) C o m m e n ci n g D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 6, 

n o c a r ri e r s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g ul a ti o n 

s h all o p e r a t e a n y l o c o m o ti v e t o w hi c h 

t hi s r e g ul a ti o n i s a p pli c a bl e, a n d of 

w hi c h m a n uf a c t u r e i s c o m pl e t e d o n o r 

b ef o r e D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 9, w hi c h p r od u c e s A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el s i n e x c e s s 

of 9 3 d B a t a n y t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g e x c e p t 

i dl e, w h e n o p e r a t e d si n gl y a n d w h e n 

c o n n e c t e d t o a l o a d c ell, o r i n e x c e s s of 

7 3 d B a t i dl e w h e n o p e r a t e d si n gl y, a n d 

w h e n m e a s u r e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e 

c ri t e ri a s p e cifi e d i n S u b p a r t C of t hi s 

p a r t wi t h sl o w m e t e r r e s p o n s e a t a 

p oi n t 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) f r o m t h e g e om e t ri c c e n t e r of t h e l o c o m o ti v e al o n g 

a li n e t h a t i s b o t h p e r p e n di c ul a r t o t h e 

c e n t e rli n e of t h e t r a c k a n d o ri gi n a t e s 

a t t h e l o c o m o ti v e g e o m e t ri c c e n t e r. 

( b) N o c a r ri e r s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g ul ati o n s h all o p e r a t e a n y l o c o m o ti v e t o 

w hi c h t hi s r e g ul a ti o n i s a p pli c a bl e, a n d 

of w hi c h m a n uf a c t u r e i s c o m pl e t e d 

af t e r D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 9, w hi c h p r o d u c e s 

A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el s i n e x c e s s of 8 7 

d B a t a n y t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g e x c e p t i dl e, 

w h e n o p e r a t e d si n gl y a n d w h e n c o nn e c t e d t o a l o a d c ell, o r i n e x c e s s of 7 0 

d B a t i dl e w h e n o p e r a t e d si n gl y, a n d 

w h e n m e a s u r e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e 

c ri t e ri a s p e cifi e d i n S u b p a r t C of t hi s 

p a r t wi t h sl o w m e t e r r e s p o n s e a t a 

p oi n t 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) f r o m t h e g e om e t ri c c e n t e r of t h e l o c o m o ti v e al o n g 

a li n e t h a t i s b o t h p e r p e n di c ul a r t o t h e 

c e n t e rli n e of t h e t r a c k a n d o ri gi n a t e s 

a t t h e l o c o m o ti v e g e o m e t ri c c e n t e r. 

( c) C o m m e n ci n g J a n u a r y 1 5, 1 9 8 4, n o 

c a r ri e r s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g ul a ti o n m a y 

o p e r a t e a n y s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e t o 

w hi c h t hi s r e g ul a ti o n i s a p pli c a bl e, a n d 

of w hi c h m a n uf a c t u r e i s c o m pl e t e d o n 

o r b ef o r e D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 9, w hi c h p r od u c e s A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el s i n e x c e s s 

of 8 7 d B a t a n y t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g e x c e p t 

i dl e, w h e n o p e r a t e d si n gl y a n d w h e n 

c o n n e c t e d t o a l o a d c ell, o r i n e x c e s s of 

7 0 d B a t i dl e, a n d w h e n m e a s u r e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t h e c ri t e ri a s p e cifi e d i n 

S u b p a r t C of t hi s p a r t wi t h sl o w m e t e r 

r e s p o n s e a t a p oi n t 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) 

f r o m t h e g e o m e t ri c c e n t e r of t h e l o c om o ti v e al o n g a li n e t h a t i s b o t h p e rp e n di c ul a r t o t h e c e n t e rli n e of t h e 

t r a c k a n d o ri gi n a t e s a t t h e l o c o m o ti v e 

g e o m e t ri c c e n t e r. All s wi t c h e r l o c om o ti v e s t h a t o p e r a t e i n a p a r ti c ul a r 

r ail r o a d f a cili t y a r e d e e m e d t o b e i n 

c o m pli a n c e wi t h t hi s s t a n d a r d if t h e Aw ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el f r o m s t a ti o n a r y 

s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e s, si n gl y o r i n c o mbi n a ti o n wi t h o t h e r s t a ti o n a r y l o c om o ti v e s, d o e s n o t e x c e e d 6 5 d B w h e n 

m e a s u r e d wi t h f a s t m e t e r r e s p o n s e a t 

a n y r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y m e a s u r e m e n t 

l o c a ti o n n e a r t h a t p a r ti c ul a r r ail y a r d 

f a cili t y a n d w h e n m e a s u r e d i n a c c o r da n c e w ti h S u b p a r t C of t hi s r e g ul a ti o n. 

[ 4 5 F R 1 2 6 3, J a n. 4, 1 9 8 0; 4 7 F R 1 4 7 0 9, A p r. 6, 

1 9 8 2] 

§ 2 0 1. 1 2 St a n d a r d f o r l o c o m oti v e o p e rati o n u n d e r m o vi n g c o n diti o n s. 

( a) C o m m e n ci n g D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 6, 

n o c a r ri e r s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g ul a ti o n 

m a y o p e r a t e a n y l o c o m o ti v e o r c o mbi n a ti o n of l o c o m o ti v e s t o w hi c h t hi s 

r e g ul a ti o n i s a p pli c a bl e, a n d of w hi c h 

m a n uf a c t u r e i s c o m pl e t e d o n o r b ef o r e 

D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 9, w hi c h p r o d u c e s Aw ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el s i n e x c e s s of 9 6 d B 

w h e n m o vi n g a t a n y ti m e o r u n d e r a n y 

c o n di ti o n of g r a d e, l o a d, a c c el e r a ti o n, 

o r d e c el e r a ti o n, w h e n m e a s u r e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t h e c ri t e ri a s p e cifi e d i n 

S u b p a r t C of t hi s r e g ul a ti o n wi t h f a s t 

m e t e r r e s p o n s e a t 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) 

f r o m t h e c e n t e rli n e of a n y s e c ti o n of 

t r a c k h a vi n g l e s s t h a n a t w o ( 2) d e g r e e 

c u r v e ( o r a r a di u s of c u r v a t u r e g r e a t e r 

t h a n 8 7 3 m e t e r s ( 2 8 6 5 f e e t)). 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 5 6
7 4 

§ 2 0 1. 1 3 4 0 C F R C h. I ( 7 – 1 – 0 6 E diti o n) 

( b) N o c a r ri e r s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g ul ati o n m a y o p e r a t e a n y l o c o m o ti v e o r 

c o m bi n a ti o n of l o c o m o ti v e s t o w hi c h 

t hi s r e g ul a ti o n i s a p pli c a bl e, a n d of 

w hi c h m a n uf a c t u r e i s c o m pl e t e d af t e r 

D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 9, w hi c h p r o d u c e Aw ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el s i n e x c e s s of 9 0 d B 

w h e n m o vi n g a t a n y ti m e o r u n d e r a n y 

c o n di ti o n of g r a d e, l o a d, a c c el e r a ti o n, 

o r d e c el e r a ti o n, w h e n m e a s u r e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t h e c ri t e ri a s p e cifi e d i n 

S u b p a r t C of t hi s p a r t wi t h f a s t m e t e r 

r e s p o n s e a t 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) f r o m 

t h e c e n t e rli n e of a n y s e c ti o n of t r a c k 

h a vi n g l e s s t h a n a t w o ( 2) d e g r e e c u r v e 

( o r a r a di u s of c u r v a t u r e g r e a t e r t h a n 

8 7 3 m e t e r s ( 2, 8 6 5 f e e t)). 

( c) C o m m e n ci n g J a n u a r y 1 5, 1 9 8 4, n o 

c a r ri e r s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g ul a ti o n m a y 

o p e r a t e a n y s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e o r a 

c o m bi n a ti o n of s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e s 

t o w hi c h t hi s r e g ul a ti o n i s a p pli c a bl e, 

a n d of w hi c h m a n uf a c t u r e i s c o m pl e t e d 

o n o r b ef o r e D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 9 w hi c h 

p r o d u c e A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el s i n e xc e s s of 9 0 d B w h e n m o vi n g a t a n y ti m e 

o r u n d e r a n y c o n di ti o n of g r a d e, l o a d, 

a c c el e r a ti o n o r d e c el e r a ti o n, a n d w h e n 

m e a s u r e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e c rit e ri a i n S u b p a r t C of t hi s p a r t wi t h f a s t 

m e t e r r e s p o n s e a t 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) 

f r o m t h e c e n t e rli n e of a n y s e c ti o n of 

t r a c k h a vi n g l e s s t h a n a t w o ( 2) d e g r e e 

c u r v e ( o r a r a di u s of c u r v a t u r e g r e a t e r 

t h a n 8 7 3 m e t e r s ( 2, 8 6 5 f e e t)). All s wi t c he r l o c o m o ti v e s t h a t o p e r a t e i n a p a rti c ul a r r ail r o a d f a cili t y a r e d e e m e d t o 

b e i n c o m pli a n c e wi t h t hi s s t a n d a r d if 

t h e A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el f r o m s t ati o n a r y s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e s, si n gl y o r 

i n c o m bi n a ti o n wi t h o t h e r s t a ti o n a r y 

l o c o m o ti v e s, d o e s n o t e x c e e d 6 5 d B 

w h e n m e a s u r e d wi t h f a s t m e t e r r es p o n s e a t a n y r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y m e a su r e m e n t l o c a ti o n n e a r t h a t p a r ti c ul a r 

r ail y a r d f a cili t y a n d w h e n m e a s u r e d i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h S u b p a r t C of t hi s r e gul a ti o n. 

[ 4 5 F R 1 2 6 3, J a n. 4, 1 9 8 0; 4 7 F R 1 4 7 0 9, A p r. 6, 

1 9 8 2] 

§ 2 0 1. 1 3 St a n d a r d f o r r ail c a r o p e rati o n s. 

Eff e c ti v e D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 6, n o c a rri e r s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g ul a ti o n s h all o pe r a t e a n y r ail c a r o r c o m bi n a ti o n of 

r ail c a r s w hi c h w hil e i n m o ti o n 

p r o d u c e s o u n d l e v el s i n e x c e s s of ( 1) 8 8 

d B( A) a t r ail c a r s p e e d s u p t o a n d i ncl u di n g 7 5 k m/ h r ( 4 5 m p h); o r ( 2) 9 3 

d B( A) a t r ail c a r s p e e d s g r e a t e r t h a n 7 2 

k m/ h r ( 4 5 m p h); w h e n m e a s u r e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t h e c ri t e ri a s p e cifi e d i n 

S u b p a r t C of t hi s p a r t wi t h f a s t m e t e r 

r e s p o n s e a t 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0) f e e t f r o m 

t h e c e n t e rli n e of a n y s e c ti o n of t r a c k 

w hi c h i s f r e e of s p e ci al t r a c k w o r k o r 

b ri d g e s o r t r e s tl e s a n d w hi c h e x hi bi t s 

l e s s t h a n a t w o ( 2) d e g r e e c u r v e ( o r a 

r a di u s of c u r v a t u r e g r e a t e r t h a n 8 7 3 

m e t e r s ( 2, 8 6 5 f e e t)). 

[ 4 5 F R 1 2 6 3, J a n. 4, 1 9 8 0; 4 7 F R 1 4 7 0 9, A p r. 6, 

1 9 8 2] 

§ 2 0 1. 1 4 St a n d a r d f o r r et a r d e r s. 

Eff e c ti v e J a n u a r y 1 5, 1 9 8 4, n o c a r ri e r 

s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g ul a ti o n s h all o p e r a t e 

r e t a r d e r s t h a t e x c e e d a n a dj u s t e d a v e ra g e m a xi m u m A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el 

of 8 3 d B a t a n y r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y 

m e a s u r e m e n t l o c a ti o n, w h e n m e a s u r e d 

wi t h f a s t m e t e r r e s p o n s e i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h S u b p a r t C of t hi s p a r t. 

[ 4 5 F R 1 2 6 3, J a n. 4, 1 9 8 0; 4 7 F R 1 4 7 0 9, A p r. 6, 

1 9 8 2] 

§ 2 0 1. 1 5 St a n d a r d f o r c a r c o u pli n g o pe r ati o n s. 

Eff e c ti v e J a n u a r y 1 5, 1 9 8 4, n o c a r ri e r 

s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g ul a ti o n s h all c o n d u c t 

c a r c o u pli n g o p e r a ti o n s t h a t e x c e e d a n 

a dj u s t e d a v e r a g e m a xi m u m A- w ei g h t e d 

s o u n d l e v el of 9 2 d B a t a n y r e c ei vi n g 

p r o p e r t y m e a s u r e m e n t l o c a ti o n, w h e n 

m e a s u r e d wi t h f a s t m e t e r r e s p o n s e i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h S u b p a r t C of t hi s p a r t, 

e x c e p t, s u c h c o u pli n g will b e f o u n d i n 

c o m pli a n c e wi t h t hi s s t a n d a r d a n d t h e 

c a r ri e r will b e c o n si d e r e d i n c o m plia n c e, if t h e r ail r o a d d e m o n s t r a t e s t h a t 

t h e s t a n d a r d i s e x c e e d e d a t t h e r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y m e a s u r e m e n t l o c a ti o n s 

( w h e r e t h e s t a n d a r d w a s p r e vi o u sl y e xc e e d e d) w h e n c a r s r e p r e s e n t a ti v e of 

t h o s e f o u n d t o e x c e e d t h e s t a n d a r d a r e 

c o u pl e d a t si mil a r l o c a ti o n s a t c o upli n g s p e e d s of ei g h t mil e s p e r h o u r o r 

l e s s. 

[ 4 5 F R 1 2 6 3, J a n. 4, 1 9 8 0; 4 7 F R 1 4 7 0 9, A p r. 6, 

1 9 8 2] 

§ 2 0 1. 1 6 St a n d a r d f o r l o c o m oti v e l o a d 

c ell t e st st a n d s. 

( a) Eff e c ti v e J a n u a r y 1 5, 1 9 8 4, n o c a rri e r s u bj e c t t o t hi s r e g u a ti o n s h all o pe r a t e l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d s 

t h a t e x c e e d a n A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 5 7
7 5 

E n vir o n m e nt al Pr ot e cti o n A g e n c y § 2 0 1. 2 2 

A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d s a r e a v aila bl e f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d s 

I n s ti t u t e, I n c., 1 4 3 0 B r o a d w a y, N e w Y o r k, N Y 

1 0 0 1 8. 

of 7 8 d B w h e n m e a s u r e d wi t h sl o w 

m e t e r r e s p o n s e i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

S u b p a r t C of t hi s p a r t e x cl u di n g § 2 0 1. 2 3 

( b) a n d ( c), a t a p oi n t 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 

f e e t) f r o m t h e g e o m e t ri c c e n t e r of t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e u n d e r g oi n g t e s t, al o n g a 

li n e t h a t i s b o t h p e r p e n di c ul a r t o t h e 

c e n t e rli n e of t h e t r a c k a n d o ri gi n a t e s 

a t t h e l o c o m o ti v e g e o m e t ri c c e n t e r, 

a n d i n t h e di r e c ti o n m o s t n e a rl y t ow a r d s t h e cl o s e s t r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y 

m e a s u r e m e n t l o c a ti o n. All l o c o m o ti v e 

l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d s i n a p a r ti c ul a r 

r ail r o a d f a cili t y a r e i n c o m pli a n c e wi t h 

t hi s s t a n d a r d if t h e A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d 

l e v el f r o m t h e l o a d c ell d o e s n o t e x c e e d 

6 5 d B a t a n y r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y m e a su r e m e n t l o c a ti o n n e a r t h a t p a r ti c ul a r 

r ail y a r d f a cili t y a n d w h e n m e a s u r e d 

wi t h f a s t m e t e r r e s p o n s e i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h S u b p a r t C of t hi s r e g ul a ti o n. 

( b) If t h e c o n di ti o n s of a n y p a r t of 

§ 2 0 1. 2 3( a) c a n n o t b e m e t a t a s p e cifi c 

l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d si t e, t h e n t h e Aw ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el f r o m t h a t s p e cifi c 

l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d m u s t n o t e x c e e d 6 5 

d B w h e n m e a s u r e d wi t h f a s t m e t e r r es p o n s e a t a r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y m e a su r e m e n t l o c a ti o n m o r e t h a n 1 2 0 m e t e r s 

( 4 0 0 f e e t) f r o m t h e g e o m e t ri c c e n t e r of 

t h e l o c o m o ti v e b ei n g t e s t e d a n d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h S u b p a r t C of t hi s r e g ul ati o n. 

[ 4 5 F R 1 2 6 3, J a n. 4, 1 9 8 0; 4 7 F R 1 4 7 0 9, A p r. 6, 

1 9 8 2] 

S u b p art C — M e as ur e m e nt Crit eri a 

§ 2 0 1. 2 0 A p pli c a bilit y a n d p u r p o s e. 

T h e f oll o wi n g c ri t e ri a a r e a p pli c a bl e 

t o a n d c o n t ai n t h e n e c e s s a r y p a r a me t e r s a n d p r o c e d u r e s f o r t h e m e a s u r em e n t of t h e n oi s e e mi s si o n l e v el s p r es c ri b e d i n t h e s t a n d a r d s of S u b p a r t B 

of t hi s p a r t. T h e s e c ri t e ri a a r e s p e cifi e d i n o r d e r t o f u r t h e r cl a rif y a n d d efi n e s u c h s t a n d a r d s. E q ui v al e n t m e a su r e m e n t p r o c e d u r e s m a y b e u s e d f o r e st a bli s hi n g c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e s e r e g ul a ti o n s. A n y e q ui v al e n t m e a s u r e m e n t 

p r o c e d u r e, u n d e r a n y ci r c u m s t a n c e, 

s h all n o t r e s ul t i n a m o r e s t ri n g e n t 

n oi s e c o n t r ol r e q ui r e m e n t t h a n t h o s e 

s p e cifi e d i n t hi s r e g ul a ti o n u si n g t h e 

m e a s u r e m e n t p r o c e d u r e s i n S u b p a r t C. 

§ 2 0 1. 2 1 Q u a ntiti e s m e a s u r e d. 

T h e q u a n ti ti e s t o b e m e a s u r e d u n d e r 

t h e t e s t c o n di ti o n s d e s c ri b e d b el o w, a r e 

t h e A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el s f o r ‘‘f a s t’’ 

o r ‘‘ sl o w’’ m e t e r r e s p o n s e a s d efi n e d i n 

t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d S 1. 4 – 

1 9 7 1. 

§ 2 0 1. 2 2 M e a s u r e m e nt i n st r u m e nt a- ti o n. 

( a) A s o u n d l e v el m e t e r o r al t e r n a t e 

s o u n d l e v el m e a s u r e m e n t s y s t e m t h a t 

m e e t s, a s a mi ni m u m, all t h e r e q ui r em e n t s of A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d 

S 1. 4 – 1 9 7 1 f o r a T y p e 1 ( o r S 1 A) i n s t r um e n t m u s t b e u s e d wi t h t h e ‘‘f a s t’’ o r 

‘‘ sl o w’’ m e t e r r e s p o n s e c h a c t e ri s ti c a s 

s p e cifi e d i n S u b p a r t B. T o i n s u r e T y p e 

1 r e s p o n s e, t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r’ s i n s t r u cti o n s r e g a r di n g m o u n ti n g o r o ri e n ti n g 

of t h e mi c r o p h o n e, a n d p o si ti o ni n g of 

t h e o b s e r v e r m u s t b e o b s e r v e d. I n t h e 

e v e n t t h a t a T y p e 1 ( o r S 1 A) i n s t r um e n t i s n o t a v ail a bl e f o r d e t e r mi ni n g 

n o n- c o m pli a n c e wi t h t hi s r e g ul a ti o n, 

t h e m e a s u r e m e n t s m a y b e m a d e wi t h a 

T y p e 2 ( o r S 2 A), b u t wi t h t h e m e a s u r e d 

l e v el s r e d u c e d b y t h e f oll o wi n g a m o u n t 

t o a c c o u n t f o r p o s si bl e m e a s u r e m e n t 

i n s t r u m e n t e r r o r s p e r t ai ni n g t o s p ecifi c m e a s u r e m e n t s a n d s o u r c e s: 

A B L E 1 — S O U N D E V E L O R R E C TI O N S H E N

SI N G A Y P E 2 ( O R S 2 A) I N S T R U M E N T

M e a s ur e m e nt s e cti o n S o ur c e D e cib el s

2 0 1. 2 4 ............. L o c o m oti v e s ................................... 0 

R ail c ar s ......................................... 0 

L o c o m oti v e l o a d c ell t e st st a n d ..... 0 

2 0 1. 2 6 ............. R et ar d er ......................................... 4 

C ar c o u pli n g ................................... 2 

2 0 1. 2 7 ............. L o c o m oti v e l o a d c ell t e st st a n d ..... 0 

St ati o n ar y l o c o m oti v e .................... 0 

A m o u nt of c orr e cti o n t o b e s u btr a ct e d fr o m m e a s ur e d l e v el ( d B). 

( b) A mi c r o p h o n e wi n d s c r e e n a n d a n 

a c o u s ti c c ali b r a t o r of t h e c o u pl e r t y p e 

m u s t b e u s e d a s r e c o m m e n d e d b y: ( 1) 

t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r of t h e s o u n d l e v el 

m e t e r o r ( 2) t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r of t h e 

mi c r o p h o n e. T h e c h oi c e of b o t h d e vi c e s 

m u s t b e b a s e d o n e n s u ri n g t h a t T y p e 1 

o r 2 p e rf o r m a n c e, a s a p p r o p ri a t e, i s 

m ai n t ai n e d f o r f r e q u e n ci e s b el o w 1 0, 0 0 0 

H z. 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 5 8
7 6 

§ 2 0 1. 2 3 4 0 C F R C h. I ( 7 – 1 – 0 6 E diti o n) 

§ 2 0 1. 2 3 T e st sit e, w e at h e r c o n diti o n s 

a n d b a c k g r o u n d n oi s e c rit e ri a f o r 

m e a s u r e m e nt at a 3 0 m et e r ( 1 0 0 

f e et) di st a n c e of t h e n oi s e f r o m l oc o m oti v e a n d r ail c a r o p e r ati o n s 

a n d l o c o m oti v e l o a d c ell t e st st a n d s. 

( a) T h e s t a n d a r d t e s t si t e s h all b e 

s u c h t h a t t h e l o c o m o ti v e o r t r ai n r a dia t e s s o u n d i n t o a f r e e fi el d o v e r t h e 

g r o u n d pl a n e. T hi s c o n di ti o n m a y b e 

c o n si d e r e d f ulfill e d if t h e t e s t si t e c o nsi s t s of a n o p e n s p a c e f r e e of l a r g e, 

s o u n d r efl e c ti n g o bj e c t s, s u c h a s b a rri e r s, hill s, si g n b o a r d s, p a r k e d v e hi cl e s, 

l o c o m o ti v e s o r r ail c a r s o n a dj a c e n t 

t r a c k s, b ri d g e s o r b uil di n g s wi t hi n t h e 

b o u n d a ri e s d e s c ri b e d b y Fi g u r e 1, a s 

w ell a s c o nf o r m s t o t h e o t h e r r e q ui r em e n t s of t hi s § 2 0 1. 2 3. 

( b) Wi t hi n t h e c o m pl e t e t e s t si t e, t h e 

t o p of a t l e a s t o n e r ail u p o n w hi c h t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e o r t r ai n i s l o c a t e d s h all b e 

vi si bl e (li n e of si g h t) f r o m a p o si ti o n 

1. 2 m e t e r s ( 4 f e e t) a b o v e t h e g r o u n d a t 

t h e mi c r o p h o n e l o c a ti o n, e x c e p t a s p r ovi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( c) of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

( c) G r o u n d c o v e r s u c h a s v e g e t a ti o n, 

f e n c e p o s t s, s m all t r e e s, t el e p h o n e 

p ol e s, e t c., s h all b e li mi t e d wi t hi n t h e 

a r e a i n t h e t e s t si t e b e t w e e n t h e v e hicl e u n d e r t e s t a n d t h e m e a s u ri n g 

mi c r o p h o n e s u c h t h a t 8 0 p e r c e n t of t h e 

t o p of a t l e a s t o n e r ail al o n g t h e e n ti r e 

t e s t s e c ti o n of t r a c k b e vi si bl e f r o m a 

p o si ti o n 1. 2 m e t e r s ( 4 f e e t) a b o v e t h e 

g r o u n d a t t h e mi c r o p h o n e l o c a ti o n; e xc e p t t h a t n o si n gl e o b s t r u c ti o n s h all 

a c c o u n t f o r m o r e t h a n 5 p e r c e n t of t h e 

t o t al all o w a bl e o b s t r u c ti o n. 

( d) T h e g r o u n d el e v a ti o n a t t h e 

mi c r o p h o n e l o c a ti o n s h all b e wi t hi n 

pl u s 1. 5 m e t e r s ( 5 f e e t) o r mi n u s 3. 0 m et e r s ( 1 0 f e e t) of t h e el e v a ti o n of t h e t o p 

of t h e r ail a t t h e l o c a ti o n i n-li n e wi t h 

t h e mi c r o p h o n e. 

( e) Wi t hi n t h e t e s t si t e, t h e t r a c k 

s h all e x hi bi t l e s s t h a n a 2 d e g r e e c u r v e 

o r a r a di u s of c u r v a t u r e g r e a t e r t h a n 

8 7 3 m e t e r s ( 2, 8 6 5 f e e t). T hi s p a r a g r a p h 

s h all n o t a p pl y d u ri n g a s t a ti o n a r y 

t e s t. T h e t r a c k s h all b e ti e a n d b all a s t, 

f r e e of s p e ci al t r a c k w o r k a n d b ri d g e s 

o r t r e s tl e s. 

(f) M e a s u r e m e n t s s h all n o t b e m a d e 

d u ri n g p r e ci pi t a ti o n. 

( g) T h e m a xi m u m A- w ei g h t e d f a s t r es p o n s e s o u n d l e v el o b s e r v e d a t t h e t e s t 

si t e i m m e di a t el y b ef o r e a n d af t e r t h e 

t e s t s h all b e a t l e a s t 1 0 d B( A) b el o w t h e 

l e v el m e a s u r e d d u ri n g t h e t e s t. F o r t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e a n d r ail c a r p a s s- b y t e s t s 

t hi s r e q ui r e m e n t a p pli e s b ef o r e a n d 

af t e r t h e t r ai n c o n t ai ni n g t h e r olli n g 

s t o c k t o b e t e s t e d h a s p a s s e d. T hi s 

b a c k g r o u n d s o u n d l e v el m e a s u r e m e n t 

s h all i n cl u d e t h e c o n t ri b u ti o n f r o m t h e 

o p e r a ti o n of t h e l o a d c ell, if a n y, i ncl u di n g l o a d c ell c o n t ri b u ti o n d u ri n g 

t e s t. 

( h) N oi s e m e a s u r e m e n t s m a y o nl y b e 

m a d e if t h e m e a s u r e d wi n d v el o ci t y i s 

1 9. 3 k m/ h r ( 1 2 m p h) o r l e s s. G u s t wi n d 

m e a s u r e m e n t s of u p t o 3 3. 2 k m/ h r ( 2 0 

m p h) a r e all o w e d. 

§ 2 0 1. 2 4 P r o c e d u r e s f o r m e a s u r e m e nt 

at a 3 0 m et e r ( 1 0 0 f e et) di st a n c e of 

t h e n oi s e f r o m l o c o m oti v e a n d r ail 

c a r o p e r ati o n s a n d l o c o m oti v e l o a d 

c ell t e st st a n d s. 

( a) Mi cr o p h o n e p ositi o ns. ( 1) T h e 

mi c r o p h o n e s h all b e l o c a t e d wi t hi n t h e 

t e s t si t e a c c o r di n g t o t h e s p e cifi c a ti o n s 

gi v e n i n t h e t e s t p r o c e d u r e s of p a r ag r a p h s ( b), ( c) a n d ( d) of t hi s s e c ti o n, 

a n d s h all b e p o si ti o n e d 1. 2 m e t e r s ( 4 

f e e t) a b o v e t h e g r o u n d. I t s h all b e o rie n t e d wi t h r e s p e c t t o t h e s o u r c e i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r’ s r e co m m e n d a ti o n s. 

( 2) T h e o b s e r v e r s h all n o t s t a n d b et w e e n t h e mi c r o p h o n e a n d t h e s o u r c e 

w h o s e s o u n d l e v el i s b ei n g m e a s u r e d. 

( b) St ati o n ar y l o c o m oti v e a n d l o c om oti v e l o a d c ell t est st a n d t ests. ( 1) F o r 

s t a ti o n a r y l o c o m o ti v e a n d l o c o m o ti v e 

l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d t e s t s, t h e mi c r op h o n e s h all b e p o si ti o n e d o n a li n e p e rp e n di c ul a r t o t h e t r a c k a t a p oi n t 3 0 

m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) f r o m t h e t r a c k c e n t e rli n e a t t h e l o n gi t u di n al mi d p oi n t of t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e. 

( 2) T h e s o u n d l e v el m e t e r s h all b e o bs e r v e d f o r t hi r t y s e c o n d s af t e r t h e t e s t 

t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g i s e s t a bli s h e d t o a s s u r e 

o p e r a ti n g s t a bili t y. T h e m a xi m u m 

s o u n d l e v el o b s e r v e d d u ri n g t h a t ti m e 

s h all b e u tili z e d f o r c o m pli a n c e p u rp o s e s. 

( 3) M e a s u r e m e n t of s t a ti o n a r y l o c om o ti v e a n d l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d n oi s e s h all b e m a d e wi t h all c o oli n g f a n s o p e r a ti n g. 

( c) R ail c ar p ass- b y t est. ( 1) F o r r ail 

c a r p a s s- b y t e s t s, t h e mi c r o p h o n e s h all 

b e p o si ti o n e d o n a li n e p e r p e n di c ul a r t o 

t h e t r a c k 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) f r o m t h e 

t r a c k c e n t e rli n e. 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 5 9
7 7 

E n vir o n m e nt al Pr ot e cti o n A g e n c y § 2 0 1. 2 4 

( 2) R ail c a r n oi s e m e a s u r e m e n t s s h all 

b e m a d e w h e n t h e l o c o m o ti v e s h a v e 

p a s s e d a di s t a n c e 1 5 2. 4 m e t e r s ( 5 0 0 f e e t) 

o r 1 0 r ail c a r s b e y o n d t h e p oi n t a t t h e 

i n t e r s e c ti o n of t h e t r a c k a n d t h e li n e 

w hi c h e x t e n d s p e r p e n di c ul a rl y f r o m 

t h e t r a c k t o t h e mi c r o p h o n e l o c a ti o n, 

p r o vi di n g a n y o t h e r l o c o m o ti v e s a r e 

al s o a t l e a s t 1 5 2. 4 m e t e r s ( 5 0 0 f e e t) o r 1 0 

r ail c a r l e n g t h s a w a y f r o m t h e m e a su ri n g p oi n t. T h e m a xi m u m s o u n d l e v el 

o b s e r v e d i n t hi s m a n n e r w hi c h e x c e e d s 

t h e n oi s e l e v el s s p e cifi e d i n § 2 0 1. 1 3 

s h all b e u tili z e d f o r c o m pli a n c e p u rp o s e s. 

( 3) M e a s u r e m e n t s s h all b e t a k e n o n 

r e a s o n a bl y w ell m ai n t ai n e d t r a c k s. 

( 4) N oi s e l e v el s s h all n o t b e r e c o r d e d 

if b r a k e s q u e al i s p r e s e n t d u ri n g t h e 

t e s t m e a s u r e m e n t. 

( d) L o c o m oti v e p ass- b y t est. ( 1) F o r l oc o m o ti v e p a s s- b y t e s t s, t h e mi c r o p h o n e 

s h all b e p o si ti o n e d o n a li n e p e r p e ndi c ul a r t o t h e t r a c k a t a p oi n t 3 0 m et e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) f r o m t h e t r a c k c e n t e rli n e. 

( 2) T h e n oi s e l e v el s h all b e m e a s u r e d 

a s t h e l o c o m o ti v e a p p r o a c h e s a n d 

p a s s e s b y t h e mi c r o p h o n e l o c a ti o n. T h e 

m a xi m u m n oi s e l e v el o b s e r v e d d u ri n g 

t hi s p e ri o d s h all b e u tili z e d f o r c o m plia n c e p u r p o s e s. 

( 3) M e a s u r e m e n t s s h all b e t a k e n o n 

r e a s o n a bl y w ell m ai n t ai n e d t r a c k s. 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 6 0
7 8 

§ 2 0 1. 2 4 4 0 C F R C h. I ( 7 – 1 – 0 6 E diti o n) 

3 0 M E T E R S

3 0 M E T E R S

3 0 M E T E R S

MI C R O P H O N E

L O C A TI O N

Fi g ur e 1. T e st Sit e Cl e ar a n c e R e q uir e m e nt f or St ati o n ar y

L o c o m oti v e, L o c o m oti v e P a s s- b y, R ail C ar

P a s s- b y, a n d L o c o m oti v e L o a d C ell T e st St a n d

T e st s.

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 6 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 6 1
7 9 

E n vir o n m e nt al Pr ot e cti o n A g e n c y § 2 0 1. 2 6 

§ 2 0 1. 2 5 M e a s u r e m e nt l o c ati o n a n d 

w e at h e r c o n diti o n s f o r m e a s u r em e nt o n r e c ei vi n g p r o p e rt y of t h e 

n oi s e of r et a r d e r s, c a r c o u pli n g, l oc o m oti v e l o a d c ell t e st st a n d s, a n d 

st ati o n a r y l o c o m oti v e s. 

( a) M e a s u r e m e n t s m u s t b e c o n d u c t e d 

o nl y a t r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y m e a s u r em e n t l o c a ti o n s. 

( b) M e a s u r e m e n t l o c a ti o n s o n r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y m u s t b e s el e c t e d s u c h 

t h a t n o s u b s t a n ti all y v e r ti c al pl a n e 

s u rf a c e, o t h e r t h a n a r e si d e n ti al o r 

c o m m e r ci al u ni t w all o r f a cili t y b o u n da r y n oi s e b a r ri e r, t h a t e x c e e d s 1. 2 m et e r s ( 4 f e e t) i n h ei g h t i s l o c a t e d wi t hi n 

1 0 m e t e r s ( 3 3. 3 f e e t) of t h e mi c r o p h o n e 

a n d t h a t n o e x t e ri o r w all of a r e si d e nti al o r c o m m e r ci al s t r u c t u r e i s l o c a t e d 

wi t hi n 2. 0 m e t e r s ( 6. 6 f e e t) of t h e 

mi c r o p h o n e. If t h e r e si d e n ti al s t r u ct u r e i s a f a r m h o m e, m e a s u r e m e n t s 

m u s t b e m a d e 2. 0 t o 1 0. 0 m e t e r s ( 6. 6 t o 

3 3. 3 f e e t) f r o m a n y e x t e ri o r w all. 

( c) N o m e a s u r e m e n t m a y b e m a d e 

w h e n t h e a v e r a g e wi n d v el o ci t y d u ri n g 

t h e p e ri o d of m e a s u r e m e n t e x c e e d s 1 9. 3 

k m/ h r ( 1 2 m p h) o r w h e n t h e m a xi m u m 

wi n d g u s t v el o ci t y e x c e e d s 3 2. 2 k m/ h r 

( 2 0 m p h). 

( d) N o m e a s u r e m e n t m a y b e t a k e n 

w h e n p r e ci pi t a ti o n, e. g., r ai n, s n o w, 

sl e e t, o r h ail, i s o c c u r ri n g. 

§ 2 0 1. 2 6 P r o c e d u r e s f o r t h e m e a s u r em e nt o n r e c ei vi n g p r o p e rt y of r et a r d e r a n d c a r c o u pli n g n oi s e. 

( a) R et ar d ers —( 1) Mi cr o p h o n e. T h e 

mi c r o p h o n e m u s t b e l o c a t e d o n t h e r ec ei vi n g p r o p e r t y a n d p o si ti o n e d a t a 

h ei g h t b e t w e e n 1. 2 a n d 1. 5 m e t e r s ( 4 t o 

5 f e e t) a b o v e t h e g r o u n d. T h e mi c r op h o n e m u s t b e p o si ti o n e d wi t h r e s p e c t 

t o t h e e q ui p m e n t i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r s’ r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s 

f o r T y p e 1 o r 2 p e rf o r m a n c e a s a p p r op ri a t e. N o p e r s o n m a y s t a n d b e t w e e n 

t h e mi c r o p h o n e a n d t h e e q ui p m e n t 

b ei n g m e a s u r e d o r b e o t h e r wi s e p o siti o n e d r el a ti v e t o t h e mi c r o p h o n e a t 

v a ri a n c e wi t h t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r s’ r e co m m e n d a ti o n s f o r T y p e 1 o r 2 p e rf o r ma n c e a s a p p r o p ri a t e. 

( 2) D at a. T h e m a xi m u m A- w ei g h t e d 

s o u n d l e v el s ( F A S T) f o r e v e r y r e t a r d e r 

s o u n d o b s e r v e d d u ri n g t h e m e a s u r em e n t p e ri o d m u s t b e r e a d f r o m t h e i ndi c a t o r a n d r e c o r d e d. A t l e a s t 3 0 c o ns e c u ti v e r e t a r d e r s o u n d s m u s t b e m e a su r e d. T h e m e a s u r e m e n t p e ri o d m u s t b e 

a t l e a s t 6 0 mi n u t e s a n d n o t m o r e t h a n 

2 4 0 mi n u t e s. 

( 3) A dj ust e d a v er a g e m a xi m u m Aw ei g ht e d s o u n d l e v el. T h e e n e r g y a v e ra g e l e v el f o r t h e m e a s u r e d r e t a r d e r 

s o u n d s m u s t b e c al c ul a t e d t o d e t e rmi n e t h e v al u e of t h e a v e r a g e m a xi m u m A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el ( La ve ma x ). 

T hi s v al u e i s t h e n a dj u s t e d b y a d di n g 

t h e a dj u s t m e n t ( C) f r o m T a bl e 2 a p p r op ri a t e t o t h e n u m b e r of m e a s u r e m e n t s 

di vi d e d b y t h e d u r a ti o n of t h e m e a s u r em e n t p e ri o d ( n/ T), t o o b t ai n t h e a dj u s t e d a v e r a g e m a xi m u m A- w ei g h t e d 

s o u n d l e v el ( L a dj a ve ma x ) f o r r e t a r d e r s. 

( b) C ar c o u pli n g i m p a ct —( 1) Mi cr op h o n e. T h e mi c r o p h o n e m u s t b e l o c a t e d 

o n t h e r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y a n d a t a di st a n c e of a t l e a s t 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) 

f r o m t h e c e n t e rli n e of t h e n e a r e s t 

t r a c k o n w hi c h c a r c o u pli n g o c c u r s a n d 

i t s s o u n d i s m e a s u r e d ( t h a t i s, ei t h e r 

t h e mi c r o p h o n e i s l o c a t e d 3 0 m e t e r s 

( 1 0 0 f e e t) f r o m t h e n e a r e s t t r a c k o n 

w hi c h c o u pli n g s o c c u r, o r all s o u n d s r es ul ti n g f r o m c a r c o u pli n g i m p a c t s t h a t 

o c c u r o n t r a c k s wi t h c e n t e rli n e s l oc a t e d l e s s t h a n 3 0 m e t e r s ( 1 0 0 f e e t) 

f r o m t h e mi c r o p h o n e a r e di s r e g a r d e d). 

T h e mi c r o p h o n e s h all b e p o si ti o n e d a t 

a h ei g h t b e t w e e n 1. 2 a n d 1. 5 m e t e r s ( 4 

a n d 5 f e e t) a b o v e t h e g r o u n d, a n d i t 

m u s t b e p o si ti o n e d wi t h r e s p e c t t o t h e 

e q ui p m e n t i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e m a nuf a c t u r e r s’ r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s f o r T y p e 

1 o r 2 p e rf o r m a n c e a s a p p r o p ri a t e. N o 

p e r s o n m a y s t a n d b e t w e e n t h e mi c r op h o n e a n d t h e e q ui p m e n t b ei n g m e a su r e d o r b e o t h e r wi s e p o si ti o n e d r ela ti v e t o t h e mi c r o p h o n e a t v a ri a n c e 

wi t h t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r s’ r e c o m m e n d ati o n s f o r T y p e 1 o r 2 p e rf o r m a n c e a s a pp r o p ri a t e. 

( 2) D at a. T h e m a xi m u m A- w ei g h t e d 

s o u n d l e v el s ( F A S T) f o r e v e r y c a r c o upli n g i m p a c t s o u n d o b s e r v e d d u ri n g t h e 

m e a s u r e m e n t p e ri o d m u s t b e r e a d f r o m 

t h e i n di c a t o r a n d r e c o r d e d. A t l e a s t 3 0 

c o n s e c u ti v e c a r c o u pli n g i m p a c t s o u n d s 

m u s t b e m e a s u r e d. T h e m e a s u r e m e n t 

p e ri o d m u s t b e a t l e a s t 6 0 mi n u t e s a n d 

n o t m o r e t h a n 2 4 0 mi n u t e s, a n d m u s t 

b e r e p o r t e d. 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 6 2
8 0 

§ 2 0 1. 2 7 4 0 C F R C h. I ( 7 – 1 – 0 6 E diti o n) 

A B L E 2 — A D J U S T M E N T T O a ve ma x B T AI N

a dj a ve ma x F O R E T A R D E R S A N D A R O U

P LI N G M P A C T S

[ n/ T = n u m b er of m e a s ur e m e nt s/ m e a s ur e m e nt d ur ati o n ( mi n) 

C = A dj u st m e nt i n d B] 

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0. 1 4 2 t o 0. 1 7 8 .............................................................. ¥ 8 

0. 1 7 9 t o 0. 2 2 4 .............................................................. ¥ 7 

0. 2 2 5 t o 0. 2 8 2 .............................................................. ¥ 6 

0. 2 8 3 t o 0. 3 5 5 .............................................................. ¥ 5 

0. 3 5 6 t o 0. 4 4 7 .............................................................. ¥ 4 

0. 4 4 8 t o 0. 5 6 2 .............................................................. ¥ 3 

0. 5 6 3 t o 0. 7 0 8 .............................................................. ¥ 2 

0. 7 0 9 t o 0. 8 9 1 .............................................................. ¥ 1 

0. 8 9 2 t o 1. 1 2 2 .............................................................. 0 

1. 1 2 3 t o 1. 4 1 3 .............................................................. + 1 

1. 4 1 4 t o 1. 7 7 8 .............................................................. + 2 

1. 7 7 9 t o 2. 2 3 9 .............................................................. + 3 

2. 2 4 0 t o 2. 8 1 8 .............................................................. + 4 

2. 8 1 9 t o 3. 5 4 8 .............................................................. + 5 

3. 5 4 9 t o 4. 4 6 7 .............................................................. + 6 

a dj a ve ma x = L a ve ma x + C i n d B. V al u e s i n T a bl e 2 w er e c al c ul at e d fr o m [ C = 1 0 l o g n/ T] wit h i nt er v al s s el e ct e d t o r o u n d off v al u e s t o t h e n e ar e st w h ol e 

d e ci b el. T h e t a bl e m a y b e e xt e n d e d or i nt er p ol at e d t o fi n er i nt er v al gr a d ati o n s b y u si n g t hi s d efi ni n g e q u ati o n. 

( 3) A dj ust e d a v er a g e m a xi m u m Aw ei g ht e d s o u n d l e v el. T h e e n e r g y a v e ra g e l e v el f o r t h e m e a s u r e d c a r c o u pli n g 

s o u n d s i s c al c ul a t e d t o d e t e r mi n e t h e 

a v e r a g e m a xi m u m s o u n d l e v el ( L a ve ma x ). 

I t i s t h e n a dj u s t e d b y a d di n g t h e a dj u s t m e n t ( C) f r o m T a bl e 2 a p p r o p ri a t e 

t o t h e n u m b e r of m e a s u r e m e n t s di vi d e d 

b y t h e d u r a ti o n of t h e m e a s u r e m e n t 

p e ri o d ( n/ T), t o o b t ai n t h e a dj u s t e d a ve r a g e m a xi m u m A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d 

l e v el ( La dj a ve ma x ) f o r c a r c o u pli n g i mp a c t s. 

§ 2 0 1. 2 7 P r o c e d u r e s f o r: ( 1) D et e rmi ni n g a p pli c a bilit y of t h e l o c om oti v e l o a d c ell t e st st a n d st a n d a r d 

a n d s wit c h e r l o c o m oti v e st a n d a r d 

b y n oi s e m e a s u r e m e nt o n a r e c ei vi n g p r o p e rt y; ( 2) m e a s u r e m e nt of l oc o m oti v e l o a d c ell t e st st a n d s m o r e 

t h a n 1 2 0 m et e r s ( 4 0 0 f e et) o n a r ec ei vi n g p r o p e rt y. 

( a) Mi cr o p h o n e. T h e mi c r o p h o n e m u s t 

b e l o c a t e d a t a r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y 

m e a s u r e m e n t l o c a ti o n a n d m u s t b e p osi ti o n e d a t a h ei g h t b e t w e e n 1. 2 a n d 1. 5 

m e t e r s ( 4 a n d 5 f e e t) a b o v e t h e g r o u n d. 

I t s p o si ti o n wi t h r e s p e c t t o t h e e q ui pm e n t m u s t b e i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e 

m a n uf a c t u r e r s’ r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s f o r 

T y p e 1 o r 2 p e rf o r m a n c e a s a p p r o p ri a t e. 

N o p e r s o n m a y s t a n d b e t w e e n t h e 

mi c r o p h o n e a n d t h e e q ui p m e n t b ei n g 

m e a s u r e d o r b e o t h e r wi s e p o si ti o n e d 

r el a ti v e t o t h e mi c r o p h o n e a t v a ri a n c e 

t o t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r s’ r e c o m m e n d ati o n s f o r T y p e 1 o r T y p e 2 p e rf o r m a n c e 

a s a p p r o p ri a t e. 

( b) D at a. ( 1) W h e n t h e r e i s e vi d e n c e 

t h a t a t l e a s t o n e of t h e s e t w o t y p e s of 

n e a rl y s t e a d y s t a t e s o u n d s o u r c e s i s aff e c ti n g t h e n oi s e e n vi r o n m e n t, t h e f oll o wi n g m e a s u r e m e n t s m u s t b e m a d e. 

T h e p u r p o s e of t h e s e m e a s u r e m e n t s i s 

t o d e t e r mi n e t h e A- w ei g h t e d L 9 0 s t a ti sti c al s o u n d l e v el, w hi c h i s t o b e u s e d a s 

d e s c ri b e d i n s u b p a r a g r a p h ( c) b el o w t o 

d e t e r mi n e t h e a p pli c a bili t y of t h e 

s o u r c e s t a n d a r d s. B ef o r e t hi s d e t e rmi n a ti o n c a n b e m a d e, t h e m e a s u r e d 

9 0 i s t o b e ‘‘ v ali d a t e d’’ b y c o m p a ri n g 

t h e m e a s u r e d L 1 0 a n d L 9 9 s t a ti s ti c al 

s o u n d l e v el s. If t h e diff e r e n c e b e t w e e n 

t h e s e l e v el s i s s uffi ci e n tl y s m all ( 4 d B 

o r l e s s), t h e s o u r c e( s) b ei n g m e a s u r e d i s 

c o n si d e r e d t o b e a n e a rl y s t e a d y s t a t e 

s o u r c e. 

( 2) D a t a s h all b e c oll e c t e d b y m e a su ri n g t h e i n s t a n t a n e o u s A- w ei g h t e d 

s o u n d l e v el ( F A S T) a t a r a t e of a t l e a s t 

o n c e e a c h 1 0 s e c o n d s f o r a m e a s u r em e n t p e ri o d of a t l e a s t 1 5 mi n u t e s a n d 

u n til 1 0 0 m e a s u r e m e n t s a r e o b t ai n e d. 

T h e d a t a m a y b e t a k e n m a n u all y b y dir e c t r e a di n g of t h e i n di c a t o r a t 1 0 s e co n d i n t e r v al s ( ± 1 s e c o n d), o r b y a t t a c hi n g a s t a ti s ti c al a n al y z e r, g r a p hi c l e v el 

r e c o r d e r, o r o t h e r e q ui v al e n t d e vi c e t o 

t h e s o u n d l e v el m e t e r f o r a m o r e c o nti n u o u s r e c o r di n g of t h e i n s t a n t a n e o u s 

s o u n d l e v el. 

( 3) T h e d a t a s h all b e a n al y z e d t o d et e r mi n e t h e l e v el s e x c e e d e d 9 9 %, 9 0 %, 

a n d 1 0 % of t h e ti m e, i. e., L 9 9 , L9 0 , a n d 

1 0 , r e s p e c ti v el y. T h e v al u e of L9 0 i s 

c o n si d e r e d a v ali d m e a s u r e of t h e Aw ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el f o r t h e s t a n d a r d s 

i n § 2 0 1. 1 6 o nl y if t h e diff e r e n c e b e t w e e n 

1 0 a n d L 9 9 h a s a v al u e of 4 d B o r l e s s. 

If a m e a s u r e d v al u e of L 9 0 i s n o t v ali d 

f o r t hi s p u r p o s e, m e a s u r e m e n t s m a y b e 

t a k e n o v e r a l o n g e r p e ri o d t o a t t e m p t 

t o i m p r o v e t h e c e r t ai n t y of t h e m e a su r e m e n t a n d t o v ali d a t e L 9 0 . If L9 0 i s 

v ali d a n d i s l e s s t h a n t h e l e v el i n a p plic a bl e s t a n d a r d s f o r t h e s e s o u r c e t y p e s, 

t h e s o u r c e s a r e i n c o m pli a n c e. If t h e 

m e a s u r e d v al u e of L 9 0 i s v ali d a n d e xc e e d s t h e i ni ti al 6 5 d B r e q ui r e m e n t f o r 

a n y of t h e s o u r c e t y p e s t h a t a p p e a r t o 

b e aff e c ti n g t h e n oi s e e n vi r o n m e n t s, 

t h e e v al u a ti o n a c c o r di n g t o t h e f oll o wi n g p a r a g r a p h ( c) i s r e q ui r e d. 

( c) D et er mi n ati o n of a p pli c a bilit y of t h e 

st a n d ar d w h e n L 9 0 is v ali d at e d a n d is i n 

e x c ess of o n e or m or e of t h e s o ur c e st a n dar ds. T h e f oll o wi n g p r o c e d u r e s m u s t b e 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 9 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 6 3
8 1 

E n vir o n m e nt al Pr ot e cti o n A g e n c y § 2 0 1. 2 8 

u s e d t o d e t e r mi n e t h e c o m pli a n c e of 

t h e v a ri o u s s o u r c e t y p e s w h e n L 9 0 i s 

v ali d a t e d a n d i n e x c e s s of o n e o r m o r e 

of t h e a p pli c a bl e s t a n d a r d s. 

( 1) T h e p ri n ci p al di r e c ti o n of t h e 

n e a rl y s t e a d y- s t a t e s o u n d a t t h e m e a su r e m e n t l o c a ti o n m u s t b e d e t e r mi n e d, 

if p o s si bl e, b y li s t e ni n g t o t h e s o u n d 

a n d l o c ali zi n g i t s a p p a r e n t s o u r c e( s). If 

t h e o b s e r v e r i s cl e a rl y c o n vi n c e d b y 

t hi s l o c ali z a ti o n p r o c e s s t h a t t h e s o u n d 

e m a n a t e s o nl y f r o m o n e o r b o t h of 

t h e s e t w o s o u r c e s, t h e n: 

(i) If o nl y s t a ti o n a r y l o c o m o ti v e( s), 

i n cl u di n g a t l e a s t o n e s wi t c h e r l o c om o ti v e, a r e p r e s e n t, t h e v al u e of L 9 0 i s 

t h e v al u e of t h e A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el 

t o b e u s e d i n d e t e r mi ni n g if t h e 6 5 d B 

r e q ui r e m e n t i s e x c e e d e d a n d c o m plia n c e wi t h t h e s t a n d a r d s i n §§ 2 0 1. 1 1( c) 

a n d 2 0 1. 1 2( c) i s n e c e s s a r y. 

(ii) If o nl y a l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d a n d t h e l o c o m o ti v e b ei n g t e s t e d 

a r e p r e s e n t a n d o p e r a ti n g, t h e v al u e of 

9 0 i s t h e v al u e of t h e A- w ei g h t e d 

s o u n d l e v el t o b e u s e d i n d e t e r mi ni n g 

a p pli c a bili t y of t h e s t a n d a r d i n § 2 0 1. 1 6. 

(iii) If a l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d( s) a n d t h e l o c o m o ti v e b ei n g t e s te d a r e p r e s e n t a n d o p e r a ti n g wi t h s t ati o n a r y l o c o m o ti v e( s), i n cl u di n g a t 

l e a s t o n e s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e, t h e 

v al u e L 9 0 mi n u s 3 d B i s t h e v al u e of t h e 

A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el t o b e u s e d i n 

d e t e r mi ni n g a p pli c a bili t y of t h e s t a n da r d s i n §§ 2 0 1. 1 1( c), 2 0 1. 1 2( c) a n d 2 0 1. 1 6. 

(i v) If a l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d( s) a n d t h e l o c o m o ti v e b ei n g t e s te d a r e p r e s e n t a n d o p e r a ti n g, a n d a s t ati o n a r y l o c o m o ti v e( s) i s p r e s e n t, a n d if 

t h e n e a rl y s t e a d y- s t a t e s o u n d l e v el i s 

o b s e r v e d t o c h a n g e b y 1 0 d B, c oi n ci d e n t 

wi t h e vi d e n c e of a c h a n g e i n o p e r a ti o n 

of t h e l o c o m o ti v e l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d 

b u t wi t h o u t a p p a r e n t c h a n g e i n t h e l oc a ti o n of s t a ti o n a r y l o c o m o ti v e s, a no t h e r m e a s u r e m e n t of L 9 0 m u s t b e 

m a d e i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( b) 

of t hi s s e c ti o n. If t hi s a d di ti o n al m e a su r e of L 9 0 i s v ali d a t e d a n d diff e r s f r o m 

t h e i ni ti al m e a s u r e of L 9 0 b y a n a b s ol u t e v al u e of 1 0 d B o r m o r e, t h e n t h e 

hi g h e r v al u e of L 9 0 i s t h e v al u e of t h e 

A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el t o b e u s e d i n 

d e t e r mi ni n g a p pli c a bili t y of t h e s t a n da r d i n § 2 0 1. 1 6. 

( 2) I n o r d e r t o a c c o m pli s h t h e c o mp a ri s o n d e m o n s t r a ti o n of p a r a g r a p h 

( c)( 3) of t hi s s e c ti o n, w h e n o n e o r m o r e 

s o u r c e t y p e s i s f o u n d n o t t o b e i n c o mpli a n c e wi t h t h e a p pli c a bl e s t a n d a r d( s), 

d o c u m e n t a ti o n of n oi s e s o u r c e i nf o rm a ti o n s h all b e n e c e s s a r y. T hi s will i ncl u d e, b u t n o t b e li mi t e d t o, t h e a pp r o xi m a t e l o c a ti o n of all s o u r c e s of 

e a c h s o u r c e t y p e p r e s e n t a n d t h e 

mi c r o p h o n e p o si ti o n o n a di a g r a m of 

t h e p a r ti c ul a r r ail r o a d f a cili t y, a n d t h e 

di s t a n c e s b e t w e e n t h e mi c r o p h o n e l oc a ti o n a n d e a c h of t h e s o u r c e s m u s t b e 

e s ti m a t e d a n d r e p o r t e d. A d di ti o n all y, 

if o t h e r r ail o r n o n- r ail n oi s e s o u r c e s 

a r e d e t e c t e d, t h e y m u s t b e i d e n tifi e d 

a n d si mil a rl y r e p o r t e d. 

( 3) If i t c a n b e d e m o n s t r a t e d t h a t t h e 

v ali d a t e d L 9 0 i s l e s s t h a n 5 d B g r e a t e r 

t h a n a n y L 9 0 m e a s u r e d a t t h e s a m e r ec ei vi n g p r o p e r t y l o c a ti o n w h e n t h e 

s o u r c e t y p e s t h a t w e r e o p e r a ti n g d u ri n g t h e i ni ti al m e a s u r e m e n t( s) a r e eit h e r t u r n e d off o r m o v e d, s u c h t h a t 

t h e y c a n n o l o n g e r b e d e t e c t e d, t h e i niti al v al u e( s) of L 9 0 m u s t n o t b e u s e d f o r 

d e t e r mi ni n g a p pli c a bili t y t o t h e s t a n da r d s. T hi s d e m o n s t r a ti o n m u s t b e m a d e 

a t a ti m e of d a y c o m p a r a bl e t o t h a t of 

t h e i ni ti al m e a s u r e m e n t s a n d w h e n all 

o t h e r c o n di ti o n s a r e a c o u s ti c all y si mil a r t o t h o s e r e p o r t e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( c)( 2) 

of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

[ 4 5 F R 1 2 6 3, J a n. 4, 1 9 8 0; 4 7 F R 1 4 7 0 9, A p r. 6, 

1 9 8 2] 

§ 2 0 1. 2 8 T e sti n g b y r ail r o a d t o d et e rmi n e p r o b a bl e c o m pli a n c e wit h t h e 

st a n d a r d. 

( a) T o d e t e r mi n e w h e t h e r i t i s p r o ba bl y c o m pl yi n g wi t h t h e r e g ul a ti o n, 

a n d t h e r ef o r e w h e t h e r i t s h o ul d i n s tit u t e n oi s e a b a t e m e n t, a r ail r o a d m a y 

t a k e m e a s u r e m e n t s o n i t s o w n p r o pe r t y a t l o c a ti o n s t h a t: 

( 1) A r e b e t w e e n t h e s o u r c e a n d r ec ei vi n g p r o p e r t y 

( 2) D e ri v e n o g r e a t e r b e n efi t f r o m 

s hi el di n g a n d o t h e r n oi s e r e d u c ti o n f e at u r e s t h a t d o e s t h e r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y; 

a n d 

( 3) O t h e r wi s e m e e t t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s 

of § 2 0 1. 2 5. 

( b) M e a s u r e m e n t s m a d e f o r t hi s p u rp o s e s h o ul d b e i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e 

a p p r o p ri a t e p r o c e d u r e s i n § 2 0 1. 2 6 o r 

§ 2 0 1. 2 7. If t h e r e s ul ti n g l e v el i s l e s s 

t h a n t h e l e v el s t a t e d i n t h e s t a n d a r d, 

t h e n t h e r e i s p r o b a bl y c o m pli a n c e wi t h 

t h e s t a n d a r d. 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 9 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 6 4
8 2 

Pt. 2 0 2 4 0 C F R C h. I ( 7 – 1 – 0 6 E diti o n) 

( c) T hi s p r o c e d u r e i s s e t f o r t h t o a ssi s t t h e r ail r o a d i n d e vi si n g i t s c o m plia n c e pl a n, n o t a s a s u b s t a n ti v e r e q ui r em e n t of t h e r e g ul a ti o n. 

P A RT 2 0 2 — M OT O R C A R RI E R S E NG A G E D I N I NT E R ST AT E C O MM E R C E 

S u b p art A — G e n er al Pr o visi o ns 

S e c. 

2 0 2. 1 0 D efi ni ti o n s. 

2 0 2. 1 1 Eff e c ti v e d a t e. 

2 0 2. 1 2 A p pli c a bili t y. 

S u b p art B —I nt erst at e M ot or C arri er 

O p er ati o ns St a n d ar ds 

2 0 2. 2 0 S t a n d a r d s f o r hi g h w a y o p e r a ti o n s. 

2 0 2. 2 1 S t a n d a r d f o r o p e r a ti o n u n d e r s t ati o n a r y t e s t. 

2 0 2. 2 2 Vi s u al e x h a u s t s y s t e m i n s p e c ti o n. 

2 0 2. 2 3 Vi s u al ti r e i n s p e c ti o n. 

U T H O RI T Y : S e c. 1 8, 3 6 S t a t. 1 2 4 9, 4 2 U. S. C. 

4 9 1 7( a). 

S u b p art A — G e n er al Pr o visi o ns 

§ 2 0 2. 1 0 D efi niti o n s. 

A s u s e d i n t hi s p a r t, all t e r m s n o t d efi n e d h e r ei n s h all h a v e t h e m e a ni n g 

gi v e n t h e m i n t h e A c t: 

( a) A ct m e a n s t h e N oi s e C o n t r ol A c t 

of 1 9 7 2 ( P u b. L. 9 2 – 5 7 4, 8 6 S t a t. 1 2 3 4). 

( b) C o m m o n c arri er b y m ot or v e hi cl e 

m e a n s a n y p e r s o n w h o h ol d s hi m s elf 

o u t t o t h e g e n e r al p u bli c t o e n g a g e i n 

t h e t r a n s p o r t a ti o n b y m o t o r v e hi cl e i n 

i n t e r s t a t e o r f o r ei g n c o m m e r c e of p a ss e n g e r s o r p r o p e r t y o r a n y cl a s s o r 

cl a s s e s t h e r e of f o r c o m p e n s a ti o n, 

w h e t h e r o v e r r e g ul a r o r i r r e g ul a r 

r o u t e s. 

( c) C o ntr a ct c arri er b y m ot or v e hi cl e 

m e a n s a n y p e r s o n w h o e n g a g e s i n 

t r a n s p o r t a ti o n b y m o t o r v e hi cl e of p a ss e n g e r s o r p r o p e r t y i n i n t e r s t a t e o r f o rei g n c o m m e r c e f o r c o m p e n s a ti o n 

( o t h e r t h a n t r a n s p o r t a ti o n r ef e r r e d t o 

i n p a r a g r a p h ( b) of t hi s s e c ti o n) u n d e r 

c o n ti n ui n g c o n t r a c t s wi t h o n e p e r s o n 

o r a li mi t e d n u m b e r of p e r s o n s ei t h e r 

( 1) f o r t h e f u r ni s hi n g of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n 

s e r vi c e s t h r o u g h t h e a s si g n m e n t of 

m o t o r v e hi cl e s f o r a c o n ti n ui n g p e ri o d 

of ti m e t o t h e e x cl u si v e u s e of e a c h 

p e r s o n s e r v e d o r ( 2) f o r t h e f u r ni s hi n g 

of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n s e r vi c e s d e si g n e d t o 

m e e t t h e di s ti n c t n e e d of e a c h i n divi d u al c u s t o m e r. 

( d) C ut o ut or b y- p ass or si mil ar d e vi c es 

m e a n s d e vi c e s w hi c h v a r y t h e e x h a u s t 

s y s t e m g a s fl o w s o a s t o di s c h a r g e t h e 

e x h a u s t g a s a n d a c o u s ti c e n e r g y t o t h e 

a t m o s p h e r e wi t h o u t p a s si n g t h r o u g h 

t h e e n ti r e l e n g t h of t h e e x h a u s t s y st e m, i n cl u di n g all e x h a u s t s y s t e m 

s o u n d a t t e n u a ti o n c o m p o n e n t s. 

( e) d B( A) m e a n s t h e s t a n d a r d a b b r evi a ti o n f o r A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el i n 

d e ci b el s. 

(f) E x h a ust s yst e m m e a n s t h e s y s t e m 

c o m p ri s e d of a c o m bi n a ti o n of c o m p on e n t s w hi c h p r o vi d e s f o r e n cl o s e d fl o w 

of e x h a u s t g a s f r o m e n gi n e p a r t s t o t h e 

a t m o s p h e r e. 

( g) F ast m et er r es p o ns e m e a n s t h a t t h e 

f a s t d y n a mi c r e s p o n s e of t h e s o u n d 

l e v el m e t e r s h all b e u s e d. T h e f a s t d yn a mi c r e s p o n s e s h all c o m pl y wi t h t h e 

m e t e r d y n a mi c c h a r a c t e ri s ti c s i n p a r ag r a p h 5. 3 of t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al 

S t a n d a r d S p e cifi c a ti o n f o r S o u n d L e v el 

M e t e r s, A N SI S 1. 4 – 1 9 7 1. T hi s p u bli c ati o n i s a v ail a bl e f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n 

N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d s I n s ti t u t e, I n c., 1 4 2 0 

B r o a d w a y, N e w Y o r k, N e w Y o r k 1 0 0 1 8. 

( h) Gr oss V e hi cl e W ei g ht R ati n g 

( G V W R) m e a n s t h e v al u e s p e cifi e d b y 

t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r a s t h e l o a d e d w ei g h t 

of a si n gl e v e hi cl e. 

(i) Gr oss C o m bi n ati o n W ei g ht R ati n g 

( G C W R) m e a n s t h e v al u e s p e cifi e d b y 

t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r a s t h e l o a d e d w ei g h t 

of a c o m bi n a ti o n v e hi cl e. 

(j) Hi g h w a y m e a n s t h e s t r e e t s, r o a d s, 

a n d p u bli c w a y s i n a n y S t a t e. 

( k) I nt erst at e c o m m er c e m e a n s t h e 

c o m m e r c e b e t w e e n a n y pl a c e i n a S t a t e 

a n d a n y pl a c e i n a n o t h e r S t a t e o r b et w e e n pl a c e s i n t h e s a m e S t a t e t h r o u g h 

a n o t h e r S t a t e, w h e t h e r s u c h c o m m e r c e 

m o v e s w h oll y b y m o t o r v e hi cl e o r p a r tl y b y m o t o r v e hi cl e a n d p a r tl y b y r ail, 

e x p r e s s, w a t e r o r ai r. T hi s d efi ni ti o n of 

‘‘i n t e r s t a t e c o m m e r c e’’ f o r p u r p o s e s of 

t h e s e r e g ul a ti o n s i s t h e s a m e a s t h e 

d efi ni ti o n of ‘‘i n t e r s t a t e c o m m e r c e’’ i n 

s e c ti o n 2 0 3( a) of t h e I n t e r s t a t e C o mm e r c e A c t. [ 4 9 U. S. C. 3 0 3( a)] 

(l) M ot or c arri er m e a n s a c o m m o n c a rri e r b y m o t o r v e hi cl e, a c o n t r a c t c a rri e r b y m o t o r v e hi cl e, o r a p ri v a t e c a rri e r of p r o p e r t y b y m o t o r v e hi cl e a s 

t h o s e t e r m s a r e d efi n e d b y p a r a g r a p h s 

( 1 4), ( 1 5), a n d ( 1 7) of s e c ti o n 2 0 3( a) of 

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 1 2: 5 7 A u g 0 2, 2 0 0 6 J kt 2 0 8 1 6 4 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 9 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 0 8 1 6 4. X X X 2 0 8 1 6 4

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 0 C F R P art 2 0 1

1 6 5
6 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 1 0 

S af e t y A d vi s o r y C o m mi t t e e ( R S A C) h a s b e e n 

e s t a bli s h e d t o a d vi s e t h e a g e n c y o n t h e d ev el o p m e n t a n d r e vi si o n of r ail r o a d s af e t y 

s t a n d a r d s. T h e c o m mi t t e e c o n si s t s of a wi d e 

r a n g e of i n d u s t r y r e p r e s e n t a ti v e s, i n cl u di n g 

o r g a ni z a ti o n s t h a t r e p r e s e n t t h e i n t e r e s t s of 

s m all b u si n e s s. T h e s m all e n ti t y r e p r e s e n t ati v e g r o u p s t h a t si t o n t h e R S A C m a y a pp oi n t m e m b e r s of t h ei r c h oi c e t o p a r ti ci p a t e 

i n t h e d e v el o p m e n t of n e w s af e t y s t a n d a r d s. 

T hi s r efl e c t s F R A’ s p oli c y t h a t s m all b u sin e s s i n t e r e s t s m u s t b e h e a r d a n d c o n si d e r e d 

i n t h e d e v el o p m e n t of n e w s t a n d a r d s t o e ns u r e t h a t F R A d o e s n o t i m p o s e u n n e c e s s a r y 

e c o n o mi c b u r d e n s o n s m all b u si n e s s e s, a n d 

t o c r e a t e m o r e eff e c ti v e s t a n d a r d s. Fi n all y, 

F R A’ s W e b si t e ( htt p:// w w w.fr a. d ot. g o v ) 

m a k e s p e r ti n e n t a g e n c y i nf o r m a ti o n a v aila bl e i n s t a n tl y t o t h e p u bli c. 

F R A’ s l o n g s t a n di n g p oli c y of o p e n c o m m uni c a ti o n wi t h s m all e n ti ti e s i s a p p a r e n t i n 

t h e s e p r a c ti c e s. F R A will m a k e e v e r y eff o r t 

t o d e v el o p n e w a n d e q u all y r e s p o n si v e c o mm u ni c a ti o n p r o c e d u r e s a s i s w a r r a n t e d b y 

n e w d e v el o p m e n t s i n t h e r ail r o a d i n d u s t r y. 

M A L L N TI T Y N F O R C E M E N T O LI C Y

F R A h a s a d o p t e d a n e nf o r c e m e n t p oli c y 

t h a t a d d r e s s e s t h e u ni q u e n a t u r e of s m all e nti ti e s i n t h e i m p o si ti o n of ci vil p e n al ti e s a n d 

r e s ol u ti o n of t h o s e a s s e s s m e n t s. P u r s u a n t t o 

F R A’ s s t a t u t o r y a u t h o ri t y, a n d a s d e s c ri b e d 

i n A p p e n di x A t o 4 9 C F R p a r t 2 0 9, i t i s F R A’ s 

p oli c y t o c o n si d e r a v a ri e t y of f a c t o r s i n d et e r mi ni n g w h e t h e r t o t a k e e nf o r c e m e n t a cti o n a g ai n s t p e r s o n s, i n cl u di n g s m all e n titi e s, w h o h a v e vi ol a t e d t h e s af e t y l a w s a n d 

r e g ul a ti o n s. I n a d di ti o n t o t h e s e ri o u s n e s s of 

t h e vi ol a ti o n a n d t h e p e r s o n’ s hi s t o r y of 

c o m pli a n c e, F R A i n s p e c t o r s c o n si d e r ‘‘ s u c h 

o t h e r f a c t o r s a s t h e i m m e di a t e ci rc u m s t a n c e s m a k e r el e v a n t.’’ I n t h e c o n t e x t 

of vi ol a ti o n s b y s m all e n ti ti e s, t h o s e f a c t o r s 

i n cl u d e w h e t h e r t h e vi ol a ti o n s w e r e m a d e i n 

g o o d f ai t h ( e. g., b a s e d o n a n h o n e s t mi su n d e r s t a n di n g of t h e l a w), a n d w h e t h e r t h e 

s m all e n ti t y h a s m o v e d q ui c kl y a n d t h o ro u g hl y t o r e m e d y t h e vi ol a ti o n( s). I n g e ne r al, t h e p r e s e n c e of b o t h g o o d f ai t h a n d 

p r o m p t r e m e di al a c ti o n mili t a t e s a g ai n s t 

t a ki n g a ci vil p e n al t y a c ti o n, e s p e ci all y if 

t h e vi ol a ti o n s a r e i s ol a t e d e v e n t s. O n t h e 

o t h e r h a n d, vi ol a ti o n s i n v ol vi n g willf ul a cti o n s a n d/ o r p o si n g s e ri o u s h e al t h, s af e t y, o r 

e n vi r o n m e n t al t h r e a t s s h o ul d o r di n a ril y r es ul t i n e nf o r c e m e n t a c ti o n s, r e g a r dl e s s of t h e 

e n ti t y’ s si z e. 

O n c e F R A h a s a s s e s s e d a ci vil p e n al t y, i t i s 

a u t h o ri z e d t o a dj u s t o r c o m p r o mi s e t h e i niti al p e n al t y cl ai m s b a s e d o n a wi d e v a ri e t y 

of mi ti g a ti n g f a c t o r s, u nl e s s F R A m u s t t e rmi n a t e t h e cl ai m f o r s o m e r e a s o n. F R A h a s 

t h e di s c r e ti o n t o r e d u c e t h e p e n al t y a s i t 

d e e m s fi t, b u t n o t b el o w t h e s t a t u t o r y mi nim u m s. T h e mi ti g a ti n g c ri t e ri a F R A e v al ua t e s a r e f o u n d i n t h e r ail r o a d s af e t y s t a t u t e s 

a n d S B R E F A: T h e s e v e ri t y of t h e s af e t y o r 

h e al t h ri s k p r e s e n t e d; t h e e xi s t e n c e of al t e rn a ti v e m e t h o d s of eli mi n a ti n g t h e s af e t y 

h a z a r d; t h e e n ti t y’ s c ul p a bili t y; t h e e n ti t y’ s 

c o m pli a n c e hi s t o r y; t h e e n ti t y’ s a bili t y t o 

p a y t h e a s s e s s m e n t; t h e i m p a c t s a n a s s e s sm e n t mi g h t e x a c t o n t h e e n ti t y’ s c o n ti n u e d 

b u si n e s s; a n d e vi d e n c e t h a t t h e e n ti t y a c t e d 

i n g o o d f ai t h. F R A s t aff a t t o r n e y s r e g ul a rl y 

i n vi t e s m all e n ti ti e s t o p r e s e n t a n y i nf o r m ati o n r el a t e d t o t h e s e f a c t o r s, a n d r e d u c e ci vil 

p e n al t y a s s e s s m e n t s b a s e d o n t h e v al u e a n d 

i n t e g ri t y of t h e i nf o r m a ti o n p r e s e n t e d. S t aff 

a t t o r n e y s c o n d u c t c o nf e r e n c e c all s o r m e e t 

wi t h s m all e n ti ti e s t o di s c u s s p e n di n g vi ol ati o n s, a n d e x pl ai n F R A’ s vi e w o n t h e m e ri t s 

of a n y d ef e n s e s o r mi ti g a ti n g f a c t o r s p r es e n t e d t h a t m a y h a v e r e s ul t e d o r f ail e d t o 

r e s ul t i n p e n al t y r e d u c ti o n s. A m o n g t h e 

‘‘ o t h e r f a c t o r s’’ F R A c o n si d e r s a t t hi s s t a g e 

i s t h e p r o m p t n e s s a n d t h o r o u g h n e s s of t h e 

e n ti t y’ s r e m e di al a c ti o n t o c o r r e c t t h e vi ol ati o n s a n d p r e v e n t a r e c u r r e n c e. S m all e n titi e s s h o ul d b e s u r e t o a d d r e s s t h e s e f a c t o r s 

i n c o m m u ni c a ti o n s wi t h F R A c o n c e r ni n g 

ci vil p e n al t y c a s e s. L o n g- t e r m s ol u ti o n s t o 

c o m pli a n c e p r o bl e m s will b e gi v e n g r e a t 

w ei g h t i n F R A’ s d e t e r mi n a ti o n s of a fi n al 

s e t tl e m e n t off e r. 

Fi n all y, u n d e r F R A’ s S af e t y A s s u r a n c e a n d 

C o m pli a n c e P r o g r a m ( S A C P), F R A i d e n tifi e s 

s y s t e mi c s af e t y h a z a r d s t h a t c o n ti n u e t o 

o c c u r i n a c a r ri e r o r s hi p p e r o p e r a ti o n, a n d 

i n c o o p e r a ti o n wi t h t h e s u bj e c t b u si n e s s, d ev el o p s a n i m p r o v e m e n t pl a n t o eli mi n a t e 

t h o s e s af e t y c o n c e r n s. Of t e n, t h e pl a n p r ovi d e s s m all e n ti ti e s wi t h a r e a s o n a bl e ti m e 

f r a m e i n w hi c h t o m a k e i m p r o v e m e n t s wi t ho u t t h e t h r e a t of ci vil p e n al t y. If F R A d e t e rmi n e s t h a t t h e e n ti t y h a s f ail e d t o c o m pl y 

wi t h t h e i m p r o v e m e n t pl a n, h o w e v e r, e nf o r c e m e n t a c ti o n i s i ni ti a t e d. 

F R A’ s s m all e n ti t y e nf o r c e m e n t p oli c y i s 

fl e xi bl e a n d c o m p r e h e n si v e. F R A’ s fi r s t p rio ri t y i n i t s c o m pli a n c e a n d e nf o r c e m e n t a cti vi ti e s i s p u bli c a n d e m pl o y e e s af e t y. H o we v e r, F R A i s c o m mi t t e d t o o b t ai ni n g c o m plia n c e a n d e n h a n ci n g s af e t y wi t h r e a s o n e d, 

f ai r m e t h o d s t h a t d o n o t i nfli c t u n d u e h a r ds hi p o n s m all e n ti ti e s. 

[ 6 8 F R 2 4 8 9 4, M a y 9, 2 0 0 3] 

P A RT 2 1 0 — R AIL R O A D N OI S E E MI SSI O N C O M PLI A N C E R E G UL ATI O N S 

S u b p art A — G e n er al Pr o visi o ns 

S e c. 

2 1 0. 1 S c o p e of p a r t. 

2 1 0. 3 A p pli c a bili t y. 

2 1 0. 5 D efi ni ti o n s. 

2 1 0. 7 R e s p o n si bili t y f o r n oi s e d ef e c ti v e r ailr o a d e q ui p m e n t. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 7 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0

1 6 6
6 8 

§ 2 1 0. 1 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

2 1 0. 9 M o v e m e n t of a n oi s e d ef e c ti v e l o c om o ti v e, r ail c a r, o r c o n si s t of a l o c om o ti v e a n d r ail c a r s. 

2 1 0. 1 1 W ai v e r s. 

2 1 0. 1 3 P e n al t y. 

S u b p art B —I ns p e cti o n a n d T esti n g 

2 1 0. 2 1 S c o p e of s u b p a r t. 

2 1 0. 2 3 A u t h o ri z a ti o n. 

2 1 0. 2 5 M e a s u r e m e n t c ri t e ri a a n d p r o c e d u r e s. 

2 1 0. 2 7 N e w l o c o m o ti v e c e r tifi c a ti o n. 

2 1 0. 2 9 O p e r a ti o n s t a n d a r d s ( m o vi n g l o c om o ti v e s a n d r ail c a r s). 

2 1 0. 3 1 O p e r a ti o n s t a n d a r d s ( s t a ti o n a r y l o c om o ti v e s a t 3 0 m e t e r s). 

2 1 0. 3 3 O p e r a ti o n s t a n d a r d s ( s wi t c h e r l o c om o ti v e s, l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d s, c a r c o upli n g o p e r a ti o n s, a n d r e t a r d e r s). 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 1 0 — S U M M A R Y O F OI S E

T A N D A R D S , 4 0 C F R PA R T 2 0 1 

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 1 0 — S WI T C H E R O C O

M O TI V E N F O R C E M E N T O LI C Y

U T H O RI T Y : S e c. 1 7, P u b. L. 9 2 – 5 7 4, 8 6 S t a t. 

1 2 3 4 ( 4 2 U. S. C. 4 9 1 6); s e c. 1. 4 9( o) of t h e r e g ul ati o n s of t h e Offi c e of t h e S e c r e t a r y of T r a n sp o r t a ti o n, 4 9 C F R 1. 4 9( o). 

O U R C E : 4 8 F R 5 6 7 5 8, D e c. 2 3, 1 9 8 3, u nl e s s 

o t h e r wi s e n o t e d. 

S u b p art A — G e n er al Pr o visi o ns 

§ 2 1 0. 1 S c o p e of p a rt. 

T hi s p a r t p r e s c ri b e s mi ni m u m c o mpli a n c e r e g ul a ti o n s f o r e nf o r c e m e n t of 

t h e R ail r o a d N oi s e E mi s si o n S t a n d a r d s 

e s t a bli s h e d b y t h e E n vi r o n m e n t al P r ot e c ti o n A g e n c y i n 4 0 C F R p a r t 2 0 1. 

§ 2 1 0. 3 A p pli c a bilit y. 

( a) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( b) of t hi s s e c ti o n, t h e p r o vi si o n s of 

t hi s p a r t a p pl y t o t h e t o t al s o u n d e mi tt e d b y m o vi n g r ail c a r s a n d l o c om o ti v e s (i n cl u di n g t h e s o u n d p r o d u c e d 

b y r ef ri g e r a ti o n a n d ai r c o n di ti o ni n g 

u ni t s t h a t a r e a n i n t e g r al el e m e n t of 

s u c h e q ui p m e n t), a c ti v e r e t a r d e r s, 

s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e s, c a r c o u pli n g o pe r a ti o n s, a n d l o a d c ell t e s t s t a n d s, o pe r a t e d b y a r ail r o a d a s d efi n e d i n 4 5 

U. S. C. 2 2, u n d e r t h e c o n di ti o n s d es c ri b e d i n t hi s p a r t a n d i n 4 0 C F R p a r t 

2 0 1. 

( b) T h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s p a r t d o n o t 

a p pl y t o — 

( 1) S t e a m l o c o m o ti v e s; 

( 2) S t r e e t, s u b u r b a n, o r i n t e r u r b a n 

el e c t ri c r ail w a y s u nl e s s o p e r a t e d a s a 

p a r t of t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of 

t r a n s p o r t a ti o n; 

( 3) S o u n d e mi t t e d b y w a r ni n g d evi c e s, s u c h a s h o r n s, w hi s tl e s, o r b ell s 

w h e n o p e r a t e d f o r t h e p u r p o s e of s af et y; 

( 4) S p e ci al p u r p o s e e q ui p m e n t t h a t 

m a y b e l o c a t e d o n o r o p e r a t e d f r o m 

r ail c a r s; 

( 5) A s p r e s c ri b e d i n 4 0 C F R 2 0 1. 1 0, t h e 

p r o vi si o n s of 4 0 C F R 2 0 1. 1 1 ( a) a n d ( b) 

a n d ( c) d o n o t a p pl y t o g a s 

t u r bi n e p o w e r e d l o c o m o ti v e s o r a n y l oc o m o ti v e t y p e t h a t c a n n o t b e c o nn e c t e d b y a n y s t a n d a r d m e t h o d t o a 

l o a d c ell; o r 

( 6) I n e r t r e t a r d e r s. 

[ 4 8 F R 5 6 7 5 8, D e c. 2 3, 1 9 8 3, a s a m e n d e d a t 5 4 

F R 3 3 2 2 8, A u g. 1 4, 1 9 8 9] 

§ 2 1 0. 5 D efi niti o n s. 

( a) St at ut or y d efi niti o ns. All t e r m s 

u s e d i n t hi s p a r t a n d d efi n e d i n t h e 

N oi s e C o n t r ol A c t of 1 9 7 2 ( 4 2 U. S. C. 4 9 0 1 

et s e q. ) h a v e t h e d efi ni ti o n s e t f o r t h i n 

t h a t A c t. 

( b) D efi niti o ns i n st a n d ar ds. All t e r m s 

u s e d i n t hi s p a r t a n d d efi n e d i n § 2 0 1. 1 

of t h e R ail r o a d N oi s e E mi s si o n S t a n da r d s, 4 0 C F R 2 0 1. 1, h a v e t h e d efi ni ti o n 

s e t f o r t h i n t h a t s e c ti o n. 

( c) A d diti o n al d efi niti o ns. A s u s e d i n 

t hi s p a r t — 

A d mi nistr at or m e a n s t h e F e d e r al R ailr o a d A d mi ni s t r a t o r, t h e D e p u t y A dmi ni s t r a t o r, o r a n y offi ci al of F R A t o 

w h o m t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r h a s d el e g a t e d 

a u t h o ri t y t o a c t i n t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r’ s 

s t e a d. 

C o nsist of a l o c o m oti v e a n d r ail c ars 

m e a n s o n e o r m o r e l o c o m o ti v e s c o upl e d t o a r ail c a r o r r ail c a r s. 

F R A m e a n s t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d A dmi ni s t r a ti o n. 

I n ert r et ar d er m e a n s a d e vi c e o r s y st e m f o r h ol di n g a cl a s sifi e d c u t of c a r s 

a n d p r e v e n ti n g i t f r o m r olli n g o u t t h e 

b o t t o m of a r ail y a r d. 

I ns p e ct or m e a n s F R A i n s p e c t o r s o r 

F R A s p e ci ali s t s. 

N ois e d ef e cti v e m e a n s t h e c o n di ti o n i n 

w hi c h r ail r o a d e q ui p m e n t i s f o u n d t o 

e x c e e d t h e R ail r o a d N oi s e E mi s si o n 

S t a n d a r d s, 4 0 C F R p a r t 2 0 1. 

R ailr o a d e q ui p m e nt m e a n s r ail c a r s, 

l o c o m o ti v e s, a c ti v e r e t a r d e r s, a n d l o a d 

c ell t e s t s t a n d s. 

St a n d ar ds m e a n s t h e R ail r o a d N oi s e 

E mi s si o n S t a n d a r d s, 4 0 C F R p a r t 2 0 1. 

( S e e a p p e n di x A i n t hi s p a r t f o r a li s ti n g.) 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 7 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0

1 6 7
6 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 1 0. 2 3 

§ 2 1 0. 7 R e s p o n si bilit y f o r n oi s e d ef e c- ti v e r ail r o a d e q ui p m e nt. 

A n y r ail r o a d t h a t u s e s r ail r o a d 

e q ui p m e n t t h a t i s n oi s e d ef e c ti v e o r 

e n g a g e s i n a c a r c o u pli n g o p e r a ti n g 

t h a t r e s ul t s i n e x c e s si v e n oi s e a c c o r di n g t o t h e c ri t e ri a e s t a bli s h e d i n t hi s 

p a r t a n d i n t h e S t a n d a r d s i s r e s p o nsi bl e f o r c o m pli a n c e wi t h t hi s p a r t. 

S u bj e c t t o § 2 1 0. 9, s u c h r ail r o a d s h all — 

( a) C o r r e c t t h e n oi s e d ef e c t; 

( b) R e m o v e t h e n oi s e d ef e c ti v e r ailr o a d e q ui p m e n t f r o m s e r vi c e; o r 

( c) M o dif y t h e c a r c o u pli n g p r o c e d u r e 

t o b ri n g i t wi t hi n t h e p r e s c ri b e d n oi s e 

li mi t s. 

§ 2 1 0. 9 M o v e m e nt of a n oi s e d ef e cti v e l o c o m oti v e, r ail c a r, o r c o n si st of a 

l o c o m oti v e a n d r ail c a r s. 

A l o c o m o ti v e, r ail c a r, o r c o n si s t of a 

l o c o m o ti v e a n d r ail c a r s t h a t i s n oi s e 

d ef e c ti v e m a y b e m o v e d n o f a r t h e r 

t h a n t h e n e a r e s t f o r w a r d f a cili t y w h e r e 

t h e n oi s e d ef e c ti v e c o n di ti o n s c a n b e 

eli mi n a t e d o nl y af t e r t h e l o c o m o ti v e, 

r ail c a r, o r c o n si s t of a l o c o m o ti v e a n d 

r ail c a r s h a s b e e n i n s p e c t e d a n d b e e n 

d e t e r mi n e d t o b e s af e t o m o v e. 

§ 2 1 0. 1 1 W ai v e r s. 

( a) A n y p e r s o n m a y p e ti ti o n t h e A dmi ni s t r a t o r f o r a w ai v e r of c o m pli a n c e 

wi t h a n y r e q ui r e m e n t i n t hi s p a r t. A 

w ai v e r of c o m pli a n c e wi t h a n y r e q ui r em e n t p r e s c ri b e d i n t h e S t a n d a r d s m a y 

n o t b e g r a n t e d u n d e r t hi s p r o vi si o n. 

( b) E a c h p e ti ti o n f o r a w ai v e r u n d e r 

t hi s s e c ti o n m u s t b e fil e d i n t h e m a nn e r a n d c o n t ai n i nf o r m a ti o n r e q ui r e d 

b y 4 9 C F R p a r t 2 1 1. 

( c) If t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r fi n d s t h a t a 

w ai v e r of c o m pli a n c e a p pli e d f o r u n d e r 

p a r a g r a p h ( a) of t hi s s e c ti o n i s i n t h e 

p u bli c i n t e r e s t a n d i s c o n si s t e n t wi t h 

r ail r o a d n oi s e a b a t e m e n t a n d s af e t y, 

t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r m a y g r a n t a w ai v e r 

s u bj e c t t o a n y c o n di ti o n h e d e e m s n e ce s s a r y. N o ti c e of e a c h w ai v e r g r a n t e d, 

i n cl u di n g a s t a t e m e n t of t h e r e a s o n s 

t h e r ef o r, will b e p u bli s h e d i n t h e F E D

E R A L E GI S T E R . 

§ 2 1 0. 1 3 P e n alt y. 

A n y p e r s o n w h o o p e r a t e s r ail r o a d 

e q ui p m e n t s u bj e c t t o t h e S t a n d a r d s i n 

vi ol a ti o n of a n y r e q ui r e m e n t of t hi s 

p a r t o r of t h e S t a n d a r d s i s li a bl e t o 

p e n al t y a s p r e s c ri b e d i n s e c ti o n 1 1 of 

t h e N oi s e C o n t r ol A c t of 1 9 7 2 ( 4 2 U. S. C. 

4 9 1 0), a s a m e n d e d. 

S u b p art B —I ns p e cti o n a n d T esti n g 

§ 2 1 0. 2 1 S c o p e of s u b p a rt. 

T hi s s u b p a r t p r e s c ri b e s t h e c o m plia n c e c ri t e ri a c o n c e r ni n g t h e r e q ui r em e n t s f o r i n s p e c ti o n a n d t e s ti n g of 

r ail r o a d e q ui p m e n t o r o p e r a ti o n s c o ve r e d b y t h e S t a n d a r d s. 

§ 2 1 0. 2 3 A ut h o ri z ati o n. 

( a) A n i n s p e c t o r i s a u t h o ri z e d t o p e rf o r m a n y n oi s e t e s t p r e s c ri b e d i n t h e 

S t a n d a r d s a n d i n t h e p r o c e d u r e s of t hi s 

p a r t a t a n y ti m e, a t a n y a p p r o p ri a t e 

l o c a ti o n, a n d wi t h o u t p ri o r n o ti c e t o 

t h e r ail r o a d, f o r t h e p u r p o s e of d e t e rmi ni n g w h e t h e r r ail r o a d e q ui p m e n t i s 

i n c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e S t a n d a r d s. 

( b)( 1) A n i n s p e c t o r i s a u t h o ri z e d t o 

r e q u e s t t h a t r ail r o a d e q ui p m e n t a n d 

a p p r o p ri a t e r ail r o a d p e r s o n n el b e m a d e 

a v ail a bl e f o r a p a s s b y o r s t a ti o n a r y 

n oi s e e mi s si o n t e s t, a s p r e s c ri b e d i n 

t h e S t a n d a r d s a n d i n t h e p r o c e d u r e s of 

t hi s p a r t, a n d t o c o n d u c t s u c h t e s t, a t 

a r e a s o n a bl e ti m e a n d l o c a ti o n, f o r t h e 

p u r p o s e of d e t e r mi ni n g w h e t h e r t h e 

r ail r o a d e q ui p m e n t i s i n c o m pli a n c e 

wi t h t h e S t a n d a r d s. 

( 2) If t h e r ail r o a d h a s t h e c a p a bili t y 

t o p e rf o r m a n a p p r o p ri a t e n oi s e e mi ssi o n t e s t, a s p r e s c ri b e d i n t h e S t a n da r d s a n d i n t h e p r o c e d u r e s of t hi s p a r t, 

a n i n s p e c t o r i s a u t h o ri z e d t o r e q u e s t 

t h a t t h e r ail r o a d t e s t r ail r o a d e q ui pm e n t. T h e r ail r o a d s h all p e rf o r m t h e 

a p p r o p ri a t e t e s t a s s o o n a s p r a c ti c a bl e. 

( 3) T h e r e q u e s t r ef e r r e d t o i n t hi s 

p a r a g r a p h will b e i n w ri ti n g, will s t a t e 

t h e g r o u n d s u p o n w hi c h t h e i n s p e c t o r 

h a s r e a s o n t o b eli e v e t h a t t h e r ail r o a d 

e q ui p m e n t d o e s n o t c o nf o r m t o t h e 

S t a n d a r d s, a n d will b e p r e s e n t e d t o a n 

a p p r o p ri a t e o p e r a ti n g offi ci al of t h e 

r ail r o a d. 

( 4) T e s ti n g o r s u b mi s si o n f o r t e s ti n g 

i s n o t r e q ui r e d if t h e c a u s e of t h e n oi s e 

d ef e c t i s r e a dil y a p p a r e n t a n d t h e i ns p e c t o r v e rifi e s t h a t i t i s c o r r e c t e d b y 

t h e r e pl a c e m e n t of d ef e c ti v e c o m p on e n t s o r b y i n s ti t u ti n g a n o r m al m ai nt e n a n c e o r r e p ai r p r o c e d u r e. 

( c)( 1) A n i n s p e c t o r i s a u t h o ri z e d t o 

i n s p e c t o r e x a mi n e a l o c o m o ti v e, r ail 

c a r, o r c o n si s t of a l o c o m o ti v e a n d r ail 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 7 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0

1 6 8
7 0 

§ 2 1 0. 2 5 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

c a r s o p e r a t e d b y a r ail r o a d, o r t o r eq u e s t t h a t t h e r ail r o a d i n s p e c t o r e xa mi n e t h e l o c o m o ti v e, r ail c a r, o r c o nsi s t of a l o c o m o ti v e a n d r ail c a r s, 

w h e n e v e r t h e i n s p e c t o r h a s r e a s o n t o 

b eli e v e t h a t i t d o e s n o t c o nf o r m t o t h e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s of t h e S t a n d a r d s. 

( 2) A n i n s p e c t o r m a y r e q u e s t t h a t a 

r ail r o a d c o n d u c t a n i n s p e c ti o n o r e xa mi n a ti o n of a l o c o m o ti v e, r ail c a r, o r 

c o n si s t of a l o c o m o ti v e a n d r ail c a r s o n 

t h e b a si s of a n e x c e s si v e n oi s e e mi s si o n 

l e v el m e a s u r e d b y a p a s s b y t e s t. If, 

af t e r s u c h i n s p e c ti o n o r e x a mi n a ti o n, 

n o m e c h a ni c al c o n di ti o n t h a t w o ul d r es ul t i n a n oi s e d ef e c t c a n b e f o u n d a n d 

t h e i n s p e c t o r v e rifi e s t h a t n o s u c h m ec h a ni c al c o n di ti o n e xi s t s, t h e l o c om o ti v e, r ail c a r, o r c o n si s t of a l o c om o ti v e a n d r ail c a r s m a y b e c o n ti n u e d 

i n s e r vi c e. 

( 3) T h e r e q u e s t s r ef e r r e d t o i n t hi s 

p a r a g r a p h will b e i n w ri ti n g, will s t a t e 

t h e g r o u n d s u p o n w hi c h t h e i n s p e c t o r 

h a s r e a s o n t o b eli e v e t h a t t h e l o c om o ti v e, r ail c a r, o r c o n si s t of a l o c om o ti v e a n d r ail c a r s d o e s n o t c o nf o r m 

t o t h e S t a n d a r d s, a n d will b e p r e s e n t e d 

t o a n a p p r o p ri a t e o p e r a ti n g offi ci al of 

t h e r ail r o a d. 

( 4) T h e i n s p e c ti o n o r e x a mi n a ti o n r ef e r r e d t o i n t hi s p a r a g r a p h m a y b e c o nd u c t e d o nl y a t r e c o g ni z e d i n s p e c ti o n 

p oi n t s o r s c h e d ul e d s t o p pi n g p oi n t s. 

§ 2 1 0. 2 5 M e a s u r e m e nt c rit e ri a a n d p r oc e d u r e s. 

T h e p a r a m e t e r s a n d p r o c e d u r e s f o r 

t h e m e a s u r e m e n t of t h e n oi s e e mi s si o n 

l e v el s a r e p r e s c ri b e d i n t h e S t a n d a r d s. 

( a) Q u a n ti ti e s m e a s u r e d a r e d efi n e d 

i n § 2 0 1. 2 1 of t h e S t a n d a r d s. 

( b) R e q ui r e m e n t s f o r m e a s u r e m e n t 

i n s t r u m e n t a ti o n a r e p r e s c ri b e d i n 

§ 2 0 1. 2 2 of t h e S t a n d a r d s. I n a d di ti o n, 

t h e f oll o wi n g c ali b r a ti o n p r o c e d u r e s 

s h all b e u s e d: 

( 1)(i) T h e s o u n d l e v el m e a s u r e m e n t 

s y s t e m i n cl u di n g t h e mi c r o p h o n e s h all 

b e c ali b r a t e d a n d a p p r o p ri a t el y a dj u s t e d a t o n e o r m o r e n o mi n al f r eq u e n ci e s i n t h e r a n g e f r o m 2 5 0 t h r o u g h 

1 0 0 0 H z a t t h e b e gi n ni n g of e a c h s e ri e s 

of m e a s u r e m e n t s, a t i n t e r v al s n o t e xc e e di n g 1 ( o n e) h o u r d u ri n g c o n ti n u al 

u s e, a n d i m m e di a t el y f oll o wi n g a m e a su r e m e n t i n di c a ti n g a vi ol a ti o n. 

(ii) T h e s o u n d l e v el m e a s u r e m e n t 

s y s t e m s h all b e c h e c k e d n o t l e s s t h a n 

o n c e e a c h y e a r b y i t s m a n uf a c t u r e r, a 

r e p r e s e n t a ti v e of i t s m a n uf a c t u r e r, o r 

a p e r s o n of e q ui v al e n t s p e ci al c o mp e t e n c e t o v e rif y t h a t i t s a c c u r a c y 

m e e t s t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r’ s d e si g n c rit e ri a. 

( 2) A n a c o u s ti c al c ali b r a t o r of t h e 

mi c r o p h o n e c o u pl e r t y p e d e si g n e d f o r 

t h e s o u n d l e v el m e a s u r e m e n t s y s t e m i n 

u s e s h all b e u s e d t o c ali b r a t e t h e s o u n d 

l e v el m e a s u r e m e n t s y s t e m i n a c c o r da n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 1)(i) of t hi s 

s e c ti o n. T h e c ali b r a ti o n m u s t m e e t o r 

e x c e e d t h e a c c u r a c y r e q ui r e m e n t s s p e cifi e d i n s e c ti o n 5. 4. 1 of t h e A m e ri c a n 

N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d I n s ti t u t e S t a n d a r d s, 

‘‘ M e t h o d f o r M e a s u r e m e n t of S o u n d 

P r e s s u r e L e v el s,’’ ( A N SI S 1. 1 3 – 1 9 7 1) f o r 

fi el d m e t h o d m e a s u r e m e n t s. 

( c) A c o u s ti c al e n vi r o n m e n t, w e a t h e r 

c o n di ti o n s, a n d b a c k g r o u n d n oi s e r eq ui r e m e n t s a r e p r e s c ri b e d i n § 2 0 1. 2 3 of 

t h e S t a n d a r d s. I n a d di ti o n, a m e a s u r em e n t t ol e r a n c e of 2 d B( A) f o r a gi v e n 

m e a s u r e m e n t will b e all o w e d t o t a k e 

i n t o a c c o u n t t h e eff e c t s of t h e f a c t o r s 

li s t e d b el o w a n d t h e i n t e r p r e t a ti o n s of 

t h e s e eff e c t s b y e nf o r c e m e n t p e r s o n n el: 

( 1) T h e c o m m o n p r a c ti c e of r e p o r ti n g 

fi el d s o u n d l e v el m e a s u r e m e n t s t o t h e 

n e a r e s t w h ol e d e ci b el; 

( 2) V a ri a ti o n s r e s ul ti n g f r o m c o mm e r ci al i n s t r u m e n t t ol e r a n c e s; 

( 3) V a ri a ti o n s r e s ul ti n g f r o m t h e t op o g r a p h y of t h e n oi s e m e a s u r e m e n t 

si t e; 

( 4) V a ri a ti o n s r e s ul ti n g f r o m a t m o sp h e ri c c o n di ti o n s s u c h a s wi n d, a m bie n t t e m p e r a t u r e, a n d a t m o s p h e ri c p r e ss u r e; a n d 

( 5) V a ri a ti o n s r e s ul ti n g f r o m r efl e c t e d s o u n d f r o m s m all o bj e c t s all o w e d wi t hi n t h e t e s t si t e. 

§ 2 1 0. 2 7 N e w l o c o m oti v e c e rtifi c ati o n. 

( a) A r ail r o a d s h all n o t o p e r a t e a l oc o m o ti v e b uil t af t e r D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 9, 

u nl e s s t h e l o c o m o ti v e h a s b e e n c e rtifi e d t o b e i n c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e 

S t a n d a r d s. 

( b) T h e c e r tifi c a ti o n p r e s c ri b e d i n 

t hi s s e c ti o n s h all b e d e t e r mi n e d f o r 

e a c h l o c o m o ti v e m o d el, b y ei t h e r — 

( 1) L o a d c ell t e s ti n g i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h t h e c ri t e ri a p r e s c ri b e d i n t h e 

S t a n d a r d s; o r 

( 2) P a s s b y t e s ti n g i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

t h e c ri t e ri a p r e s c ri b e d i n t h e S t a n da r d s. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0

1 6 9
7 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 1 0. 3 1 

( c) If p a s s b y t e s ti n g i s u s e d u n d e r 

p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 2) of t hi s s e c ti o n, i t s h all 

b e c o n d u c t e d wi t h t h e l o c o m o ti v e o p e ra ti n g a t m a xi m u m r a t e d h o r s e p o w e r 

o u t p u t. 

( d) E a c h n e w l o c o m o ti v e c e r tifi e d 

u n d e r t hi s s e c ti o n s h all b e i d e n tifi e d b y 

a p e r m a n e n t b a d g e o r t a g a t t a c h e d i n 

t h e c a b of t h e l o c o m o ti v e n e a r t h e l oc a ti o n of t h e i n s p e c ti o n F o r m F 6 1 8 0. 4 9. 

T h e b a d g e o r t a g s h all s t a t e: 

( 1) W h e t h e r a l o a d c ell o r p a s s b y t e s t 

w a s u s e d; 

( 2) T h e d a t e a n d l o c a ti o n of t h e t e s t; 

a n d 

( 3) T h e A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el r e a di n g i n d e ci b el s o b t ai n e d d u ri n g t h e 

p a s s b y t e s t, o r t h e r e a di n g s o b t ai n e d a t 

i dl e t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g a n d m a xi m u m 

t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g d u ri n g a l o a d c ell t e s t. 

§ 2 1 0. 2 9 O p e r ati o n st a n d a r d s ( m o vi n g 

l o c o m oti v e s a n d r ail c a r s). 

T h e o p e r a ti o n s t a n d a r d s f o r t h e n oi s e 

e mi s si o n l e v el s of m o vi n g l o c o m o ti v e s, 

r ail c a r s, o r c o n si s t s of l o c o m o ti v e s 

a n d r ail c a r s a r e p r e s c ri b e d i n t h e 

S t a n d a r d s a n d d u pli c a t e d i n a p p e n di x 

A of t hi s p a r t. 

( a) M e a s u r e m e n t s f o r c o m pli a n c e 

s h all b e m a d e i n c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e 

p r o vi si o n s of s u b p a r t C of t h e S t a n da r d s a n d t h e f oll o wi n g: 

( 1) C o n si s t s of l o c o m o ti v e s c o nt ai ni n g a t l e a s t o n e l o c o m o ti v e u ni t 

m a n uf a c t u r e d p ri o r t o D e c e m b e r 3 1, 

1 9 7 9, s h all b e e v al u a t e d f o r c o m pli a n c e 

i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 0 1. 1 2( a) of t h e 

S t a n d a r d s, u nl e s s a l o c o m o ti v e wi t hi n 

t h e c o n si s t i s s e p a r a t e d b y a t l e a s t 1 0 

r ail c a r l e n g t h s o r 5 0 0 f e e t f r o m o t h e r 

l o c o m o ti v e s i n t h e c o n si s t, i n w hi c h 

c a s e s u c h s e p a r a t e d l o c o m o ti v e s m a y 

b e e v al u a t e d f o r c o m pli a n c e a c c o r di n g 

t o t h ei r r e s p e c ti v e b uil t d a t e s. 

( 2) C o n si s t s of l o c o m o ti v e s c o m p o s e d 

e n ti r el y of l o c o m o ti v e u ni t s m a n uf a ct u r e d af t e r D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 9, s h all b e 

e v al u a t e d f o r c o m pli a n c e i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h § 2 0 1. 1 2( b) of t h e S t a n d a r d s. 

( 3) If t h e i n s p e c t o r c a n n o t e s t a bli s h 

t h e b uil t d a t e s of all l o c o m o ti v e s i n a 

c o n si s t of l o c o m o ti v e s m e a s u r e d u n d e r 

m o vi n g c o n di ti o n s, e v al u a ti o n f o r c o mpli a n c e s h all b e m a d e i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h § 2 0 1. 1 2( a) of t h e S t a n d a r d s. 

( b) N oi s e e mi s si o n s t a n d a r d s f o r r ail 

c a r s o p e r a ti n g u n d e r m o vi n g c o n diti o n s a r e c o n t ai n e d i n § 2 0 1. 1 3 of t h e 

S t a n d a r d s a n d a r e s t a t e d i n a p p e n di x A 

of t hi s p a r t. If s p e e d m e a s u r e m e n t 

e q ui p m e n t u s e d b y t h e i n s p e c t o r a t t h e 

ti m e of t h e m e a s u r e m e n t i s n o t o p e ra ti n g wi t hi n a n a c c u r a c y of 5 mil e s p e r 

h o u r, e v al u a ti o n f o r c o m pli a n c e s h all 

b e m a d e i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 0 1. 1 3( 2) 

of t h e S t a n d a r d s. 

( c) L o c o m o ti v e s a n d r ail c a r s t e s t e d 

p u r s u a n t t o t h e p r o c e d u r e s p r e s c ri b e d 

i n t hi s p a r t a n d i n t h e S t a n d a r d s s h all 

b e c o n si d e r e d i n n o n c o m pli a n c e w h e ne v e r t h e t e s t m e a s u r e m e n t, mi n u s t h e 

a p p r o p ri a t e t ol e r a n c e (§ 2 1 0. 2 5), e x c e e d s 

t h e n oi s e e mi s si o n l e v el s p r e s c ri b e d i n 

a p p e n di x A of t hi s p a r t. 

§ 2 1 0. 3 1 O p e r ati o n st a n d a r d s ( st ati o n a r y l o c o m oti v e s at 3 0 m et e r s). 

( a) F o r s t a ti o n a r y l o c o m o ti v e s a t 

l o a d c ell s: 

( 1) E a c h n oi s e e mi s si o n t e s t s h all 

b e gi n af t e r t h e e n gi n e of t h e l o c om o ti v e h a s a t t ai n e d t h e n o r m al c o oli n g 

w a t e r o p e r a ti n g t e m p e r a t u r e a s p r es c ri b e d b y t h e l o c o m o ti v e m a n uf a ct u r e r. 

( 2) N oi s e e mi s si o n t e s ti n g i n i dl e o r 

m a xi m u m t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g s h all s t a r t 

af t e r a 4 0 s e c o n d s t a bili z a ti o n p e ri o d i n 

t h e t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g s el e c t e d f o r t h e 

t e s t. 

( 3) Af t e r t h e s t a bili z a ti o n p e ri o d a s 

p r e s c ri b e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 2) of t hi s 

s e c ti o n, t h e A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el 

r e a di n g i n d e ci b el s s h all b e o b s e r v e d 

f o r a n a d di ti o n al 3 0- s e c o n d p e ri o d i n 

t h e t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g s el e c t e d f o r t h e 

t e s t. 

( 4) T h e m a xi m u m A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d 

l e v el r e a di n g i n d e ci b el s t h a t i s o bs e r v e d d u ri n g t h e 3 0- s e c o n d p e ri o d of 

ti m e p r e s c ri b e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 3) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n s h all b e u s e d f o r t e s t m e a su r e m e n t p u r p o s e s. 

( b) T h e f oll o wi n g d a t a d e t e r mi n e d b y 

a n y l o c o m o ti v e n oi s e e mi s si o n t e s t 

c o n d u c t e d af t e r D e c e m b e r 3 1, 1 9 7 6, 

s h all b e r e c o r d e d i n t h e ‘‘ R e m a r k s’’ 

s e c ti o n o n t h e r e v e r s e si d e of F o r m F 

6 1 8 0. 4 9: 

( 1) L o c a ti o n of t e s t; 

( 2) T y p e of t e s t; 

( 3) D a t e of t e s t; a n d 

( 4) T h e A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d l e v el r e a di n g i n d e ci b el s o b t ai n e d d u ri n g t h e 

p a s s b y t e s t, o r t h e r e a di n g s o b t ai n e d a t 

i dl e t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g a n d m a xi m u m 

t h r o t tl e s e t ti n g d u ri n g a l o a d c ell t e s t. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0

1 7 0
7 2 

§ 2 1 0. 3 3 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

( c) A n y l o c o m o ti v e s u bj e c t t o t hi s 

p a r t t h a t i s f o u n d n o t t o b e i n c o m plia n c e wi t h t h e S t a n d a r d s a s a r e s ul t of 

a p a s s b y t e s t s h all b e s u bj e c t e d t o a 

l o a d c ell t e s t o r a n o t h e r p a s s b y t e s t 

p ri o r t o r e t u r n t o s e r vi c e, e x c e p t t h a t 

n o s u c h r e t e s t s h all b e r e q ui r e d if t h e 

c a u s e of t h e n oi s e d ef e c t i s r e a dil y a pp a r e n t a n d i s c o r r e c t e d b y t h e r e pl a c em e n t of d ef e c ti v e c o m p o n e n t s o r b y a 

n o r m al m ai n t e n a n c e o r r e p ai r p r o c ed u r e. 

( d) T h e l a s t e n t r y r e c o r d e d o n F o r m 

F 6 1 8 0. 4 9 a s r e q ui r e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( b) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n s h all b e t r a n s c ri b e d t o a 

n e w F o r m F R A F 6 1 8 0. 4 9 w h e n i t i s 

p o s t e d i n t h e l o c o m o ti v e c a b. 

( e) L o c o m o ti v e s t e s t e d p u r s u a n t t o 

t h e p r o c e d u r e s p r e s c ri b e d i n t hi s p a r t 

a n d i n t h e S t a n d a r d s s h all b e c o n si de r e d i n n o n c o m pli a n c e w h e r e v e r t h e 

t e s t m e a s u r e m e n t, mi n u s t h e a p p r op ri a t e t ol e r a n c e (§ 2 1 0. 2 5), e x c e e d s t h e 

n oi s e e mi s si o n l e v el s p r e c ri b e d i n a pp e n di x A of t hi s p a r t. 

§ 2 1 0. 3 3 O p e r ati o n st a n d a r d s ( s wit c h e r 

l o c o m oti v e s, l o a d c ell t e st st a n d s, 

c a r c o u pli n g o p e r ati o n s, a n d r et a r d e r s). 

( a) M e a s u r e m e n t o n r e c ei vi n g p r o pe r t y of t h e n oi s e e mi s si o n l e v el s f r o m 

s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e s, l o a d c ell t e s t 

s t a n d s, c a r c o u pli n g o p e r a ti o n s, a n d r et a r d e r s s h all b e p e rf o r m e d i n a c c o r da n c e wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of 4 0 C F R 

p a r t 2 0 1 a n d § 2 1 0. 2 5 of t hi s p a r t. 

( b) T h e s e s o u r c e s s h all b e c o n si d e r e d 

i n n o n c o m pli a n c e w h e n e v e r t h e t e s t 

m e a s u r e m e n t, mi n u s t h e a p p r o p ri a t e 

t ol e r a n c e (§ 2 1 0. 2 5), e x c e e d s t h e n oi s e 

e mi s si o n l e v el s p r e s c ri b e d i n a p p e n di x 

A of t hi s p a r t. 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 1 0 — S U M M A R Y O F OI S E T A N D A R D S , 4 0 C F R PA R T 2 0 1 

P ar a gr a p h a n d s e cti o n N oi s e s o ur c e 

N oi s e 

st a n d ar d — 

A w ei g ht e d 

s o u n d 

l e v el i n d B 

N oi s e m e a s ur e M e a s ur e m e nt l oc ati o n 

All L o c o m oti v e s M a n uf a ct ur e d o n or B ef or e 3 1 

D e c e m b er 1 9 7 9 

2 0 1. 1 1( a) .................... St ati o n ar y, I dl e T hr ottl e S etti n g ............................ 7 3 L ma x ( sl o w) .......... 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) 

2 0 1. 1 1( a) .................... St ati o n ar y, All Ot h er T hr ottl e S etti n g s .................. 9 3 ...... d o ................. D o. 

2 0 1. 1 2( a) .................... M o vi n g ................................................................... 9 6 L ma x (f a st) ........... D o. 

All L o c o m oti v e s M a n uf a ct ur e d Aft er 3 1 

D e c e m b er 1 9 7 9 

2 0 1. 1 1( b) .................... St ati o n ar y, I dl e T hr ottl e S etti n g ............................ 7 0 L ma x ( sl o w) .......... D o. 

2 0 1. 1 1( b) .................... St ati o n ar y, All Ot h er T hr ottl e S etti n g s .................. 8 7 ...... d o ................. D o. 

2 0 1. 1 2( b) .................... M o vi n g ................................................................... 9 0 L ma x (f a st) ........... D o. 

2 0 1. 1 1( c) a n d 

2 0 1. 1 2( c).

A d diti o n al R e q uir e m e nt f or S wit c h er L o c o m oti v e s 

M a n uf a ct ur e d o n or B ef or e 3 1 D e c e m b er 1 9 7 9 

O p er ati n g i n Y ar d s W h er e St ati o n ar y S wit c h er 

a n d ot h er L o c o m oti v e N oi s e E x c e e d s t h e R ec ei vi n g Pr o p ert y Li mit of .

6 5 L 9 0 (f a st) ........... R e c ei vi n g pr o pert y 

2 0 1. 1 1( c) .................... St ati o n ar y, I dl e T hr ottl e S etti n g ............................ 7 0 L ma x ( sl o w) .......... 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft) 

2 0 1. 1 1( c) .................... St ati o n ar y, All Ot h er T hr ottl e S etti n g s .................. 8 7 ...... d o ................. D o. 

2 0 1. 1 2( c) .................... M o vi n g ................................................................... 9 0 L ma x (f a st) ........... D o. 

R ail C ar s 

2 0 1. 1 3( 1) .................... M o vi n g at S p e e d s of 4 5 m p h or L e s s .................. 8 8 ...... d o ................. D o. 

2 0 1. 1 3( 2) .................... M o vi n g at S p e e d s Gr e at er t h a n 4 5 m p h .............. 9 3 ...... d o ................. D o. 

Ot h er Y ar d E q ui p m e nt a n d F a ciliti e s 

2 0 1. 1 4 ........................ R et ar d er s ............................................................... 8 3 L a dja ve ma x (f a st) .... R e c ei vi n g pr o pert y 

2 0 1. 1 5 ........................ C ar- C o u pli n g O p er ati o n s ...................................... 9 2 ...... d o ................. D o. 

2 0 1. 1 6 ........................ L o c o m oti v e L o a d C ell T e st St a n d s, W h er e t h e 

N oi s e fr o m L o c o m oti v e L o a d C ell O p er ati o n s 

E x c e e d s t h e R e c ei vi n g Pr o p ert y Li mit s of .

6 5 L 9 0 (f a st) ........... D o. 

2 0 1. 1 6( a) .................... Pri m ar y St a n d ar d .................................................. 7 8 L ma x ( sl o w) .......... 3 0 m ( 1 0 0 ft). 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0

1 7 1
7 3 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 1 1 

P ar a gr a p h a n d s e cti o n N oi s e s o ur c e 

N oi s e 

st a n d ar d — 

A w ei g ht e d 

s o u n d 

l e v el i n d B 

N oi s e m e a s ur e M e a s ur e m e nt l oc ati o n 

2 0 1. 1 6( b) .................... S e c o n d ar y St a n d ar d if 3 0- m M e a s ur e m e nt N ot 

F e a si bl e.

6 5 L 9 0 (f a st) ............. R e c ei vi n g pr o pert y l o c at e d 

m or e t h a n 1 2 0 

m fr o m L o a d 

C ell. 

ma x = M a xi m u m s o u n d l e v el; L 9 0 = St ati sti c al s o u n d l e v el e x c e e d e d 9 0 % of t h e ti m e; L a dja ve ma x = A dj u st e d a v er a g e m a xi m u m 

s o u n d l e v el. 

9 0 m u st b e v ali d at e d b y d et er mi ni n g t h at L 1 0 – L 9 9 i s l e s s t h a n or e q u al t o 4 d B ( A). 

[ 4 8 F R 5 6 7 5 8, D e c. 2 3, 1 9 8 3; 4 9 F R 1 5 2 1, J a n. 1 2, 1 9 8 4] 

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 1 0 — S WI T C H E R

O C O M O TI V E N F O R C E M E N T O LI C Y

T h e E P A s t a n d a r d s r e q ui r e t h a t t h e n oi s e 

e mi s si o n s f r o m all s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e s i n a 

p a r ti c ul a r f a cili t y b e l e s s t h a n p r e s c ri b e d 

l e v el s m e a s u r e d a t 3 0 m e t e r s, u n d e r all o p e ra ti n g m o d e s. T hi s r e q ui r e m e n t i s d e e m e d t o 

b e m e t u nl e s s ‘‘ r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y’’ n oi s e d u e 

t o s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e s e x c e e d s 6 5 d B( A), 

w h e n m e a s u r e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h s u b p a r t C 

of 4 0 C F R p a r t 2 0 1. T h e 6 5 d B( A) r e c ei vi n g 

p r o p e r t y s t a n d a r d i s t h e ‘‘ t ri g g e r’’ f o r r e q ui ri n g t h e 3 0- m e t e r t e s t of s wi t c h e r l o c om o ti v e s. 

T h e p u r p o s e u n d e rl yi n g F R A’ s e nf o r c em e n t of t h e n oi s e s t a n d a r d s i s t o r e d u c e t h e 

i m p a c t of r ail o p e r a ti o n s n oi s e o n r e c ei vi n g 

p r o p e r ti e s. I n s o m e i n s t a n c e s, m e a s u r e s 

o t h e r t h a n t h e 3 0- m e t e r t e s t a p p r o a c h m a y 

m o r e eff e c ti v el y r e d u c e t h e n oi s e l e v el s a t 

r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r ti e s; t h e r ef o r e, F R A e nf o r c em e n t eff o r t s will f o c u s o n a b a t e m e n t p r o c ed u r e s t h a t will a c hi e v e a r e d u c ti o n of r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y n oi s e l e v el s t o l e s s t h a n 6 5 

d B( A). 

F o r e x a m pl e, a p a r k e d, i dli n g l o c o m o ti v e, 

e v e n if e q ui p p e d wi t h e x h a u s t sil e n ci n g t h a t 

m e e t s t h e s t a ti o n a r y l o c o m o ti v e s t a n d a r d 

( 3 0- m e t e r t e s t), m a y c a u s e t h e r e c ei vi n g 

p r o p e r t y s t a n d a r d t o b e e x c e e d e d if l o c a t e d 

o n t r a c k a g e a dj a c e n t t o t h e r e c ei vi n g p r o pe r t y. I n t h a t c a s e, a p pli c a ti o n of t h e 3 0- 

m e t e r t e s t t o o t h e r s wi t c h e r l o c o m o ti v e s a t 

t h e f a cili t y m a y n o t s e r v e t o r e d u c e t h e r ec ei vi n g p r o p e r t y n oi s e l e v el. O n t h e o t h e r 

h a n d, o p e r a ti o n al c h a n g e s b y t h e r ail r o a d 

c o ul d si g nifi c a n tl y r e d u c e r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y 

n oi s e l e v el s. I n s u c h c a s e, F R A w o ul d c o nsi d e r r e t e s ti n g af t e r a b a t e m e n t m e a s u r e s 

h a v e b e e n t a k e n. If t h e r e c ei vi n g p r o p e r t y 

n oi s e l e v el i s b el o w t h e t ri g g e r a n d t h e 

a b a t e m e n t a c ti o n i s a d o p t e d, F R A w o ul d n o t 

m a k e a 3 0- m e t e r t e s t of t h e s wi t c h e r l o c om o ti v e s a t t h e f a cili t y. 

P A RT 2 1 1 — R UL E S O F P R A CTI C E 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

S e c. 

2 1 1. 1 G e n e r al. 

2 1 1. 3 P a r ti ci p a ti o n b y i n t e r e s t e d p e r s o n s. 

2 1 1. 5 R e g ul a t o r y d o c k e t. 

2 1 1. 7 Fili n g r e q ui r e m e n t s. 

2 1 1. 9 C o n t e n t of r ul e m a ki n g a n d w ai v e r p eti ti o n s. 

S u b p art B — R ul e m a ki n g Pr o c e d ur es 

2 1 1. 1 1 P r o c e s si n g of p e ti ti o n s f o r r ul em a ki n g. 

2 1 1. 1 3 I ni ti a ti o n a n d c o m pl e ti o n of r ul em a ki n g p r o c e e di n g s. 

2 1 1. 1 5 N o ti c e a n d p a r ti ci p a ti o n. 

2 1 1. 1 7 P u bli c a ti o n a n d c o n t e n t s of n o ti c e s. 

2 1 1. 1 9 P e ti ti o n s f o r e x t e n si o n s of ti m e t o 

c o m m e n t. 

2 1 1. 2 1 C o n si d e r a ti o n of c o m m e n t s r e c ei v e d. 

2 1 1. 2 3 A d di ti o n al p u bli c p r o c e e di n g s. 

2 1 1. 2 5 H e a ri n g s. 

2 1 1. 2 7 P u bli c a ti o n of a d o p t e d r ul e s a n d 

wi t h d r a w al of n o ti c e s. 

2 1 1. 2 9 P e ti ti o n s f o r r e c o n si d e r a ti o n of a 

fi n al r ul e. 

2 1 1. 3 1 P r o c e e di n g s o n p e ti ti o n s f o r r e c o n si de r a ti o n of a fi n al r ul e. 

2 1 1. 3 3 Di r e c t fi n al r ul e m a ki n g p r o c e d u r e s. 

S u b p art C — W ai v ers 

2 1 1. 4 1 P r o c e s si n g of p e ti ti o n s f o r w ai v e r of 

s af e t y r ul e s. 

2 1 1. 4 3 P r o c e s si n g of o t h e r w ai v e r p e ti ti o n s. 

2 1 1. 4 5 P e ti ti o n s f o r e m e r g e n c y w ai v e r of 

s af e t y r ul e s. 

S u b p art D — E m er g e n c y Or d ers 

2 1 1. 4 7 R e vi e w p r o c e d u r e s. 

S u b p art E — Mis c ell a n e o us S af et y- R el at e d 

Pr o c e e di n gs a n d I n q uiri es 

2 1 1. 5 1 T e s t s. 

2 1 1. 5 3 Si g n al a p pli c a ti o n s. 

2 1 1. 5 5 S p e ci al a p p r o v al s. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 0 8 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 1 0

1 7 2
2 7 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2 

O T E : Y a n k e e M e t al P r o d u c t s C o r p. p r evi o u sl y p r o d u c e d t h e s e d e vi c e s. 

A p e n al t y m a y b e a s s e s s e d a g ai n s t a n i ndi vi d u al o nl y f o r a willf ul vi ol a ti o n. T h e A dmi ni s t r a t o r r e s e r v e s t h e ri g h t t o a s s e s s a 

p e n al t y of u p t o $ 2 7, 0 0 0 f o r a n y vi ol a ti o n 

w h e r e ci r c u m s t a n c e s w a r r a n t. S e e 4 9 C F R 

p a r t 2 0 9, a p p e n di x A. W h e r e t h e c o n di ti o n s 

f o r m o v e m e n t of d ef e c ti v e e q ui p m e n t s e t 

f o r t h i n § 2 2 1. 1 7 of t hi s p a r t a r e n o t m e t, t h e 

m o v e m e n t c o n s ti t u t e s a vi ol a ti o n of § 2 2 1. 1 3 

of t hi s p a r t. 

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 2 1 — A P P R O V E D

E A R N D A R KI N G E VI C E S

P A R T I A P P R O V E D D E VI C E S T E S T E D F O R O R B Y

M A N U F A C T U R E R S

1. M a n uf a c t u r e r: S t a r H e a dli g h t & L a n t e r n 

C o., 1 6 8 W e s t M ai n S t r e e t, H o n e o y e F all s, N Y 

1 4 4 7 2. 

F R A i d e n tifi c a ti o n N o s. F R A- P L E- S T A R8 4 5- F (fl a s h e r) a n d F R A- P L E- S T A R- 8 4 5- C 

( s t e a d y b u r n). 

2. M a n uf a c t u r e r: J uli a n A. M c D e r m o t t 

C o r p., 1 6 3 9 S t e p h e n S t r e e t, Ri d g e w o o d, L o n g 

I sl a n d, N Y 1 1 2 2 7. 

F R A i d e n tifi c a ti o n N o s. F R A- M E C- M C D1 0 0- C ( s t e a d y b u r n), F R A- M E C- M C D- 1 0 0- F 

(fl a s h e r), F R A- M E C- M C D- 3 0 0- C ( s t e a d y 

b u r n), a n d F R A- M E C- M C D- 3 0 0- F (fl a s h e r). 

3. M a n uf a c t u r e r: A m e ri c a n El e c t r o ni c s, 

I n c., 4 0 E s s e x S t r e e t, H a c k e n s a c k, N J 0 7 6 0 1. 

F R A i d e n tifi c a ti o n N o s. F R A- D R G WY A N K- 3 0 0 ( p o r t a bl e s t r o b e), F R A- W P- Y A N K3 0 1 R (fl a s hi n g), F R A- W P- Y A N K- 3 0 5 R (fl a s hi n g), a n d F R A- W P- Y A N K- 3 0 6 R ( s t e a d y b u r n). 

P A R T II A P P R O V E D D E VI C E S T E S T E D F O R O R B Y

R AI L C A R RI E R S

1. C a r ri e r: A t c hi s o n, T o p e k a & S a n t a F e 

R ail w a y C o., T e c h ni c al R e s e a r c h & D e v el o pm e n t D e p a r t m e n t, 1 0 0 1 N o r t h e a s t A t c hi s o n 

S t r e e t, T o p e k a, K a n s. 6 6 6 1 6. 

M a n uf a c t u r e r: T r a n s- Li t e, I n c., P. O. B o x 

7 0, Milf o r d, C o n n. 0 6 4 6 0. 

F R A i d e n tifi c a ti o n N o s. F R A- A T S F- T L8 7 5- 1 5 0, F R A- A T S F- T L- 8 7 5- 6 0, F R A- A T S FT L- 8 7 5- 4 4 1 2, a n d F R A- A T S F- T L- 2 0 0. 

2. C a r ri e r: A m t r a k — N a ti o n al R ail r o a d P a ss e n g e r C o r p o r a ti o n, 4 0 0 N o r t h C a pi t ol S t r e e t 

N W., W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 0 0 1. 

M a n uf a c t u r e r: ( a) T r a n s- Li t e, I n c., P. O. 

B o x 7 0, Milf o r d, C o n n. 0 6 4 6 0. 

F R A i d e n tifi c a ti o n N o s. F R A- A T K- T L3 8 9 5- 1, F R A- A T K- T L- 4 4 9 1- 2, F R A- A T K- T L4 4 9 1- 3, a n d F R A- A T K- T L- F M- 4 4 9 1- 1. 

M a n uf a c t u r e r: ( b) L u mi n a t o r Di vi si o n of 

G ulf t o n I n d u s t ri e s, I n c., 1 2 0 0 E a s t D all a s 

N o r t h P a r k w a y, Pl a n o, T e x. 7 5 0 7 4. 

F R A i d e n tifi c a ti o n N o. F R A- A T K- L U M0 1 0 1 8 9 0- 0 0 1. 

M a n uf a c t u r e r: ( c) W h el e n E n gi n e e ri n g C o., 

I n c., D e e p Ri v e r, C o n n. 0 6 4 1 7. 

F R A i d e n tifi c a ti o n N o. F R A- A T K- W H EW E R T- 1 2. 

[ 4 3 F R 3 6 4 4 7, A u g. 1 7, 1 9 7 8] 

P P E N DI X C T O A R T 2 2 1 — S C H E D U L E O F

I VI L E N A L TI E S

S e cti o n Vi ol ati o n Willf ul vi ol ati o n 

2 2 1. 1 3 M ar ki n g d e vi c e di s pl a y: 

( a) d e vi c e n ot pr e s e nt, 

n ot di s pl a y e d, or n ot 

pr o p erl y ill u mi n at e d $ 5, 0 0 0 $ 7, 5 0 0 

( d) d e vi c e t o o cl o s e t o 

r ail ............................ 1, 0 0 0 2, 0 0 0 

2 2 1. 1 4 M ar ki n g d e vi c e s: U s e 

of u n a p pr o v e d or n o n c o mpl yi n g d e vi c e .......................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

2 2 1. 1 5 M ar ki n g d e vi c e i n s p e cti o n: 

( a) F ail ur e t o i n s p e ct at 

cr e w c h a n g e ............ 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( b), ( c) i m pr o p er i ns p e cti o n ................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

2 2 1. 1 6 I n s p e cti o n pr o c e d ur e: 

( a) F ail ur e t o o bt ai n 

pr ot e cti o n ................. 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

( b) I m pr o p er pr ot e cti o n 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

2 2 1. 1 7 M o v e m e nt of d ef e cti v e 

e q ui p m e nt .............................. ( ) 

[ 5 3 F R 5 2 9 3 0, D e c. 2 9, 1 9 8 8, a s a m e n d e d a t 6 9 

F R 6 2 8 1 8, O c t. 2 8, 2 0 0 4] 

P A RT 2 2 2 — U S E O F L O C O M OTI V E H O R N S AT P U BLI C HI G H W A YR AIL G R A D E C R O S SI N G S 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

S e c. 

2 2 2. 1 W h a t i s t h e p u r p o s e of t hi s r e g ul a ti o n ? 

2 2 2. 3 W h a t a r e a s d o e s t hi s r e g ul a ti o n c o v e r ? 

2 2 2. 5 W h a t r ail r o a d s d o e s t hi s r e g ul a ti o n 

a p pl y t o ? 

2 2 2. 7 W h a t i s t hi s r e g ul a ti o n’ s eff e c t o n 

S t a t e a n d l o c al l a w s a n d o r di n a n c e s ? 

2 2 2. 9 D efi ni ti o n s. 

2 2 2. 1 1 W h a t a r e t h e p e n al ti e s f o r f ail u r e t o 

c o m pl y wi t h t hi s r e g ul a ti o n ? 

2 2 2. 1 3 W h o i s r e s p o n si bl e f o r c o m pli a n c e ? 

2 2 2. 1 5 H o w d o e s o n e o b t ai n a w ai v e r of a 

p r o vi si o n of t hi s r e g ul a ti o n ? 

2 2 2. 1 7 H o w c a n a S t a t e a g e n c y b e c o m e a 

r e c o g ni z e d S t a t e a g e n c y ? 

S u b p art B — Us e of L o c o m oti v e H or ns 

2 2 2. 2 1 W h e n m u s t a l o c o m o ti v e h o r n b e 

u s e d ? 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 8 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 7 3
2 7 8 

§ 2 2 2. 1 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

2 2 2. 2 3 H o w d o e s t hi s r e g ul a ti o n aff e c t 

s o u n di n g of a h o r n d u ri n g a n e m e r g e n c y 

o r o t h e r si t u a ti o n s ? 

2 2 2. 2 5 H o w d o e s t hi s r ul e aff e c t p ri v a t e 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s ? 

2 2 2. 2 7 H o w d o e s t hi s r ul e aff e c t p e d e s t ri a n 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s ? 

S u b p art C — E x c e pti o ns t o t h e Us e of t h e 

L o c o m oti v e H or n 

2 2 2. 3 1 [ R e s e r v e d] 

I L E N C E D O R N S A T N DI VI D U A L R O S SI N G S

2 2 2. 3 3 C a n l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s b e sil e n c e d a t 

a n i n di vi d u al p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g w hi c h i s n o t wi t hi n a q ui e t 

z o n e ? 

I L E N C E D O R N S A T R O U P S O F R O S SI N G S — 

UI E T O N E S

2 2 2. 3 5 W h a t a r e mi ni m u m r e q ui r e m e n t s f o r 

q ui e t z o n e s ? 

§ 2 2 2. 3 7 W h o m a y e s t a bli s h a q ui e t z o n e ? 

§ 2 2 2. 3 8 C a n a q ui e t z o n e b e c r e a t e d i n t h e 

C hi c a g o R e gi o n ? 

§ 2 2 2. 3 9 H o w i s a q ui e t z o n e e s t a bli s h e d ? 

§ 2 2 2. 4 1 H o w d o e s t hi s r ul e aff e c t P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e s ? 

§ 2 2 2. 4 2 H o w d o e s t hi s r ul e aff e c t I n t e rm e di a t e Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d I n t e r m e di a t e 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s ? 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 W h a t n o ti c e s a n d o t h e r i nf o r m a ti o n 

a r e r e q ui r e d t o c r e a t e o r c o n ti n u e a q ui e t 

z o n e ? 

§ 2 2 2. 4 5 W h e n i s a r ail r o a d r e q ui r e d t o c e a s e 

r o u ti n e s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a t 

c r o s si n g s ? 

§ 2 2 2. 4 7 W h a t p e ri o di c u p d a t e s a r e r e q ui r e d ? 

§ 2 2 2. 4 9 W h o m a y fil e G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e nt o r y F o r m s ? 

§ 2 2 2. 5 1 U n d e r w h a t c o n di ti o n s will q ui e t 

z o n e s t a t u s b e t e r mi n a t e d ? 

§ 2 2 2. 5 3 W h a t a r e t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s f o r s u ppl e m e n t a r y a n d al t e r n a ti v e s af e t y m e a su r e s ? 

§ 2 2 2. 5 5 H o w a r e n e w s u p pl e m e n t a r y o r alt e r n a ti v e s af e t y m e a s u r e s a p p r o v e d ? 

§ 2 2 2. 5 7 C a n p a r ti e s s e e k r e vi e w of t h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r’ s a c ti o n s ? 

§ 2 2 2. 5 9 W h e n m a y a w a y si d e h o r n b e u s e d ? 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 2 2 — A P P R O V E D U P P L E

M E N T A R Y A F E T Y E A S U R E S

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 2 2 — A L T E R N A TI V E A F E

T Y E A S U R E S

P P E N DI X C T O A R T 2 2 2 — G UI D E T O S T A B

LI S HI N G UI E T O N E S

P P E N DI X D T O A R T 2 2 2 — D E T E R MI NI N G I S K

E V E L S

P P E N DI X E T O A R T 2 2 2 — R E Q UI R E M E N T S F O R

A Y SI D E O R N S

P P E N DI X F T O A R T 2 2 2 — D I A G N O S TI C E A M

O N SI D E R A TI O N S

P P E N DI X G T O A R T 2 2 2 — S C H E D U L E O F I VI L

E N A L TI E S

U T H O RI T Y : 2 8 U. S. C. 2 4 6 1, n o t e; 4 9 U. S. C. 

2 0 1 0 3, 2 0 1 0 7, 2 0 1 5 3, 2 1 3 0 1, 2 1 3 0 4; 4 9 C F R 1. 4 9. 

O U R C E : 7 1 F R 4 7 6 3 4, A u g. 1 7, 2 0 0 6, u nl e s s 

o t h e r wi s e n o t e d. 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

§ 2 2 2. 1 W h at i s t h e p u r p o s e of t hi s r e gul ati o n ? 

T h e p u r p o s e of t hi s p a r t i s t o p r o vi d e 

f o r s af e t y a t p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s b y r e q ui ri n g l o c o m o ti v e h o r n 

u s e a t p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s e x c e p t i n q ui e t z o n e s e s t a bli s h e d 

a n d m ai n t ai n e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t hi s 

p a r t. 

§ 2 2 2. 3 W h at a r e a s d o e s t hi s r e g ul ati o n 

c o v e r ? 

( a) T hi s p a r t p r e s c ri b e s s t a n d a r d s f o r 

s o u n di n g l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s w h e n l o c om o ti v e s a p p r o a c h a n d p a s s t h r o u g h 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s. 

T hi s p a r t al s o p r o vi d e s s t a n d a r d s f o r 

t h e c r e a ti o n a n d m ai n t e n a n c e of q ui e t 

z o n e s wi t hi n w hi c h l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s 

n e e d n o t b e s o u n d e d. 

( b) T h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s p a r t a r e 

s e p a r a t e a n d s e v e r a bl e f r o m o n e a no t h e r. If a n y p r o vi si o n i s s t a y e d o r d et e r mi n e d t o b e i n v ali d, i t i s t h e i n t e n t 

of F R A t h a t t h e r e m ai ni n g p r o vi si o n s 

s h all c o n ti n u e i n eff e c t. 

( c) T hi s p a r t d o e s n o t a p pl y t o a n y 

C hi c a g o R e gi o n hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g w h e r e t h e r ail r o a d w a s e xc u s e d f r o m s o u n di n g t h e l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n b y t h e Illi n oi s C o m m e r c e C o mmi s si o n, a n d w h e r e t h e r ail r o a d di d n o t 

s o u n d t h e h o r n, a s of D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3. 

§ 2 2 2. 5 W h at r ail r o a d s d o e s t hi s r e g ul ati o n a p pl y t o ? 

T hi s p a r t a p pli e s t o all r ail r o a d s e xc e p t: 

( a) A r ail r o a d t h a t e x cl u si v el y o p e ra t e s f r ei g h t t r ai n s o nl y o n t r a c k w hi c h 

i s n o t p a r t of t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y st e m of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n; 

( b) P a s s e n g e r r ail r o a d s t h a t o p e r a t e 

o nl y o n t r a c k w hi c h i s n o t p a r t of t h e 

g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of t r a n s p o rt a ti o n a n d t h a t o p e r a t e a t a m a xi m u m 

s p e e d of 1 5 mil e s p e r h o u r o v e r p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s; a n d 

( c) R a pi d t r a n si t o p e r a ti o n s wi t hi n 

a n u r b a n a r e a t h a t a r e n o t c o n n e c t e d 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 8 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 7 4
2 7 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 9 

t o t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of t r a n sp o r t a ti o n. S e e 4 9 C F R p a r t 2 0 9, a p p e ndi x A f o r t h e d efi ni ti v e s t a t e m e n t of 

t h e m e a ni n g of t h e p r e c e di n g s e n t e n c e. 

§ 2 2 2. 7 W h at i s t hi s r e g ul ati o n’ s eff e ct 

o n St at e a n d l o c al l a w s a n d o r din a n c e s ? 

( a) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( b) of t hi s s e c ti o n, i s s u a n c e of t hi s p a r t 

p r e e m p t s a n y S t a t e l a w, r ul e, r e g ul ati o n, o r o r d e r g o v e r ni n g t h e s o u n di n g 

of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n a t p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s, i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 6. 

( b) T hi s p a r t d o e s n o t p r e e m p t a n y 

S t a t e l a w, r ul e, r e g ul a ti o n, o r o r d e r 

g o v e r ni n g t h e s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e 

a u di bl e w a r ni n g d e vi c e s a t a n y hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g d e s c ri b e d i n 

§ 2 2 2. 3( c) of t hi s p a r t. 

( c) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n §§ 2 2 2. 2 5 a n d 

2 2 2. 2 7, t hi s p a r t d o e s n o t p r e e m p t a n y 

S t a t e l a w, r ul e, r e g ul a ti o n, o r o r d e r 

g o v e r ni n g t h e s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n s a t p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s o r p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g s. 

( d) I n cl u si o n of S S M s a n d A S M s i n 

t hi s p a r t o r a p p r o v e d s u b s e q u e n t t o 

i s s u a n c e of t hi s p a r t d o e s n o t c o ns ti t u t e f e d e r al p r e e m p ti o n of S t a t e l a w 

r e g a r di n g w h e t h e r t h o s e m e a s u r e s m a y 

b e u s e d f o r t r affi c c o n t r ol. I n di vi d u al 

s t a t e s m a y c o n ti n u e t o d e t e r mi n e 

w h e t h e r s p e cifi c S S M s o r A S M s a r e a pp r o p ri a t e t r affi c c o n t r ol m e a s u r e s f o r 

t h a t S t a t e, c o n si s t e n t wi t h F e d e r al 

Hi g h w a y A d mi ni s t r a ti o n r e g ul a ti o n s 

a n d t h e M U T C D. H o w e v e r, e x c e p t f o r 

t h e S S M s a n d A S M s i m pl e m e n t e d a t 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s d e s c ri b e d 

i n § 2 2 2. 3( c) of t hi s p a r t, i n cl u si o n of 

S S M s a n d A S M s i n t hi s p a r t d o e s c o ns ti t u t e f e d e r al p r e e m p ti o n of S t a t e l a w 

c o n c e r ni n g t h e s o u n di n g of t h e l o c om o ti v e h o r n i n r el a ti o n t o t h e u s e of 

t h o s e m e a s u r e s. 

( e) I s s u a n c e of t hi s p a r t d o e s n o t c o ns ti t u t e f e d e r al p r e e m p ti o n of a d mi ni st r a ti v e p r o c e d u r e s r e q ui r e d u n d e r 

S t a t e l a w r e g a r di n g t h e m o difi c a ti o n 

o r i n s t all a ti o n of e n gi n e e ri n g i m p r o v em e n t s a t hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s. 

§ 2 2 2. 9 D efi niti o n s. 

A s u s e d i n t hi s p a r t — 

A d mi nistr at or m e a n s t h e A d mi ni st r a t o r of t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n o r t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r’ s d el eg a t e. 

Alt er n ati v e s af et y m e as ur es ( A S M) 

m e a n s a s af e t y s y s t e m o r p r o c e d u r e, 

o t h e r t h a n a n S S M, e s t a bli s h e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t hi s p a r t w hi c h i s p r ovi d e d b y t h e a p p r o p ri a t e t r affi c c o n t r ol 

a u t h o ri t y o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y a n d w hi c h, af t e r i n di vi d u al r e vi e w 

a n d a n al y si s b y t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r, i s d e t e r mi n e d t o b e a n eff e c ti v e 

s u b s ti t u t e f o r t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n i n 

t h e p r e v e n ti o n of hi g h w a y- r ail c a s u alti e s a t s p e cifi c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s. A p p e n di x B t o t hi s p a r t li s t s 

s u c h m e a s u r e s. 

Ass o ci at e A d mi nistr at or m e a n s t h e A ss o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r f o r S af e t y of t h e 

F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n o r t h e 

A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r’ s d el e g a t e. 

C h a n n eli z ati o n d e vi c e m e a n s a t r affi c 

s e p a r a ti o n s y s t e m m a d e u p of a r ai s e d 

l o n gi t u di n al c h a n n eli z e r, wi t h v e r ti c al 

p a n el s o r t u b ul a r d eli n e a t o r s, t h a t i s 

pl a c e d b e t w e e n o p p o si n g hi g h w a y l a n e s 

d e si g n e d t o al e r t o r g ui d e t r affi c 

a r o u n d a n o b s t a cl e o r t o di r e c t t r affi c 

i n a p a r ti c ul a r di r e c ti o n. ‘‘ T u b ul a r 

m a r k e r s’’ a n d ‘‘ v e r ti c al p a n el s’’, a s d es c ri b e d i n t h e M U T C D, a r e a c c e p t a bl e 

c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s f o r p u r p o s e s of 

t hi s p a r t. A d di ti o n al d e si g n s p e cifi c ati o n s a r e d e t e r mi n e d b y t h e s t a n d a r d 

t r affi c d e si g n s p e cifi c a ti o n s u s e d b y 

t h e g o v e r n m e n t al e n ti t y c o n s t r u c ti n g 

t h e c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e. 

C hi c a g o R e gi o n m e a n s t h e f oll o wi n g 

si x c o u n ti e s i n t h e S t a t e of Illi n oi s: 

C o o k, D u P a g e, L a k e, K a n e, M c H e n r y 

a n d Will. 

Cr ossi n g C orri d or Ris k I n d e x m e a n s a 

n u m b e r r efl e c ti n g a m e a s u r e of ri s k t o 

t h e m o t o ri n g p u bli c a t p u bli c g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s al o n g a r ail c o r ri d o r, c alc ul a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e p r o c ed u r e s i n a p p e n di x D of t hi s p a r t, r e pr e s e n ti n g t h e a v e r a g e ri s k a t e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e c o r ri d o r. T hi s 

ri s k l e v el i s d e t e r mi n e d b y a v e r a gi n g 

a m o n g all p u bli c c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

c o r ri d o r, t h e p r o d u c t of t h e n u m b e r of 

p r e di c t e d c olli si o n s p e r y e a r a n d t h e 

p r e di c t e d li k eli h o o d a n d s e v e ri t y of 

c a s u al ti e s r e s ul ti n g f r o m t h o s e c ollisi o n s a t e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e 

c o r ri d o r. 

Di a g n osti c t e a m a s u s e d i n t hi s p a r t, 

m e a n s a g r o u p of k n o wl e d g e a bl e r e pr e s e n t a ti v e s of p a r ti e s of i n t e r e s t i n a 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 8 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 7 5
2 8 0 

§ 2 2 2. 9 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, o r g a ni z e d 

b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

t h a t c r o s si n g, w h o, u si n g c r o s si n g s af et y m a n a g e m e n t p ri n ci pl e s, e v al u a t e 

c o n di ti o n s a t a g r a d e c r o s si n g t o m a k e 

d e t e r mi n a ti o n s o r r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s 

f o r t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y c o n c e r ni n g 

s af e t y n e e d s a t t h a t c r o s si n g. 

Eff e cti v e n ess r at e m e a n s a n u m b e r b et w e e n z e r o a n d o n e w hi c h r e p r e s e n t s 

t h e r e d u c ti o n of t h e li k eli h o o d of a c olli si o n a t a p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g a s a r e s ul t of t h e i n s t all a ti o n 

of a n S S M o r A S M w h e n c o m p a r e d t o 

t h e s a m e c r o s si n g e q ui p p e d wi t h c o nv e n ti o n al a c ti v e w a r ni n g s y s t e m s of 

fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s. Z e r o eff e cti v e n e s s m e a n s t h a t t h e S S M o r A S M 

p r o vi d e s n o r e d u c ti o n i n t h e p r o ba bili t y of a c olli si o n, w hil e a n eff e cti v e n e s s r a ti n g of o n e m e a n s t h a t t h e 

S S M o r A S M i s t o t all y eff e c ti v e i n 

eli mi n a ti n g c olli si o n ri s k. M e a s u r em e n t s b e t w e e n z e r o a n d o n e r efl e c t t h e 

p e r c e n t a g e b y w hi c h t h e S S M o r A S M 

r e d u c e s t h e p r o b a bili t y of a c olli si o n. 

F R A m e a n s t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d A dmi ni s t r a ti o n. 

Gr a d e Cr ossi n g I n v e nt or y F or m m e a n s 

t h e U. S. D O T N a ti o n al Hi g h w a y- R ail 

G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y F o r m, F R A 

F o r m F 6 1 8 0. 7 1. T hi s f o r m i s a v ail a bl e 

t h r o u g h t h e F R A’ s Offi c e of S af e t y, o r 

o n F R A’ s W e b si t e a t htt p:// 

w w w.fr a. d ot. g o v. 

I nt er m e di at e P arti al Q ui et Z o n e m e a n s 

a s e g m e n t of a r ail li n e wi t hi n w hi c h i s 

si t u a t e d o n e o r a n u m b e r of c o n s e c uti v e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s a t w hi c h S t a t e s t a t u t e s o r l o c al 

o r di n a n c e s r e s t ri c t e d t h e r o u ti n e 

s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s f o r a 

s p e cifi e d p e ri o d of ti m e d u ri n g t h e 

e v e ni n g o r ni g h t ti m e h o u r s, o r a t 

w hi c h l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s di d n o t s o u n d 

d u e t o f o r m al o r i nf o r m al a g r e e m e n t s 

b e t w e e n t h e c o m m u ni t y a n d t h e r ailr o a d o r r ail r o a d s f o r a s p e cifi e d p e ri o d 

of ti m e d u ri n g t h e e v e ni n g a n d/ o r 

ni g h t ti m e h o u r s, a n d a t w hi c h s u c h 

s t a t u t e s, o r di n a n c e s o r a g r e e m e n t s 

w e r e i n pl a c e a n d e nf o r c e d o r o b s e r v e d 

a s of D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3, b u t n o t a s of 

O c t o b e r 9, 1 9 9 6. 

I nt er m e di at e Q ui et Z o n e m e a n s a s e gm e n t of a r ail li n e wi t hi n w hi c h i s si t ua t e d o n e o r a n u m b e r of c o n s e c u ti v e 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s a t 

w hi c h S t a t e s t a t u t e s o r l o c al o r din a n c e s r e s t ri c t e d t h e r o u ti n e s o u n di n g 

of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s, o r a t w hi c h l o c om o ti v e h o r n s di d n o t s o u n d d u e t o f o rm al o r i nf o r m al a g r e e m e n t s b e t w e e n 

t h e c o m m u ni t y a n d t h e r ail r o a d o r 

r ail r o a d s, a n d a t w hi c h s u c h s t a t u t e s, 

o r di n a n c e s o r a g r e e m e n t s w e r e i n pl a c e 

a n d e nf o r c e d o r o b s e r v e d a s of D e c e mb e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3, b u t n o t a s of O c t o b e r 9, 

1 9 9 6. 

L o c o m oti v e m e a n s a pi e c e of o n- t r a c k 

e q ui p m e n t o t h e r t h a n hi- r ail, s p e ci ali z e d m ai n t e n a n c e, o r o t h e r si mil a r 

e q ui p m e n t — 

( 1) Wi t h o n e o r m o r e p r o p elli n g m ot o r s d e si g n e d f o r m o vi n g o t h e r e q ui pm e n t; 

( 2) Wi t h o n e o r m o r e p r o p elli n g m ot o r s d e si g n e d t o c a r r y f r ei g h t o r p a ss e n g e r t r affi c o r b o t h; o r 

( 3) Wi t h o u t p r o p elli n g m o t o r s b u t 

wi t h o n e o r m o r e c o n t r ol s t a n d s. 

L o c o m oti v e a u di bl e w ar ni n g d e vi c e 

m e a n s a h o r n, w hi s tl e, si r e n, o r b ell affi x e d t o a l o c o m o ti v e t h a t i s c a p a bl e of 

p r o d u ci n g a n a u di bl e si g n al. 

L o c o m oti v e h or n m e a n s a l o c o m o ti v e 

ai r h o r n, s t e a m w hi s tl e, o r si mil a r a udi bl e w a r ni n g d e vi c e ( s e e 4 9 C F R 

2 2 9. 1 2 9) m o u n t e d o n a l o c o m o ti v e o r 

c o n t r ol c a b c a r. T h e t e r m s ‘‘l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n’’, ‘‘ t r ai n w hi s tl e’’, ‘‘l o c o m o ti v e 

w hi s tl e’’, a n d ‘‘ t r ai n h o r n’’ a r e u s e d 

i n t e r c h a n g e a bl y i n t h e r ail r o a d i n d u st r y. F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, l o c om o ti v e h o r n s u s e d i n r a pi d t r a n si t o pe r a ti o n s m u s t b e s ui t a bl e f o r s t r e e t 

u s a g e a n d/ o r d e si g n e d i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h S t a t e l a w r e q ui r e m e n t s. 

M e di a n m e a n s t h e p o r ti o n of a divi d e d hi g h w a y s e p a r a ti n g t h e t r a v el 

w a y s f o r t r affi c i n o p p o si t e di r e c ti o n s. 

M U T C D m e a n s t h e M a n u al o n U nif o r m T r affi c C o n t r ol D e vi c e s p u bli s h e d 

b y t h e F e d e r al Hi g h w a y A d mi ni s t r ati o n. 

N ati o n wi d e Si g nifi c a nt Ris k T hr es h ol d 

m e a n s a n u m b e r r efl e c ti n g a m e a s u r e 

of ri s k, c al c ul a t e d o n a n a ti o n wi d e 

b a si s, w hi c h r efl e c t s t h e a v e r a g e l e v el 

of ri s k t o t h e m o t o ri n g p u bli c a t p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s e q ui p p e d 

wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s a n d a t 

w hi c h l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a r e s o u n d e d. 

F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s r ul e, a ri s k l e v el 

a b o v e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d r e p r e s e n t s a si g nifi c a n t ri s k 

wi t h r e s p e c t t o l o s s of lif e o r s e ri o u s 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 7 6
2 8 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 9 

p e r s o n al i nj u r y. T h e N a ti o n wi d e Si gnifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d i s c al c ul a t e d 

i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e p r o c e d u r e s i n 

a p p e n di x D of t hi s p a r t. U nl e s s o t h e rwi s e i n di c a t e d, r ef e r e n c e s i n t hi s p a r t 

t o t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d r efl e c t i t s l e v el a s l a s t p u bli s h e d b y F R A i n t h e FE D E R A L E G

I S T E R . 

N e w P arti al Q ui et Z o n e m e a n s a s e gm e n t of a r ail li n e wi t hi n w hi c h i s si t ua t e d o n e o r a n u m b e r of c o n s e c u ti v e 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail c r o s si n g s a t w hi c h 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a r e n o t r o u ti n el y 

s o u n d e d b e t w e e n t h e h o u r s of 1 0 p. m. 

a n d 7 a. m., b u t a r e r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d 

d u ri n g t h e r e m ai ni n g p o r ti o n of t h e 

d a y, a n d w hi c h d o e s n o t q u alif y a s a 

P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e o r a n I nt e r m e di a t e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e. 

N e w Q ui et Z o n e m e a n s a s e g m e n t of a 

r ail li n e wi t hi n w hi c h i s si t u a t e d o n e 

o r a n u m b e r of c o n s e c u ti v e p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s a t w hi c h r o uti n e s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s i s 

r e s t ri c t e d p u r s u a n t t o t hi s p a r t a n d 

w hi c h d o e s n o t q u alif y a s ei t h e r a P r eR ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r I n t e r m e di a t e Q ui e t 

Z o n e. 

N o n-tr a v ers a bl e c ur b m e a n s a hi g h w a y 

c u r b d e si g n e d t o di s c o u r a g e a m o t o r 

v e hi cl e f r o m l e a vi n g t h e r o a d w a y. N o nt r a v e r s a bl e c u r b s a r e u s e d a t l o c a ti o n s 

w h e r e hi g h w a y s p e e d s d o n o t e x c e e d 4 0 

mil e s p e r h o u r a n d a r e a t l e a s t si x 

i n c h e s hi g h. A d di ti o n al d e si g n s p e cifi c a ti o n s a r e d e t e r mi n e d b y t h e s t a n da r d t r affi c d e si g n s p e cifi c a ti o n s u s e d 

b y t h e g o v e r n m e n t al e n ti t y c o ns t r u c ti n g t h e c u r b. 

P arti al Q ui et Z o n e m e a n s a s e g m e n t 

of a r ail li n e wi t hi n w hi c h i s si t u a t e d 

o n e o r a n u m b e r of c o n s e c u ti v e p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s a t w hi c h 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a r e n o t r o u ti n el y 

s o u n d e d f o r a s p e cifi e d p e ri o d of ti m e 

d u ri n g t h e e v e ni n g a n d/ o r ni g h t ti m e 

h o u r s. 

P e d estri a n gr a d e cr ossi n g m e a n s, f o r 

p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, a s e p a r a t e d esi g n e d si d e w al k o r p a t h w a y w h e r e p ed e s t ri a n s, b u t n o t v e hi cl e s, c r o s s r ailr o a d t r a c k s. Si d e w al k c r o s si n g s c o n ti gu o u s wi t h, o r s e p a r a t e b u t a dj a c e n t t o, 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s a r e 

p r e s u m e d t o b e p a r t of t h e p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g a n d a r e n o t 

c o n si d e r e d p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g s. 

P o w er- o ut i n di c at or m e a n s a d e vi c e 

w hi c h i s c a p a bl e of i n di c a ti n g t o t r ai n s 

a p p r o a c hi n g a g r a d e c r o s si n g e q ui p p e d 

wi t h a n a c ti v e w a r ni n g s y s t e m w h e t h e r 

c o m m e r ci al el e c t ri c p o w e r i s a c tiv a ti n g t h e w a r ni n g s y s t e m a t t h a t 

c r o s si n g. T hi s t e r m i n cl u d e s r e m o t e 

h e al t h m o ni t o ri n g of g r a d e c r o s si n g 

w a r ni n g s y s t e m s if s u c h m o ni t o ri n g 

s y s t e m i s e q ui p p e d t o i n di c a t e p o w e r 

s t a t u s. 

Pr e- e xisti n g M o difi e d S u p pl e m e nt ar y 

S af et y M e as ur e ( P r e- e xi s ti n g M o difi e d 

S S M) m e a n s a s af e t y s y s t e m o r p r o c ed u r e t h a t i s li s t e d i n a p p e n di x A t o t hi s 

P a r t, b u t i s n o t f ull y c o m pli a n t wi t h 

t h e s t a n d a r d s s e t f o r t h t h e r ei n, w hi c h 

w a s i n s t all e d b ef o r e D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3 

b y t h e a p p r o p ri a t e t r affi c c o n t r ol o r 

l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y r e s p o n si bl e 

f o r s af e t y a t t h e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g. T h e c al c ul a ti o n of ri s k r e d u cti o n c r e di t f o r p r e- e xi s ti n g m o difi e d 

S S M s i s a d d r e s s e d i n a p p e n di x B of t hi s 

p a r t. 

Pr e- e xisti n g S u p pl e m e nt ar y S af et y 

M e as ur e ( P r e- e xi s ti n g S S M) m e a n s a 

s af e t y s y s t e m o r p r o c e d u r e e s t a bli s h e d 

i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t hi s p a r t b ef o r e D ec e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3 w hi c h w a s p r o vi d e d b y 

t h e a p p r o p ri a t e t r affi c c o n t r ol o r l a w 

e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

s af e t y a t t h e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g. T h e s e s af e t y m e a s u r e s m u s t f ull y 

c o m pl y wi t h t h e S S M r e q ui r e m e n t s s e t 

f o r t h i n a p p e n di x A of t hi s p a r t. T h e 

c al c ul a ti o n of ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t f o r 

q u alif yi n g p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M s i s a dd r e s s e d i n a p p e n di x A. 

Pr e- R ul e P arti al Q ui et Z o n e m e a n s a 

s e g m e n t of a r ail li n e wi t hi n w hi c h i s 

si t u a t e d o n e o r a n u m b e r of c o n s e c uti v e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail c r o s si n g s a t 

w hi c h S t a t e s t a t u t e s o r l o c al o r din a n c e s r e s t ri c t e d t h e r o u ti n e s o u n di n g 

of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s f o r a s p e cifi e d p eri o d of ti m e d u ri n g t h e e v e ni n g a n d/ o r 

ni g h t ti m e h o u r s, o r a t w hi c h l o c om o ti v e h o r n s di d n o t s o u n d d u e t o f o rm al o r i nf o r m al a g r e e m e n t s b e t w e e n 

t h e c o m m u ni t y a n d t h e r ail r o a d o r 

r ail r o a d s f o r a s p e cifi e d p e ri o d of ti m e 

d u ri n g t h e e v e ni n g a n d/ o r ni g h t ti m e 

h o u r s, a n d a t w hi c h s u c h s t a t u t e s, o r din a n c e s o r a g r e e m e n t s w e r e i n pl a c e a n d 

e nf o r c e d o r o b s e r v e d a s of O c t o b e r 9, 

1 9 9 6 a n d o n D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3. 

Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n e m e a n s a s e g m e n t 

of a r ail li n e wi t hi n w hi c h i s si t u a t e d 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 7 7
2 8 2 

§ 2 2 2. 9 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

o n e o r a n u m b e r of c o n s e c u ti v e p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail c r o s si n g s a t w hi c h S t a t e 

s t a t u t e s o r l o c al o r di n a n c e s r e s t ri c t e d 

t h e r o u ti n e s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n s, o r a t w hi c h l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s 

di d n o t s o u n d d u e t o f o r m al o r i nf o r m al 

a g r e e m e n t s b e t w e e n t h e c o m m u ni t y 

a n d t h e r ail r o a d o r r ail r o a d s, a n d a t 

w hi c h s u c h s t a t u t e s, o r di n a n c e s o r 

a g r e e m e n t s w e r e i n pl a c e a n d e nf o r c e d 

o r o b s e r v e d a s of O c t o b e r 9, 1 9 9 6 a n d o n 

D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3. 

Pri v at e hi g h w a y-r ail gr a d e cr ossi n g 

m e a n s, f o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, a 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g w hi c h i s 

n o t a p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g. 

P u bli c a ut h orit y m e a n s t h e p u bli c e nti t y r e s p o n si bl e f o r t r affi c c o n t r ol o r 

l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a t t h e p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e o r p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g. 

P u bli c hi g h w a y-r ail gr a d e cr ossi n g 

m e a n s, f o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, a l o c ati o n w h e r e a p u bli c hi g h w a y, r o a d, o r 

s t r e e t, i n cl u di n g a s s o ci a t e d si d e w al k s 

o r p a t h w a y s, c r o s s e s o n e o r m o r e r ailr o a d t r a c k s a t g r a d e. If a p u bli c a ut h o ri t y m ai n t ai n s t h e r o a d w a y o n b o t h 

si d e s of t h e c r o s si n g, t h e c r o s si n g i s 

c o n si d e r e d a p u bli c c r o s si n g f o r p u rp o s e s of t hi s p a r t. 

Q ui et z o n e m e a n s a s e g m e n t of a r ail 

li n e, wi t hi n w hi c h i s si t u a t e d o n e o r a 

n u m b e r of c o n s e c u ti v e p u bli c hi g h w a yr ail c r o s si n g s a t w hi c h l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n s a r e n o t r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d. 

Q ui et Z o n e Ris k I n d e x m e a n s a m e a su r e of ri s k t o t h e m o t o ri n g p u bli c 

w hi c h r efl e c t s t h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r 

Ri s k I n d e x f o r a q ui e t z o n e, af t e r a dj u s t m e n t t o a c c o u n t f o r i n c r e a s e d ri s k 

d u e t o l a c k of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n u s e a t 

t h e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e (if 

h o r n s a r e p r e s e n tl y s o u n d e d a t t h e 

c r o s si n g s) a n d r e d u c e d ri s k d u e t o i mpl e m e n t a ti o n, if a n y, of S S M s a n d 

A S M s wi t h t h e q ui e t z o n e. T h e c al c ul ati o n of t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x, 

w hi c h i s e x pl ai n e d i n a p p e n di x D of 

t hi s p a r t, d o e s n o t diff e r f o r p a r ti al 

q ui e t z o n e s. 

R ailr o a d m e a n s a n y f o r m of n o n- hi g hw a y g r o u n d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n t h a t r u n s 

o n r ail s o r el e c t r o m a g n e ti c g ui d e w a y s 

a n d a n y e n ti t y p r o vi di n g s u c h t r a n sp o r t a ti o n, i n cl u di n g: 

( 1) C o m m u t e r o r o t h e r s h o r t- h a ul 

r ail r o a d p a s s e n g e r s e r vi c e i n a m e t r op oli t a n o r s u b u r b a n a r e a a n d c o mm u t e r r ail r o a d s e r vi c e t h a t w a s o p e ra t e d b y t h e C o n s oli d a t e d R ail C o r p o r ati o n o n J a n u a r y 1, 1 9 7 9; a n d 

( 2) Hi g h s p e e d g r o u n d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n 

s y s t e m s t h a t c o n n e c t m e t r o p oli t a n 

a r e a s, wi t h o u t r e g a r d t o w h e t h e r t h o s e 

s y s t e m s u s e n e w t e c h n ol o gi e s n o t a s s oci a t e d wi t h t r a di ti o n al r ail r o a d s; b u t 

d o e s n o t i n cl u d e r a pi d t r a n si t o p e ra ti o n s i n a n u r b a n a r e a t h a t a r e n o t 

c o n n e c t e d t o t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y st e m of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n. 

R e c o g ni z e d St at e a g e n c y m e a n s, f o r 

p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, a S t a t e a g e n c y, 

r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d 

s af e t y, t h a t h a s a p pli e d f o r a n d b e e n 

a p p r o v e d b y F R A a s a p a r ti ci p a n t i n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e d e v el o p m e n t p r o c e s s. 

R el e v a nt c ollisi o n m e a n s a c olli si o n a t 

a hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g b e t w e e n 

a t r ai n a n d a m o t o r v e hi cl e, e x cl u di n g 

t h e f oll o wi n g: a c olli si o n r e s ul ti n g 

f r o m a n a c ti v a ti o n f ail u r e of a n a c ti v e 

g r a d e c r o s si n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m; a c ollisi o n i n w hi c h t h e r e i s n o d ri v e r i n t h e 

m o t o r v e hi cl e; o r a c olli si o n i n w hi c h 

t h e hi g h w a y v e hi cl e s t r u c k t h e si d e of 

t h e t r ai n b e y o n d t h e f o u r t h l o c o m o ti v e 

u ni t o r r ail c a r. Wi t h r e s p e c t t o P r eR ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s, a r el e v a n t 

c olli si o n s h all n o t i n cl u d e c olli si o n s 

t h a t o c c u r d u ri n g t h e ti m e p e ri o d wi t hi n w hi c h t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n i s r o uti n el y s o u n d e d. 

Ris k I n d e x Wit h H or ns m e a n s a m e a su r e of ri s k t o t h e m o t o ri n g p u bli c w h e n 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a r e r o u ti n el y s o u n de d a t e v e r y p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n a q ui e t z o n e. I n P r eR ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d P r e- R ul e P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e s, t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s i s d e t e r mi n e d b y a dj u s ti n g t h e 

C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x t o a cc o u n t f o r t h e d e c r e a s e d ri s k t h a t w o ul d 

r e s ul t if l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s w e r e r o uti n el y s o u n d e d a t e a c h p u bli c hi g h w a yr ail g r a d e c r o s si n g. 

S u p pl e m e nt ar y s af et y m e as ur e ( S S M) 

m e a n s a s af e t y s y s t e m o r p r o c e d u r e e st a bli s h e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t hi s p a r t 

w hi c h i s p r o vi d e d b y t h e a p p r o p ri a t e 

t r affi c c o n t r ol a u t h o ri t y o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

s af e t y a t t h e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, t h a t i s d e t e r mi n e d b y t h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r t o b e a n eff e c ti v e 

s u b s ti t u t e f o r t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n i n 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 7 8
2 8 3 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 1 7 

t h e p r e v e n ti o n of hi g h w a y- r ail c a s u alti e s. A p p e n di x A of t hi s p a r t li s t s s u c h 

S S M s. 

W ai v er m e a n s a t e m p o r a r y o r p e r m an e n t m o difi c a ti o n of s o m e o r all of t h e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s of t hi s p a r t a s t h e y a p pl y 

t o a s p e cifi c p a r t y u n d e r a s p e cifi c s e t 

of f a c t s. W ai v e r d o e s n o t r ef e r t o t h e 

p r o c e s s of e s t a bli s hi n g q ui e t z o n e s o r 

a p p r o v al of q ui e t z o n e s i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h t h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s p a r t. 

W a ysi d e h or n m e a n s a s t a ti o n a r y 

h o r n l o c a t e d a t a hi g h w a y r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g, d e si g n e d t o p r o vi d e, u p o n t h e 

a p p r o a c h of a l o c o m o ti v e o r t r ai n, a udi bl e w a r ni n g t o o n c o mi n g m o t o ri s t s of 

t h e a p p r o a c h of a t r ai n. 

§ 2 2 2. 1 1 W h at a r e t h e p e n alti e s f o r f ailu r e t o c o m pl y wit h t hi s r e g ul ati o n ? 

A n y p e r s o n w h o vi ol a t e s a n y r e q ui r em e n t of t hi s p a r t o r c a u s e s t h e vi ol ati o n of a n y s u c h r e q ui r e m e n t i s s u bj e c t 

t o a ci vil p e n al t y of l e a s t $ 5 5 0 a n d n o t 

m o r e t h a n $ 1 1, 0 0 0 p e r vi ol a ti o n, e x c e p t 

t h a t: P e n al ti e s m a y b e a s s e s s e d a g ai n s t 

i n di vi d u al s o nl y f o r willf ul vi ol a ti o n s, 

a n d, w h e r e a g r o s sl y n e gli g e n t vi ol ati o n o r a p a t t e r n of r e p e a t e d vi ol a ti o n s 

h a s c r e a t e d a n i m mi n e n t h a z a r d of 

d e a t h o r i nj u r y t o p e r s o n s, o r h a s 

c a u s e d d e a t h o r i nj u r y, a p e n al t y n o t 

t o e x c e e d $ 2 7, 0 0 0 p e r vi ol a ti o n m a y b e 

a s s e s s e d. E a c h d a y a vi ol a ti o n c o nti n u e s s h all c o n s ti t u t e a s e p a r a t e off e n s e. A n y p e r s o n w h o k n o wi n gl y a n d 

willf ull y f al sifi e s a r e c o r d o r r e p o r t r eq ui r e d b y t hi s p a r t m a y b e s u bj e c t t o 

c ri mi n al p e n al ti e s u n d e r 4 9 U. S. C. 

2 1 3 1 1. A p p e n di x G of t hi s p a r t c o n t ai n s 

a s c h e d ul e of ci vil p e n al t y a m o u n t s 

u s e d i n c o n n e c ti o n wi t h t hi s p a r t. 

F F E C TI V E A T E O T E : A t 7 2 F R 5 1 1 9 7, 

S e p t. 6, 2 0 0 7, § 2 2 2. 1 1 w a s a m e n d e d b y r e m o vi n g t h e n u m e ri c al a m o u n t ‘‘ $ 1 1, 0 0 0’’ a n d a d di n g i n i t s pl a c e t h e n u m e ri c al a m o u n t 

‘‘ $ 1 6, 0 0 0’’, eff e c ti v e O c t o b e r 9, 2 0 0 7. 

§ 2 2 2. 1 3 W h o i s r e s p o n si bl e f o r c o m plia n c e ? 

A n y p e r s o n, i n cl u di n g b u t n o t li mi t e d t o a r ail r o a d, c o n t r a c t o r f o r a r ailr o a d, o r a l o c al o r S t a t e g o v e r n m e n t al 

e n ti t y t h a t p e rf o r m s a n y f u n c ti o n c o ve r e d b y t hi s p a r t, m u s t p e rf o r m t h a t 

f u n c ti o n i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t hi s p a r t. 

§ 2 2 2. 1 5 H o w d o e s o n e o bt ai n a w ai v e r of a p r o vi si o n of t hi s r e g ul ati o n ? 

( a) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( b) of t hi s s e c ti o n, t w o p a r ti e s m u s t 

j oi n tl y fil e a p e ti ti o n ( r e q u e s t) f o r a 

w ai v e r. T h e y a r e t h e r ail r o a d o w ni n g 

o r c o n t r olli n g o p e r a ti o n s o v e r t h e r ailr o a d t r a c k s c r o s si n g t h e p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g a n d t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y w hi c h h a s j u ri s di c ti o n o v e r 

t h e r o a d w a y c r o s si n g t h e r ail r o a d 

t r a c k s. 

( b) If t h e r ail r o a d a n d t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y c a n n o t r e a c h a g r e e m e n t t o fil e 

a j oi n t p e ti ti o n, ei t h e r p a r t y m a y fil e a 

r e q u e s t f o r a w ai v e r; h o w e v e r, t h e fili n g p a r t y m u s t s p e cif y i n i t s p e ti ti o n 

t h e s t e p s i t h a s t a k e n i n a n a t t e m p t t o 

r e a c h a g r e e m e n t wi t h t h e o t h e r p a r t y, 

a n d e x pl ai n w h y a p pl yi n g t h e r e q ui r em e n t t h a t a j oi n t s u b mi s si o n b e m a d e 

i n t h a t i n s t a n c e w o ul d n o t b e li k el y t o 

c o n t ri b u t e si g nifi c a n tl y t o p u bli c s af et y. If t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r d et e r mi n e s t h a t a p pl yi n g t h e r e q ui r em e n t f o r a j oi n tl y fil e d s u b mi s si o n t o 

t h a t p a r ti c ul a r p e ti ti o n w o ul d n o t b e 

li k el y t o si g nifi c a n tl y c o n t ri b u t e t o 

p u bli c s af e t y, t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r s h all w ai v e t h e r e q ui r e m e n t f o r 

j oi n t s u b mi s si o n a n d a c c e p t t h e p e titi o n f o r c o n si d e r a ti o n. T h e fili n g p a r t y 

m u s t al s o p r o vi d e t h e o t h e r p a r t y wi t h 

a c o p y of t h e p e ti ti o n fil e d wi t h F R A. 

( c) E a c h p e ti ti o n f o r w ai v e r m u s t b e 

fil e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 4 9 C F R p a r t 

2 1 1. 

( d) If t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r fi n d s t h a t a 

w ai v e r of c o m pli a n c e wi t h a p r o vi si o n 

of t hi s p a r t i s i n t h e p u bli c i n t e r e s t a n d 

c o n si s t e n t wi t h t h e s af e t y of hi g h w a y 

a n d r ail r o a d u s e r s, t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r 

m a y g r a n t t h e w ai v e r s u bj e c t t o a n y 

c o n di ti o n s t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r d e e m s 

n e c e s s a r y. 

§ 2 2 2. 1 7 H o w c a n a St at e a g e n c y b ec o m e a r e c o g ni z e d St at e a g e n c y ? 

( a) A n y S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y a n d/ 

o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y m a y b ec o m e a r e c o g ni z e d S t a t e a g e n c y b y s u bmi t ti n g a n a p pli c a ti o n t o t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r t h a t c o n t ai n s: 

( 1) A d e t ail e d d e s c ri p ti o n of t h e p r op o s e d s c o p e of i n v ol v e m e n t i n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e d e v el o p m e n t p r o c e s s; 

( 2) T h e n a m e, a d d r e s s, a n d t el e p h o n e 

n u m b e r of t h e p e r s o n( s) w h o m a y b e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 7 9
2 8 4 

§ 2 2 2. 2 1 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

c o n t a c t e d t o di s c u s s t h e S t a t e a g e n c y 

a p pli c a ti o n; a n d 

( 3) A s t a t e m e n t f r o m S t a t e a g e n c y 

c o u n s el w hi c h affi r m s t h a t t h e S t a t e 

a g e n c y i s a u t h o ri z e d t o u n d e r t a k e t h e 

r e s p o n si bili ti e s p r o p o s e d i n i t s a p pli c ati o n. 

( b) T h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r will 

a p p r o v e t h e a p pli c a ti o n if, i n t h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r’ s j u d g m e n t, t h e 

p r o p o s e d s c o p e of S t a t e a g e n c y i nv ol v e m e n t will f a cili t a t e s af e a n d eff e cti v e q ui e t z o n e d e v el o p m e n t. T h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r m a y i n cl u d e i n 

a n y d e ci si o n of a p p r o v al s u c h c o n diti o n s a s h e/ s h e d e e m s n e c e s s a r y a n d a pp r o p ri a t e. 

S u b p art B — Us e of L o c o m oti v e H or ns 

§ 2 2 2. 2 1 W h e n m u st a l o c o m oti v e h o r n b e u s e d ? 

( a) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n t hi s p a r t, 

t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n o n t h e l e a d l o c om o ti v e of a t r ai n, li t e l o c o m o ti v e c o nsi s t, i n di vi d u al l o c o m o ti v e o r l e a d c a b 

c a r s h all b e s o u n d e d w h e n s u c h l o c om o ti v e o r l e a d c a b c a r i s a p p r o a c hi n g a 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g. 

S o u n di n g of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n wi t h 

t w o l o n g bl a s t s, o n e s h o r t bl a s t a n d o n e 

l o n g bl a s t s h all b e i ni ti a t e d a t a l o c ati o n s o a s t o b e i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

p a r a g r a p h ( b) of t hi s s e c ti o n a n d s h all 

b e r e p e a t e d o r p r ol o n g e d u n til t h e l o c om o ti v e o c c u pi e s t h e c r o s si n g. T hi s p a tt e r n m a y b e v a ri e d a s n e c e s s a r y w h e r e 

c r o s si n g s a r e s p a c e d cl o s el y t o g e t h e r. 

( b)( 1) R ail r o a d s t o w hi c h t hi s p a r t a ppli e s s h all c o m pl y wi t h all t h e r e q ui r em e n t s c o n t ai n e d i n t hi s p a r a g r a p h ( b) 

b e gi n ni n g o n D e c e m b e r 1 5, 2 0 0 6. O n a n d 

af t e r J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 5, b u t p ri o r t o D e c e mb e r 1 5, 2 0 0 6, a r ail r o a d s h all, a t i t s o pti o n, c o m pl y wi t h t hi s s e c ti o n o r s h all 

s o u n d t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n i n t h e m a nn e r r e q ui r e d b y S t a t e l a w, o r i n t h e a bs e n c e of S t a t e l a w, i n t h e m a n n e r r eq ui r e d b y r ail r o a d o p e r a ti n g r ul e s i n eff e c t i m m e di a t el y p ri o r t o J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 5. 

( 2) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h s 

( b)( 3) a n d ( d) of t hi s s e c ti o n, o r w h e n 

t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n i s d ef e c ti v e a n d 

t h e l o c o m o ti v e i s b ei n g m o v e d f o r r ep ai r c o n si s t e n t wi t h s e c ti o n 2 2 9. 9 of 

t hi s c h a p t e r, t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s h all 

b e gi n t o b e s o u n d e d a t l e a s t 1 5 s e c o n d s, 

b u t n o m o r e t h a n 2 0 s e c o n d s, b ef o r e t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e e n t e r s t h e c r o s si n g. I t s h all 

n o t c o n s ti t u t e a vi ol a ti o n of t hi s s e cti o n if, a c ti n g i n g o o d f ai t h, a l o c om o ti v e e n gi n e e r b e gi n s s o u n di n g t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n n o t m o r e t h a n 2 5 s e co n d s b ef o r e t h e l o c o m o ti v e e n t e r s t h e 

c r o s si n g, if t h e l o c o m o ti v e e n gi n e e r i s 

u n a bl e t o p r e ci s el y e s ti m a t e t h e ti m e 

of a r ri v al of t h e t r ai n a t t h e c r o s si n g 

f o r w h a t e v e r r e a s o n. 

( 3) T r ai n s, l o c o m o ti v e c o n si s t s a n d 

i n di vi d u al l o c o m o ti v e s t r a v eli n g a t 

s p e e d s i n e x c e s s of 6 0 m p h s h all n o t 

b e gi n s o u n di n g t h e h o r n m o r e t h a n 

o n e- q u a r t e r mil e ( 1, 3 2 0 f e e t) i n a d v a n c e 

of t h e n e a r e s t p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g, e v e n if t h e a d v a n c e 

w a r ni n g p r o vi d e d b y t h e l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n will b e l e s s t h a n 1 5 s e c o n d s i n d ur a ti o n. 

( c) A s s t a t e d i n § 2 2 2. 3( c) of t hi s p a r t, 

t hi s s e c ti o n d o e s n o t a p pl y t o a n y C hic a g o R e gi o n hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g a t w hi c h r ail r o a d s w e r e e x c u s e d 

f r o m s o u n di n g t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n b y 

t h e Illi n oi s C o m m e r c e C o m mi s si o n, 

a n d w h e r e r ail r o a d s di d n o t s o u n d t h e 

h o r n, a s of D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3. 

( d) T r ai n s, l o c o m o ti v e c o n si s t s a n d 

i n di vi d u al l o c o m o ti v e s t h a t h a v e 

s t o p p e d i n cl o s e p r o xi mi t y t o a p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g m a y a pp r o a c h t h e c r o s si n g a n d s o u n d t h e l o c om o ti v e h o r n f o r l e s s t h a n 1 5 s e c o n d s b ef o r e t h e l o c o m o ti v e e n t e r s t h e hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, if t h e l o c om o ti v e e n gi n e e r i s a bl e t o d e t e r mi n e 

t h a t t h e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g i s n o t o b s t r u c t e d a n d ei t h e r: 

( 1) T h e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g i s e q ui p p e d wi t h a u t o m a ti c 

fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s a n d t h e g a t e s 

a r e f ull y l o w e r e d; o r 

( 2) T h e r e a r e n o c o nfli c ti n g hi g h w a y 

m o v e m e n t s a p p r o a c hi n g t h e p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g. 

( e) W h e r e S t a t e l a w r e q ui r e s t h e 

s o u n di n g of a l o c o m o ti v e a u di bl e w a r ni n g d e vi c e o t h e r t h a n t h e l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n a t p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s, t h a t l o c o m o ti v e a u di bl e 

w a r ni n g d e vi c e s h all b e s o u n d e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h s ( b) a n d ( d) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 0
2 8 5 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 2 5 

§ 2 2 2. 2 3 H o w d o e s t hi s r e g ul ati o n aff e ct s o u n di n g of a h o r n d u ri n g a n 

e m e r g e n c y o r ot h e r sit u ati o n s ? 

( a)( 1) N o t wi t h s t a n di n g a n y o t h e r p r ovi si o n of t hi s p a r t, a l o c o m o ti v e e n gin e e r m a y s o u n d t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n t o 

p r o vi d e a w a r ni n g t o a ni m al s, v e hi cl e 

o p e r a t o r s, p e d e s t ri a n s, t r e s p a s s e r s o r 

c r e w s o n o t h e r t r ai n s i n a n e m e r g e n c y 

si t u a ti o n if, i n t h e l o c o m o ti v e e n gin e e r’ s s ol e j u d g m e n t, s u c h a c ti o n i s a pp r o p ri a t e i n o r d e r t o p r e v e n t i m mi n e n t 

i nj u r y, d e a t h, o r p r o p e r t y d a m a g e. 

( 2) N o t wi t h s t a n di n g a n y o t h e r p r o visi o n of t hi s p a r t, i n cl u di n g p r o vi si o n s 

a d d r e s si n g t h e e s t a bli s h m e n t of a q ui e t 

z o n e, li mi t s o n t h e l e n g t h of ti m e i n 

w hi c h a h o r n m a y b e s o u n d e d, o r i ns t all a ti o n of w a y si d e h o r n s wi t hi n 

q ui e t z o n e s, t hi s p a r t d o e s n o t p r e cl u d e 

t h e s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s i n 

e m e r g e n c y si t u a ti o n s, n o r d o e s i t i mp o s e a l e g al d u t y t o s o u n d t h e l o c om o ti v e h o r n i n s u c h si t u a ti o n s. 

( b) N o t hi n g i n t hi s p a r t r e s t ri c t s t h e 

u s e of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n i n t h e f oll o wi n g si t u a ti o n s: 

( 1) W h e n a w a y si d e h o r n i s m alf u n cti o ni n g; 

( 2) W h e n a c ti v e g r a d e c r o s si n g w a r ni n g d e vi c e s h a v e m alf u n c ti o n e d a n d u s e 

of t h e h o r n i s r e q ui r e d b y o n e of t h e 

f oll o wi n g s e c ti o n s of t hi s c h a p t e r: 

§§ 2 3 4. 1 0 5, 2 3 4. 1 0 6, o r 2 3 4. 1 0 7; 

( 3) W h e n g r a d e c r o s si n g w a r ni n g s y st e m s a r e t e m p o r a ril y o u t of s e r vi c e 

d u ri n g i n s p e c ti o n, m ai n t e n a n c e, o r 

t e s ti n g of t h e s y s t e m; o r 

( 4) W h e n S S M s, m o difi e d S S M s o r e ngi n e e ri n g S S M s n o l o n g e r c o m pl y wi t h 

t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s s e t f o r t h i n a p p e n di x 

A of t hi s p a r t o r t h e c o n di ti o n s c o nt ai n e d wi t hi n t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r’ s d e ci si o n t o a p p r o v e t h e q ui e t 

z o n e i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h s e c ti o n 

2 2 2. 3 9( b) of t hi s p a r t. 

( c) N o t hi n g i n t hi s p a r t r e s t ri c t s t h e 

u s e of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n f o r p u r p o s e s 

o t h e r t h a n hi g h w a y- r ail c r o s si n g s af e t y 

( e. g., t o a n n o u n c e t h e a p p r o a c h of a 

t r ai n t o r o a d w a y w o r k e r s i n a c c o r da n c e wi t h a p r o g r a m a d o p t e d u n d e r 

p a r t 2 1 4 of t hi s c h a p t e r, o r w h e r e r eq ui r e d f o r o t h e r p u r p o s e s u n d e r r ailr o a d o p e r a ti n g r ul e s). 

§ 2 2 2. 2 5 H o w d o e s t hi s r ul e aff e ct p riv at e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s ? 

T hi s r ul e d o e s n o t r e q ui r e t h e r o u ti n e 

s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a t p riv a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s. 

H o w e v e r, w h e r e S t a t e l a w r e q ui r e s t h e 

s o u n di n g of a l o c o m o ti v e h o r n a t p riv a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s, t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s h all b e s o u n d e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 2 1 of t hi s p a r t. 

W h e r e S t a t e l a w r e q ui r e s t h e s o u n di n g 

of a l o c o m o ti v e a u di bl e w a r ni n g d e vi c e 

o t h e r t h a n t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n a t p riv a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s, t h a t 

l o c o m o ti v e a u di bl e w a r ni n g d e vi c e 

s h all b e s o u n d e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

§§ 2 2 2. 2 1( b) a n d ( d) of t hi s p a r t. 

( a) P ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s l o c a t e d wi t hi n t h e b o u n d a ri e s of a 

q ui e t z o n e m u s t b e i n cl u d e d i n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e. 

( b)( 1) P ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s t h a t a r e l o c a t e d i n N e w Q ui e t 

Z o n e s o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d 

all o w a c c e s s t o t h e p u bli c, o r w hi c h 

p r o vi d e a c c e s s t o a c ti v e i n d u s t ri al o r 

c o m m e r ci al si t e s, m u s t b e e v al u a t e d b y 

a di a g n o s ti c t e a m a n d e q ui p p e d o r 

t r e a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e r e co m m e n d a ti o n s of s u c h di a g n o s ti c t e a m. 

( 2) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all p r o vi d e 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y a n d all aff e c t e d r ailr o a d s a n o p p o r t u ni t y t o p a r ti ci p a t e i n 

t h e di a g n o s ti c t e a m r e vi e w of p ri v a t e 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s. 

( c)( 1) A t a mi ni m u m, e a c h a p p r o a c h 

t o e v e r y p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r 

N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s h all b e 

m a r k e d b y a c r o s s b u c k a n d a ‘‘ S T O P’’ 

si g n, w hi c h a r e c o m pli a n t wi t h M U T C D 

s t a n d a r d s u nl e s s o t h e r wi s e p r e s c ri b e d 

b y S t a t e l a w, a n d s h all b e e q ui p p e d 

wi t h a d v a n c e w a r ni n g si g n s i n c o m plia n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 3 5( c) of t hi s p a r t. 

( 2) A t a mi ni m u m, e a c h a p p r o a c h t o 

e v e r y p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r 

P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s h all, b y 

J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8, b e m a r k e d b y a c r o s s b u c k 

a n d a ‘‘ S T O P’’ si g n, w hi c h a r e c o m plia n t wi t h M U T C D s t a n d a r d s u nl e s s o t he r wi s e p r e s c ri b e d b y S t a t e l a w, a n d 

s h all b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a d v a n c e w a r ni n g 

si g n s i n c o m pli a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 3 5( c) of 

t hi s p a r t. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 1
2 8 6 

§ 2 2 2. 2 7 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

§ 2 2 2. 2 7 H o w d o e s t hi s r ul e aff e ct p e- d e st ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g s ? 

T hi s r ul e d o e s n o t r e q ui r e t h e r o u ti n e 

s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a t p e d e st ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g s. H o w e v e r, w h e r e 

S t a t e l a w r e q ui r e s t h e s o u n di n g of a l oc o m o ti v e h o r n a t p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s, t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s h all b e 

s o u n d e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 2 1 of 

t hi s p a r t. W h e r e S t a t e l a w r e q ui r e s t h e 

s o u n di n g of a l o c o m o ti v e a u di bl e w a r ni n g d e vi c e o t h e r t h a n t h e l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n a t p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g s, 

t h a t l o c o m o ti v e a u di bl e w a r ni n g d e vi c e 

s h all b e s o u n d e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

§§ 2 2 2. 2 1( b) a n d ( d) of t hi s p a r t. 

( a) P e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g s l oc a t e d wi t hi n t h e b o u n d a ri e s of a q ui e t 

z o n e m u s t b e i n cl u d e d i n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e. 

( b) P e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g s t h a t 

a r e l o c a t e d i n N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s o r N e w 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s m u s t b e e v al u a t e d 

b y a di a g n o s ti c t e a m a n d e q ui p p e d o r 

t r e a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e r e co m m e n d a ti o n s of s u c h di a g n o s ti c t e a m. 

( c) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all p r o vi d e 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y a n d all aff e c t e d r ailr o a d s a n o p p o r t u ni t y t o p a r ti ci p a t e i n 

di a g n o s ti c t e a m r e vi e w s of p e d e s t ri a n 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s. 

( d) A d v a n c e w ar ni n g si g ns. ( 1) E a c h 

a p p r o a c h t o e v e r y p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s h all 

b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a si g n t h a t a d vi s e s 

t h e p e d e s t ri a n t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t 

s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g. S u c h si g n 

s h all c o nf o r m t o t h e s t a n d a r d s c o nt ai n e d i n t h e M U T C D. 

( 2) E a c h a p p r o a c h t o e v e r y p e d e s t ri a n 

g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n a N e w P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e s h all b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a 

si g n t h a t a d vi s e s t h e p e d e s t ri a n t h a t 

t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t t h e 

c r o s si n g o r t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t 

s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g b e t w e e n t h e 

h o u r s of 1 0 p. m. a n d 7 a. m., w hi c h e v e r 

i s a p pli c a bl e. S u c h si g n s h all c o nf o r m 

t o t h e s t a n d a r d s c o n t ai n e d i n t h e 

M U T C D. 

( 3) E a c h a p p r o a c h t o e v e r y p e d e s t ri a n 

g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e s h all b e e q ui p p e d b y J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8 

wi t h a si g n t h a t a d vi s e s t h e p e d e s t ri a n 

t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t t h e 

c r o s si n g. S u c h si g n s h all c o nf o r m t o 

t h e s t a n d a r d s c o n t ai n e d i n t h e 

M U T C D. 

( 4) E a c h a p p r o a c h t o e v e r y p e d e s t ri a n 

g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n a P r e- R ul e P a rti al Q ui e t Z o n e s h all b e e q ui p p e d b y 

J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8 wi t h a si g n t h a t a d vi s e s 

t h e p e d e s t ri a n t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t 

s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g o r t h a t t r ai n 

h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g 

f o r a s p e cifi e d p e ri o d of ti m e, w hi c he v e r i s a p pli c a bl e. S u c h si g n s h all c o nf o r m t o t h e s t a n d a r d s c o n t ai n e d i n t h e 

M U T C D. 

S u b p art C — E x c e pti o ns t o t h e Us e of t h e L o c o m oti v e H or n 

§ 2 2 2. 3 1 [ R e s e r v e d] 

I L E N C E D O R N S A T N DI VI D U A L

R O S SI N G S

§ 2 2 2. 3 3 C a n l o c o m oti v e h o r n s b e si- l e n c e d at a n i n di vi d u al p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g w hi c h i s 

n ot wit hi n a q ui et z o n e ? 

( a) A r ail r o a d o p e r a ti n g o v e r a n i n divi d u al p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail c r o s si n g 

m a y, a t i t s di s c r e ti o n, c e a s e t h e s o u n di n g of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n if t h e l o c om o ti v e s p e e d i s 1 5 mil e s p e r h o u r o r 

l e s s a n d t r ai n c r e w m e m b e r s, o r a p p r op ri a t el y e q ui p p e d fl a g g e r s, a s d efi n e d 

i n 4 9 C F R 2 3 4. 5, fl a g t h e c r o s si n g t o 

p r o vi d e w a r ni n g of a p p r o a c hi n g t r ai n s 

t o m o t o ri s t s. 

( b) T hi s s e c ti o n d o e s n o t a p pl y w h e r e 

a c ti v e g r a d e c r o s si n g w a r ni n g d e vi c e s 

h a v e m alf u n c ti o n e d a n d u s e of t h e h o r n 

i s r e q ui r e d b y 4 9 C F R 2 3 4. 1 0 5, 2 3 4. 1 0 6, o r 

2 3 4. 1 0 7. 

I L E N C E D O R N S A T R O U P S O F

R O S SI N G S — Q UI E T O N E S

§ 2 2 2. 3 5 W h at a r e t h e mi ni m u m r eq ui r e m e nt s f o r q ui et z o n e s ? 

T h e f oll o wi n g r e q ui r e m e n t s a p pl y t o 

q ui e t z o n e s e s t a bli s h e d i n c o nf o r mi t y 

wi t h t hi s p a r t. 

( a) Mi ni m u m l e n gt h. ( 1)(i) E x c e p t a s 

p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 1)(ii) of t hi s 

s e c ti o n, t h e mi ni m u m l e n g t h of a N e w 

Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e 

e s t a bli s h e d u n d e r t hi s p a r t s h all b e 

o n e- h alf mil e al o n g t h e l e n g t h of r ailr o a d ri g h t- of- w a y. 

(ii) T h e o n e- h alf mil e mi ni m u m 

l e n g t h r e q ui r e m e n t s h all b e w ai v e d f o r 

a n y N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e t h a t i s a d d e d o n t o a n e xi s ti n g q ui e t z o n e, p r o vi d e d t h e r e i s n o 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 2
2 8 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 3 5 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g a t 

w hi c h l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a r e r o u ti n el y 

s o u n d e d wi t hi n o n e- h alf mil e of t h e 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e. 

(iii) N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d N e w P a rti al Q ui e t Z o n e s e s t a bli s h e d al o n g t h e 

s a m e r ail li n e wi t hi n a si n gl e p oli ti c al 

j u ri s di c ti o n s h all b e s e p a r a t e d b y a t 

l e a s t o n e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g, u nl e s s a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r 

N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e i s b ei n g a d d e d 

o n t o a n e xi s ti n g q ui e t z o n e. 

( 2)(i) T h e l e n g t h of a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e 

m a y c o n ti n u e u n c h a n g e d f r o m t h a t 

w hi c h e xi s t e d a s of O c t o b e r 9, 1 9 9 6. 

(ii) Wi t h t h e e x c e p ti o n of c o m bi ni n g 

a dj a c e n t P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s o r P r eR ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s, t h e a d di ti o n 

of a n y p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g t o a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r eR ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s h all e n d t h e 

g r a n df a t h e r e d s t a t u s of t h a t q ui e t z o n e 

a n d t r a n sf o r m i t i n t o a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e 

o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e t h a t m u s t 

c o m pl y wi t h all r e q ui r e m e n t s a p pli c abl e t o N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d N e w P a rti al Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

(iii) T h e d el e ti o n of a n y p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g f r o m a P r eR ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e, wi t h t h e e x c e p ti o n of a 

g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n o r c r o s si n g cl o s u r e, 

m u s t r e s ul t i n a q ui e t z o n e of a t l e a s t 

o n e- h alf mil e i n l e n g t h i n o r d e r t o r et ai n P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s t a t u s. 

( 3) A q ui e t z o n e m a y i n cl u d e g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s o n a s e g m e n t of r ail li n e 

c r o s si n g m o r e t h a n o n e p oli ti c al j u ri sdi c ti o n. 

( b) A cti v e gr a d e cr ossi n g w ar ni n g d evi c es. ( 1) E a c h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g i n a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e e st a bli s h e d u n d e r t hi s p a r t m u s t b e 

e q ui p p e d, n o l a t e r t h a n t h e q ui e t z o n e 

i m pl e m e n t a ti o n d a t e, wi t h a c ti v e 

g r a d e c r o s si n g w a r ni n g d e vi c e s c o mp ri si n g b o t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s 

w hi c h c o n t r ol t r affi c o v e r t h e c r o s si n g 

a n d t h a t c o nf o r m t o t h e s t a n d a r d s c o nt ai n e d i n t h e M U T C D. S u c h w a r ni n g 

d e vi c e s s h all b e e q ui p p e d wi t h c o n s t a n t 

w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s, if r e a s o n a bl y 

p r a c ti c al, a n d p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s. 

( 2) Wi t h t h e e x c e p ti o n of p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s t h a t will b e 

t e m p o r a ril y cl o s e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

a p p e n di x A of t hi s p a r t, e a c h p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g i n a N e w 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e e s t a bli s h e d u n d e r 

t hi s p a r t m u s t b e e q ui p p e d, n o l a t e r 

t h a n t h e q ui e t z o n e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n 

d a t e, wi t h a c ti v e g r a d e c r o s si n g w a r ni n g d e vi c e s c o m p ri si n g b o t h fl a s hi n g 

li g h t s a n d g a t e s w hi c h c o n t r ol t r affi c 

o v e r t h e c r o s si n g a n d t h a t c o nf o r m t o 

t h e s t a n d a r d s c o n t ai n e d i n t h e 

M U T C D. S u c h w a r ni n g d e vi c e s s h all b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e 

d e vi c e s, if r e a s o n a bl y p r a c ti c al, a n d 

p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s. 

( 3) P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d P r eR ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s m u s t r e t ai n, 

a n d m a y u p g r a d e, t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g 

s af e t y w a r ni n g s y s t e m w hi c h e xi s t e d a s 

of D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3. A n y u p g r a d e i nv ol vi n g t h e i n s t all a ti o n o r r e n e w al of 

a n a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s y s t e m 

s h all i n cl u d e c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e 

d e vi c e s, w h e r e r e a s o n a bl y p r a c ti c al, 

a n d p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s. I n n o e v e n t 

m a y t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y w a r ni n g 

s y s t e m, w hi c h e xi s t e d a s of D e c e m b e r 

1 8, 2 0 0 3, b e d o w n g r a d e d. Ri s k r e d u c ti o n 

r e s ul ti n g f r o m u p g r a di n g t o fl a s hi n g 

li g h t s o r g a t e s m a y b e c r e di t e d i n c alc ul a ti n g t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. 

( c) A d v a n c e w ar ni n g si g ns. ( 1) E a c h 

hi g h w a y a p p r o a c h t o e v e r y p u bli c a n d 

p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g 

wi t hi n a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s h all b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h a n a d v a n c e w a r ni n g si g n 

t h a t a d vi s e s t h e m o t o ri s t t h a t t r ai n 

h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g. 

S u c h si g n s h all c o nf o r m t o t h e s t a n da r d s c o n t ai n e d i n t h e M U T C D. 

( 2) E a c h hi g h w a y a p p r o a c h t o e v e r y 

p u bli c a n d p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n a N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e s h all b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a n a d v a n c e 

w a r ni n g si g n t h a t a d vi s e s t h e m o t o ri s t 

t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t t h e 

c r o s si n g o r t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t 

s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g b e t w e e n t h e 

h o u r s of 1 0 p. m. a n d 7 a. m., w hi c h e v e r 

i s a p pli c a bl e. S u c h si g n s h all c o nf o r m 

t o t h e s t a n d a r d s c o n t ai n e d i n t h e 

M U T C D. 

( 3) E a c h hi g h w a y a p p r o a c h t o e v e r y 

p u bli c a n d p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e 

s h all b e e q ui p p e d b y J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8 wi t h 

a n a d v a n c e w a r ni n g si g n t h a t a d vi s e s 

t h e m o t o ri s t t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t 

s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g. S u c h si g n 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 3
2 8 8 

§ 2 2 2. 3 7 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

s h all c o nf o r m t o t h e s t a n d a r d s c o nt ai n e d i n t h e M U T C D. 

( 4) E a c h hi g h w a y a p p r o a c h t o e v e r y 

p u bli c a n d p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n a P r e- R ul e P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e s h all b e e q ui p p e d b y J u n e 

2 4, 2 0 0 8 wi t h a n a d v a n c e w a r ni n g si g n 

t h a t a d vi s e s t h e m o t o ri s t t h a t t r ai n 

h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g 

o r t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t 

t h e c r o s si n g f o r a s p e cifi e d p e ri o d of 

ti m e, w hi c h e v e r i s a p pli c a bl e. S u c h 

si g n s h all c o nf o r m t o t h e s t a n d a r d s 

c o n t ai n e d i n t h e M U T C D. 

( 5) T hi s p a r a g r a p h ( c) d o e s n o t a p pl y 

t o p u bli c a n d p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s e q ui p p e d wi t h w a y si d e 

h o r n s t h a t c o nf o r m t o t h e r e q ui r em e n t s s e t f o r t h i n § 2 2 2. 5 9 a n d A p p e n di x 

E of t hi s p a r t. 

( d) B ells. ( 1) E a c h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g i n a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r 

N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e t h a t i s s u bj e c t e d t o p e d e s t ri a n t r affi c a n d 

e q ui p p e d wi t h o n e o r m o r e a u t o m a ti c 

b ell s s h all r e t ai n t h o s e b ell s i n w o r ki n g 

c o n di ti o n. 

( 2) E a c h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g i n a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r 

P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e t h a t i s 

s u bj e c t e d t o p e d e s t ri a n t r affi c a n d 

e q ui p p e d wi t h o n e o r m o r e a u t o m a ti c 

b ell s s h all r e t ai n t h o s e b ell s i n w o r ki n g 

c o n di ti o n. 

( e) All p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e m u s t b e 

t r e a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t hi s s e c ti o n 

a n d § 2 2 2. 2 5 of t hi s p a r t. 

(f) All p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g s 

wi t hi n a q ui e t z o n e m u s t b e t r e a t e d i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 2 7 of t hi s p a r t. 

( g) All p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e m u s t b e 

i n c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of 

t h e M U T C D. 

§ 2 2 2. 3 7 W h o m a y e st a bli s h a q ui et 

z o n e ? 

( a) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y e s t a bli s h 

q ui e t z o n e s t h a t a r e c o n si s t e n t wi t h 

t h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s p a r t. If a p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e i n cl u d e s p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s u n d e r t h e a ut h o ri t y a n d c o n t r ol of m o r e t h a n o n e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y ( s u c h a s a c o u n t y r o a d 

a n d a S t a t e hi g h w a y c r o s si n g t h e r ailr o a d t r a c k s a t diff e r e n t c r o s si n g s), 

b o t h p u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s m u s t a g r e e t o 

e s t a bli s h m e n t of t h e q ui e t z o n e, a n d 

m u s t j oi n tl y, o r b y d el e g a ti o n p r o vi d e d 

t o o n e of t h e a u t h o ri ti e s, t a k e s u c h a cti o n s a s a r e r e q ui r e d b y t hi s p a r t. 

( b) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y e s t a bli s h 

q ui e t z o n e s i r r e s p e c ti v e of S t a t e l a w s 

c o v e ri n g t h e s u bj e c t m a t t e r of s o u n di n g o r sil e n ci n g l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a t 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s. 

N o t hi n g i n t hi s p a r t, h o w e v e r, i s m e a n t 

t o aff e c t a n y o t h e r a p pli c a bl e r ol e of 

S t a t e a g e n ci e s o r t h e F e d e r al Hi g h w a y 

A d mi ni s t r a ti o n i n d e ci si o n s r e g a r di n g 

f u n di n g o r c o n s t r u c ti o n p ri o ri ti e s f o r 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y p r oj e c t s, s el e cti o n of t r affi c c o n t r ol d e vi c e s, o r e n gin e e ri n g s t a n d a r d s f o r r o a d w a y s o r t r affi c c o n t r ol d e vi c e s. 

( c) A S t a t e a g e n c y m a y p r o vi d e a dmi ni s t r a ti v e a n d t e c h ni c al s e r vi c e s t o 

p u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s b y a d vi si n g t h e m, 

a c ti n g o n t h ei r b e h alf, o r a c ti n g a s a 

c e n t r al c o n t a c t p oi n t i n d e ali n g wi t h 

F R A; h o w e v e r, a n y p u bli c a u t h o ri t y eli gi bl e t o e s t a bli s h a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r 

t hi s p a r t m a y d o s o. 

§ 2 2 2. 3 8 C a n a q ui et z o n e b e c r e at e d i n 

t h e C hi c a g o R e gi o n ? 

P u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s t h a t a r e eli gi bl e t o 

e s t a bli s h q ui e t z o n e s u n d e r t hi s p a r t 

m a y c r e a t e N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s o r N e w 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s i n t h e C hi c a g o R egi o n, p r o vi d e d t h e N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r 

N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e d o e s n o t i ncl u d e a n y hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g 

d e s c ri b e d i n § 2 2 2. 3( c) of t hi s p a r t. 

§ 2 2 2. 3 9 H o w i s a q ui et z o n e e st a bli s h e d ? 

( a) P u bli c a ut h orit y d esi g n ati o n. T hi s 

p a r a g r a p h ( a) d e s c ri b e s h o w a q ui e t 

z o n e m a y b e d e si g n a t e d b y a p u bli c a ut h o ri t y wi t h o u t t h e n e e d f o r f o r m al a ppli c a ti o n t o, a n d a p p r o v al b y, F R A. If a 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y c o m pli e s wi t h ei t h e r 

p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 1), ( a)( 2), o r ( a)( 3) of t hi s 

s e c ti o n, a n d c o m pli e s wi t h t h e i nf o rm a ti o n a n d n o tifi c a ti o n p r o vi si o n s of 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t, a p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

m a y d e si g n a t e a q ui e t z o n e wi t h o u t t h e 

n e c e s si t y f o r F R A r e vi e w a n d a p p r o v al. 

( 1) A q ui e t z o n e m a y b e e s t a bli s h e d 

b y i m pl e m e n ti n g, a t e v e r y p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e, o n e o r m o r e S S M s i d e n tifi e d i n a p p e n di x A of t hi s p a r t. 

( 2) A q ui e t z o n e m a y b e e s t a bli s h e d if 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s a t, o r 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 4
2 8 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 3 9 

b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, a s f oll o w s: 

(i) If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s alr e a d y a t, o r b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si gnifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d wi t h o u t b ei n g 

r e d u c e d b y i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of S S M s; o r 

(ii) If S S M s a r e i m pl e m e n t e d w hi c h 

a r e s uffi ci e n t t o r e d u c e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el a t, o r b el o w, t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s hol d. 

( 3) A q ui e t z o n e m a y b e e s t a bli s h e d if 

S S M s a r e i m pl e m e n t e d w hi c h a r e s uffici e n t t o r e d u c e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x t o a l e v el a t o r b el o w t h e Ri s k 

I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s. 

( b) P u bli c a ut h orit y a p pli c ati o n t o 

F R A. ( 1) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y a p pl y 

t o t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r f o r a pp r o v al of a q ui e t z o n e t h a t d o e s n o t 

m e e t t h e s t a n d a r d s f o r p u bli c a u t h o ri t y d e si g n a ti o n u n d e r p a r a g r a p h ( a) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n, b u t i n w hi c h i t i s p r o p o s e d 

t h a t o n e o r m o r e s af e t y m e a s u r e s b e 

i m pl e m e n t e d. S u c h p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e 

m a y i n cl u d e o nl y A S M s, o r a c o m bi n ati o n of A S M s a n d S S M s a t v a ri o u s 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. N o t e 

t h a t a n e n gi n e e ri n g i m p r o v e m e n t 

w hi c h d o e s n o t f ull y c o m pl y wi t h t h e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s f o r a n S S M u n d e r a p p e ndi x A of t hi s p a r t, i s c o n si d e r e d t o b e 

a n A S M. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y’ s a p plic a ti o n m u s t: 

(i) C o n t ai n a n a c c u r a t e, c o m pl e t e a n d 

c u r r e n t G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y 

F o r m f o r e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e a n d p ed e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e; 

(ii) C o n t ai n s uffi ci e n t d e t ail c o nc e r ni n g t h e p r e s e n t s af e t y m e a s u r e s a t 

e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e a n d p e d e s t ri a n 

g r a d e c r o s si n g p r o p o s e d t o b e i n cl u d e d 

i n t h e q ui e t z o n e t o e n a bl e t h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r t o e v al u a t e t h ei r 

eff e c ti v e n e s s; 

(iii) C o n t ai n d e t ail e d i nf o r m a ti o n 

a b o u t di a g n o s ti c t e a m r e vi e w s of a n y 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t 

z o n e, i n cl u di n g a m e m b e r s hi p li s t a n d a 

li s t of r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s m a d e b y t h e 

di a g n o s ti c t e a m; 

(i v) C o n t ai n a s t a t e m e n t d e s c ri bi n g 

eff o r t s t a k e n b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

t o a d d r e s s c o m m e n t s s u b mi t t e d b y 

e a c h r ail r o a d o p e r a ti n g t h e p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r es p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y, 

a n d t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y i n r e s p o n s e t o t h e 

N o ti c e of I n t e n t. T hi s s t a t e m e n t s h all 

al s o li s t a n y o bj e c ti o n s t o t h e p r o p o s e d 

q ui e t z o n e t h a t w e r e r ai s e d b y t h e r ailr o a d( s) a n d S t a t e a g e n ci e s; 

( v) C o n t ai n d e t ail e d i nf o r m a ti o n a s 

t o w hi c h s af e t y i m p r o v e m e n t s a r e p r op o s e d t o b e i m pl e m e n t e d a t e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e, o r p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e; 

( vi) C o n t ai n a c o m mi t m e n t t o i m pl em e n t t h e p r o p o s e d s af e t y i m p r o v em e n t s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e; 

a n d 

( vii) D e m o n s t r a t e t h r o u g h d a t a a n d 

a n al y si s t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d i m pl e m e nt a ti o n of t h e s e m e a s u r e s will r e d u c e 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el a t, 

o r b el o w, ei t h e r t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s o r t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. 

( 2) If t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e c o nt ai n s n e wl y e s t a bli s h e d p u bli c o r p riv a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s, t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y’ s a p pli c a ti o n f o r a pp r o v al m u s t al s o i n cl u d e fi v e- y e a r p r oj e c t e d v e hi cl e a n d r ail t r affi c c o u n t s 

f o r e a c h n e wl y e s t a bli s h e d g r a d e c r o s si n g; 

( 3) 6 0- d a y c o m m e nt p eri o d. (i) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y a p pli c a ti o n f o r F R A a pp r o v al of t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e s h all 

b e p r o vi d e d, b y c e r tifi e d m ail, r e t u r n 

r e c ei p t r e q u e s t e d, t o: all r ail r o a d s o pe r a ti n g o v e r t h e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; 

t h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol o r l a w 

e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g j u ri s di cti o n o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e 

l a n d o w n e r h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r a n y p riv a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r es p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y; 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y; a n d t h e A s s o ci a t e A dmi ni s t r a t o r. 

(ii) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( b)( 3)(iii) of t hi s s e c ti o n, a n y p a r t y t h a t 

r e c ei v e s a c o p y of t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

a p pli c a ti o n m a y s u b mi t c o m m e n t s o n 

t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y a p pli c a ti o n t o t h e 

A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r d u ri n g t h e 6 0- 

d a y p e ri o d af t e r t h e d a t e o n w hi c h t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y a p pli c a ti o n w a s 

m ail e d. 

(iii) If t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y a p pli c ati o n f o r F R A a p p r o v al c o n t ai n s w ri t t e n 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 2 9 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 5
2 9 0 

§ 2 2 2. 4 1 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

s t a t e m e n t s f r o m e a c h r ail r o a d o p e ra ti n g o v e r t h e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, 

t h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol a u t h o ri t y o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g j u ri s di c ti o n o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c 

a t g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y, a n d t h e S t a t e 

a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d 

r o a d s af e t y s t a ti n g t h a t t h e r ail r o a d, 

v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a u t h o ri t y a n d S t a t e 

a g e n ci e s h a v e w ai v e d t h ei r ri g h t s t o 

p r o vi d e c o m m e n t s o n t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y a p pli c a ti o n, t h e 6 0- d a y c o mm e n t p e ri o d u n d e r p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 3)(ii) 

of t hi s s e c ti o n s h all b e w ai v e d. 

( 4)(i) Af t e r r e vi e wi n g a n y c o m m e n t s 

s u b mi t t e d u n d e r p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 3)(ii) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n, t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r will a p p r o v e t h e q ui e t z o n e if, i n 

t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r’ s j u d gm e n t, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i s i n c o mpli a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h s ( b)( 1) a n d 

( b)( 2) of t hi s s e c ti o n a n d h a s s a ti sf a ct o ril y d e m o n s t r a t e d t h a t t h e S S M s a n d 

A S M s p r o p o s e d b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

r e s ul t i n a Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t h a t 

i s ei t h e r: 

( A) A t o r b el o w t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s o r 

( B) A t o r b el o w t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si gnifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. 

(ii) T h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r m a y 

i n cl u d e i n a n y d e ci si o n of a p p r o v al 

s u c h c o n di ti o n s a s m a y b e n e c e s s a r y t o 

e n s u r e t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d s af e t y i mp r o v e m e n t s a r e eff e c ti v e. If t h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r d o e s n o t a p p r o v e 

t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r will d e s c ri b e, i n t h e d e ci si o n, 

t h e b a si s u p o n w hi c h t h e d e ci si o n w a s 

m a d e. D e ci si o n s i s s u e d b y t h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r o n q ui e t z o n e a ppli c a ti o n s s h all b e p r o vi d e d t o all p a rti e s li s t e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 3)(i) of t hi s 

s e c ti o n a n d m a y b e r e vi e w e d a s p r ovi d e d i n §§ 2 2 2. 5 7( b) a n d ( d) of t hi s p a r t. 

( c) A p p e n di x C of t hi s p a r t c o n t ai n s 

g ui d a n c e o n h o w t o c r e a t e a q ui e t z o n e. 

§ 2 2 2. 4 1 H o w d o e s t hi s r ul e aff e ct P r eR ul e Q ui et Z o n e s a n d P r e- R ul e P a rti al Q ui et Z o n e s ? 

( a) Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es t h at will b e 

est a blis h e d b y a ut o m ati c a p pr o v al. ( 1) A 

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e m a y b e e s t a bli s h e d b y a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al a n d r em ai n i n eff e c t, s u bj e c t t o § 2 2 2. 5 1, if t h e 

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e i s i n c o m pli a n c e 

wi t h §§ 2 2 2. 3 5 ( mi ni m u m r e q ui r e m e n t s 

f o r q ui e t z o n e s) a n d 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t 

( n o ti c e a n d i nf o r m a ti o n r e q ui r e m e n t s) 

a n d: 

(i) T h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e h a s a t 

e v e r y p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e o n e o r m o r e 

S S M s i d e n tifi e d i n a p p e n di x A of t hi s 

p a r t; o r 

(ii) T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s a t, 

o r b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, a s l a s t p u bli s h e d b y 

F R A i n t h e F E D E R A L E GI S T E R ; o r 

(iii) T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s 

a b o v e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, a s l a s t p u bli s h e d b y F R A i n 

t h e F E D E R A L E GI S T E R , b u t l e s s t h a n 

t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d a n d t h e r e h a v e b e e n n o r ele v a n t c olli si o n s a t a n y p u bli c hi g h w a yr ail g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e si n c e A p ril 2 7, 2 0 0 0 o r 

(i v) T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s a t, 

o r b el o w, t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. 

( 2) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all p r o vi d e 

N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t, i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t, n o 

l a t e r t h a n D e c e m b e r 2 4, 2 0 0 5. 

( b) Pr e- R ul e P arti al Q ui et Z o n es t h at 

will b e est a blis h e d b y a ut o m ati c a p pr o v al. 

( 1) A P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e m a y 

b e e s t a bli s h e d b y a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al 

a n d r e m ai n i n eff e c t, s u bj e c t t o § 2 2 2. 5 1, 

if t h e P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e i s i n 

c o m pli a n c e wi t h §§ 2 2 2. 3 5 ( mi ni m u m r eq ui r e m e n t s f o r q ui e t z o n e s) a n d 2 2 2. 4 3 

of t hi s p a r t ( n o ti c e a n d i nf o r m a ti o n r eq ui r e m e n t s) a n d: 

(i) T h e P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e 

h a s a t e v e r y p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e o n e o r 

m o r e S S M s i d e n tifi e d i n a p p e n di x A of 

t hi s p a r t; o r 

(ii) T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s a t, 

o r b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, a s l a s t p u bli s h e d b y 

F R A i n t h e F E D E R A L E GI S T E R ; o r 

(iii) T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s 

a b o v e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, a s l a s t p u bli s h e d b y F R A i n 

t h e F E D E R A L E GI S T E R , b u t l e s s t h a n 

t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d a n d t h e r e h a v e b e e n n o r ele v a n t c olli si o n s a t a n y p u bli c hi g h w a yr ail g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e si n c e A p ril 2 7, 2 0 0 0. Wi t h r e s p e c t 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 6
2 9 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 4 2 

t o P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s, c ollisi o n s t h a t o c c u r r e d d u ri n g t h e ti m e p eri o d wi t hi n w hi c h t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n 

w a s r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d s h all n o t b e c o nsi d e r e d ‘‘ r el e v a n t c olli si o n s’’; o r 

(i v) T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s a t, 

o r b el o w, t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. 

( 2) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all p r o vi d e 

N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t, i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t, n o 

l a t e r t h a n D e c e m b e r 2 4, 2 0 0 5. 

( c) Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es a n d Pr e- R ul e 

P arti al Q ui et Z o n es t h at will n ot b e est a blis h e d b y a ut o m ati c a p pr o v al. ( 1) If a P r eR ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e will n o t b e e s t a bli s h e d b y 

a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al u n d e r p a r a g r a p h 

( a) o r ( b) of t hi s s e c ti o n, e xi s ti n g r es t ri c ti o n s m a y, a t t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y’ s di s c r e ti o n, r e m ai n i n pl a c e 

u n til J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8, if a N o ti c e of Q ui e t 

Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n i s p r o vi d e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t. 

( 2)(i) E xi s ti n g r e s t ri c ti o n s o n t h e r o uti n e s o u n di n g of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n 

m a y r e m ai n i n pl a c e u n til J u n e 2 4, 

2 0 1 0, if: 

( A) N o ti c e of I n t e n t i s m ail e d, i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t, b y 

F e b r u a r y 2 4, 2 0 0 8; a n d 

( B) A d e t ail e d pl a n f o r q ui e t z o n e i mp r o v e m e n t s i s fil e d wi t h t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r b y J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8. T h e d et ail e d pl a n s h all i n cl u d e a d e t ail e d e xpl a n a ti o n of, a n d ti m e t a bl e f o r, t h e 

s af e t y i m p r o v e m e n t s t h a t will b e i mpl e m e n t e d a t e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e a n d 

p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g l o c a t e d wi t hi n t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e w hi c h a r e n e c e s s a r y 

t o c o m pl y wi t h §§ 2 2 2. 2 5, 2 2 2. 2 7, 2 2 2. 3 5 

a n d 2 2 2. 3 9 of t hi s p a r t. 

(ii) I n t h e e v e n t t h a t t h e s af e t y i mp r o v e m e n t s pl a n n e d f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e 

r e q ui r e a p p r o v al of F R A u n d e r 

§ 2 2 2. 3 9( b) of t hi s p a r t, t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y s h o ul d a p pl y f o r s u c h a p p r o v al 

p ri o r t o D e c e m b e r 2 4, 2 0 0 7, t o e n s u r e 

t h a t F R A h a s a m pl e ti m e i n w hi c h t o 

r e vi e w s u c h a p pli c a ti o n p ri o r t o t h e 

e n d of t h e e x t e n si o n p e ri o d. 

( 3) L o c o m o ti v e h o r n r e s t ri c ti o n s m a y 

c o n ti n u e f o r a n a d di ti o n al t h r e e y e a r s 

b e y o n d J u n e 2 4, 2 0 1 0, if: 

(i) P ri o r t o J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8, t h e a p p r op ri a t e S t a t e a g e n c y p r o vi d e s t o t h e A ss o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r: A c o m p r e h e nsi v e S t a t e- wi d e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n pl a n 

a n d f u n di n g c o m mi t m e n t f o r i m pl em e n ti n g i m p r o v e m e n t s a t P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e s w hi c h, w h e n i m pl e m e n t e d, w o ul d 

e n a bl e t h e m t o q u alif y a s q ui e t z o n e s 

u n d e r t hi s p a r t; a n d 

(ii) P ri o r t o J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 9, ei t h e r s af et y i m p r o v e m e n t s a r e i ni ti a t e d a t a p o rti o n of t h e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e, o r t h e a p p r o p ri a t e S t a t e a g e n c y 

h a s p a r ti ci p a t e d i n q ui e t z o n e i m p r o v em e n t s i n o n e o r m o r e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e s o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s 

el s e w h e r e wi t hi n t h e S t a t e. 

( 4) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y e s t a bli s h 

a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e P a rti al Q ui e t Z o n e u p o n c o m pli a n c e wi t h: 

( A) T h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r eR ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e r e q ui r e m e n t s 

c o n t ai n e d wi t hi n §§ 2 2 2. 2 5, 2 2 2. 2 7, a n d 

2 2 2. 3 5 of t hi s p a r t; 

( B) T h e q ui e t z o n e s t a n d a r d s s e t 

f o r t h i n § 2 2 2. 3 9 of t hi s p a r t; a n d 

( C) All a p pli c a bl e n o tifi c a ti o n a n d fili n g r e q ui r e m e n t s c o n t ai n e d wi t hi n t hi s 

p a r a g r a p h ( c) a n d § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t. 

( d) Pr e- R ul e P arti al Q ui et Z o n es t h at 

will b e c o n v ert e d t o 2 4- h o ur N e w Q ui et 

Z o n es. A P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e 

m a y b e c o n v e r t e d i n t o a 2 4- h o u r N e w 

Q ui e t Z o n e, if: 

( 1) T h e q ui e t z o n e i s b r o u g h t i n t o 

c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e N e w Q ui e t Z o n e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s s e t f o r t h i n §§ 2 2 2. 2 5, 

2 2 2. 2 7, a n d 2 2 2. 3 5 of t hi s p a r t; 

( 2) T h e q ui e t z o n e i s b r o u g h t i n t o 

c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e q ui e t z o n e s t a n da r d s s e t f o r t h i n § 2 2 2. 3 9 of t hi s p a r t; 

a n d 

( 3) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y c o m pli e s 

wi t h all a p pli c a bl e n o tifi c a ti o n a n d fili n g r e q ui r e m e n t s c o n t ai n e d wi t hi n t hi s 

p a r a g r a p h ( c) a n d § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t. 

§ 2 2 2. 4 2 H o w d o e s t hi s r ul e aff e ct I nt e r m e di at e Q ui et Z o n e s a n d I nt e rm e di at e P a rti al Q ui et Z o n e s ? 

( a)( 1) E xi s ti n g r e s t ri c ti o n s m a y, a t 

t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y’ s di s c r e ti o n, r em ai n i n pl a c e wi t hi n t h e I n t e r m e di a t e 

Q ui e t Z o n e o r I n t e r m e di a t e P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e u n til J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 6, if t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y p r o vi d e s N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n, i n a c c o r da n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t. 

( 2) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y c o n ti n u e 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s o u n di n g r e s t ri c ti o n s 

b e y o n d J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 6 b y e s t a bli s hi n g a 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e. A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y e s t a bli s h 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 7
2 9 2 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e if: 

(i) N o ti c e of I n t e n t i s m ail e d, i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t; 

(ii) T h e q ui e t z o n e c o m pli e s wi t h t h e 

s t a n d a r d s s e t f o r t h i n § 2 2 2. 3 9 of t hi s 

p a r t; 

(iii) T h e q ui e t z o n e c o m pli e s wi t h t h e 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s t a n d a r d s s e t f o r t h i n 

§§ 2 2 2. 2 5, 2 2 2. 2 7, a n d 2 2 2. 3 5 of t hi s p a r t; 

(i v) N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s hm e n t i s m ail e d, i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t, b y J u n e 3, 2 0 0 6. 

( b) C o n v ersi o n of I nt er m e di at e P arti al 

Q ui et Z o n es i nt o 2 4- h o ur N e w Q ui et 

Z o n es. A n I n t e r m e di a t e P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e m a y b e c o n v e r t e d i n t o a 2 4- h o u r 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e if: 

( 1) N o ti c e of I n t e n t i s m ail e d, i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t; 

( 2) T h e q ui e t z o n e c o m pli e s wi t h t h e 

s t a n d a r d s s e t f o r t h i n § 2 2 2. 3 9 of t hi s 

p a r t; 

( 3) T h e q ui e t z o n e i s b r o u g h t i n t o 

c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e N e w Q ui e t Z o n e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s s e t f o r t h i n §§ 2 2 2. 2 5, 

2 2 2. 2 7, a n d 2 2 2. 3 5 of t hi s p a r t; a n d 

( 4) N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s hm e n t i s m ail e d, i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t, b y J u n e 3, 2 0 0 6. 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 W h at n oti c e s a n d ot h e r i nf o rm ati o n a r e r e q ui r e d t o c r e at e o r 

c o nti n u e a q ui et z o n e ? 

( a)( 1) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all p r ovi d e w ri t t e n n o ti c e, b y c e r tifi e d m ail, 

r e t u r n r e c ei p t r e q u e s t e d, of i t s i n t e n t 

t o c r e a t e a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e u n d e r § 2 2 2. 3 9 of t hi s 

p a r t o r t o i m pl e m e n t n e w S S M s o r 

A S M s wi t hi n a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r 

P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e u n d e r 

§ 2 2 2. 4 1( c) o r ( d) of t hi s p a r t. S u c h n o tifi c a ti o n s h all b e p r o vi d e d t o: All r ailr o a d s o p e r a ti n g o v e r t h e p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e; t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o nsi bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y; a n d 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y. 

( 2) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all p r o vi d e 

w ri t t e n n o tifi c a ti o n, b y c e r tifi e d m ail, 

r e t u r n r e c ei p t r e q u e s t e d, t o c o n ti n u e a 

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e P a rti al Q ui e t Z o n e u n d e r § 2 2 2. 4 1 of t hi s 

p a r t o r t o c o n ti n u e a n I n t e r m e di a t e 

Q ui e t Z o n e o r I n t e r m e di a t e P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e u n d e r § 2 2 2. 4 2 of t hi s p a r t. 

S u c h n o tifi c a ti o n s h all b e p r o vi d e d t o: 

All r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g o v e r t h e p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c 

c o n t r ol o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y 

h a vi n g j u ri s di c ti o n o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e; t h e l a n d o w n e r h a vi n g c o n t r ol 

o v e r a n y p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e 

S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y 

a n d r o a d s af e t y; t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r es p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y; a n d 

t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. 

( 3) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all p r ovi d e d w ri t t e n n o ti c e, b y c e r tifi e d m ail, 

r e t u r n r e c ei p t r e q u e s t e d, of t h e e s t a bli s h m e n t of a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r § 2 2 2. 3 9 

o r 2 2 2. 4 1 of t hi s p a r t. S u c h n o tifi c a ti o n 

s h all b e p r o vi d e d t o: All r ail r o a d s o p e ra ti n g o v e r t h e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; 

t h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol o r l a w 

e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g j u ri s di cti o n o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e 

l a n d o w n e r h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r a n y p riv a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r es p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y; 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y; a n d t h e A s s o ci a t e A dmi ni s t r a t o r. 

( b) N oti c e of I nt e nt —( 1) Ti mi n g. (i) T h e 

N o ti c e of I n t e n t s h all b e m ail e d a t 

l e a s t 6 0 d a y s b ef o r e t h e m aili n g of t h e 

N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t, 

u nl e s s t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y o b t ai n s 

w ri t t e n c o m m e n t s a n d/ o r ‘‘ n o- c o mm e n t’’ s t a t e m e n t s f r o m e a c h r ail r o a d 

o p e r a ti n g o v e r p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y, a n d t h e S t a t e a g e n c y 

r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af et y, i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h 

( b)( 3)(ii) of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

(ii) T h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t s h all b e 

m ail e d n o l a t e r t h a n F e b r u a r y 2 4, 2 0 0 8 

f o r all P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d P r eR ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s g o v e r n e d b y 

§§ 2 2 2. 4 1( c) a n d ( d) of t hi s p a r t, i n o r d e r 

t o c o n ti n u e e xi s ti n g l o c o m o ti v e h o r n 

s o u n di n g r e s t ri c ti o n s b e y o n d J u n e 2 4, 

2 0 0 8 wi t h o u t i n t e r r u p ti o n. 

( 2) R e q uir e d C o nt e nts. T h e N o ti c e of 

I n t e n t s h all i n cl u d e t h e f oll o wi n g: 

(i) A li s t of e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d 

p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e, i d e n tifi e d b y b o t h U. S. D O T 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 8
2 9 3 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 4 3 

N a ti o n al Hi g h w a y- R ail G r a d e C r o s si n g 

I n v e n t o r y N u m b e r a n d s t r e e t o r hi g hw a y n a m e, if a p pli c a bl e. 

(ii) A s t a t e m e n t of t h e ti m e p e ri o d 

wi t hi n w hi c h r e s t ri c ti o n s w o ul d b e i mp o s e d o n t h e r o u ti n e s o u n di n g of t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n (i. e., 2 4 h o u r s o r f r o m 

1 0 p. m. u n til 7 a. m.). 

(iii) A b ri ef e x pl a n a ti o n of t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y’ s t e n t a ti v e pl a n s f o r i m pl em e n ti n g i m p r o v e m e n t s wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

(i v) T h e n a m e a n d ti tl e of t h e p e r s o n 

w h o will a c t a s p oi n t of c o n t a c t d u ri n g 

t h e q ui e t z o n e d e v el o p m e n t p r o c e s s a n d 

t h e m a n n e r i n w hi c h t h a t p e r s o n c a n 

b e c o n t a c t e d. 

( v) A li s t of t h e n a m e s a n d a d d r e s s e s 

of e a c h p a r t y t h a t will r e c ei v e n o tifi c ati o n i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h 

( a)( 1) of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

( 3) 6 0- d a y c o m m e nt p eri o d. (i) A p a r t y 

t h a t r e c ei v e s a c o p y of t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y’ s N o ti c e of I n t e n t m a y s u bmi t i nf o r m a ti o n o r c o m m e n t s a b o u t 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e t o t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y d u ri n g t h e 6 0- d a y p e ri o d 

af t e r t h e d a t e o n w hi c h t h e N o ti c e of 

I n t e n t w a s m ail e d. 

(ii) T h e 6 0- d a y c o m m e n t p e ri o d e s t a bli s h e d u n d e r p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 3)(i) of t hi s 

s e c ti o n m a y t e r mi n a t e w h e n t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y o b t ai n s f r o m e a c h r ail r o a d 

o p e r a ti n g o v e r p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d 

q ui e t z o n e, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o nsi bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y, a n d t h e 

S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y 

a n d r o a d s af e t y: 

( A) W ri t t e n c o m m e n t s; o r 

( B) W ri t t e n s t a t e m e n t s t h a t t h e r ailr o a d a n d S t a t e a g e n c y d o n o t h a v e a n y 

c o m m e n t s o n t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t (‘‘ n oc o m m e n t s t a t e m e n t s’’). 

( c) N oti c e of Q ui et Z o n e C o nti n u ati o n — 

( 1) Ti mi n g. (i) I n o r d e r t o p r e v e n t t h e 

r e s u m p ti o n of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s o u n di n g o n J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 5, t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t 

Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n u n d e r § 2 2 2. 4 1 o r 

2 2 2. 4 2 of t hi s p a r t s h all b e s e r v e d n o 

l a t e r t h a n J u n e 3, 2 0 0 5. 

(ii) If t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e C o nti n u a ti o n u n d e r § 2 2 2. 4 1 o r 2 2 2. 4 2 of t hi s 

p a r t i s m ail e d af t e r J u n e 3, 2 0 0 5, t h e 

N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n 

s h all s t a t e o n w hi c h d a t e l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n u s e a t g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e s h all c e a s e, b u t i n n o e v e n t 

s h all t h a t d a t e b e e a rli e r t h a n 2 1 d a y s 

af t e r t h e d a t e of m aili n g. 

( 2) R e q uir e d C o nt e nts. T h e N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n s h all i n cl u d e 

t h e f oll o wi n g: 

(i) A li s t of e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d 

p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e, i d e n tifi e d b y b o t h U. S. D O T 

N a ti o n al Hi g h w a y- R ail G r a d e C r o s si n g 

I n v e n t o r y N u m b e r a n d s t r e e t o r hi g hw a y n a m e. 

(ii) A s p e cifi c r ef e r e n c e t o t h e r e g ul a t o r y p r o vi si o n t h a t p r o vi d e s t h e b a si s 

f o r q ui e t z o n e c o n ti n u a ti o n, ci ti n g a s 

a p p r o p ri a t e, § 2 2 2. 4 1 o r 2 2 2. 4 2 of t hi s 

p a r t. 

(iii) A s t a t e m e n t of t h e ti m e p e ri o d 

wi t hi n w hi c h r e s t ri c ti o n s o n t h e r o uti n e s o u n di n g of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n 

will b e i m p o s e d (i. e., 2 4 h o u r s o r ni g h tti m e h o u r s o nl y.) 

(i v) A n a c c u r a t e a n d c o m pl e t e G r a d e 

C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y F o r m f o r e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e t h a t r efl e c t s 

c o n di ti o n s c u r r e n tl y e xi s ti n g a t t h e 

c r o s si n g. 

( v) T h e n a m e a n d ti tl e of t h e p e r s o n 

r e s p o n si bl e f o r m o ni t o ri n g c o m pli a n c e 

wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of t hi s p a r t a n d 

t h e m a n n e r i n w hi c h t h a t p e r s o n c a n 

b e c o n t a c t e d. 

( vi) A li s t of t h e n a m e s a n d a d d r e s s e s 

of e a c h p a r t y t h a t will r e c ei v e n o tifi c ati o n i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h 

( a)( 2) of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

( vii) A s t a t e m e n t si g n e d b y t h e c hi ef 

e x e c u ti v e offi c e r of e a c h p u bli c a u t h o ri t y p a r ti ci p a ti n g i n t h e c o n ti n u a ti o n of 

t h e q ui e t z o n e, i n w hi c h t h e c hi ef e x e cu ti v e offi c e r c e r tifi e s t h a t t h e i nf o r m ati o n s u b mi t t e d b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

i s a c c u r a t e a n d c o m pl e t e t o t h e b e s t of 

hi s/ h e r k n o wl e d g e a n d b eli ef. 

( d) N oti c e of Q ui et Z o n e Est a blis hm e nt —( 1) Ti mi n g. (i) T h e N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t s h all p r o vi d e 

t h e d a t e u p o n w hi c h t h e q ui e t z o n e will 

b e e s t a bli s h e d, b u t i n n o e v e n t s h all 

t h e d a t e b e e a rli e r t h a n 2 1 d a y s af t e r 

t h e d a t e of m aili n g. 

(ii) If t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y w a s r eq ui r e d t o p r o vi d e a N o ti c e of I n t e n t, i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 1) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n, t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e 

E s t a bli s h m e n t s h all n o t b e m ail e d l e s s 

t h a n 6 0 d a y s af t e r t h e d a t e o n w hi c h 

t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t w a s m ail e d, u nl e s s 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 8 9
2 9 4 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s hm e n t c o n t ai n s a w ri t t e n s t a t e m e n t affi r mi n g t h a t w ri t t e n c o m m e n t s a n d/ o r 

‘‘ n o- c o m m e n t’’ s t a t e m e n t s h a v e b e e n 

r e c ei v e d f r o m e a c h r ail r o a d o p e r a ti n g 

o v e r p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e, 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y, a n d t h e S t a t e a g e n c y 

r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af et y, i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h 

( b)( 3)(ii) of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

( 2) R e q uir e d c o nt e nts. T h e N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t s h all i n cl u d e 

t h e f oll o wi n g: 

(i) A li s t of e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d 

p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e, i d e n tifi e d b y b o t h U. S. D O T 

N a ti o n al Hi g h w a y- R ail G r a d e C r o s si n g 

I n v e n t o r y N u m b e r a n d s t r e e t o r hi g hw a y n a m e, if a p pli c a bl e. 

(ii) A s p e cifi c r ef e r e n c e t o t h e r e g ul a t o r y p r o vi si o n t h a t p r o vi d e s t h e b a si s 

f o r q ui e t z o n e e s t a bli s h m e n t, ci ti n g a s 

a p p r o p ri a t e, § 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 1), 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(i), 

2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(ii), 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 3), 2 2 2. 3 9( b), 

2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(i), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(ii),

2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(iii), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(i v),

2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(i), 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(ii),

2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(iii), o r 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(i v) of t hi s 

p a r t. 

( A) If t h e N o ti c e c o n t ai n s a s p e cifi c 

r ef e r e n c e t o § 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(i), 

2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(ii), 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 3),

2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(ii), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(iii),

2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(i v), 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(ii),

2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(iii), o r 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(i v) of t hi s 

p a r t, i t s h all i n cl u d e a c o p y of t h e F R A 

W e b p a g e t h a t c o n t ai n s t h e q ui e t z o n e 

d a t a u p o n w hi c h t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

i s r el yi n g (htt p:// w w w.fr a. d ot. g o v/ us/ c o nt e nt/ 1 3 3 7). 

( B) If t h e N o ti c e c o n t ai n s a s p e cifi c 

r ef e r e n c e t o § 2 2 2. 3 9( b) of t hi s p a r t, i t 

s h all i n cl u d e a c o p y of F R A’ s n o tifi c ati o n of a p p r o v al. 

(iii) If a di a g n o s ti c t e a m r e vi e w w a s 

r e q ui r e d u n d e r § 2 2 2. 2 5 o r 2 2 2. 2 7 of t hi s 

p a r t, t h e N o ti c e s h all i n cl u d e a s t a t em e n t affi r mi n g t h a t t h e S t a t e a g e n c y 

r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y 

a n d all aff e c t e d r ail r o a d s w e r e p r o vi d e d 

a n o p p o r t u ni t y t o p a r ti ci p a t e i n t h e dia g n o s ti c t e a m r e vi e w. T h e N o ti c e s h all 

al s o i n cl u d e a li s t of r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s 

m a d e b y t h e di a g n o s ti c t e a m. 

(i v) A s t a t e m e n t of t h e ti m e p e ri o d 

wi t hi n w hi c h r e s t ri c ti o n s o n t h e r o uti n e s o u n di n g of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n 

will b e i m p o s e d (i. e., 2 4 h o u r s o r f r o m 

1 0 p. m. u n til 7 a. m.). 

( v) A n a c c u r a t e a n d c o m pl e t e G r a d e 

C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y F o r m f o r e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e t h a t r efl e c t s 

t h e c o n di ti o n s e xi s ti n g a t t h e c r o s si n g 

b ef o r e a n y n e w S S M s o r A S M s w e r e i mpl e m e n t e d. 

( vi) A n a c c u r a t e, c o m pl e t e a n d c u rr e n t G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y F o r m 

f o r e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d p e d e s t ri a n 

g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e 

t h a t r efl e c t s S S M s a n d A S M s i n pl a c e 

u p o n e s t a bli s h m e n t of t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

S S M s a n d A S M s t h a t c a n n o t b e f ull y 

d e s c ri b e d o n t h e I n v e n t o r y F o r m s h all 

b e s e p a r a t el y d e s c ri b e d. 

( vii) If t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y w a s r eq ui r e d t o p r o vi d e a N o ti c e of I n t e n t, i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 1) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n, t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e 

E s t a bli s h m e n t s h all c o n t ai n a w ri t t e n 

s t a t e m e n t affi r mi n g t h a t t h e N o ti c e of 

I n t e n t w a s p r o vi d e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 1) of t hi s s e c ti o n. T hi s 

s t a t e m e n t s h all al s o s t a t e t h e d a t e o n 

w hi c h t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t w a s m ail e d. 

( viii) If t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y w a s r eq ui r e d t o p r o vi d e a N o ti c e of I n t e n t, i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 1) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n, a n d t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t 

w a s m ail e d l e s s t h a n 6 0 d a y s b ef o r e t h e 

m aili n g of t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E st a bli s h m e n t, t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e 

E s t a bli s h m e n t s h all al s o c o n t ai n a 

w ri t t e n s t a t e m e n t affi r mi n g t h a t w ri tt e n c o m m e n t s a n d/ o r ‘‘ n o- c o m m e n t’’ 

s t a t e m e n t s h a v e b e e n r e c ei v e d f r o m 

e a c h r ail r o a d o p e r a ti n g o v e r p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e, t h e S t a t e 

a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g 

s af e t y, a n d t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o nsi bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y, i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 3)(ii) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n. 

(i x) T h e n a m e a n d ti tl e of t h e p e r s o n 

r e s p o n si bl e f o r m o ni t o ri n g c o m pli a n c e 

wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of t hi s p a r t a n d 

t h e m a n n e r i n w hi c h t h a t p e r s o n c a n 

b e c o n t a c t e d. 

( x) A li s t of t h e n a m e s a n d a d d r e s s e s 

of e a c h p a r t y t h a t s h all b e n o tifi e d i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 3) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n. 

( xi) A s t a t e m e n t si g n e d b y t h e c hi ef 

e x e c u ti v e offi c e r of e a c h p u bli c a u t h o ri t y p a r ti ci p a ti n g i n t h e e s t a bli s h m e n t 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 0
2 9 5 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 5 1 

of t h e q ui e t z o n e, i n w hi c h t h e c hi ef e xe c u ti v e offi c e r s h all c e r tif y t h a t t h e i nf o r m a ti o n s u b mi t t e d b y t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y i s a c c u r a t e a n d c o m pl e t e t o t h e 

b e s t of hi s/ h e r k n o wl e d g e a n d b eli ef. 

§ 2 2 2. 4 5 W h e n i s a r ail r o a d r e q ui r e d t o 

c e a s e r o uti n e s o u n di n g of l o c om oti v e h o r n s at c r o s si n g s ? 

O n t h e d a t e s p e cifi e d i n a N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n o r N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t t h a t c o mpli e s wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s s e t f o r t h i n 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t, a r ail r o a d s h all r ef r ai n f r o m, o r c e a s e, r o u ti n e s o u n di n g 

of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n a t all p u bli c, 

p ri v a t e a n d p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g s 

i d e n tifi e d i n t h e N o ti c e. 

§ 2 2 2. 4 7 W h at p e ri o di c u p d at e s a r e r eq ui r e d ? 

( a) Q ui et z o n es wit h S S Ms at e a c h p u bli c cr ossi n g. T hi s p a r a g r a p h a d d r e s s e s 

q ui e t z o n e s e s t a bli s h e d p u r s u a n t t o 

§§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 1), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(i), a n d 

2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(i) ( q ui e t z o n e s wi t h a n S S M 

i m pl e m e n t e d a t e v e r y p u bli c c r o s si n g 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e) of t hi s p a r t. B et w e e n 4 a n d 5 y e a r s af t e r t h e d a t e of 

t h e q ui e t z o n e e s t a bli s h m e n t n o ti c e 

p r o vi d e d b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y u n d e r 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t, a n d b e t w e e n 4 a n d 

5 y e a r s af t e r t h e l a s t affi r m a ti o n u n d e r 

t hi s s e c ti o n, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t: 

( 1) Affi r m i n w ri ti n g t o t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r t h a t t h e S S M s i m pl em e n t e d wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e c o n ti n u e 

t o c o nf o r m t o t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of a pp e n di x A of t hi s p a r t. C o pi e s of s u c h affi r m a ti o n m u s t b e p r o vi d e d b y c e r tifi e d 

m ail, r e t u r n r e c ei p t r e q u e s t e d, t o t h e 

p a r ti e s i d e n tifi e d i n § 2 2 2. 4 3( a)( 3) of t hi s 

p a r t; a n d 

( 2) P r o vi d e t o t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r a n u p- t o- d a t e, a c c u r a t e, a n d 

c o m pl e t e G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y 

F o r m f o r e a c h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g, p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g, a n d p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

( b) Q ui et z o n es w hi c h d o n ot h a v e a 

s u p pl e m e nt ar y s af et y m e as ur e at e a c h 

p u bli c cr ossi n g. T hi s p a r a g r a p h a d d r e s se s q ui e t z o n e s e s t a bli s h e d p u r s u a n t t o 

§§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2) a n d ( a)( 3), § 2 2 2. 3 9( b), 

§§ 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(ii), ( a)( 1)(iii), a n d 

( a)( 1)(i v), a n d §§ 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(ii), 

( b)( 1)(iii), a n d ( b)( 1)(i v) ( q ui e t z o n e s 

w hi c h d o n o t h a v e a n S S M a t e v e r y 

p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e) 

of t hi s p a r t. B e t w e e n 2 a n d 3 y e a r s 

af t e r t h e d a t e of t h e q ui e t z o n e e s t a bli s h m e n t n o ti c e p r o vi d e d b y t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y u n d e r § 2 2 2. 4 3 of t hi s p a r t, 

a n d b e t w e e n 2 a n d 3 y e a r s af t e r t h e 

l a s t affi r m a ti o n u n d e r t hi s s e c ti o n, t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t: 

( 1) Affi r m i n w ri ti n g t o t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r t h a t all S S M s a n d A S M s 

i m pl e m e n t e d wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e 

c o n ti n u e t o c o nf o r m t o t h e r e q ui r em e n t s of A p p e n di c e s A a n d B of t hi s 

p a r t o r t h e t e r m s of t h e Q ui e t Z o n e a pp r o v al. C o pi e s of s u c h n o tifi c a ti o n 

m u s t b e p r o vi d e d t o t h e p a r ti e s i d e n tifi e d i n § 2 2 2. 4 3( a)( 3) of t hi s p a r t b y c e rtifi e d m ail, r e t u r n r e c ei p t r e q u e s t e d; 

a n d 

( 2) P r o vi d e t o t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r a n u p- t o- d a t e, a c c u r a t e, a n d 

c o m pl e t e G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y 

F o r m f o r e a c h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g, p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g, a n d p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

§ 2 2 2. 4 9 W h o m a y fil e G r a d e C r o s si n g 

I n v e nt o r y F o r m s ? 

( a) G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y F o r m s 

r e q ui r e d t o b e fil e d wi t h t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

§§ 2 2 2. 3 9, 2 2 2. 4 3 a n d 2 2 2. 4 7 of t hi s p a r t 

m a y b e fil e d b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y if, 

f o r a n y r e a s o n, s u c h f o r m s a r e n o t 

ti m el y s u b mi t t e d b y t h e S t a t e a n d r ailr o a d. 

( b) Wi t hi n 3 0 d a y s af t e r r e c ei p t of a 

w ri t t e n r e q u e s t of t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y, 

t h e r ail r o a d o w ni n g t h e li n e of r ail r o a d 

t h a t i n cl u d e s p u bli c o r p ri v a t e hi g h w a y 

r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e o r p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e s h all p r ovi d e t o t h e S t a t e a n d p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

s uffi ci e n t c u r r e n t i nf o r m a ti o n r e g a r di n g t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g a n d t h e r ailr o a d’ s o p e r a ti o n s o v e r t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g t o e n a bl e t h e S t a t e a n d p u bli c a ut h o ri t y t o c o m pl e t e t h e G r a d e C r o s si n g 

I n v e n t o r y F o r m. 

§ 2 2 2. 5 1 U n d e r w h at c o n diti o n s will 

q ui et z o n e st at u s b e t e r mi n at e d ? 

( a) N e w Q ui et Z o n es — A n n u al ris k r evi e w . ( 1) F R A will a n n u all y c al c ul a t e 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x f o r e a c h 

q ui e t z o n e e s t a bli s h e d p u r s u a n t t o 

§§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2) a n d 2 2 2. 3 9( b) of t hi s p a r t, 

a n d i n c o m p a ri s o n t o t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 1
2 9 6 

§ 2 2 2. 5 1 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. F R A will 

n o tif y e a c h p u bli c a u t h o ri t y of t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x f o r t h e p r ec e di n g c al e n d a r y e a r. F R A will n o t 

c o n d u c t a n n u al ri s k r e vi e w s f o r q ui e t 

z o n e s e s t a bli s h e d b y h a vi n g a n S S M a t 

e v e r y p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e o r f o r q ui e t z o n e s e s t a bli s h e d b y 

r e d u ci n g t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o 

t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s. 

( 2) A cti o ns t o b e t a k e n b y p u bli c a ut h orit y t o r et ai n q ui et z o n e. If t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s a b o v e t h e N a ti o nwi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, t h e 

q ui e t z o n e will t e r mi n a t e si x m o n t h s 

f r o m t h e d a t e of r e c ei p t of n o tifi c a ti o n 

f r o m F R A t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x e x c e e d s t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nific a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, u nl e s s t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y t a k e s t h e f oll o wi n g a c ti o n s: 

(i) Wi t hi n si x m o n t h s af t e r t h e d a t e 

of r e c ei p t of n o tifi c a ti o n f r o m F R A 

t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x e x c e e d s 

t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, p r o vi d e t o t h e A s s o ci a t e A dmi ni s t r a t o r a w ri t t e n c o m mi t m e n t t o 

l o w e r t h e p o t e n ti al ri s k t o t h e t r a veli n g p u bli c a t t h e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e t o a l e v el a t, o r b el o w, t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d 

o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s. I n cl u d e d 

i n t h e c o m mi t m e n t s t a t e m e n t s h all b e 

a di s c u s si o n of t h e s p e cifi c s t e p s t o b e 

t a k e n b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o i nc r e a s e s af e t y a t t h e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e; a n d 

(ii) Wi t hi n t h r e e y e a r s af t e r t h e d a t e 

of r e c ei p t of n o tifi c a ti o n f r o m F R A 

t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x e x c e e d s 

t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, c o m pl e t e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of 

S S M s o r A S M s s uffi ci e n t t o r e d u c e t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el a t, o r 

b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s, a n d r e c ei v e a p p r o v al f r o m t h e 

A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r, u n d e r t h e 

p r o c e d u r e s s e t f o r t h i n § 2 2 2. 3 9( b) of t hi s 

p a r t, f o r c o n ti n u a ti o n of t h e q ui e t 

z o n e. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s 

r e d u c e d t o t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s, 

t h e q ui e t z o n e will b e c o n si d e r e d t o 

h a v e b e e n e s t a bli s h e d p u r s u a n t t o 

§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 3) of t hi s p a r t a n d s u b s e q u e n t 

a n n u al ri s k r e vi e w s will n o t b e c o nd u c t e d f o r t h a t q ui e t z o n e. 

(iii) F ail u r e t o c o m pl y wi t h p a r ag r a p h ( a)( 2)(i) of t hi s s e c ti o n s h all r es ul t i n t h e t e r mi n a ti o n of t h e q ui e t 

z o n e si x m o n t h s af t e r t h e d a t e of r ec ei p t of n o tifi c a ti o n f r o m F R A t h a t t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x e x c e e d s t h e N ati o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. 

F ail u r e t o c o m pl y wi t h p a r a g r a p h 

( a)( 2)(ii) of t hi s s e c ti o n s h all r e s ul t i n 

t h e t e r mi n a ti o n of t h e q ui e t z o n e t h r e e 

y e a r s af t e r t h e d a t e of r e c ei p t of n o tific a ti o n f r o m F R A t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x e x c e e d s t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si gnifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. 

( b) Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es — A n n u al ris k 

r e vi e w. ( 1) F R A will a n n u all y c al c ul a t e 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x f o r e a c h 

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e a n d P r e- R ul e P a rti al Q ui e t Z o n e t h a t q u alifi e d f o r a u t om a ti c a p p r o v al p u r s u a n t t o 

§§ 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(ii), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(iii), 

2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(ii), a n d 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(iii) of 

t hi s p a r t. F R A will n o tif y e a c h p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y of t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x 

f o r t h e p r e c e di n g c al e n d a r y e a r. F R A 

will al s o n o tif y e a c h p u bli c a u t h o ri t y if 

a r el e v a n t c olli si o n o c c u r r e d a t a g r a d e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e d u ri n g 

t h e p r e c e di n g c al e n d a r y e a r. 

( 2) Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es a n d Pr e- R ul e 

P arti al Q ui et Z o n es a ut h ori z e d u n d er 

§ § 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(ii) a n d 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(ii). (i) If 

a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e P a rti al Q ui e t Z o n e o ri gi n all y q u alifi e d f o r 

a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al b e c a u s e t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x w a s a t, o r b el o w, t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s hol d, t h e q ui e t z o n e m a y c o n ti n u e u nc h a n g e d if t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x 

a s l a s t c al c ul a t e d b y t h e F R A r e m ai n s 

a t, o r b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nific a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. 

(ii) If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x a s 

l a s t c al c ul a t e d b y F R A i s a b o v e t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s hol d, b u t i s l o w e r t h a n t wi c e t h e N a ti o nwi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d n o 

r el e v a n t c olli si o n s h a v e o c c u r r e d a t 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e wi t hi n 

t h e fi v e y e a r s p r e c e di n g t h e a n n u al 

ri s k r e vi e w, t h e n t h e q ui e t z o n e m a y 

c o n ti n u e a s t h o u g h i t o ri gi n all y r ec ei v e d a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al p u r s u a n t t o 

§ 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(iii) o r 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(iii) of 

t hi s p a r t. 

(iii) If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x a s 

l a s t c al c ul a t e d b y F R A i s a t, o r a b o v e, 

t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, o r if t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x i s a b o v e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nific a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, b u t i s l o w e r t h a n 

t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 2
2 9 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 5 1 

T h r e s h ol d a n d a r el e v a n t c olli si o n o cc u r r e d a t a c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e wi t hi n t h e p r e c e di n g fi v e c al e n d a r 

y e a r s, t h e q ui e t z o n e will t e r mi n a t e si x 

m o n t h s af t e r t h e d a t e of r e c ei p t of n otifi c a ti o n f r o m F R A of t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d l e v el, u nl e s s t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t a k e s t h e a cti o n s s p e cifi e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 4) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n. 

( 3) Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es a n d Pr e- R ul e 

P arti al Q ui et Z o n es a ut h ori z e d u n d er 

§ § 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(iii) a n d 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(iii). (i) 

If a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e o ri gi n all y q u alifi e d 

f o r a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al b e c a u s e t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x w a s a b o v e t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s hol d, b u t b el o w t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, a n d n o r ele v a n t c olli si o n s h a d o c c u r r e d wi t hi n 

t h e fi v e- y e a r q u alif yi n g p e ri o d, t h e 

q ui e t z o n e m a y c o n ti n u e u n c h a n g e d if 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x a s l a s t c alc ul a t e d b y F R A r e m ai n s b el o w t wi c e 

t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d a n d n o r el e v a n t c olli si o n s 

o c c u r r e d a t a p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e d u ri n g t h e p r ec e di n g c al e n d a r y e a r. 

(ii) If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x a s 

l a s t c al c ul a t e d b y F R A i s a t, o r a b o v e, 

t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, o r if a r el e v a n t c olli si o n o cc u r r e d a t a p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e d u ri n g t h e p r e c e di n g 

c al e n d a r y e a r, t h e q ui e t z o n e will t e rmi n a t e si x m o n t h s af t e r t h e d a t e of r ec ei p t of n o tifi c a ti o n f r o m F R A t h a t t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s a t, o r e x c e e d s 

t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d o r t h a t a r el e v a n t c olli si o n 

o c c u r r e d a t a c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e, u nl e s s t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t a k e s 

t h e a c ti o n s s p e cifi e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 4) 

of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

( 4) A cti o ns t o b e t a k e n b y t h e p u bli c a ut h orit y t o r et ai n a q ui et z o n e. 

(i) Wi t hi n si x m o n t h s af t e r t h e d a t e 

of F R A n o tifi c a ti o n, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all p r o vi d e t o t h e A s s o ci a t e A dmi ni s t r a t o r a w ri t t e n c o m mi t m e n t t o 

l o w e r t h e p o t e n ti al ri s k t o t h e t r a veli n g p u bli c a t t h e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e b y r e d u ci n g t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el a t, o r b el o w, t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d 

o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s. I n cl u d e d 

i n t h e c o m mi t m e n t s t a t e m e n t s h all b e 

a di s c u s si o n of t h e s p e cifi c s t e p s t o b e 

t a k e n b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o i nc r e a s e s af e t y a t t h e p u bli c c r o s si n g s 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; a n d 

(ii) Wi t hi n t h r e e y e a r s of t h e d a t e of 

F R A n o tifi c a ti o n, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

s h all c o m pl e t e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of 

S S M s o r A S M s s uffi ci e n t t o r e d u c e t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el a t, o r 

b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s, a n d r e c ei v e a p p r o v al f r o m t h e 

A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r, u n d e r t h e 

p r o c e d u r e s s e t f o r t h i n § 2 2 2. 3 9( b) of t hi s 

p a r t, f o r c o n ti n u a ti o n of t h e q ui e t 

z o n e. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s 

r e d u c e d t o a l e v el t h a t f ull y c o mp e n s a t e s f o r t h e a b s e n c e of t h e t r ai n 

h o r n, t h e q ui e t z o n e will b e c o n si d e r e d 

t o h a v e b e e n e s t a bli s h e d p u r s u a n t t o 

§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 3) of t hi s p a r t a n d s u b s e q u e n t 

a n n u al ri s k r e vi e w s will n o t b e c o nd u c t e d f o r t h a t q ui e t z o n e. 

(iii) F ail u r e t o c o m pl y wi t h p a r ag r a p h ( b)( 4)(i) of t hi s s e c ti o n s h all r es ul t i n t h e t e r mi n a ti o n of t h e q ui e t 

z o n e si x m o n t h s af t e r t h e d a t e of r ec ei p t of n o tifi c a ti o n f r o m F R A. F ail u r e 

t o c o m pl y wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( b)( 4)(ii) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n s h all r e s ul t i n t h e t e r min a ti o n of t h e q ui e t z o n e t h r e e y e a r s 

af t e r t h e d a t e of r e c ei p t of n o tifi c a ti o n 

f r o m F R A. 

( c) R e vi e w at F R A’s i niti ati v e. ( 1) T h e 

A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r m a y, a t a n y 

ti m e, r e vi e w t h e s t a t u s of a n y q ui e t 

z o n e. 

( 2) If t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r 

m a k e s a n y of t h e f oll o wi n g p r eli min a r y d e t e r mi n a ti o n s, t h e A s s o ci a t e A dmi ni s t r a t o r will p r o vi d e w ri t t e n n o ti c e 

t o t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y, all r ail r o a d s 

o p e r a ti n g o v e r p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, 

t h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol a u t h o ri t y o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t t h e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e 

l a n d o w n e r h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r a n y p riv a t e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y, a n d t h e S t a t e a g e n c y 

r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af et y a n d will p u bli s h a n o ti c e of t h e d et e r mi n a ti o n i n t h e F E D E R A L E GI S T E R : 

(i) S af e t y s y s t e m s a n d m e a s u r e s i mpl e m e n t e d wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e d o n o t 

f ull y c o m p e n s a t e f o r t h e a b s e n c e of t h e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 3
2 9 8 

§ 2 2 2. 5 1 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n d u e t o a s u b s t a n ti al 

i n c r e a s e i n ri s k; 

(ii) D o c u m e n t a ti o n r eli e d u p o n t o e st a bli s h t h e q ui e t z o n e c o n t ai n s s u bs t a n ti al e r r o r s t h a t m a y h a v e a n a dv e r s e i m p a c t o n p u bli c s af e t y; o r 

(iii) Si g nifi c a n t ri s k wi t h r e s p e c t t o 

l o s s of lif e o r s e ri o u s p e r s o n al i nj u r y 

e xi s t s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

( 3) Af t e r p r o vi di n g a n o p p o r t u ni t y f o r 

c o m m e n t, t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r 

m a y r e q ui r e t h a t a d di ti o n al s af e t y 

m e a s u r e s b e t a k e n o r t h a t t h e q ui e t 

z o n e b e t e r mi n a t e d. T h e A s s o ci a t e A dmi ni s t r a t o r will p r o vi d e a c o p y of hi s/ 

h e r d e ci si o n t o t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

a n d all p a r ti e s li s t e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( c)( 2) 

of t hi s s e c ti o n. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

m a y a p p e al t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r at o r’ s d e ci si o n i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

§ 2 2 2. 5 7( c) of t hi s p a r t. N o t hi n g i n t hi s 

s e c ti o n i s i n t e n d e d t o li mi t t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r’ s e m e r g e n c y a u t h o ri t y u n d e r 

4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 4 a n d 4 9 C F R p a r t 2 1 1. 

( d) T er mi n ati o n b y t h e p u bli c a ut h orit y. 

( 1) A n y p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t h a t p a r ti cip a t e d i n t h e e s t a bli s h m e n t of a q ui e t 

z o n e u n d e r t h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s p a r t 

m a y, a t a n y ti m e, wi t h d r a w i t s q ui e t 

z o n e s t a t u s. 

( 2) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y wi t h d r a w 

i t s q ui e t z o n e s t a t u s b y p r o vi di n g w ri tt e n n o ti c e of t e r mi n a ti o n, b y c e r tifi e d 

m ail, r e t u r n r e c ei p t r e q u e s t e d, t o all 

r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g t h e p u bli c hi g h w a yr ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e, t h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol a ut h o ri t y o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y 

h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t 

t h e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e 

l a n d o w n e r h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r a n y p riv a t e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r es p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y, 

a n d t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. 

( 3)(i) If t h e q ui e t z o n e t h a t i s b ei n g 

wi t h d r a w n w a s p a r t of a m ul ti-j u ri s di cti o n al q ui e t z o n e, t h e r e m ai ni n g q ui e t 

z o n e s m a y r e m ai n i n eff e c t, p r o vi d e d 

t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

t h e r e m ai ni n g q ui e t z o n e s p r o vi d e 

s t a t e m e n t s t o t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r c e r tif yi n g t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x f o r e a c h r e m ai ni n g q ui e t 

z o n e i s a t, o r b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k 

I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s. T h e s e s t a t e m e n t s 

s h all b e p r o vi d e d, n o l a t e r t h a n si x 

m o n t h s af t e r t h e d a t e o n w hi c h t h e n oti c e of q ui e t z o n e t e r mi n a ti o n w a s 

m ail e d, t o all p a r ti e s li s t e d i n p a r ag r a p h ( d)( 2) of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

(ii) If a n y r e m ai ni n g q ui e t z o n e h a s a 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i n e x c e s s of t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d 

a n d t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s, t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y r e s p o n si bl e f o r t h e 

q ui e t z o n e s h all s u b mi t a w ri t t e n c o mmi t m e n t, t o all p a r ti e s li s t e d i n p a r ag r a p h ( d)( 2) of t hi s s e c ti o n, t o r e d u c e 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el a t 

o r b el o w t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s wi t hi n t h r e e y e a r s. I n cl u d e d i n 

t h e c o m mi t m e n t s t a t e m e n t s h all b e a 

di s c u s si o n of t h e s p e cifi c s t e p s t o b e 

t a k e n b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o r ed u c e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. T hi s 

c o m mi t m e n t s t a t e m e n t s h all b e p r ovi d e d t o all p a r ti e s li s t e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( d)( 2) of t hi s s e c ti o n n o l a t e r t h a n si x 

m o n t h s af t e r t h e d a t e o n w hi c h t h e n oti c e of q ui e t z o n e t e r mi n a ti o n w a s 

m ail e d. 

(iii) F ail u r e t o c o m pl y wi t h p a r ag r a p h s ( d)( 3)(i) a n d ( d)( 3)(ii) of t hi s s e cti o n s h all r e s ul t i n t h e t e r mi n a ti o n of 

t h e r e m ai ni n g q ui e t z o n e( s) si x m o n t h s 

af t e r t h e d a t e o n w hi c h t h e n o ti c e of 

q ui e t z o n e t e r mi n a ti o n w a s m ail e d b y 

t h e wi t h d r a wi n g p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i n 

a c c o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( d)( 2) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n. 

(i v) F ail u r e t o c o m pl e t e i m pl e m e n t ati o n of S S M s a n d/ o r A S M s t o r e d u c e 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el a t, 

o r b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k I n d e x o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s, i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e w ri t t e n 

c o m mi t m e n t p r o vi d e d u n d e r p a r a g r a p h 

( d)( 3)(ii) of t hi s s e c ti o n, s h all r e s ul t i n 

t h e t e r mi n a ti o n of q ui e t z o n e s t a t u s 

t h r e e y e a r s af t e r t h e d a t e o n w hi c h t h e 

w ri t t e n c o m mi t m e n t w a s r e c ei v e d b y 

F R A. 

( e) N otifi c ati o n of t er mi n ati o n. ( 1) I n 

t h e e v e n t t h a t a q ui e t z o n e i s t e r min a t e d u n d e r t h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s s e cti o n, i t s h all b e t h e r e s p o n si bili t y of 

t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o i m m e di a t el y 

p r o vi d e w ri t t e n n o tifi c a ti o n of t h e t e rmi n a ti o n b y c e r tifi e d m ail, r e t u r n r ec ei p t r e q u e s t e d, t o all r ail r o a d s o p e ra ti n g o v e r p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e 

hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol a u t h o ri t y o r 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 4
2 9 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 5 5 

l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g c o nt r ol o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t t h e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e l a n do w n e r h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r a n y p ri v a t e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e 

S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r es p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y, 

a n d t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. 

( 2) N o t wi t h s t a n di n g p a r a g r a p h ( e)( 1) 

of t hi s s e c ti o n, if a q ui e t z o n e i s t e r min a t e d u n d e r t h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s s e cti o n, F R A s h all al s o p r o vi d e w ri t t e n 

n o tifi c a ti o n t o all p a r ti e s li s t e d i n 

p a r a g r a p h ( e)( 1) of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

(f) R e q uir e m e nt t o s o u n d t h e l o c o m oti v e 

h or n. U p o n r e c ei p t of n o tifi c a ti o n of 

q ui e t z o n e t e r mi n a ti o n p u r s u a n t t o 

p a r a g r a p h ( e) of t hi s s e c ti o n, r ail r o a d s 

s h all, wi t hi n s e v e n d a y s, a n d i n a c c o r da n c e wi t h t h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s p a r t, 

s o u n d t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n w h e n a pp r o a c hi n g a n d p a s si n g t h r o u g h e v e r y 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g 

wi t hi n t h e f o r m e r q ui e t z o n e. 

§ 2 2 2. 5 3 W h at a r e t h e r e q ui r e m e nt s f o r 

s u p pl e m e nt a r y a n d alt e r n ati v e s af et y m e a s u r e s ? 

( a) A p p r o v e d S S M s a r e li s t e d i n a pp e n di x A of t hi s p a r t. A p p r o v e d S S M s 

c a n q u alif y f o r q ui e t z o n e ri s k r e d u cti o n c r e di t i n t h e m a n n e r s p e cifi e d i n 

a p p e n di x A of t hi s p a r t. 

( b) A d di ti o n al A S M s t h a t m a y b e i ncl u d e d i n a r e q u e s t f o r F R A a p p r o v al of 

a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r § 2 2 2. 3 9( b) of t hi s 

p a r t a r e li s t e d i n a p p e n di x B of t hi s 

p a r t. M o difi e d S S M s c a n q u alif y f o r 

q ui e t z o n e ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t i n t h e 

m a n n e r s p e cifi e d i n a p p e n di x B of t hi s 

p a r t. 

( c) T h e f oll o wi n g d o n o t, i n di vi d u all y 

o r i n c o m bi n a ti o n, c o n s ti t u t e S S M s o r 

A S M s: S t a n d a r d t r affi c c o n t r ol d e vi c e 

a r r a n g e m e n t s s u c h a s r efl e c t o ri z e d 

c r o s s b u c k s, S T O P si g n s, fl a s hi n g 

li g h t s, o r fl a s hi n g li g h t s wi t h g a t e s 

t h a t d o n o t c o m pl e t el y bl o c k t r a v el 

o v e r t h e li n e of r ail r o a d, o r t r affi c si gn al s. 

§ 2 2 2. 5 5 H o w a r e n e w s u p pl e m e nt a r y 

o r alt e r n ati v e s af et y m e a s u r e s a pp r o v e d ? 

( a) T h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r m a y 

a d d n e w S S M s a n d s t a n d a r d s t o a p p e ndi x A of t hi s p a r t a n d n e w A S M s a n d 

s t a n d a r d s t o a p p e n di x B of t hi s p a r t 

w h e n t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r d et e r mi n e s t h a t s u c h m e a s u r e s o r s t a n da r d s a r e a n eff e c ti v e s u b s ti t u t e f o r t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n i n t h e p r e v e n ti o n of 

c olli si o n s a n d c a s u al ti e s a t p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s. 

( b) I n t e r e s t e d p a r ti e s m a y a p pl y f o r 

a p p r o v al f r o m t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r t o d e m o n s t r a t e p r o p o s e d n e w 

S S M s o r A S M s t o d e t e r mi n e w h e t h e r 

t h e y a r e eff e c ti v e s u b s ti t u t e s f o r t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n i n t h e p r e v e n ti o n of 

c olli si o n s a n d c a s u al ti e s a t p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s. 

( c) T h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r 

m a y, af t e r n o ti c e a n d o p p o r t u ni t y f o r 

c o m m e n t, o r d e r r ail r o a d c a r ri e r s o p e ra ti n g o v e r a p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g o r c r o s si n g s t o t e m p o r a ril y 

c e a s e t h e s o u n di n g of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s 

a t s u c h c r o s si n g s t o d e m o n s t r a t e p r op o s e d n e w S S M s o r A S M s, p r o vi d e d 

t h a t s u c h p r o p o s e d n e w S S M s o r A S M s 

h a v e b e e n s u bj e c t t o p ri o r t e s ti n g a n d 

e v al u a ti o n. I n i s s ui n g s u c h o r d e r, t h e 

A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r m a y i m p o s e 

a n y c o n di ti o n s o r li mi t a ti o n s o n s u c h 

u s e of t h e p r o p o s e d n e w S S M s o r A S M s 

w hi c h t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r 

d e e m s n e c e s s a r y i n o r d e r t o p r o vi d e t h e 

l e v el of s af e t y a t l e a s t e q ui v al e n t t o 

t h a t p r o vi d e d b y t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n. 

( d) U p o n c o m pl e ti o n of a d e m o n s t r ati o n of p r o p o s e d n e w S S M s o r A S M s, 

i n t e r e s t e d p a r ti e s m a y a p pl y t o t h e A ss o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r f o r t h ei r a pp r o v al. A p pli c a ti o n s f o r a p p r o v al s h all 

b e i n w ri ti n g a n d s h all i n cl u d e t h e f oll o wi n g: 

( 1) T h e n a m e a n d a d d r e s s of t h e a ppli c a n t; 

( 2) A d e s c ri p ti o n a n d d e si g n of t h e 

p r o p o s e d n e w S S M o r A S M; 

( 3) A d e s c ri p ti o n a n d r e s ul t s of t h e 

d e m o n s t r a ti o n p r oj e c t i n w hi c h t h e 

p r o p o s e d S S M s o r A S M s w e r e t e s t e d; 

( 4) E s ti m a t e d c o s t s of t h e p r o p o s e d 

n e w S S M o r A S M; a n d 

( 5) A n y o t h e r i nf o r m a ti o n d e e m e d 

n e c e s s a r y. 

( e) If t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r i s 

s a ti sfi e d t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d s af e t y 

m e a s u r e f ull y c o m p e n s a t e s f o r t h e a bs e n c e of t h e w a r ni n g p r o vi d e d b y t h e 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n, t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r will a p p r o v e i t s u s e a s a n S S M 

t o b e u s e d i n t h e s a m e m a n n e r a s t h e 

m e a s u r e s li s t e d i n a p p e n di x A of t hi s 

p a r t, o r t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 0 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 5
3 0 0 

§ 2 2 2. 5 7 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

m a y a p p r o v e i t s u s e a s a n A S M t o b e 

u s e d i n t h e s a m e m a n n e r a s t h e m e a su r e s li s t e d i n a p p e n di x B of t hi s p a r t. 

T h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r m a y i mp o s e a n y c o n di ti o n s o r li mi t a ti o n s o n 

u s e of t h e S S M s o r A S M s w hi c h t h e A ss o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r d e e m s n e c e s s a r y 

i n o r d e r t o p r o vi d e t h e l e v el of s af e t y 

a t l e a s t e q ui v al e n t t o t h a t p r o vi d e d b y 

t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n. 

(f) If t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r a pp r o v e s a n e w S S M o r A S M, t h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r will: N o tif y t h e 

a p pli c a n t, if a n y; p u bli s h n o ti c e of s u c h 

a c ti o n i n t h e F E D E R A L E GI S T E R ; a n d 

a d d t h e m e a s u r e t o t h e li s t of a p p r o v e d 

S S M s o r A S M s. 

( g) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y o r o t h e r i n t e re s t e d p a r t y m a y a p p e al t o t h e A d mi ni st r a t o r f r o m a d e ci si o n b y t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r g r a n ti n g o r d e n yi n g a n 

a p pli c a ti o n f o r a p p r o v al of a p r o p o s e d 

S S M o r A S M, o r t h e c o n di ti o n s o r li mit a ti o n s i m p o s e d o n i t s u s e, i n a c c o r da n c e wi t h § 2 2 2. 5 7 of t hi s p a r t. 

§ 2 2 2. 5 7 C a n p a rti e s s e e k r e vi e w of t h e 

A s s o ci at e A d mi ni st r at o r’ s a cti o n s ? 

( a) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y o r o t h e r i n t e re s t e d p a r t y m a y p e ti ti o n t h e A d mi ni st r a t o r f o r r e vi e w of a n y d e ci si o n b y t h e 

A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r g r a n ti n g o r 

d e n yi n g a n a p pli c a ti o n f o r a p p r o v al of 

a n e w S S M o r A S M u n d e r § 2 2 2. 5 5 of t hi s 

p a r t. T h e p e ti ti o n m u s t b e fil e d wi t hi n 

6 0 d a y s of t h e d e ci si o n t o b e r e vi e w e d, 

s p e cif y t h e g r o u n d s f o r t h e r e q u e s t e d 

r eli ef, a n d b e s e r v e d u p o n t h e f oll o wi n g 

p a r ti e s: All r ail r o a d s o r d e r e d t o t e m p or a ril y c e a s e s o u n di n g of t h e l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n o v e r p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s f o r t h e d e m o n s t r a ti o n of t h e 

p r o p o s e d n e w S S M o r A S M , t h e hi g hw a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol a u t h o ri t y o r l a w 

e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g c o n t r ol 

o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t t h e c r o s si n g s 

aff e c t e d b y t h e n e w S S M/ A S M d e mo n s t r a ti o n, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o nsi bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y, t h e 

S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y 

a n d r o a d s af e t y, a n d t h e A s s o ci a t e A dmi ni s t r a t o r. U nl e s s t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r 

s p e cifi c all y p r o vi d e s o t h e r wi s e, a n d 

gi v e s n o ti c e t o t h e p e ti ti o n e r o r p u bli s h e s a n o ti c e i n t h e FE D E R A L E G

I S T E R , t h e fili n g of a p e ti ti o n u n d e r 

t hi s p a r a g r a p h d o e s n o t s t a y t h e eff e cti v e n e s s of t h e a c ti o n s o u g h t t o b e r evi e w e d. T h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r m a y r e affi r m, m o dif y, o r r e v o k e t h e d e ci si o n of 

t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r wi t h o u t 

f u r t h e r p r o c e e di n g s a n d s h all n o tif y 

t h e p e ti ti o n e r a n d o t h e r i n t e r e s t e d p a rti e s i n w ri ti n g o r b y p u bli s hi n g a n oti c e i n t h e F E D E R A L E GI S T E R . 

( b) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y r e q u e s t 

r e c o n si d e r a ti o n of a d e ci si o n b y t h e A ss o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r t o d e n y a n a p plic a ti o n b y t h a t a u t h o ri t y f o r a p p r o v al 

of a q ui e t z o n e, o r t o r e q ui r e a d di ti o n al 

s af e t y m e a s u r e s, b y fili n g a p e ti ti o n f o r 

r e c o n si d e r a ti o n wi t h t h e A s s o ci a t e A dmi ni s t r a t o r. T h e p e ti ti o n m u s t s p e cif y 

t h e g r o u n d s f o r a s s e r ti n g t h a t t h e A ss o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r i m p r o p e rl y e x e rci s e d hi s/ h e r j u d g m e n t i n fi n di n g t h a t 

t h e p r o p o s e d S S M s a n d A S M s w o ul d 

n o t r e s ul t i n a Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x 

t h a t w o ul d b e a t o r b el o w t h e Ri s k 

I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s o r t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. T h e p e titi o n s h all b e fil e d wi t hi n 6 0 d a y s of t h e 

d a t e of t h e d e ci si o n t o b e r e c o n si d e r e d 

a n d b e s e r v e d u p o n all p a r ti e s li s t e d i n 

§ 2 2 2. 3 9( b)( 3) of t hi s p a r t. U p o n r e c ei p t 

of a ti m el y a n d p r o p e r p e ti ti o n, t h e A ss o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r will p r o vi d e t h e 

p e ti ti o n e r a n o p p o r t u ni t y t o s u b mi t 

a d di ti o n al m a t e ri al s a n d t o r e q u e s t a n 

i nf o r m al h e a ri n g. U p o n r e vi e w of t h e 

a d di ti o n al m a t e ri al s a n d c o m pl e ti o n of 

a n y h e a ri n g r e q u e s t e d, t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r s h all i s s u e a d e ci si o n o n 

t h e p e ti ti o n t h a t will b e a d mi ni s t r ati v el y fi n al. 

( c) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y r e q u e s t 

r e c o n si d e r a ti o n of a d e ci si o n b y t h e A ss o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r t o t e r mi n a t e 

q ui e t z o n e s t a t u s b y fili n g a p e ti ti o n 

f o r r e c o n si d e r a ti o n wi t h t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r. T h e p e ti ti o n m u s t b e 

fil e d wi t hi n 6 0 d a y s of t h e d a t e of t h e 

d e ci si o n, s p e cif y t h e g r o u n d s f o r t h e r eq u e s t e d r eli ef, a n d b e s e r v e d u p o n all 

p a r ti e s li s t e d i n § 2 2 2. 5 1( c)( 2) of t hi s 

p a r t. U nl e s s t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r p u bli s h e s a n o ti c e i n t h e F E D

E R A L E GI S T E R t h a t s p e cifi c all y s t a y s 

t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s of hi s/ h e r d e ci si o n, 

t h e fili n g of a p e ti ti o n u n d e r t hi s p a r ag r a p h will n o t s t a y t h e t e r mi n a ti o n of 

q ui e t z o n e s t a t u s. U p o n r e c ei p t of a 

ti m el y a n d p r o p e r p e ti ti o n, t h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r will p r o vi d e t h e 

p e ti ti o n e r a n o p p o r t u ni t y t o s u b mi t 

a d di ti o n al m a t e ri al s a n d t o r e q u e s t a n 

i nf o r m al h e a ri n g. U p o n r e vi e w of t h e 

a d di ti o n al m a t e ri al s a n d c o m pl e ti o n of 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 6
3 0 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 2. 5 9 

a n y h e a ri n g r e q u e s t e d, t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r s h all i s s u e a d e ci si o n o n 

t h e p e ti ti o n t h a t will b e a d mi ni s t r ati v el y fi n al. A c o p y of t hi s d e ci si o n 

s h all b e s e r v e d u p o n all p a r ti e s li s t e d 

i n § 2 2 2. 5 1( c)( 2) of t hi s p a r t. 

( d) A r ail r o a d m a y r e q u e s t r e c o n si de r a ti o n of a d e ci si o n b y t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r t o a p p r o v e a n a p pli c ati o n f o r a p p r o v al of a p r o p o s e d q ui e t 

z o n e u n d e r § 2 2 2. 3 9( b) of t hi s p a r t b y fili n g a p e ti ti o n f o r r e c o n si d e r a ti o n wi t h 

t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. T h e p e titi o n m u s t s p e cif y t h e g r o u n d s f o r a ss e r ti n g t h a t t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r i m p r o p e rl y e x e r ci s e d hi s/ h e r 

j u d g m e n t i n fi n di n g t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d 

S S M s a n d A S M s w o ul d r e s ul t i n a 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t h a t w o ul d b e a t 

o r b el o w t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s o r 

t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d. T h e p e ti ti o n s h all b e fil e d 

wi t hi n 6 0 d a y s of t h e d a t e of t h e d e cisi o n t o b e r e c o n si d e r e d, a n d b e s e r v e d 

u p o n all p a r ti e s li s t e d i n § 2 2 2. 3 9( b)( 3) of 

t hi s p a r t. U p o n r e c ei p t of a ti m el y a n d 

p r o p e r p e ti ti o n, t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni st r a t o r will p r o vi d e t h e p e ti ti o n e r a n 

o p p o r t u ni t y t o s u b mi t a d di ti o n al m a t eri al s a n d t o r e q u e s t a n i nf o r m al h e a ri n g. U p o n r e vi e w of t h e a d di ti o n al m at e ri al s a n d c o m pl e ti o n of a n y h e a ri n g 

r e q u e s t e d, t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r 

s h all i s s u e a d e ci si o n t h a t will b e a dmi ni s t r a ti v el y fi n al. 

§ 2 2 2. 5 9 W h e n m a y a w a y si d e h o r n b e 

u s e d ? 

( a)( 1) A w a y si d e h o r n c o nf o r mi n g t o 

t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of a p p e n di x E of t hi s 

p a r t m a y b e u s e d i n li e u of a l o c om o ti v e h o r n a t a n y hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g e q ui p p e d wi t h a n a c ti v e w a r ni n g s y s t e m c o n si s ti n g of, a t a mi ni m u m, fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s. 

( 2) A w a y si d e h o r n c o nf o r mi n g t o t h e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s of a p p e n di x E of t hi s p a r t 

m a y b e i n s t all e d wi t hi n a q ui e t z o n e. 

F o r p u r p o s e s of c al c ul a ti n g t h e l e n g t h 

of a q ui e t z o n e, t h e p r e s e n c e of a w a ysi d e h o r n a t a hi g h w a y- g r a d e c r o s si n g 

wi t hi n a q ui e t z o n e s h all b e c o n si d e r e d 

i n t h e s a m e m a n n e r a s a g r a d e c r o s si n g 

t r e a t e d wi t h a n S S M. A g r a d e c r o s si n g 

e q ui p p e d wi t h a w a y si d e h o r n s h all n o t 

b e c o n si d e r e d i n c al c ul a ti n g t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x o r C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r 

Ri s k I n d e x. 

( b) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i n s t alli n g a 

w a y si d e h o r n a t a g r a d e c r o s si n g wi t hi n a q ui e t z o n e s h all p r o vi d e w ri t t e n 

n o ti c e t h a t a w a y si d e h o r n i s b ei n g i ns t all e d t o all r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g o v e r 

t h e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e hi g h w a y o r 

t r affi c c o n t r ol a u t h o ri t y o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g c o n t r ol 

o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t t h e c r o s si n g s 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e l a n d o w n e r 

h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r a n y p ri v a t e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e S t a t e 

a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g 

s af e t y, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y, a n d t h e A s s oci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. T hi s n o ti c e s h all 

p r o vi d e t h e d a t e o n w hi c h t h e w a y si d e 

h o r n will b e o p e r a ti o n al a n d i d e n tif y 

t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g a t w hi c h t h e w a ysi d e h o r n s h all b e i n s t all e d b y b o t h t h e 

U. S. D O T N a ti o n al Hi g h w a y- R ail G r a d e 

C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y N u m b e r a n d s t r e e t 

o r hi g h w a y n a m e. T h e r ail r o a d o r p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all p r o vi d e n o tifi c a ti o n 

of t h e o p e r a ti o n al d a t e a t l e a s t 2 1 d a y s 

i n a d v a n c e. 

( c) A r ail r o a d o r p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i ns t alli n g a w a y si d e h o r n a t a g r a d e 

c r o s si n g l o c a t e d o u t si d e a q ui e t z o n e 

s h all p r o vi d e w ri t t e n n o ti c e t h a t a 

w a y si d e h o r n i s b ei n g i n s t all e d t o all 

r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g o v e r t h e p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, t h e hi g hw a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol a u t h o ri t y o r l a w 

e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g c o n t r ol 

o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t t h e c r o s si n g, 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r es p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y, 

a n d t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. T hi s 

n o ti c e s h all p r o vi d e t h e d a t e o n w hi c h 

t h e w a y si d e h o r n will b e o p e r a ti o n al 

a n d i d e n tif y t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g a t 

w hi c h t h e w a y si d e h o r n s h all b e i ns t all e d b y b o t h t h e U. S. D O T N a ti o n al 

Hi g h w a y- R ail G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e nt o r y N u m b e r a n d s t r e e t o r hi g h w a y 

n a m e. T h e r ail r o a d o r p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

s h all p r o vi d e n o tifi c a ti o n of t h e o p e ra ti o n al d a t e a t l e a s t 2 1 d a y s i n a dv a n c e. 

( d) A r ail r o a d o p e r a ti n g o v e r a g r a d e 

c r o s si n g e q ui p p e d wi t h a n o p e r a ti o n al 

w a y si d e h o r n i n s t all e d wi t hi n a q ui e t 

z o n e p u r s u a n t t o t hi s s e c ti o n s h all 

c e a s e r o u ti n e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n u s e a t 

t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g. A r ail r o a d o p e ra ti n g o v e r a g r a d e c r o s si n g t h a t i s 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 7
3 0 2 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. A 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

e q ui p p e d wi t h a w a y si d e h o r n a n d l oc a t e d o u t si d e of a q ui e t z o n e s h all 

c e a s e r o u ti n e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n u s e a t 

t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g o n t h e o p e r a ti o n al 

d a t e s p e cifi e d i n t h e n o ti c e r e q ui r e d b y 

p a r a g r a p h ( c) of t hi s s e c ti o n. 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 2 2 — A P P R O V E D

U P P L E M E N T A R Y A F E T Y E A S U R E S

A. R e q uir e m e nts a n d Eff e cti v e n ess R at es f or 

S u p pl e m e nt ar y S af et y M e as ur es 

T hi s s e c ti o n p r o vi d e s a li s t of a p p r o v e d 

s u p pl e m e n t a r y s af e t y m e a s u r e s ( S S M s) t h a t 

m a y b e i n s t all e d a t hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n q ui e t z o n e s f o r ri s k r e d u c ti o n 

c r e di t. E a c h S S M h a s b e e n a s si g n e d a n eff e cti v e n e s s r a t e, w hi c h m a y b e s u bj e c t t o a dj u s t m e n t a s r e s e a r c h a n d d e m o n s t r a ti o n 

p r oj e c t s a r e c o m pl e t e d a n d d a t a i s g a t h e r e d 

a n d r efi n e d. S e c ti o n s B a n d C g o v e r n t h e 

p r o c e s s t h r o u g h w hi c h ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t 

f o r p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M s c a n b e d e t e r mi n e d. 

1. T e m p or ar y Cl os ur e of a P u bli c Hi g h w a yR ail Gr a d e Cr ossi n g: Cl o s e t h e c r o s si n g t o 

hi g h w a y t r affi c d u ri n g d e si g n a t e d q ui e t p e rio d s. ( T hi s S S M c a n o nl y b e i m pl e m e n t e d 

wi t hi n P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s.) 

Eff e cti v e n ess: 1. 0. 

B e c a u s e a n eff e c ti v e cl o s u r e s y s t e m p r ev e n t s v e hi cl e e n t r a n c e o n t o t h e c r o s si n g, t h e 

p r o b a bili t y of a c olli si o n wi t h a t r ai n a t t h e 

c r o s si n g i s z e r o d u ri n g t h e p e ri o d t h e c r o s si n g i s cl o s e d. Eff e c ti v e n e s s w o ul d t h e r ef o r e 

e q u al 1. H o w e v e r, a n al y si s s h o ul d t a k e i n t o 

c o n si d e r a ti o n t h a t t r affi c w o ul d n e e d t o b e 

r e di s t ri b u t e d a m o n g a dj a c e n t c r o s si n g s o r 

g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n s f o r t h e p u r p o s e of e s tim a ti n g ri s k f oll o wi n g t h e sil e n ci n g of t r ai n 

h o r n s, u nl e s s t h e p a r ti c ul a r ‘‘ cl o s u r e’’ w a s 

a c c o m pli s h e d b y a g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n. 

R e q uir e d: 

a. T h e cl o s u r e s y s t e m m u s t c o m pl e t el y 

bl o c k hi g h w a y t r affi c o n all a p p r o a c h l a n e s 

t o t h e c r o s si n g. 

b. T h e cl o s u r e s y s t e m m u s t c o m pl e t el y 

bl o c k a dj a c e n t p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g s. 

c. P u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s l oc a t e d wi t hi n N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s s h all 

b e cl o s e d f r o m 1 0 p. m. u n til 7 a. m. e v e r y d a y. 

P u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s l o c a t e d 

wi t hi n P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s m a y 

o nl y b e cl o s e d d u ri n g o n e p e ri o d e a c h 2 4 

h o u r s. 

d. B a r ri c d e s a n d si g n s u s e d f o r cl o s u r e of 

t h e r o a d w a y s h all c o nf o r m t o t h e s t a n d a r d s 

c o n t ai n e d i n t h e M U T C D. 

e. D ail y a c ti v a ti o n a n d d e a c ti v a ti o n of t h e 

s y s t e m i s t h e r e s p o n si bili t y of t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y r e s p o n si bl e f o r m ai n t e n a n c e of t h e 

s t r e e t o r hi g h w a y c r o s si n g t h e r ail r o a d 

t r a c k s. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y p r o vi d e f o r 

t hi r d p a r t y a c ti v a ti o n a n d d e a c ti v a ti o n; 

h o w e v e r, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all r e m ai n 

f ull y r e s p o n si bl e f o r c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e r eq ui r e m e n t s of t hi s p a r t. 

f. T h e s y s t e m m u s t b e t a m p e r a n d v a n d al 

r e si s t a n t t o t h e s a m e e x t e n t a s o t h e r t r affi c 

c o n t r ol d e vi c e s. 

g. T h e cl o s u r e s y s t e m s h all b e e q ui p p e d 

wi t h a m o ni t o ri n g d e vi c e t h a t c o n t ai n s a n 

i n di c a t o r w hi c h i s vi si bl e t o t h e t r ai n c r e w 

p ri o r t o e n t e ri n g t h e c r o s si n g. T h e i n di c a t o r 

s h all ill u mi n a t e w h e n e v e r t h e cl o s u r e d e vi c e 

i s d e pl o y e d. 

R e c o m m e n d e d: 

Si g n s f o r al t e r n a t e hi g h w a y t r affi c r o u t e s 

s h o ul d b e e r e c t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h M U T C D 

a n d S t a t e a n d l o c al s t a n d a r d s a n d s h o ul d i nf o r m p e d e s t ri a n s a n d m o t o ri s t s t h a t t h e 

s t r e e t s a r e cl o s e d, t h e p e ri o d f o r w hi c h t h e y 

a r e cl o s e d, a n d t h a t al t e r n a t e r o u t e s m u s t b e 

u s e d. 

2. F o ur- Q u a dr a nt G at e S yst e m: I n s t all g a t e s 

a t a c r o s si n g s uffi ci e n t t o f ull y bl o c k hi g hw a y t r affi c f r o m e n t e ri n g t h e c r o s si n g w h e n 

t h e g a t e s a r e l o w e r e d, i n cl u di n g a t l e a s t o n e 

g a t e f o r e a c h di r e c ti o n of t r affi c o n e a c h a pp r o a c h. 

Eff e cti v e n ess: 

F o u r- q u a d r a n t g a t e s o nl y, n o p r e s e n c e d et e c ti o n: . 8 2. 

F o u r- q u a d r a n t g a t e s o nl y, wi t h p r e s e n c e 

d e t e c ti o n: . 7 7. 

F o u r- q u a d r a n t g a t e s wi t h t r affi c of a t l e a s t 

6 0 f e e t ( wi t h o r wi t h o u t p r e s e n c e d e t e c ti o n): 

. 9 2. 

O T E : T h e hi g h e r eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e f o r 

f o u r- q u a d r a n t g a t e s wi t h o u t p r e s e n c e d e t e cti o n d o e s n o t m e a n t h a t t h e y a r e i n h e r e n tl y 

s af e r t h a n f o u r- q u a d r a n t g a t e s wi t h p r e s e n c e 

d e t e c ti o n. F o u r- q u a d r a n t g a t e s wi t h p r e se n c e d e t e c ti o n h a v e b e e n a s si g n e d a l o w e r eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e b e c a u s e m o t o ri s t s m a y l e a r n 

t o d el a y t h e l o w e ri n g of t h e e xi t g a t e s b y 

d ri vi n g o n t o t h e o p p o si n g l a n e of t r affi c i mm e di a t el y af t e r a n o p p o si n g c a r h a s d ri v e n 

o v e r t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g. Si n c e t h e p r e s e n c e 

d e t e c ti o n will k e e p t h e e xi t g a t e r ai s e d, 

o t h e r m o t o ri s t s a t t h e c r o s si n g w h o o b s e r v e 

t hi s s c e n a ri o m a y al s o b e t e m p t e d t o t a k e 

a d v a n t a g e of t h e r ai s e d e xi t g a t e b y d ri vi n g 

a r o u n d t h e l o w e r e d e n t r a n c e g a t e s, t h u s i nc r e a si n g t h e p o t e n ti al f o r a c r o s si n g c ollisi o n. 

I t s h o ul d, h o w e v e r, b e n o t e d t h a t t h e r e a r e 

si t e- s p e cifi c ci r c u m s t a n c e s ( s u c h a s n e a r b y 

hi g h w a y i n t e r s e c ti o n s t h a t c o ul d c a u s e t r affi c t o b a c k u p a n d s t o p o n t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g), u n d e r w hi c h t h e u s e of p r e s e n c e d e t e cti o n w o ul d b e a d vi s a bl e. F o r t hi s r e a s o n, t h e 

v a ri o u s eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s a s si g n e d t o f o u rq u a d r a n t g a t e s y s t e m s s h o ul d n o t b e t h e s ol e 

d e t e r mi ni n g f a c t o r a s t o w h e t h e r p r e s e n c e 

d e t e c ti o n w o ul d b e a d vi s a bl e. A si t e- s p e cifi c 

s t u d y s h o ul d b e p e rf o r m e d t o d e t e r mi n e t h e 

b e s t a p pli c a ti o n f o r e a c h p r o p o s e d i n s t all ati o n. Pl e a s e r ef e r t o p a r a g r a p h s (f) a n d ( g) 

f o r m o r e i nf o r m a ti o n. 

R e q uir e d: 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 8
3 0 3 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. A 

F o u r- q u a d r a n t g a t e s y s t e m s s h all c o nf o r m 

t o t h e s t a n d a r d s f o r f o u r- q u a d r a n t g a t e s c o nt ai n e d i n t h e M U T C D a n d s h all, i n a d di ti o n, 

c o m pl y wi t h t h e f oll o wi n g: 

a. W h e n a t r ai n i s a p p r o a c hi n g, all hi g hw a y a p p r o a c h a n d e xi t l a n e s o n b o t h si d e s of 

t h e hi g h w a y- r ail c r o s si n g m u s t b e s p a n n e d 

b y g a t e s, t h u s d e n yi n g t o t h e hi g h w a y u s e r 

t h e o p ti o n of ci r c u m v e n ti n g t h e c o n v e nti o n al a p p r o a c h l a n e g a t e s b y s wi t c hi n g i n t o 

t h e o p p o si n g ( o n c o mi n g) t r affi c l a n e i n o r d e r 

t o e n t e r t h e c r o s si n g a n d c r o s s t h e t r a c k s. 

b. C r o s si n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m s m u s t b e a c tiv a t e d b y u s e of c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d evi c e s u nl e s s e xi s ti n g c o n di ti o n s a t t h e c r o s si n g w o ul d p r e v e n t t h e p r o p e r o p e r a ti o n of 

t h e c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s. 

c. C r o s si n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m s m u s t b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s. 

O T E : R e q ui r e m e n t s b a n d c a p pl y o nl y t o 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

C o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s a n d p o w e ro u t i n di c a t o r s a r e n o t r e q ui r e d t o b e a d d e d 

t o e xi s ti n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m s i n P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e s. H o w e v e r, if e xi s ti n g a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s y s t e m s i n P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s 

a n d P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s a r e r en e w e d, o r n e w a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s y st e m s a r e i n s t all e d, p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s a n d 

c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s a r e r e q ui r e d, 

u nl e s s e xi s ti n g c o n di ti o n s a t t h e c r o s si n g 

w o ul d p r e v e n t t h e p r o p e r o p e r a ti o n of t h e 

c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g d e vi c e s. 

d. T h e g a p b e t w e e n t h e e n d s of t h e e nt r a n c e a n d e xi t g a t e s ( o n t h e s a m e si d e of 

t h e r ail r o a d t r a c k s) w h e n b o t h a r e i n t h e 

f ull y l o w e r e d, o r d o w n, p o si ti o n m u s t b e l e s s 

t h a n t w o f e e t if n o m e di a n i s p r e s e n t. If t h e 

hi g h w a y a p p r o a c h i s e q ui p p e d wi t h a m e di a n 

o r a c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e b e t w e e n t h e a pp r o a c h a n d e xi t l a n e s, t h e l o w e r e d g a t e s 

m u s t r e a c h t o wi t hi n o n e f o o t of t h e m e di a n 

o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e, m e a s u r e d h o riz o n t all y a c r o s s t h e r o a d f r o m t h e e n d of t h e 

l o w e r e d g a t e t o t h e m e di a n o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n 

d e vi c e o r t o a p oi n t o v e r t h e e d g e of t h e m edi a n o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e. T h e g a t e a n d 

t h e m e di a n t o p o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e d o 

n o t h a v e t o b e a t t h e s a m e el e v a ti o n. 

e. ‘‘ B r e a k- a w a y’’ c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s 

m u s t b e f r e q u e n tl y m o ni t o r e d t o r e pl a c e b r ok e n el e m e n t s. 

R e c o m m e n d ati o ns f or n e w i nst all ati o ns o nl y: 

f. G a t e ti mi n g s h o ul d b e e s t a bli s h e d b y a 

q u alifi e d t r affi c e n gi n e e r b a s e d o n si t e s p ecifi c d e t e r mi n a ti o n s. S u c h d e t e r mi n a ti o n 

s h o ul d c o n si d e r t h e n e e d f o r a n d ti mi n g of a 

d el a y i n t h e d e s c e n t of t h e e xi t g a t e s (f oll o wi n g d e s c e n t of t h e c o n v e n ti o n al e n t r a n c e 

g a t e s). F a c t o r s t o b e c o n si d e r e d m a y i n cl u d e 

a v ail a bl e s t o r a g e s p a c e b e t w e e n t h e g a t e s 

t h a t i s o u t si d e t h e f o uli n g li mi t s of t h e 

t r a c k( s) a n d t h e p o s si bili t y t h a t t r affi c fl o w s 

m a y b e i n t e r r u p t e d a s a r e s ul t of n e a r b y 

i n t e r s e c ti o n s. 

g. A d e t e r mi n a ti o n s h o ul d b e m a d e a s t o 

w h e t h e r i t i s n e c e s s a r y t o p r o vi d e v e hi cl e 

p r e s e n c e d e t e c t o r s ( V P D s) t o o p e n o r k e e p 

o p e n t h e e xi t g a t e s u n til all v e hi cl e s a r e 

cl e a r of t h e c r o s si n g. V P D s h o ul d b e i ns t all e d o n o n e o r b o t h si d e s of t h e c r o s si n g 

a n d/ o r i n t h e s u rf a c e b e t w e e n t h e r ail s cl o se s t t o t h e fi el d. A m o n g t h e f a c t o r s t h a t 

s h o ul d b e c o n si d e r e d a r e t h e p r e s e n c e of 

i n t e r s e c ti n g r o a d w a y s n e a r t h e c r o s si n g, t h e 

p ri o ri t y t h a t t h e t r affi c c r o s si n g t h e r ail r o a d 

i s gi v e n a t s u c h i n t e r s e c ti o n s, t h e t y p e s of 

t r affi c c o n t r ol d e vi c e s a t t h o s e i n t e r s e c ti o n s, 

a n d t h e p r e s e n c e a n d ti mi n g of t r affi c si g n al 

p r e e m p ti o n. 

h. Hi g h w a y a p p r o a c h e s o n o n e o r b o t h si d e s 

of t h e hi g h w a y- r ail c r o s si n g m a y b e p r o vi d e d 

wi t h m e di a n s o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s b et w e e n t h e o p p o si n g l a n e s. M e di a n s s h o ul d b e 

d efi n e d b y a n o n- t r a v e r s a bl e c u r b o r t r a v e r sa bl e c u r b, o r b y r efl e c t o ri z e d c h a n n eli z a ti o n 

d e vi c e s, o r b y b o t h. 

i. R e m o t e m o ni t o ri n g (i n a d di ti o n t o 

p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s, w hi c h a r e r e q ui r e d) of 

t h e s t a t u s of t h e s e c r o s si n g s y s t e m s i s p r efe r a bl e. T hi s i s e s p e ci all y i m p o r t a n t i n t h o s e 

a r e a s i n w hi c h q u alifi e d r ail r o a d si g n al d ep a r t m e n t p e r s o n n el a r e n o t r e a dil y a v aila bl e. 

3. G at es Wit h M e di a ns or C h a n n eli z ati o n D evi c es: I n s t all m e di a n s o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n d evi c e s o n b o t h hi g h w a y a p p r o a c h e s t o a p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g d e n yi n g t o t h e 

hi g h w a y u s e r t h e o p ti o n of ci r c u m v e n ti n g 

t h e a p p r o a c h l a n e g a t e s b y s wi t c hi n g i n t o 

t h e o p p o si n g ( o n c o mi n g) t r affi c l a n e a n d 

d ri vi n g a r o u n d t h e l o w e r e d g a t e s t o c r o s s t h e 

t r a c k s. 

Eff e cti v e n ess: 

C h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s —. 7 5. 

N o n- t r a v e r s a bl e c u r b s wi t h o r wi t h o u t 

c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s — . 8 0. 

R e q uir e d: 

a. O p p o si n g t r affi c l a n e s o n b o t h hi g h w a y 

a p p r o a c h e s t o t h e c r o s si n g m u s t b e s e p a r a t e d 

b y ei t h e r: ( 1) m e di a n s b o u n d e d b y n o n- t r av e r s a bl e c u r b s o r ( 2) c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s. 

b. M e di a n s o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s m u s t 

e x t e n d a t l e a s t 1 0 0 f e e t f r o m t h e g a t e a r m, o r 

if t h e r e i s a n i n t e r s e c ti o n wi t hi n 1 0 0 f e e t of 

t h e g a t e, t h e m e di a n o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n d evi c e m u s t e x t e n d a t l e a s t 6 0 f e e t f r o m t h e 

g a t e a r m. 

c. I n t e r s e c ti o n s of t w o o r m o r e s t r e e t s, o r 

a s t r e e t a n d a n all e y, t h a t a r e wi t hi n 6 0 f e e t 

of t h e g a t e a r m m u s t b e cl o s e d o r r el o c a t e d. 

D ri v e w a y s f o r p ri v a t e, r e si d e n ti al p r o p e r ti e s 

( u p t o f o u r u ni t s) wi t hi n 6 0 f e e t of t h e g a t e 

a r m a r e n o t c o n si d e r e d t o b e i n t e r s e c ti o n s 

u n d e r t hi s p a r t a n d n e e d n o t b e cl o s e d. H o we v e r, c o n si d e r a ti o n s h o ul d b e gi v e n t o t a ki n g 

s t e p s t o e n s u r e t h a t m o t o ri s t s e xi ti n g t h e 

d ri v e w a y s a r e n o t a bl e t o m o v e a g ai n s t t h e 

fl o w of t r affi c t o ci r c u m v e n t t h e p u r p o s e of 

t h e m e di a n a n d d ri v e a r o u n d l o w e r e d g a t e s. 

T hi s m a y b e a c c o m pli s h e d b y t h e p o s ti n g of 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

1 9 9
3 0 4 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. A 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

‘‘ n o l ef t t u r n’’ si g n s o r o t h e r m e a n s of n o tific a ti o n. F o r t h e p u r p o s e of t hi s p a r t, d ri v ew a y s a c c e s si n g c o m m e r ci al p r o p e r ti e s a r e 

c o n si d e r e d t o b e i n t e r s e c ti o n s a n d a r e n o t all o w e d. I t s h o ul d b e n o t e d t h a t if a p u bli c a ut h o ri t y c a n n o t c o m pl y wi t h t h e 6 0 f e e t o r 

1 0 0 f e e t r e q ui r e m e n t, i t m a y a p pl y t o F R A 

f o r a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r § 2 2 2. 3 9( b), ‘‘ P u bli c a ut h o ri t y a p pli c a ti o n t o F R A.’’ S u c h a r r a n g em e n t m a y q u alif y f o r a ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t 

i n c al c ul a ti o n of t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. 

Si mil a rl y, if a p u bli c a u t h o ri t y fi n d s t h a t i t 

i s f e a si bl e t o o nl y p r o vi d e c h a n n eli z a ti o n o n 

o n e a p p r o a c h t o t h e c r o s si n g, i t m a y al s o 

a p pl y t o F R A f o r a p p r o v al u n d e r § 2 2 2. 3 9( b). 

S u c h a n a r r a n g e m e n t m a y al s o q u alif y f o r a 

ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t i n c al c ul a ti o n of t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. 

d. C r o s si n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m s m u s t b e a c tiv a t e d b y u s e of c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d evi c e s u nl e s s e xi s ti n g c o n di ti o n s a t t h e c r o s si n g w o ul d p r e v e n t t h e p r o p e r o p e r a ti o n of 

t h e c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s. 

e. C r o s si n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m s m u s t b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s. N o t e: 

R e q ui r e m e n t s d a n d e a p pl y o nl y t o N e w 

Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

C o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s a n d p o w e ro u t i n di c a t o r s a r e n o t r e q ui r e d t o b e a d d e d 

t o e xi s ti n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m s i n P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e s o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

H o w e v e r, if e xi s ti n g a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d evi c e s y s t e m s i n P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d 

P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s a r e r e n e w e d, o r 

n e w a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s y s t e m s a r e 

i n s t all e d, p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s a n d c o n s t a n t 

w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s a r e r e q ui r e d, u nl e s s e xi s ti n g c o n di ti o n s a t t h e c r o s si n g w o ul d p r ev e n t t h e p r o p e r o p e r a ti o n of t h e c o n s t a n t 

w a r ni n g d e vi c e s. 

f. T h e g a p b e t w e e n t h e l o w e r e d g a t e a n d 

t h e c u r b o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e m u s t b e 

o n e f o o t o r l e s s, m e a s u r e d h o ri z o n t all y 

a c r o s s t h e r o a d f r o m t h e e n d of t h e l o w e r e d 

g a t e t o t h e c u r b o r c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e o r 

t o a p oi n t o v e r t h e c u r b e d g e o r c h a n n eli z ati o n d e vi c e. T h e g a t e a n d t h e c u r b t o p o r 

c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e d o n o t h a v e t o b e a t 

t h e s a m e el e v a ti o n. 

g. ‘‘ B r e a k- a w a y’’ c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s 

m u s t b e f r e q u e n tl y m o ni t o r e d t o r e pl a c e b r ok e n el e m e n t s. 

4. O n e W a y Str e et wit h G at e(s): G a t e( s) m u s t 

b e i n s t all e d s u c h t h a t all a p p r o a c hi n g hi g hw a y l a n e s t o t h e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g a r e c o m pl e t el y bl o c k e d. 

Eff e cti v e n ess: . 8 2. 

R e q uir e d: 

a. G a t e a r m s o n t h e a p p r o a c h si d e of t h e 

c r o s si n g s h o ul d e x t e n d a c r o s s t h e r o a d t o 

wi t hi n o n e f o o t of t h e f a r e d g e of t h e p a v em e n t. If a g a t e i s u s e d o n e a c h si d e of t h e 

r o a d, t h e g a p b e t w e e n t h e e n d s of t h e g a t e s 

w h e n b o t h a r e i n t h e l o w e r e d, o r d o w n, p o siti o n m u s t b e n o m o r e t h a n t w o f e e t. 

b. If o nl y o n e g a t e i s u s e d, t h e e d g e of t h e 

r o a d o p p o si t e t h e g a t e m e c h a ni s m m u s t b e 

c o nfi g u r e d wi t h a n o n- t r a v e r s a bl e c u r b e xt e n di n g a t l e a s t 1 0 0 f e e t. 

c. C r o s si n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m s m u s t b e a c tiv a t e d b y u s e of c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d evi c e s u nl e s s e xi s ti n g c o n di ti o n s a t t h e c r o s si n g w o ul d p r e v e n t t h e p r o p e r o p e r a ti o n of 

t h e c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s. 

d. C r o s si n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m s m u s t b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s. 

O T E : R e q ui r e m e n t s c a n d d a p pl y o nl y t o 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e s. C o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s a n d 

p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r s a r e n o t r e q ui r e d t o b e 

a d d e d t o e xi s ti n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m s i n P r eR ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e s. If a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g s y s t e m s a r e, 

h o w e v e r, i n s t all e d o r r e n e w e d i n a P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e, p o w e ro u t i n di c a t o r s a n d c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d evi c e s s h all b e i n s t all e d, u nl e s s e xi s ti n g c o ndi ti o n s a t t h e c r o s si n g w o ul d p r e v e n t t h e 

p r o p e r o p e r a ti o n of t h e c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g 

ti m e d e vi c e s. 

5. P er m a n e nt Cl os ur e of a P u bli c Hi g h w a yR ail Gr a d e Cr ossi n g: P e r m a n e n tl y cl o s e t h e 

c r o s si n g t o hi g h w a y t r affi c. 

Eff e cti v e n ess: 1. 0. 

R e q uir e d: 

a. T h e cl o s u r e s y s t e m m u s t c o m pl e t el y 

bl o c k hi g h w a y t r affi c f r o m e n t e ri n g t h e 

g r a d e c r o s si n g. 

b. B a r ri c a d e s a n d si g n s u s e d f o r cl o s u r e of 

t h e r o a d w a y s h all c o nf o r m t o t h e s t a n d a r d s 

c o n t ai n e d i n t h e M U T C D. 

c. T h e cl o s u r e s y s t e m m u s t b e t a m p e r a n d 

v a n d al r e si s t a n t t o t h e s a m e e x t e n t a s o t h e r 

t r affi c c o n t r ol d e vi c e s. 

d. Si n c e t r affi c will b e r e di s t ri b u t e d a m o n g 

a dj a c e n t c r o s si n g s, t h e t r affi c c o u n t s f o r a dj a c e n t c r o s si n g s s h all b e i n c r e a s e d t o r efl e c t 

t h e di v e r si o n of t r affi c f r o m t h e cl o s e d c r o s si n g. 

B. Cr e dit f or Pr e- E xisti n g S S Ms i n N e w Q ui et 

Z o n es a n d N e w P arti al Q ui et Z o n es 

A c o m m u ni t y t h a t h a s i m pl e m e n t e d a p r ee xi s ti n g S S M a t a p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g c a n 

r e c ei v e ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t b y i nfl a ti n g t h e 

Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s a s f oll o w s: 

1. C al c ul a t e t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n d e x f o r t h e 

g r a d e c r o s si n g t h a t i s e q ui p p e d wi t h a q u alif yi n g, p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M. ( S e e a p p e n di x D. 

F R A’ s w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r m a y 

b e u s e d t o c o m pl e t e t hi s c al c ul a ti o n.) 

2. A dj u s t t h e ri s k i n d e x b y a c c o u n ti n g f o r 

t h e i n c r e a s e d ri s k t h a t w a s a v oi d e d b y i mpl e m e n ti n g t h e p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M a t t h e p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g. T hi s a dj u s t m e n t c a n b e 

m a d e b y di vi di n g t h e ri s k i n d e x b y o n e 

mi n u s t h e S S M eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e. ( F o r e xa m pl e, t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r a c r o s si n g e q ui p p e d 

wi t h p r e- e xi s ti n g c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s 

w o ul d b e di vi d e d b y . 2 5.) 

3. A d d t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n di c e s f o r t h e 

o t h e r p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g s l o c a t e d wi t hi n 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e a n d di vi d e b y t h e 

n u m b e r of c r o s si n g s. T h e r e s ul ti n g ri s k i n d e x 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 0
3 0 5 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. B 

will b e t h e n e w Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s f o r 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

C. Cr e dit f or Pr e- E xisti n g S S Ms i n Pr e- R ul e 

Q ui et Z o n es a n d Pr e- R ul e P arti al Q ui et Z o n es 

A c o m m u ni t y t h a t h a s i m pl e m e n t e d a p r ee xi s ti n g S S M a t a p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g c a n 

r e c ei v e ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t b y i nfl a ti n g t h e 

Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s a s f oll o w s: 

1. C al c ul a t e t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n d e x f o r t h e 

g r a d e c r o s si n g t h a t i s e q ui p p e d wi t h a q u alif yi n g, p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M. ( S e e a p p e n di x D. 

F R A’ s w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r m a y 

b e u s e d t o c o m pl e t e t hi s c al c ul a ti o n.) 

2. R e d u c e t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n d e x f o r t h e 

g r a d e c r o s si n g t o r efl e c t t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n 

t h a t w o ul d h a v e b e e n a c hi e v e d if t h e l o c om o ti v e h o r n w a s r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d a t t h e 

c r o s si n g. T h e f oll o wi n g li s t s e t s f o r t h t h e e sti m a t e d ri s k r e d u c ti o n f o r c e r t ai n t y p e s of 

c r o s si n g s: 

a. Ri s k i n di c e s f o r p a s si v e c r o s si n g s s h all 

b e r e d u c e d b y 4 3 %; 

b. Ri s k i n di c e s f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s e q ui p p e d 

wi t h a u t o m a ti c fl a s hi n g li g h t s s h all b e r ed u c e d b y 2 7 %; a n d 

c. Ri s k i n di c e s f o r g a t e d c r o s si n g s s h all b e 

r e d u c e d b y 4 0 %. 

3. A dj u s t t h e ri s k i n d e x b y a c c o u n ti n g f o r 

t h e i n c r e a s e d ri s k t h a t w a s a v oi d e d b y i mpl e m e n ti n g t h e p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M a t t h e p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g. T hi s a dj u s t m e n t c a n b e 

m a d e b y di vi di n g t h e ri s k i n d e x b y o n e 

mi n u s t h e S S M eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e. ( F o r e xa m pl e, t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r a c r o s si n g e q ui p p e d 

wi t h p r e- e xi s ti n g c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s 

w o ul d b e di vi d e d b y . 2 5.) 

4. A dj u s t t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r t h e o t h e r 

c r o s si n g s t h a t a r e i n cl u d e d i n t h e P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e 

b y r e d u ci n g t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n d e x t o r efl e c t 

t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n t h a t w o ul d h a v e b e e n 

a c hi e v e d if t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n w a s r o uti n el y s o u n d e d a t e a c h c r o s si n g. Pl e a s e r ef e r 

t o s t e p t w o f o r t h e li s t of a p p r o v e d ri s k r ed u c ti o n p e r c e n t a g e s b y c r o s si n g t y p e. 

5. A d d t h e n e w ri s k i n di c e s f o r e a c h c r o s si n g l o c a t e d wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e 

a n d di vi d e b y t h e n u m b e r of c r o s si n g s. T h e 

r e s ul ti n g ri s k i n d e x will b e t h e n e w Ri s k 

I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 2 2 — A L T E R N A TI V E

A F E T Y E A S U R E S

I ntr o d u cti o n 

A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s e e ki n g a p p r o v al of a 

q ui e t z o n e u n d e r p u bli c a u t h o ri t y a p pli c ati o n t o F R A (§ 2 2 2. 3 9( b)) m a y i n cl u d e A S M s 

li s t e d i n t hi s a p p e n di x i n i t s p r o p o s al. T hi s 

a p p e n di x a d d r e s s e s t h r e e t y p e s of A S M s: 

M o difi e d S S M s, N o n- E n gi n e e ri n g A S M s, a n d 

E n gi n e e ri n g A S M s. M o difi e d S S M s a r e S S M s 

t h a t d o n o t f ull y c o m pl y wi t h t h e p r o vi si o n s 

li s t e d i n a p p e n di x A. A s p r o vi d e d i n s e c ti o n 

I. B. of t hi s a p p e n di x, p u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s c a n 

o b t ai n ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t f o r p r e- e xi s ti n g 

m o difi e d S S M s u n d e r t h e fi n al r ul e. N o n- e ngi n e e ri n g A S M s c o n si s t of p r o g r a m m e d e nf o r c e m e n t, p u bli c e d u c a ti o n a n d a w a r e n e s s, 

a n d p h o t o e nf o r c e m e n t p r o g r a m s t h a t m a y 

b e u s e d t o r e d u c e ri s k wi t hi n a q ui e t z o n e. 

E n gi n e e ri n g A S M s c o n si s t of e n gi n e e ri n g i mp r o v e m e n t s t h a t a d d r e s s u n d e rl yi n g g e om e t ri c c o n di ti o n s, i n cl u di n g si g h t di s t a n c e, 

t h a t a r e t h e s o u r c e of i n c r e a s e d ri s k a t 

c r o s si n g s. 

I. M O DI FI E D S S M

A. R e q uir e m e nts a n d Eff e cti v e n ess R at es f or 

M o difi e d S S Ms 

1. If t h e r e a r e u ni q u e ci r c u m s t a n c e s p e rt ai ni n g t o a s p e cifi c c r o s si n g o r n u m b e r of 

c r o s si n g s w hi c h p r e v e n t S S M s f r o m b ei n g 

f ull y c o m pli a n t wi t h all of t h e S S M r e q ui r em e n t s li s t e d i n a p p e n di x A, t h o s e S S M r eq ui r e m e n t s m a y b e a dj u s t e d o r r e vi s e d. I n 

t h a t c a s e, t h e S S M, a s m o difi e d b y t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y, will b e t r e a t e d a s a n A S M u n d e r 

t hi s a p p e n di x B, a n d n o t a s a S S M u n d e r a pp e n di x A. Af t e r r e vi e wi n g t h e e s ti m a t e d s af et y eff e c t of t h e m o difi e d S S M a n d t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e, F R A will a p p r o v e t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e if F R A fi n d s t h a t t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x will b e r e d u c e d t o a l e v el a t 

o r b el o w ei t h e r t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s o r 

t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. 

2. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t p r o vi d e e s tim a t e s of eff e c ti v e n e s s. T h e s e e s ti m a t e s m a y 

b e b a s e d u p o n a dj u s t m e n t s f r o m t h e eff e cti v e n e s s l e v el s p r o vi d e d i n a p p e n di x A o r 

f r o m a c t u al fi el d d a t a d e ri v e d f r o m t h e 

c r o s si n g si t e s. T h e s p e cifi c c r o s si n g a n d a ppli e d mi ti g a ti o n m e a s u r e will b e a s s e s s e d t o 

d e t e r mi n e t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s of t h e m o difi e d 

S S M. F R A will c o n ti n u e t o d e v el o p a n d 

m a k e a v ail a bl e eff e c ti v e n e s s e s ti m a t e s a n d 

d a t a f r o m e x p e ri e n c e u n d e r t h e fi n al r ul e. 

3. If o n e o r m o r e of t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s a s s oci a t e d wi t h a n S S M a s li s t e d i n a p p e n di x A 

i s r e vi s e d o r d el e t e d, d a t a o r a n al y si s s u pp o r ti n g t h e r e vi si o n o r d el e ti o n m u s t b e p r ovi d e d t o F R A f o r r e vi e w. T h e f oll o wi n g e n gin e e ri n g t y p e s of A S M s m a y b e i n cl u d e d i n a 

p r o p o s al f o r a p p r o v al b y F R A f o r c r e a ti o n of 

a q ui e t z o n e: ( 1) T e m p o r a r y Cl o s u r e of a P u bli c Hi g h w a y- R ail G r a d e C r o s si n g, ( 2) F o u rQ u a d r a n t G a t e S y s t e m, ( 3) G a t e s Wi t h M e dia n s o r C h a n n eli z a ti o n D e vi c e s, a n d ( 4) O n eW a y S t r e e t Wi t h G a t e( s). 

B. Cr e dit f or Pr e- E xisti n g M o difi e d S S Ms i n 

N e w Q ui et Z o n es a n d N e w P arti al Q ui et Z o n es 

A c o m m u ni t y t h a t h a s i m pl e m e n t e d a p r ee xi s ti n g m o difi e d S S M a t a p u bli c g r a d e 

c r o s si n g c a n r e c ei v e ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t b y 

i nfl a ti n g t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s a s f oll o w s: 

1. C al c ul a t e t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n d e x f o r t h e 

g r a d e c r o s si n g t h a t i s e q ui p p e d wi t h a p r ee xi s ti n g m o difi e d S S M. ( S e e a p p e n di x D. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 1
3 0 6 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. B 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

F R A’ s w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r m a y 

b e u s e d t o c o m pl e t e t hi s c al c ul a ti o n.) 

2. O b t ai n F R A a p p r o v al of t h e e s ti m a t e d 

eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e f o r t h e p r e- e xi s ti n g m o difi e d S S M. E s ti m a t e d eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s m a y 

b e b a s e d u p o n a dj u s t m e n t s f r o m t h e S S M eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s p r o vi d e d i n a p p e n di x A o r 

a c t u al fi el d d a t a d e ri v e d f r o m c r o s si n g si t e s. 

3. A dj u s t t h e ri s k i n d e x b y a c c o u n ti n g f o r 

t h e i n c r e a s e d ri s k t h a t w a s a v oi d e d b y i mpl e m e n ti n g t h e p r e- e xi s ti n g m o difi e d S S M a t 

t h e p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g. T hi s a dj u s t m e n t 

c a n b e m a d e b y di vi di n g t h e ri s k i n d e x b y 

o n e mi n u s t h e F R A- a p p r o v e d m o difi e d S S M 

eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e. 

4. A d d t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n di c e s f o r t h e 

o t h e r p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g s l o c a t e d wi t hi n 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e a n d di vi d e b y t h e 

n u m b e r of c r o s si n g s. T h e r e s ul ti n g ri s k i n d e x 

will b e t h e n e w Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s f o r 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

C. Cr e dit f or Pr e- E xisti n g M o difi e d S S Ms i n 

Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es a n d Pr e- R ul e P arti al 

Q ui et Z o n es 

A c o m m u ni t y t h a t h a s i m pl e m e n t e d a p r ee xi s ti n g m o difi e d S S M a t a p u bli c g r a d e 

c r o s si n g c a n r e c ei v e ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t b y 

i nfl a ti n g t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s a s f oll o w s: 

1. C al c ul a t e t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n d e x f o r t h e 

g r a d e c r o s si n g t h a t i s e q ui p p e d wi t h a p r ee xi s ti n g m o difi e d S S M. ( S e e a p p e n di x D. 

F R A’ s w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r m a y 

b e u s e d t o c o m pl e t e t hi s c al c ul a ti o n.) 

2. R e d u c e t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n d e x f o r t h e 

g r a d e c r o s si n g t o r efl e c t t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n 

t h a t w o ul d h a v e b e e n a c hi e v e d if t h e l o c om o ti v e h o r n w a s r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d a t t h e 

c r o s si n g. T h e f oll o wi n g li s t s e t s f o r t h t h e e sti m a t e d ri s k r e d u c ti o n f o r c e r t ai n t y p e s of 

c r o s si n g s: 

a. Ri s k i n di c e s f o r p a s si v e c r o s si n g s s h all 

b e r e d u c e d b y 4 3 %; 

b. Ri s k i n di c e s f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s e q ui p p e d 

wi t h a u t o m a ti c fl a s hi n g li g h t s s h all b e r ed u c e d b y 2 7 %; a n d 

c. Ri s k i n di c e s f o r g a t e d c r o s si n g s s h all b e 

r e d u c e d b y 4 0 %. 

3. O b t ai n F R A a p p r o v al of t h e e s ti m a t e d 

eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e f o r t h e p r e- e xi s ti n g m o difi e d S S M. E s ti m a t e d eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s m a y 

b e b a s e d u p o n a dj u s t m e n t s f r o m t h e S S M eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s p r o vi d e d i n a p p e n di x A o r 

a c t u al fi el d d a t a d e ri v e d f r o m c r o s si n g si t e s. 

4. A dj u s t t h e ri s k i n d e x b y a c c o u n ti n g f o r 

t h e i n c r e a s e d ri s k t h a t w a s a v oi d e d b y i mpl e m e n ti n g t h e p r e- e xi s ti n g m o difi e d S S M a t 

t h e p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g. T hi s a dj u s t m e n t 

c a n b e m a d e b y di vi di n g t h e ri s k i n d e x b y 

o n e mi n u s t h e F R A- a p p r o v e d m o difi e d S S M 

eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e. 

5. A dj u s t t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r t h e o t h e r 

c r o s si n g s t h a t a r e i n cl u d e d i n t h e P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e 

b y r e d u ci n g t h e c u r r e n t ri s k i n d e x t o r efl e c t 

t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n t h a t w o ul d h a v e b e e n 

a c hi e v e d if t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n w a s r o uti n el y s o u n d e d a t e a c h c r o s si n g. Pl e a s e r ef e r 

t o s t e p t w o f o r t h e li s t of a p p r o v e d ri s k r ed u c ti o n p e r c e n t a g e s b y c r o s si n g t y p e. 

6. A d d t h e n e w ri s k i n di c e s f o r e a c h c r o s si n g l o c a t e d wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e 

a n d di vi d e b y t h e n u m b e r of c r o s si n g s. T h e 

r e s ul ti n g ri s k i n d e x will b e t h e n e w Ri s k 

I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

II. N O N - EN GI N E E RI N G A S M

A. T h e f oll o wi n g n o n- e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s 

m a y b e u s e d i n t h e c r e a ti o n of a Q ui e t Z o n e: 

( T h e m e t h o d f o r d e t e r mi ni n g t h e eff e c ti v en e s s of t h e n o n- e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s, t h e i m pl em e n t a ti o n of t h e q ui e t z o n e, s u b s e q u e n t 

m o ni t o ri n g r e q ui r e m e n t s, a n d d e ali n g wi t h 

a n u n a c c e p t a bl e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e i s p r ovi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h B.) 

1. Pr o gr a m m e d E nf or c e m e nt: C o m m u ni t y a n d 

l a w e nf o r c e m e n t offi ci al s c o m mi t t o a s y st e m a ti c a n d m e a s u r a bl e c r o s si n g m o ni t o ri n g 

a n d t r affi c l a w e nf o r c e m e n t p r o g r a m a t t h e 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, al o n e o r 

i n c o m bi n a ti o n wi t h t h e P u bli c E d u c a ti o n 

a n d A w a r e n e s s A S M. 

R e q uir e d: 

a. S u bj e c t t o a u di t, a s t a ti s ti c all y v ali d 

b a s eli n e vi ol a ti o n r a t e m u s t b e e s t a bli s h e d 

t h r o u g h a u t o m a t e d o r s y s t e m a ti c m a n u al 

m o ni t o ri n g o r s a m pli n g a t t h e s u bj e c t c r o s si n g( s); a n d 

b. A l a w e nf o r c e m e n t eff o r t m u s t b e d efi n e d, e s t a bli s h e d a n d c o n ti n u e d al o n g wi t h 

c o n ti n u al o r r e g ul a r m o ni t o ri n g t h a t p r ovi d e s a s t a ti s ti c all y v ali d vi ol a ti o n r a t e t h a t 

i n di c a t e s t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s of t h e l a w e nf o r c e m e n t eff o r t. 

c. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all r e t ai n r e c o r d s 

p e r t ai ni n g t o m o ni t o ri n g a n d s a m pli n g eff o r t s a t t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g f o r a p e ri o d of n o t 

l e s s t h a n fi v e y e a r s. T h e s e r e c o r d s s h all b e 

m a d e a v ail a bl e, u p o n r e q u e s t, t o F R A a s p r ovi d e d b y 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 7. 

2. P u bli c E d u c ati o n a n d A w ar e n ess: C o n d u c t, 

al o n e o r i n c o m bi n a ti o n wi t h p r o g r a m m e d 

l a w e nf o r c e m e n t, a p r o g r a m of p u bli c e d uc a ti o n a n d a w a r e n e s s di r e c t e d a t m o t o r v e hicl e d ri v e r s, p e d e s t ri a n s a n d r e si d e n t s n e a r 

t h e r ail r o a d t o e m p h a si z e t h e ri s k s a s s o cia t e d wi t h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s a n d a p pli c a bl e r e q ui r e m e n t s of s t a t e 

a n d l o c al t r affi c l a w s a t t h o s e c r o s si n g s. 

R e q uir e m e nts: 

a. S u bj e c t t o a u di t, a s t a ti s ti c all y v ali d 

b a s eli n e vi ol a ti o n r a t e m u s t b e e s t a bli s h e d 

t h r o u g h a u t o m a t e d o r s y s t e m a ti c m a n u al 

m o ni t o ri n g o r s a m pli n g a t t h e s u bj e c t c r o s si n g( s); a n d 

b. A s u s t ai n a bl e p u bli c e d u c a ti o n a n d 

a w a r e n e s s p r o g r a m m u s t b e d efi n e d, e s t a bli s h e d a n d c o n ti n u e d al o n g wi t h c o n ti n u al o r 

r e g ul a r m o ni t o ri n g t h a t p r o vi d e s a s t a ti sti c all y v ali d vi ol a ti o n r a t e t h a t i n di c a t e s t h e 

eff e c ti v e n e s s of t h e p u bli c e d u c a ti o n a n d 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 2
3 0 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. B 

a w a r e n e s s eff o r t. T hi s p r o g r a m s h all b e p r ovi d e d a n d s u p p o r t e d p ri m a ril y t h r o u g h l o c al 

r e s o u r c e s. 

c. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all r e t ai n r e c o r d s 

p e r t ai ni n g t o m o ni t o ri n g a n d s a m pli n g eff o r t s a t t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g f o r a p e ri o d of n o t 

l e s s t h a n fi v e y e a r s. T h e s e r e c o r d s s h all b e 

m a d e a v ail a bl e, u p o n r e q u e s t, t o F R A a s p r ovi d e d b y 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 7. 

3. P h ot o E nf or c e m e nt: T hi s A S M e n t ail s 

a u t o m a t e d m e a n s of g a t h e ri n g v ali d p h o t og r a p hi c o r vi d e o e vi d e n c e of t r affi c l a w vi ol ati o n s a t a p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g 

t o g e t h e r wi t h f oll o w- t h r o u g h b y l a w e nf o r c em e n t a n d t h e j u di ci a r y. 

R e q uir e m e nts: 

a. S t a t e l a w a u t h o ri zi n g u s e of p h o t og r a p hi c o r vi d e o e vi d e n c e b o t h t o b ri n g 

c h a r g e s a n d s u s t ai n t h e b u r d e n of p r o of t h a t 

a vi ol a ti o n of t r affi c l a w s c o n c e r ni n g p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s h a s o c c u r r e d, 

a c c o m p a ni e d b y c o m mi t m e n t of a d mi ni s t r ati v e, l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a n d j u di ci al offi c e r s t o 

e nf o r c e t h e l a w; 

b. S a n c ti o n i n cl u d e s s uffi ci e n t mi ni m u m 

fi n e ( e. g., $ 1 0 0 f o r a fi r s t off e n s e, ‘‘ p oi n t s’’ t ow a r d li c e n s e s u s p e n si o n o r r e v o c a ti o n) t o 

d e t e r vi ol a ti o n s; 

c. M e a n s t o r eli a bl y d e t e c t vi ol a ti o n s ( e. g., 

l o o p d e t e c t o r s, vi d e o i m a gi n g t e c h n ol o g y); 

d. P h o t o g r a p hi c o r vi d e o e q ui p m e n t d epl o y e d t o c a p t u r e i m a g e s s uffi ci e n t t o d o c um e n t t h e vi ol a ti o n (i n cl u di n g t h e f a c e of t h e 

d ri v e r, if r e q ui r e d t o c h a r g e o r c o n vi c t u n d e r 

s t a t e l a w). 

O T E : T hi s d o e s n o t r e q ui r e t h a t e a c h 

c r o s si n g b e c o n ti n u all y m o ni t o r e d. T h e o bj e c ti v e of t hi s o p ti o n i s d e t e r r e n c e, w hi c h 

m a y b e a c c o m pli s h e d b y m o vi n g p h o t o/ vi d e o 

e q ui p m e n t a m o n g s e v e r al c r o s si n g l o c a ti o n s, 

a s l o n g a s t h e m o t o ri s t p e r c ei v e s t h e s t r o n g 

p o s si bili t y t h a t a vi ol a ti o n will l e a d t o s a n cti o n s. E a c h l o c a ti o n m u s t a p p e a r i d e n ti c al t o 

t h e m o t o ri s t, w h e t h e r o r n o t s u r v eill a n c e 

e q ui p m e n t i s a c t u all y pl a c e d t h e r e a t t h e 

p a r ti c ul a r ti m e. S u r v eill a n c e e q ui p m e n t 

s h o ul d b e i n pl a c e a n d o p e r a ti n g a t e a c h 

c r o s si n g a t l e a s t 2 5 p e r c e n t of e a c h c al e n d a r 

q u a r t e r. 

e. A p p r o p ri a t e i n t e g r a ti o n, t e s ti n g a n d 

m ai n t e n a n c e of t h e s y s t e m t o p r o vi d e e vid e n c e s u p p o r ti n g e nf o r c e m e n t; 

f. P u bli c a w a r e n e s s eff o r t s d e si g n e d t o r ei nf o r c e p h o t o e nf o r c e m e n t a n d al e r t m o t o ri s t s t o t h e a b s e n c e of t r ai n h o r n s; 

g. S u bj e c t t o a u di t, a s t a ti s ti c all y v ali d 

b a s eli n e vi ol a ti o n r a t e m u s t b e e s t a bli s h e d 

t h r o u g h a u t o m a t e d o r s y s t e m a ti c m a n u al 

m o ni t o ri n g o r s a m pli n g a t t h e s u bj e c t c r o s si n g( s); a n d 

h. A l a w e nf o r c e m e n t eff o r t m u s t b e d efi n e d, e s t a bli s h e d a n d c o n ti n u e d al o n g wi t h 

c o n ti n u al o r r e g ul a r m o ni t o ri n g. 

i. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h all r e t ai n r e c o r d s 

p e r t ai ni n g t o m o ni t o ri n g a n d s a m pli n g eff o r t s a t t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g f o r a p e ri o d of n o t 

l e s s t h a n fi v e y e a r s. T h e s e r e c o r d s s h all b e 

m a d e a v ail a bl e, u p o n r e q u e s t, t o F R A a s p r ovi d e d b y 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 7. 

B. T h e eff e c ti v e n e s s of a n A S M will b e d et e r mi n e d a s f oll o w s: 

1. E s t a bli s h t h e q u a r t e rl y ( t h r e e m o n t h s) 

b a s eli n e vi ol a ti o n r a t e s f o r e a c h c r o s si n g i n 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

a. A vi ol a ti o n i n t hi s c o n t e x t r ef e r s t o a 

m o t o ri s t n o t c o m pl yi n g wi t h t h e a u t o m a ti c 

w a r ni n g d e vi c e s a t t h e c r o s si n g ( n o t s t o p pi n g 

f o r t h e fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d d ri vi n g o v e r t h e 

c r o s si n g af t e r t h e g a t e a r m s h a v e s t a r t e d t o 

d e s c e n d, o r d ri vi n g a r o u n d t h e l o w e r e d g a t e 

a r m s). A vi ol a ti o n d o e s n o t h a v e t o r e s ul t i n 

a t r affi c ci t a ti o n f o r t h e vi ol a ti o n t o b e c o nsi d e r e d. 

b. Vi ol a ti o n d a t a m a y b e o b t ai n e d b y a n y 

m e t h o d t h a t c a n b e s h o w n t o p r o vi d e a s t ati s ti c all y v ali d s a m pl e. T hi s m a y i n cl u d e t h e 

u s e of vi d e o c a m e r a s, o t h e r t e c h n ol o gi e s 

( e. g., i n d u c ti v e l o o p s), o r m a n u al o b s e r v ati o n s t h a t c a p t u r e d ri v e r b e h a vi o r w h e n t h e 

a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s a r e o p e r a ti n g. 

c. If d a t a i s n o t c oll e c t e d c o n ti n u o u sl y d u ri n g t h e q u a r t e r, s uffi ci e n t d e t ail m u s t b e 

p r o vi d e d i n t h e a p pli c a ti o n i n o r d e r t o v alid a t e t h a t t h e m e t h o d ol o g y u s e d r e s ul t s i n a 

s t a ti s ti c all y v ali d s a m pl e. F R A r e c o m m e n d s 

t h a t a t l e a s t a mi ni m u m of 6 0 0 s a m pl e s ( o n e 

s a m pl e e q u al s o n e g a t e a c ti v a ti o n) b e c oll e c t e d d u ri n g t h e b a s eli n e a n d s u b s e q u e n t 

q u a r t e rl y s a m pl e p e ri o d s. 

d. T h e s a m pli n g m e t h o d ol o g y m u s t t a k e 

m e a s u r e s t o a v oi d bi a s e s i n t h ei r s a m pli n g 

t e c h ni q u e. P o t e n ti al s a m pli n g bi a s e s c o ul d 

i n cl u d e: S a m pli n g o n c e r t ai n d a y s of t h e 

w e e k b u t n o t o t h e r s; s a m pli n g d u ri n g c e r t ai n 

ti m e s of t h e d a y b u t n o t o t h e r s; s a m pli n g 

i m m e di a t el y af t e r i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of a n 

A S M w hil e t h e p u bli c i s s till g oi n g t h r o u g h 

a n a dj u s t m e n t p e ri o d; o r a p pl yi n g o n e s a mpl e m e t h o d f o r t h e b a s eli n e r a t e a n d a n o t h e r 

f o r t h e n e w r a t e. 

e. T h e b a s eli n e vi ol a ti o n r a t e s h o ul d b e e xp r e s s e d a s t h e n u m b e r of vi ol a ti o n s p e r g a t e 

a c ti v a ti o n s i n o r d e r t o n o r m ali z e f o r u n e q u al 

g a t e a c ti v a ti o n s d u ri n g s u b s e q u e n t d a t a c oll e c ti o n p e ri o d s. 

f. All s u b s e q u e n t q u a r t e rl y vi ol a ti o n r a t e 

c al c ul a ti o n s m u s t u s e t h e s a m e m e t h o d ol o g y 

a s s t a t e d i n t hi s p a r a g r a p h u nl e s s F R A a ut h o ri z e s a n o t h e r m e t h o d ol o g y. 

2. T h e A S M s h o ul d t h e n b e i ni ti a t e d f o r 

e a c h c r o s si n g. T r ai n h o r n s a r e s till b ei n g 

s o u n d e d d u ri n g t hi s ti m e p e ri o d. 

3. I n t h e c al e n d a r q u a r t e r f oll o wi n g i ni tia ti o n of t h e A S M, d e t e r mi n e a n e w q u a r t e rl y 

vi ol a ti o n r a t e u si n g t h e s a m e m e t h o d ol o g y 

a s i n p a r a g r a p h ( 1) a b o v e. 

4. D e t e r mi n e t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e r e d u c ti o n 

f o r e a c h c r o s si n g b y t h e f oll o wi n g f o r m ul a: 

Vi ol a ti o n r a t e r e d u c ti o n = ( n e w r a t e ¥ b a s eli n e r a t e)/ b a s eli n e r a t e 

5. D e t e r mi n e t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e of t h e 

A S M f o r e a c h c r o s si n g b y m ul ti pl yi n g t h e 

vi ol a ti o n r a t e r e d u c ti o n b y . 7 8. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 3
3 0 8 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. B 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

6. U si n g t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s f o r e a c h 

g r a d e c r o s si n g t r e a t e d b y a n A S M, d e t e r mi n e 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. If a n d w h e n t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x f o r t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t 

z o n e h a s b e e n r e d u c e d t o a l e v el a t, o r b el o w, 

t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s o r t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y m a y a p pl y t o F R A f o r a p p r o v al of 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. U p o n r e c ei vi n g w ri tt e n a p p r o v al of t h e q ui e t z o n e a p pli c a ti o n 

f r o m F R A, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y t h e n 

p r o c e e d wi t h n o tifi c a ti o n s a n d i m pl e m e n t ati o n of t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

7. Vi ol a ti o n r a t e s m u s t b e m o ni t o r e d f o r 

t h e n e x t t w o c al e n d a r q u a r t e r s a n d e v e r y 

s e c o n d q u a r t e r t h e r e af t e r. If, af t e r fi v e y e a r s 

f r o m t h e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of t h e q ui e t z o n e, 

t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e f o r a n y q u a r t e r h a s n e v e r 

e x c e e d e d t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e t h a t w a s u s e d t o 

d e t e r mi n e t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e t h a t w a s a pp r o v e d b y F R A, vi ol a ti o n r a t e s m a y b e m o ni t o r e d f o r o n e q u a r t e r p e r y e a r. 

8. I n t h e e v e n t t h a t t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e i s 

e v e r g r e a t e r t h a n t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e u s e d t o 

d e t e r mi n e t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e t h a t w a s a pp r o v e d b y F R A, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y 

c o n ti n u e t h e q ui e t z o n e f o r a n o t h e r q u a r t e r. 

If, i n t h e s e c o n d q u a r t e r t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e i s 

s till g r e a t e r t h a n t h e r a t e u s e d t o d e t e r mi n e 

t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e t h a t w a s a p p r o v e d b y 

F R A, a n e w eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e m u s t b e c alc ul a t e d a n d t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x r ec al c ul a t e d u si n g t h e n e w eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e. 

If t h e n e w Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i n di c a t e s 

t h a t t h e A S M n o l o n g e r f ull y c o m p e n s a t e s 

f o r t h e l a c k of a t r ai n h o r n, o r t h a t t h e ri s k 

l e v el i s e q u al t o, o r e x c e e d s t h e N a ti o n al Si gnifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, t h e p r o c e d u r e s f o r 

d e ali n g wi t h u n a c c e p t a bl e eff e c ti v e n e s s af t e r 

e s t a bli s h m e n t of a q ui e t z o n e s h o ul d b e f oll o w e d. 

III. E N GI N E E RI N G A S M

A. E n gi n e e ri n g i m p r o v e m e n t s, o t h e r t h a n 

m o difi e d S S M s, m a y b e u s e d i n t h e c r e a ti o n 

of a Q ui e t Z o n e. T h e s e e n gi n e e ri n g i m p r o v em e n t s, w hi c h will b e t r e a t e d a s A S M s u n d e r 

t hi s a p p e n di x, m a y i n cl u d e i m p r o v e m e n t s 

t h a t a d d r e s s u n d e rl yi n g g e o m e t ri c c o n diti o n s, i n cl u di n g si g h t di s t a n c e, t h a t a r e t h e 

s o u r c e of i n c r e a s e d ri s k a t t h e c r o s si n g. 

B. T h e eff e c ti v e n e s s of a n E n gi n e e ri n g 

A S M will b e d e t e r mi n e d a s f oll o w s: 

1. E s t a bli s h t h e q u a r t e rl y ( t h r e e m o n t h s) 

b a s eli n e vi ol a ti o n r a t e f o r t h e c r o s si n g a t 

w hi c h t h e E n gi n e e ri n g A S M will b e a p pli e d. 

a. A vi ol a ti o n i n t hi s c o n t e x t r ef e r s t o a 

m o t o ri s t n o t c o m pl yi n g wi t h t h e a u t o m a ti c 

w a r ni n g d e vi c e s a t t h e c r o s si n g ( n o t s t o p pi n g 

f o r t h e fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d d ri vi n g o v e r t h e 

c r o s si n g af t e r t h e g a t e a r m s h a v e s t a r t e d t o 

d e s c e n d, o r d ri vi n g a r o u n d t h e l o w e r e d g a t e 

a r m s). A vi ol a ti o n d o e s n o t h a v e t o r e s ul t i n 

a t r affi c ci t a ti o n f o r t h e vi ol a ti o n t o b e c o nsi d e r e d. 

b. Vi ol a ti o n d a t a m a y b e o b t ai n e d b y a n y 

m e t h o d t h a t c a n b e s h o w n t o p r o vi d e a s t ati s ti c all y v ali d s a m pl e. T hi s m a y i n cl u d e t h e 

u s e of vi d e o c a m e r a s, o t h e r t e c h n ol o gi e s ( e. g. 

i n d u c ti v e l o o p s), o r m a n u al o b s e r v a ti o n s 

t h a t c a p t u r e d ri v e r b e h a vi o r w h e n t h e a u t om a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s a r e o p e r a ti n g. 

c. If d a t a i s n o t c oll e c t e d c o n ti n u o u sl y d u ri n g t h e q u a r t e r, s uffi ci e n t d e t ail m u s t b e 

p r o vi d e d i n t h e a p pli c a ti o n i n o r d e r t o v alid a t e t h a t t h e m e t h o d ol o g y u s e d r e s ul t s i n a 

s t a ti s ti c all y v ali d s a m pl e. F R A r e c o m m e n d s 

t h a t a t l e a s t a mi ni m u m of 6 0 0 s a m pl e s ( o n e 

s a m pl e e q u al s o n e g a t e a c ti v a ti o n) b e c oll e c t e d d u ri n g t h e b a s eli n e a n d s u b s e q u e n t 

q u a r t e rl y s a m pl e p e ri o d s. 

d. T h e s a m pli n g m e t h o d ol o g y m u s t t a k e 

m e a s u r e s t o a v oi d bi a s e s i n t h ei r s a m pli n g 

t e c h ni q u e. P o t e n ti al s a m pli n g bi a s e s c o ul d 

i n cl u d e: S a m pli n g o n c e r t ai n d a y s of t h e 

w e e k b u t n o t o t h e r s; s a m pli n g d u ri n g c e r t ai n 

ti m e s of t h e d a y b u t n o t o t h e r s; s a m pli n g 

i m m e di a t el y af t e r i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of a n 

A S M w hil e t h e p u bli c i s s till g oi n g t h r o u g h 

a n a dj u s t m e n t p e ri o d; o r a p pl yi n g o n e s a mpl e m e t h o d f o r t h e b a s eli n e r a t e a n d a n o t h e r 

f o r t h e n e w r a t e. 

e. T h e b a s eli n e vi ol a ti o n r a t e s h o ul d b e e xp r e s s e d a s t h e n u m b e r of vi ol a ti o n s p e r g a t e 

a c ti v a ti o n s i n o r d e r t o n o r m ali z e f o r u n e q u al 

g a t e a c ti v a ti o n s d u ri n g s u b s e q u e n t d a t a c oll e c ti o n p e ri o d s. 

f. All s u b s e q u e n t q u a r t e rl y vi ol a ti o n r a t e 

c al c ul a ti o n s m u s t u s e t h e s a m e m e t h o d ol o g y 

a s s t a t e d i n t hi s p a r a g r a p h u nl e s s F R A a ut h o ri z e s a n o t h e r m e t h o d ol o g y. 

2. T h e E n gi n e e ri n g A S M s h o ul d b e i ni tia t e d a t t h e c r o s si n g. T r ai n h o r n s a r e s till 

b ei n g s o u n d e d d u ri n g t hi s ti m e p e ri o d. 

3. I n t h e c al e n d a r q u a r t e r f oll o wi n g i ni tia ti o n of t h e E n gi n e e ri n g A S M, d e t e r mi n e a 

n e w q u a r t e rl y vi ol a ti o n r a t e u si n g t h e s a m e 

m e t h o d ol o g y a s i n p a r a g r a p h ( 1) a b o v e. 

4. D e t e r mi n e t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e r e d u c ti o n 

f o r t h e c r o s si n g b y t h e f oll o wi n g f o r m ul a: 

Vi ol a ti o n r a t e r e d u c ti o n = ( n e w r a t e ¥ b a s eli n e r a t e)/ b a s eli n e r a t e 

5. U si n g t h e E n gi n e e ri n g A S M eff e c ti v e n e s s 

r a t e, d e t e r mi n e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. If 

a n d w h e n t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x f o r t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e h a s b e e n r e d u c e d t o a 

ri s k l e v el a t o r b el o w t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s o r t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y a p pl y 

t o F R A f o r a p p r o v al of t h e q ui e t z o n e. U p o n 

r e c ei vi n g w ri t t e n a p p r o v al of t h e q ui e t z o n e 

a p pli c a ti o n f r o m F R A, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

m a y t h e n p r o c e e d wi t h n o tifi c a ti o n s a n d i mpl e m e n t a ti o n of t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

6. Vi ol a ti o n r a t e s m u s t b e m o ni t o r e d f o r 

t h e n e x t t w o c al e n d a r q u a r t e r s. U nl e s s o t he r wi s e p r o vi d e d i n F R A’ s n o tifi c a ti o n of 

q ui e t z o n e a p p r o v al, if t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e f o r 

t h e s e t w o c al e n d a r q u a r t e r s d o e s n o t e x c e e d 

t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e t h a t w a s u s e d t o d e t e rmi n e t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e t h a t w a s a pp r o v e d b y F R A, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y c a n 

c e a s e vi ol a ti o n r a t e m o ni t o ri n g. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 4
3 0 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 

7. I n t h e e v e n t t h a t t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e o v e r 

ei t h e r of t h e n e x t t w o c al e n d a r q u a r t e r s a r e 

g r e a t e r t h a n t h e vi ol a ti o n r a t e u s e d t o d e t e rmi n e t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e t h a t w a s a pp r o v e d b y F R A, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y 

c o n ti n u e t h e q ui e t z o n e f o r a t hi r d c al e n d a r 

q u a r t e r. H o w e v e r, if t h e t hi r d c al e n d a r q u a rt e r vi ol a ti o n r a t e i s al s o g r e a t e r t h a n t h e 

r a t e u s e d t o d e t e r mi n e t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e 

t h a t w a s a p p r o v e d b y F R A, a n e w eff e c ti v en e s s r a t e m u s t b e c al c ul a t e d a n d t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x r e- c al c ul a t e d u si n g t h e n e w 

eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e. If t h e n e w Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x e x c e e d s t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s a n d t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, t h e p r o c e d u r e s f o r d e ali n g wi t h 

u n a c c e p t a bl e eff e c ti v e n e s s af t e r e s t a bli s hm e n t of a q ui e t z o n e s h o ul d b e f oll o w e d. 

P P E N DI X C T O A R T 2 2 2 — G UI D E T O

S T A B LI S HI N G UI E T O N E S

I ntr o d u cti o n 

T hi s G ui d e t o E s t a bli s hi n g Q ui e t Z o n e s 

( G ui d e) i s di vi d e d i n t o fi v e s e c ti o n s i n o r d e r 

t o a d d r e s s t h e v a ri e t y of m e t h o d s a n d c o n diti o n s t h a t aff e c t t h e e s t a bli s h m e n t of q ui e t 

z o n e s u n d e r t hi s r ul e. 

S e c ti o n I of t h e G ui d e p r o vi d e s a n o v e r vi e w 

of t h e diff e r e n t w a y s i n w hi c h a q ui e t z o n e 

m a y b e e s t a bli s h e d u n d e r t hi s r ul e. T hi s i ncl u d e s a b ri ef di s c u s si o n o n t h e s af e t y 

t h r e s h ol d s t h a t m u s t b e a t t ai n e d i n o r d e r f o r 

t r ai n h o r n s t o b e sil e n c e d a n d t h e r el a ti v e 

m e ri t s of e a c h. I t al s o i n cl u d e s t h e t w o g e ne r al m e t h o d s t h a t m a y b e u s e d t o r e d u c e ri s k 

i n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e, a n d t h e diff e r e n t 

i m p a c t s t h a t t h e m e t h o d s h a v e o n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n p r o c e s s. T hi s s e c ti o n 

al s o di s c u s s e s P a r ti al ( e. g. ni g h t ti m e o nl y 

q ui e t z o n e s) a n d I n t e r m e di a t e Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

A n I n t e r m e di a t e Q ui e t Z o n e i s o n e w h e r e 

h o r n r e s t ri c ti o n s w e r e i n pl a c e af t e r O c t o b e r 

9, 1 9 9 6, b u t a s of D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3. 

S e c ti o n II of t h e G ui d e p r o vi d e s i nf o r m ati o n o n e s t a bli s hi n g N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s. A N e w 

Q ui e t Z o n e i s o n e a t w hi c h t r ai n h o r n s a r e 

c u r r e n tl y b ei n g s o u n d e d a t c r o s si n g s. T h e 

P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n a n d P u bli c A ut h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A m e t h o d s will b e 

di s c u s s e d i n d e p t h. 

S e c ti o n III of t h e G ui d e p r o vi d e s i nf o r m ati o n o n e s t a bli s hi n g P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s. A 

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e i s o n e w h e r e t r ai n h o r n s 

w e r e n o t r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d a s of O c t o b e r 9, 

1 9 9 6 a n d D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3. T h e diff e r e n c e s 

b e t w e e n N e w a n d P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s will 

b e e x pl ai n e d. P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n 

a n d P u bli c A u t h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A 

m e t h o d s al s o a p pl y t o P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

S e c ti o n I V of t h e G ui d e d e al s wi t h t h e r eq ui r e d n o tifi c a ti o n s t h a t m u s t b e p r o vi d e d 

b y p u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s w h e n e s t a bli s hi n g b o t h 

N e w a n d c o n ti n ui n g P r e- R ul e o r I n t e rm e di a t e Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

S e c ti o n V of t h e G ui d e p r o vi d e s e x a m pl e s 

of q ui e t z o n e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n. 

E C TI O N I — O V E R VI E W

I n o r d e r f o r a q ui e t z o n e t o b e q u alifi e d 

u n d e r t hi s r ul e, i t m u s t b e s h o w n t h a t t h e 

l a c k of t h e t r ai n h o r n d o e s n o t p r e s e n t a si gnifi c a n t ri s k wi t h r e s p e c t t o l o s s of lif e o r s eri o u s p e r s o n al i nj u r y, o r t h a t t h e si g nifi c a n t 

ri s k h a s b e e n c o m p e n s a t e d f o r b y o t h e r 

m e a n s. T h e r ul e p r o vi d e s f o u r b a si c w a y s i n 

w hi c h a q ui e t z o n e m a y b e e s t a bli s h e d. C r ea ti o n of b o t h N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e s a r e b a s e d o n t h e s a m e g e n e r al 

g ui d eli n e s; h o w e v e r, t h e r e a r e a n u m b e r of 

diff e r e n c e s t h a t will b e n o t e d i n t h e di s c u ssi o n o n P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

A. Q u alif yi n g C o n diti o ns 

( 1) O n e of t h e f oll o wi n g f o u r c o n di ti o n s o r 

s c e n a ri o s m u s t b e m e t i n o r d e r t o s h o w t h a t 

t h e l a c k of t h e t r ai n h o r n d o e s n o t p r e s e n t a 

si g nifi c a n t ri s k, o r t h a t t h e si g nifi c a n t ri s k 

h a s b e e n c o m p e n s a t e d f o r b y o t h e r m e a n s: 

a. O n e o r m o r e S S M s a s i d e n tifi e d i n a pp e n di x A a r e i n s t all e d a t e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g i n t h e q ui e t z o n e; o r 

b. T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s e q u al t o, 

o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d wi t h o u t i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of a d diti o n al s af e t y m e a s u r e s a t a n y c r o s si n g s i n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e; o r 

c. A d di ti o n al s af e t y m e a s u r e s a r e i m pl em e n t e d a t s el e c t e d c r o s si n g s r e s ul ti n g i n t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x b ei n g r e d u c e d t o a 

l e v el e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d; o r 

d. A d di ti o n al s af e t y m e a s u r e s a r e t a k e n a t 

s el e c t e d c r o s si n g s r e s ul ti n g i n t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x b ei n g r e d u c e d t o a t l e a s t 

t h e l e v el of t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s ( t h a t 

i s, t h e ri s k t h a t w o ul d e xi s t if t r ai n h o r n s 

w e r e s o u n d e d a t e v e r y p u bli c c r o s si n g i n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e). 

( 2) I t i s i m p o r t a n t t o c o n si d e r t h e i m pli c ati o n s of e a c h a p p r o a c h b ef o r e d e ci di n g w hi c h 

o n e t o u s e. If a q ui e t z o n e i s q u alifi e d b a s e d 

o n r ef e r e n c e t o t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d (i. e. t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x i s e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o nwi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d — s e e t h e 

s e c o n d a n d t hi r d s c e n a ri o s a b o v e), t h e n a n 

a n n u al r e vi e w will b e d o n e b y F R A t o d e t e rmi n e if t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x r e m ai n s 

e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si gnifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. Si n c e t h e N a ti o nwi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x m a y c h a n g e f r o m y e a r 

t o y e a r, t h e r e i s n o g u a r a n t e e t h a t t h e q ui e t 

z o n e will r e m ai n q u alifi e d. T h e ci rc u m s t a n c e s t h a t c a u s e t h e di s q u alifi c a ti o n 

m a y n o t b e s u bj e c t t o t h e c o n t r ol of t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y. F o r e x a m pl e, a n o v e r all n ati o n al i m p r o v e m e n t i n s af e t y a t g a t e d c r o s si n g s m a y c a u s e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d t o f all. T hi s m a y c a u s e t h e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 1 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 5
3 1 0 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o b e c o m e g r e a t e r 

t h a n t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d. If t h e q ui e t z o n e i s n o l o n g e r 

q u alifi e d, t h e n t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y will h a v e 

t o t a k e a d di ti o n al m e a s u r e s, a n d m a y i n c u r 

a d di ti o n al c o s t s t h a t mi g h t n o t h a v e b e e n 

b u d g e t e d, t o o n c e a g ai n l o w e r t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x t o a t l e a s t t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si gnifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d i n o r d e r t o r e t ai n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e. T h e r ef o r e, w hil e t h e i ni ti al 

c o s t t o i m pl e m e n t a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r t h e 

s e c o n d o r t hi r d s c e n a ri o m a y b e l o w e r t h a n 

t h e o t h e r o p ti o n s, t h e s e s c e n a ri o s al s o c a r r y 

a d e g r e e of u n c e r t ai n t y a b o u t t h e q ui e t 

z o n e’ s c o n ti n u e d e xi s t e n c e. 

( 3) T h e u s e of t h e fi r s t o r f o u r t h s c e n a ri o s 

r e d u c e s t h e ri s k l e v el t o a t l e a s t t h e l e v el 

t h a t w o ul d e xi s t if t r ai n h o r n s w e r e s o u n di n g 

i n t h e q ui e t z o n e. T h e s e m e t h o d s m a y h a v e 

hi g h e r i ni ti al c o s t s b e c a u s e m o r e s af e t y 

m e a s u r e s m a y b e n e c e s s a r y i n o r d e r t o 

a c hi e v e t h e n e e d e d ri s k r e d u c ti o n. D e s pi t e 

t h e p o s si bili t y of g r e a t e r i ni ti al c o s t s, t h e r e 

a r e s e v e r al b e n efi t s t o t h e s e m e t h o d s. T h e 

i n s t all a ti o n of S S M s a t e v e r y c r o s si n g will 

p r o vi d e t h e g r e a t e s t s af e t y b e n efi t of a n y of 

t h e m e t h o d s t h a t m a y b e u s e d t o i ni ti a t e a 

q ui e t z o n e. Wi t h b o t h of t h e s e m e t h o d s (fi r s t 

a n d f o u r t h s c e n a ri o s), t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

will n e v e r n e e d t o b e c o n c e r n e d a b o u t t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, a nn u al r e vi e w s of t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x, o r 

f aili n g t o b e q u alifi e d b e c a u s e t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s hi g h e r t h a n t h e N a ti o nwi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. P u bli c a ut h o ri ti e s a r e s t r o n gl y e n c o u r a g e d t o c a r ef ull y c o n si d e r b o t h t h e p r o s a n d c o n s of all of 

t h e m e t h o d s a n d t o c h o o s e t h e m e t h o d t h a t 

will b e s t m e e t t h e n e e d s of i t s ci ti z e n s b y 

p r o vi di n g a s af e r a n d q ui e t e r c o m m u ni t y. 

( 4) F o r t h e p u r p o s e s of t hi s G ui d e, t h e t e r m 

‘‘ Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s’’ i s u s e d t o r e p r e s e n t 

t h e l e v el of ri s k t h a t w o ul d e xi s t if t r ai n 

h o r n s w e r e s o u n d e d a t e v e r y p u bli c c r o s si n g 

i n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. If a p u bli c a ut h o ri t y d e ci d e s t h a t i t w o ul d li k e t o f ull y 

c o m p e n s a t e f o r t h e l a c k of a t r ai n h o r n a n d 

n o t i n s t all S S M s a t e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g i n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e, i t m u s t r e d u c e t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el t h a t i s e q u al t o, 

o r l e s s t h a n, t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. T h e 

Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s i s si mil a r t o t h e N ati o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d i n t h a t 

b o t h a r e t a r g e t s t h a t m u s t b e r e a c h e d i n 

o r d e r t o e s t a bli s h a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r t h e 

r ul e. Q ui e t z o n e s t h a t a r e e s t a bli s h e d b y r ed u ci n g t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a t l e a s t 

t h e l e v el of t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d will b e r e vi e w e d a n n u all y b y F R A 

t o d e t e r mi n e if t h e y s till q u alif y u n d e r t h e 

r ul e t o r e t ai n t h e q ui e t z o n e. Q ui e t z o n e s 

t h a t a r e e s t a bli s h e d b y r e d u ci n g t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a t l e a s t t h e l e v el of t h e 

Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s will n o t b e s u bj e c t t o 

a n n u al r e vi e w s. 

( 5) T h e u s e of F R A’ s w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t Z o n e 

C al c ul a t o r i s r e c o m m e n d e d t o ai d i n t h e d eci si o n m a ki n g p r o c e s s ( htt p:// w w w.fr a. d ot. g o v/ 

us/ c o nt e nt/ 1 3 3 7 ). T h e Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r 

will all o w t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o c o n si d e r a 

v a ri e t y of o p ti o n s i n d e t e r mi ni n g w hi c h 

S S M s m a k e t h e m o s t s e n s e. I t will al s o p e rf o r m t h e n e c e s s a r y c al c ul a ti o n s u s e d t o d et e r mi n e t h e e xi s ti n g ri s k l e v el a n d w h e t h e r 

e n o u g h ri s k h a s b e e n mi ti g a t e d i n o r d e r t o 

c r e a t e a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r t hi s r ul e. 

B. Ris k R e d u cti o n M et h o ds 

F R A h a s e s t a bli s h e d t w o g e n e r al m e t h o d s 

t o r e d u c e ri s k i n o r d e r t o h a v e a q ui e t z o n e 

q u alif y u n d e r t hi s r ul e. T h e m e t h o d c h o s e n 

i m p a c t s t h e m a n n e r i n w hi c h t h e q ui e t z o n e 

i s i m pl e m e n t e d. 

1. P u bli c A ut h orit y D esi g n ati o n ( S S Ms) — T h e 

P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n m e t h o d 

(§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)) i n v ol v e s t h e u s e of S S M s ( s e e a pp e n di x A) a t s o m e o r all c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e. T h e u s e of o nl y S S M s t o r e d u c e 

ri s k will all o w a p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o d e si g n a t e a q ui e t z o n e wi t h o u t a p p r o v al f r o m 

F R A. If t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i n s t all s S S M s 

a t e v e r y c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, i t 

n e e d n o t d e m o n s t r a t e t h a t t h e y will r e d u c e 

t h e ri s k s uffi ci e n tl y i n o r d e r t o q u alif y u n d e r 

t h e r ul e si n c e F R A h a s al r e a d y a s s e s s e d t h e 

a bili t y of t h e S S M s t o r e d u c e ri s k. I n o t h e r 

w o r d s, t h e Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r d o e s n o t 

n e e d t o b e u s e d. H o w e v e r, if o nl y S S M s a r e 

i n s t all e d wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, b u t n o t a t 

e v e r y c r o s si n g, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t 

c al c ul a t e t h a t s uffi ci e n t ri s k r e d u c ti o n will 

b e a c c o m pli s h e d b y t h e S S M s. O n c e t h e i mp r o v e m e n t s a r e m a d e, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

m u s t m a k e t h e r e q ui r e d n o tifi c a ti o n s ( w hi c h 

i n cl u d e s a c o p y of t h e r e p o r t g e n e r a t e d b y 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r s h o wi n g t h a t t h e 

ri s k i n t h e q ui e t z o n e h a s b e e n s uffi ci e n tl y 

r e d u c e d), a n d t h e q ui e t z o n e m a y b e i m pl em e n t e d. F R A d o e s n o t n e e d t o a p p r o v e t h e 

pl a n a s i t h a s al r e a d y a s s e s s e d t h e a bili t y of 

t h e S S M s t o r e d u c e ri s k. 

2. P u bli c A ut h orit y A p pli c ati o n t o F R A 

( A S Ms)— T h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n 

t o F R A m e t h o d (§ 2 2 2. 3 9( b)) i n v ol v e s t h e u s e 

A S M s ( s e e a p p e n di x B). A S M s i n cl u d e m o difi e d S S M s t h a t d o n o t f ull y c o m pl y wi t h t h e 

p r o vi si o n s f o u n d i n a p p e n di x A ( e. g., s h o r t e r 

t h a n r e q ui r e d t r affi c c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s), 

n o n- e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s ( e. g., p r o g r a m m e d 

l a w e nf o r c e m e n t), a n d e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s 

(i. e., e n gi n e e ri n g i m p r o v e m e n t s o t h e r t h a n 

m o difi e d S S M s). If t h e u s e of A S M s ( o r a 

c o m bi n a ti o n of A S M s a n d S S M s) i s el e c t e d 

t o r e d u c e ri s k, t h e n t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

m u s t p r o vi d e a N o ti c e of I n t e n t a n d t h e n 

a p pl y t o F R A f o r a p p r o v al of t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

T h e a p pli c a ti o n m u s t c o n t ai n s uffi ci e n t d a t a 

a n d a n al y si s t o c o nfi r m t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d 

A S M s d o i n d e e d p r o vi d e t h e n e c e s s a r y ri s k 

r e d u c ti o n. F R A will r e vi e w t h e a p pli c a ti o n 

a n d will i s s u e a f o r m al a p p r o v al if i t d e t e rmi n e s t h a t ri s k i s r e d u c e d t o a l e v el t h a t i s 

n e c e s s a r y i n o r d e r t o c o m pl y wi t h t h e r ul e. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 6
3 1 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 

O n c e F R A a p p r o v al h a s b e e n r e c ei v e d a n d 

t h e s af e t y m e a s u r e s f ull y i m pl e m e n t e d, t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y w o ul d t h e n p r o vi d e a N o ti c e 

of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t a n d t h e q ui e t 

z o n e m a y b e i m pl e m e n t e d. T h e u s e of n o ne n gi n e e ri n g A S M s will r e q ui r e c o n ti n u e d 

m o ni t o ri n g a n d a n al y si s t h r o u g h o u t t h e e xi s t e n c e of t h e q ui e t z o n e t o e n s u r e t h a t ri s k 

c o n ti n u e s t o b e r e d u c e d. 

3. C al c ul ati n g Ris k R e d u cti o n — T h e f oll o wi n g s h o ul d b e n o t e d w h e n c al c ul a ti n g ri s k 

r e d u c ti o n s i n a s s o ci a ti o n wi t h t h e e s t a bli s hm e n t of a q ui e t z o n e. T hi s i nf o r m a ti o n p e rt ai n s t o b o t h N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d t o t h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y 

D e si g n a ti o n a n d P u bli c A u t h o ri t y A p pli c ati o n t o F R A m e t h o d s. 

Cr ossi n g cl os ur es: If a n y p u bli c c r o s si n g 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e i s p r o p o s e d t o b e 

cl o s e d, i n cl u d e t h a t c r o s si n g w h e n c al c ul a ti n g t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. T h e eff e cti v e n e s s of a cl o s u r e i s 1. 0. H o w e v e r, b e s u r e 

t o i n c r e a s e t h e t r affi c c o u n t s a t o t h e r c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e a n d r e c al c ul a t e 

t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r t h o s e c r o s si n g s t h a t will 

h a n dl e t h e t r affi c di v e r t e d f r o m t h e cl o s e d 

c r o s si n g. I t s h o ul d b e n o t e d t h a t c r o s si n g 

cl o s u r e s t h a t a r e al r e a d y i n e xi s t e n c e a r e n o t 

c o n si d e r e d i n t h e ri s k c al c ul a ti o n s. 

E x a m pl e: A p r o p o s e d N e w Q ui e t Z o n e c o nt ai n s f o u r c r o s si n g s: A, B, C a n d D s t r e e t s. A, 

B a n d D s t r e e t s a r e e q ui p p e d wi t h fl a s hi n g 

li g h t s a n d g a t e s. C S t r e e t i s a p a s si v e 

c r o s s b u c k c r o s si n g wi t h a t r affi c c o u n t of 4 0 0 

v e hi cl e s p e r d a y. I t i s d e ci d e d t h a t C S t r e e t 

will b e cl o s e d a s p a r t of t h e p r oj e c t. C o m p u t e 

t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r all f o u r s t r e e t s. T h e c alc ul a ti o n f o r C S t r e e t will u tili z e fl a s hi n g 

li g h t s a n d g a t e s a s t h e w a r ni n g d e vi c e. C alc ul a t e t h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x b y 

a v e r a gi n g t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r all f o u r of t h e 

c r o s si n g s. T hi s v al u e will al s o b e t h e Ri s k 

I n d e x wi t h H o r n s si n c e t r ai n h o r n s a r e c u rr e n tl y b ei n g s o u n d e d. T o c al c ul a t e t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x, fi r s t r e- c al c ul a t e t h e ri s k 

i n di c e s f o r B a n d D s t r e e t s b y i n c r e a si n g t h e 

t r affi c c o u n t f o r e a c h c r o s si n g b y 2 0 0. ( A ss u m e f o r t hi s e x a m pl e t h a t t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y d e ci d e d t h a t t h e t r affi c f r o m C 

S t r e e t w o ul d b e e q u all y di vi d e d b e t w e e n B 

a n d D s t r e e t s.) I n c r e a s e t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r 

A, B a n d D s t r e e t s b y 6 6. 8 % a n d di vi d e t h e 

s u m of t h e t h r e e r e m ai ni n g c r o s si n g s b y 

f o u r. T hi s i s t h e i ni ti al Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x a n d a c c o u n t s f o r t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n 

c a u s e d b y cl o si n g C S t r e e t. 

Gr a d e S e p ar ati o n: G r a d e s e p a r a t e d c r o s si n g s t h a t w e r e i n e xi s t e n c e b ef o r e t h e c r ea ti o n of a q ui e t z o n e a r e n o t i n cl u d e d i n a n y 

of t h e c al c ul a ti o n s. H o w e v e r, a n y p u bli c 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e t h a t a r e p r op o s e d t o b e t r e a t e d b y g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n 

s h o ul d b e t r e a t e d i n t h e s a m e m a n n e r a s 

c r o s si n g cl o s u r e s. Hi g h w a y t r affi c t h a t m a y 

b e di v e r t e d f r o m o t h e r c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e t o t h e n e w g r a d e s e p a r a t e d c r o s si n g s h o ul d b e c o n si d e r e d w h e n c o m p u ti n g t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. 

E x a m pl e: A p r o p o s e d N e w Q ui e t Z o n e c o nt ai n s f o u r c r o s si n g s: A, B, C a n d D s t r e e t s. 

All s t r e e t s a r e e q ui p p e d wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s 

a n d g a t e s. C S t r e e t i s a b u s y c r o s si n g wi t h a 

t r affi c c o u n t of 2 5, 0 0 0 v e hi cl e s p e r d a y. I t i s 

d e ci d e d t h a t C S t r e e t will b e g r a d e s e p a r a t e d 

a s p a r t of t h e p r oj e c t a n d t h e e xi s ti n g a tg r a d e c r o s si n g cl o s e d. C o m p u t e t h e ri s k i n dic e s f o r all f o u r s t r e e t s. C al c ul a t e t h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x, w hi c h will al s o b e 

t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s, b y a v e r a gi n g t h e 

ri s k i n di c e s f o r all f o u r of t h e c r o s si n g s. T o 

c al c ul a t e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x, fi r s t r ec al c ul a t e t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r B a n d D s t r e e t s 

b y d e c r e a si n g t h e t r affi c c o u n t f o r e a c h 

c r o s si n g b y 1, 2 0 0. ( T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y d eci d e d t h a t 2, 4 0 0 m o t o ri s t s will d e ci d e t o u s e 

t h e g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n a t C S t r e e t i n o r d e r t o 

a v oi d p o s si bl e d el a y s c a u s e d b y p a s si n g 

t r ai n s.) I n c r e a s e t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r A, B a n d 

D s t r e e t s b y 6 6. 8 % a n d di vi d e t h e s u m of t h e 

t h r e e r e m ai ni n g c r o s si n g s b y f o u r. T hi s i s 

t h e i ni ti al Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x a n d a cc o u n t s f o r t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n c a u s e d b y t h e 

g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n a t C S t r e e t. 

Pr e- E xisti n g S S Ms: Ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t 

m a y b e t a k e n b y a p u bli c a u t h o ri t y f o r a 

S S M t h a t w a s p r e vi o u sl y i m pl e m e n t e d a n d i s 

c u r r e n tl y i n pl a c e i n t h e q ui e t z o n e. If a n e xi s ti n g i m p r o v e m e n t m e e t s t h e c ri t e ri a f o r a 

S S M a s p r o vi d e d i n a p p e n di x A, t h e i m p r o v em e n t i s d e e m e d a P r e- E xi s ti n g S S M. Ri s k r ed u c ti o n c r e di t i s o b t ai n e d b y i nfl a ti n g t h e 

Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s t o s h o w w h a t t h e ri s k 

w o ul d h a v e b e e n a t t h e c r o s si n g if t h e p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M h a d n o t b e e n i m pl e m e n t e d. 

C r o s si n g cl o s u r e s a n d g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n s t h a t 

o c c u r r e d p ri o r t o t h e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of t h e 

q ui e t z o n e a r e n o t P r e- E xi s ti n g S S M s a n d d o 

n o t r e c ei v e a n y ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t. 

E x a m pl e 1 — A p r o p o s e d N e w Q ui e t Z o n e h a s 

o n e c r o s si n g t h a t i s e q ui p p e d wi t h fl a s hi n g 

li g h t s a n d g a t e s a n d h a s m e di a n s 1 0 0 f e e t i n 

l e n g t h o n b o t h si d e s of t h e c r o s si n g. T h e m edi a n s c o nf o r m t o t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s i n a p p e ndi x A a n d q u alif y a s a P r e- E xi s ti n g S S M. T h e 

ri s k i n d e x a s c al c ul a t e d f o r t h e c r o s si n g i s 

1 0, 0 0 0. T o c al c ul a t e t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h 

H o r n s f o r t hi s c r o s si n g, y o u di vi d e t h e ri s k 

i n d e x b y diff e r e n c e b e t w e e n o n e a n d t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e of t h e p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M 

( 1 0, 0 0 0 ÷ ( 1 – 0. 7 5) = 4 0, 0 0 0). T hi s v al u e ( 4 0, 0 0 0) 

w o ul d t h e n b e a v e r a g e d i n wi t h t h e ri s k i n dic e s of t h e o t h e r c r o s si n g s t o d e t e r mi n e t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e’ s Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s. 

T o c al c ul a t e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x, t h e 

o ri gi n al ri s k i n d e x i s i n c r e a s e d b y 6 6. 8 % t o 

a c c o u n t f o r t h e a d di ti o n al ri s k a t t ri b u t e d t o 

t h e a b s e n c e of t h e t r ai n h o r n ( 1 0, 0 0 0 × 1. 6 6 8 = 

1 6, 6 8 0). T hi s v al u e ( 1 6, 6 8 0) i s t h e n a v e r a g e d 

i n t o t h e ri s k i n di c e s of t h e o t h e r c r o s si n g s 

t h a t h a v e al s o b e e n i n c r e a s e d b y 6 6. 8 %. T h e 

r e s ul ti n g a v e r a g e i s t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 7
3 1 2 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

E x a m pl e 2 — A P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e c o nsi s ti n g of f o u r c r o s si n g s h a s o n e c r o s si n g 

t h a t i s e q ui p p e d wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d 

g a t e s a n d h a s m e di a n s 1 0 0 f e e t i n l e n g t h o n 

b o t h si d e s of t h e c r o s si n g. T h e m e di a n s c o nf o r m t o t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s i n a p p e n di x A a n d 

q u alif y a s a P r e- E xi s ti n g S S M. T h e ri s k 

i n d e x a s c al c ul a t e d f o r t h e c r o s si n g i s 2 0, 0 0 0. 

T o c al c ul a t e t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s f o r 

t hi s c r o s si n g, fi r s t r e d u c e t h e ri s k i n d e x b y 

4 0 p e r c e n t t o r efl e c t t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n t h a t 

w o ul d b e a c hi e v e d if t r ai n h o r n s w e r e r o uti n el y s o u n d e d ( 2 0, 0 0 0 × 0. 6 = 1 2, 0 0 0). N e x t, divi d e t h e r e s ul ti n g ri s k i n d e x b y diff e r e n c e 

b e t w e e n o n e a n d t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e of t h e 

p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M ( 1 2, 0 0 0 ÷ ( 1 ¥ 0. 7 5) = 4 8, 0 0 0). 

T hi s v al u e ( 4 8, 0 0 0) w o ul d t h e n b e a v e r a g e d 

wi t h t h e a dj u s t e d ri s k i n di c e s of t h e o t h e r 

c r o s si n g s t o d e t e r mi n e t h e p r e- r ul e q ui e t 

z o n e’ s Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s. T o c al c ul a t e 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x, t h e o ri gi n al ri s k 

i n d e x ( 2 0, 0 0 0) i s t h e n a v e r a g e d i n t o t h e ri s k 

o ri gi n al i n di c e s of t h e o t h e r c r o s si n g s. T h e 

r e s ul ti n g a v e r a g e i s t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x. 

Pr e- E xisti n g M o difi e d S S Ms: Ri s k r e d u c ti o n 

c r e di t m a y b e t a k e n b y a p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

f o r a m o difi e d S S M t h a t w a s p r e vi o u sl y i mpl e m e n t e d a n d i s c u r r e n tl y i n pl a c e i n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e. M o difi e d S S M s a r e Al t e r n a ti v e 

S af e t y M e a s u r e s w hi c h m u s t b e a p p r o v e d b y 

F R A. If a n e xi s ti n g i m p r o v e m e n t i s a p p r o v e d 

b y F R A a s a m o difi e d S S M a s p r o vi d e d i n a pp e n di x B, t h e i m p r o v e m e n t i s d e e m e d a P r eE xi s ti n g M o difi e d S S M. Ri s k r e d u c ti o n c r e di t i s o b t ai n e d b y i nfl a ti n g t h e Ri s k I n d e x 

Wi t h H o r n s t o s h o w w h a t t h e ri s k w o ul d 

h a v e b e e n a t t h e c r o s si n g if t h e p r e- e xi s ti n g 

S S M h a d n o t b e e n i m pl e m e n t e d. T h e eff e cti v e n e s s r a t e of t h e m o difi e d S S M will b e d et e r mi n e d b y F R A. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y 

p r o vi d e i nf o r m a ti o n t o F R A t o b e u s e d i n d et e r mi ni n g t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e of t h e m o difi e d S S M. O n c e a n eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e h a s 

b e e n d e t e r mi n e d, f oll o w t h e p r o c e d u r e p r evi o u sl y di s c u s s e d f o r P r e- E xi s ti n g S S M s t o 

d e t e r mi n e t h e ri s k v al u e s t h a t will b e u s e d 

i n t h e q ui e t z o n e c al c ul a ti o n s. 

W a ysi d e H or ns: C r o s si n g s wi t h w a y si d e 

h o r n i n s t all a ti o n s will b e t r e a t e d a s a o n e f o r 

o n e s u b s ti t u t e f o r t h e t r ai n h o r n a n d a r e n o t 

t o b e i n cl u d e d w h e n c al c ul a ti n g t h e C r o s si n g 

C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x, t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h 

H o r n s o r t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. 

E x a m pl e — A p r o p o s e d N e w Q ui e t Z o n e c o nt ai n s f o u r c r o s si n g s: A, B, C a n d D s t r e e t s. 

All s t r e e t s a r e e q ui p p e d wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s 

a n d g a t e s. I t i s d e ci d e d t h a t C S t r e e t will 

h a v e a w a y si d e h o r n i n s t all e d. C o m p u t e t h e 

ri s k i n di c e s f o r A, B a n d D s t r e e t s. Si n c e C 

S t r e e t i s b ei n g t r e a t e d wi t h a w a y si d e h o r n, 

i t i s n o t i n cl u d e d i n t h e c al c ul a ti o n of ri s k. 

C al c ul a t e t h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x 

b y a v e r a gi n g t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r A, B a n d D 

s t r e e t s. T hi s v al u e i s al s o t h e Ri s k I n d e x 

wi t h H o r n s. I n c r e a s e t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r A, B 

a n d D s t r e e t s b y 6 6. 8 % a n d a v e r a g e t h e r es ul t s. T hi s i s t h e i ni ti al Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x f o r t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

C. P arti al Q ui et Z o n es 

A P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e i s a q ui e t z o n e i n 

w hi c h l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s a r e n o t r o u ti n el y 

s o u n d e d a t p u bli c c r o s si n g s f o r a s p e cifi e d 

p e ri o d of ti m e e a c h d a y. F o r e x a m pl e, a q ui e t 

z o n e d u ri n g o nl y t h e ni g h t ti m e h o u r s w o ul d 

b e a p a r ti al q ui e t z o n e. P a r ti al q ui e t z o n e s 

m a y b e ei t h e r N e w o r P r e- R ul e a n d f oll o w 

t h e s a m e r ul e s a s 2 4 h o u r q ui e t z o n e s. N e w 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s m u s t b e i n eff e c t d u ri n g 

t h e h o u r s of 1 0 p. m. t o 7 a. m. All N e w P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e s m u s t c o m pl y wi t h all of t h e r eq ui r e m e n t s f o r N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s. F o r e x a mpl e, all p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g s t h a t a r e o p e n 

d u ri n g t h e ti m e t h a t h o r n s a r e sil e n c e d m u s t 

b e e q ui p p e d wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s 

t h a t a r e e q ui p p e d wi t h c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g 

ti m e ( w h e r e p r a c ti c al) a n d p o w e r o u t i n di c at o r s. Ri s k i s c al c ul a t e d i n e x a c tl y t h e s a m e 

m a n n e r a s f o r N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s. T h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s c al c ul a t e d f o r t h e e n ti r e 

2 4- h o u r p e ri o d, e v e n t h o u g h t h e t r ai n h o r n 

will o nl y b e sil e n c e d d u ri n g t h e h o u r s of 1 0 

p. m. t o 7 a. m. 

A P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e i s a p a r ti al 

q ui e t z o n e a t w hi c h t r ai n h o r n s w e r e n o t 

s o u n di n g a s of O c t o b e r 9, 1 9 9 6 a n d o n D e c e mb e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3. All of t h e r e g ul a ti o n s t h a t p e rt ai n t o P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s al s o p e r t ai n t o 

P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s. T h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s c al c ul a t e d f o r t h e e n ti r e 

2 4- h o u r p e ri o d f o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e s, e v e n t h o u g h t r ai n h o r n s a r e o nl y sil e n c e d d u ri n g t h e ni g h t ti m e h o u r s. P r e- R ul e 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s m a y q u alif y f o r a u t om a ti c a p p r o v al i n t h e s a m e m a n n e r a s P r eR ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s wi t h o n e e x c e p ti o n. If t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s l e s s t h a n t wi c e t h e 

N a ti o n al Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, a n d 

t h e r e h a v e b e e n n o r el e v a n t c olli si o n s d u ri n g 

t h e ti m e p e ri o d w h e n t r ai n h o r n s a r e sil e n c e d, t h e n t h e P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e 

i s a u t o m a ti c all y q u alifi e d. I n o t h e r w o r d s, a 

r el e v a n t c olli si o n t h a t o c c u r r e d d u ri n g t h e 

p e ri o d of ti m e t h a t t r ai n h o r n s w e r e s o u n d e d 

will n o t di s q u alif y a P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e t h a t h a s a Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t h a t 

i s l e s s t h a n t wi c e t h e N a ti o n al Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k I n d e x. P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s 

m u s t p r o vi d e t h e n o tifi c a ti o n a s r e q ui r e d i n 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3 i n o r d e r t o k e e p t r ai n h o r n s sil e n c e d. 

A P r e- R ul e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e m a y b e c o nv e r t e d t o a 2 4 h o u r N e w Q ui e t Z o n e b y c o mpl yi n g wi t h all of t h e N e w Q ui e t Z o n e r e g ul ati o n s. 

D. I nt er m e di at e Q ui et Z o n es 

A n I n t e r m e di a t e Q ui e t Z o n e i s o n e w h e r e 

h o r n r e s t ri c ti o n s w e r e i n pl a c e af t e r O c t o b e r 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 8
3 1 3 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 

9, 1 9 9 6, b u t a s of D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3 ( t h e p u blic a ti o n d a t e of t h e I n t e ri m Fi n al R ul e). I n t e rm e di a t e Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d I n t e r m e di a t e P a rti al Q ui e t Z o n e s will b e a bl e t o k e e p t r ai n 

h o r n s sil e n c e d u n til J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 6, p r o vi d e d 

n o tifi c a ti o n i s m a d e p e r § 2 2 2. 4 3. T hi s will e na bl e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o h a v e a d di ti o n al 

ti m e t o m a k e t h e i m p r o v e m e n t n e c e s s a r y t o 

c o m e i n t o c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e r ul e. I n t e rm e di a t e Q ui e t Z o n e s m u s t c o nf o r m t o all t h e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s f o r N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s b y J u n e 

2 4, 2 0 0 6. O t h e r t h a n h a vi n g t h e h o r n sil e n c e d 

f o r a n a d di ti o n al y e a r, I n t e r m e di a t e Q ui e t 

Z o n e s a r e t r e a t e d e x a c tl y li k e N e w Q ui e t 

Z o n e s. 

E C TI O N II — N E W UI E T O N E S

F R A h a s e s t a bli s h e d s e v e r al a p p r o a c h e s 

t h a t m a y b e t a k e n i n o r d e r t o e s t a bli s h a 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e u n d e r t hi s r ul e. Pl e a s e s e e 

t h e p r e c e di n g di s c u s si o n s o n ‘‘ Q u alif yi n g 

C o n di ti o n s’’ a n d ‘‘ Ri s k R e d u c ti o n M e t h o d s’’ 

t o a s si s t i n t h e d e ci si o n- m a ki n g p r o c e s s o n 

w hi c h a p p r o a c h t o t a k e. T hi s f oll o wi n g di sc u s si o n p r o vi d e s t h e s t e p s n e c e s s a r y t o e st a bli s h N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s a n d i n cl u d e s b o t h 

t h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n a n d P u bli c 

A u t h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A m e t h o d s. I t 

m u s t b e r e m e m b e r e d t h a t i n a N e w Q ui e t 

Z o n e all p u bli c c r o s si n g s m u s t b e e q ui p p e d 

wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s. T h e r e q ui r em e n t s a r e t h e s a m e r e g a r dl e s s of w h e t h e r a 

2 4- h o u r o r p a r ti al q ui e t z o n e i s b ei n g c r e a t e d. 

A. R e q uir e m e nts f or B ot h P u bli c A ut h orit y 

D esi g n ati o n a n d P u bli c A ut h orit y A p pli c ati o n 

T h e f oll o wi n g s t e p s a r e n e c e s s a r y w h e n e st a bli s hi n g a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e. T hi s i nf o r m ati o n p e r t ai n s t o b o t h t h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y 

D e si g n a ti o n a n d P u bli c A u t h o ri t y A p pli c ati o n t o F R A m e t h o d s. 

1. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t p r o vi d e a 

w ri t t e n N o ti c e of I n t e n t (§ 2 2 2. 4 3( a)( 1) a n d 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3( b)) t o t h e r ail r o a d s t h a t o p e r a t e o v e r 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r es p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y a n d 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y. T h e p u r p o s e of t hi s N o ti c e of I nt e n t i s t o p r o vi d e a n o p p o r t u ni t y f o r t h e r ailr o a d s a n d t h e S t a t e a g e n ci e s t o p r o vi d e c o mm e n t s a n d r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s t o t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y a s i t i s pl a n ni n g t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

T h e y will h a v e 6 0 d a y s t o p r o vi d e t h e s e c o mm e n t s t o t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y. T h e q ui e t 

z o n e c a n n o t b e c r e a t e d u nl e s s t h e N o ti c e of 

I n t e n t h a s b e e n p r o vi d e d. F R A e n c o u r a g e s 

p u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s t o p r o vi d e t h e r e q ui r e d 

N o ti c e of I n t e n t e a rl y i n t h e q ui e t z o n e d ev el o p m e n t p r o c e s s. T h e r ail r o a d s a n d S t a t e 

a g e n ci e s c a n p r o vi d e a n e x p e r ti s e t h a t v e r y 

w ell m a y n o t b e p r e s e n t wi t hi n t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y. F R A b eli e v e s t h a t i t will b e v e r y 

u s ef ul t o i n cl u d e t h e s e o r g a ni z a ti o n s i n t h e 

pl a n ni n g p r o c e s s. F o r e x a m pl e, i n cl u di n g 

r ail r o a d s a n d S t a t e a g e n ci e s i n t h e i n s p e cti o n s of t h e c r o s si n g will h el p e n s u r e a c c ur a t e I n v e n t o r y i nf o r m a ti o n f o r t h e c r o s si n g s. 

T h e r ail r o a d c a n p r o vi d e i nf o r m a ti o n o n 

w h e t h e r t h e fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s a r e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e a n d 

p o w e r o u t i n di c a t o r s. P e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g s 

a n d p ri v a t e c r o s si n g s wi t h p u bli c a c c e s s, i nd u s t ri al o r c o m m e r ci al u s e t h a t a r e wi t hi n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e m u s t h a v e a di a g n o s ti c t e a m 

r e vi e w a n d b e t r e a t e d a c c o r di n g t o t h e 

t e a m’ s r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s. R ail r o a d s a n d t h e 

S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g 

s af e t y m u s t b e i n vi t e d t o t h e di a g n o s ti c 

t e a m r e vi e w. N o t e: Pl e a s e s e e S e c ti o n I V f o r 

d e t ail s o n t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of a N o ti c e of I nt e n t. 

2. D e t e r mi n e all p u bli c, p ri v a t e a n d p e d e st ri a n a t- g r a d e c r o s si n g s t h a t will b e i n cl u d e d 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. Al s o, d e t e r mi n e a n y 

e xi s ti n g g r a d e- s e p a r a t e d c r o s si n g s t h a t f all 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. E a c h c r o s si n g m u s t b e 

i d e n tifi e d b y t h e U. S. D O T C r o s si n g I n v e nt o r y n u m b e r a n d s t r e e t o r hi g h w a y n a m e. If 

a c r o s si n g d o e s n o t h a v e a U. S. D O T C r o s si n g 

I n v e n t o r y n u m b e r, t h e n c o n t a c t F R A’ s Offi c e of S af e t y ( 2 0 2 – 4 9 3 – 6 2 9 9) f o r a s si s t a n c e. 

3. E n s u r e t h a t t h e q ui e t z o n e will b e a t 

l e a s t o n e- h alf mil e i n l e n g t h. (§ 2 2 2. 3 5( a)( 1)) If 

m o r e t h a n o n e N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a rti al Q ui e t Z o n e will b e c r e a t e d wi t hi n a si ngl e p oli ti c al j u ri s di c ti o n, e n s u r e t h a t e a c h 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e 

will b e s e p a r a t e d b y a t l e a s t o n e p u bli c hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g. (§ 2 2 2. 3 5( a)( 1)(iii)) 

4. A c o m pl e t e a n d a c c u r a t e G r a d e C r o s si n g 

I n v e n t o r y F o r m m u s t b e o n fil e wi t h F R A 

f o r all c r o s si n g s ( p u bli c, p ri v a t e a n d p e d e st ri a n) wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. A n i n s p e c ti o n of 

e a c h c r o s si n g i n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e 

s h o ul d b e p e rf o r m e d a n d t h e G r a d e C r o s si n g 

I n v e n t o r y F o r m s u p d a t e d, a s n e c e s s a r y, t o 

r efl e c t t h e c u r r e n t c o n di ti o n s a t e a c h c r o s si n g. 

5. E v e r y p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e m u s t b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a c ti v e w a r ni n g 

d e vi c e s c o m p ri si n g b o t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d 

g a t e s. T h e w a r ni n g d e vi c e s m u s t b e e q ui p p e d 

wi t h p o w e r o u t i n di c a t o r s. C o n s t a n t w a r ni n g 

ti m e ci r c ui t r y i s al s o r e q ui r e d u nl e s s e xi s ti n g c o n di ti o n s w o ul d p r e v e n t t h e p r o p e r o pe r a ti o n of t h e c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e ci rc ui t r y. F R A r e c o m m e n d s t h a t t h e s e a u t om a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s al s o b e e q ui p p e d wi t h 

a t l e a s t o n e b ell t o p r o vi d e a n a u di bl e w a r ni n g t o p e d e s t ri a n s. If t h e w a r ni n g d e vi c e s a r e 

al r e a d y e q ui p p e d wi t h a b ell ( o r b ell s), t h e 

b ell s m a y n o t b e r e m o v e d o r d e a c ti v a t e d. 

T h e pl a n s f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e m a y b e m a d e a ss u mi n g t h a t fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s a r e a t 

all p u bli c c r o s si n g s; h o w e v e r t h e q ui e t z o n e 

m a y n o t b e i m pl e m e n t e d u n til all p u bli c 

c r o s si n g s a r e a c t u all y e q ui p p e d wi t h t h e 

fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s. (§§ 2 2 2. 3 5( b)( 1) a n d 

2 2 2. 3 5( b)( 2)) 

6. P ri v a t e c r o s si n g s m u s t h a v e c r o s s- b u c k s 

a n d ‘‘ S T O P’’ si g n s o n b o t h a p p r o a c h e s t o t h e 

c r o s si n g. P ri v a t e c r o s si n g s wi t h p u bli c a cc e s s, i n d u s t ri al o r c o m m e r ci al u s e m u s t h a v e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 0 9
3 1 4 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

a di a g n o s ti c t e a m r e vi e w a n d b e t r e a t e d a cc o r di n g t o t h e t e a m’ s r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s. T h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t i n vi t e t h e S t a t e a g e nc y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y a n d 

all aff e c t e d r ail r o a d s t o p a r ti ci p a t e i n t h e dia g n o s ti c r e vi e w. (§§ 2 2 2. 2 5( b) a n d ( c)) 

7. E a c h hi g h w a y a p p r o a c h t o e v e r y p u bli c 

a n d p ri v a t e c r o s si n g m u s t h a v e a n a d v a n c e 

w a r ni n g si g n (i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e 

M U T C D) t h a t a d vi s e s m o t o ri s t s t h a t t r ai n 

h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g, u nl e s s 

t h e p u bli c o r p ri v a t e c r o s si n g i s e q ui p p e d 

wi t h a w a y si d e h o r n. (§ 2 2 2. 3 5( c)) 

8. E a c h p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g m u s t b e r evi e w e d b y a di a g n o s ti c t e a m a n d e q ui p p e d o r 

t r e a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e r e c o m m e n d ati o n of t h e di a g n o s ti c t e a m. T h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y m u s t i n vi t e t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o nsi bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y a n d all aff e c t e d r ail r o a d s t o p a r ti ci p a t e i n t h e di a gn o s ti c r e vi e w. A t a mi ni m u m, e a c h a p p r o a c h 

t o e v e r y p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g m u s t b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h a si g n t h a t c o nf o r m s t o t h e 

M U T C D a n d a d vi s e s p e d e s t ri a n s t h a t t r ai n 

h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g. 

(§ 2 2 2. 2 7) 

B. N e w Q ui et Z o n es — P u bli c A ut h orit y 

D esi g n ati o n 

O n c e a g ai n i t s h o ul d b e r e m e m b e r e d t h a t 

all p u bli c c r o s si n g s m u s t b e e q ui p p e d wi t h 

a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s c o n si s ti n g of 

fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

§ 2 2 2. 3 5( b). I n a d di ti o n, o n e of t h e f oll o wi n g 

c o n di ti o n s m u s t b e m e t i n o r d e r f o r a p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y t o d e si g n a t e a n e w q ui e t z o n e 

wi t h o u t F R A a p p r o v al: 

a. O n e o r m o r e S S M s a s i d e n tifi e d i n a pp e n di x A a r e i n s t all e d a t e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g 

i n t h e q ui e t z o n e (§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 1)); o r 

b. T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s e q u al t o, 

o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d wi t h o u t S S M s i n s t all e d a t a n y 

c r o s si n g s i n t h e q ui e t z o n e (§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(i)); 

o r 

c. S S M s a r e i n s t all e d a t s el e c t e d c r o s si n g s, 

r e s ul ti n g i n t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x b ei n g 

r e d u c e d t o a l e v el e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d 

(§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(ii)); o r 

d. S S M s a r e i n s t all e d a t s el e c t e d c r o s si n g s, 

r e s ul ti n g i n t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x b ei n g 

r e d u c e d t o a l e v el of ri s k t h a t w o ul d e xi s t if 

t h e h o r n w e r e s o u n d e d a t e v e r y c r o s si n g i n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e (i. e., t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h 

H o r n s) (§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 3)). 

S t e p s n e c e s s a r y t o e s t a bli s h a N e w Q ui e t 

Z o n e u si n g t h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n 

t o F R A m e t h o d: 

1. If o n e o r m o r e S S M s a s i d e n tifi e d i n a pp e n di x A a r e i n s t all e d a t e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g i n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s f o r a 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y d e si g n a ti o n q ui e t z o n e will 

h a v e b e e n m e t. I t i s n o t n e c e s s a r y f o r t h e 

s a m e S S M t o b e u s e d a t e a c h c r o s si n g. H o we v e r, b ef o r e a n y i m p r o v e m e n t s a r e i m pl em e n t e d, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t p r o vi d e a 

N o ti c e of I n t e n t, w hi c h will t ri g g e r a 6 0- d a y 

c o m m e n t p e ri o d. D u ri n g t h e 6 0- d a y c o m m e n t 

p e ri o d, r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e a n d S t a t e a g e n ci e s r e s p o nsi bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g, hi g h w a y a n d r o a d 

s af e t y m a y s u b mi t c o m m e n t s o n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e i m p r o v e m e n t s t o t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y. O n c e t h e n e c e s s a r y i m p r o v e m e n t s 

h a v e b e e n i n s t all e d, N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E st a bli s h m e n t s h all b e p r o vi d e d a n d t h e q ui e t 

z o n e i m pl e m e n t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e 

r ul e. If S S M s a r e n o t i n s t all e d a t e a c h p u bli c 

c r o s si n g, p r o c e e d o n t o S t e p 2 a n d u s e t h e 

ri s k r e d u c ti o n m e t h o d. 

2. T o b e gi n, c al c ul a t e t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r 

e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e 

( S e e a p p e n di x D. F R A’ s w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t 

Z o n e C al c ul a t o r m a y b e u s e d t o d o t hi s c alc ul a ti o n). If fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s h a v e t o 

b e i n s t all e d a t a n y p u bli c c r o s si n g s, c alc ul a t e t h e ri s k i n di c e s f o r s u c h c r o s si n g s a s 

if li g h t s a n d g a t e s w e r e i n s t all e d. ( NO T E : 

Fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s m u s t b e i n s t all e d 

p ri o r t o i ni ti a ti o n of t h e q ui e t z o n e.) If t h e 

I n v e n t o r y r e c o r d d o e s n o t r efl e c t t h e a c t u al 

c o n di ti o n s a t t h e c r o s si n g, b e s u r e t o u s e t h e 

c o n di ti o n s t h a t c u r r e n tl y e xi s t w h e n c al c ul a ti n g t h e ri s k i n d e x. N o t e: P ri v a t e c r o s si n g s 

a n d p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g s a r e n o t i n cl u d e d 

w h e n c o m p u ti n g t h e ri s k f o r t h e p r o p o s e d 

q ui e t z o n e. 

3. T h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x i s t h e n 

c al c ul a t e d b y a v e r a gi n g t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r 

e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d 

q ui e t z o n e. Si n c e t r ai n h o r n s a r e r o u ti n el y 

b ei n g s o u n d e d f o r c r o s si n g s i n t h e p r o p o s e d 

q ui e t z o n e, t hi s v al u e i s al s o t h e Ri s k I n d e x 

wi t h H o r n s. 

4. I n o r d e r t o c al c ul a t e t h e i ni ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x, fi r s t a dj u s t t h e ri s k i n d e x 

a t e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g t o a c c o u n t f o r t h e i nc r e a s e d ri s k d u e t o t h e a b s e n c e of t h e t r ai n 

h o r n. T h e a b s e n c e of t h e h o r n i s r efl e c t e d b y 

a n i n c r e a s e d ri s k i n d e x of 6 6. 8 % a t g a t e d 

c r o s si n g s. T h e i ni ti al Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x 

i s t h e n c al c ul a t e d b y a v e r a gi n g t h e i n c r e a s e d 

ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. A t t hi s p oi n t t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x will e q u al t h e Ri s k I n d e x 

wi t h H o r n s m ul ti pli e d b y 1. 6 6 8. 

5. C o m p a r e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o 

t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. 

If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s e q u al t o, o r 

l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, t h e n t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y d eci d e t o d e si g n a t e a q ui e t z o n e a n d p r o vi d e 

t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t, f oll o w e d b y t h e N o ti c e 

of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t. Wi t h t hi s a pp r o a c h, F R A will a n n u all y r e c al c ul a t e t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e ri s e s a b o v e t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, F R A 

will n o tif y t h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y s o t h a t a pp r o p ri a t e m e a s u r e s c a n b e t a k e n. ( S e e 

§ 2 2 2. 5 1( a)). 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 0
3 1 5 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 

6. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s g r e a t e r 

t h a n t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, t h e n s el e c t a n a p p r o p ri a t e S S M 

f o r a c r o s si n g. R e d u c e t h e i nfl a t e d ri s k i n d e x 

c al c ul a t e d i n S t e p 4 f o r t h a t c r o s si n g b y t h e 

eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e of t h e c h o s e n S S M. ( S e e 

a p p e n di x A f o r t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s f o r t h e 

v a ri o u s S S M s). R e c al c ul a t e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x b y a v e r a gi n g t h e r e vi s e d i nfl a t e d 

ri s k i n d e x wi t h t h e i nfl a t e d ri s k i n di c e s f o r 

t h e o t h e r p u bli c c r o s si n g s. If t hi s n e w Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, t h e 

q ui e t z o n e w o ul d q u alif y f o r p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

d e si g n a ti o n. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s 

s till hi g h e r t h a n t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, t r e a t a n o t h e r p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t h a n a p p r o p ri a t e S S M a n d r e p e a t t h e 

p r o c e s s u n til t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s 

e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si gnifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. O n c e t hi s r e s ul t i s 

o b t ai n e d, t h e q ui e t z o n e will q u alif y f o r e st a bli s h m e n t b y p u bli c a u t h o ri t y d e si g n a ti o n. 

E a rl y i n t h e q ui e t z o n e d e v el o p m e n t p r o c e s s, 

a N o ti c e of I n t e n t s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d b y t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y, w hi c h will t ri g g e r a 6 0- d a y 

c o m m e n t p e ri o d. D u ri n g t hi s 6 0- d a y c o mm e n t p e ri o d, r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g wi t hi n t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e a n d S t a t e a g e n ci e s r es p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g, hi g h w a y a n d 

r o a d s af e t y m a y p r o vi d e c o m m e n t s o n t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e i m p r o v e m e n t s d e s c ri b e d 

i n t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t. O n c e all t h e n e ce s s a r y s af e t y i m p r o v e m e n t s h a v e b e e n i mpl e m e n t e d, N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s hm e n t m u s t b e p r o vi d e d. Wi t h t hi s a p p r o a c h, 

F R A will a n n u all y r e c al c ul a t e t h e N a ti o nwi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e ri s e s a b o v e t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, F R A 

will n o tif y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s o t h a t a pp r o p ri a t e m e a s u r e s c a n b e t a k e n. ( S e e 

§ 2 2 2. 5 1( a)). 

7. If t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y wi s h e s t o r e d u c e 

t h e ri s k of t h e q ui e t z o n e t o t h e l e v el of ri s k 

t h a t w o ul d e xi s t if t h e h o r n w e r e s o u n d e d a t 

e v e r y c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s h o ul d c al c ul a t e t h e i ni ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x a s i n S t e p 4. T h e o bj e c ti v e i s t o n o w r e d u c e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x t o t h e l e v el of t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h 

H o r n s b y a d di n g S S M s a t t h e c r o s si n g s. T h e 

diff e r e n c e b e t w e e n t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x a n d t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s i s t h e 

a m o u n t of ri s k t h a t will h a v e t o b e r e d u c e d 

i n o r d e r t o f ull y c o m p e n s a t e f o r l a c k of t h e 

t r ai n h o r n. T h e u s e of t h e Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r will ai d i n d e t e r mi ni n g w hi c h S S M s 

m a y b e u s e d t o r e d u c e t h e ri s k s uffi ci e n tl y. 

F oll o w t h e p r o c e d u r e s t a t e d i n S t e p 6, e x c e p t 

t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x m u s t b e 

e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h 

H o r n s i n s t e a d of t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. O n c e t hi s ri s k l e v el i s a tt ai n e d, t h e q ui e t z o n e will q u alif y f o r e s t a bli s h m e n t b y p u bli c a u t h o ri t y d e si g n a ti o n. 

E a rl y i n t h e q ui e t z o n e d e v el o p m e n t p r o c e s s, 

a N o ti c e of I n t e n t s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d b y t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y, w hi c h will t ri g g e r a 6 0- d a y 

c o m m e n t p e ri o d. D u ri n g t hi s 6 0- d a y c o mm e n t p e ri o d, r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g wi t hi n t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e a n d S t a t e a g e n ci e s r es p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g, hi g h w a y a n d 

r o a d s af e t y m a y p r o vi d e c o m m e n t s o n t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e i m p r o v e m e n t s d e s c ri b e d 

i n t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t. O n c e all t h e n e ce s s a r y s af e t y i m p r o v e m e n t s h a v e b e e n i mpl e m e n t e d, N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s hm e n t m u s t b e p r o vi d e d. O n e i m p o r t a n t di sti n c ti o n wi t h t hi s o p ti o n i s t h a t t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y will n e v e r n e e d t o b e c o n c e r n e d 

wi t h t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. T h e 

r ul e’ s i n t e n t i s t o m a k e t h e q ui e t z o n e a s 

s af e a s if t h e t r ai n h o r n s w e r e s o u n di n g. If 

t hi s i s a c c o m pli s h e d, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

m a y d e si g n a t e t h e c r o s si n g s a s a q ui e t z o n e 

a n d n e e d n o t b e c o n c e r n e d wi t h p o s si bl e fl u ct u a ti o n s i n t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d o r a n n u al ri s k r e vi e w s. 

C. N e w Q ui et Z o n es — P u bli c A ut h orit y 

A p pli c ati o n t o F R A 

A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t a p pl y t o F R A f o r 

a p p r o v al of a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r t h r e e c o n diti o n s. Fi r s t, if a n y of t h e S S M s s el e c t e d f o r 

t h e q ui e t z o n e d o n o t f ull y c o nf o r m t o t h e 

d e si g n s t a n d a r d s s e t f o r t h i n a p p e n di x A. 

T h e s e a r e r ef e r r e d t o a s m o difi e d S S M s i n 

a p p e n di x B. S e c o n d, w h e n p r o g r a m m e d l a w 

e nf o r c e m e n t, p u bli c e d u c a ti o n a n d a w a r e n e s s 

p r o g r a m s, o r p h o t o e nf o r c e m e n t i s u s e d t o 

r e d u c e ri s k i n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e s e a r e r ef e r r e d t o a s n o n- e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s i n a p p e ndi x B. I t s h o ul d b e r e m e m b e r e d t h a t n o n- e ngi n e e ri n g A S M s will r e q ui r e p e ri o di c m o nit o ri n g a s l o n g a s t h e q ui e t z o n e i s i n e xi s te n c e. T hi r d, w h e n e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s a r e u s e d 

t o r e d u c e ri s k. Pl e a s e s e e a p p e n di x B f o r d et ail e d e x pl a n a ti o n s of A S M s a n d t h e p e ri o di c 

m o ni t o ri n g of n o n- e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s. 

T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i s s t r o n gl y e n c o u ra g e d t o s u b mi t t h e a p pli c a ti o n t o F R A f o r 

r e vi e w a n d c o m m e n t b ef o r e t h e a p p e n di x B 

t r e a t m e n t s a r e i ni ti a t e d. T hi s will e n a bl e 

F R A t o p r o vi d e c o m m e n t s o n t h e p r o p o s e d 

A S M s t o h el p g ui d e t h e a p pli c a ti o n p r o c e s s. 

If n o n- e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s o r e n gi n e e ri n g 

A S M s a r e p r o p o s e d, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y al s o 

m a y wi s h t o c o nfi r m wi t h F R A t h a t t h e 

m e t h o d ol o g y i t pl a n s t o u s e t o d e t e r mi n e t h e 

eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s of t h e p r o p o s e d A S M s i s 

a p p r o p ri a t e. A q ui e t z o n e t h a t u tili z e s a 

c o m bi n a ti o n of S S M s f r o m a p p e n di x A a n d 

A S M s f r o m a p p e n di x B m u s t m a k e a P u bli c 

A u t h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A. A c o m pl e t e 

a n d t h o r o u g hl y d o c u m e n t e d a p pli c a ti o n will 

h el p t o e x p e di t e t h e a p p r o v al p r o c e s s. 

T h e f oll o wi n g di s c u s si o n i s m e a n t t o p r ovi d e g ui d a n c e o n t h e s t e p s n e c e s s a r y t o e st a bli s h a n e w q ui e t z o n e u si n g t h e P u bli c A ut h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A m e t h o d. O n c e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 1
3 1 6 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

a g ai n i t s h o ul d b e r e m e m b e r e d t h a t all p u bli c c r o s si n g s m u s t b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a u t om a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s c o n si s ti n g of fl a s hi n g 

li g h t s a n d g a t e s i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

§ 2 2 2. 3 5( b). 

1. G a t h e r t h e i nf o r m a ti o n p r e vi o u sl y m e nti o n e d i n t h e s e c ti o n o n ‘‘ R e q ui r e m e n t s f o r 

b o t h P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n a n d P u bli c A u t h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n.’’ 

2. C al c ul a t e t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h p u bli c 

c r o s si n g a s di r e c t e d i n S t e p 2 — P u bli c A ut h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n. 

3. C al c ul a t e t h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k 

I n d e x, w hi c h i s al s o t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h 

H o r n s, a s di r e c t e d i n S t e p 3 — P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n. 

4. C al c ul a t e t h e i ni ti al Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x a s di r e c t e d i n S t e p 4 — P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n. 

5. B e gi n t o r e d u c e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x t h r o u g h t h e u s e of A S M s a n d S S M s. 

F oll o w t h e p r o c e d u r e p r o vi d e d i n S t e p 6 — 

P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n u n til t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x h a s b e e n r e d u c e d t o 

e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, ei t h e r t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x 

wi t h H o r n s. ( R e m e m b e r t h a t t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y m a y c h o o s e w hi c h l e v el of ri s k r ed u c ti o n i s t h e m o s t a p p r o p ri a t e f o r i t s c o mm u ni t y.) Eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s f o r A S M s s h o ul d 

b e p r o vi d e d a s f oll o w s: 

a. M o difi e d S S M s — E s ti m a t e s of eff e c ti v en e s s f o r m o difi e d S S M s m a y b e b a s e d u p o n 

a dj u s t m e n t s f r o m t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s 

p r o vi d e d i n a p p e n di x A o r f r o m a c t u al fi el d 

d a t a d e ri v e d f r o m t h e c r o s si n g si t e s. T h e a ppli c a ti o n m u s t p r o vi d e a n e s ti m a t e d eff e cti v e n e s s r a t e a n d t h e r a ti o n al e f o r t h e e s tim a t e. 

b. N o n- e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s — Eff e c ti v e n e s s 

r a t e s a r e t o b e c al c ul a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

t h e p r o vi si o n s of a p p e n di x B, p a r a g r a p h II B. 

c. E n gi n e e ri n g A S M s — Eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s 

a r e t o b e c al c ul a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e 

p r o vi si o n s of a p p e n di x B, p a r a g r a p h III B. 

6. O n c e i t h a s b e e n d e t e r mi n e d t h r o u g h 

a n al y si s t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x will 

b e r e d u c e d t o a l e v el e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, 

ei t h e r t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s, t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t p r o vi d e a N o ti c e of I nt e n t. T h e m aili n g of t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t will 

t ri g g e r a 6 0- d a y c o m m e n t p e ri o d, d u ri n g 

w hi c h r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e a n d S t a t e a g e n ci e s r e s p o nsi bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g, hi g h w a y a n d r o a d 

s af e t y m a y p r o vi d e c o m m e n t s o n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e i m p r o v e m e n t s. Af t e r r evi e wi n g a n y c o m m e n t s r e c ei v e d, t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y m a y m a k e a p pli c a ti o n t o F R A f o r 

a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r § 2 2 2. 3 9( b). F R A will r evi e w t h e a p pli c a ti o n t o d e t e r mi n e t h e a p p r op ri a t e n e s s of t h e p r o p o s e d eff e c ti v e n e s s 

r a t e s, a n d w h e t h e r o r n o t t h e p r o p o s e d a p plic a ti o n d e m o n s t r a t e s t h a t t h e q ui e t z o n e 

m e e t s t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of t h e r ul e. W h e n 

s u b mi t ti n g t h e a p pli c a ti o n t o F R A f o r a pp r o v al, t h e a p pli c a ti o n m u s t c o n t ai n t h e f oll o wi n g (§ 2 2 2. 3 9( b)( 1)): 

a. S uffi ci e n t d e t ail c o n c e r ni n g t h e p r e s e n t 

s af e t y m e a s u r e s a t all c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. T hi s i n cl u d e s c u r r e n t 

a n d a c c u r a t e c r o s si n g i n v e n t o r y f o r m s f o r 

e a c h p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e 

c r o s si n g. 

b. D e t ail e d i nf o r m a ti o n o n t h e s af e t y i mp r o v e m e n t s t h a t a r e p r o p o s e d t o b e i m pl em e n t e d a t p u bli c, p ri v a t e a n d p e d e s t ri a n 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t 

z o n e. 

c. M e m b e r s hi p a n d r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s of 

t h e di a g n o s ti c t e a m (if a n y) t h a t r e vi e w e d 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

d. S t a t e m e n t of eff o r t s t a k e n t o a d d r e s s 

c o m m e n t s s u b mi t t e d b y aff e c t e d r ail r o a d s, 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y, a n d t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e 

f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y, i n cl u di n g a li s t 

of a n y o bj e c ti o n s r ai s e d b y t h e r ail r o a d s o r 

S t a t e a g e n ci e s. 

e. A c o m mi t m e n t t o i m pl e m e n t t h e p r op o s e d s af e t y m e a s u r e s. 

f. D e m o n s t r a t e t h r o u g h d a t a a n d a n al y si s 

t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d m e a s u r e s will r e d u c e t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el e q u al t o, o r 

l e s s t h a n, ei t h e r t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h 

H o r n s. 

g. A c o p y of t h e a p pli c a ti o n m u s t b e p r ovi d e d t o: All r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g o v e r t h e 

p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol 

o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g j u ri sdi c ti o n o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e l a n d o w n e r 

h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r a n y p ri v a t e c r o s si n g s 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r es p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y; t h e 

S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g 

s af e t y; a n d t h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. 

(§ 2 2 2. 3 9( b)( 3)) 

7. U p o n r e c ei vi n g w ri t t e n a p p r o v al f r o m 

F R A of t h e q ui e t z o n e a p pli c a ti o n, t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y m a y t h e n p r o vi d e t h e N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t a n d i m pl e m e n t 

t h e q ui e t z o n e. If t h e q ui e t z o n e i s q u alifi e d 

b y r e d u ci n g t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a 

l e v el a t, o r b el o w, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nific a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, F R A will a n n u all y r ec al c ul a t e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d a n d t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. If 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e 

ri s e s a b o v e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, F R A will n o tif y t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y s o t h a t a p p r o p ri a t e m e a s u r e s c a n b e 

t a k e n. ( S e e § 2 2 2. 5 1( a)) 

O T E : T h e p r o vi si o n s s t a t e d a b o v e f o r 

c r o s si n g cl o s u r e s, g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n s, w a y si d e 

h o r n s, p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M s a n d p r e- e xi s ti n g 

m o difi e d S S M s a p pl y f o r P u bli c A u t h o ri t y 

A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A a s w ell. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 2
3 1 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 

E C TI O N III — P R E - RU L E UI E T O N E S

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s a r e t r e a t e d sli g h tl y 

diff e r e n tl y f r o m N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s i n t h e r ul e. 

T hi s i s a r efl e c ti o n of t h e s t a t u t o r y r e q ui r em e n t t o ‘‘ t a k e i n t o a c c o u n t t h e i n t e r e s t of 

c o m m u ni ti e s t h a t h a v e i n eff e c t r e s t ri c ti o n s 

o n t h e s o u n di n g of a l o c o m o ti v e h o r n a t 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s. * * *’’ ( 4 9 

U. S. C. 2 0 1 5 3(i)) I t al s o r e c o g ni z e s t h e hi s t o ri c al e x p e ri e n c e of t r ai n h o r n s n o t b ei n g 

s o u n d e d a t P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

O v er vi e w 

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s t h a t a r e n o t e s t a bli s h e d b y a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al ( s e e di s c u s si o n 

t h a t f oll o w s) m u s t m e e t t h e s a m e r e q ui r em e n t s a s N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s a s p r o vi d e d i n 

§ 2 2 2. 3 9. I n o t h e r w o r d s, ri s k m u s t b e r e d u c e d 

t h r o u g h t h e u s e of S S M s o r A S M s s o t h a t t h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e h a s 

b e e n r e d u c e d t o ei t h e r t h e ri s k l e v el w hi c h 

w o ul d e xi s t if l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s s o u n d e d a t 

all c r o s si n g s i n t h e q ui e t z o n e ( i. e. t h e Ri s k 

I n d e x wi t h H o r n s) o r t o a ri s k l e v el e q u al t o, 

o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d. T h e r e a r e f o u r diff e r e n c e s i n t h e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s b e t w e e n P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s 

a n d N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s t h a t m u s t b e n o t e d. 

( 1) Fi r s t, si n c e t r ai n h o r n s h a v e n o t b e e n 

r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d i n t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e, i t i s n o t n e c e s s a r y t o i n c r e a s e t h e ri s k 

i n di c e s of t h e p u bli c c r o s si n g s t o r efl e c t t h e 

a d di ti o n al ri s k c a u s e d b y t h e l a c k of a t r ai n 

h o r n. Si n c e t h e t r ai n h o r n h a s al r e a d y b e e n 

sil e n c e d, t h e a d d e d ri s k c a u s e d b y t h e l a c k of 

a h o r n i s r efl e c t e d i n t h e a c t u al c olli si o n hi st o r y a t t h e c r o s si n g s. C olli si o n hi s t o r y i s a n 

i m p o r t a n t p a r t i n t h e c al c ul a ti o n of t h e s ev e ri t y ri s k i n di c e s. I n o t h e r w o r d s, t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s c al c ul a t e d b y a v e r a gi n g 

t h e e xi s ti n g ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t h o u t t h e n e e d t o i n c r e a s e t h e ri s k 

i n d e x b y 6 6. 8 %. F o r P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s, 

t h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x a n d t h e i niti al Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x h a v e t h e s a m e 

v al u e. 

( 2) S e c o n d, si n c e t r ai n h o r n s h a v e b e e n sil e n c e d a t t h e c r o s si n g s, i t will b e n e c e s s a r y 

t o m a t h e m a ti c all y d e t e r mi n e w h a t t h e ri s k 

l e v el w o ul d h a v e b e e n a t t h e c r o s si n g s if 

t r ai n h o r n s h a d b e e n r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d. 

T h e s e r e vi s e d ri s k l e v el s t h e n will b e u s e d t o 

c al c ul a t e t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. T hi s 

c al c ul a ti o n i s n e c e s s a r y t o d e t e r mi n e h o w 

m u c h ri s k m u s t b e eli mi n a t e d i n o r d e r t o 

c o m p e n s a t e f o r t h e l a c k of t h e t r ai n h o r n. 

T hi s will all o w t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o h a v e 

t h e c h oi c e t o r e d u c e t h e ri s k t o a t l e a s t t h e 

l e v el of t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d o r t o f ull y c o m p e n s a t e f o r t h e 

l a c k of t h e t r ai n h o r n. 

T o c al c ul a t e t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s, 

t h e fi r s t s t e p i s t o di vi d e t h e e xi s ti n g s e v e ri t y ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h c r o s si n g b y t h e a p p r op ri a t e v al u e a s s h o w n i n T a bl e 1. T hi s p r o ce s s eli mi n a t e s t h e ri s k t h a t w a s c a u s e d b y 

t h e a b s e n c e of t r ai n h o r n s. T h e t a bl e t a k e s 

i n t o a c c o u n t t h a t t h e t r ai n h o r n h a s b e e n 

f o u n d t o p r o d u c e diff e r e n t l e v el s of eff e c ti v en e s s i n p r e v e n ti n g c olli si o n s d e p e n di n g o n 

t h e t y p e of w a r ni n g d e vi c e a t t h e c r o s si n g. 

( N o t e: F R A’ s w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r will p e rf o r m t hi s c o m p u t a ti o n a u t om a ti c all y f o r P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s.) T h e 

Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s i s t h e a v e r a g e of t h e 

r e vi s e d ri s k i n di c e s. T h e diff e r e n c e b e t w e e n 

t h e c al c ul a t e d Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s a n d 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s t h e a m o u n t of 

ri s k t h a t w o ul d h a v e t o b e r e d u c e d i n o r d e r 

t o f ull y c o m p e n s a t e f o r t h e l a c k of t r ai n 

h o r n s. 

A B L E 1 — R I S K N D E X I VI S O R A L U E S

P a s si v e Fl a s hi n g 

li g ht s 

Li g ht s 

& g at e s 

U. S ................................. 1. 7 4 9 1. 3 0 9 1. 6 6 8 

( 3) T h e t hi r d diff e r e n c e i s t h a t c r e di t i s 

gi v e n f o r t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n t h a t i s b r o u g h t 

a b o u t t h r o u g h t h e u p g r a di n g of t h e w a r ni n g 

d e vi c e s a t p u bli c c r o s si n g s (§ 2 2 2. 3 5( b)( 3)). F o r 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s, all c r o s si n g s m u s t b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s 

c o n si s ti n g of fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s. C r o s si n g s wi t h o u t g a t e s m u s t h a v e g a t e s i ns t all e d. T h e s e v e ri t y ri s k i n d e x f o r t h a t 

c r o s si n g i s t h e n c al c ul a t e d t o e s t a bli s h t h e 

ri s k i n d e x t h a t i s u s e d i n t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h 

H o r n s. T h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s i s t h e n i nc r e a s e d b y 6 6. 8 % t o a dj u s t f o r t h e l a c k of t h e 

t r ai n h o r n. T h e a dj u s t e d fi g u r e i s t h e i ni ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. T h e r e i s n o c r e di t r ec ei v e d f o r t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n t h a t i s a t t ri bu t a bl e t o w a r ni n g d e vi c e u p g r a d e s i n N e w 

Q ui e t Z o n e s. 

F o r P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s, t h e Ri s k I n d e x 

wi t h H o r n s i s c al c ul a t e d f r o m t h e i ni ti al ri s k 

i n di c e s w hi c h u s e t h e w a r ni n g d e vi c e s t h a t 

a r e c u r r e n tl y i n s t all e d. If a p u bli c a u t h o ri t y 

el e c t s t o u p g r a d e a n e xi s ti n g w a r ni n g d e vi c e 

a s p a r t of i t s q ui e t z o n e pl a n, t h e a c ci d e n t 

p r e di c ti o n v al u e f o r t h a t c r o s si n g will b e r ec al c ul a t e d b a s e d o n t h e u p g r a d e d w a r ni n g 

d e vi c e. ( O n c e a g ai n, F R A’ s w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t 

Z o n e C al c ul a t o r c a n d o t h e a c t u al c o m p u t ati o n.) T h e n e w a c ci d e n t p r e di c ti o n v al u e i s 

t h e n u s e d i n t h e s e v e ri t y ri s k i n d e x f o r m ul a 

t o d e t e r mi n e t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r t h e c r o s si n g. 

T hi s a dj u s t e d ri s k i n d e x i s t h e n u s e d t o c o mp u t e t h e n e w Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. T hi s 

c o m p u t a ti o n all o w s t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n a tt ri b u t e d t o t h e w a r ni n g d e vi c e u p g r a d e s t o 

b e u s e d i n e s t a bli s hi n g a q ui e t z o n e. 

( 4) T h e f o u r t h diff e r e n c e i s t h a t P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e s h a v e diff e r e n t mi ni m u m r eq ui r e m e n t s u n d e r § 2 2 2. 3 5. A P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e m a y b e l e s s t h a n o n e- h alf mil e i n 

l e n g t h if t h a t w a s i t s l e n g t h a s of O c t o b e r 9, 

1 9 9 6 (§ 2 2 2. 3 5( a)( 2)). A P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e 

d o e s n o t h a v e t o h a v e a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d evi c e s c o n si s ti n g of fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 3
3 1 8 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

a t e v e r y p u bli c c r o s si n g (§ 2 2 2. 3 5( b)( 3)). T h e 

e xi s ti n g c r o s si n g s af e t y w a r ni n g s y s t e m s i n 

pl a c e a s of D e c e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 3 m a y b e r e t ai n e d 

b u t c a n n o t b e d o w n g r a d e d. I t al s o i s n o t n e ce s s a r y f o r t h e a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s t o 

b e e q ui p p e d wi t h c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d evi c e s o r p o w e r o u t i n di c a t o r s; h o w e v e r, w h e n 

t h e w a r ni n g d e vi c e s a r e u p g r a d e d, c o n s t a n t 

w a r ni n g ti m e a n d p o w e r o u t i n di c a t o r s will 

b e r e q ui r e d if r e a s o n a bl y p r a c ti c al 

(§ 2 2 2. 3 5( b)( 3)). A d v a n c e w a r ni n g si g n s t h a t 

n o tif y t h e m o t o ri s t t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t 

s o u n d e d d o n o t h a v e t o b e i n s t all e d o n e a c h 

a p p r o a c h t o p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d p e d e s t ri a n 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e u n til 

J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8. (§§ 2 2 2. 2 7( d) a n d 2 2 2. 3 5( c)) Si mil a rl y, S T O P si g n s a n d c r o s s b u c k s d o n o t 

h a v e t o b e i n s t all e d o n e a c h a p p r o a c h t o p riv a t e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e u n til 

J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8. (§ 2 2 2. 2 5( c)). 

A. R e q uir e m e nts f or B ot h P u bli c A ut h orit y D esi g n ati o n a n d P u bli c A ut h orit y A p pli c ati o n — 

Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es 

T h e f oll o wi n g i s n e c e s s a r y w h e n e s t a bli s hi n g a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e. T hi s i nf o r m ati o n p e r t ai n s t o A u t o m a ti c A p p r o v al, t h e 

P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n a n d P u bli c A ut h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A m e t h o d s. 

1. D e t e r mi n e all p u bli c, p ri v a t e a n d p e d e st ri a n a t- g r a d e c r o s si n g s t h a t will b e i n cl u d e d 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. Al s o d e t e r mi n e a n y 

e xi s ti n g g r a d e s e p a r a t e d c r o s si n g s t h a t f all 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. E a c h c r o s si n g m u s t b e 

i d e n tifi e d b y t h e U. S. D O T C r o s si n g I n v e nt o r y n u m b e r a n d s t r e e t n a m e. If a c r o s si n g 

d o e s n o t h a v e a U. S. D O T c r o s si n g n u m b e r, 

t h e n c o n t a c t F R A f o r a s si s t a n c e. 

2. D o c u m e n t t h e l e n g t h of t h e q ui e t z o n e. 

I t i s n o t n e c e s s a r y t h a t t h e q ui e t z o n e b e a t 

l e a s t o n e- h alf mil e i n l e n g t h. P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e s m a y b e s h o r t e r t h a n o n e- h alf mil e. 

H o w e v e r, t h e a d di ti o n of a n e w c r o s si n g t h a t 

i s n o t a p a r t of a n e xi s ti n g P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e t o a q ui e t z o n e n ullifi e s i t s p r e- r ul e s t at u s, a n d t h e r e s ul ti n g N e w Q ui e t Z o n e m u s t 

b e a t l e a s t o n e- h alf mil e. T h e d el e ti o n of a 

c r o s si n g f r o m a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e ( e x c e p t 

t h r o u g h cl o s u r e o r g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n) m u s t 

r e s ul t i n a q ui e t z o n e t h a t i s a t l e a s t o n eh alf mil e i n l e n g t h. I t i s t h e i n t e n t of t h e 

r ul e t o all o w a dj a c e n t P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s 

t o b e c o m bi n e d i n t o o n e l a r g e p r e- r ul e q ui e t 

z o n e if t h e r e s p e c ti v e p u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s d esi r e t o d o s o. (§ 2 2 2. 3 5( a)( 2)) 

3. A c o m pl e t e a n d a c c u r a t e G r a d e C r o s si n g 

I n v e n t o r y F o r m m u s t b e o n fil e wi t h F R A 

f o r all c r o s si n g s ( p u bli c, p ri v a t e a n d p e d e st ri a n) wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. A n i n s p e c ti o n of 

e a c h c r o s si n g i n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e 

s h o ul d b e p e rf o r m e d a n d t h e G r a d e C r o s si n g 

I n v e n t o r y F o r m s u p d a t e d, a s n e c e s s a r y, t o 

r efl e c t t h e c u r r e n t c o n di ti o n s a t e a c h c r o s si n g. 

4. P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s m u s t r e t ai n, a n d 

m a y u p g r a d e, t h e e xi s ti n g g r a d e c r o s si n g 

s af e t y w a r ni n g s y s t e m s. U nli k e N e w Q ui e t 

Z o n e s, i t i s n o t n e c e s s a r y t h a t e v e r y p u bli c 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h a c ti v e w a r ni n g d e vi c e s c o mp ri si n g b o t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s. E xi s ti n g w a r ni n g d e vi c e s n e e d n o t b e e q ui p p e d 

wi t h p o w e r o u t i n di c a t o r s a n d c o n s t a n t 

w a r ni n g ti m e ci r c ui t r y. If w a r ni n g d e vi c e s 

a r e u p g r a d e d t o fl a s hi n g li g h t s, o r fl a s hi n g 

li g h t s a n d g a t e s, t h e u p g r a d e d e q ui p m e n t 

m u s t i n cl u d e, a s i s r e q ui r e d f o r N e w Q ui e t 

Z o n e s, p o w e r o u t i n di c a t o r s a n d c o n s t a n t 

w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e s (if r e a s o n a bl y p r a cti c al). (§ 2 2 2. 3 5( b)( 3)) 

5. B y J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8, p ri v a t e c r o s si n g s m u s t 

h a v e c r o s s- b u c k s a n d ‘‘ S T O P’’ si g n s o n b o t h 

a p p r o a c h e s t o t h e c r o s si n g. (§ 2 2 2. 2 5( c)) 

6. B y J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8, e a c h a p p r o a c h t o a p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g m u s t b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h a n a d v a n c e w a r ni n g si g n t h a t 

c o nf o r m s t o t h e M U T C D a n d a d vi s e s p e d e st ri a n s a n d m o t o ri s t s t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t 

s o u n d e d a t t h e c r o s si n g. (§§ 2 2 2. 2 7( d), 

2 2 2. 3 5( c)) 

7. I t will b e n e c e s s a r y f o r t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y t o p r o vi d e a N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e 

C o n ti n u a ti o n i n o r d e r t o p r e v e n t t h e r e s u m pti o n of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s o u n di n g w h e n t h e 

r ul e b e c o m e s eff e c ti v e. A d e t ail e d di s c u s si o n 

of t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of § 2 2 2. 4 3( c) i s p r o vi d e d 

i n S e c ti o n I V of t hi s a p p e n di x. T h e N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n m u s t b e p r o vi d e d t o 

t h e a p p r o p ri a t e p a r ti e s b y all P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e s t h a t h a v e n o t e s t a bli s h e d q ui e t z o n e s 

b y a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al. T hi s s h o ul d b e d o n e 

n o l a t e r t h a n J u n e 3, 2 0 0 5 t o e n s u r e t h a t 

t r ai n h o r n s will n o t s t a r t b ei n g s o u n d e d o n 

J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 5. A P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e m a y 

p r o vi d e a N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n 

b ef o r e i t h a s d e t e r mi n e d w h e t h e r o r n o t i t 

q u alifi e s f o r a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al. O n c e i t h a s 

b e e n d e t e r mi n e d t h a t t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e will b e e s t a bli s h e d b y a u t o m a ti c a pp r o v al, t h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y m u s t p r o vi d e 

t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t. 

T hi s m u s t b e a c c o m pli s h e d n o l a t e r t h a n D ec e m b e r 2 4, 2 0 0 5. If t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e 

will n o t b e e s t a bli s h e d b y a u t o m a ti c a pp r o v al, t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n ua ti o n will e n a bl e t h e t r ai n h o r n s t o b e sil e n c e d u n til J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8. ( Pl e a s e r ef e r t o 

§ 2 2 2. 4 1( c) f o r m o r e i nf o r m a ti o n.) 

B. Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es — A ut o m ati c A p pr o v al 

I n o r d e r f o r a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e t o b e e st a bli s h e d u n d e r t hi s r ul e (§ 2 2 2. 4 1( a)), o n e of 

t h e f oll o wi n g c o n di ti o n s m u s t b e m e t: 

a. O n e o r m o r e S S M s a s i d e n tifi e d i n a pp e n di x A a r e i n s t all e d a t e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g 

i n t h e q ui e t z o n e; 

b. T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s e q u al t o, 

o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d; 

c. T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s a b o v e t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d b u t 

l e s s t h a n t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d t h e r e h a v e b e e n n o r ele v a n t c olli si o n s a t a n y p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 4
3 1 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e f o r t h e p r e c e di n g fi v e 

y e a r s; o r 

d. T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s e q u al t o, 

o r l e s s t h a n, t h e Ri s k I n d e x Wi t h H o r n s. 

A d di ti o n all y, t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e 

m u s t b e i n c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e mi ni m u m r eq ui r e m e n t s f o r q ui e t z o n e s (§ 2 2 2. 3 5) a n d t h e 

n o tifi c a ti o n r e q ui r e m e n t s i n § 2 2 2. 4 3. 

T h e f oll o wi n g di s c u s si o n i s m e a n t t o p r ovi d e g ui d a n c e o n t h e s t e p s n e c e s s a r y t o d et e r mi n e if a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e q u alifi e s 

f o r a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al. 

1. All of t h e i t e m s li s t e d i n R e q uir e m e nts f or 

B ot h P u bli c A ut h orit y D esi g n ati o n a n d P u bli c 

A ut h orit y A p pli c ati o n — Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es 

p r e vi o u sl y m e n ti o n e d a r e t o b e a c c o mpli s h e d. R e m e m b e r t h a t a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e m a y b e l e s s t h a n o n e- h alf mil e i n 

l e n g t h if t h a t w a s i t s l e n g t h a s of O c t o b e r 9, 

1 9 9 6. Al s o, a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e d o e s n o t 

h a v e t o h a v e a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s c o nsi s ti n g of fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s a t e v e r y 

p u bli c c r o s si n g. 

2. If o n e o r m o r e S S M s a s i d e n tifi e d i n a pp e n di x A a r e i n s t all e d a t e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g i n t h e q ui e t z o n e, t h e q ui e t z o n e q u alifi e s 

a n d t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y p r o vi d e t h e 

N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t. If t h e 

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e d o e s n o t q u alif y b y t hi s 

s t e p, p r o c e e d o n t o t h e n e x t s t e p. 

3. C al c ul a t e t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h p u bli c 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e ( S e e a p p e n di x 

D.) B e s u r e t h a t t h e ri s k i n d e x i s c al c ul a t e d 

u si n g t h e f o r m ul a a p p r o p ri a t e f o r t h e t y p e of 

w a r ni n g d e vi c e t h a t i s a c t u all y i n s t all e d a t 

t h e c r o s si n g. U nli k e N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s, i t i s 

n o t n e c e s s a r y t o c al c ul a t e t h e ri s k i n d e x 

u si n g fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s a s t h e w a r ni n g d e vi c e a t e v e r y p u bli c c r o s si n g. ( F R A’ s 

w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r m a y b e 

u s e d t o si m plif y t h e c al c ul a ti o n p r o c e s s). If 

t h e I n v e n t o r y r e c o r d d o e s n o t r efl e c t t h e a ct u al c o n di ti o n s a t t h e c r o s si n g, b e s u r e t o 

u s e t h e c o n di ti o n s t h a t c u r r e n tl y e xi s t w h e n 

c al c ul a ti n g t h e ri s k i n d e x. 

4. T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s t h e n c alc ul a t e d b y a v e r a gi n g t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h 

p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t 

z o n e. ( N o t e: T h e i ni ti al Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x a n d t h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x 

a r e t h e s a m e f o r P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s.) 

5. C o m p a r e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o 

t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. 

If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s e q u al t o, o r 

l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d, t h e n t h e q ui e t z o n e q u alifi e s, a n d 

t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y p r o vi d e t h e N o ti c e 

of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t. Wi t h t hi s a pp r o a c h, F R A will a n n u all y r e c al c ul a t e t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e i s f o u n d t o b e a b o v e 

t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, 

F R A will n o tif y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s o t h a t 

a p p r o p ri a t e m e a s u r e s c a n b e t a k e n ( S e e 

§ 2 2 2. 5 1( b)). If t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e i s n o t 

e s t a bli s h e d b y t hi s s t e p, p r o c e e d o n t o t h e 

n e x t s t e p. 

6. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s a b o v e t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d b u t 

l e s s t h a n t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d t h e r e h a v e b e e n n o r ele v a n t c olli si o n s a t a n y p u bli c g r a d e c r o s si n g 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e f o r t h e p r e c e di n g fi v e 

y e a r s, t h e n t h e q ui e t z o n e q u alifi e s f o r a u t om a ti c a p p r o v al. H o w e v e r, i n o r d e r t o q u alif y 

o n t hi s b a si s, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t p r ovi d e a N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t 

b y D e c e m b e r 2 4, 2 0 0 5. ( N o t e: A r el e v a n t c ollisi o n m e a n s a c olli si o n a t a hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g b e t w e e n a t r ai n a n d a m o t o r 

v e hi cl e, e x cl u di n g t h e f oll o wi n g: a c olli si o n 

r e s ul ti n g f r o m a n a c ti v a ti o n f ail u r e of a n a cti v e g r a d e c r o s si n g w a r ni n g s y s t e m; a c ollisi o n i n w hi c h t h e r e i s n o d ri v e r i n t h e m o t o r 

v e hi cl e; o r a c olli si o n w h e r e t h e hi g h w a y v ehi cl e s t r u c k t h e si d e of t h e t r ai n b e y o n d t h e 

f o u r t h l o c o m o ti v e u ni t o r r ail c a r.) Wi t h t hi s 

a p p r o a c h, F R A will a n n u all y r e c al c ul a t e t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e i s a b o v e t w o ti m e s 

t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, 

o r a r el e v a n t c olli si o n h a s o c c u r r e d d u ri n g 

t h e p r e c e di n g y e a r, F R A will n o tif y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s o t h a t a p p r o p ri a t e m e a s u r e s 

c a n b e t a k e n ( S e e § 2 2 2. 5 1( b)). 

If t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e i s n o t e s t a bli s h e d b y a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al, c o n ti n u a ti o n 

of t h e q ui e t z o n e m a y r e q ui r e i m pl e m e n t ati o n of S S M s o r A S M s t o r e d u c e t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e t o a ri s k 

l e v el e q u al t o, o r b el o w, ei t h e r t h e ri s k l e v el 

w hi c h w o ul d e xi s t if l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s s o u n de d a t all c r o s si n g s i n t h e q ui e t z o n e ( i. e. t h e 

Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s) o r t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. T hi s i s t h e s a m e 

m e t h o d ol o g y u s e d t o c r e a t e N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s 

wi t h t h e e x c e p ti o n of t h e f o u r diff e r e n c e s 

p r e vi o u sl y n o t e d. A r e vi e w of t h e p r e vi o u s 

di s c u s si o n o n t h e t w o m e t h o d s u s e d t o e s t a bli s h q ui e t z o n e s m a y p r o v e h el pf ul i n d e t e rmi ni n g w hi c h w o ul d b e t h e m o s t b e n efi ci al 

t o u s e f o r a p a r ti c ul a r P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e. 

C. Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es — P u bli c A ut h orit y 

D esi g n ati o n 

T h e f oll o wi n g di s c u s si o n i s m e a n t t o p r ovi d e g ui d a n c e o n t h e s t e p s n e c e s s a r y t o e st a bli s h a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e u si n g t h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n m e t h o d. 

1. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t p r o vi d e a N oti c e of I n t e n t (§§ 2 2 2. 4 3( a)( 1) a n d 2 2 2. 4 3( b)) t o 

t h e r ail r o a d s t h a t o p e r a t e wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o nsi bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y a n d t h e 

S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g 

s af e t y. T hi s n o ti c e m u s t b e m ail e d b y F e br u a r y 2 4, 2 0 0 8, i n o r d e r t o c o n ti n u e e xi s ti n g 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n r e s t ri c ti o n s b e y o n d J u n e 2 4, 

2 0 0 8 wi t h o u t i n t e r r u p ti o n. T h e p u r p o s e of 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 2 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 5
3 2 0 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

t hi s N o ti c e of I n t e n t i s t o p r o vi d e a n o p p o rt u ni t y f o r t h e r ail r o a d s a n d t h e S t a t e a g e nci e s t o p r o vi d e c o m m e n t s a n d r e c o m m e n d ati o n s t o t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y a s i t i s pl a nni n g t h e q ui e t z o n e. T h e y will h a v e 6 0 d a y s 

t o p r o vi d e t h e s e c o m m e n t s t o t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y. T h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t m u s t b e p r ovi d e d, if n e w S S M s o r A S M s will b e i m pl em e n t e d wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. F R A e n c o u ra g e s p u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s t o p r o vi d e t h e r eq ui r e d N o ti c e of I n t e n t e a rl y i n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e d e v el o p m e n t p r o c e s s. T h e r ail r o a d s a n d 

S t a t e a g e n ci e s c a n p r o vi d e a n e x p e r ti s e t h a t 

v e r y w ell m a y n o t b e p r e s e n t wi t hi n t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y. F R A b eli e v e s t h a t i t will b e 

v e r y u s ef ul t o i n cl u d e t h e s e o r g a ni z a ti o n s i n 

t h e pl a n ni n g p r o c e s s. F o r e x a m pl e, i n cl u di n g 

t h e m i n t h e i n s p e c ti o n s of t h e c r o s si n g will 

h el p e n s u r e a c c u r a t e I n v e n t o r y i nf o r m a ti o n 

f o r t h e c r o s si n g s. N o t e: Pl e a s e s e e S e c ti o n I V 

f o r d e t ail s o n t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of a N o ti c e of 

I n t e n t. 

2. All of t h e i t e m s li s t e d i n ‘‘ R e q ui r e m e n t s 

f o r B o t h P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n a n d 

P u bli c A u t h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n — P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e s’’ p r e vi o u sl y m e n ti o n e d a r e t o b e 

a c c o m pli s h e d. R e m e m b e r t h a t a P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e m a y b e l e s s t h a n o n e- h alf mil e i n 

l e n g t h if t h a t w a s i t s l e n g t h a s of O c t o b e r 9, 

1 9 9 6. Al s o, a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e d o e s n o t 

h a v e t o h a v e a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s c o nsi s ti n g of fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s a t e v e r y 

p u bli c c r o s si n g. 

3. C al c ul a t e t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h p u bli c 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e a s i n S t e p 3 — 

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s — A u t o m a ti c A p p r o v al. 

4. T h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x i s t h e n 

c al c ul a t e d b y a v e r a gi n g t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r 

e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d 

q ui e t z o n e. Si n c e t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t b ei n g 

s o u n d e d f o r c r o s si n g s, t hi s v al u e i s a c t u all y 

t h e i ni ti al Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. 

5. C al c ul a t e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s b y t h e 

f oll o wi n g: 

a. F o r e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g, di vi d e t h e ri s k 

i n d e x t h a t w a s c al c ul a t e d i n S t e p 2 b y t h e 

a p p r o p ri a t e v al u e i n T a bl e 1. T hi s p r o d u c e s 

t h e ri s k i n d e x t h a t w o ul d h a v e e xi s t e d h a d 

t h e t r ai n h o r n b e e n s o u n d e d. 

b. A v e r a g e t h e s e r e d u c e d ri s k i n di c e s t og e t h e r. T h e r e s ul ti n g a v e r a g e i s t h e Ri s k 

I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. 

6. B e gi n t o r e d u c e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x t h r o u g h t h e u s e of S S M s o r b y u p g r a di n g e xi s ti n g w a r ni n g d e vi c e s. F oll o w t h e p r oc e d u r e p r o vi d e d i n S t e p 6 — P u bli c A u t h o ri t y 

D e si g n a ti o n u n til t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x 

h a s b e e n r e d u c e d t o a l e v el e q u al t o, o r l e s s 

t h a n, ei t h e r t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. A 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y el e c t t o u p g r a d e a n e xi s ti n g w a r ni n g d e vi c e a s p a r t of i t s P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e pl a n. W h e n u p g r a di n g a w a r ni n g 

d e vi c e, t h e a c ci d e n t p r e di c ti o n v al u e f o r t h a t 

c r o s si n g m u s t b e r e- c al c ul a t e d f o r t h e n e w 

w a r ni n g d e vi c e. D e t e r mi n e t h e n e w ri s k 

i n d e x f o r t h e u p g r a d e d c r o s si n g b y u si n g t h e 

n e w a c ci d e n t p r e di c ti o n v al u e i n t h e s e v e ri t y 

ri s k i n d e x f o r m ul a. T hi s n e w ri s k i n d e x i s 

t h e n u s e d t o c o m p u t e t h e n e w Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x. ( R e m e m b e r t h a t F R A’ s w e bb a s e d Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r will b e a bl e t o 

d o t h e a c t u al c o m p u t a ti o n s.) O n c e t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x h a s b e e n r e d u c e d t o a l e v el 

e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, ei t h e r t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x 

wi t h H o r n s, t h e q ui e t z o n e m a y b e e s t a bli s h e d b y t h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n 

m e t h o d, a n d t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y p r ovi d e t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t 

o n c e all t h e n e c e s s a r y i m p r o v e m e n t s h a v e 

b e e n i n s t all e d. If t h e q ui e t z o n e i s e s t a bli s h e d b y r e d u ci n g t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x 

t o a ri s k l e v el e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N ati o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, F R A 

will a n n u all y r e c al c ul a t e t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d t h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x f o r t h e q ui e t z o n e ri s e s a b o v e t h e N ati o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, F R A 

will n o tif y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s o t h a t a pp r o p ri a t e m e a s u r e s c a n b e t a k e n ( S e e 

§ 2 2 2. 5 1( b)). 

7. If t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e will n o t b e e st a bli s h e d b ef o r e J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8, t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y m u s t fil e a d e t ail e d pl a n f o r q ui e t 

z o n e i m p r o v e m e n t s wi t h t h e A s s o ci a t e A dmi ni s t r a t o r b y J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8. B y p r o vi di n g a 

N o ti c e of I n t e n t ( s e e S t e p 1 a b o v e) a n d a d et ail e d pl a n f o r q ui e t z o n e i m p r o v e m e n t s, e xi s ti n g l o c o m o ti v e h o r n r e s t ri c ti o n s m a y c o nti n u e u n til J u n e 2 4, 2 0 1 0. (If a c o m p r e h e n si v e 

S t a t e- wi d e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n pl a n a n d f u n di n g 

c o m mi t m e n t a r e al s o p r o vi d e d a n d s af e t y 

i m p r o v e m e n t s a r e i ni ti a t e d wi t hi n a t l e a s t 

o n e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e, e xi s ti n g l o c o m o ti v e h o r n r e s t ri cti o n s m a y c o n ti n u e u n til J u n e 2 4, 2 0 1 3.) ( S e e 

§ 2 2 2. 4 1( c) f o r m o r e i nf o r m a ti o n.) 

O T E : T h e p r o vi si o n s s t a t e d a b o v e f o r 

c r o s si n g cl o s u r e s, g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n s, w a y si d e 

h o r n s, p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M s a n d p r e- e xi s ti n g 

m o difi e d S S M s a p pl y f o r P u bli c A u t h o ri t y 

A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A a s w ell. 

D. Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n es — P u bli c A ut h orit y 

A p pli c ati o n t o F R A 

T h e f oll o wi n g di s c u s si o n i s m e a n t t o p r ovi d e g ui d a n c e o n t h e s t e p s n e c e s s a r y t o e st a bli s h a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e u si n g t h e P u bli c A u t h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A m e t h o d. 

1. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t p r o vi d e a N oti c e of I n t e n t (§§ 2 2 2. 4 3( a)( 1) a n d 2 2 2. 4 3( b)) t o 

t h e r ail r o a d s t h a t o p e r a t e wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e, t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o nsi bl e f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y a n d t h e 

S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g 

s af e t y. T hi s n o ti c e m u s t b e m ail e d b y F e br u a r y 2 4, 2 0 0 8, i n o r d e r t o c o n ti n u e e xi s ti n g 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n r e s t ri c ti o n s b e y o n d J u n e 2 4, 

2 0 0 8 wi t h o u t i n t e r r u p ti o n. T h e p u r p o s e of 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 6
3 2 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 

t hi s N o ti c e of I n t e n t i s t o p r o vi d e a n o p p o rt u ni t y f o r t h e r ail r o a d s a n d t h e S t a t e a g e nci e s t o p r o vi d e c o m m e n t s a n d r e c o m m e n d ati o n s t o t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y a s i t i s pl a nni n g t h e q ui e t z o n e. T h e y will h a v e 6 0 d a y s 

t o p r o vi d e t h e s e c o m m e n t s t o t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y. T h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t m u s t b e p r ovi d e d, if n e w S S M s o r A S M s will b e i m pl em e n t e d wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e. F R A e n c o u ra g e s p u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s t o p r o vi d e t h e r eq ui r e d N o ti c e of I n t e n t e a rl y i n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e d e v el o p m e n t p r o c e s s. T h e r ail r o a d s a n d 

S t a t e a g e n ci e s c a n p r o vi d e a n e x p e r ti s e t h a t 

v e r y w ell m a y n o t b e p r e s e n t wi t hi n t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y. F R A b eli e v e s t h a t i t will b e 

v e r y u s ef ul t o i n cl u d e t h e s e o r g a ni z a ti o n s i n 

t h e pl a n ni n g p r o c e s s. F o r e x a m pl e, i n cl u di n g 

t h e m i n t h e i n s p e c ti o n s of t h e c r o s si n g will 

h el p e n s u r e a c c u r a t e I n v e n t o r y i nf o r m a ti o n 

f o r t h e c r o s si n g s. N o t e: Pl e a s e s e e S e c ti o n I V 

f o r d e t ail s o n t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of a N o ti c e of 

D e t ail e d Pl a n. 

2. All of t h e i t e m s li s t e d i n ‘‘ R e q ui r e m e n t s 

f o r b o t h P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n a ti o n a n d 

P u bli c A u t h o ri t y A p pli c a ti o n — P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e s’’ p r e vi o u sl y m e n ti o n e d a r e t o b e 

a c c o m pli s h e d. R e m e m b e r t h a t a P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e m a y b e l e s s t h a n o n e- h alf mil e i n 

l e n g t h if t h a t w a s i t s l e n g t h a s of O c t o b e r 9, 

1 9 9 6. Al s o, a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e d o e s n o t 

h a v e t o h a v e a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e s c o nsi s ti n g of fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s a t e v e r y 

p u bli c c r o s si n g. 

3. C al c ul a t e t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h p u bli c 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e ( S e e a p p e n di x 

D. F R A’ s w e b- b a s e d Q ui e t Z o n e C al c ul a t o r 

m a y b e u s e d t o si m plif y t h e c al c ul a ti o n 

p r o c e s s). If t h e I n v e n t o r y r e c o r d d o e s n o t r efl e c t t h e a c t u al c o n di ti o n s a t t h e c r o s si n g, 

b e s u r e t o u s e t h e c o n di ti o n s t h a t c u r r e n tl y 

e xi s t w h e n c al c ul a ti n g t h e ri s k i n d e x. 

4. T h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x i s t h e n 

c al c ul a t e d b y a v e r a gi n g t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r 

e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d 

q ui e t z o n e. Si n c e t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t b ei n g 

s o u n d e d f o r c r o s si n g s, t hi s v al u e i s a c t u all y 

t h e i ni ti al Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. 

5. C al c ul a t e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s b y t h e 

f oll o wi n g: 

a. F o r e a c h p u bli c c r o s si n g, di vi d e i t s ri s k 

i n d e x t h a t w a s c al c ul a t e d i n S t e p 2 b y t h e 

a p p r o p ri a t e v al u e i n T a bl e 1. T hi s p r o d u c e s 

t h e ri s k i n d e x t h a t w o ul d h a v e e xi s t e d h a d 

t h e t r ai n h o r n b e e n s o u n d e d. 

b. A v e r a g e t h e s e r e d u c e d ri s k i n di c e s t og e t h e r. T h e r e s ul ti n g a v e r a g e i s t h e Ri s k 

I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. 

6. B e gi n t o r e d u c e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x t h r o u g h t h e u s e of A S M s a n d/ o r S S M s. 

F oll o w t h e p r o c e d u r e p r o vi d e d i n S t e p 6 — 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s P u bli c A u t h o ri t y D e si g n ati o n — u n til t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x h a s 

b e e n r e d u c e d t o a l e v el e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, 

ei t h e r t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. A 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y el e c t t o u p g r a d e a n e xi s ti n g w a r ni n g d e vi c e a s p a r t of i t s P r e- R ul e 

Q ui e t Z o n e pl a n. W h e n u p g r a di n g a w a r ni n g 

d e vi c e, t h e a c ci d e n t p r e di c ti o n v al u e f o r t h a t 

c r o s si n g m u s t b e r e- c al c ul a t e d f o r t h e n e w 

w a r ni n g d e vi c e. D e t e r mi n e t h e n e w ri s k 

i n d e x f o r t h e u p g r a d e d c r o s si n g b y u si n g t h e 

n e w a c ci d e n t p r e di c ti o n v al u e i n t h e s e v e ri t y 

ri s k i n d e x f o r m ul a. ( R e m e m b e r t h a t F R A’ s 

w e b- b a s e d q ui e t z o n e ri s k c al c ul a t o r will b e 

a bl e t o d o t h e a c t u al c o m p u t a ti o n s.) T hi s 

n e w ri s k i n d e x i s t h e n u s e d t o c o m p u t e t h e 

n e w Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x. Eff e c ti v e n e s s 

r a t e s f o r A S M s s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d a s f oll o w s: 

a. M o difi e d S S M s — E s ti m a t e s of eff e c ti v en e s s f o r m o difi e d S S M s m a y b e b a s e d u p o n 

a dj u s t m e n t s f r o m t h e b e n c h m a r k l e v el s p r ovi d e d i n a p p e n di x A o r f r o m a c t u al fi el d d a t a 

d e ri v e d f r o m t h e c r o s si n g si t e s. T h e a p pli c ati o n m u s t p r o vi d e a n e s ti m a t e d eff e c ti v e n e s s 

r a t e a n d t h e r a ti o n al e f o r t h e e s ti m a t e. 

b. N o n- e n gi n e e ri n g A S M s — Eff e c ti v e n e s s 

r a t e s a r e t o b e c al c ul a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

t h e p r o vi si o n s of a p p e n di x B, s e c ti o n II B. 

c. E n gi n e e ri n g A S M s — Eff e c ti v e n e s s r a t e s 

a r e t o b e c al c ul a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e 

p r o vi si o n s of a p p e n di x B, s e c ti o n III B. 

7. O n c e i t h a s b e e n d e t e r mi n e d t h r o u g h 

a n al y si s t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x will 

b e r e d u c e d t o a l e v el e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, 

ei t h e r t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s, t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m a y m a k e a p pli c a ti o n t o 

F R A f o r a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r § 2 2 2. 3 9( b). F R A 

will r e vi e w t h e a p pli c a ti o n t o d e t e r mi n e t h e 

a p p r o p ri a t e n e s s of t h e p r o p o s e d eff e c ti v e n e s s 

r a t e s, a n d w h e t h e r o r n o t t h e p r o p o s e d a p plic a ti o n d e m o n s t r a t e s t h a t t h e q ui e t z o n e 

m e e t s t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of t h e r ul e. W h e n 

s u b mi t ti n g t h e a p pli c a ti o n t o F R A f o r a pp r o v al, i t s h o ul d b e r e m e m b e r e d t h a t t h e a ppli c a ti o n m u s t c o n t ai n t h e f oll o wi n g 

(§ 2 2 2. 3 9( b)( 1)): 

a. S uffi ci e n t d e t ail c o n c e r ni n g t h e p r e s e n t 

s af e t y m e a s u r e s a t all c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e t o e n a bl e t h e A s s o ci a t e 

A d mi ni s t r a t o r t o e v al u a t e t h ei r eff e c ti v en e s s. T hi s i n cl u d e s c u r r e n t a n d a c c u r a t e 

c r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y f o r m s f o r e a c h p u bli c, p riv a t e a n d p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g. 

b. D e t ail e d i nf o r m a ti o n o n t h e s af e t y i mp r o v e m e n t s, i n cl u di n g u p g r a d e d w a r ni n g d evi c e s t h a t a r e p r o p o s e d t o b e i m pl e m e n t e d a t 

p u bli c, p ri v a t e, a n d p e d e s t ri a n g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

c. M e m b e r s hi p a n d r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s of 

t h e di a g n o s ti c t e a m (if a n y) t h a t r e vi e w e d 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

d. S t a t e m e n t of eff o r t s t a k e n t o a d d r e s s 

c o m m e n t s s u b mi t t e d b y aff e c t e d r ail r o a d s, 

t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y, a n d t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e 

f o r hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y, i n cl u di n g a li s t 

of a n y o bj e c ti o n s r ai s e d b y t h e r ail r o a d s o r 

S t a t e a g e n ci e s. 

e. A c o m mi t m e n t t o i m pl e m e n t t h e p r op o s e d s af e t y m e a s u r e s. 

f. D e m o n s t r a t e t h r o u g h d a t a a n d a n al y si s 

t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d m e a s u r e s will r e d u c e t h e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 7
3 2 2 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el a t, o r b el o w, 

ei t h e r t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. 

g. A c o p y of t h e a p pli c a ti o n m u s t b e p r ovi d e d t o all r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g o v e r t h e p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e; t h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol o r 

l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g j u ri s di cti o n o v e r v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t g r a d e c r o s si n g s 

wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; t h e l a n d o w n e r h a vi n g 

c o n t r ol o v e r a n y p ri v a t e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e; t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y; t h e S t a t e a g e n c y 

r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y; a n d t h e 

A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. (§ 2 2 2. 3 9( b)( 3)) 

8. U p o n r e c ei vi n g w ri t t e n a p p r o v al f r o m 

F R A of t h e q ui e t z o n e a p pli c a ti o n, t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y m a y t h e n p r o vi d e t h e N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t a n d i m pl e m e n t 

t h e q ui e t z o n e. If t h e q ui e t z o n e i s e s t a bli s h e d b y r e d u ci n g t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x 

t o a l e v el e q u al t o, o r l e s s t h a n, t h e N a ti o nwi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, F R A will 

a n n u all y r e c al c ul a t e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nific a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d a n d t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k. If t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x f o r t h e 

q ui e t z o n e i s a b o v e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nific a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, F R A will n o tif y t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y s o t h a t a p p r o p ri a t e m e a su r e s c a n b e t a k e n ( S e e § 2 2 2. 5 1( b)). 

O T E : T h e p r o vi si o n s s t a t e d a b o v e f o r 

c r o s si n g cl o s u r e s, g r a d e s e p a r a ti o n s, w a y si d e 

h o r n s, p r e- e xi s ti n g S S M s a n d p r e- e xi s ti n g 

m o difi e d S S M s a p pl y f o r P u bli c A u t h o ri t y 

A p pli c a ti o n t o F R A a s w ell. 

E C TI O N I V — R E Q UI R E D O TI FI C A TI O N S

A. I ntr o d u cti o n 

T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i s r e s p o n si bl e f o r p r ovi di n g n o tifi c a ti o n t o p a r ti e s t h a t will b e aff e c t e d b y t h e q ui e t z o n e. T h e r e a r e s e v e r al 

diff e r e n t t y p e s of n o tifi c a ti o n s a n d a p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y m a y h a v e t o m a k e m o r e t h a n o n e 

n o tifi c a ti o n d u ri n g t h e e n ti r e p r o c e s s of 

c o m pl yi n g wi t h t h e r e g ul a ti o n. T h e n o tifi c ati o n p r o c e s s i s t o e n s u r e t h a t i n t e r e s t e d p a rti e s a r e m a d e a w a r e i n a ti m el y m a n n e r of 

t h e e s t a bli s h m e n t o r c o n ti n u a ti o n of q ui e t 

z o n e s. I t will al s o p r o vi d e a n o p p o r t u ni t y f o r 

S t a t e a g e n ci e s a n d aff e c t e d r ail r o a d s t o p r ovi d e i n p u t t o t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y d u ri n g t h e 

d e v el o p m e n t of q ui e t z o n e s. S p e cifi c i nf o rm a ti o n i s t o b e p r o vi d e d s o t h a t t h e c r o s si n g s i n t h e q ui e t z o n e c a n b e i d e n tifi e d. P r ovi di n g t h e a p p r o p ri a t e n o tifi c a ti o n i s i m p o rt a n t b e c a u s e o n c e t h e r ul e b e c o m e s eff e c ti v e, 

r ail r o a d s will b e o bli g a t e d t o s o u n d t r ai n 

h o r n s w h e n a p p r o a c hi n g all p u bli c c r o s si n g s 

u nl e s s n o tifi e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e r ul e 

t h a t a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e h a s b e e n e s t a bli s h e d 

o r t h a t a P r e- R ul e o r I n t e r m e di a t e Q ui e t 

Z o n e i s b ei n g c o n ti n u e d. 

B. N oti c e of I nt e nt — § 2 2 2. 4 3( b) 

T h e p u r p o s e of t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t i s t o 

p r o vi d e n o ti c e t o t h e r ail r o a d s a n d S t a t e 

a g e n ci e s t h a t t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i s pl a nni n g o n c r e a ti n g a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r i m pl em e n ti n g n e w S S M s o r A S M s wi t hi n a P r eR ul e Q ui e t Z o n e. T h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t p r ovi d e s a n o p p o r t u ni t y f o r t h e r ail r o a d a n d t h e 

S t a t e a g e n ci e s t o gi v e i n p u t t o t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y d u ri n g t h e q ui e t z o n e d e v el o p m e n t 

p r o c e s s. T h e S t a t e a g e n ci e s a n d r ail r o a d s 

will b e gi v e n si x t y d a y s t o p r o vi d e i nf o r m ati o n a n d c o m m e n t s t o t h e p u bli c a g e n c y. 

T h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t m u s t b e p r o vi d e d 

u n d e r t h e f oll o wi n g ci r c u m s t a n c e s: 

1. A N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e i s u n d e r c o n si d e r a ti o n. 

2. A n I n t e r m e di a t e Q ui e t Z o n e o r I n t e rm e di a t e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e t h a t will b e c o nv e r t e d i n t o a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e. Pl e a s e n o t e t h a t N o ti c e of I n t e n t 

m u s t b e m ail e d b y A p ril 3, 2 0 0 6, i n o r d e r p r ev e n t t h e r e s u m p ti o n of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n 

s o u n di n g o n J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 6. 

3. T h e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of S S M s o r A S M s 

wi t hi n a P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r P r e- R ul e 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e i s u n d e r c o n si d e r a ti o n. 

Pl e a s e n o t e t h a t N o ti c e of I n t e n t m u s t b e 

m ail e d b y F e b r u a r y 2 4, 2 0 0 8, i n o r d e r t o c o nti n u e e xi s ti n g r e s t ri c ti o n s o n l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n s o u n di n g b e y o n d J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 8 wi t h o u t 

i n t e r r u p ti o n. E a c h p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t h a t i s 

c r e a ti n g a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e m u s t p r o vi d e 

w ri t t e n n o ti c e, b y c e r tifi e d m ail, r e t u r n r ec ei p t r e q u e s t e d, t o t h e f oll o wi n g: 

1. All r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e 

2. S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g h w a y 

a n d r o a d s af e t y 

3. S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y 

T h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t m u s t c o n t ai n t h e f oll o wi n g i nf o r m a ti o n: 

1. A li s t of e a c h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g, p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, a n d p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e. T h e c r o s si n g s a r e t o b e 

i d e n tifi e d b y b o t h t h e U. S. D O T C r o s si n g I nv e n t o r y N u m b e r a n d t h e s t r e e t o r hi g h w a y 

n a m e. 

2. A s t a t e m e n t of t h e ti m e p e ri o d wi t hi n 

w hi c h t h e r e s t ri c ti o n s w o ul d b e i n eff e c t o n 

t h e r o u ti n e s o u n di n g of t r ai n h o r n s ( i. e., 2 4 

h o u r s o r f r o m 1 0 p. m. t o 7 a. m.). 

3. A b ri ef e x pl a n a ti o n of t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y’ s t e n t a ti v e pl a n s f o r i m pl e m e n ti n g 

i m p r o v e m e n t s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t 

z o n e. 

4. T h e n a m e a n d ti tl e of t h e p e r s o n w h o 

will a c t a s t h e p oi n t of c o n t a c t d u ri n g t h e 

q ui e t z o n e d e v el o p m e n t p r o c e s s a n d h o w t h a t 

p e r s o n c a n b e c o n t a c t e d. 

5. A li s t of t h e n a m e s a n d a d d r e s s e s of e a c h 

p a r t y t h a t will r e c ei v e a c o p y of t h e N o ti c e 

of I n t e n t. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 8
3 2 3 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 

T h e p a r ti e s t h a t r e c ei v e t h e N o ti c e of I nt e n t will b e a bl e t o s u b mi t i nf o r m a ti o n o r 

c o m m e n t s t o t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y f o r 6 0 

d a y s. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y will n o t b e a bl e 

t o e s t a bli s h t h e q ui e t z o n e d u ri n g t h e 6 0 d a y 

c o m m e n t p e ri o d u nl e s s e a c h r ail r o a d a n d 

S t a t e a g e n c y t h a t r e c ei v e s t h e N o ti c e of I nt e n t p r o vi d e s ei t h e r w ri t t e n c o m m e n t s t o 

t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y o r a w ri t t e n s t a t e m e n t 

w ai vi n g i t s ri g h t t o p r o vi d e c o m m e n t s o n t h e 

N o ti c e of I n t e n t. T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y m u s t 

p r o vi d e a n affi r m a ti o n i n t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t 

Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t t h a t e a c h of t h e r eq ui r e d p a r ti e s w a s p r o vi d e d t h e N o ti c e of I nt e n t a n d t h e d a t e i t w a s m ail e d. If t h e q ui e t 

z o n e i s b ei n g e s t a bli s h e d wi t hi n 6 0 d a y s of 

t h e m aili n g of t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y al s o m u s t affi r m e a c h of t h e 

p a r ti e s h a v e p r o vi d e d w ri t t e n c o m m e n t s o r 

w ai v e d i t s ri g h t t o p r o vi d e c o m m e n t s o n t h e 

N o ti c e of I n t e n t. 

C. N oti c e of Q ui et Z o n e C o nti n u ati o n — 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3( c) 

T h e p u r p o s e of t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e 

C o n ti n u a ti o n i s t o p r o vi d e a m e a n s f o r t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o f o r m all y a d vi s e aff e c t e d 

p a r ti e s t h a t a n e xi s ti n g q ui e t z o n e i s b ei n g 

c o n ti n u e d af t e r t h e eff e c ti v e d a t e of t h e r ul e. 

All P r e- R ul e, P r e- R ul e P a r ti al, I n t e r m e di a t e 

a n d I n t e r m e di a t e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e s m u s t 

p r o vi d e t hi s N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n ua ti o n n o l a t e r t h a n J u n e 3, 2 0 0 5 t o e n s u r e 

t h a t t r ai n h o r n s a r e n o t s o u n d e d a t p u bli c 

c r o s si n g s w h e n t h e r ul e b e c o m e s eff e c ti v e o n 

J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 5. T hi s will e n a bl e r ail r o a d s t o 

p r o p e rl y c o m pl y wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of 

t h e Fi n al R ul e. 

E a c h p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t h a t i s c o n ti n ui n g 

a n e xi s ti n g P r e- R ul e, P r e- R ul e P a r ti al, I nt e r m e di a t e a n d I n t e r m e di a t e P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e m u s t p r o vi d e w ri t t e n n o ti c e, b y c e rtifi e d m ail, r e t u r n r e c ei p t r e q u e s t e d, t o t h e 

f oll o wi n g: 

1. All r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g o v e r t h e p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e; 

2. T h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g j u ri s di c ti o n o v e r 

v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e; 

3. T h e l a n d o w n e r h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r a n y 

p ri v a t e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; 

4. T h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g hw a y a n d r o a d s af e t y; 

5. T h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y; a n d 

6. T h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. 

T h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n 

m u s t c o n t ai n t h e f oll o wi n g i nf o r m a ti o n: 

1. A li s t of e a c h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g, p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, a n d p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e, i d e n tifi e d b y b o t h U. S. D O T N a ti o n al 

Hi g h w a y- R ail G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y 

N u m b e r a n d s t r e e t o r hi g h w a y n a m e. 

2. A s p e cifi c r ef e r e n c e t o t h e r e g ul a t o r y 

p r o vi si o n t h a t p r o vi d e s t h e b a si s f o r q ui e t 

z o n e c o n ti n u a ti o n, ci ti n g a s a p p r o p ri a t e, 

§ 2 2 2. 4 1 o r 2 2 2. 4 2. 

3. A s t a t e m e n t of t h e ti m e p e ri o d wi t hi n 

w hi c h r e s t ri c ti o n s o n t h e r o u ti n e s o u n di n g of 

t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n will b e i m p o s e d (i. e., 2 4 

h o u r s o r ni g h t ti m e h o u r s o nl y.) 

4. A n a c c u r a t e a n d c o m pl e t e G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y F o r m f o r e a c h p u bli c hi g h w a yr ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g, a n d p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e t h a t r efl e c t s c o n di ti o n s 

c u r r e n tl y e xi s ti n g a t t h e c r o s si n g. 

5. T h e n a m e a n d ti tl e of t h e p e r s o n r e s p o nsi bl e f o r m o ni t o ri n g c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e r eq ui r e m e n t s of t hi s p a r t a n d t h e m a n n e r i n 

w hi c h t h a t p e r s o n c a n b e c o n t a c t e d. 

6. A li s t of t h e n a m e s a n d a d d r e s s e s of e a c h 

p a r t y t h a t will r e c ei v e t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t 

Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n. 

7. A s t a t e m e n t si g n e d b y t h e c hi ef e x e c uti v e offi c e r of e a c h p u bli c a u t h o ri t y p a r ti cip a ti n g i n t h e c o n ti n u a ti o n of t h e q ui e t z o n e, 

i n w hi c h t h e c hi ef e x e c u ti v e offi c e r c e r tifi e s 

t h a t t h e i nf o r m a ti o n s u b mi t t e d b y t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y i s a c c u r a t e a n d c o m pl e t e t o t h e 

b e s t of hi s/ h e r k n o wl e d g e a n d b eli ef. 

P u bli c a u t h o ri ti e s s h o ul d r e m e m b e r t h a t 

t hi s n o ti c e i s r e q ui r e d t o e n s u r e t h a t t r ai n 

h o r n s will r e m ai n sil e n t. E v e n if a p u bli c a ut h o ri t y h a s n o t b e e n a bl e t o d e t e r mi n e 

w h e t h e r i t s P r e- R ul e o r P r e- R ul e P a r ti al 

Q ui e t Z o n e q u alifi e s f o r a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al 

u n d e r t h e r ul e, i t s h o ul d i s s u e a N o ti c e of 

Q ui e t Z o n e C o n ti n u a ti o n t o k e e p t h e t r ai n 

h o r n s sil e n t af t e r t h e eff e c ti v e d a t e of t h e 

r ul e. 

E. N oti c e of Q ui et Z o n e Est a blis h m e nt — 

§ 2 2 2. 4 3( d) 

T h e p u r p o s e of t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e 

E s t a bli s h m e n t i s t o p r o vi d e a m e a n s f o r t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t o f o r m all y a d vi s e aff e c t e d 

p a r ti e s t h a t a q ui e t z o n e i s b ei n g e s t a bli s h e d. 

N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t m u s t b e 

p r o vi d e d u n d e r t h e f oll o wi n g ci r c u m s t a n c e s: 

1. A N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o r N e w P a r ti al Q ui e t 

Z o n e i s b ei n g c r e a t e d. 

2. A P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r a P r e- R ul e 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e t h a t q u alifi e s f o r a u t om a ti c a p p r o v al u n d e r t h e r ul e i s b ei n g e s t a bli s h e d. 

3. A n I n t e r m e di a t e Q ui e t Z o n e o r I n t e rm e di a t e P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e t h a t i s c r e a ti n g 

a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e u n d e r t h e r ul e. Pl e a s e n o t e 

t h a t N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s h m e n t 

m u s t b e p r o vi d e d b y J u n e 3, 2 0 0 6, i n o r d e r t o 

p r e v e n t t h e r e s u m p ti o n of l o c o m o ti v e h o r n 

s o u n di n g o n J u n e 2 4, 2 0 0 6. 

4. A P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e o r a P r e- R ul e 

P a r ti al Q ui e t Z o n e t h a t w a s n o t e s t a bli s h e d 

b y a u t o m a ti c a p p r o v al a n d h a s si n c e i m pl em e n t e d i m p r o v e m e n t s t o e s t a bli s h a q ui e t 

z o n e i n a c c o r d a n c e t o t h e r ul e. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 1 9
3 2 4 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

E a c h p u bli c a u t h o ri t y t h a t i s e s t a bli s hi n g 

a q ui e t z o n e u n d e r t h e a b o v e ci r c u m s t a n c e s 

m u s t p r o vi d e w ri t t e n n o ti c e, b y c e r tifi e d 

m ail, r e t u r n r e c ei p t r e q u e s t e d, t o t h e f oll o wi n g: 

1. All r ail r o a d s o p e r a ti n g o v e r t h e p u bli c 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e 

q ui e t z o n e; 

2. T h e hi g h w a y o r t r affi c c o n t r ol o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g j u ri s di c ti o n o v e r 

v e hi c ul a r t r affi c a t g r a d e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e; 

3. T h e l a n d o w n e r h a vi n g c o n t r ol o v e r a n y 

p ri v a t e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e; 

4. T h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r hi g hw a y a n d r o a d s af e t y; 

5. T h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y; a n d 

6. T h e A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r. 

T h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t E s t a bli s h m e n t m u s t 

c o n t ai n t h e f oll o wi n g i nf o r m a ti o n: 

1. A li s t of e a c h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g, p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, a n d p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t 

z o n e, i d e n tifi e d b y b o t h U. S. D O T N a ti o n al 

Hi g h w a y- R ail G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y 

N u m b e r a n d s t r e e t o r hi g h w a y n a m e. 

2. A s p e cifi c r ef e r e n c e t o t h e r e g ul a t o r y 

p r o vi si o n t h a t p r o vi d e s t h e b a si s f o r q ui e t 

z o n e e s t a bli s h m e n t, ci ti n g a s a p p r o p ri a t e, 

§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 1), 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(i), 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(ii), 

2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 3), 2 2 2. 3 9( b), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(i), 

2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(ii), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(iii), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(i v), 

2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(i), 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(ii), 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(iii), 

o r 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(i v). 

( a) If t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t E s t a bli s h m e n t 

c o n t ai n s a s p e cifi c r ef e r e n c e t o 

§ 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(i), 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 2)(ii), 2 2 2. 3 9( a)( 3), 

2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(ii), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(iii), 2 2 2. 4 1( a)( 1)(i v), 

2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(ii), 2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(iii), o r 

2 2 2. 4 1( b)( 1)(i v), i t s h all i n cl u d e a c o p y of t h e 

F R A w e b p a g e t h a t c o n t ai n s t h e q ui e t z o n e 

d a t a u p o n w hi c h t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i s r el yi n g. 

( b) If t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t E s t a bli s h m e n t 

c o n t ai n s a s p e cifi c r ef e r e n c e t o § 2 2 2. 3 9( b), i t 

s h all i n cl u d e a c o p y of F R A’ s n o tifi c a ti o n of 

a p p r o v al. 

3. If a di a g n o s ti c t e a m r e vi e w w a s r e q ui r e d 

u n d e r § 2 2 2. 2 5 ( p ri v a t e c r o s si n g s) o r § 2 2 2. 2 7 

( p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g s), t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t 

E s t a bli s h m e n t s h all i n cl u d e a s t a t e m e n t affi r mi n g t h a t t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y a n d all aff e c t e d r ailr o a d s w e r e p r o vi d e d a n o p p o r t u ni t y t o p a rti ci p a t e i n t h e di a g n o s ti c t e a m r e vi e w. T h e 

N o ti c e of Q ui e t E s t a bli s h m e n t s h all al s o i ncl u d e a li s t of r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s m a d e b y t h e 

di a g n o s ti c t e a m. 

4. A s t a t e m e n t of t h e ti m e p e ri o d wi t hi n 

w hi c h r e s t ri c ti o n s o n t h e r o u ti n e s o u n di n g of 

t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n will b e i m p o s e d (i. e., 2 4 

h o u r s o r f r o m 1 0 p. m. u n til 7 a. m.) 

5. A n a c c u r a t e a n d c o m pl e t e G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y F o r m f o r e a c h p u bli c hi g h w a yr ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, p ri v a t e hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g, a n d p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e t h a t r efl e c t s t h e c o n di ti o n s 

e xi s ti n g a t t h e c r o s si n g b ef o r e a n y n e w S S M s 

o r A S M s w e r e i m pl e m e n t e d. 

6. A n a c c u r a t e, c o m pl e t e a n d c u r r e n t 

G r a d e C r o s si n g I n v e n t o r y F o r m f o r e a c h p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, p ri v a t e hi g hw a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g, a n d p e d e s t ri a n 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e q ui e t z o n e t h a t r efl e c t s 

S S M s a n d A S M s i n pl a c e u p o n e s t a bli s h m e n t 

of t h e q ui e t z o n e. S S M s a n d A S M s t h a t c a nn o t b e f ull y d e s c ri b e d o n t h e I n v e n t o r y F o r m 

s h all b e s e p a r a t el y d e s c ri b e d. 

7. If t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y w a s r e q ui r e d t o 

p r o vi d e a N o ti c e of I n t e n t: 

( a) T h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s hm e n t s h all c o n t ai n a s t a t e m e n t affi r mi n g 

t h a t t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t w a s p r o vi d e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t h e r ul e. T hi s s t a t e m e n t s h all 

al s o s t a t e t h e d a t e o n w hi c h t h e N o ti c e of I nt e n t w a s m ail e d. 

( b) If t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s hm e n t will b e m ail e d l e s s t h a n 6 0 d a y s af t e r 

t h e d a t e o n w hi c h t h e N o ti c e of I n t e n t w a s 

m ail e d, t h e N o ti c e of Q ui e t Z o n e E s t a bli s hm e n t s h all al s o c o n t ai n a w ri t t e n s t a t e m e n t 

affi r mi n g t h a t c o m m e n t s a n d/ o r w ri t t e n 

w ai v e r s t a t e m e n t s h a v e b e e n r e c ei v e d f r o m 

e a c h r ail r o a d o p e r a ti n g o v e r p u bli c g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e, t h e 

S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e c r o s si n g 

s af e t y, a n d t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r 

hi g h w a y a n d r o a d s af e t y. 

8. T h e n a m e a n d ti tl e of t h e p e r s o n r e s p o nsi bl e f o r m o ni t o ri n g c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e r eq ui r e m e n t s of t hi s p a r t a n d t h e m a n n e r i n 

w hi c h t h a t p e r s o n c a n b e c o n t a c t e d. 

9. A li s t of t h e n a m e s a n d a d d r e s s e s of e a c h 

p a r t y t h a t i s r e c ei vi n g a c o p y of t h e N o ti c e 

of Q ui e t E s t a bli s h m e n t. 

1 0. A s t a t e m e n t si g n e d b y t h e c hi ef e x e c uti v e offi c e r of e a c h p u bli c a u t h o ri t y p a r ti cip a ti n g i n t h e e s t a bli s h m e n t of t h e q ui e t 

z o n e, i n w hi c h t h e c hi ef e x e c u ti v e offi c e r 

s h all c e r tif y t h a t t h e i nf o r m a ti o n s u b mi t t e d 

b y t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y i s a c c u r a t e a n d c o mpl e t e t o t h e b e s t of hi s/ h e r k n o wl e d g e a n d b eli ef. 

E C TI O N V — E X A M P L E S O F UI E T O N E

M P L E M E N T A TI O N S

E x a m pl e 1 — N e w Q ui et Z o n e 

( a) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y wi s h e s t o c r e a t e a 

N e w Q ui e t Z o n e o v e r f o u r p u bli c c r o s si n g s. 

All of t h e c r o s si n g s a r e e q ui p p e d wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s, a n d t h e l e n g t h of t h e 

q ui e t z o n e i s 0. 7 5 mil e. T h e r e a r e n o p ri v a t e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d z o n e. 

( b) T h e t a bl e s t h a t f oll o w s h o w t h e s t r e e t 

n a m e i n t h e fi r s t c ol u m n, a n d t h e e xi s ti n g 

ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h c r o s si n g wi t h t h e h o r n 

s o u n di n g (‘‘ C r o s si n g Ri s k I n d e x w/ H o r n s’’) i n 

t h e s e c o n d. T h e t hi r d c ol u m n, ‘‘ C r o s si n g 

Ri s k I n d e x w/ o H o r n s’’, i s t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r 

e a c h c r o s si n g af t e r i t h a s b e e n i nfl a t e d b y 

6 6. 8 % t o a c c o u n t f o r t h e l a c k of t r ai n h o r n s. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 2 0
3 2 5 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 

T h e f o u r t h c ol u m n, ‘‘ S S M Eff’’, i s t h e eff e cti v e n e s s of t h e S S M a t t h e c r o s si n g. A z e r o 

i n di c a t e s t h a t n o S S M h a s b e e n a p pli e d. T h e 

l a s t c ol u m n, ‘‘ C r o s si n g Ri s k I n d e x w/ o H o r n s 

Pl u s S S M’’, i s t h e i nfl a t e d ri s k i n d e x f o r t h e 

c r o s si n g af t e r b ei n g r e d u c e d b y t h e i m pl em e n t a ti o n of t h e S S M. A t t h e b o t t o m of t h e 

t a bl e a r e t w o v al u e s. T h e fi r s t i s t h e Ri s k 

I n d e x wi t h H o r n s (‘‘ RI W H’’) w hi c h r e p r e s e n t s 

t h e a v e r a g e i ni ti al a m o u n t of ri s k i n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e wi t h t h e t r ai n h o r n s o u n di n g. T h e s e c o n d i s t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x 

(‘‘ Q Z RI’’), w hi c h i s t h e a v e r a g e ri s k i n t h e 

p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e t a ki n g i n t o c o n si d e ra ti o n t h e i n c r e a s e d ri s k c a u s e d b y t h e l a c k 

of t r ai n h o r n s a n d t h e r e d u c ti o n s i n ri s k a tt ri b u t a bl e t o t h e i n s t all a ti o n of S S M s. F o r 

t hi s e x a m pl e i t i s a s s u m e d t h a t t h e N a ti o nwi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d i s 1 7, 0 3 0. I n 

o r d e r f o r t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e t o q u alif y 

u n d e r t h e r ul e, t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x 

m u s t b e r e d u c e d t o a l e v el a t, o r b el o w, t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d 

( 1 7, 0 3 0) o r t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. 

( c) T a bl e 2 s h o w s t h e e xi s ti n g c o n di ti o n s i n 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. S S M s h a v e n o t y e t 

b e e n i n s t all e d. T h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s 

f o r t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e i s 1 1, 2 5 0. T h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h o u t a n y S S M s i s 

1 8, 7 6 5. 

A B L E 2 

Str e et 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ h or n s 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

S S M E F F 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

pl u s S S M 

A ............................................................................................ 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 1 6 

B ............................................................................................ 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 6 8 0 0 1 6 6 8 0 

C ............................................................................................ 8 0 0 0 1 3 3 4 4 0 1 3 3 4 4 

D ............................................................................................ 1 5 0 0 0 2 5 0 2 0 0 2 5 0 2 0 

RI W H ........................ ........................ Q Z RI 

1 1 2 5 0 ........................ ........................ 1 8 7 6 5 

( d) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y d e ci d e s t o i n s t all 

t r affi c c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s a t D S t r e e t. 

R e d u ci n g t h e ri s k a t t h e c r o s si n g t h a t h a s 

t h e hi g h e s t s e v e ri t y ri s k i n d e x will p r o vi d e 

t h e g r e a t e s t r e d u c ti o n i n ri s k. T h e eff e c ti v en e s s of t r affi c c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s i s 0. 7 5. 

T a bl e 3 s h o w s t h e c h a n g e s i n t h e p r o p o s e d 

q ui e t z o n e c o r ri d o r t h a t w o ul d o c c u r w h e n 

t r affi c c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s a r e i n s t all e d 

a t D S t r e e t. T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x h a s 

b e e n r e d u c e d t o 1 4, 0 7 3. 7 5. T hi s r e d u c ti o n i n 

ri s k w o ul d q u alif y t h e q ui e t z o n e a s t h e ri s k 

h a s b e e n r e d u c e d l o w e r t h a n t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d w hi c h i s 1 7, 0 3 0. 

A B L E 3 

Str e et 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ h or n s 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

S S M E F F 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

pl u s S S M 

A ............................................................................................ 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 1 6 

B ............................................................................................ 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 6 8 0 0 1 6 6 8 0 

C ............................................................................................ 8 0 0 0 1 3 3 4 4 0 1 3 3 4 4 

D ............................................................................................ 1 5 0 0 0 2 5 0 2 0 0. 7 5 6 2 5 5 

RI W H ........................ ........................ Q Z RI 

1 1 2 5 0 ........................ ........................ 1 4 0 7 3. 7 5 

( e) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y r e ali z e s t h a t r ed u ci n g t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o a l e v el 

b el o w t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d will r e s ul t i n a n a n n u al r e- c alc ul a ti o n of t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x a n d 

c o m p a ri s o n t o t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. A s t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x i s cl o s e t o t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d ( 1 4, 0 7 4 t o 1 7, 0 3 0), t h e r e i s a 

r e a s o n a bl e c h a n c e t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x m a y s o m e d a y e x c e e d t h e N a ti o n wi d e 

Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. T hi s w o ul d r es ul t i n t h e q ui e t z o n e n o l o n g e r b ei n g q u alifi e d a n d a d di ti o n al s t e p s w o ul d h a v e t o b e 

t a k e n t o k e e p t h e q ui e t z o n e. T h e r ef o r e, t h e 

p u bli c a u t h o ri t y d e ci d e s t o r e d u c e t h e ri s k 

f u r t h e r b y t h e u s e of t r affi c c h a n n eli z a ti o n 

d e vi c e s a t A S t r e e t. T a bl e 4 s h o w s t h e r es ul t s of t hi s c h a n g e. T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x i s n o w 1 0, 3 2 0. 7 5 w hi c h i s l e s s t h a n t h e 

Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s of 1 1, 2 5 0. T h e q ui e t 

z o n e n o w q u alifi e s b y f ull y c o m p e n s a ti n g f o r 

t h e l o s s of t r ai n h o r n s a n d will n o t h a v e t o 

u n d e r g o a n n u al r e vi e w s of t h e Q ui e t Z o n e 

Ri s k I n d e x. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 2 1
3 2 6 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

A B L E 4 

Str e et 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ h or n s 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

S S M E F F 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

pl u s S S M 

A ............................................................................................ 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 6 0. 7 5 5 0 0 4 

B ............................................................................................ 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 6 8 0 0 1 6 6 8 0 

C ............................................................................................ 8 0 0 0 1 3 3 4 4 0 1 3 3 4 4 

D ............................................................................................ 1 5 0 0 0 2 5 0 2 0 0. 7 5 6 2 5 5 

RI W H ........................ ........................ Q Z RI 

1 1 2 5 0 ........................ ........................ 1 0 3 2 0. 7 5 

E x a m pl e 2 — Pr e- R ul e Q ui et Z o n e 

( a) A p u bli c a u t h o ri t y wi s h e s t o q u alif y a 

P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e w hi c h di d n o t m e e t t h e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s f o r A u t o m a ti c A p p r o v al b ec a u s e t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s g r e a t e r 

t h a n t wi c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d. T h e r e a r e f o u r p u bli c c r o s si n g s i n 

t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e. T h r e e of t h e c r o s si n g s a r e e q ui p p e d wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d 

g a t e s, a n d t h e f o u r t h ( Z S t r e e t) i s p a s si v el y 

si g n e d wi t h a S T O P si g n. T h e l e n g t h of t h e 

q ui e t z o n e i s 0. 6 mil e, a n d t h e r e a r e n o p riv a t e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d z o n e. 

( b) T h e t a bl e s t h a t f oll o w a r e v e r y si mil a r 

t o t h e t a bl e s i n E x a m pl e 1. T h e s t r e e t n a m e 

i s s h o w n i n t h e fi r s t c ol u m n, a n d t h e e xi s ti n g ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h c r o s si n g (‘‘ C r o s si n g 

Ri s k I n d e x w/ o H o r n s’’) i n t h e s e c o n d. T hi s i s 

a c h a n g e f r o m t h e fi r s t e x a m pl e b e c a u s e t h e 

ri s k i s c al c ul a t e d wi t h o u t t r ai n h o r n s s o u n di n g b e c a u s e of t h e e xi s ti n g b a n o n w hi s tl e s. 

T h e t hi r d c ol u m n, ‘‘ C r o s si n g Ri s k I n d e x w/ 

H o r n s’’, i s t h e ri s k i n d e x f o r e a c h c r o s si n g 

af t e r i t h a s b e e n a dj u s t e d t o r efl e c t w h a t t h e 

ri s k w o ul d h a v e b e e n h a d t r ai n h o r n s b e e n 

s o u n di n g. T hi s i s m a t h e m a ti c all y d o n e b y divi di n g t h e e xi s ti n g ri s k i n d e x f o r t h e t h r e e 

g a t e d c r o s si n g b y 1. 6 6 8. T h e ri s k a t t h e p a ssi v e c r o s si n g a t Z S t r e e t i s di vi d e d b y 1. 7 4 9. 

( S e e t h e a b o v e di s c u s si o n i n ‘‘ P r e- R ul e Q ui e t 

Z o n e s — E s t a bli s h m e n t O v e r vi e w’’ f o r m o r e 

i nf o r m a ti o n.) T h e f o u r t h c ol u m n, ‘‘ S S M 

Eff’’, i s t h e eff e c ti v e n e s s of t h e S S M a t t h e 

c r o s si n g. A z e r o i n di c a t e s t h a t n o S S M h a s 

b e e n a p pli e d. T h e l a s t c ol u m n, ‘‘ C r o s si n g 

Ri s k I n d e x w/ o H o r n s Pl u s S S M’’, i s t h e ri s k 

i n d e x wi t h o u t h o r n s f o r t h e c r o s si n g af t e r 

b ei n g r e d u c e d f o r t h e i m pl e m e n t a ti o n of t h e 

S S M. A t t h e b o t t o m of t h e t a bl e a r e t w o v alu e s. T h e fi r s t i s t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s 

( RI W H), w hi c h r e p r e s e n t s t h e a v e r a g e i ni ti al 

a m o u n t of ri s k i n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e 

wi t h t h e t r ai n h o r n s o u n di n g. T h e s e c o n d i s 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x (‘‘ Q Z RI’’), w hi c h 

i s t h e a v e r a g e ri s k i n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e 

t a ki n g i n t o c o n si d e r a ti o n t h e i n c r e a s e d ri s k 

c a u s e d b y t h e l a c k of t r ai n h o r n s a n d r e d u cti o n s i n ri s k a t t ri b u t a bl e t o t h e i n s t all a ti o n 

of S S M s. O n c e a g ai n i t i s a s s u m e d t h a t t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d i s 

1 7, 0 3 0. T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x m u s t b e r ed u c e d t o ei t h e r t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t 

Ri s k T h r e s h ol d ( 1 7, 0 3 0) o r t o t h e Ri s k I n d e x 

wi t h H o r n s i n o r d e r t o q u alif y u n d e r t h e 

r ul e. 

( c) T a bl e 5 s h o w s t h e e xi s ti n g c o n di ti o n s i n 

t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. S S M s h a v e n o t y e t 

b e e n i n s t all e d. T h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s 

f o r t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e i s 1 8, 7 0 5. 8 3. T h e 

Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h o u t a n y S S M s i s 

3 1, 3 7 5. Si n c e t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k 

T h r e s h ol d i s l e s s t h a n t h e c al c ul a t e d Ri s k 

I n d e x wi t h H o r n s, t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y’ s g o al 

will b e t o r e d u c e t h e ri s k t o a t l e a s t v al u e of 

t h e Ri s k I n d e x wi t h H o r n s. T hi s will q u alif y 

t h e P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e u n d e r t h e r ul e. 

A B L E 5 

Str e et 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ h or n s 

S S M E F F 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

pl u s S S M 

W ........................................................................................... 3 5, 0 0 0 2 0, 9 8 3. 2 1 0 3 5, 0 0 0 

X ............................................................................................ 4 2, 0 0 0 2 5, 1 7 9. 8 6 0 4 2, 0 0 0 

Y ............................................................................................ 3 3, 5 0 0 2 0, 0 8 3. 9 3 0 3 3, 5 0 0 

Z ............................................................................................ 1 5, 0 0 0 8, 5 7 6. 3 3 0 1 5, 0 0 0 

RI W H ........................ ........................ Q Z RI 

1 8, 7 0 5. 8 3 ........................ ........................ 3 1, 3 7 5 

( d) T h e Z S t r e e t c r o s si n g i s s c h e d ul e d t o 

h a v e fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s i n s t all e d a s 

p a r t of t h e s t a t e’ s hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s af e t y i m p r o v e m e n t pl a n ( S e c ti o n 1 3 0). 

W hil e t hi s u p g r a d e i s n o t di r e c tl y a p a r t of 

t h e pl a n t o a u t h o ri z e a q ui e t z o n e, t h e p u bli c 

a u t h o ri t y m a y t a k e c r e di t f o r t h e ri s k r e d u cti o n a c hi e v e d b y t h e i m p r o v e m e n t f r o m a 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 2 2
3 2 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. D 

p a s si v e S T O P si g n c r o s si n g t o a c r o s si n g 

e q ui p p e d wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s a n d g a t e s. U nli k e N e w Q ui e t Z o n e s, u p g r a d e s t o w a r ni n g 

d e vi c e s i n P r e- R ul e Q ui e t Z o n e s d o c o nt ri b u t e t o t h e ri s k r e d u c ti o n n e c e s s a r y t o 

q u alif y u n d e r t h e r ul e. T a bl e 6 s h o w s t h e 

q ui e t z o n e c o r ri d o r af t e r i n cl u di n g t h e w a r ni n g d e vi c e u p g r a d e a t Z S t r e e t. T h e Q ui e t 

Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x h a s b e e n r e d u c e d t o 2 9, 5 0 0. 

A B L E 6 

Str e et 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ h or n s 

S S M E F F 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

pl u s S S M 

W ........................................................................................... 3 5, 0 0 0 2 0, 9 8 3. 2 1 0 3 5, 0 0 0 

X ............................................................................................ 4 2, 0 0 0 2 5, 1 7 9. 8 6 0 4 2, 0 0 0 

Y ............................................................................................ 3 3, 5 0 0 2 0, 0 8 3. 9 3 0 3 3, 5 0 0 

Z ............................................................................................ 7, 5 0 0 8, 5 7 6. 3 3 0 7, 5 0 0 

RI W H ........................ ........................ Q Z RI 

1 8, 7 0 5. 8 3 ........................ ........................ 2 9, 5 0 0 

( e) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y el e c t s t o i n s t all 

f o u r- q u a d r a n t g a t e s wi t h o u t v e hi cl e p r e s e n c e 

d e t e c ti o n a t X S t r e e t. A s s h o w n i n T a bl e 7, 

t hi s r e d u c e s t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x t o 

2 0, 8 9 0. T hi s ri s k r e d u c ti o n i s n o t s uffi ci e n t t o 

q u ali t y a s q ui e t z o n e u n d e r t h e r ul e. 

A B L E 7 

Str e et 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ h or n s 

S S M E F F 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

pl u s S S M 

W ....................................................................................... 3 5, 0 0 0 2 0, 9 8 3. 2 1 0 3 5, 0 0 0 

X ........................................................................................ 4 2, 0 0 0 2 5, 1 7 9. 8 6 0 . 8 2 7, 5 6 0 

Y ........................................................................................ 3 3, 5 0 0 2 0, 0 8 3. 9 3 0 3 3, 5 0 0 

Z ........................................................................................ 7, 5 0 0 8, 5 7 6. 3 3 0 7, 5 0 0 

RI W H ........................ .......................... Q Z RI 

1 8, 7 0 5 . 8 3 ........................ .......................... 2 0, 8 9 0 

(f) T h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y n e x t d e ci d e s t o u s e 

t r affi c c h a n n eli z a ti o n d e vi c e s a t W S t r e e t. 

T a bl e 8 s h o w s t h a t t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k 

I n d e x i s n o w r e d u c e d t o 1 4, 3 2 7. 5. T hi s ri s k r ed u c ti o n f ull y c o m p e n s a t e s f o r t h e l o s s of t h e 

t r ai n h o r n a s i t i s l e s s t h a n t h e Ri s k I n d e x 

wi t h H o r n s. T h e q ui e t z o n e i s q u alifi e d u n d e r 

t h e r ul e. 

A B L E 8 

Str e et 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ h or n s 

S S M E F F 

Cr o s si n g 

ri s k i n d e x 

w/ o h or n s 

pl u s S S M 

W ........................................................................................... 3 5 0 0 0 2 0 9 8 3. 2 1 0. 7 5 8 7 5 0 

X ............................................................................................ 4 2 0 0 0 2 5 1 7 9. 8 6 0. 8 2 7 5 6 0 

Y ............................................................................................ 3 3 5 0 0 2 0 0 8 3. 9 3 0 3 3 5 0 0 

Z ............................................................................................ 7 5 0 0 8 5 7 6. 3 3 0 7 5 0 0 

RI W H ........................ ........................ Q Z RI 

1 8 7 0 5. 8 3 ........................ ........................ 1 4 3 2 7. 5 

P P E N DI X D T O A R T 2 2 2 — D E T E R MI NI N G

I S K E V E L S

N T R O D U C TI O N

T h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s hol d, t h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x, a n d 

t h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x a r e all m e a s u r e s 

of c olli si o n ri s k a t p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s t h a t a r e w ei g h t e d b y t h e s e v e ri t y 

of t h e a s s o ci a t e d c a s u al ti e s. E a c h c r o s si n g 

c a n b e a s si g n e d a ri s k i n d e x. 

( a) T h e N ati o n wi d e Si g nifi c a nt Ris k T hr es hol d r e p r e s e n t s t h e a v e r a g e s e v e ri t y w ei g h t e d 

c olli si o n ri s k f o r all p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g s e q ui p p e d wi t h li g h t s a n d 

g a t e s n a ti o n wi d e w h e r e t r ai n h o r n s a r e r o uti n el y s o u n d e d. F R A d e v el o p e d t hi s i n d e x t o 

s e r v e a s a t h r e s h ol d of p e r mi s si bl e ri s k f o r 

q ui e t z o n e s e s t a bli s h e d u n d e r t hi s r ul e. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 2 3
3 2 8 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. D 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

T h e d a t a u s e d t o m a k e t h e s e e x cl u si o n s i s 

c o n t ai n e d i n bl o c k s 1 8 — P o si ti o n of C a r U ni t 

i n T r ai n; 1 9 — Ci r c u m s t a n c e: R ail E q ui p m e n t 

S t r u c k/ S t r u c k B y Hi g h w a y U s e r; 2 8 — N u m b e r 

of L o c o m o ti v e U ni t s; a n d 2 9 — N u m b e r of C a r s 

of t h e c u r r e n t F R A F o r m 6 1 8 0 – 5 7 Hi g h w a y- 

( b) T h e Cr ossi n g C orri d or Ris k I n d e x r e pr e s e n t s t h e a v e r a g e s e v e ri t y w ei g h t e d c ollisi o n ri s k f o r all p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s al o n g a d efi n e d r ail c o r ri d o r. 

( c) T h e Q ui et Z o n e Ris k I n d e x r e p r e s e n t s 

t h e a v e r a g e s e v e ri t y w ei g h t e d c olli si o n ri s k 

f o r all p u bli c hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s 

t h a t a r e p a r t of a q ui e t z o n e. 

H E R E DI C TI O N O R M U L A S

( a) T h e P r e di c ti o n F o r m ul a s w e r e d e v elo p e d b y D O T a s a g ui d e f o r all o c a ti n g s c a r c e 

t r affi c s af e t y b u d g e t s a t t h e S t a t e l e v el. 

T h e y all o w u s e r s t o r a n k c a n di d a t e c r o s si n g s 

f o r s af e t y i m p r o v e m e n t s b y c olli si o n p r o ba bili t y. T h e r e a r e t h r e e f o r m ul a s, o n e f o r 

e a c h w a r ni n g d e vi c e c a t e g o r y: 

1. a u t o m a ti c g a t e s wi t h fl a s hi n g li g h t s; 

2. fl a s hi n g li g h t s wi t h n o g a t e s; a n d 

3. p a s si v e w a r ni n g d e vi c e s. 

( b) T h e p r e di c ti o n f o r m ul a s c a n b e u s e d t o 

d e ri v e t h e f oll o wi n g f o r e a c h c r o s si n g: 

1. t h e p r e di c t e d c olli si o n s ( P C) 

2. t h e p r o b a bili t y of a f a t al c olli si o n gi v e n 

t h a t a c olli si o n o c c u r s ( P( F C |C)) 

3. t h e p r o b a bili t y of a c a s u al t y c olli si o n 

gi v e n t h a t a c olli si o n o c c u r s ( P( C C |C)) 

( c) T h e f oll o wi n g f a c t o r s a r e t h e d e t e rmi n a n t s of t h e n u m b e r of p r e di c t e d c ollisi o n s p e r y e a r: 

1. a v e r a g e a n n u al d ail y t r affi c 

2. t o t al n u m b e r of t r ai n s p e r d a y 

3. n u m b e r of hi g h w a y l a n e s 

4. n u m b e r of m ai n t r a c k s 

5. m a xi m u m ti m e t a bl e t r ai n s p e e d 

6. w h e t h e r t h e hi g h w a y i s p a v e d o r n o t 

7. n u m b e r of t h r o u g h t r ai n s p e r d a y d u ri n g 

d a yli g h t h o u r s 

( d) T h e r e s ul ti n g b a si c p r e di c ti o n i s i mp r o v e d i n t w o w a y s. I t i s e n ri c h e d b y t h e p a rti c ul a r c r o s si n g’ s c olli si o n hi s t o r y f o r t h e 

p r e vi o u s fi v e y e a r s a n d i t i s c ali b r a t e d b y r es e t ti n g n o r m ali zi n g c o n s t a n t s. T h e n o r m ali zi n g c o n s t a n t s a r e r e s e t s o t h a t t h e s u m of 

t h e p r e di c t e d a c ci d e n t s i n e a c h w a r ni n g d evi c e g r o u p ( p a s si v e, fl a s hi n g li g h t s, g a t e s) 

f o r t h e t o p t w e n t y p e r c e n t m o s t h a z a r d o u s 

c r o s si n g s e x a c tl y e q u al s t h e n u m b e r of a c cid e n t s w hi c h o c c u r r e d i n a r e c e n t p e ri o d f o r 

t h e t o p t w e n t y p e r c e n t of t h a t g r o u p. T hi s 

a dj u s t m e n t f a c t o r all o w s t h e f o r m ul a s t o 

s t a y c u r r e n t wi t h c olli si o n t r e n d s. T h e c alib r a ti o n al s o c o r r e c t s f o r e r r o r s s u c h a s d a t a 

e n t r y e r r o r s. T h e fi n al o u t p u t i s t h e p r edi c t e d n u m b e r of c olli si o n s ( P C). 

( e) T h e s e v e ri t y f o r m ul a s a n s w e r t h e q u e sti o n, ‘‘ W h a t i s t h e c h a n c e t h a t a f a t ali t y ( o r 

c a s u al t y) will h a p p e n, gi v e n t h a t a c olli si o n 

h a s o c c u r r e d ?’’ T h e f a t ali t y f o r m ul a c alc ul a t e s t h e p r o b a bili t y of a f a t al c olli si o n 

gi v e n t h a t a c olli si o n o c c u r s ( i. e., t h e p r o ba bili t y of a c olli si o n i n w hi c h a f a t ali t y o cc u r s) P( F C |C). Si mil a rl y, t h e c a s u al t y f o rm ul a c al c ul a t e s t h e p r o b a bili t y of a c a s u al t y 

c olli si o n gi v e n t h a t a c olli si o n o c c u r s 

P( C C |C). A s c a s u al ti e s c o n si s t of b o t h f a t aliti e s a n d i nj u ri e s, t h e p r o b a bili t y of a n o nf a t al i nj u r y c olli si o n i s f o u n d b y s u b t r a c ti n g 

t h e p r o b a bili t y of a f a t al c olli si o n f r o m t h e 

p r o b a bili t y of a c a s u al t y c olli si o n. T o c o nv e r t t h e p r o b a bili t y of a f a t al o r c a s u al t y 

c olli si o n t o t h e n u m b e r of e x p e c t e d f a t al o r 

c a s u al t y c olli si o n s, t h a t p r o b a bili t y i s m ulti pli e d b y t h e n u m b e r of p r e di c t e d c olli si o n s 

( P C). 

(f) F o r t h e p r e di c ti o n a n d s e v e ri t y i n d e x 

f o r m ul a s, pl e a s e s e e t h e f oll o wi n g D O T p u bli c a ti o n s: S u m m ar y of t h e D O T R ail- Hi g h w a y 

Cr ossi n gs R es o ur c e All o c ati o n Pr o c e d ur e — R evis e d , J u n e 1 9 8 7, a n d t h e R ail- Hi g h w a y Cr ossi n g R es o ur c e All o c ati o n Pr o c e d ur e: Us er’s 

G ui d e, T hir d E diti o n , A u g u s t 1 9 8 7. B o t h d o c um e n t s a r e i n t h e d o c k e t f o r t hi s r ul e m a ki n g 

a n d al s o a v ail a bl e t h r o u g h t h e N a ti o n al 

T e c h ni c al I nf o r m a ti o n S e r vi c e l o c a t e d i n 

S p ri n gfi el d, Vi r gi ni a 2 2 1 6 1. 

I S K N D E X

( a) T h e ri s k i n d e x i s b a si c all y t h e p r edi c t e d c o s t t o s o ci e t y of t h e c a s u al ti e s t h a t 

a r e e x p e c t e d t o r e s ul t f r o m t h e p r e di c t e d c olli si o n s a t a c r o s si n g. I t i n c o r p o r a t e s t h r e e 

o u t p u t s of t h e D O T p r e di c ti o n f o r m ul a s. T h e 

t w o c o m p o n e n t s of a ri s k i n d e x a r e: 

1. P r e di c t e d C o s t of F a t ali ti e s = P C × P( F C |C) 

× ( A v e r a g e N u m b e r of F a t ali ti e s O bs e r v e d I n F a t al C olli si o n s) × $ 3 milli o n 

2. P r e di c t e d C o s t of I nj u ri e s = P C × 

( P( C C|C) — P( F C |C)) × ( A v e r a g e N u m b e r of 

I nj u ri e s i n C olli si o n s I n v ol vi n g I nj u ri e s) 

× $ 1, 1 6 7, 0 0 0 

P C, P( C C |C), a n d P( F C |C) a r e di r e c t o u t p u t s 

of t h e D O T p r e di c ti o n f o r m ul a s. 

( b) T h e a v e r a g e n u m b e r of f a t ali ti e s o bs e r v e d i n f a t al c olli si o n s a n d t h e a v e r a g e 

n u m b e r of i nj u ri e s i n c olli si o n s i n v ol vi n g i nj u ri e s w e r e c al c ul a t e d b y F R A a s f oll o w s. 

( c) T h e hi g h w a y- r ail i n ci d e n t fil e s f r o m 

1 9 9 9 t h r o u g h 2 0 0 3 w e r e m a t c h e d a g ai n s t a 

d a t a fil e c o n t ai ni n g t h e li s t of w hi s tl e b a n 

c r o s si n g s i n e xi s t e n c e f r o m J a n u a r y 1, 1 9 9 9 

t h r o u g h D e c e m b e r 3 1, 2 0 0 3 t o i d e n tif y t w o 

t y p e s of c olli si o n s i n v ol vi n g t r ai n s a n d 

m o t o r v e hi cl e s: ( 1) T h o s e t h a t o c c u r r e d a t 

c r o s si n g s w h e r e a w hi s tl e b a n w a s i n pl a c e 

d u ri n g t h e p e ri o d, a n d ( 2) t h o s e t h a t o cc u r r e d a t c r o s si n g s e q ui p p e d wi t h a u t o m a ti c 

g a t e s w h e r e a w hi s tl e b a n w a s n o t i n pl a c e. 

C e r t ai n r e c o r d s w e r e e x cl u d e d. T h e s e w e r e 

i n ci d e n t s w h e r e t h e d ri v e r w a s n o t i n t h e 

m o t o r v e hi cl e, o r t h e m o t o r v e hi cl e s t r u c k 

t h e t r ai n b e y o n d t h e 4 t h l o c o m o ti v e o r r ail 

c a r t h a t e n t e r e d t h e c r o s si n g. F R A b eli e v e s 

t h a t s o u n di n g t h e t r ai n h o r n w o ul d n o t b e 

v e r y eff e c ti v e a t p r e v e n ti n g s u c h i n ci d e n t s.

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 2 4
3 2 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. D 

R ail G r a d e C r o s si n g A c ci d e n t/I n ci d e n t R ep o r t. 

( d) C olli si o n s i n t h e g r o u p c o n t ai ni n g t h e 

g a t e d c r o s si n g s n a ti o n wi d e w h e r e h o r n s a r e 

r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d w e r e t h e n i d e n tifi e d a s eit h e r f a t al, i nj u r y o nl y, o r n o c a s u al t y. C ollisi o n s w e r e i d e n tifi e d a s f a t al if o n e o r m o r e 

d e a t h s o c c u r r e d, r e g a r dl e s s of w h e t h e r o r n o t 

i nj u ri e s w e r e al s o s u s t ai n e d. C olli si o n s w e r e 

i d e n tifi e d a s i nj u r y o nl y w h e n i nj u ri e s, b u t 

n o f a t ali ti e s, r e s ul t e d. 

( e) T h e c olli si o n s (i n ci d e n t s) s el e c t e d w e r e 

s u m m a ri z e d b y y e a r f r o m 1 9 9 9 t h r o u g h 2 0 0 3. 

T h e t o t al n u m b e r of c olli si o n s f o r t h e p e ri o d 

w a s 2, 1 6 1. T h e f a t ali t y r a t e f o r e a c h y e a r w a s 

c al c ul a t e d b y di vi di n g t h e n u m b e r of f a t aliti e s (‘‘ D e a t h s’’) b y t h e n u m b e r of f a t al i n cid e n t s (‘‘ N u m b e r’’). T h e i nj u r y r a t e s w e r e c alc ul a t e d b y di vi di n g t h e n u m b e r of i nj u ri e s i n 

i nj u r y o nl y i n ci d e n t s (‘‘I nj u r e d’’) b y t h e 

n u m b e r of i nj u r y o nl y i n ci d e n t s (‘‘ N u m b e r’’). 

T h e r e w e r e 2 7 4 f a t al i n ci d e n t s r e s ul ti n g i n 

3 2 4 f a t ali ti e s a n d yi el di n g a f a t ali t y r a t e 

1. 1 8 2 5 f o r t h e p e ri o d. T h e r e w e r e 5 5 1 i nj u r yo nl y i n ci d e n t s r e s ul ti n g i n 7 3 3 i nj u ri e s a n d 

yi el di n g a n i nj u r y r a t e 1. 3 3 0 3 f o r t h e p e ri o d. 

(f) P e r g ui d a n c e f r o m D O T, $ 3 milli o n i s 

t h e v al u e pl a c e d o n p r e v e n ti n g a f a t ali t y. 

T h e A b b r e vi a t e d I nj u r y S c al e ( AI S) d e v elo p e d b y t h e A s s o ci a ti o n f o r t h e A d v a n c em e n t of A u t o m o ti v e M e di ci n e c a t e g o ri z e s i nj u ri e s i n t o si x l e v el s of s e v e ri t y. E a c h AI S 

l e v el i s a s si g n e d a v al u e of i nj u r y a v oi d a n c e 

a s a f r a c ti o n of t h e v al u e of a v oi di n g a f a t ali t y . F R A r a t e s c olli si o n s t h a t o c c u r a t t r ai n 

s p e e d s i n e x c e s s of 2 5 m p h a s a n AI S l e v el 5 

( $ 2, 2 8 7, 5 0 0) a n d i nj u ri e s t h a t r e s ul t f r o m c olli si o n s i n v ol vi n g t r ai n s t r a v eli n g u n d e r 2 5 

m p h a s a n AI S l e v el 2 ( $ 4 6, 5 0 0). A b o u t h alf of 

g r a d e c r o s si n g c olli si o n s o c c u r a t s p e e d s 

g r e a t e r t h a n 2 5 m p h. T h e r ef o r e, F R A e s tim a t e s t h a t t h e v al u e of p r e v e n ti n g t h e a v e ra g e i nj u r y r e s ul ti n g f r o m a g r a d e c r o s si n g 

c olli si o n i s $ 1, 1 6 7, 0 0 0 ( t h e a v e r a g e of a n AI S – 

5 i nj u r y a n d a n AI S – 2 i nj u r y). 

( g) N o ti c e t h a t t h e q u a n ti t y [ P C * P( F C|C)] 

r e p r e s e n t s t h e e x p e c t e d n u m b e r of f a t al c olli si o n s. Si mil a rl y, { P C *[ P( C C |C) – P( F C |C)] } 

r e p r e s e n t s t h e e x p e c t e d n u m b e r of i nj u r y 

c olli si o n s. T h e s e a r e t h e n m ul ti pli e d b y t h ei r 

r e s p e c ti v e a v e r a g e n u m b e r of f a t ali ti e s a n d 

i nj u ri e s (f r o m t h e t a bl e a b o v e) t o d e v el o p t h e 

n u m b e r of e x p e c t e d c a s u al ti e s. T h e fi n al 

p a r t s of t h e e x p r e s si o n s a t t a c h t h e d oll a r 

v al u e s f o r t h e s e c a s u al ti e s. 

( h) T h e Ri s k I n d e x f o r a C r o s si n g i s t h e i nt e g e r s u m of t h e P r e di c t e d C o s t of F a t ali ti e s 

a n d t h e P r e di c t e d C o s t of I nj u ri e s. 

A TI O N WI D E I G NI FI C A N T I S K H R E S H O L D

T h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s hol d i s si m pl y a n a v e r a g e of t h e ri s k i n d e x e s 

f o r all of t h e g a t e d c r o s si n g s n a ti o n wi d e 

w h e r e t r ai n h o r n s a r e r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d. 

F R A i d e n tifi e d 3 5, 8 0 3 g a t e d n o n- w hi s tl e b a n 

c r o s si n g s f o r i n p u t t o t h e N a ti o n wi d e Si gnifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d. 

T h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s hol d r o u n d s t o 1 7, 0 3 0. T hi s v al u e i s r e c alc ul a t e d a n n u all y. 

R O S SI N G O R RI D O R I S K N D E X

T h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x i s t h e a ve r a g e of t h e ri s k i n d e x e s of all t h e c r o s si n g s 

i n a d efi n e d r ail c o r ri d o r. C o m m u ni ti e s s e e ki n g t o e s t a bli s h ‘‘ Q ui e t Z o n e s’’ s h o ul d i niti all y c al c ul a t e t hi s a v e r a g e f o r p o t e n ti al 

c o r ri d o r s. 

UI E T O N E I S K N D E X

T h e Q ui e t Z o n e Ri s k I n d e x i s t h e a v e r a g e 

of t h e ri s k i n d e x e s of all t h e p u bli c c r o s si n g s 

i n a Q ui e t Z o n e. I t t a k e s i n t o c o n si d e r a ti o n 

t h e a b s e n c e of t h e h o r n s o u n d a n d a n y s af e t y 

m e a s u r e s t h a t m a y h a v e b e e n i n s t all e d. 

F F E C TI V E A T E O T E : A t 7 2 F R 4 4 7 9 2, A u g. 

9, 2 0 0 7, a p p e n di x D w a s a m e n d e d b y r e vi si n g 

p a r a g r a p h s ( b) t h r o u g h ( e) i n t h e s e c ti o n titl e d ‘‘ RI S K I N D E X,’’ t h e s e c ti o n ti tl e d, ‘‘ N ati o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d,’’ a n d 

t h e s e c ti o n ti tl e d, ‘‘ C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k 

I n d e x’’, eff e c ti v e O c t. 9, 2 0 0 7. F o r t h e c o n v e ni e n c e of t h e u s e r, t h e r e vi s e d t e x t i s s e t f o r t h 

a s f oll o w s: 

P P E N DI X D T O A R T 2 2 2 — D E T E R MI NI N G

I S K E V E L S

* * * * * 

Ri s k I n d e x 

* * * * * 

( b) T h e a v e r a g e n u m b e r of f a t ali ti e s o bs e r v e d i n f a t al c olli si o n s a n d t h e a v e r a g e 

n u m b e r of i nj u ri e s i n c olli si o n s i n v ol vi n g i nj u ri e s a r e c al c ul a t e d b y F R A a s d e s c ri b e d i n 

p a r a g r a p h s ( c) t h r o u g h ( e). 

( c) F R A will m a t c h t h e hi g h w a y- r ail i n cid e n t fil e s f o r t h e p a s t fi v e y e a r s a g ai n s t a 

d a t a fil e c o n t ai ni n g t h e li s t of g r a d e c r o s si n g s w h e r e t h e t r ai n h o r n w a s n o t r o u ti n el y 

s o u n d e d o v e r t h a t fi v e- y e a r p e ri o d t o i d e ntif y t w o t y p e s of c olli si o n s i n v ol vi n g t r ai n s 

a n d m o t o r v e hi cl e s: ( 1) T h o s e t h a t o c c u r r e d 

a t c r o s si n g s w h e r e t h e t r ai n h o r n w a s n o t 

r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d d u ri n g t h e p e ri o d, a n d ( 2) 

t h o s e t h a t o c c u r r e d a t c r o s si n g s e q ui p p e d 

wi t h a u t o m a ti c g a t e s w h e r e t h e t r ai n h o r n 

w a s r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d. C e r t ai n r e c o r d s will 

b e e x cl u d e d, i n cl u di n g r e c o r d s p e r t ai ni n g t o 

i n ci d e n t s w h e r e t h e d ri v e r w a s n o t i n t h e 

m o t o r v e hi cl e o r w h e r e t h e m o t o r v e hi cl e 

s t r u c k t h e t r ai n b e y o n d t h e f o u r t h l o c om o ti v e o r r ail c a r t h a t e n t e r e d t h e c r o s si n g. 

F R A b eli e v e s t h a t s o u n di n g t h e t r ai n h o r n 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 3 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 2 5
3 3 0 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. E 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

T h e d a t a u s e d t o m a k e t h e s e e x cl u si o n s i s 

c o n t ai n e d i n bl o c k s 1 8 — P o si ti o n of C a r U ni t 

i n T r ai n; 1 9 — Ci r c u m s t a n c e: R ail E q ui p m e n t 

S t r u c k/ S t r u c k b y Hi g h w a y U s e r; 2 8 — N u m b e r 

of L o c o m o ti v e U ni t s; a n d 2 9 — N u m b e r of C a r s 

o n t h e c u r r e n t F R A F o r m 6 1 8 0 – 5 7 Hi g h w a yR ail G r a d e C r o s si n g A c ci d e n t/I n ci d e n t R ep o r t. 

w o ul d n o t b e v e r y eff e c ti v e a t p r e v e n ti n g 

s u c h i n ci d e n t s.

( d) C olli si o n s i n t h e g r o u p c o n t ai ni n g t h e 

g a t e d c r o s si n g s n a ti o n wi d e w h e r e h o r n s w e r e 

r o u ti n el y s o u n d e d will t h e n b e i d e n tifi e d a s 

f a t al, i nj u r y o nl y o r n o c a s u al t y. C olli si o n s 

will b e i d e n tifi e d a s f a t al if o n e o r m o r e 

d e a t h s o c c u r r e d, r e g a r dl e s s of w h e t h e r i nj uri e s w e r e al s o s u s t ai n e d. C olli si o n s will b e 

i d e n tifi e d a s i nj u r y o nl y w h e n i nj u ri e s, b u t 

n o f a t ali ti e s, r e s ul t e d. 

( e) T h e c olli si o n s (i n ci d e n t s) will b e s u mm a ri z e d b y y e a r f o r t h e fi v e- y e a r p e ri o d p r ec e di n g t h e y e a r i n w hi c h t h e ri s k i n d e x i s 

b ei n g u p d a t e d. T h e f a t ali t y r a t e f o r e a c h 

y e a r will b e c al c ul a t e d b y di vi di n g t h e n u mb e r of f a t ali ti e s b y t h e n u m b e r of f a t al i n cid e n t s. T h e i nj u r y r a t e will b e c al c ul a t e d b y 

di vi di n g t h e n u m b e r of i nj u ri e s i n i nj u r y 

o nl y i n ci d e n t s b y t h e n u m b e r of i nj u r y o nl y 

i n ci d e n t s. F R A will p u bli s h u p d a t e d f a t ali t y 

a n d i nj u r y r a t e s o n a n a n n u al b a si s i n t h e 

E D E R A L E GI S T E R . 

* * * * * 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d 

T h e N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s hol d i s si m pl y a n a v e r a g e of t h e ri s k i n d e x e s 

f o r all of t h e g a t e d p u bli c c r o s si n g s n a ti o nwi d e w h e r e t r ai n h o r n s a r e r o u ti n el y s o u n de d. T hi s v al u e will b e r e c al c ul a t e d a n n u all y 

a n d p u bli s h e d i n a n o ti c e i n t h e F E D E R A L

E GI S T E R . F o r t h e m o s t r e c e n t v al u e of t h e 

N a ti o n wi d e Si g nifi c a n t Ri s k T h r e s h ol d, 

pl e a s e vi si t F R A’ s p u bli c W e b si t e a t htt p:// 

w w w.fr a. d ot. g o v. 

C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x 

T h e C r o s si n g C o r ri d o r Ri s k I n d e x i s t h e a ve r a g e of t h e ri s k i n d e x e s of all t h e p u bli c 

c r o s si n g s i n a d efi n e d r ail c o r ri d o r. 

P P E N DI X E T O A R T 2 2 2 — 

E Q UI R E M E N T S F O R A Y SI D E O R N S

T hi s a p p e n di x s e t s f o r t h t h e f oll o wi n g mi ni m u m r e q ui r e m e n t s f o r w a y si d e h o r n u s e a t 

hi g h w a y- r ail g r a d e c r o s si n g s: 

1. Hi g h w a y- r ail c r o s si n g m u s t b e e q ui p p e d 

wi t h c o n s t a n t w a r ni n g ti m e d e vi c e, if r e as o n a bl y p r a c ti c al, a n d p o w e r- o u t i n di c a t o r; 

2. H o r n s y s t e m m u s t b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a n 

i n di c a t o r o r o t h e r s y s t e m t o n o tif y t h e l o c om o ti v e e n gi n e e r a s t o w h e t h e r t h e w a y si d e 

h o r n i s o p e r a ti n g a s i n t e n d e d i n s uffi ci e n t 

ti m e t o e n a bl e t h e l o c o m o ti v e e n gi n e e r t o 

s o u n d t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n f o r a t l e a s t 1 5 s e co n d s p ri o r t o a r ri v al a t t h e c r o s si n g i n t h e 

e v e n t t h e w a y si d e h o r n i s n o t o p e r a ti n g a s 

i n t e n d e d; 

3. T h e r ail r o a d m u s t a d o p t a n o p e r a ti n g 

r ul e, b ull e ti n o r s p e ci al i n s t r u c ti o n r e q ui ri n g 

t h a t t h e t r ai n h o r n b e s o u n d e d if t h e w a y si d e 

h o r n i n di c a t o r i s n o t vi si bl e a p p r o a c hi n g t h e 

c r o s si n g o r if t h e w a y si d e h o r n i n di c a t o r, o r 

a n e q ui v al e n t s y s t e m, i n di c a t e s t h a t t h e s y st e m i s n o t o p e r a ti n g a s i n t e n d e d; 

4. H o r n s y s t e m m u s t p r o vi d e a mi ni m u m 

s o u n d l e v el of 9 2 d B( A) a n d a m a xi m u m of 1 1 0 

d B( A) w h e n m e a s u r e d 1 0 0 f e e t f r o m t h e c e nt e rli n e of t h e n e a r e s t t r a c k; 

5. H o r n s y s t e m m u s t s o u n d a t a mi ni m u m 

of 1 5 s e c o n d s p ri o r t o t h e t r ai n’ s a r ri v al a t 

t h e c r o s si n g a n d w hil e t h e l e a d l o c o m o ti v e i s 

t r a v eli n g a c r o s s t h e c r o s si n g. I t i s p e r mi ssi bl e f o r t h e h o r n s y s t e m t o b e gi n t o s o u n d 

si m ul t a n e o u sl y wi t h a c ti v a ti o n of t h e fl a s hi n g li g h t s o r d e s c e n t of t h e c r o s si n g a r m; 

a r m 

6. H o r n s h all b e di r e c t e d t o w a r d a p p r o a c hi n g t r affi c. 

P P E N DI X F T O A R T 2 2 2 — D I A G N O S TI C

E A M O N SI D E R A TI O N S

F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, a di a g n o s ti c 

t e a m i s a g r o u p of k n o wl e d g e a bl e r e p r e s e n t ati v e s of p a r ti e s of i n t e r e s t i n a hi g h w a y- r ail 

g r a d e c r o s si n g, o r g a ni z e d b y t h e p u bli c a ut h o ri t y r e s p o n si bl e f o r t h a t c r o s si n g w h o, 

u si n g c r o s si n g s af e t y m a n a g e m e n t p ri nci pl e s, e v al u a t e c o n di ti o n s a t a g r a d e c r o s si n g t o m a k e d e t e r mi n a ti o n s o r r e c o m m e n d ati o n s f o r t h e p u bli c a u t h o ri t y c o n c e r ni n g t h e 

s af e t y n e e d s a t t h a t c r o s si n g. C r o s si n g s p r op o s e d f o r i n cl u si o n i n a q ui e t z o n e s h o ul d b e 

r e vi e w e d i n t h e fi el d b y a di a g n o s ti c t e a m 

c o m p o s e d of r ail r o a d p e r s o n n el, p u bli c s af e t y 

o r l a w e nf o r c e m e n t, e n gi n e e ri n g p e r s o n n el 

f r o m t h e S t a t e a g e n c y r e s p o n si bl e f o r g r a d e 

c r o s si n g s af e t y, a n d o t h e r c o n c e r n e d p a r ti e s. 

T hi s di a g n o s ti c t e a m, u si n g c r o s si n g s af e t y 

m a n a g e m e n t p ri n ci pl e s, s h o ul d e v al u a t e c o ndi ti o n s a t a g r a d e c r o s si n g t o m a k e d e t e rmi n a ti o n s a n d r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s c o n c e r ni n g 

s af e t y n e e d s a t t h a t c r o s si n g. T h e di a g n o s ti c 

t e a m c a n e v al u a t e a c r o s si n g f r o m m a n y p e rs p e c ti v e s a n d c a n m a k e r e c o m m e n d a ti o n s a s 

t o w h a t s af e t y m e a s u r e s a u t h o ri z e d b y t hi s 

p a r t mi g h t b e u tili z e d t o c o m p e n s a t e f o r t h e 

sil e n ci n g of t h e t r ai n h o r n s wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

L L R O S SI N G S I T HI N A R O P O S E D UI E T

O N E

T h e di a g n o s ti c t e a m s h o ul d o b t ai n a n d r evi e w t h e f oll o wi n g i nf o r m a ti o n a b o u t e a c h 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e: 

1. C u r r e n t hi g h w a y t r affi c v ol u m e s a n d 

p e r c e n t of t r u c k s; 

2. P o s t e d s p e e d li mi t s o n all hi g h w a y a pp r o a c h e s; 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 4 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 2 6
3 3 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. F 

3. M a xi m u m all o w a bl e t r ai n s p e e d s, b o t h 

p a s s e n g e r a n d f r ei g h t; 

4. A c ci d e n t hi s t o r y f o r e a c h c r o s si n g u n d e r 

c o n si d e r a ti o n; 

5. S c h o ol b u s o r t r a n si t b u s u s e a t t h e 

c r o s si n g; a n d 

6. P r e s e n c e of U. S. D O T g r a d e c r o s si n g i nv e n t o r y n u m b e r s cl e a rl y p o s t e d a t e a c h of 

t h e c r o s si n g s i n q u e s ti o n. 

T h e di a g n o s ti c t e a m s h o ul d o b t ai n all i nv e n t o r y i nf o r m a ti o n f o r e a c h c r o s si n g a n d 

s h o ul d c h e c k, w hil e i n t h e fi el d, t o s e e t h a t 

i n v e n t o r y i nf o r m a ti o n i s u p- t o- d a t e a n d a cc u r a t e. O u t d a t e d i n v e n t o r y i nf o r m a ti o n 

s h o ul d b e u p d a t e d a s p a r t of t h e q ui e t z o n e 

d e v el o p m e n t p r o c e s s. 

W h e n i n t h e fi el d, t h e di a g n o s ti c t e a m 

s h o ul d t a k e n o t e of t h e p h y si c al c h a r a c t e ri sti c s of e a c h c r o s si n g, i n cl u di n g t h e f oll o wi n g 

i t e m s: 

1. C a n a n y of t h e c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e b e cl o s e d o r c o n s oli d a t e d 

wi t h a n o t h e r a dj a c e n t c r o s si n g ? C r o s si n g 

eli mi n a ti o n s h o ul d al w a y s b e t h e p r ef e r r e d 

al t e r n a ti v e a n d i t s h o ul d b e e x pl o r e d f o r 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e. 

2. W h a t i s t h e n u m b e r of l a n e s o n e a c h 

hi g h w a y a p p r o a c h ? N o t e t h e p a v e m e n t c o ndi ti o n o n e a c h a p p r o a c h, a s w ell a s t h e c o ndi ti o n of t h e c r o s si n g i t s elf. 

3. I s t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g s u rf a c e s m o o t h, 

w ell g r a d e d a n d f r e e d r ai ni n g ? 

4. D o e s t h e ali g n m e n t of t h e r ail r o a d 

t r a c k s a t t h e c r o s si n g c r e a t e a n y p r o bl e m s 

f o r r o a d u s e r s o n t h e c r o s si n g ? A r e t h e 

t r a c k s i n s u p e r el e v a ti o n ( a r e t h e y b a n k e d o n 

a c u r v e ?) a n d d o e s t hi s c r e a t e a c o nfli c t wi t h 

t h e v e r ti c al ali g n m e n t of t h e c r o s si n g r o a dw a y ? 

5. N o t e t h e di s t a n c e t o t h e n e a r e s t i n t e rs e c ti o n o r t r affi c si g n al o n e a c h a p p r o a c h (if 

wi t hi n 5 0 0 f e e t o r s o of t h e c r o s si n g o r if t h e 

si g n al o r i n t e r s e c ti o n i s d e t e r mi n e d t o h a v e 

a p o t e n ti al i m p a c t o n hi g h w a y t r affi c a t t h e 

c r o s si n g b e c a u s e of q u e ui n g o r o t h e r s p e ci al 

p r o bl e m s). 

6. If a r o a d w a y t h a t r u n s p a r all el t o t h e 

r ail r o a d t r a c k s i s wi t hi n 1 0 0 f e e t of t h e r ailr o a d t r a c k s w h e n i t c r o s s e s a n i n t e r s e c ti n g 

r o a d t h a t al s o c r o s s e s t h e t r a c k s, t h e a p p r op ri a t e a d v a n c e w a r ni n g si g n s s h o ul d b e p o s te d a s s h o w n i n t h e M U T C D. 

7. I s t h e p o s t e d hi g h w a y s p e e d ( o n e a c h a pp r o a c h t o t h e c r o s si n g) a p p r o p ri a t e f o r t h e 

ali g n m e n t of t h e r o a d w a y a n d t h e c o nfi g u r ati o n of t h e c r o s si n g ? 

8. D o e s t h e v e r ti c al ali g n m e n t of t h e c r o s si n g c r e a t e t h e p o t e n ti al f o r a ‘‘ h u m p c r o s si n g’’ w h e r e l o n g, l o w- cl e a r a n c e v e hi cl e s 

mi g h t g e t s t u c k o n t h e c r o s si n g ? 

9. W h a t a r e t h e g r a d e c r o s si n g w a r ni n g d evi c e s i n pl a c e a t e a c h c r o s si n g ? Fl a s hi n g 

li g h t s a n d g a t e s a r e r e q ui r e d f o r e a c h p u bli c 

c r o s si n g i n a N e w Q ui e t Z o n e. A r e all r eq ui r e d w a r ni n g d e vi c e s, si g n al s, p a v e m e n t 

m a r ki n g s a n d a d v a n c e si g ni n g i n pl a c e, vi sibl e a n d i n g o o d c o n di ti o n f o r b o t h d a y a n d 

ni g h t ti m e vi si bili t y ? 

1 0. W h a t ki n d of t r ai n d e t e c ti o n i s i n pl a c e 

a t e a c h c r o s si n g ? A r e t h e s e s y s t e m s ol d o r 

o u t m o d e d; a r e t h e y i n n e e d of r e pl a c e m e n t, 

u p g r a di n g, o r r ef u r bi s h m e n t ? 

1 1. A r e t h e r e si di n g s o r o t h e r t r a c k s a dj ac e n t t o t h e c r o s si n g t h a t a r e of t e n u s e d t o 

s t o r e r ail r o a d c a r s, l o c o m o ti v e s, o r o t h e r 

e q ui p m e n t t h a t c o ul d o b s c u r e t h e vi si o n of 

r o a d u s e r s a s t h e y a p p r o a c h t h e c r o s si n g s i n 

t h e q ui e t z o n e ? Cl e a r vi si bili t y m a y h el p t o 

r e d u c e a u t o m a ti c w a r ni n g d e vi c e vi ol a ti o n s. 

1 2. A r e m o t o ri s t s c u r r e n tl y vi ol a ti n g t h e 

w a r ni n g d e vi c e s a t a n y of t h e c r o s si n g s a t a n 

e x c e s si v e r a t e ? 

1 3. D o c olli si o n s t a ti s ti c s f o r t h e c o r ri d o r 

i n di c a t e a n y p o t e n ti al p r o bl e m s a t a n y of 

t h e c r o s si n g s ? 

1 4. If s c h o ol b u s e s o r t r a n si t b u s e s u s e 

c r o s si n g s wi t hi n t h e p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e c o rri d o r, c a n t h e y b e r e r o u t e d t o u s e a si n gl e 

c r o s si n g wi t hi n o r o u t si d e of t h e q ui e t z o n e ? 

RI V A T E R O S SI N G S I T HI N A R O P O S E D

UI E T O N E

I n a d di ti o n t o t h e i t e m s di s c u s s e d a b o v e, a 

di a g n o s ti c t e a m s h o ul d n o t e t h e f oll o wi n g 

i s s u e s w h e n e x a mi ni n g a n y p ri v a t e c r o s si n g s 

wi t hi n a p r o p o s e d q ui e t z o n e: 

1. H o w of t e n i s t h e p ri v a t e c r o s si n g u s e d ? 

2. W h a t ki n d of si g ni n g o r p a v e m e n t m a r ki n g s a r e i n pl a c e a t t h e p ri v a t e c r o s si n g ? 

3. W h a t t y p e s of v e hi cl e s u s e t h e p ri v a t e 

c r o s si n g ? 

S c h o ol b u s e s 

L a r g e t r u c k s 

H a z m a t c a r ri e r s 

F a r m e q ui p m e n t 

4. W h a t i s t h e v ol u m e, s p e e d a n d t y p e of 

t r ai n t r affi c o v e r t h e c r o s si n g ? 

5. D o p a s s e n g e r t r ai n s u s e t h e c r o s si n g ? 

6. D o a p p r o a c hi n g t r ai n s s o u n d t h e h o r n a t 

t h e p ri v a t e c r o s si n g ? 

S t a t e o r l o c al l a w r e q ui r e s i t ? 

R ail r o a d s af e t y r ul e r e q ui r e s i t ? 

7. A r e t h e r e a n y n e a r b y c r o s si n g s w h e r e 

t r ai n h o r n s s o u n d t h a t mi g h t al s o p r o vi d e 

s o m e w a r ni n g if t r ai n h o r n s w e r e n o t s o u n de d a t t h e p ri v a t e c r o s si n g ? 

8. W h a t a r e t h e a p p r o a c h ( c o r n e r) si g h t di st a n c e s ? 

9. W h a t i s t h e cl e a ri n g si g h t di s t a n c e f o r 

all a p p r o a c h e s ? 

1 0. W h a t a r e t h e p ri v a t e r o a d w a y a p p r o a c h 

g r a d e s ? 

1 1. W h a t a r e t h e p ri v a t e r o a d w a y p a v e m e n t 

s u rf a c e s ? 

E D E S T RI A N R O S SI N G S I T HI N A R O P O S E D

UI E T O N E

I n a d di ti o n t o t h e i t e m s di s c u s s e d i n t h e 

s e c ti o n ti tl e d, ‘‘ All c r o s si n g s wi t hi n a p r op o s e d q ui e t z o n e’’, a di a g n o s ti c t e a m s h o ul d 

n o t e t h e f oll o wi n g i s s u e s w h e n e x a mi ni n g 

a n y p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g s wi t hi n a p r o p o s e d 

q ui e t z o n e: 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 4 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 2 7
3 3 2 

Pt. 2 2 2, A p p. G 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

A p e n al t y m a y b e a s s e s s e d a g ai n s t a n i ndi vi d u al o nl y f o r a willf ul vi ol a ti o n. T h e A dmi ni s t r a t o r r e s e r v e s t h e ri g h t t o a s s e s s a p e n al t y of u p t o $ 2 7, 0 0 0 f o r a n y vi ol a ti o n 

w h e r e ci r c u m s t a n c e s w a r r a n t. S e e 4 9 C F R 

P a r t 2 0 9, a p p e n di x A. 

1. H o w of t e n i s t h e p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g 

u s e d ? 

2. W h a t ki n d of si g ni n g o r p a v e m e n t m a r ki n g s a r e i n pl a c e a t t h e p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g ? 

3. W h a t i s t h e v ol u m e, s p e e d, a n d t y p e of 

t r ai n t r affi c o v e r t h e c r o s si n g ? 

4. D o a p p r o a c hi n g t r ai n s s o u n d t h e h o r n a t 

t h e p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g ? 

S t a t e o r l o c al l a w r e q ui r e s i t ? 

R ail r o a d s af e t y r ul e r e q ui r e s i t ? 

5. A r e t h e r e a n y c r o s si n g s w h e r e t r ai n 

h o r n s s o u n d t h a t mi g h t al s o p r o vi d e s o m e 

w a r ni n g if t r ai n h o r n s w e r e n o t s o u n d e d a t 

t h e p e d e s t ri a n c r o s si n g ? 

6. W h a t a r e t h e a p p r o a c h si g h t di s t a n c e s ? 

7. W h a t i s t h e cl e a ri n g si g h t di s t a n c e f o r 

all a p p r o a c h e s ? 

P P E N DI X G T O A R T 2 2 2 — S C H E D U L E O F

I VI L E N A L TI E S

S e cti o n Vi ol ati o n Willf ul 

vi ol ati o n 

S u b p art B — U s e of L o c o m oti v e H or n s 

§ 2 2 2. 2 1 U s e of l o c o m oti v e h or n 

( a) F ail ur e t o s o u n d h or n at gr a d e cr o s si n g ................................................................................. $ 5,0 0 0 $ 7, 5 0 0 

F ail ur e t o s o u n d h or n i n pr o p er p att er n .......................................................................... 1, 0 0 0 3, 0 0 0 

( b) F ail ur e t o s o u n d h or n at l e a st 1 5 s e c o n d s a n d l e s s t h a n - mil e b ef or e cr o s si n g ................ 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

S o u n di n g t h e l o c o m oti v e h or n m or e t h a n 2 5 s e c o n d s b ef or e cr o s si n g ......................... 1, 0 0 0 2, 0 0 0 

S o u n di n g t h e l o c o m oti v e h or n m or e t h a n - mil e i n a d v a n c e of cr o s si n g .................... 1, 0 0 0 2, 0 0 0 

§ 2 2 2. 3 3 F ail ur e t o s o u n d h or n w h e n c o n diti o n s of § 2 2 2. 3 3 ar e n ot m et 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

§ 2 2 2. 4 5 R o uti n e s o u n di n g of t h e l o c o m oti v e h or n at q ui et z o n e cr o s si n g 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

§ 2 2 2. 4 9 ( b) F ail ur e t o pr o vi d e Gr a d e Cr o s si n g I n v e nt or y F or m i nf or m ati o n 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

§ 2 2 2. 5 9 ( d) R o uti n e s o u n di n g of t h e l o c o m oti v e h or n at a gr a d e cr o s si n g e q ui p p e d wit h 

w a y si d e h or n 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0

P A RT 2 2 3 — S A F ET Y GL A ZI N G ST A N D A R D S —L O C O M OTI V E S, 

P A S S E N G E R C A R S A N D C AB O O S E S 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

S e c. 

2 2 3. 1 S c o p e. 

2 2 3. 3 A p pli c a ti o n. 

2 2 3. 5 D efi ni ti o n s. 

2 2 3. 7 R e s p o n si bili t y. 

S u b p art B — S p e cifi c R e q uir e m e nts 

2 2 3. 8 A d di ti o n al r e q ui r e m e n t s f o r p a s s e n g e r 

e q ui p m e n t. 

2 2 3. 9 R e q ui r e m e n t s f o r n e w o r r e b uil t e q ui pm e n t. 

2 2 3. 1 1 R e q ui r e m e n t s f o r e xi s ti n g l o c om o ti v e s. 

2 2 3. 1 3 R e q ui r e m e n t s f o r e xi s ti n g c a b o o s e s. 

2 2 3. 1 5 R e q ui r e m e n t s f o r e xi s ti n g p a s s e n g e r 

c a r s. 

2 2 3. 1 7 I d e n tifi c a ti o n of e q ui p p e d l o c om o ti v e s, p a s s e n g e r c a r s a n d c a b o o s e s. 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 2 3 — C E R TI FI C A TI O N O F

L A ZI N G A T E RI A L S

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 2 3 — S C H E D U L E O F I VI L

E N A L TI E S

U T H O RI T Y : 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 2 – 0 3, 2 0 1 3 3, 2 0 7 0 1 – 

2 0 7 0 2, 2 1 3 0 1 – 0 2, 2 1 3 0 4; 2 8 U. S. C. 2 4 6 1, n o t e; a n d 

4 9 C F R 1. 4 9. 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

§ 2 2 3. 1 S c o p e. 

T hi s p a r t p r o vi d e s mi ni m u m r e q ui r em e n t s f o r gl a zi n g m a t e ri al s i n o r d e r t o 

p r o t e c t r ail r o a d e m pl o y e e s a n d r ailr o a d p a s s e n g e r s f r o m i nj u r y a s a r e s ul t 

of o bj e c t s s t ri ki n g t h e wi n d o w s of l o c om o ti v e s, c a b o o s e a n d p a s s e n g e r c a r s. 

[ 4 4 F R 7 7 3 5 2, D e c. 3 1, 1 9 7 9] 

§ 2 2 3. 3 A p pli c ati o n. 

( a) T hi s p a r t a p pli e s t o r ail r o a d s t h a t 

o p e r a t e r olli n g e q ui p m e n t o n s t a n d a r d 

g a u g e t r a c k t h a t i s a p a r t of t h e g e ne r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n. 

( b) T hi s p a r t d o e s n o t a p pl y t o — 

( 1) L o c o m o ti v e s, c a b o o s e s, a n d p a ss e n g e r c a r s t h a t o p e r a t e o nl y o n t r a c k 

i n si d e a n i n s t all a ti o n t h a t i s n o t p a r t 

of t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of t r a n sp o r t a ti o n; 

( 2) R a pi d t r a n si t o p e r a ti o n s i n a n 

u r b a n a r e a t h a t a r e n o t c o n n e c t e d wi t h 

t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of t r a n sp o r t a ti o n. 

( 3) L o c o m o ti v e s, p a s s e n g e r c a r s a n d 

c a b o o s e s t h a t a r e hi s t o ri c al o r a n tiq u a t e d e q ui p m e n t a n d a r e u s e d o nl y f o r 

e x c u r si o n, e d u c a ti o n al, r e c r e a ti o n al 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 4 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 2

2 2 8
3 8 5 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 7. 3 

e q ui p m e n t c o m p o n e n t i s a diff e r e n c e of t w o 

p e r c e n t a g e s w hi c h m u s t b e di vi d e d b y 1 0 0 t o 

p r e s e n t i t i n a c o n si s t e n t f r a c ti o n al f o r m. 

Af t e r p e rf o r mi n g t h e c al c ul a ti o n, t h e r e s ul t 

i s r o u n d e d t o t h e n e a r e s t $ 1 0 0. 

7. T h e w ei g h ti n g s r e s ul t f r o m u si n g S T B 

w a g e d a t a a n d B L S e q ui p m e n t c o s t d a t a t o 

p r o d u c e a r e a s o n a bl e e s ti m a ti o n of t h e r ep o r ti n g t h r e s h ol d t h a t w a s c al c ul a t e d u si n g 

t h e t h r e s h ol d f o r m ul a i n eff e c t i m m e di a t el y 

b ef o r e c al e n d a r y e a r 2 0 0 6, a f o r m ul a t h a t a ss u m e d d a m a g e r e p ai r c o s t s, a t l e v el s a t o r 

n e a r t h e t h r e s h ol d, w e r e s pli t a p p r o xi m a t el y 

e v e nl y b e t w e e n l a b o r a n d m a t e ri al s. 

8. F o r m ul a: 

N e w T h r e s h ol d = P ri o r T h r e s h ol d × [ 1 + 

0. 4( W n e w — W p ri o r)/ W p ri o r + 0. 6( E n e w ¥ 

E p ri o r)/ 1 0 0] 

W h e r e: 

W n e w = N e w a v e r a g e h o u rl y w a g e r a t e ( $). 

W p ri o r = P ri o r a v e r a g e h o u rl y w a g e r a t e ( $). 

E n e w = N e w e q ui p m e n t a v e r a g e P PI v al u e. 

E p ri o r = P ri o r e q ui p m e n t a v e r a g e P PI v al u e. 

[ 7 0 F R 7 5 4 1 7, D e c. 2 0, 2 0 0 5] 

P A RT 2 2 7 — O C C U P ATI O N AL N OI S E 

E X P O S U R E 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

S e c. 

2 2 7. 1 P u r p o s e a n d s c o p e. 

2 2 7. 3 A p pli c a ti o n. 

2 2 7. 5 D efi ni ti o n s. 

2 2 7. 7 P r e e m p ti v e eff e c t. 

2 2 7. 9 P e n al ti e s. 

2 2 7. 1 1 R e s p o n si bili t y f o r c o m pli a n c e. 

2 2 7. 1 3 W ai v e r s. 

2 2 7. 1 5 I nf o r m a ti o n c oll e c ti o n. 

S u b p art B — O c c u p ati o n al N ois e E x p os ur e 

f or R ailr o a d O p er ati n g E m pl o y e es 

2 2 7. 1 0 1 S c o p e a n d a p pli c a bili t y. 

2 2 7. 1 0 3 N oi s e m o ni t o ri n g p r o g r a m. 

2 2 7. 1 0 5 P r o t e c ti o n of e m pl o y e e s. 

2 2 7. 1 0 7 H e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n p r o g r a m. 

2 2 7. 1 0 9 A u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g p r o g r a m. 

2 2 7. 1 1 1 A u di o m e t ri c t e s t r e q ui r e m e n t s. 

2 2 7. 1 1 3 N oi s e o p e r a ti o n al c o n t r ol s. 

2 2 7. 1 1 5 H e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s. 

2 2 7. 1 1 7 H e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r a t t e n u a ti o n. 

2 2 7. 1 1 9 T r ai ni n g p r o g r a m. 

2 2 7. 1 2 1 R e c o r d k e e pi n g. 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 2 7 — N OI S E X P O S U R E

O M P U T A TI O N

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 2 7 — M E T H O D S F O R S TI

M A TI N G T H E D E Q U A C Y O F E A RI N G R O

T E C T O R T T E N U A TI O N

P P E N DI X C T O A R T 2 2 7 — A U DI O M E T RI C A S E

LI N E E VI SI O N

P P E N DI X D T O A R T 2 2 7 — A U DI O M E T RI C E S T

O O M S

P P E N DI X E T O A R T 2 2 7 — U S E O F N S E R T

A R P H O N E S F O R U DI O M E T RI C E S TI N G

P P E N DI X F T O A R T 2 2 7 — C A L C U L A TI O N S A N D

P P LI C A TI O N O F G E O R R E C TI O N S T O

U DI O G R A M S

P P E N DI X G T O A R T 2 2 7 — S C H E D U L E O F I VI L

E N A L TI E S

U T H O RI T Y : 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 3, 2 0 1 0 3 ( n o t e), 

2 0 7 0 1 – 2 0 7 0 2; 4 9 C F R 1. 4 9. 

O U R C E : 7 1 F R 6 3 1 2 3, O c t. 2 7, 2 0 0 6, u nl e s s 

o t h e r wi s e n o t e d. 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

§ 2 2 7. 1 P u r p o s e a n d s c o p e. 

( a) T h e p u r p o s e of t hi s p a r t i s t o p r ot e c t t h e o c c u p a ti o n al h e al t h a n d s af e t y 

of e m pl o y e e s w h o s e p r e d o mi n a n t n oi s e 

e x p o s u r e o c c u r s i n t h e l o c o m o ti v e c a b. 

( b) T hi s p a r t p r e s c ri b e s mi ni m u m 

F e d e r al h e al t h a n d s af e t y n oi s e s t a n da r d s f o r l o c o m o ti v e c a b o c c u p a n t s. 

T hi s p a r t d o e s n o t r e s t ri c t a r ail r o a d o r 

r ail r o a d c o n t r a c t o r f r o m a d o p ti n g a n d 

e nf o r ci n g a d di ti o n al o r m o r e s t ri n g e n t 

r e q ui r e m e n t s. 

§ 2 2 7. 3 A p pli c ati o n. 

( a) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( b) of t hi s s e c ti o n, t hi s p a r t a p pli e s t o 

all r ail r o a d s a n d c o n t r a c t o r s t o r ailr o a d s. 

( b) T hi s p a r t d o e s n o t a p pl y t o — 

( 1) A r ail r o a d t h a t o p e r a t e s o nl y o n 

t r a c k i n si d e a n i n s t all a ti o n t h a t i s n o t 

p a r t of t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of 

t r a n s p o r t a ti o n; 

( 2) A r a pi d t r a n si t o p e r a ti o n i n a n 

u r b a n a r e a t h a t i s n o t c o n n e c t e d t o t h e 

g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of t r a n s p o rt a ti o n; 

( 3) A r a pi d t r a n si t o p e r a ti o n i n a n 

u r b a n a r e a t h a t i s c o n n e c t e d t o t h e 

g e n e r al s y s t e m a n d o p e r a t e s u n d e r a 

s h a r e d u s e w ai v e r; 

( 4) A r ail r o a d t h a t o p e r a t e s t o u ri s t, 

s c e ni c, hi s t o ri c, o r e x c u r si o n o p e ra ti o n s, w h e t h e r o n o r off t h e g e n e r al 

r ail r o a d s y s t e m of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n; o r 

( 5) F o r ei g n r ail r o a d o p e r a ti o n s t h a t 

m e e t t h e f oll o wi n g c o n di ti o n s: E m pl o ye e s of t h e f o r ei g n r ail r o a d h a v e a p rim a r y r e p o r ti n g p oi n t o u t si d e of t h e 

U. S. b u t a r e o p e r a ti n g t r ai n s o r c o nd u c ti n g s wi t c hi n g o p e r a ti o n s i n t h e 

U. S.; a n d t h e g o v e r n m e n t of t h a t f o rei g n r ail r o a d h a s i m pl e m e n t e d r e q ui r em e n t s f o r h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n f o r 

r ail r o a d e m pl o y e e s; t h e f o r ei g n r ailr o a d u n d e r t a k e s t o c o m pl y wi t h t h o s e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s w hil e o p e r a ti n g wi t hi n 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 9 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 2 9
3 8 6 

§ 2 2 7. 5 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

t h e U. S.; a n d F R A’ s A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r f o r S af e t y d e t e r mi n e s t h a t t h e 

f o r ei g n r e q ui r e m e n t s a r e c o n si s t e n t 

wi t h t h e p u r p o s e a n d s c o p e of t hi s p a r t. 

A ‘‘f o r ei g n r ail r o a d’’ r ef e r s t o a r ailr o a d t h a t i s i n c o r p o r a t e d i n a pl a c e 

o u t si d e t h e U. S. a n d i s o p e r a t e d o u t of 

a f o r ei g n c o u n t r y b u t o p e r a t e s f o r s o m e 

di s t a n c e i n t h e U. S. 

§ 2 2 7. 5 D efi niti o n s. 

A s u s e d i n t hi s p a r t — 

A cti o n l e v el m e a n s a n ei g h t- h o u r 

ti m e- w ei g h t e d- a v e r a g e s o u n d l e v el 

( T W A) of 8 5 d B( A), o r, e q ui v al e n tl y, a 

d o s e of 5 0 p e r c e n t, i n t e g r a ti n g all 

s o u n d l e v el s f r o m 8 0 d B( A) t o 1 4 0 d B( A). 

A d mi nistr at or m e a n s t h e A d mi ni st r a t o r of t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n o r t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r’ s d el eg a t e. 

Artif a ct m e a n s a n y si g n al r e c ei v e d o r 

r e c o r d e d b y a n oi s e m e a s u ri n g i n s t r um e n t t h a t i s n o t r el a t e d t o o c c u p ati o n al n oi s e e x p o s u r e a n d m a y a dv e r s el y i m p a c t t h e a c c u r a c y of t h e o cc u p a ti o n al n oi s e m e a s u r e m e n t. 

A u di o gr a m m e a n s a r e c o r d of 

a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g, s h o wi n g t h e 

t h r e s h ol d s of h e a ri n g s e n si ti vi t y m e a su r e d a t di s c r e t e f r e q u e n ci e s, a s w ell a s 

o t h e r r e c o r d k e e pi n g i nf o r m a ti o n. 

A u di ol o gist m e a n s a p r of e s si o n al, w h o 

p r o vi d e s c o m p r e h e n si v e di a g n o s ti c a n d 

t r e a t m e n t/ r e h a bili t a ti v e s e r vi c e s f o r 

a u di t o r y, v e s ti b ul a r, a n d r el a t e d i mp ai r m e n t s a n d w h o 

( 1) H a s a M a s t e r’ s d e g r e e o r d o c t o r al 

d e g r e e i n a u di ol o g y a n d 

( 2) I s li c e n s e d a s a n a u di ol o gi s t b y a 

S t a t e; o r i n t h e c a s e of a n i n di vi d u al 

w h o f u r ni s h e s s e r vi c e s i n a S t a t e w hi c h 

d o e s n o t li c e n s e a u di ol o gi s t s, h a s s u cc e s sf ull y c o m pl e t e d 3 5 0 cl o c k h o u r s of 

s u p e r vi s e d cli ni c al p r a c ti c u m ( o r i s i n 

t h e p r o c e s s of a c c u m ul a ti n g s u c h s up e r vi s e d cli ni c al e x p e ri e n c e), p e rf o r m e d n o t l e s s t h a n 9 m o n t h s of s u p e rvi s e d f ull- ti m e a u di ol o g y s e r vi c e s af t e r 

o b t ai ni n g a m a s t e r’ s o r d o c t o r al d e g r e e 

i n a u di ol o g y o r a r el a t e d fi el d, a n d s u cc e s sf ull y c o m pl e t e d a n a ti o n al e x a mi n a ti o n i n a u di ol o g y a p p r o v e d b y t h e 

S e c r e t a r y of t h e U. S. D e p a r t m e n t of 

H e al t h a n d H u m a n S e r vi c e s. 

A u di o m etr y m e a n s t h e a c t o r p r o c e s s 

of m e a s u ri n g h e a ri n g s e n si ti vi t y a t di sc r e t e f r e q u e n ci e s. A u di o m e t r y c a n al s o 

b e r ef e r r e d t o a s a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g. 

B as eli n e a u di o gr a m m e a n s a n a u di og r a m, r e c o r d e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 9, a g ai n s t w hi c h s u b s e q u e n t 

a u di o g r a m s a r e c o m p a r e d t o d e t e r mi n e 

t h e e x t e n t of c h a n g e of h e a ri n g l e v el. 

Cl ass I, Cl ass II, a n d Cl ass III r ailr o a ds 

h a v e t h e m e a ni n g a s si g n e d b y t h e r e g ul a ti o n s of t h e S u rf a c e T r a n s p o r t a ti o n 

B o a r d ( 4 9 C F R p a r t 1 2 0; G e n e r al I ns t r u c ti o n s 1 – 1). 

C o nti n u o us n ois e m e a n s v a ri a ti o n s i n 

s o u n d l e v el t h a t i n v ol v e m a xi m a a t i nt e r v al s of 1 s e c o n d o r l e s s. 

D e ci b el ( d B) m e a n s a u ni t of m e a s u r em e n t of s o u n d p r e s s u r e l e v el s. 

d B( A) m e a n s t h e s o u n d p r e s s u r e l e v el 

i n d e ci b el s m e a s u r e d o n t h e A- w ei g h t e d 

s c al e. 

E m pl o y e e m e a n s a n y i n di vi d u al w h o 

i s e n g a g e d o r c o m p e n s a t e d b y a r ailr o a d o r b y a c o n t r a c t o r t o a r ail r o a d t o 

p e rf o r m a n y of t h e d u ti e s d efi n e d i n 

t hi s p a r t. 

E x c h a n g e r at e m e a n s t h e c h a n g e i n 

s o u n d l e v el, i n d e ci b el s, w hi c h w o ul d 

r e q ui r e h al vi n g o r d o u bli n g of t h e all o w a bl e e x p o s u r e ti m e t o m ai n t ai n t h e 

s a m e n oi s e d o s e. F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s 

p a r t, t h e e x c h a n g e r a t e i s 5 d e ci b el s. 

F R A m e a n s t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d A dmi ni s t r a ti o n. 

H e ari n g pr ot e ct or m e a n s a n y d e vi c e o r 

m a t e ri al, w hi c h i s c a p a bl e of b ei n g 

w o r n o n t h e h e a d, c o v e ri n g t h e e a r 

c a n al o r i n s e r t e d i n t h e e a r c a n al; i s 

d e si g n e d w h oll y o r i n p a r t t o r e d u c e 

t h e l e v el of s o u n d e n t e ri n g t h e e a r; a n d 

h a s a s ci e n tifi c all y a c c e p t e d i n di c a t o r 

of i t s n oi s e r e d u c ti o n v al u e. 

H ert z ( H z) m e a n s a u ni t of m e a s u r em e n t of f r e q u e n c y n u m e ri c all y e q u al 

t o c y cl e s p e r s e c o n d. 

M e di c al p at h ol o g y m e a n s a c o n di ti o n 

o r di s e a s e aff e c ti n g t h e e a r w hi c h i s 

m e di c all y o r s u r gi c all y t r e a t a bl e. 

N ois e o p er ati o n al c o ntr ols m e a n s a 

m e t h o d u s e d t o r e d u c e n oi s e e x p o s u r e, 

o t h e r t h a n h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s o r e q ui pm e n t m o difi c a ti o n s, b y r e d u ci n g t h e 

ti m e a p e r s o n i s e x p o s e d t o e x c e s si v e 

n oi s e. 

O c c asi o n al s er vi c e m e a n s s e r vi c e of 

n o t m o r e t h a n a t o t al of 2 0 d a y s i n a 

c al e n d a r y e a r. 

Ot ol ar y n g ol o gist m e a n s a p h y si ci a n 

s p e ci ali zi n g i n di a g n o si s a n d t r e a t m e n t 

of di s o r d e r s of t h e e a r, n o s e, a n d 

t h r o a t. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 9 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 0
3 8 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 7. 5 

P eri o di c a u di o gr a m i s a r e c o r d of f oll o w- u p a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g c o n d u c t e d 

a t r e g ul a r i n t e r v al s af t e r t h e b a s eli n e 

a u di o m e t ri c t e s t. 

P ers o n m e a n s a n e n ti t y of a n y t y p e 

c o v e r e d u n d e r 1 U. S. C. 1, i n cl u di n g b u t 

n o t li mi t e d t o t h e f oll o wi n g: a r ail r o a d; 

a m a n a g e r, s u p e r vi s o r, offi ci al, o r 

o t h e r e m pl o y e e o r a g e n t of a r ail r o a d; 

a n o w n e r, m a n uf a c t u r e r, l e s s o r, o r l e ss e e of r ail r o a d e q ui p m e n t, t r a c k, o r f acili ti e s; a n i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r p r ovi di n g g o o d s o r s e r vi c e s t o a r ail r o a d; 

a n d a n y e m pl o y e e of s u c h o w n e r, m a nuf a c t u r e r, l e s s o r, l e s s e e, o r i n d e p e n d e n t 

c o n t r a c t o r. 

Pr of essi o n al S u p er vis or of t h e 

A u di o m etri c M o nit ori n g Pr o gr a m i n a 

h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n p r o g r a m m e a n s 

a n a u di ol o gi s t, o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, o r a 

p h y si ci a n wi t h e x p e ri e n c e a n d e x p e rti s e i n h e a ri n g a n d h e a ri n g l o s s. 

Q u alifi e d T e c h ni ci a n i s a p e r s o n w h o 

i s c e r tifi e d b y t h e C o u n cil f o r A c c r e dit a ti o n i n O c c u p a ti o n al H e a ri n g C o ns e r v a ti o n o r e q ui v al e n t o r g a ni z a ti o n; 

o r w h o h a s s a ti sf a c t o ril y d e m o n s t r a t e d 

c o m p e t e n c e i n a d mi ni s t e ri n g 

a u di o m e t ri c e x a mi n a ti o n s, o b t ai ni n g 

v ali d a u di o g r a m s, a n d p r o p e rl y u si n g, 

m ai n t ai ni n g, a n d c h e c ki n g c ali b r a ti o n 

a n d p r o p e r f u n c ti o ni n g of t h e a u di o me t e r s u s e d; a n d i s r e s p o n si bl e t o t h e 

P r of e s si o n al S u p e r vi s o r of t h e 

A u di o m e t ri c T e s ti n g P r o g r a m. 

R ailr o a d m e a n s a n y f o r m of n o n- hi g hw a y g r o u n d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n t h a t r u n s 

o n r ail s o r el e c t r o m a g n e ti c g ui d e- w a y s 

a n d a n y e n ti t y p r o vi di n g s u c h t r a n sp o r t a ti o n, i n cl u di n g: 

( 1) C o m m u t e r o r o t h e r s h o r t- h a ul 

r ail r o a d p a s s e n g e r s e r vi c e i n a m e t r op oli t a n o r s u b u r b a n a r e a a n d c o mm u t e r r ail r o a d s e r vi c e t h a t w a s o p e ra t e d b y t h e C o n s oli d a t e d R ail C o r p o r ati o n o n J a n u a r y 1, 1 9 7 9; a n d 

( 2) Hi g h s p e e d g r o u n d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n 

s y s t e m s t h a t c o n n e c t m e t r o p oli t a n 

a r e a s, wi t h o u t r e g a r d t o w h e t h e r t h o s e 

s y s t e m s u s e n e w t e c h n ol o gi e s n o t a s s oci a t e d wi t h t r a di ti o n al r ail r o a d s. T h e 

t e r m ‘‘ r ail r o a d’’ i s al s o i n t e n d e d t o 

m e a n a p e r s o n t h a t p r o vi d e s t r a n s p o rt a ti o n b y r ail r o a d, w h e t h e r di r e c tl y o r 

b y c o n t r a c ti n g o u t o p e r a ti o n of t h e 

r ail r o a d t o a n o t h e r p e r s o n. T h e t e r m 

d o e s n o t i n cl u d e r a pi d t r a n si t o p e ra ti o n s i n a n u r b a n a r e a t h a t a r e n o t 

c o n n e c t e d t o t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y st e m of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n. 

R e pr es e nt ati v e p ers o n al s a m pli n g 

m e a n s m e a s u r e m e n t of a n e m pl o y e e’ s 

n oi s e e x p o s u r e t h a t i s r e p r e s e n t a ti v e of 

t h e e x p o s u r e s of o t h e r e m pl o y e e s w h o 

o p e r a t e si mil a r e q ui p m e n t u n d e r si mil a r c o n di ti o n s. 

S o u n d l e v el or S o u n d pr ess ur e l e v el 

m e a n s t e n ti m e s t h e c o m m o n l o g ari t h m of t h e r a ti o of t h e s q u a r e of t h e 

m e a s u r e d A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d p r e s s u r e t o 

t h e s q u a r e of t h e s t a n d a r d r ef e r e n c e 

p r e s s u r e of t w e n t y mi c r o p a s c al s, m e a su r e d i n d e ci b el s. F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s 

r e g ul a ti o n, S L O W ti m e r e s p o n s e, i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h A N SI S 1. 4 3 – 1 9 9 7 ( R eaffi r m e d 2 0 0 2), ‘‘ S p e cifi c a ti o n s f o r I n t eg r a ti n g- A v e r a gi n g S o u n d L e v el M et e r s,’’ i s r e q ui r e d. T h e Di r e c t o r of t h e 

F e d e r al R e gi s t e r a p p r o v e s t hi s i n c o r p or a ti o n b y r ef e r e n c e of t hi s s t a n d a r d i n 

t hi s s e c ti o n i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 5 U. S. C. 

5 5 2( a) a n d 1 C F R p a r t 5 1. Y o u m a y o bt ai n a c o p y of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n da r d f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n da r d s I n s ti t u t e a t 1 8 1 9 L S t r e e t, N W., 

W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 0 3 6 o r htt p:// 

w w w. a nsi. or g . Y o u m a y i n s p e c t a c o p y 

of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n d a r d a t t h e 

F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n, 

D o c k e t R o o m, 1 1 2 0 V e r m o n t A v e., N W., 

S ui t e 7 0 0, W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 0 0 5, o r a t 

t h e N a ti o n al A r c hi v e s a n d R e c o r d s A dmi ni s t r a ti o n ( N A R A). F o r i nf o r m a ti o n 

o n t h e a v ail a bili t y of t hi s m a t e ri al a t 

N A R A, c all 2 0 2 – 7 4 1 – 6 0 3 0, o r g o t o htt p:// 

w w w. ar c hi v es. g o v/f e d er al l r e gist er/ 

c o d e l of l f e d er all r e g ul ati o ns/ 

i brl l o c ati o ns. ht ml. 

St a n d ar d t hr es h ol d s hift ( S T S) m e a n s a 

c h a n g e i n h e a ri n g s e n si ti vi t y f o r t h e 

w o r s e, r el a ti v e t o t h e b a s eli n e a u di og r a m, o r r el a ti v e t o t h e m o s t r e c e n t r evi s e d b a s eli n e ( w h e r e o n e h a s b e e n e st a bli s h e d), of a n a v e r a g e of 1 0 d B o r 

m o r e a t 2 0 0 0, 3 0 0 0, a n d 4 0 0 0 H z i n ei t h e r 

e a r. 

Ti m e- w ei g ht e d- a v er a g e ei g ht- h o ur ( or 8- 

h o ur T W A) m e a n s t h e s o u n d l e v el, 

w hi c h, if c o n s t a n t o v e r 8 h o u r s, w o ul d 

r e s ul t i n t h e s a m e n oi s e d o s e a s i s 

m e a s u r e d. F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, 

t h e e x c h a n g e r a t e i s 5 d e ci b el s. 

T o urist, s c e ni c, hist ori c, or e x c ursi o n 

o p er ati o ns m e a n s r ail r o a d o p e r a ti o n s 

t h a t c a r r y p a s s e n g e r s, of t e n u si n g a n tiq u a t e d e q ui p m e n t, wi t h t h e c o n v e ya n c e of t h e p a s s e n g e r s t o a p a r ti c ul a r 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 9 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 1
3 8 8 

§ 2 2 7. 7 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

d e s ti n a ti o n n o t b ei n g t h e p ri n ci p al p u rp o s e. 

§ 2 2 7. 7 P r e e m pti v e eff e ct. 

U n d e r 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 6, i s s u a n c e of 

t h e s e r e g ul a ti o n s p r e e m p t s a n y S t a t e 

l a w, r e g ul a ti o n, o r o r d e r c o v e ri n g t h e 

s a m e s u bj e c t m a t t e r, e x c e p t a n a d diti o n al o r m o r e s t ri n g e n t l a w, r e g ul ati o n, o r o r d e r t h a t i s n e c e s s a r y t o 

eli mi n a t e o r r e d u c e a n e s s e n ti all y l o c al 

s af e t y h a z a r d; i s n o t i n c o m p a ti bl e wi t h 

a l a w, r e g ul a ti o n, o r o r d e r of t h e 

U ni t e d S t a t e s G o v e r n m e n t; a n d d o e s 

n o t i m p o s e a n u n r e a s o n a bl e b u r d e n o n 

i n t e r s t a t e c o m m e r c e. 

§ 2 2 7. 9 P e n alti e s. 

( a) A n y p e r s o n w h o vi ol a t e s a n y r eq ui r e m e n t of t hi s p a r t o r c a u s e s t h e 

vi ol a ti o n of a n y s u c h r e q ui r e m e n t i s 

s u bj e c t t o a ci vil p e n al t y of a t l e a s t 

$ 5 5 0 a n d n o t m o r e t h a n $ 1 1, 0 0 0 p e r vi ol a ti o n, e x c e p t t h a t: p e n al ti e s m a y b e 

a s s e s s e d a g ai n s t i n di vi d u al s o nl y f o r 

willf ul vi ol a ti o n s, a n d, w h e r e a g r o s sl y 

n e gli g e n t vi ol a ti o n o r a p a t t e r n of r ep e a t e d vi ol a ti o n s h a s c r e a t e d a n i m min e n t h a z a r d of d e a t h o r i nj u r y t o p e rs o n s, o r h a s c a u s e d d e a t h o r i nj u r y, a 

p e n al t y n o t t o e x c e e d $ 2 7, 0 0 0 p e r vi ol ati o n m a y b e a s s e s s e d. E a c h d a y a vi ol ati o n c o n ti n u e s s h all c o n s ti t u t e a s e p ar a t e off e n s e. S e e a p p e n di x H t o t hi s 

p a r t f o r a s t a t e m e n t of a g e n c y ci vil 

p e n al t y p oli c y. 

( b) A n y p e r s o n w h o k n o wi n gl y a n d 

willf ull y f al sifi e s a r e c o r d o r r e p o r t r eq ui r e d b y t hi s p a r t m a y b e s u bj e c t t o 

c ri mi n al p e n al ti e s u n d e r 4 9 U. S. C. 

2 1 3 1 1. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 1 R e s p o n si bilit y f o r c o m pli a n c e. 

Al t h o u g h t h e d u ti e s i m p o s e d b y t hi s 

p a r t a r e g e n e r all y s t a t e d i n t e r m s of 

t h e d u t y of a r ail r o a d, a n y p e r s o n, i ncl u di n g a c o n t r a c t o r f o r a r ail r o a d, w h o 

p e rf o r m s a n y f u n c ti o n c o v e r e d b y t hi s 

p a r t m u s t p e rf o r m t h a t f u n c ti o n i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t hi s p a r t. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 3 W ai v e r s. 

( a) A p e r s o n s u bj e c t t o a r e q ui r e m e n t 

of t hi s p a r t m a y p e ti ti o n t h e A d mi ni st r a t o r f o r a w ai v e r of c o m pli a n c e wi t h 

s u c h r e q ui r e m e n t. T h e fili n g of s u c h a 

p e ti ti o n d o e s n o t aff e c t t h a t p e r s o n’ s 

r e s p o n si bili t y f o r c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h a t 

r e q ui r e m e n t w hil e t h e p e ti ti o n i s b ei n g 

c o n si d e r e d. 

( b) E a c h p e ti ti o n f o r w ai v e r u n d e r 

t hi s s e c ti o n m u s t b e fil e d i n t h e m a nn e r a n d c o n t ai n t h e i nf o r m a ti o n r eq ui r e d b y p a r t 2 1 1 of t hi s c h a p t e r. 

( c) If t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r fi n d s t h a t a 

w ai v e r of c o m pli a n c e i s i n t h e p u bli c 

i n t e r e s t a n d i s c o n si s t e n t wi t h r ail r o a d 

s af e t y, t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r m a y g r a n t 

t h e w ai v e r s u bj e c t t o a n y c o n di ti o n s 

t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r d e e m s n e c e s s a r y. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 5 I nf o r m ati o n c oll e cti o n. 

( a) T h e i nf o r m a ti o n c oll e c ti o n r eq ui r e m e n t s of t hi s p a r t w e r e r e vi e w e d 

b y t h e Offi c e of M a n a g e m e n t a n d B u d ge t p u r s u a n t t o t h e P a p e r w o r k R e d u cti o n A c t of 1 9 8 0 ( 4 4 U. S. C. 3 5 0 1 e t s e q.) 

a n d a r e a s si g n e d O M B c o n t r ol n u m b e r 

2 1 3 0 – N E W. 

( b) T h e i nf o r m a ti o n c oll e c ti o n r eq ui r e m e n t s a r e f o u n d i n t h e f oll o wi n g 

s e c ti o n s: §§ 2 2 7. 1 3, 2 2 7. 1 0 3, 2 2 7. 1 0 7, 

2 2 7. 1 0 9, 2 2 7. 1 1 1, 2 2 7. 1 1 7, 2 2 7. 1 1 9, a n d 

2 2 7. 1 2 1. 

S u b p art B — O c c u p ati o n al N ois e 

E x p os ur e f or R ailr o a d O p erati n g E m pl o y e es. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 1 S c o p e a n d a p pli c a bilit y. 

( a) T hi s s u b p a r t s h all a p pl y t o t h e 

n oi s e- r el a t e d w o r ki n g c o n di ti o n s of — 

( 1) A n y p e r s o n w h o r e g ul a rl y p e rf o r m s s e r vi c e s u bj e c t t o t h e p r o vi si o n s 

of t h e h o u r s of s e r vi c e l a w s g o v e r ni n g 

‘‘ t r ai n e m pl o y e e s’’ ( s e e 4 9 U. S. C. 

2 1 1 0 1( 5) a n d 2 1 1 0 3), b u t, s u bj e c t t o a 

r ail r o a d’ s el e c ti o n i n p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 3) 

of t hi s s e c ti o n, d o e s n o t a p pl y t o: 

(i) E m pl o y e e s w h o m o v e l o c o m o ti v e s 

o nl y wi t hi n t h e c o nfi n e s of l o c o m o ti v e 

r e p ai r o r s e r vi ci n g a r e a s, a s p r o vi d e d i n 

§§ 2 1 8. 5 a n d 2 1 8. 2 9( a) of t hi s c h a p t e r, o r 

(ii) E m pl o y e e s w h o m o v e a l o c om o ti v e o r g r o u p of l o c o m o ti v e s f o r di st a n c e s of l e s s t h a n 1 0 0 f e e t a n d t hi s i nci d e n t al m o v e m e n t of a l o c o m o ti v e o r 

l o c o m o ti v e s i s f o r i n s p e c ti o n o r m ai nt e n a n c e p u r p o s e s, o r 

(iii) C o n t r a c t o r s w h o o p e r a t e hi s t o ri c 

e q ui p m e n t i n o c c a si o n al s e r vi c e, p r ovi d e d t h a t t h e c o n t r a c t o r s h a v e b e e n 

p r o vi d e d wi t h h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s a n d, 

w h e r e n e c e s s a r y, a r e r e q ui r e d t o u s e 

t h e h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s w hil e o p e r a ti n g 

t h e hi s t o ri c e q ui p m e n t; 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 9 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 2
3 8 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 7. 1 0 3 

( 2) A n y di r e c t s u p e r vi s o r of t h e p e rs o n s d e s c ri b e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 1) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n w h o s e d u ti e s r e q ui r e f r eq u e n t w o r k i n t h e l o c o m o ti v e c a b; a n d 

( 3) A t t h e el e c ti o n of t h e r ail r o a d, 

a n y o t h e r p e r s o n (i n cl u di n g a p e r s o n 

e x cl u d e d b y p a r a g r a p h ( a)( 1) of t hi s 

s e c ti o n) w h o s e d u ti e s r e q ui r e f r e q u e n t 

w o r k i n t h e l o c o m o ti v e c a b a n d w h o s e 

p ri m a r y n oi s e e x p o s u r e i s r e a s o n a bl y 

e x p e c t e d t o b e e x p e ri e n c e d i n t h e c a b, 

if t h e p o si ti o n o c c u pi e d b y s u c h p e r s o n 

i s d e si g n a t e d i n w ri ti n g b y t h e r ailr o a d, a s r e q ui r e d b y § 2 2 7. 1 2 1( d). 

( b) O c c u p a ti o n al n oi s e e x p o s u r e a n d 

h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n f o r e m pl o y e e s n o t 

c o v e r e d b y t hi s s u b p a r t i s g o v e r n e d b y 

t h e a p p r o p ri a t e o c c u p a ti o n al n oi s e e xp o s u r e r e g ul a ti o n of t h e U. S. D e p a r tm e n t of L a b o r, O c c u p a ti o n al S af e t y 

a n d H e al t h A d mi ni s t r a ti o n l o c a t e d a t 

2 9 C F R 1 9 1 0. 9 5. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 3 N oi s e m o nit o ri n g p r o g r a m. 

( a) S c h e d ul e. A r ail r o a d s h all d e v el o p 

a n d i m pl e m e n t a n oi s e m o ni t o ri n g p r og r a m t o d e t e r mi n e w h e t h e r a n y e mpl o y e e c o v e r e d b y t h e s c o p e of t hi s s u bp a r t m a y b e e x p o s e d t o n oi s e t h a t m a y 

e q u al o r e x c e e d a n 8- h o u r T W A of 8 5 

d B( A), i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e f oll o wi n g 

s c h e d ul e: 

( 1) Cl a s s 1, p a s s e n g e r, a n d c o m m u t e r 

r ail r o a d s n o l a t e r t h a n F e b r u a r y 2 6, 

2 0 0 8. 

( 2) R ail r o a d s wi t h 4 0 0, 0 0 0 o r m o r e a nn u al e m pl o y e e h o u r s t h a t a r e n o t Cl a s s 

1, p a s s e n g e r, o r c o m m u t e r r ail r o a d s n o 

l a t e r t h a n A u g u s t 2 6, 2 0 0 8. 

( 3) R ail r o a d s wi t h f e w e r t h a n 4 0 0, 0 0 0 

a n n u al e m pl o y e e h o u r s n o l a t e r t h a n 

A u g u s t 2 6, 2 0 0 9. 

( b) S a m pli n g str at e g y. 

( 1) I n i t s m o ni t o ri n g p r o g r a m, t h e 

r ail r o a d s h all u s e a s a m pli n g s t r a t e g y 

t h a t i s d e si g n e d t o i d e n tif y e m pl o y e e s 

f o r i n cl u si o n i n t h e h e a ri n g c o n s e r v ati o n p r o g r a m a n d t o e n a bl e t h e p r o p e r 

s el e c ti o n of h e a ri n g p r o t e c ti o n. 

( 2) W h e r e ci r c u m s t a n c e s s u c h a s hi g h 

w o r k e r m o bili t y, si g nifi c a n t v a ri a ti o n s 

i n s o u n d l e v el, o r a si g nifi c a n t c o m p on e n t of i m p ul s e n oi s e m a k e a r e a m o nit o ri n g g e n e r all y i n a p p r o p ri a t e, t h e 

r ail r o a d s h all u s e r e p r e s e n t a ti v e p e rs o n al s a m pli n g t o c o m pl y wi t h t h e 

m o ni t o ri n g r e q ui r e m e n t s of t hi s s e cti o n, u nl e s s t h e r ail r o a d c a n s h o w t h a t 

a r e a s a m pli n g p r o d u c e s e q ui v al e n t r es ul t s. 

( c) N ois e m e as ur e m e nts. 

( 1) All c o n ti n u o u s, i n t e r mi t t e n t, a n d 

i m p ul s e s o u n d l e v el s f r o m 8 0 d e ci b el s 

t o 1 4 0 d e ci b el s s h all b e i n t e g r a t e d i n t o 

t h e n oi s e m e a s u r e m e n t s. 

( 2) N oi s e m e a s u r e m e n t s s h all b e 

m a d e u n d e r t y pi c al o p e r a ti n g c o n diti o n s u si n g: 

(i) A s o u n d l e v el m e t e r c o nf o r mi n g, 

a t a mi ni m u m, t o t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of 

A N SI S 1. 4 – 1 9 8 3 ( R e affi r m e d 2 0 0 1) (i n c o rp o r a t e d b y r ef e r e n c e, s e e § 2 2 7. 1 0 3( h)), 

T y p e 2, a n d s e t t o a n A- w ei g h t e d S L O W 

r e s p o n s e; 

(ii) A n i n t e g r a t e d s o u n d l e v el m e t e r 

c o nf o r mi n g, a t a mi ni m u m, t o t h e r eq ui r e m e n t s of A N SI S 1. 4 3 – 1 9 9 7 ( R eaffi r m e d 2 0 0 2) (i n c o r p o r a t e d b y r efe r e n c e, s e e § 2 2 7. 1 0 3( h)), T y p e 2, a n d s e t 

t o a n A- w ei g h t e d sl o w r e s p o n s e ; o r 

(iii) A n oi s e d o si m e t e r c o nf o r mi n g, a t 

a mi ni m u m, t o t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of 

A N SI S 1. 2 5 – 1 9 9 1 ( R e affi r m e d 2 0 0 2) (i nc o r p o r a t e d b y r ef e r e n c e, s e e § 2 2 7. 1 0 3( h)) 

a n d s e t t o a n A- w ei g h t e d S L O W r es p o n s e. 

( 3) All i n s t r u m e n t s u s e d t o m e a s u r e 

e m pl o y e e n oi s e e x p o s u r e s h all b e c alib r a t e d t o e n s u r e a c c u r a t e m e a s u r em e n t s. 

( d) T h e r ail r o a d s h all r e p e a t n oi s e 

m o ni t o ri n g, c o n si s t e n t wi t h t h e r eq ui r e m e n t s of t hi s s e c ti o n, w h e n e v e r a 

c h a n g e i n o p e r a ti o n s, p r o c e s s, e q ui pm e n t, o r c o n t r ol s i n c r e a s e s n oi s e e x p os u r e s t o t h e e x t e n t t h a t: 

( 1) A d di ti o n al e m pl o y e e s m a y b e e xp o s e d a t o r a b o v e t h e a c ti o n l e v el; o r 

( 2) T h e a t t e n u a ti o n p r o vi d e d b y h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s b ei n g u s e d b y e m pl o y e e s 

m a y b e i n a d e q u a t e t o m e e t t h e r e q ui r em e n t s of § 2 2 7. 1 0 3. 

( e) I n a d mi ni s t e ri n g t h e m o ni t o ri n g 

p r o g r a m, t h e r ail r o a d s h all t a k e i n t o 

c o n si d e r a ti o n t h e i d e n tifi c a ti o n of 

w o r k e n vi r o n m e n t s w h e r e t h e u s e of 

h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s m a y b e o mi t t e d. 

(f) O bs er v ati o n of m o nit ori n g. T h e r ailr o a d s h all p r o vi d e aff e c t e d e m pl o y e e s 

o r t h ei r r e p r e s e n t a ti v e s wi t h a n o p p o rt u ni t y t o o b s e r v e a n y n oi s e d o s e m e a su r e m e n t s c o n d u c t e d p u r s u a n t t o t hi s 

s e c ti o n. 

( g) R e p orti n g of m o nit ori n g r es ults. 

( 1) T h e r ail r o a d s h all n o tif y e a c h 

m o ni t o r e d e m pl o y e e of t h e r e s ul t s of 

t h e m o ni t o ri n g. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 3 9 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 3
3 9 0 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 5 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

( 2) T h e r ail r o a d s h all p o s t t h e m o nit o ri n g r e s ul t s a t t h e a p p r o p ri a t e c r e w 

o ri gi n a ti o n p oi n t f o r a mi ni m u m of 3 0 

d a y s. T h e p o s ti n g s h o ul d i n cl u d e s uffici e n t i nf o r m a ti o n t o p e r mi t o t h e r 

c r e w s t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e m e a ni n g of t h e 

r e s ul t s i n t h e c o n t e x t of t h e o p e r a ti o n s 

m o ni t o r e d. 

( h) I n c or p or ati o n b y r ef er e n c e. T h e m at e ri al s li s t e d i n t hi s s e c ti o n a r e i n c o rp o r a t e d b y r ef e r e n c e i n t h e c o rr e s p o n di n g s e c ti o n s n o t e d. T h e s e 

i n c o r p o r a ti o n s b y r ef e r e n c e w e r e a pp r o v e d b y t h e Di r e c t o r of t h e F e d e r al 

R e gi s t e r i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 5 U. S. C. 

5 5 2( a) a n d 1 C F R p a r t 5 1. Y o u m a y o bt ai n a c o p y of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d m a t eri al s f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al 

S t a n d a r d s I n s ti t u t e a t 1 8 1 9 L S t r e e t, 

N W., W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 0 3 6 o r htt p:// 

w w w. a nsi. or g. Y o u m a y i n s p e c t a c o p y 

of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n d a r d s a t t h e 

F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n, 

D o c k e t R o o m, 1 1 2 0 V e r m o n t A v e., N W., 

S ui t e 7 0 0, W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 0 0 5, o r a t 

t h e N a ti o n al A r c hi v e s a n d R e c o r d s A dmi ni s t r a ti o n ( N A R A). F o r i nf o r m a ti o n 

o n t h e a v ail a bili t y of t hi s m a t e ri al a t 

N A R A, c all 2 0 2 – 7 4 1 – 6 0 3 0, o r g o t o htt p:// 

w w w. ar c hi v es. g o v/f e d er al l r e gist er/ 

c o d e l of l f e d er all r e g ul ati o ns/ 

i brl l o c ati o ns. ht ml. 

( 1) A N SI S 1. 4 – 1 9 8 3 ( R e affi r m e d 2 0 0 1), 

S p e cifi c a ti o n f o r S o u n d L e v el M e t e r s, 

i n c o r p o r a ti o n b y r ef e r e n c e (I B R) a pp r o v e d f o r § 2 2 7. 1 0 3( c)( 2)(i). 

( 2) A N SI S 1. 4 3 – 1 9 9 7 ( R e affi r m e d 2 0 0 2), 

S p e cifi c a ti o n s f o r I n t e g r a ti n g- A v e ra gi n g S o u n d L e v el M e t e r s, I B R a pp r o v e d f o r § 2 2 7. 1 0 3( c)( 2)(ii). 

( 3) A N SI S 1. 2 5 – 1 9 9 1 ( R e affi r m e d 2 0 0 2), 

S p e cifi c a ti o n f o r P e r s o n al N oi s e 

D o si m e t e r s, I B R a p p r o v e d f o r 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 3( c)( 2)(iii). 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 5 P r ot e cti o n of e m pl o y e e s. 

( a) A r ail r o a d s h all p r o vi d e a p p r op ri a t e p r o t e c ti o n f o r i t s e m pl o y e e s w h o 

a r e e x p o s e d t o n oi s e, a s m e a s u r e d a cc o r di n g t o § 2 2 7. 1 0 3, t h a t e x c e e d s t h e 

li mi t s s p e cifi e d i n a p p e n di x A of t hi s 

p a r t. 

( b) I n a s s e s si n g w h e t h e r e x p o s u r e s 

e x c e e d 1 1 5 d B( A), a s s e t f o r t h i n p a r ag r a p h ( a) of t hi s s e c ti o n a n d a p p e n di x 

A t o t hi s p a r t, t h e a p p a r e n t s o u r c e of 

t h e n oi s e e x p o s u r e s s h all b e o b s e r v e d 

a n d d o c u m e n t e d a n d m e a s u r e m e n t a rtif a c t s m a y b e r e m o v e d. 

( c) E x c e p t a s s e t f o r t h i n p a r a g r a p h 

( d) of t hi s s e c ti o n, e x p o s u r e t o c o n ti nu o u s n oi s e s h all n o t e x c e e d 1 1 5 d B( A). 

( d) E x p o s u r e s t o c o n ti n u o u s n oi s e 

g r e a t e r t h a n 1 1 5 d B( A) a n d e q u al t o o r 

l e s s t h a n 1 2 0 d B( A) a r e p e r mi s si bl e, 

p r o vi d e d t h a t t h e t o t al d ail y d u r a ti o n 

d o e s n o t e x c e e d 5 s e c o n d s. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 7 H e a ri n g c o n s e r v ati o n p r og r a m. 

( a) C o n si s t e n t wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s 

of t h e n oi s e m o ni t o ri n g p r o g r a m r eq ui r e d b y § 2 2 7. 1 0 3, t h e r ail r o a d s h all 

a d mi ni s t e r a c o n ti n ui n g, eff e c ti v e 

h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n p r o g r a m, a s s e t 

f o r t h i n §§ 2 2 7. 1 0 9 t h r o u g h 2 2 7. 1 2 1, f o r all 

e m pl o y e e s e x p o s e d t o n oi s e a t o r a b o v e 

t h e a c ti o n l e v el. 

( b) F o r p u r p o s e s of t h e h e a ri n g c o ns e r v a ti o n p r o g r a m, e m pl o y e e n oi s e e xp o s u r e s h all b e c o m p u t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h t h e t a bl e s i n a p p e n di x A of t hi s 

p a r t, a n d wi t h o u t r e g a r d t o a n y a t t e n ua ti o n p r o vi d e d b y t h e u s e of h e a ri n g 

p r o t e c t o r s. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 9 A u di o m et ri c t e sti n g p r o g r a m. 

( a) E a c h r ail r o a d s h all e s t a bli s h a n d 

m ai n t ai n a n a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g p r og r a m a s s e t f o r t h i n t hi s s e c ti o n a n d 

i n cl u d e e m pl o y e e s w h o a r e r e q ui r e d t o 

b e i n cl u d e d i n a h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n 

p r o g r a m p u r s u a n t t o § 2 2 7. 1 0 7. 

( b) C ost. T h e a u di o m e t ri c t e s t s s h all 

b e p r o vi d e d a t n o c o s t t o e m pl o y e e s. 

( c) T ests. A u di o m e t ri c t e s t s s h all b e 

p e rf o r m e d b y: 

( 1) A n a u di ol o gi s t, o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, 

o r o t h e r p h y si ci a n w h o h a s e x p e ri e n c e 

a n d e x p e r ti s e i n h e a ri n g a n d h e a ri n g 

l o s s; o r 

( 2) A q u alifi e d t e c h ni ci a n. 

( d) [ R e s e r v e d] 

( e) B as eli n e a u di o gr a m. T hi s p a r ag r a p h ( e) a p pli e s t o e m pl o y e e s w h o a r e 

r e q ui r e d b y § 2 2 7. 1 0 7 t o b e i n cl u d e d i n a 

h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n p r o g r a m. 

( 1) N e w e m pl o y e es. 

(i) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( e)( 1)(ii), f o r e m pl o y e e s hi r e d af t e r F e br u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 7, t h e r ail r o a d s h all e s t a bli s h a v ali d b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m wi t hi n 

6 m o n t h s of t h e n e w e m pl o y e e’ s fi r s t 

t o u r of d u t y. 

(ii) W h e r e m o bil e t e s t v a n s a r e u s e d 

t o m e e t t h e r e q ui r e m e n t i n p a r a g r a p h 

( e)( 1)(i), t h e r ail r o a d s h all e s t a bli s h a 

v ali d b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m wi t hi n o n e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 4
3 9 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 7. 1 0 9 

y e a r of t h e n e w e m pl o y e e’ s fi r s t t o u r of 

d u t y. 

( 2) E xisti n g e m pl o y e es. 

(i) F o r all e m pl o y e e s wi t h o u t a b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m a s of F e b r u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 7, 

Cl a s s 1, p a s s e n g e r, a n d c o m m u t e r r ailr o a d s, a n d r ail r o a d s wi t h 4 0 0, 0 0 0 o r 

m o r e a n n u al e m pl o y e e h o u r s s h all e st a bli s h a v ali d b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m b y 

F e b r u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 9; a n d r ail r o a d s wi t h 

l e s s t h a n 4 0 0, 0 0 0 a n n u al e m pl o y e e h o u r s 

s h all e s t a bli s h a v ali d b a s eli n e a u di og r a m b y F e b r u a r y 2 6, 2 0 1 0. 

(ii) If a n e m pl o y e e h a s h a d a b a s eli n e 

a u di o g r a m a s of F e b r u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 7, a n d 

i t w a s o b t ai n e d u n d e r c o n di ti o n s t h a t 

s a ti sf y t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s f o u n d i n 2 9 

C F R 1 9 1 0. 9 5( h), t h e r ail r o a d m u s t u s e 

t h a t b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m. 

(iii) If t h e e m pl o y e e h a s h a d a b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m a s of F e b r u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 7, 

a n d i t w a s o b t ai n e d u n d e r c o n di ti o n s 

t h a t s a ti sf y t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s i n 2 9 

C F R 1 9 1 0. 9 5( h)( 1), b u t n o t t h e r e q ui r em e n t s f o u n d i n 2 9 C F R 1 9 1 0. 9 5( h)( 2) 

t h r o u g h ( 5), t h e r ail r o a d m a y el e c t t o 

u s e t h a t b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m p r o vi d e d 

t h a t t h e P r of e s si o n al S u p e r vi s o r of t h e 

A u di o m e t ri c M o ni t o ri n g P r o g r a m 

m a k e s a r e a s o n a bl e d e t e r mi n a ti o n t h a t 

t h e b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m i s v ali d a n d i s 

cli ni c all y c o n si s t e n t wi t h o t h e r m a t eri al s i n t h e e m pl o y e e’ s m e di c al fil e. 

( 3) T e s ti n g t o e s t a bli s h a b a s eli n e 

a u di o g r a m s h all b e p r e c e d e d b y a t l e a s t 

1 4 h o u r s wi t h o u t e x p o s u r e t o o c c u p ati o n al n oi s e i n e x c e s s of t h e a c ti o n 

l e v el. H e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s m a y b e u s e d 

a s a s u b s ti t u t e f o r t h e r e q ui r e m e n t 

t h a t b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m s b e p r e c e d e d 

b y 1 4 h o u r s wi t h o u t e x p o s u r e t o o c c up a ti o n al n oi s e. 

( 4) T h e r ail r o a d s h all n o tif y i t s e mpl o y e e s of t h e n e e d t o a v oi d hi g h l e v el s 

of n o n- o c c u p a ti o n al n oi s e e x p o s u r e 

d u ri n g t h e 1 4- h o u r p e ri o d i m m e di a t el y 

p r e c e di n g t h e a u di o m e t ri c e x a mi n ati o n. 

(f) P eri o di c a u di o gr a m. 

( 1) T h e r ail r o a d s h all off e r a n 

a u di o m e t ri c t e s t t o e a c h e m pl o y e e i ncl u d e d i n t h e h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n p r og r a m a t l e a s t o n c e e a c h c al e n d a r y e a r. 

T h e i n t e r v al b e t w e e n t h e d a t e off e r e d 

t o a n y e m pl o y e e f o r a t e s t i n a c ale n d a r y e a r a n d t h e d a t e off e r e d i n t h e 

s u b s e q u e n t c al e n d a r y e a r s h all b e n o 

m o r e t h a n 4 5 0 d a y s a n d n o l e s s t h a n 2 8 0 

d a y s. 

( 2) T h e r ail r o a d s h all r e q ui r e e a c h 

e m pl o y e e i n cl u d e d i n t h e h e a ri n g c o ns e r v a ti o n p r o g r a m t o t a k e a n 

a u di o m e t ri c t e s t a t l e a s t o n c e e v e r y 

1 0 9 5 d a y s. 

( g) E v al u ati o n of a u di o gr a m. 

( 1) E a c h e m pl o y e e’ s p e ri o di c a u di og r a m s h all b e c o m p a r e d t o t h a t e mpl o y e e’ s b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m t o d e t e rmi n e if t h e a u di o g r a m i s v ali d a n d t o 

d e t e r mi n e if a s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d s hif t 

h a s o c c u r r e d. T hi s c o m p a ri s o n m a y b e 

d o n e b y a q u alifi e d t e c h ni ci a n. 

( 2) If t h e p e ri o di c a u di o g r a m d e mo n s t r a t e s a s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d s hif t, a 

r ail r o a d m a y o b t ai n a r e t e s t wi t hi n 9 0 

d a y s. T h e r ail r o a d m a y c o n si d e r t h e r es ul t s of t h e r e t e s t a s t h e p e ri o di c 

a u di o g r a m. 

( 3) T h e a u di ol o gi s t, o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, 

o r p h y si ci a n s h all r e vi e w p r o bl e m 

a u di o g r a m s a n d s h all d e t e r mi n e w h e t he r t h e r e i s a n e e d f o r f u r t h e r e v al u ati o n. A r ail r o a d s h all p r o vi d e all of t h e 

f oll o wi n g i nf o r m a ti o n t o t h e p e r s o n 

p e rf o r mi n g t hi s r e vi e w: 

(i) T h e b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m of t h e e mpl o y e e t o b e e v al u a t e d; 

(ii) T h e m o s t r e c e n t a u di o g r a m of t h e 

e m pl o y e e t o b e e v al u a t e d; 

(iii) M e a s u r e m e n t s of b a c k g r o u n d 

s o u n d p r e s s u r e l e v el s i n t h e 

a u di o m e t ri c t e s t r o o m a s r e q ui r e d i n 

a p p e n di x D of t hi s p a r t: A u di o m e t ri c 

T e s t R o o m s; a n d 

(i v) R e c o r d s of a u di o m e t e r c ali b r ati o n s r e q ui r e d b y § 2 2 7. 1 1 1. 

( h) F oll o w- u p pr o c e d ur es. 

( 1) If a c o m p a ri s o n of t h e p e ri o di c 

a u di o g r a m t o t h e b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m 

i n di c a t e s t h a t a s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d 

s hif t h a s o c c u r r e d, t h e r ail r o a d s h all 

i nf o r m t h e e m pl o y e e i n w ri ti n g wi t hi n 

3 0 d a y s of t h e d e t e r mi n a ti o n. 

( 2) U nl e s s a p h y si ci a n o r a u di ol o gi s t 

d e t e r mi n e s t h a t t h e s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d 

s hif t i s n o t w o r k- r el a t e d o r a g g r a v a t e d 

b y o c c u p a ti o n al n oi s e e x p o s u r e, t h e 

r ail r o a d s h all e n s u r e t h a t t h e f oll o wi n g 

s t e p s a r e t a k e n: 

(i) E m pl o y e e s n o t u si n g h e a ri n g p r ot e c t o r s s h all b e fi t t e d wi t h h e a ri n g p r ot e c t o r s, s h all b e t r ai n e d i n t h ei r u s e 

a n d c a r e, a n d s h all b e r e q ui r e d t o u s e 

t h e m. 

(ii) E m pl o y e e s al r e a d y p r o vi d e d wi t h 

h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s s h all b e r efi t t e d, 

s h all b e r e t r ai n e d i n t h e u s e of h e a ri n g 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 5
3 9 2 

§ 2 2 7. 1 1 1 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

p r o t e c t o r s off e ri n g g r e a t e r a t t e n ua ti o n, if n e c e s s a r y, a n d s h all b e r eq ui r e d t o u s e t h e m. 

(iii) If s u b s e q u e n t a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g i s n e c e s s a r y o r if t h e r ail r o a d s u sp e c t s t h a t a m e di c al p a t h ol o g y of t h e 

e a r i s c a u s e d o r a g g r a v a t e d b y t h e 

w e a ri n g of h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s, t h e r ailr o a d s h all r ef e r t h e e m pl o y e e f o r a 

cli ni c al a u di ol o gi c al e v al u a ti o n o r a n 

o t ol o gi c al e x a mi n a ti o n. 

(i v) If t h e r ail r o a d s u s p e c t s t h a t a 

m e di c al p a t h ol o g y of t h e e a r u n r el a t e d 

t o t h e u s e of h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s i s 

p r e s e n t, t h e r ail r o a d s h all i nf o r m t h e 

e m pl o y e e of t h e n e e d f o r a n o t ol o gi c al 

e x a mi n a ti o n. 

( 3) If s u b s e q u e n t a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g 

of a n e m pl o y e e, w h o s e e x p o s u r e t o 

n oi s e i s l e s s t h a n a n 8- h o u r T W A of 9 0 

d B, i n di c a t e s t h a t a s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d 

s hif t i s n o t p e r si s t e n t, t h e r ail r o a d 

s h all i nf o r m t h e e m pl o y e e of t h e n e w 

a u di o m e t ri c i n t e r p r e t a ti o n a n d m a y 

di s c o n ti n u e t h e r e q ui r e d u s e of h e a ri n g 

p r o t e c t o r s f o r t h a t e m pl o y e e. 

(i) R e vis e d b as eli n e. A r ail r o a d s h all 

u s e t h e f oll o wi n g m e t h o d s f o r r e vi si n g 

b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m s: 

( 1) P e ri o di c a u di o g r a m s f r o m 

a u di o m e t ri c t e s t s c o n d u c t e d t h r o u g h 

F e b r u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 9, m a y b e s u b s ti t u t e d 

f o r t h e b a s eli n e m e a s u r e m e n t b y t h e 

P r of e s si o n al S u p e r vi s o r of t h e 

A u di o m e t ri c M o ni t o ri n g P r o g r a m w h o 

i s e v al u a ti n g t h e a u di o g r a m if: 

(i) T h e s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d s hif t r ev e al e d b y t h e a u di o g r a m i s p e r si s t e n t; 

o r 

(ii) T h e h e a ri n g t h r e s h ol d s h o w n i n 

t h e p e ri o di c a u di o g r a m i n di c a t e s si gnifi c a n t i m p r o v e m e n t o v e r t h e b a s eli n e 

a u di o g r a m. 

( 2) B a s eli n e a u di o g r a m s f r o m 

a u di o m e t ri c t e s t s c o n d u c t e d af t e r F e br u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 9, s h all b e r e vi s e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t h e m e t h o d s p e cifi e d i n 

a p p e n di x C of t hi s p a r t: A u di o m e t ri c 

B a s eli n e R e vi si o n. 

(j) St a n d ar d t hr es h ol d s hift. I n d e t e rmi ni n g w h e t h e r a s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d 

s hif t h a s o c c u r r e d, all o w a n c e m a y b e 

m a d e f o r t h e c o n t ri b u ti o n of a gi n g 

( p r e s b y c u si s) t o t h e c h a n g e i n h e a ri n g 

l e v el b y c o r r e c ti n g t h e a n n u al a u di og r a m a c c o r di n g t o t h e p r o c e d u r e d es c ri b e d i n a p p e n di x F of t hi s p a r t: C alc ul a ti o n a n d A p pli c a ti o n of A g e C o rr e c ti o n t o A u di o g r a m s. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 1 1 A u di o m et ri c t e st r e q ui r em e nt s. 

( a) A u di o m e t ri c t e s t s s h all b e p u r e 

t o n e, ai r c o n d u c ti o n, h e a ri n g t h r e s h ol d 

e x a mi n a ti o n s, wi t h t e s t f r e q u e n ci e s i ncl u di n g 5 0 0, 1 0 0 0, 2 0 0 0, 3 0 0 0, 4 0 0 0, 6 0 0 0, 

a n d 8 0 0 0 H z. T e s t s a t e a c h f r e q u e n c y 

s h all b e t a k e n s e p a r a t el y f o r e a c h e a r. 

( b) A u di o m e t ri c t e s t s s h all b e c o nd u c t e d wi t h a u di o m e t e r s (i n cl u di n g 

mi c r o p r o c e s s o r a u di o m e t e r s) t h a t m e e t 

t h e s p e cifi c a ti o n s of a n d a r e m ai nt ai n e d a n d u s e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

A N SI S 3. 6 – 2 0 0 4 ‘‘ S p e cifi c a ti o n f o r A u dio m e t e r s.’’ T h e Di r e c t o r of t h e F e d e r al 

R e gi s t e r a p p r o v e s t h e i n c o r p o r a ti o n b y 

r ef e r e n c e of t hi s s t a n d a r d i n a c c o r da n c e wi t h 5 U. S. C. 5 5 2( a) a n d 1 C F R 

p a r t 5 1. Y o u m a y o b t ai n a c o p y of t h e 

i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n d a r d f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d s I n s ti t u t e a t 

1 8 1 9 L S t r e e t, N W., W a s hi n g t o n, D C 

2 0 0 3 6 o r htt p:// w w w. a nsi. or g. Y o u m a y 

i n s p e c t a c o p y of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d 

s t a n d a r d a t t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d A dmi ni s t r a ti o n, D o c k e t R o o m, 1 1 2 0 

V e r m o n t A v e., N W., S ui t e 7 0 0, W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 0 0 5, o r a t t h e N a ti o n al A rc hi v e s a n d R e c o r d s A d mi ni s t r a ti o n 

( N A R A). F o r m o r e i nf o r m a ti o n o n t h e 

a v ail a bili t y of t hi s m a t e ri al a t N A R A, 

c all 2 0 2 – 7 4 1 – 6 0 3 0, o r g o t o htt p:// 

w w w. ar c hi v es. g o v/f e d er al l r e gist er/ 

c o d e l of l f e d er all r e g ul ati o ns/ 

i brl l o c ati o ns. ht ml. 

( 1) P ul s e d- t o n e a u di o m e t e r s s h o ul d 

b e u s e d wi t h t h e f oll o wi n g o n a n d off 

ti m e s: F – J a n d J – K s h all e a c h h a v e v alu e s of 2 2 5 ± 3 5 milli s e c o n d s ( m s). 

( 2) U s e of i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s s h all b e 

c o n si s t e n t wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s li s t e d 

i n a p p e n di x E of t hi s p a r t: U s e of I n s e r t 

E a r p h o n e s f o r A u di o m e t ri c T e s ti n g. 

( c) A u di o m e t ri c e x a mi n a ti o n s s h all 

b e a d mi ni s t e r e d i n a r o o m m e e ti n g t h e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s li s t e d i n a p p e n di x D of 

t hi s p a r t: A u di o m e t ri c T e s t R o o m s. 

( d) A u di o m et er c ali br ati o n. 

( 1) T h e f u n c ti o n al o p e r a ti o n of t h e 

a u di o m e t e r s h all b e c h e c k e d b ef o r e 

e a c h d a y’ s u s e b y t e s ti n g a p e r s o n wi t h 

k n o w n, s t a bl e h e a ri n g t h r e s h ol d s o r b y 

a p p r o p ri a t e c ali b r a ti o n d e vi c e, a n d b y 

li s t e ni n g t o t h e a u di o m e t e r’ s o u t p u t t o 

m a k e s u r e t h a t t h e o u t p u t i s f r e e f r o m 

di s t o r t e d o r u n w a n t e d s o u n d s. D e via ti o n s of 1 0 d e ci b el s o r g r e a t e r r e q ui r e 

a n a c o u s ti c c ali b r a ti o n. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 6
3 9 3 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 7. 1 1 7 

( 2) A u di o m e t e r c ali b r a ti o n s h all b e 

c h e c k e d a c o u s ti c all y a t l e a s t a n n u all y 

a c c o r di n g t o t h e p r o c e d u r e s d e s c ri b e d 

i n A N SI S 3. 6 – 2 0 0 4. F r e q u e n ci e s b el o w 

5 0 0 H z a n d a b o v e 8 0 0 0 H z m a y b e o mi tt e d f r o m t hi s c h e c k. T h e a u di o m e t e r 

m u s t m e e t t h e s o u n d p r e s s u r e a c c u r a c y 

r e q ui r e m e n t s of s e c ti o n 7. 2 of A N SI 

S 3. 6 – 2 0 0 4 of 3 d B a t a n y t e s t f r e q u e n c y 

b e t w e e n 5 0 0 a n d 5 0 0 0 H z a n d 5 d B a t a n y 

t e s t f r e q u e n c y 6 0 0 0 H z a n d hi g h e r f o r 

t h e s p e cifi c t y p e of t r a n s d u c e r u s e d. 

F o r ai r- c o n d u c ti o n s u p r a- a u r al e a rp h o n e s, t h e s p e cifi c a ti o n s i n T a bl e 6 of 

A N SI S 3. 6 – 2 0 0 4 s h all a p pl y. F o r ai r- c o nd u c ti o n i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s, t h e s p e cifi c ati o n s i n T a bl e 7 of A N SI S 3. 6 – 2 0 0 4 s h all 

a p pl y. A u di o m e t e r s t h a t d o n o t m e e t 

t h e s e r e q ui r e m e n t s m u s t u n d e r g o a n 

e x h a u s ti v e c ali b r a ti o n. 

( 3) E x h a u s ti v e C ali b r a ti o n. A n e xh a u s ti v e c ali b r a ti o n s h all b e p e rf o r m e d 

i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h A N SI S 3. 6 – 2 0 0 4, a cc o r di n g t o t h e f oll o wi n g s c h e d ul e: 

(i) A t l e a s t o n c e e v e r y t w o y e a r s o n 

a u di o m e t e r s n o t u s e d i n m o bil e t e s t 

v a n s. T e s t f r e q u e n ci e s b el o w 5 0 0 H z a n d 

a b o v e 6 0 0 0 H z m a y b e o mi t t e d f r o m t hi s 

c ali b r a ti o n. 

(ii) A t l e a s t a n n u all y o n a u di o m e t e r s 

u s e d i n m o bil e t e s t v a n s. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 1 3 N oi s e o p e r ati o n al c o nt r ol s. 

( a) R ail r o a d s m a y u s e n oi s e o p e ra ti o n al c o n t r ol s a t a n y s o u n d l e v el t o 

r e d u c e e x p o s u r e s t o l e v el s b el o w t h o s e 

r e q ui r e d b y T a bl e A – 1 of a p p e n di x A of 

t hi s p a r t. 

( b) R ail r o a d s a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o u s e 

n oi s e o p e r a ti o n al c o n t r ol s w h e n e mpl o y e e s a r e e x p o s e d t o s o u n d e x c e e di n g 

a n 8- h o u r T W A of 9 0 d B( A). 

§ 2 2 7. 1 1 5 H e a ri n g p r ot e ct o r s. 

( a) G e n er al r e q uir e m e nts f or h e ari n g 

pr ot e ct ors. 

( 1) T h e r ail r o a d s h all p r o vi d e h e a ri n g 

p r o t e c t o r s t o e m pl o y e e s a t n o c o s t t o 

t h e e m pl o y e e. 

( 2) T h e r ail r o a d s h all r e pl a c e h e a ri n g 

p r o t e c t o r s a s n e c e s s a r y. 

( 3) W h e n off e ri n g h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s, 

a r ail r o a d s h all c o n si d e r a n e m pl o y e e’ s 

a bili t y t o u n d e r s t a n d a n d r e s p o n d t o 

v oi c e r a di o c o m m u ni c a ti o n s a n d a u dibl e w a r ni n g s. 

( 4) T h e r ail r o a d s h all gi v e e m pl o y e e s 

t h e o p p o r t u ni t y t o s el e c t t h ei r h e a ri n g 

p r o t e c t o r s f r o m a v a ri e t y of s ui t a bl e 

h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s. T h e s el e c ti o n s h all 

i n cl u d e d e vi c e s wi t h a r a n g e of a t t e n ua ti o n l e v el s. 

( 5) T h e r ail r o a d s h all p r o vi d e t r ai ni n g i n t h e u s e a n d c a r e of all h e a ri n g 

p r o t e c t o r s p r o vi d e d t o e m pl o y e e s. 

( 6) T h e r ail r o a d s h all e n s u r e p r o p e r 

i ni ti al fi t ti n g a n d s u p e r vi s e t h e c o r r e c t 

u s e of all h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s. 

( b) A v ail a bilit y of h e ari n g pr ot e ct ors. A 

r ail r o a d s h all m a k e h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s 

a v ail a bl e t o all e m pl o y e e s e x p o s e d t o 

s o u n d l e v el s t h a t m e e t o r e x c e e d t h e 

a c ti o n l e v el. 

( c) R e q uir e d us e at a cti o n l e v el. A r ailr o a d s h all r e q ui r e t h e u s e of h e a ri n g 

p r o t e c t o r s w h e n a n e m pl o y e e i s e xp o s e d t o s o u n d l e v el s t h a t m e e t o r e xc e e d t h e a c ti o n l e v el, a n d t h e e m pl o y e e 

h a s: 

( 1) N o t y e t h a d a b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m 

e s t a bli s h e d p u r s u a n t t o § 2 2 7. 1 0 9; o r 

( 2) E x p e ri e n c e d a s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d 

s hif t a n d i s r e q ui r e d t o u s e h e a ri n g p r ot e c t o r s u n d e r § 2 2 7. 1 0 9( h). 

( d) R e q uir e d us e f or T W A of 9 0 d B( A). 

T h e r ail r o a d s h all r e q ui r e t h e u s e of 

h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s w h e n a n e m pl o y e e 

i s e x p o s e d t o s o u n d l e v el s e q ui v al e n t t o 

a n 8- h o u r T W A of 9 0 d B( A) o r g r e a t e r. 

T h e h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s s h o ul d b e u s e d 

t o r e d u c e s o u n d l e v el s t o wi t hi n t h o s e 

l e v el s r e q ui r e d b y a p p e n di x A of t hi s 

p a r t. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 1 7 H e a ri n g p r ot e ct o r att e n uati o n. 

( a) A r ail r o a d s h all e v al u a t e h e a ri n g 

p r o t e c t o r a t t e n u a ti o n f o r t h e s p e cifi c 

n oi s e e n vi r o n m e n t s i n w hi c h t h e p r ot e c t o r will b e u s e d. T h e r ail r o a d s h all 

u s e o n e of t h e e v al u a ti o n m e t h o d s d es c ri b e d i n a p p e n di x B of t hi s p a r t; 

‘‘ M e t h o d s f o r E s ti m a ti n g t h e A d e q u a c y 

of H e a ri n g P r o t e c t o r A t t e n u a ti o n.’’ 

( b) H e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s s h all a t t e n ua t e e m pl o y e e e x p o s u r e t o a n 8- h o u r 

T W A of 9 0 d e ci b el s o r l o w e r, a s r eq ui r e d b y § 2 2 7. 1 1 5. 

( c) F o r e m pl o y e e s w h o h a v e e x p e rie n c e d a s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d s hif t, h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s m u s t a t t e n u a t e e mpl o y e e e x p o s u r e t o a n 8- h o u r ti m ew ei g h t e d a v e r a g e of 8 5 d e ci b el s o r 

l o w e r. 

( d) T h e a d e q u a c y of h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r 

a t t e n u a ti o n s h all b e r e- e v al u a t e d 

w h e n e v e r e m pl o y e e n oi s e e x p o s u r e s i nc r e a s e t o t h e e x t e n t t h a t t h e h e a ri n g 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 7
3 9 4 

§ 2 2 7. 1 1 9 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

p r o t e c t o r s p r o vi d e d m a y n o l o n g e r p r ovi d e a d e q u a t e a t t e n u a ti o n. A r ail r o a d 

s h all p r o vi d e m o r e eff e c ti v e h e a ri n g 

p r o t e c t o r s w h e r e n e c e s s a r y. 

§ 2 2 7. 1 1 9 T r ai ni n g p r o g r a m. 

( a) T h e r ail r o a d s h all i n s ti t u t e a n o cc u p a ti o n al n oi s e a n d h e a ri n g c o n s e r v ati o n t r ai ni n g p r o g r a m f o r all e m pl o ye e s i n cl u d e d i n t h e h e a ri n g c o n s e r v ati o n p r o g r a m. 

( 1) T h e r ail r o a d s h all off e r t h e t r ai ni n g p r o g r a m t o e a c h e m pl o y e e i n cl u d e d 

i n t h e h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n p r o g r a m a t 

l e a s t o n c e e a c h c al e n d a r y e a r. T h e i nt e r v al b e t w e e n t h e d a t e off e r e d t o a n y 

e m pl o y e e f o r t h e t r ai ni n g i n a c al e n d a r 

y e a r a n d t h e d a t e off e r e d i n t h e s u b s eq u e n t c al e n d a r y e a r s h all b e n o m o r e 

t h a n 4 5 0 d a y s a n d n o l e s s t h a n 2 8 0 d a y s. 

( 2) T h e r ail r o a d s h all r e q ui r e e a c h 

e m pl o y e e i n cl u d e d i n t h e h e a ri n g c o ns e r v a ti o n p r o g r a m t o c o m pl e t e t h e 

t r ai ni n g a t l e a s t o n c e e v e r y 1 0 9 5 d a y s. 

( b) T h e r ail r o a d s h all p r o vi d e t h e 

t r ai ni n g r e q ui r e d b y p a r a g r a p h ( a) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e f oll o wi n g: 

( 1) F o r e m pl o y e e s hi r e d af t e r F e br u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 7, wi t hi n si x m o n t h s of t h e 

e m pl o y e e’ s fi r s t t o u r of d u t y i n a p o siti o n i d e n tifi e d wi t hi n t h e s c o p e of t hi s 

p a r t. 

( 2) F o r e m pl o y e e s hi r e d o n o r b ef o r e 

F e b r u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 7, b y Cl a s s 1, p a s s e n g e r, 

a n d c o m m u t e r r ail r o a d s, a n d r ail r o a d s 

wi t h 4 0 0, 0 0 0 o r m o r e a n n u al e m pl o y e e 

h o u r s, b y n o l a t e r t h a n F e b r u a r y 2 6, 

2 0 0 9; 

( 3) F o r e m pl o y e e s hi r e d o n o r b ef o r e 

F e b r u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 7, b y r ail r o a d s wi t h 

f e w e r t h a n 4 0 0, 0 0 0 a n n u al e m pl o y e e 

h o u r s, b y n o l a t e r t h a n F e b r u a r y 2 6, 

2 0 1 0. 

( c) T h e t r ai ni n g p r o g r a m s h all i ncl u d e a n d t h e t r ai ni n g m a t e ri al s s h all 

r efl e c t, a t a mi ni m u m, i nf o r m a ti o n o n 

all of t h e f oll o wi n g: 

( 1) T h e eff e c t s of n oi s e o n h e a ri n g; 

( 2) T h e p u r p o s e of h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s; 

( 3) T h e a d v a n t a g e s, di s a d v a n t a g e s, 

a n d a t t e n u a ti o n of v a ri o u s t y p e s of 

h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s; 

( 4) I n s t r u c ti o n s o n s el e c ti o n, fi t ti n g, 

u s e, a n d c a r e of h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s; 

( 5) T h e p u r p o s e of a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g, a n d a n e x pl a n a ti o n of t h e t e s t p r oc e d u r e s; 

( 6) A n e x pl a n a ti o n of n oi s e o p e ra ti o n al c o n t r ol s, w h e r e u s e d; 

( 7) G e n e r al i nf o r m a ti o n c o n c e r ni n g 

t h e e x p e c t e d r a n g e of w o r k pl a c e n oi s e 

e x p o s u r e l e v el s a s s o ci a t e d wi t h m aj o r 

c a t e g o ri e s of r ail r o a d e q ui p m e n t a n d 

o p e r a ti o n s ( e. g. , s wi t c hi n g a n d r o a d a ssi g n m e n t s, h u m p y a r d s n e a r r e t a r d e r s, 

e t c.) a n d a p p r o p ri a t e r ef e r e n c e t o r eq ui r e m e n t s of t h e r ail r o a d c o n c e r ni n g 

u s e of h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s; 

( 8) T h e p u r p o s e of n oi s e m o ni t o ri n g 

a n d a g e n e r al d e s c ri p ti o n of m o ni t o ri n g 

p r o c e d u r e s; 

( 9) T h e a v ail a bili t y of a c o p y of t hi s 

p a r t, a n e x pl a n a ti o n of t h e r e q ui r em e n t s of t hi s p a r t a s t h e y aff e c t t h e r es p o n si bili ti e s of e m pl o y e e s, a n d e mpl o y e e s’ ri g h t s t o a c c e s s r e c o r d s u n d e r 

t hi s p a r t; 

( 1 0) H o w t o d e t e r mi n e w h a t c a n t ri gg e r a n e x c e s si v e n oi s e r e p o r t, p u r s u a n t 

t o § 2 2 9. 1 2 1( b); a n d 

( 1 1) H o w t o fil e a n e x c e s si v e n oi s e r ep o r t, p u r s u a n t t o § 2 2 9. 1 2 1( b). 

§ 2 2 7. 1 2 1 R e c o r d k e e pi n g. 

( a) G e n er al r e q uir e m e nts. 

( 1) A v ail a bilit y of r e c or ds. E a c h r ailr o a d r e q ui r e d t o m ai n t ai n a n d r e t ai n 

r e c o r d s u n d e r t hi s p a r t s h all: 

(i) M a k e all r e c o r d s a v ail a bl e f o r i ns p e c ti o n a n d c o p yi n g/ p h o t o c o p yi n g t o 

r e p r e s e n t a ti v e s of t h e F R A, u p o n r eq u e s t; 

(ii) M a k e a n e m pl o y e e’ s r e c o r d s 

a v ail a bl e f o r i n s p e c ti o n a n d c o p yi n g/ 

p h o t o c o p yi n g t o t h a t e m pl o y e e, f o r m e r 

e m pl o y e e, o r s u c h p e r s o n’ s r e p r e s e n t ati v e u p o n w ri t t e n a u t h o ri z a ti o n b y 

s u c h e m pl o y e e; 

(iii) M a k e e x p o s u r e m e a s u r e m e n t 

r e c o r d s f o r a gi v e n r u n o r y a r d a v aila bl e f o r i n s p e c ti o n a n d c o p yi n g/ 

p h o t o c o p yi n g t o all e m pl o y e e s w h o 

w e r e p r e s e n t i n t h e l o c o m o ti v e c a b d u ri n g t h e gi v e n r u n a n d/ o r w h o w o r k i n 

t h e s a m e y a r d; a n d 

(i v) M a k e e x p o s u r e m e a s u r e m e n t 

r e c o r d s f o r s p e cifi c l o c a ti o n s a v ail a bl e 

t o r e gi o n al o r n a ti o n al l a b o r r e p r e s e n ta ti v e s, u p o n r e q u e s t. T h e s e r e p o r t s 

s h all n o t c o n t ai n i d e n tif yi n g i nf o r m ati o n of a n e m pl o y e e u nl e s s a n e m pl o y e e 

a u t h o ri z e s t h e r el e a s e of s u c h i nf o r m ati o n i n w ri ti n g. 

( 2) El e ctr o ni c r e c or ds. All r e c o r d s r eq ui r e d b y t hi s p a r t m a y b e k e p t i n el e ct r o ni c f o r m b y t h e r ail r o a d. A r ail r o a d 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 8
3 9 5 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 7, A p p. A 

m a y m ai n t ai n a n d t r a n sf e r r e c o r d s 

t h r o u g h el e c t r o ni c t r a n s mi s si o n, s t o ra g e, a n d r e t ri e v al p r o vi d e d t h a t: 

(i) T h e el e c t r o ni c s y s t e m b e d e si g n e d 

s o t h a t t h e i n t e g ri t y of e a c h r e c o r d i s 

m ai n t ai n e d t h r o u g h a p p r o p ri a t e l e v el s 

of s e c u ri t y s u c h a s r e c o g ni ti o n of a n 

el e c t r o ni c si g n a t u r e, o r o t h e r m e a n s, 

w hi c h u ni q u el y i d e n tif y t h e i ni ti a ti n g 

p e r s o n a s t h e a u t h o r of t h a t r e c o r d. N o 

t w o p e r s o n s s h all h a v e t h e s a m e el e ct r o ni c i d e n ti t y; 

(ii) T h e el e c t r o ni c s y s t e m s h all e ns u r e t h a t e a c h r e c o r d c a n n o t b e m o difi e d i n a n y w a y, o r r e pl a c e d, o n c e t h e 

r e c o r d i s t r a n s mi t t e d a n d s t o r e d; 

(iii) A n y a m e n d m e n t t o a r e c o r d s h all 

b e el e c t r o ni c all y s t o r e d a p a r t f r o m t h e 

r e c o r d w hi c h i t a m e n d s. E a c h a m e n dm e n t t o a r e c o r d s h all b e u ni q u el y 

i d e n tifi e d a s t o t h e p e r s o n m a ki n g t h e 

a m e n d m e n t; 

(i v) T h e el e c t r o ni c s y s t e m s h all p r ovi d e f o r t h e m ai n t e n a n c e of r e c o r d s a s 

o ri gi n all y s u b mi t t e d wi t h o u t c o r r u pti o n o r l o s s of d a t a; a n d 

( v) P a p e r c o pi e s of el e c t r o ni c r e c o r d s 

a n d a m e n d m e n t s t o t h o s e r e c o r d s, t h a t 

m a y b e n e c e s s a r y t o d o c u m e n t c o m plia n c e wi t h t hi s p a r t s h all b e m a d e a v aila bl e f o r i n s p e c ti o n a n d c o p yi n g/ 

p h o t o c o p yi n g b y r e p r e s e n t a ti v e s of t h e 

F R A. 

( 3) Tr a nsf er of r e c or ds. If a r ail r o a d 

c e a s e s t o d o b u si n e s s, i t s h all t r a n sf e r 

t o t h e s u c c e s s o r e m pl o y e r all r e c o r d s 

r e q ui r e d t o b e m ai n t ai n e d u n d e r t hi s 

s u b p a r t, a n d t h e s u c c e s s o r e m pl o y e r 

s h all r e t ai n t h e m f o r t h e r e m ai n d e r of 

t h e p e ri o d p r e s c ri b e d i n t hi s p a r t. 

( b) E x p os ur e m e as ur e m e nts r e c or ds. T h e 

r ail r o a d s h all: 

( 1) M ai n t ai n a n a c c u r a t e r e c o r d of all 

e m pl o y e e e x p o s u r e m e a s u r e m e n t s r eq ui r e d b y § 2 2 7. 1 0 3; a n d 

( 2) R e t ai n t h e s e r e c o r d s f o r t h e d u r ati o n of t h e c o v e r e d e m pl o y e e’ s e m pl o ym e n t pl u s t hi r t y y e a r s. 

( c) A u di o m etri c t est r e c or ds. T h e r ailr o a d s h all: 

( 1) M ai n t ai n e m pl o y e e a u di o m e t ri c 

t e s t r e c o r d s r e q ui r e d b y § 2 2 7. 1 0 9, i ncl u di n g: 

(i) T h e n a m e a n d j o b cl a s sifi c a ti o n of 

t h e e m pl o y e e; 

(ii) T h e d a t e of t h e a u di o g r a m; 

(iii) T h e e x a mi n e r’ s n a m e; 

(i v) T h e d a t e of t h e l a s t a c o u s ti c o r 

e x h a u s ti v e c ali b r a ti o n of t h e a u di o me t e r; 

( v) A c c u r a t e r e c o r d s of t h e m e a s u r em e n t s of t h e b a c k g r o u n d s o u n d p r e ss u r e l e v el s i n a u di o m e t ri c t e s t r o o m s; 

( vi) T h e m o d el a n d s e ri al n u m b e r of 

t h e a u di o m e t e r u s e d f o r t e s ti n g; a n d 

( 2) R e t ai n t h e r e c o r d s r e q ui r e d b y 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 7 f o r t h e d u r a ti o n of t h e c o v e r e d 

e m pl o y e e’ s e m pl o y m e n t pl u s t hi r t y 

y e a r s. 

( d) P ositi o ns a n d p ers o ns d esi g n at e d 

r e c or ds. T h e r ail r o a d s h all: 

( 1) M ai n t ai n a r e c o r d of all p o si ti o n s 

o r p e r s o n s o r b o t h d e si g n a t e d b y t h e 

r ail r o a d t o b e pl a c e d i n a H e a ri n g C o ns e r v a ti o n P r o g r a m p u r s u a n t t o 

§ 2 2 7. 1 0 7; a n d 

( 2) R e t ai n t h e s e r e c o r d s f o r t h e d u r ati o n of t h e d e si g n a ti o n. 

( e) Tr ai ni n g pr o gr a m m at eri als r e c or ds. 

T h e r ail r o a d s h all: 

( 1) M ai n t ai n c o pi e s of all t r ai ni n g 

p r o g r a m m a t e ri al s u s e d t o c o m pl y wi t h 

§ 2 2 7. 1 1 9( c) a n d a r e c o r d of e m pl o y e e s 

t r ai n e d; a n d 

( 2) R e t ai n t h e s e c o pi e s a n d r e c o r d s 

f o r t h r e e y e a r s. 

(f) St a n d ar d t hr es h ol d s hift r e c or ds. 

T h e r ail r o a d s h all: 

( 1) M ai n t ai n a r e c o r d of all e m pl o ye e s w h o h a v e b e e n f o u n d t o h a v e e x p eri e n c e d a s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d s hif t 

wi t hi n t h e p ri o r c al e n d a r y e a r a n d i ncl u d e all of t h e f oll o wi n g i nf o r m a ti o n 

f o r e a c h e m pl o y e e o n t h e r e c o r d: 

(i) D a t e of t h e e m pl o y e e’ s b a s eli n e 

a u di o g r a m; 

(ii) D a t e of t h e e m pl o y e e’ s m o s t r ec e n t a u di o g r a m; 

(iii) D a t e of t h e e s t a bli s h m e n t of a 

s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d s hif t; 

(i v) T h e e m pl o y e e’ s j o b c o d e; a n d 

( v) A n i n di c a ti o n of h o w m a n y s t a n da r d t h r e s h ol d s hif t s t h e e m pl o y e e h a s 

e x p e ri e n c e d i n t h e p a s t, if a n y; a n d 

( 2) R e t ai n t h e s e r e c o r d s f o r fi v e 

y e a r s. 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 2 7 — N OI S E

X P O S U R E O M P U T A TI O N

T hi s a p p e n di x i s m a n d a t o r y. 

I. C O M P U T A TI O N O F M P L O Y E E OI S E

X P O S U R E

A. N oi s e d o s e i s c o m p u t e d u si n g T a bl e A – 

1 a s f oll o w s: 

1. W h e n t h e s o u n d l e v el, L, i s c o n s t a n t o v e r 

t h e e n ti r e w o r k d a y, t h e n oi s e d o s e, D, i n 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 3 9
3 9 6 

Pt. 2 2 7, A p p. A 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

p e r c e n t, i s gi v e n b y: D = 1 0 0 C/ T, w h e r e C i s 

t h e t o t al l e n g t h of t h e w o r k d a y, i n h o u r s, 

a n d T i s t h e d u r a ti o n p e r mi t t e d c o rr e s p o n di n g t o t h e m e a s u r e d s o u n d l e v el, L, 

a s gi v e n i n T a bl e A – 1. 

2. W h e n t h e w o r k d a y n oi s e e x p o s u r e i s 

c o m p o s e d of t w o o r m o r e p e ri o d s of n oi s e a t 

diff e r e n t l e v el s, t h e t o t al n oi s e d o s e o v e r t h e 

w o r k d a y i s gi v e n b y: 

D = 1 0 0 ( C 1/ T 1 + C 2/ T 2 + . . . + C n/ T n), w h e r e 

C n i n di c a t e s t h e t o t al ti m e of e x p o s u r e a t a 

s p e cifi c n oi s e l e v el, a n d T n i n di c a t e s t h e d ur a ti o n p e r mi t t e d f o r t h a t l e v el a s gi v e n b y 

T a bl e A – 1. 

B. T h e ei g h t- h o u r T W A i n d B m a y b e c o mp u t e d f r o m t h e d o s e, i n p e r c e n t, b y m e a n s of 

t h e f o r m ul a: T W A = 1 6. 6 1 l o g 1 0 ( D/ 1 0 0) + 9 0. 

F o r a n ei g h t- h o u r w o r k d a y wi t h t h e n oi s e 

l e v el c o n s t a n t o v e r t h e e n ti r e d a y, t h e T W A 

i s e q u al t o t h e m e a s u r e d s o u n d l e v el. 

C. E x p o s u r e t o i m p ul si v e o r i m p a c t n oi s e 

s h o ul d n o t e x c e e d 1 4 0 d B p e a k s o u n d p r e s s u r e 

l e v el. 

D. A n y ti m e t h a t a n e m pl o y e e s p e n d s 

d e a d h e a di n g s h all b e i n cl u d e d i n t h e c al c ul ati o n of t h e n oi s e d o s e. 

E. A t a bl e r el a ti n g d o s e a n d T W A i s gi v e n 

i n S e c ti o n II of t hi s A p p e n di x. 

A B L E A – 1

A- w ei g ht e d s o u n d l e v el, L 

( d e ci b el) 

D ur ati o n 

p er mitt e d 

T 

( h o ur) 

8 0 ..................................................................... 3 2 

8 1 ..................................................................... 2 7 . 9 

8 2 ..................................................................... 2 4 . 3 

8 3 ..................................................................... 2 1 . 1 

8 4 ..................................................................... 1 8 . 4 

8 5 ..................................................................... 1 6 

8 6 ..................................................................... 1 3 . 9 

8 7 ..................................................................... 1 2 . 1 

8 8 ..................................................................... 1 0 . 6 

8 9 ..................................................................... 9 . 2 

9 0 ..................................................................... 8 

9 1 ..................................................................... 7 . 0 

9 2 ..................................................................... 6 . 1 

9 3 ..................................................................... 5 . 3 

9 4 ..................................................................... 4 . 6 

9 5 ..................................................................... 4 

9 6 ..................................................................... 3 . 5 

9 7 ..................................................................... 3 . 0 

9 8 ..................................................................... 2 . 6 

9 9 ..................................................................... 2 . 3 

1 0 0 ................................................................... 2 

1 0 1 ................................................................... 1 . 7 

1 0 2 ................................................................... 1 . 5 

1 0 3 ................................................................... 1 . 3 

1 0 4 ................................................................... 1 . 1 

1 0 5 ................................................................... 1 

1 0 6 ................................................................... 0 . 8 7 

1 0 7 ................................................................... 0 . 7 6 

1 0 8 ................................................................... 0 . 6 6 

1 0 9 ................................................................... 0 . 5 7 

1 1 0 ................................................................... 0 . 5 

1 1 1 ................................................................... 0 . 4 4 

1 1 2 ................................................................... 0 . 3 8 

1 1 3 ................................................................... 0 . 3 3 

1 1 4 ................................................................... 0 . 2 9 

1 1 5 ................................................................... 0 . 2 5 

A B L E A – 1 — C o nti n u e d 

A- w ei g ht e d s o u n d l e v el, L 

( d e ci b el) 

D ur ati o n 

p er mitt e d 

T 

( h o ur) 

1 1 6 ................................................................... 0 . 2 2 

1 1 7 ................................................................... 0 . 1 9 

1 1 8 ................................................................... 0 . 1 6 

1 1 9 ................................................................... 0 . 1 4 

1 2 0 ................................................................... 0 . 1 2 5 

1 2 1 ................................................................... 0 . 1 1 

1 2 2 ................................................................... 0 . 0 9 5 

1 2 3 ................................................................... 0 . 0 8 2 

1 2 4 ................................................................... 0 . 0 7 2 

1 2 5 ................................................................... 0 . 0 6 3 

1 2 6 ................................................................... 0 . 0 5 4 

1 2 7 ................................................................... 0 . 0 4 7 

1 2 8 ................................................................... 0 . 0 4 1 

1 2 9 ................................................................... 0 . 0 3 6 

1 3 0 ................................................................... 0 . 0 3 1 

1 4 0 ................................................................... 0 . 0 7 8 

N u m b er s a b o v e 1 1 5 d B( A) ar e it ali ci z e d t o i n di c at e t h at t h e y ar e n oi s e l e v el s t h at ar e n ot p er mitt e d. T h e it ali ci z e d 

n u m b er s ar e i n cl u d e d o nl y b e c a u s e t h e y ar e s o m eti m e s n e ce s s ar y f or t h e c o m p ut ati o n of n oi s e d o s e. 

I n t h e a b o v e t a bl e t h e d u r a ti o n p e r mi t t e d, 

T, i s c o m p u t e d b y 

( ) 9 0 5/

w h e r e L i s t h e m e a s u r e d A- w ei g h t e d s o u n d 

l e v el. 

II. C O N V E R SI O N E T W E E N ‘‘ DO S E ’’ A N D ‘‘ 8- 

O U R I M E- WEI G H T E D V E R A G E ’’ SO U N D

E V E L

A. C o m pli a n c e wi t h s u b p a r t B of p a r t 2 2 7 i s 

d e t e r mi n e d b y t h e a m o u n t of e x p o s u r e t o 

n oi s e i n t h e w o r k pl a c e. T h e a m o u n t of s u c h 

e x p o s u r e i s u s u all y m e a s u r e d wi t h a d o si me t e r w hi c h gi v e s a r e a d o u t i n t e r m s of 

‘‘ d o s e.’’ I n o r d e r t o b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n d t h e r eq ui r e m e n t s of t h e r e g ul a ti o n, d o si m e t e r 

r e a di n g s c a n b e c o n v e r t e d t o a n ‘‘ 8- h o u r 

T W A.’’ 

B. I n o r d e r t o c o n v e r t t h e r e a di n g of a d osi m e t e r i n t o T W A, s e e T a bl e A – 2, b el o w. T hi s 

t a bl e a p pli e s t o d o si m e t e r s t h a t a r e s e t b y 

t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r t o c al c ul a t e d o s e o r p e rc e n t e x p o s u r e a c c o r di n g t o t h e r el a ti o n s hi p s 

i n T a bl e A – 1. S o, f o r e x a m pl e, a d o s e of 9 1 

p e r c e n t o v e r a n ei g h t- h o u r d a y r e s ul t s i n a 

T W A of 8 9. 3 d B, a n d a d o s e of 5 0 p e r c e n t c o rr e s p o n d s t o a T W A of 8 5 d B. 

C. If t h e d o s e a s r e a d o n t h e d o si m e t e r i s 

l e s s t h a n o r g r e a t e r t h a n t h e v al u e s f o u n d i n 

T a bl e A – 2, t h e T W A m a y b e c al c ul a t e d b y 

u si n g t h e f o r m ul a: T W A = 1 6. 6 1 l o g 1 0 ( D/ 1 0 0) 

+ 9 0 w h e r e T W A = 8- h o u r ti m e- w ei g h t e d a ve r a g e s o u n d l e v el a n d D = a c c u m ul a t e d d o s e 

i n p e r c e n t e x p o s u r e. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 4 0
3 9 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 7, A p p. A 

A B L E A – 2 — C O N V E R SI O N R O M ‘‘ PE R C E N T

OI S E X P O S U R E ’’ O R ‘‘ DO S E ’’ T O ‘‘ 8- HO U R

I M E- WEI G H T E D V E R A G E O U N D E V E L ’’ 

( T W A) 

D o s e or p er c e nt n oi s e 

e x p o s ur e T W A 

1 0 ............................................................................. 7 3. 4 

1 5 ............................................................................. 7 6. 3 

2 0 ............................................................................. 7 8. 4 

2 5 ............................................................................. 8 0. 0 

3 0 ............................................................................. 8 1. 3 

3 5 ............................................................................. 8 2. 4 

4 0 ............................................................................. 8 3. 4 

4 5 ............................................................................. 8 4. 2 

5 0 ............................................................................. 8 5. 0 

5 5 ............................................................................. 8 5. 7 

6 0 ............................................................................. 8 6. 3 

6 5 ............................................................................. 8 6. 9 

7 0 ............................................................................. 8 7. 4 

7 5 ............................................................................. 8 7. 9 

8 0 ............................................................................. 8 8. 4 

8 1 ............................................................................. 8 8. 5 

8 2 ............................................................................. 8 8. 6 

8 3 ............................................................................. 8 8. 7 

8 4 ............................................................................. 8 8. 7 

8 5 ............................................................................. 8 8. 8 

8 6 ............................................................................. 8 8. 9 

8 7 ............................................................................. 8 9. 0 

8 8 ............................................................................. 8 9. 1 

8 9 ............................................................................. 8 9. 2 

9 0 ............................................................................. 8 9. 2 

9 1 ............................................................................. 8 9. 3 

9 2 ............................................................................. 8 9. 4 

9 3 ............................................................................. 8 9. 5 

9 4 ............................................................................. 8 9. 6 

9 5 ............................................................................. 8 9. 6 

9 6 ............................................................................. 8 9. 7 

9 7 ............................................................................. 8 9. 8 

9 8 ............................................................................. 8 9. 9 

9 9 ............................................................................. 8 9. 9 

1 0 0 ........................................................................... 9 0. 0 

1 0 1 ........................................................................... 9 0. 1 

1 0 2 ........................................................................... 9 0. 1 

1 0 3 ........................................................................... 9 0. 2 

1 0 4 ........................................................................... 9 0. 3 

1 0 5 ........................................................................... 9 0. 4 

1 0 6 ........................................................................... 9 0. 4 

1 0 7 ........................................................................... 9 0. 5 

1 0 8 ........................................................................... 9 0. 6 

1 0 9 ........................................................................... 9 0. 6 

1 1 0 ........................................................................... 9 0. 7 

1 1 1 ........................................................................... 9 0. 8 

1 1 2 ........................................................................... 9 0. 8 

1 1 3 ........................................................................... 9 0. 9 

1 1 4 ........................................................................... 9 0. 9 

1 1 5 ........................................................................... 9 1. 1 

1 1 6 ........................................................................... 9 1. 1 

1 1 7 ........................................................................... 9 1. 1 

1 1 8 ........................................................................... 9 1. 2 

1 1 9 ........................................................................... 9 1. 3 

1 2 0 ........................................................................... 9 1. 3 

1 2 5 ........................................................................... 9 1. 6 

1 3 0 ........................................................................... 9 1. 9 

1 3 5 ........................................................................... 9 2. 2 

1 4 0 ........................................................................... 9 2. 4 

1 4 5 ........................................................................... 9 2. 7 

1 5 0 ........................................................................... 9 2. 9 

1 5 5 ........................................................................... 9 3. 2 

1 6 0 ........................................................................... 9 3. 4 

1 6 5 ........................................................................... 9 3. 6 

1 7 0 ........................................................................... 9 3. 8 

1 7 5 ........................................................................... 9 4. 0 

1 8 0 ........................................................................... 9 4. 2 

A B L E A – 2 — C O N V E R SI O N R O M ‘‘ PE R C E N T

OI S E X P O S U R E ’’ O R ‘‘ DO S E ’’ T O ‘‘ 8- HO U R

I M E- WEI G H T E D V E R A G E O U N D E V E L ’’ 

( T W A) — C o nti n u e d 

D o s e or p er c e nt n oi s e 

e x p o s ur e T W A 

1 8 5 ........................................................................... 9 4. 4 

1 9 0 ........................................................................... 9 4. 6 

1 9 5 ........................................................................... 9 4. 8 

2 0 0 ........................................................................... 9 5. 0 

2 1 0 ........................................................................... 9 5. 4 

2 2 0 ........................................................................... 9 5. 7 

2 3 0 ........................................................................... 9 6. 0 

2 4 0 ........................................................................... 9 6. 3 

2 5 0 ........................................................................... 9 6. 6 

2 6 0 ........................................................................... 9 6. 9 

2 7 0 ........................................................................... 9 7. 2 

2 8 0 ........................................................................... 9 7. 4 

2 9 0 ........................................................................... 9 7. 7 

3 0 0 ........................................................................... 9 7. 9 

3 1 0 ........................................................................... 9 8. 2 

3 2 0 ........................................................................... 9 8. 4 

3 3 0 ........................................................................... 9 8. 6 

3 4 0 ........................................................................... 9 8. 8 

3 5 0 ........................................................................... 9 9. 0 

3 6 0 ........................................................................... 9 9. 2 

3 7 0 ........................................................................... 9 9. 4 

3 8 0 ........................................................................... 9 9. 6 

3 9 0 ........................................................................... 9 9. 8 

4 0 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 0. 0 

4 1 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 0. 2 

4 2 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 0. 4 

4 3 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 0. 5 

4 4 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 0. 7 

4 5 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 0. 8 

4 6 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 1. 0 

4 7 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 1. 2 

4 8 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 1. 3 

4 9 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 1. 5 

5 0 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 1. 6 

5 1 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 1. 8 

5 2 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 1. 9 

5 3 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 2. 0 

5 4 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 2. 2 

5 5 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 2. 3 

5 6 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 2. 4 

5 7 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 2. 6 

5 8 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 2. 7 

5 9 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 2. 8 

6 0 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 2. 9 

6 1 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 3. 0 

6 2 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 3. 2 

6 3 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 3. 3 

6 4 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 3. 4 

6 5 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 3. 5 

6 6 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 3. 6 

6 7 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 3. 7 

6 8 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 3. 8 

6 9 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 3. 9 

7 0 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 0 

7 1 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 1 

7 2 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 2 

7 3 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 3 

7 4 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 4 

7 5 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 5 

7 6 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 6 

7 7 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 7 

7 8 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 8 

7 9 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 4. 9 

8 0 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 0 

8 1 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 1 

8 2 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 2 

8 3 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 3 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 4 1
3 9 8 

Pt. 2 2 7, A p p. B 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

O S H A a n d F R A u s e t h e s a m e d efi ni ti o n 

f o r S t a n d a r d T h r e s h ol d S hif t ( S T S). F R A’ s 

d efi ni ti o n i s l o c a t e d i n § 2 2 7. 5. O S H A’ s d efi niti o n i s l o c a t e d i n 2 9 C F R 1 9 1 0. 9 5( g)( 1 0)(i). 

F R A a n d O S H A u s e t h e s a m e a g e- c o r r e cti o n p r o vi si o n s. F R A’ s i s f o u n d i n a p p e n di x F 

A B L E A – 2 — C O N V E R SI O N R O M ‘‘ PE R C E N T

OI S E X P O S U R E ’’ O R ‘‘ DO S E ’’ T O ‘‘ 8- HO U R

I M E- WEI G H T E D V E R A G E O U N D E V E L ’’ 

( T W A) — C o nti n u e d 

D o s e or p er c e nt n oi s e 

e x p o s ur e T W A 

8 4 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 4 

8 5 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 4 

8 6 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 5 

8 7 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 6 

8 8 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 7 

8 9 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 8 

9 0 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 8 

9 1 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 5. 9 

9 2 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 6. 0 

9 3 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 6. 1 

9 4 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 6. 2 

9 5 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 6. 2 

9 6 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 6. 3 

9 7 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 6. 4 

9 8 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 6. 5 

9 9 0 ........................................................................... 1 0 6. 5 

9 9 9 ........................................................................... 1 0 6. 6 

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 2 7 — M E T H O D S F O R

S TI M A TI N G T H E D E Q U A C Y O F

E A RI N G R O T E C T O R T T E N U A TI O N

T hi s a p p e n di x i s m a n d a t o r y. 

E m pl o y e r s m u s t s el e c t o n e of t h e f oll o wi n g 

t h r e e m e t h o d s b y w hi c h t o e s ti m a t e t h e a d eq u a c y of h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r a t t e n u a ti o n. 

I. D E R A T E B Y Y P E

D e r a t e t h e h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r a t t e n u a ti o n 

b y t y p e u si n g t h e f oll o wi n g r e q ui r e m e n t s: 

A. S u b t r a c t 7 d B f r o m t h e p u bli s h e d N oi s e 

R e d u c ti o n R a ti n g ( N R R). 

B. R e d u c e t h e r e s ul ti n g a m o u n t b y: 

1. 2 0 % f o r e a r m uff s, 

2. 4 0 % f o r f o r m- a bl e e a r pl u g s, o r 

3. 6 0 % f o r all o t h e r e a r pl u g s. 

C. S u b t r a c t t h e r e m ai ni n g a m o u n t f r o m 

t h e A- w ei g h t e d T W A. Y o u will h a v e t h e e s tim a t e d A- w ei g h t e d T W A f o r t h a t h e a ri n g p r ot e c t o r. 

II. M E T H O D B F R O M A N SI S 1 2. 6 – 1 9 9 7 

( RE A F FI R M E D 2 0 0 2) 

U s e M e t h o d B, w hi c h i s f o u n d i n A N SI 

S 1 2. 6 – 1 9 9 7 ( R e affi r m e d 2 0 0 2) ‘‘ M e t h o d s f o r 

M e a s u ri n g t h e R e al- E a r A t t e n u a ti o n of 

H e a ri n g P r o t e c t o r s.’’ T h e Di r e c t o r of t h e 

F e d e r al R e gi s t e r a p p r o v e s t h e i n c o r p o r a ti o n 

b y r ef e r e n c e of t hi s s t a n d a r d i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h 5 U. S. C. 5 5 2( a) a n d 1 C F R p a r t 5 1. Y o u 

m a y o b t ai n a c o p y of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n da r d f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d s 

I n s ti t u t e a t 1 8 1 9 L S t r e e t, N W., W a s hi n g t o n, 

D C 2 0 0 3 6, o r htt p:// w w w. a nsi. or g. Y o u m a y i ns p e c t a c o p y of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n d a r d a t 

t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n, D o c ke t R o o m, 1 1 2 0 V e r m o n t A v e., S ui t e 7 0 0, W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 0 0 5, o r a t t h e N a ti o n al A r c hi v e s 

a n d R e c o r d s A d mi ni s t r a ti o n ( N A R A). F o r i nf o r m a ti o n o n t h e a v ail a bili t y of t hi s m a t eri al a t N A R A, c all 2 0 2 – 7 4 1 – 6 0 3 0, o r g o t o 

htt p:// w w w. ar c hi v es. g o v/f e d er al l r e gist er/ 

c o d e l of l f e d er all r e g ul ati o ns/ 

i brl l o c ati o ns. ht ml. 

III. O B J E C TI V E E A S U R E M E N T

U s e a c t u al m e a s u r e m e n t s of t h e l e v el of 

n oi s e e x p o s u r e ( a s a n A- w ei g h t e d S L O W r es p o n s e d o s e) i n si d e t h e h e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r 

w h e n t h e e m pl o y e e w e a r s t h e h e a ri n g p r ot e c t o r i n t h e a c t u al w o r k e n vi r o n m e n t. 

P P E N DI X C T O A R T 2 2 7 — A U DI O M E T RI C

A S E LI N E E VI SI O N

T hi s a p p e n di x i s m a n d a t o r y b e gi n ni n g o n 

F e b r u a r y 2 6, 2 0 0 9. 

I. G E N E R A L

A. A p r of e s si o n al r e vi e w e r ( a u di ol o gi s t, 

o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, o r p h y si ci a n) s h all u s e 

t h e s e p r o c e d u r e s w h e n r e vi si n g b a s eli n e 

a u di o g r a m s. 

B. Al t h o u g h t h e s e p r o c e d u r e s c a n b e p r og r a m m e d b y a c o m p u t e r t o i d e n tif y r e c o r d s 

f o r p o t e n ti al r e vi si o n, t h e fi n al d e ci si o n f o r 

r e vi si o n r e s t s wi t h a h u m a n b ei n g. B e c a u s e 

t h e g o al of t h e g ui d eli n e s i s t o f o s t e r c o n si s te n c y a m o n g diff e r e n t p r of e s si o n al r e vi e w e r s, 

h u m a n o v e r ri d e of t h e g ui d eli n e s m u s t b e 

j u s tifi e d b y s p e cifi c c o n c r e t e r e a s o n s. 

C. T h e s e p r o c e d u r e s d o n o t a p pl y t o: T h e 

i d e n tifi c a ti o n of s t a n d a r d t h r e s h ol d s hif t s 

( S T S) o t h e r t h a n a n F R A S T S o r t o t h e c alc ul a ti o n of t h e 2 5- d B a v e r a g e s hif t s t h a t a r e 

r e p o r t a bl e o n t h e F o r m F R A F 6 1 8 0. 5 5 a. 

D. I ni ti all y, t h e b a s eli n e i s t h e l a t e s t 

a u di o g r a m o b t ai n e d b ef o r e e n t r y i n t o t h e 

h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n p r o g r a m. If n o a p p r op ri a t e p r e- e n t r y a u di o g r a m e xi s t s, t h e b a s eli n e i s t h e fi r s t a u di o g r a m o b t ai n e d af t e r 

e n t r y i n t o t h e h e a ri n g c o n s e r v a ti o n p r og r a m. E a c h s u b s e q u e n t a u di o g r a m i s r evi e w e d t o d e t e c t i m p r o v e m e n t i n t h e a v e r a g e 

( a v e r a g e of t h r e s h ol d s a t 2, 3, a n d 4 k H z) a n d 

t o d e t e c t a n F R A S T S. T h e t w o e a r s a r e e xa mi n e d s e p a r a t el y a n d i n d e p e n d e n tl y f o r i mp r o v e m e n t a n d f o r w o r s e ni n g. If o n e e a r 

m e e t s t h e c ri t e ri a f o r r e vi si o n of b a s eli n e, 

t h e n t h e b a s eli n e i s r e vi s e d f o r t h a t e a r o nl y. 

T h e r ef o r e, if t h e t w o e a r s s h o w diff e r e n t 

h e a ri n g t r e n d s, t h e b a s eli n e f o r t h e l ef t e a r 

m a y b e f r o m o n e t e s t d a t e, w hil e t h e b a s eli n e f o r t h e ri g h t e a r m a y b e f r o m a diff e r e n t 

t e s t d a t e. 

E. A g e c o r r e c ti o n s d o n o t a p pl y i n c o n si de ri n g r e vi si o n s f o r i m p r o v e m e n t ( R ul e 1). 

T h e F R A- all o w e d a g e c o r r e c ti o n s f r o m a pp e n di x F of P a r t 2 2 7 m a y b e u s e d, if d e si r e d, 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 4 2
3 9 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 7, A p p. D 

of p a r t 2 2 7 a n d O S H A’ s i n a p p e n di x F of 2 9 

C F R 1 9 1 0. 9 5. 

b ef o r e c o n si d e ri n g r e vi si o n f o r p e r si s t e n t 

S T S. R ul e 2 o p e r a t e s i n t h e s a m e w a y, 

w h e t h e r a g e c o r r e c ti o n s a r e u s e d o r n o t. 

II. R U L E 1: R E VI SI O N F O R E R SI S T E N T

M P R O V E M E N T

If t h e a v e r a g e of t h e t h r e s h ol d s f o r 2, 3, a n d 

4 k H z f o r ei t h e r e a r s h o w s a n i m p r o v e m e n t 

of 5 d B o r m o r e f r o m t h e b a s eli n e v al u e, a n d 

t h e i m p r o v e m e n t i s p r e s e n t o n o n e t e s t a n d 

p e r si s t e n t o n t h e n e x t t e s t, t h e n t h e r e c o r d 

s h o ul d b e i d e n tifi e d f o r r e vi e w b y t h e a u di olo gi s t, o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, o r p h y si ci a n f o r p ot e n ti al r e vi si o n of t h e b a s eli n e f o r p e r si s t e n t 

i m p r o v e m e n t. T h e b a s eli n e f o r t h a t e a r 

s h o ul d b e r e vi s e d t o t h e t e s t w hi c h s h o w s t h e 

l o w e r ( m o r e s e n si ti v e) v al u e f o r t h e a v e r a g e 

of t h r e s h ol d s a t 2, 3, a n d 4 k H z u nl e s s t h e a udi ol o gi s t, o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, o r p h y si ci a n d et e r mi n e s a n d d o c u m e n t s s p e cifi c r e a s o n s f o r 

n o t r e vi si n g. If t h e v al u e s of t h e t h r e e-f r eq u e n c y a v e r a g e a r e i d e n ti c al f o r t h e t w o 

t e s t s, t h e n t h e e a rli e r t e s t b e c o m e s t h e r evi s e d b a s eli n e. 

III. R U L E 2: R E VI SI O N F O R E R SI S T E N T

T A N D A R D H R E S H O L D HI F T

A. If t h e a v e r a g e of t h r e s h ol d s f o r 2, 3, a n d 

4 k H z f o r ei t h e r e a r s h o w s a w o r s e ni n g of 1 0 

d B o r m o r e f r o m t h e b a s eli n e v al u e, a n d t h e 

S T S p e r si s t s o n t h e n e x t p e ri o di c t e s t ( o r t h e 

n e x t t e s t gi v e n a t l e a s t 6 m o n t h s l a t e r), t h e n 

t h e r e c o r d s h o ul d b e i d e n tifi e d f o r r e vi e w b y 

t h e a u di ol o gi s t, o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, o r p h y sici a n f o r p o t e n ti al r e vi si o n of t h e b a s eli n e f o r 

p e r si s t e n t w o r s e ni n g. U nl e s s t h e a u di ol o gi s t, 

o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, o r p h y si ci a n d e t e r mi n e s 

a n d d o c u m e n t s s p e cifi c r e a s o n s f o r n o t r e vi si n g, t h e b a s eli n e f o r t h a t e a r s h o ul d b e r evi s e d t o t h e t e s t w hi c h s h o w s t h e l o w e r 

( m o r e s e n si ti v e) v al u e f o r t h e a v e r a g e of 

t h r e s h ol d s a t 2, 3, a n d 4 k H z. If b o t h t e s t s 

s h o w t h e s a m e n u m e ri c al v al u e f o r t h e a v e ra g e of 2, 3, a n d 4 k H z, t h e n t h e a u di ol o gi s t, 

o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, o r p h y si ci a n s h o ul d r e vi s e 

t h e b a s eli n e t o t h e e a rli e r of t h e t w o t e s t s, 

u nl e s s t h e l a t e r t e s t s h o w s b e t t e r ( m o r e s e nsi ti v e) t h r e s h ol d s f o r o t h e r t e s t f r e q u e n ci e s. 

B. F oll o wi n g a n S T S, a r e t e s t wi t hi n 9 0 

d a y s of t h e p e ri o di c t e s t m a y b e s u b s ti t u t e d 

f o r t h e p e ri o di c t e s t if t h e r e t e s t s h o w s b e tt e r ( m o r e s e n si ti v e) r e s ul t s f o r t h e a v e r a g e 

t h r e s h ol d a t 2, 3, a n d 4 k H z. 

C. If t h e r e t e s t i s u s e d i n pl a c e of t h e p e rio di c t e s t, t h e n t h e p e ri o di c t e s t i s r e t ai n e d 

i n t h e r e c o r d, b u t i t i s m a r k e d i n s u c h a w a y 

t h a t i t i s n o l o n g e r c o n si d e r e d i n b a s eli n e r evi si o n e v al u a ti o n s. If a r e t e s t wi t hi n 9 0 d a y s 

of p e ri o di c t e s t c o nfi r m s a n F R A S T S s h o w n 

o n t h e p e ri o di c t e s t, t h e b a s eli n e will n o t b e 

r e vi s e d a t t h a t p oi n t b e c a u s e t h e r e q ui r e d 

si x- m o n t h i n t e r v al b e t w e e n t e s t s s h o wi n g 

S T S p e r si s t e n c e h a s n o t b e e n m e t. T h e p u rp o s e of t h e si x- m o n t h r e q ui r e m e n t i s t o p r ev e n t p r e m a t u r e b a s eli n e r e vi si o n w h e n S T S 

i s t h e r e s ul t of t e m p o r a r y m e di c al c o n di ti o n s 

aff e c ti n g h e a ri n g. 

D. Al t h o u g h a s p e ci al r e t e s t af t e r si x 

m o n t h s c o ul d b e gi v e n, if d e si r e d, t o a s s e s s 

w h e t h e r t h e S T S i s p e r si s t e n t, i n m o s t c a s e s, 

t h e n e x t a n n u al a u di o g r a m w o ul d b e u s e d t o 

e v al u a t e p e r si s t e n c e of t h e S T S. 

P P E N DI X D T O A R T 2 2 7 — A U DI O M E T RI C

E S T O O M S

T hi s a p p e n di x i s m a n d a t o r y. 

A. R o o m s u s e d f o r a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g 

s h all n o t h a v e b a c k g r o u n d s o u n d p r e s s u r e 

l e v el s e x c e e di n g t h o s e i n T a bl e D – 1 w h e n 

m e a s u r e d b y e q ui p m e n t c o nf o r mi n g a t l e a s t 

t o t h e T y p e 2 r e q ui r e m e n t s of A N SI S 1. 4 – 1 9 8 3 

( R e affi r m e d 2 0 0 1) a n d t o t h e Cl a s s 2 r e q ui r em e n t s of A N SI S 1. 1 1 – 2 0 0 4, ‘‘ S p e cifi c a ti o n f o r 

O c t a v e- B a n d a n d F r a c ti o n al- O c t a v e- B a n d 

A n al o g a n d Di gi t al Fil t e r s.’’ 

B. T h e Di r e c t o r of t h e F e d e r al R e gi s t e r a pp r o v e s t h e i n c o r p o r a ti o n b y r ef e r e n c e of 

A N SI S 1. 4 – 1 9 8 3 ( R e affi r m e d 2 0 0 1) a n d S. 1. 1 1 – 

2 0 0 4 i n t hi s s e c ti o n i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 5 

U. S. C. 5 5 2( a) a n d 1 C F R p a r t 5 1. Y o u m a y o bt ai n a c o p y of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n d a r d 

f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d s I n s tit u t e a t 1 8 1 9 L S t r e e t, N W., W a s hi n g t o n, D C 

2 0 0 3 6 o r htt p:// w w w. a nsi. or g. Y o u m a y i n s p e c t 

a c o p y of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n d a r d a t t h e 

F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n, D o c k e t 

R o o m, 1 1 2 0 V e r m o n t A v e., N W., S ui t e 7 0 0, 

W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 0 0 5, o r a t t h e N a ti o n al A rc hi v e s a n d R e c o r d s A d mi ni s t r a ti o n ( N A R A). 

F o r i nf o r m a ti o n o n t h e a v ail a bili t y of t hi s 

m a t e ri al a t N A R A, c all 2 0 2 – 7 4 1 – 6 0 3 0, o r g o t o 

htt p:// w w w. ar c hi v es. g o v/f e d er al l r e gist er/ 

c o d e l of l f e d er all r e g ul ati o ns/ 

i brl l o c ati o ns. ht ml. 

A B L E D – 1 — M A XI M U M L L O W A B L E C T A V E - BA N D O U N D R E S S U R E E V E L S F O R U DI O M E T RI C

E S T O O M S

O ct a v e- b a n d c e nt er fr e q u e n c y ( H z) 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 

S o u n d pr e s s ur e l e v el s — s u pr a- a ur al e ar p h o n e s .................... 4 0 4 0 4 7 5 7 6 2 

S o u n d pr e s s ur e l e v el s —i n s ert e ar p h o n e s .............................. 5 0 4 7 4 9 5 0 5 6 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 0 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 4 3
4 0 0 

Pt. 2 2 7, A p p. E 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

P P E N DI X E T O A R T 2 2 7 — U S E O F

S E R T A R P H O N E S F O R U DI O M E T RI C

E S TI N G

T hi s a p p e n di x i s m a n d a t o r y. 

S e c ti o n 2 2 7. 1 1 1( d) all o w s r ail r o a d s t o u s e 

i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s f o r a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g. 

R ail r o a d s a r e n o t r e q ui r e d t o u s e i n s e r t e a rp h o n e s, h o w e v e r, w h e r e t h e y el e c t t o u s e i ns e r t e a r p h o n e s, t h e y m u s t c o m pl y wi t h t h e 

r e q ui r e m e n t s of t hi s a p p e n di x. 

I. A C C E P T A B L E I T

A. T h e a u di ol o gi s t, o t ol a r y n g ol o gi s t, o r 

o t h e r p h y si ci a n r e s p o n si bl e f o r c o n d u c ti n g 

t h e a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g, s h all i d e n tif y e a r 

c a n al s t h a t p r e v e n t a c hi e v e m e n t of a n a cc e p t a bl e fi t wi t h i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s, o r s h all 

a s s u r e t h a t a n y t e c h ni ci a n u n d e r hi s/ h e r a ut h o ri t y w h o c o n d u c t s a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g 

wi t h i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s h a s t h e a bili t y t o i d e ntif y s u c h e a r c a n al s. 

B. T e c h ni ci a n s w h o c o n d u c t a u di o m e t ri c 

t e s t s m u s t b e t r ai n e d t o i n s e r t t h e e a r p h o n e s 

c o r r e c tl y i n t o t h e e a r c a n al s of t e s t s u bj e c t s 

a n d t o r e c o g ni z e c o n di ti o n s w h e r e e a r c a n al 

si z e p r e v e n t s a c hi e v e m e n t of a n a c c e p t a bl e 

i n s e r ti o n d e p t h (fi t). 

C. I n s e r t e a r p h o n e s s h all n o t b e u s e d f o r 

a u di o m e t ri c t e s ti n g of e m pl o y e e s wi t h e a r 

c a n al si z e s t h a t p r e v e n t a c hi e v e m e n t of a n 

a c c e p t a bl e i n s e r ti o n d e p t h (fi t). 

II. P R O P E R S E

T h e m a n uf a c t u r e r’ s g ui d eli n e s f o r p r o p e r 

u s e of i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s m u s t b e f oll o w e d. 

III. A U DI O M E T E R A LI B R A TI O N

A. A u di o m e t e r s u s e d wi t h i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s 

m u s t b e c ali b r a t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h A N SI 

S 3. 6 – 2 0 0 4, ‘‘ S p e cifi c a ti o n f o r A u di o m e t e r s.’’ 

T h e Di r e c t o r of t h e F e d e r al R e gi s t e r a pp r o v e s t h e i n c o r p o r a ti o n b y r ef e r e n c e of t hi s 

s t a n d a r d i n t hi s s e c ti o n i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 5 

U. S. C. 5 5 2( a) a n d 1 C F R p a r t 5 1. Y o u m a y o bt ai n a c o p y of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n d a r d 

f r o m t h e A m e ri c a n N a ti o n al S t a n d a r d s I n s tit u t e a t 1 8 1 9 L S t r e e t, N W., W a s hi n g t o n, D C 

2 0 0 3 6 o r htt p:// w w w. a nsi. or g. Y o u m a y i n s p e c t 

a c o p y of t h e i n c o r p o r a t e d s t a n d a r d a t t h e 

F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n, D o c k e t 

R o o m, 1 1 2 0 V e r m o n t A v e., N W., S ui t e 7 0 0, 

W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 0 0 5, o r a t t h e N a ti o n al A rc hi v e s a n d R e c o r d s A d mi ni s t r a ti o n ( N A R A). 

F o r i nf o r m a ti o n o n t h e a v ail a bili t y of t hi s 

m a t e ri al a t N A R A, c all 2 0 2 – 7 4 1 – 6 0 3 0, o r g o t o 

htt p:// w w w. ar c hi v es. g o v/f e d er al l r e gist er/ 

c o d e l of l f e d er all r e g ul ati o ns/ 

i brl l o c ati o ns. ht ml. 

B. A u di o m e t e r s u s e d wi t h i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s 

m u s t b e c ali b r a t e d u si n g o n e of t h e c o u pl e r s 

li s t e d i n T a bl e 7 of A N SI S 3. 6 – 2 0 0 4. 

C. T h e a c o u s ti c al c ali b r a ti o n s h all b e c o nd u c t e d a n n u all y. 

D. T h e f u n c ti o n al c ali b r a ti o n m u s t b e c o nd u c t e d b ef o r e e a c h d a y’ s u s e of t h e a u di o me t e r. 

I V. B A C K G R O U N D OI S E E V E L S

T e s ti n g s h all b e c o n d u c t e d i n a r o o m w h e r e 

t h e b a c k g r o u n d a m bi e n t n oi s e o c t a v e- b a n d 

s o u n d p r e s s u r e s l e v el s m e e t a p p e n di x D t o 

t hi s p a r t. 

V. C O N V E R SI O N R O M U P R A U R A L

A R P H O N E S

A t t h e ti m e of c o n v e r si o n f r o m s u p r a- a u r al 

t o i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s, t e s ti n g m u s t b e p e rf o r m e d wi t h b o t h t y p e s of e a r p h o n e s. 

A. T h e t e s t s u bj e c t m u s t h a v e a q ui e t p eri o d of a t l e a s t 1 4 h o u r s b ef o r e t e s ti n g. H e a ri n g p r o t e c t o r s m a y b e u s e d a s a s u b s ti t u t e 

f o r t h e q ui e t p e ri o d. 

B. T h e s u p r a- a u r al e a r p h o n e a u di o g r a m 

s h all b e c o m p a r e d t o t h e b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m, 

o r t h e r e vi s e d b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m if a p p r op ri a t e, t o c h e c k f o r a S t a n d a r d T h r e s h ol d 

S hif t ( S T S). I n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h § 2 2 7. 1 0 9(f)( 2), 

if t h e a u di o g r a m s h o w s a n S T S, r e t e s ti n g 

wi t h s u p r a- a u r al e a r p h o n e s m u s t b e p e rf o r m e d wi t hi n 9 0 d a y s. If t h e r e s ul ti n g a u di og r a m c o nfi r m s t h e S T S, t h e n i t i s a d o p t e d a s 

t h e c u r r e n t t e s t i n s t e a d of t h e p ri o r o n e. 

C. If r e t e s ti n g wi t h s u p r a- a u r al e a r p h o n e s 

i s p e rf o r m e d, t h e n r e t e s ti n g wi t h i n s e r t e a rp h o n e s m u s t b e p e rf o r m e d a t t h a t ti m e t o e st a bli s h t h e b a s eli n e f o r f u t u r e a u di o m e t ri c 

t e s t s u si n g t h e i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s. 

VI. R E VI S E D A S E LI N E U DI O G R A M S

A. If a n S T S i s c o nfi r m e d b y t h e r e- t e s t 

wi t h s u p r a- a u r al e a r p h o n e s, t h e a u di o g r a m 

m a y b e c o m e t h e r e vi s e d b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m 

p e r t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of § 2 2 7. 1 0 9(i) f o r all f ut u r e h e a ri n g t e s t s wi t h s u p r a- a u r al e a rp h o n e s. T h e i n s e r t- e a r p h o n e a u di o g r a m will 

b e c o m e t h e n e w r ef e r e n c e b a s eli n e a u di og r a m f o r all f u t u r e h e a ri n g t e s t s p e rf o r m e d 

wi t h i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s. 

B. If a n S T S i s n o t i n di c a t e d b y t h e t e s t 

wi t h s u p r a- a u r al e a r p h o n e s, t h e b a s eli n e 

a u di o g r a m r e m ai n s t h e r ef e r e n c e b a s eli n e 

a u di o g r a m f o r all f u t u r e s u p r a- a u r al e a rp h o n e t e s t s, u n til s u c h ti m e a s a n S T S i s o bs e r v e d. I n t hi s c a s e, t h e i n s e r t- e a r p h o n e 

a u di o g r a m t a k e n a t t h e s a m e ti m e will b ec o m e t h e n e w r ef e r e n c e b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m 

f o r all f u t u r e h e a ri n g t e s t s p e rf o r m e d wi t h 

i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s. 

C. T r a n si ti o ni n g E m pl o y e e s wi t h P a r ti al 

S hif t s. E m pl o y e r s m u s t a c c o u n t f o r t h e 

w o r k e r s w h o a r e i n t h e p r o c e s s of d e v el o pi n g 

a n S T S ( e. g., d e m o n s t r a t e a 7 d B a v e r a g e 

s hif t), b u t w h o a t t h e ti m e of t h e c o n v e r si o n 

t o i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s d o n o t h a v e a 1 0 d B a v e ra g e s hif t. E m pl o y e r s w h o w a n t t o u s e i n s e r t 

e a r p h o n e s m u s t e n t e r t h e 7 d B s hif t i nf o r m ati o n i n t h e e m pl o y e e’ s a u di o m e t ri c t e s t 

r e c o r d s al t h o u g h i t i s n o t a n ‘‘ S T S’’. W h e n 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 4 4
4 0 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 7, A p p. F 

t h e n e x t a n n u al a u di o g r a m u si n g i n s e r t e a rp h o n e s s h o w s a n a v e r a g e t h r e s h ol d s hif t a t 

2 0 0 0, 3 0 0 0 a n d 4 0 0 0 H z of 3 d B, c o m pl e ti n g t h e 

f ull s hif t ( 7 d B + 3 d B), e m pl o y e r s m u s t t h e n 

l a b el t h a t a v e r a g e s hif t a s a n S T S. T hi s t ri gg e r s t h e f oll o w- u p p r o c e d u r e s a t § 2 2 7. 1 0 9( h). 

VII. R E C O R D S

All a u di o g r a m s (i n cl u di n g b o t h t h o s e p r od u c e d t h r o u g h t h e u s e of i n s e r t e a r p h o n e s 

a n d s u p r a- a u r al h e a d s e t s), c al c ul a ti o n s, 

p u r e- t o n e i n di vi d u al a n d a v e r a g e t h r e s h ol d 

s hif t s, f ull S T S mi g r a ti o n s, a n d a u di o m e t ri c 

a c o u s ti c al c ali b r a ti o n r e c o r d s, a r e t o b e p r es e r v e d a s r e c o r d s a n d m ai n t ai n e d a c c o r di n g 

t o § 2 2 7. 1 2 1( c). 

P P E N DI X F T O A R T 2 2 7 — C A L C U L A

TI O N S A N D P P LI C A TI O N O F G E O R

R E C TI O N S T O U DI O G R A M S

T hi s a p p e n di x i s n o n- m a n d a t o r y. 

I n d e t e r mi ni n g w h e t h e r a s t a n d a r d t h r e s hol d s hif t ( S T S) h a s o c c u r r e d, all o w a n c e m a y 

b e m a d e f o r t h e c o n t ri b u ti o n of a gi n g t o t h e 

c h a n g e i n h e a ri n g l e v el b y a dj u s ti n g t h e 

m o s t r e c e n t a u di o g r a m. If t h e e m pl o y e r 

c h o o s e s t o a dj u s t t h e a u di o g r a m, t h e e mpl o y e r s h all f oll o w t h e p r o c e d u r e d e s c ri b e d 

b el o w. T hi s p r o c e d u r e a n d t h e a g e c o r r e c ti o n 

t a bl e s w e r e d e v el o p e d b y t h e N a ti o n al I n s tit u t e f o r O c c u p a ti o n al S af e t y a n d H e al t h i n a 

c ri t e ri a d o c u m e n t. S e e ‘‘ C ri t e ri a f o r a R e co m m e n d e d S t a n d a r d: O c c u p a ti o n al E x p o s u r e 

t o N oi s e,’’ D e p a r t m e n t of H e al t h a n d H u m a n 

S e r vi c e s ( NI O S H) P u bli c a ti o n N o. 9 8 – 1 2 6. F o r 

e a c h a u di o m e t ri c t e s t f r e q u e n c y: 

I. D e t e r mi n e f r o m T a bl e s F – 1 o r F – 2 t h e 

a g e c o r r e c ti o n v al u e s f o r t h e e m pl o y e e b y: 

A. Fi n di n g t h e a g e a t w hi c h t h e m o s t r ec e n t a u di o g r a m w a s t a k e n a n d r e c o r di n g t h e 

c o r r e s p o n di n g v al u e s of a g e c o r r e c ti o n s a t 

1 0 0 0 H z t h r o u g h 6 0 0 0 H z; 

B. Fi n di n g t h e a g e a t w hi c h t h e b a s eli n e 

a u di o g r a m w a s t a k e n a n d r e c o r di n g t h e c o rr e s p o n di n g v al u e s of a g e c o r r e c ti o n s a t 1 0 0 0 

H z t h r o u g h 6 0 0 0 H z. 

II. S u b t r a c t t h e v al u e s f o u n d i n s t e p (I)( B) 

f r o m t h e v al u e f o u n d i n s t e p (I)( A). 

III. T h e diff e r e n c e s c al c ul a t e d i n s t e p (II) 

r e p r e s e n t e d t h a t p o r ti o n of t h e c h a n g e i n 

h e a ri n g t h a t m a y b e d u e t o a gi n g. 

E x a m pl e: E m pl o y e e i s a 3 2- y e a r- ol d m al e. 

T h e a u di o m e t ri c hi s t o r y f o r hi s ri g h t e a r i s 

s h o w n i n d e ci b el s b el o w. 

E m pl o y e e’ s a g e 

A u di o m etri c t e st fr e q u e n c y ( H z) 

1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 

2 6 ............................................................................................ 1 0 5 5 1 0 5

2 7* ........................................................................................... 0 0 5 5

2 8 ............................................................................................ 0 0 1 0 5

2 9 ............................................................................................ 0 5 1 5 5

3 0 ............................................................................................ 5 1 0 2 0 1 0

3 1 ............................................................................................ 5 1 0 2 0 1 5 1 5 

3 2* ........................................................................................... 5 1 0 1 0 2 5 2 0 

a. T h e a u di o g r a m a t a g e 2 7 i s c o n si d e r e d 

t h e b a s eli n e si n c e i t s h o w s t h e b e s t h e a ri n g 

t h r e s h ol d l e v el s. A s t e ri s k s h a v e b e e n u s e d t o 

i d e n tif y t h e b a s eli n e a n d m o s t r e c e n t a u di og r a m. A t h r e s h ol d s hif t of 2 0 d B e xi s t s a t 4 0 0 0 

H z b e t w e e n t h e a u di o g r a m s t a k e n a t a g e s 2 7 

a n d 3 2. 

b. ( T h e t h r e s h ol d s hif t i s c o m p u t e d b y s u bt r a c ti n g t h e h e a ri n g t h r e s h ol d a t a g e 2 7, 

w hi c h w a s 5, f r o m t h e h e a ri n g t h r e s h ol d a t 

a g e 3 2, w hi c h i s 2 5). A r e t e s t a u di o g r a m h a s 

c o nfi r m e d t hi s s hif t. T h e c o n t ri b u ti o n of 

a gi n g t o t hi s c h a n g e i n h e a ri n g m a y b e e s tim a t e d i n t h e f oll o wi n g m a n n e r: 

c. G o t o T a bl e F – 1 a n d fi n d t h e a g e c o r r e cti o n v al u e s (i n d B) f o r 4 0 0 0 H z a t a g e 2 7 a n d 

a g e 3 2. 

Fr e q u e n c y ( H z) 

1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 

A g e 3 2 ..................................................................................... 5 7 1 0 1 4

A g e 2 7 ..................................................................................... 4 6 7 1 1

Diff er e n c e .................................................................. 1 1 3 3

d. T h e diff e r e n c e r e p r e s e n t s t h e a m o u n t of 

h e a ri n g l o s s t h a t m a y b e a t t ri b u t e d t o a gi n g 

i n t h e ti m e p e ri o d b e t w e e n t h e b a s eli n e 

a u di o g r a m a n d t h e m o s t r e c e n t a u di o g r a m. 

I n t hi s e x a m pl e, t h e diff e r e n c e a t 4 0 0 0 H z i s 

3 d B. T hi s v al u e i s s u b t r a c t e d f r o m t h e h e a ri n g l e v el a t 4 0 0 0 H z, w hi c h i n t h e m o s t r e c e n t 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 4 5
4 0 2 

Pt. 2 2 7, A p p. F 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

a u di o g r a m i s 2 5, yi el di n g 2 2 af t e r a dj u s tm e n t. T h e n t h e h e a ri n g t h r e s h ol d i n t h e 

b a s eli n e a u di o g r a m a t 4 0 0 0 H z ( 5) i s s u bt r a c t e d f r o m t h e a dj u s t e d a n n u al a u di o g r a m 

h e a ri n g t h r e s h ol d a t 4 0 0 0 H z ( 2 2). T h u s t h e 

a g e- c o r r e c t e d t h r e s h ol d s hif t w o ul d b e 1 7 d B 

( a s o p p o s e d t o a t h r e s h ol d s hif t of 2 0 d B 

wi t h o u t a g e c o r r e c ti o n). 

A B L E F – 1 — A G E O R R E C TI O N A L U E S I N E CI B E L S F O R A L E S

Y e ar s 

A u di o m etri c t e st fr e q u e n ci e s 

( H z) 

1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 

2 0 or y o u n g er .......................................................................... 3 4 5 8

2 1 ............................................................................................ 3 4 5 8

2 2 ............................................................................................ 3 4 5 8

2 3 ............................................................................................ 3 4 6 9

2 4 ............................................................................................ 3 5 6 9

2 5 ............................................................................................ 3 5 7 1 0

2 6 ............................................................................................ 4 5 7 1 0

2 7 ............................................................................................ 4 6 7 1 1

2 8 ............................................................................................ 4 6 8 1 1

2 9 ............................................................................................ 4 6 8 1 2

3 0 ............................................................................................ 4 6 9 1 2

3 1 ............................................................................................ 4 7 9 1 3

3 2 ............................................................................................ 5 7 1 0 1 4

3 3 ............................................................................................ 5 7 1 0 1 4

3 4 ............................................................................................ 5 8 1 1 1 5

3 5 ............................................................................................ 5 8 1 1 1 5

3 6 ............................................................................................ 5 9 1 2 1 6

3 7 ............................................................................................ 6 9 1 2 1 7

3 8 ............................................................................................ 6 9 1 3 1 7

3 9 ............................................................................................ 6 1 0 1 4 1 8

4 0 ............................................................................................ 6 1 0 1 4 1 9

4 1 ............................................................................................ 6 1 0 1 4 2 0

4 2 ............................................................................................ 7 1 1 1 6 2 0

4 3 ............................................................................................ 7 1 2 1 6 2 1

4 4 ............................................................................................ 7 1 2 1 7 2 2

4 5 ............................................................................................ 7 1 3 1 8 2 3

4 6 ............................................................................................ 8 1 3 1 9 2 4

4 7 ............................................................................................ 8 1 4 1 9 2 4

4 8 ............................................................................................ 8 1 4 2 0 2 5

4 9 ............................................................................................ 9 1 5 2 1 2 6

5 0 ............................................................................................ 9 1 6 2 2 2 7

5 1 ............................................................................................ 9 1 6 2 3 2 8

5 2 ............................................................................................ 9 1 0 1 7 2 4 2 9 

5 3 ............................................................................................ 9 1 0 1 8 2 5 3 0 

5 4 ............................................................................................ 1 0 1 0 1 8 2 6 3 1 

5 5 ............................................................................................ 1 0 1 1 1 9 2 7 3 2 

5 6 ............................................................................................ 1 0 1 1 2 0 2 8 3 4 

5 7 ............................................................................................ 1 0 1 1 2 1 2 9 3 5 

5 8 ............................................................................................ 1 0 1 2 2 2 3 1 3 6 

5 9 ............................................................................................ 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 7 

6 0 or ol d er ............................................................................... 1 1 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 8 

A B L E F – 2 — A G E O R R E C TI O N A L U E S I N E CI B E L S F O R E M A L E S

Y e ar s 

A u di o m etri c t e st fr e q u e n ci e s 

( H z) 

1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 

2 0 or y o u n g er .......................................................................... 4 3 3 6

2 1 ............................................................................................ 4 4 3 6

2 2 ............................................................................................ 4 4 4 6

2 3 ............................................................................................ 5 4 4 7

2 4 ............................................................................................ 5 4 4 7

2 5 ............................................................................................ 5 4 4 7

2 6 ............................................................................................ 5 5 4 8

2 7 ............................................................................................ 5 5 5 8

2 8 ............................................................................................ 5 5 5 8

2 9 ............................................................................................ 5 5 5 9

3 0 ............................................................................................ 6 5 5 9

3 1 ............................................................................................ 6 6 5 9

3 2 ............................................................................................ 6 6 6 1 0

3 3 ............................................................................................ 6 6 6 1 0

3 4 ............................................................................................ 6 6 6 1 0

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 4 6
4 0 3 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 7, A p p. G 

A B L E F – 2 — A G E O R R E C TI O N A L U E S I N E CI B E L S F O R E M A L E S — C o nti n u e d 

Y e ar s 

A u di o m etri c t e st fr e q u e n ci e s 

( H z) 

1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 

3 5 ............................................................................................ 6 7 7 1 1

3 6 ............................................................................................ 7 7 7 1 1

3 7 ............................................................................................ 7 7 7 1 2

3 8 ............................................................................................ 1 0 7 7 7 1 2

3 9 ............................................................................................ 1 0 7 8 8 1 2

4 0 ............................................................................................ 1 0 7 8 8 1 3

4 1 ............................................................................................ 1 0 8 8 8 1 3

4 2 ............................................................................................ 1 0 8 9 9 1 3

4 3 ............................................................................................ 1 1 8 9 9 1 4

4 4 ............................................................................................ 1 1 8 9 9 1 4

4 5 ............................................................................................ 1 1 8 1 0 1 0 1 5

4 6 ............................................................................................ 1 1 9 1 0 1 0 1 5

4 7 ............................................................................................ 1 1 9 1 0 1 1 1 6

4 8 ............................................................................................ 1 2 9 1 1 1 1 1 6

4 9 ............................................................................................ 1 2 9 1 1 1 1 1 6

5 0 ............................................................................................ 1 2 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 7 

5 1 ............................................................................................ 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 2 1 7 

5 2 ............................................................................................ 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 3 1 8 

5 3 ............................................................................................ 1 3 1 0 1 3 1 3 1 8 

5 4 ............................................................................................ 1 3 1 1 1 3 1 4 1 9 

5 5 ............................................................................................ 1 3 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 9 

5 6 ............................................................................................ 1 3 1 1 1 4 1 5 2 0 

5 7 ............................................................................................ 1 3 1 1 1 5 1 5 2 0 

5 8 ............................................................................................ 1 4 1 2 1 5 1 6 2 1 

5 9 ............................................................................................ 1 4 1 2 1 6 1 6 2 1 

6 0 or ol d er ............................................................................... 1 4 1 2 1 6 1 7 2 2 

P P E N DI X G T O A R T 2 2 7 — S C H E D U L E O F

I VI L E N A L TI E S

S e cti o n Vi ol ati o n Willf ul 

vi ol ati o n 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

2 2 7. 3 A p pli c ati o n: 

( b)( 4) F ail ur e t o m e et t h e r e q uir e d c o n diti o n s f or f or ei g n r ailr o a d o p er ati o n s ....................... $ 2, 5 0 0 $ 5, 0 0 0 

S u b p art B — G e n er al R e q uir e m e nt s 

2 2 7. 1 0 3 N oi s e m o nit ori n g pr o gr a m: 

( a) F ail ur e t o d e v el o p a n d/ or i m pl e m e nt a n oi s e m o nit ori n g pr o gr a m ................................... 7, 5 0 0 1 0, 0 0 0 

( b) F ail ur e t o u s e s a m pli n g a s r e q uir e d ................................................................................. 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( c) F ail ur e t o i nt e gr at e s o u n d l e v el s a n d/ or m a k e n oi s e m e a s ur e m e nt s a s r e q uir e d ........... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( d) F ail ur e t o r e p e at n oi s e m o nit ori n g w h er e r e q uir e d ........................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( e) F ail ur e t o c o n si d er w or k e n vir o n m e nt s w h er e h e ari n g pr ot e ct or s m a y b e o mitt e d ......... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

(f) F ail ur e t o pr o vi d e o p p ort u nit y t o o b s er v e m o nit ori n g ........................................................ 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

( g) R e p orti n g of M o nit ori n g R e s ult s: 

( 1) F ail ur e t o n otif y m o nit or e d e m pl o y e e ................................................................. 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( 2) F ail ur e t o p o st r e s ult s a s r e q uir e d ...................................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 0 5 Pr ot e cti o n of e m pl o y e e s: 

( a) F ail ur e t o pr o vi d e a p pr o pri at e pr ot e cti o n t o e x p o s e d e m pl o y e e ...................................... 7, 5 0 0 1 0, 0 0 0 

( b) F ail ur e t o o b s er v e a n d d o c u m e nt s o ur c e( s) of n oi s e e x p o s ur e s ..................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( c) –( d) F ail ur e t o pr ot e ct e m pl o y e e fr o m i m p er mi s si bl e c o nti n u o u s n oi s e ............................ 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 0 7 H e ari n g c o n s er v ati o n pr o gr a m: 

( a) F ail ur e t o a d mi ni st er a H C P .............................................................................................. 7,5 0 0 1 0, 0 0 0 

( b) F ail ur e t o c o m p ut e n oi s e e x p o s ur e a s r e q uir e d ............................................................... 3, 5 0 0 7, 0 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 0 9 A u di o m etri c t e sti n g pr o gr a m: 

( a) F ail ur e t o e st a bli s h a n d/ or m ai nt ai n a n a u di o m etri c t e sti n g pr o gr a m .............................. 7, 5 0 0 1 0, 0 0 0 

( b) F ail ur e t o pr o vi d e a u di o m etri c t e st at n o c o st t o e m pl o y e e ............................................. 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( c) F ail ur e t o h a v e q u alifi e d p er s o n p erf or m a u di o m etri c t e st ............................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( d) [ R e s er v e d] ......................................................................................................................... .................... ....................

( e) F ail ur e t o e st a bli s h b a s eli n e a u di o gr a m a s r e q uir e d ........................................................ 3, 5 0 0 7, 0 0 0 

(f) F ail ur e t o off er a n d/ or r e q uir e p eri o di c a u di o gr a m s a s r e q uir e d ....................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( g) F ail ur e t o e v al u at e a u di o gr a m a s r e q uir e d ....................................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( h) F ail ur e t o c o m pl y wit h f oll o w- u p pr o c e d ur e s a s r e q uir e d ................................................. 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

(i) F ail ur e t o u s e r e q uir e d m et h o d f or r e vi si n g b a s eli n e a u di o gr a m s .................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 1 1 A u di o m etri c t e st r e q uir e m e nt s: 

( a) F ail ur e t o c o n d u ct t e st a s r e q uir e d ................................................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 7

2 4 7
4 0 4 

Pt. 2 2 8 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

S e cti o n Vi ol ati o n Willf ul 

vi ol ati o n 

( b) F ail ur e t o u s e r e q uir e d e q ui p m e nt .................................................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( c) F ail ur e t o a d mi ni st er t e st i n r o o m t h at m e et s r e q uir e m e nt s ............................................. 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( d) C o m pl et e f ail ur e t o c ali br at e ............................................................................................. 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

( 1) F ail ur e t o p erf or m d ail y c ali br ati o n a s r e q uir e d .................................................. 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

( 2) F ail ur e t o p erf or m a n n u al c ali br ati o n a s r e q uir e d .............................................. 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

( 3) F ail ur e t o p erf or m e x h a u sti v e c ali br ati o n a s r e q uir e d ........................................ 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 1 5 H e ari n g pr ot e ct or s ( H P): 

( a) F ail ur e t o c o m pl y wit h g e n er al r e q uir e m e nt s .................................................................... 3, 0 0 0 6, 0 0 0 

( b) F ail ur e t o m a k e H P a v ail a bl e a s r e q uir e d ........................................................................ 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( c) F ail ur e t o r e q uir e u s e of H P at a cti o n l e v el ...................................................................... 5, 0 0 0 7, 50 0 

( d) F ail ur e t o r e q uir e u s e of H P at T W A of 9 0 d B( A) ............................................................ 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 1 7 H e ari n g pr ot e ct or att e n u ati o n: 

( a) F ail ur e t o e v al u at e att e n u ati o n a s r e q uir e d ...................................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 00 

( b) –( c) F ail ur e t o att e n u at e t o r e q uir e d l e v el .......................................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( d) F ail ur e t o r e- e v al u at e att e n u ati o n ..................................................................................... 2, 5 00 5, 0 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 1 9 Tr ai ni n g pr o gr a m: 

( a) F ail ur e t o i n stit ut e a tr ai ni n g pr o gr a m a s r e q uir e d ............................................................ 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

( b) F ail ur e t o pr o vi d e tr ai ni n g wit hi n r e q uir e d ti m e fr a m e ...................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( c) F ail ur e of pr o gr a m a n d/ or tr ai ni n g m at eri al s t o i n cl u d e r e q uir e d i nf or m ati o n ................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 2 1 R e c or d k e e pi n g: 

( a) G e n er al R e q uir e m e nt s: 

( 1) F ail ur e t o m a k e r e c or d a v ail a bl e a s r e q uir e d ..................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( 3) F ail ur e t o tr a n sf er or r et ai n r e c or d s a s r e q uir e d ................................................ 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

( b) –(f) R e c or d s: 

( 1) F ail ur e t o m ai nt ai n r e c or d or f ail ur e t o m ai nt ai n r e c or d wit h r e q uir e d i nf or m ati o n ........................................................................................................................ 2, 00 0 4, 0 0 0 

( 2) F ail ur e t o r et ai n r e c or d s f or r e q uir e d ti m e p eri o d ............................................... 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

P A RT 2 2 8 — H O U R S O F S E R VI C E O F 

R AIL R O A D E M PL O Y E E S 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

S e c. 

2 2 8. 1 S c o p e. 

2 2 8. 3 A p pli c a ti o n. 

2 2 8. 5 D efi ni ti o n s. 

S u b p art B — R e c or ds a n d R e p orti n g 

2 2 8. 7 H o u r s of d u t y. 

2 2 8. 9 R ail r o a d r e c o r d s; g e n e r al. 

2 2 8. 1 1 H o u r s of d u t y r e c o r d s. 

2 2 8. 1 7 Di s p a t c h e r’ s r e c o r d of t r ai n m o v em e n t s. 

2 2 8. 1 9 M o n t hl y r e p o r t s of e x c e s s s e r vi c e. 

2 2 8. 2 1 Ci vil p e n al t y. 

2 2 8. 2 3 C ri mi n al p e n al t y. 

S u b p art C — C o nstr u cti o n of E m pl o y e e 

Sl e e pi n g Q u art ers 

2 2 8. 1 0 1 Di s t a n c e r e q ui r e m e n t; d efi ni ti o n s. 

2 2 8. 1 0 3 A p p r o v al p r o c e d u r e: c o n s t r u c ti o n 

wi t hi n o n e- h alf mil e ( 2, 6 4 0 f e e t) ( 8 0 4 m et e r s). 

2 2 8. 1 0 5 A d di ti o n al r e q ui r e m e n t s; c o n s t r u cti o n wi t hi n o n e- t hi r d mil e ( 1, 7 6 0 f e e t) ( 5 3 6 

m e t e r s) of c e r t ai n s wi t c hi n g. 

2 2 8. 1 0 7 A c ti o n o n p e ti ti o n. 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 2 8 — R E Q UI R E M E N T S O F

T H E O U R S O F E R VI C E C T : ST A T E M E N T

O F G E N C Y O LI C Y A N D N T E R P R E T A TI O N

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 2 8 — S C H E D U L E O F I VI L

E N A L TI E S

P P E N DI X C T O A R T 2 2 8 — G UI D E LI N E S F O R

L E A N , SA F E , A N D A NI T A R Y AI L R O A D

R O VI D E D A M P A R S

U T H O RI T Y : 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 3, 2 0 1 0 7, 2 1 1 0 1 – 

2 1 1 0 8; 2 8 U. S. C. 2 4 6 1, n o t e a n d 4 9 C F R 1. 4 9. 

O U R C E : 3 7 F R 1 2 2 3 4, J u n e 2 1, 1 9 7 2, u nl e s s 

o t h e r wi s e n o t e d. 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

§ 2 2 8. 1 S c o p e. 

T hi s p a r t — 

( a) P r e s c ri b e s r e p o r ti n g a n d r e c o r d 

k e e pi n g r e q ui r e m e n t s wi t h r e s p e c t t o 

t h e h o u r s of s e r vi c e of c e r t ai n r ail r o a d 

e m pl o y e e s; a n d 

( b) E s t a bli s h e s s t a n d a r d s a n d p r o c ed u r e s c o n c e r ni n g t h e c o n s t r u c ti o n o r 

r e c o n s t r u c ti o n of e m pl o y e e sl e e pi n g 

q u a r t e r s. 

[ 4 3 F R 3 1 0 1 2, J ul y 1 9, 1 9 7 8] 

§ 2 2 8. 3 A p pli c ati o n. 

( a) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( b), t hi s p a r t a p pli e s t o all r ail r o a d s. 

( b) T hi s p a r t d o e s n o t a p pl y t o: 

( 1) A r ail r o a d t h a t o p e r a t e s o nl y o n 

t r a c k i n si d e a n i n s t all a ti o n w hi c h i s 

n o t p a r t of t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m 

of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n; o r 

( 2) R a pi d t r a n si t o p e r a ti o n s i n a n 

u r b a n a r e a t h a t a r e n o t c o n n e c t e d wi t h 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 4 8
4 0 4 

Pt. 2 2 8 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

S e cti o n Vi ol ati o n Willf ul 

vi ol ati o n 

( b) F ail ur e t o u s e r e q uir e d e q ui p m e nt .................................................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( c) F ail ur e t o a d mi ni st er t e st i n r o o m t h at m e et s r e q uir e m e nt s ............................................. 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( d) C o m pl et e f ail ur e t o c ali br at e ............................................................................................. 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

( 1) F ail ur e t o p erf or m d ail y c ali br ati o n a s r e q uir e d .................................................. 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

( 2) F ail ur e t o p erf or m a n n u al c ali br ati o n a s r e q uir e d .............................................. 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

( 3) F ail ur e t o p erf or m e x h a u sti v e c ali br ati o n a s r e q uir e d ........................................ 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 1 5 H e ari n g pr ot e ct or s ( H P): 

( a) F ail ur e t o c o m pl y wit h g e n er al r e q uir e m e nt s .................................................................... 3, 0 0 0 6, 0 0 0 

( b) F ail ur e t o m a k e H P a v ail a bl e a s r e q uir e d ........................................................................ 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( c) F ail ur e t o r e q uir e u s e of H P at a cti o n l e v el ...................................................................... 5, 0 0 0 7, 50 0 

( d) F ail ur e t o r e q uir e u s e of H P at T W A of 9 0 d B( A) ............................................................ 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 1 7 H e ari n g pr ot e ct or att e n u ati o n: 

( a) F ail ur e t o e v al u at e att e n u ati o n a s r e q uir e d ...................................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 00 

( b) –( c) F ail ur e t o att e n u at e t o r e q uir e d l e v el .......................................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( d) F ail ur e t o r e- e v al u at e att e n u ati o n ..................................................................................... 2, 5 00 5, 0 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 1 9 Tr ai ni n g pr o gr a m: 

( a) F ail ur e t o i n stit ut e a tr ai ni n g pr o gr a m a s r e q uir e d ............................................................ 5, 0 0 0 7, 5 0 0 

( b) F ail ur e t o pr o vi d e tr ai ni n g wit hi n r e q uir e d ti m e fr a m e ...................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( c) F ail ur e of pr o gr a m a n d/ or tr ai ni n g m at eri al s t o i n cl u d e r e q uir e d i nf or m ati o n ................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

2 2 7. 1 2 1 R e c or d k e e pi n g: 

( a) G e n er al R e q uir e m e nt s: 

( 1) F ail ur e t o m a k e r e c or d a v ail a bl e a s r e q uir e d ..................................................... 2, 5 0 0 5, 0 0 0 

( 3) F ail ur e t o tr a n sf er or r et ai n r e c or d s a s r e q uir e d ................................................ 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

( b) –(f) R e c or d s: 

( 1) F ail ur e t o m ai nt ai n r e c or d or f ail ur e t o m ai nt ai n r e c or d wit h r e q uir e d i nf or m ati o n ........................................................................................................................ 2, 00 0 4, 0 0 0 

( 2) F ail ur e t o r et ai n r e c or d s f or r e q uir e d ti m e p eri o d ............................................... 2, 0 0 0 4, 0 0 0 

P A RT 2 2 8 — H O U R S O F S E R VI C E O F 

R AIL R O A D E M PL O Y E E S 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

S e c. 

2 2 8. 1 S c o p e. 

2 2 8. 3 A p pli c a ti o n. 

2 2 8. 5 D efi ni ti o n s. 

S u b p art B — R e c or ds a n d R e p orti n g 

2 2 8. 7 H o u r s of d u t y. 

2 2 8. 9 R ail r o a d r e c o r d s; g e n e r al. 

2 2 8. 1 1 H o u r s of d u t y r e c o r d s. 

2 2 8. 1 7 Di s p a t c h e r’ s r e c o r d of t r ai n m o v em e n t s. 

2 2 8. 1 9 M o n t hl y r e p o r t s of e x c e s s s e r vi c e. 

2 2 8. 2 1 Ci vil p e n al t y. 

2 2 8. 2 3 C ri mi n al p e n al t y. 

S u b p art C — C o nstr u cti o n of E m pl o y e e 

Sl e e pi n g Q u art ers 

2 2 8. 1 0 1 Di s t a n c e r e q ui r e m e n t; d efi ni ti o n s. 

2 2 8. 1 0 3 A p p r o v al p r o c e d u r e: c o n s t r u c ti o n 

wi t hi n o n e- h alf mil e ( 2, 6 4 0 f e e t) ( 8 0 4 m et e r s). 

2 2 8. 1 0 5 A d di ti o n al r e q ui r e m e n t s; c o n s t r u cti o n wi t hi n o n e- t hi r d mil e ( 1, 7 6 0 f e e t) ( 5 3 6 

m e t e r s) of c e r t ai n s wi t c hi n g. 

2 2 8. 1 0 7 A c ti o n o n p e ti ti o n. 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 2 8 — R E Q UI R E M E N T S O F

T H E O U R S O F E R VI C E C T : ST A T E M E N T

O F G E N C Y O LI C Y A N D N T E R P R E T A TI O N

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 2 8 — S C H E D U L E O F I VI L

E N A L TI E S

P P E N DI X C T O A R T 2 2 8 — G UI D E LI N E S F O R

L E A N , SA F E , A N D A NI T A R Y AI L R O A D

R O VI D E D A M P A R S

U T H O RI T Y : 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 3, 2 0 1 0 7, 2 1 1 0 1 – 

2 1 1 0 8; 2 8 U. S. C. 2 4 6 1, n o t e a n d 4 9 C F R 1. 4 9. 

O U R C E : 3 7 F R 1 2 2 3 4, J u n e 2 1, 1 9 7 2, u nl e s s 

o t h e r wi s e n o t e d. 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

§ 2 2 8. 1 S c o p e. 

T hi s p a r t — 

( a) P r e s c ri b e s r e p o r ti n g a n d r e c o r d 

k e e pi n g r e q ui r e m e n t s wi t h r e s p e c t t o 

t h e h o u r s of s e r vi c e of c e r t ai n r ail r o a d 

e m pl o y e e s; a n d 

( b) E s t a bli s h e s s t a n d a r d s a n d p r o c ed u r e s c o n c e r ni n g t h e c o n s t r u c ti o n o r 

r e c o n s t r u c ti o n of e m pl o y e e sl e e pi n g 

q u a r t e r s. 

[ 4 3 F R 3 1 0 1 2, J ul y 1 9, 1 9 7 8] 

§ 2 2 8. 3 A p pli c ati o n. 

( a) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( b), t hi s p a r t a p pli e s t o all r ail r o a d s. 

( b) T hi s p a r t d o e s n o t a p pl y t o: 

( 1) A r ail r o a d t h a t o p e r a t e s o nl y o n 

t r a c k i n si d e a n i n s t all a ti o n w hi c h i s 

n o t p a r t of t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m 

of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n; o r 

( 2) R a pi d t r a n si t o p e r a ti o n s i n a n 

u r b a n a r e a t h a t a r e n o t c o n n e c t e d wi t h 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 4 9
4 0 5 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 8. 1 1 

t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m of t r a n sp o r t a ti o n. 

[ 5 4 F R 3 3 2 2 9, A u g. 1 4, 1 9 8 9] 

§ 2 2 8. 5 D efi niti o n s. 

A s u s e d i n t hi s p a r t: 

( a) A d mi nistr at or m e a n s t h e A d mi ni st r a t o r of t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a t o r o r a n y p e r s o n t o w h o m h e d el eg a t e d a u t h o ri t y i n t h e m a t t e r c o nc e r n e d. 

( b) C arri er, c o m m o n c arri er, a n d c o mm o n c arri er e n g a g e d i n i nt erst at e or f orei g n c o m m er c e b y r ailr o a d m e a n r ailr o a d 

a s t h a t t e r m i s d efi n e d b el o w. 

( c) E m pl o y e e m e a n s a n i n di vi d u al e mpl o y e d b y t h e c o m m o n c a r ri e r w h o ( 1) 

i s a c t u all y e n g a g e d i n o r c o n n e c t e d 

wi t h t h e m o v e m e n t of a n y t r ai n, i ncl u di n g a p e r s o n w h o p e rf o r m s t h e d uti e s of a h o s tl e r, ( 2) di s p a t c h e s, r e p o r t s, 

t r a n s mi t s, r e c ei v e s, o r d eli v e r s o r d e r s 

p e r t ai ni n g t o t r ai n m o v e m e n t s b y t h e 

u s e of t el e g r a p h, t el e p h o n e, r a di o, o r 

a n y o t h e r el e c t ri c al o r m e c h a ni c al d evi c e, o r ( 3) i s e n g a g e d i n i n s t alli n g, r ep ai ri n g o r m ai n t ai ni n g si g n al s y s t e m s. 

( d) R ailr o a d m e a n s all f o r m s of n o nhi g h w a y g r o u n d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n t h a t 

r u n o n r ail s o r el e c t r o m a g n e ti c g ui d ew a y s, i n cl u di n g ( 1) c o m m u t e r o r o t h e r 

s h o r t- h a ul r ail p a s s e n g e r s e r vi c e i n a 

m e t r o p oli t a n o r s u b u r b a n a r e a, a n d ( 2) 

hi g h s p e e d g r o u n d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n s y st e m s t h a t c o n n e c t m e t r o p oli t a n a r e a s, 

wi t h o u t r e g a r d t o w h e t h e r t h e y u s e 

n e w t e c h n ol o gi e s n o t a s s o ci a t e d wi t h 

t r a di ti o n al r ail r o a d s. S u c h t e r m d o e s 

n o t i n cl u d e r a pi d t r a n si t o p e r a ti o n s 

wi t hi n a n u r b a n a r e a t h a t a r e n o t c o nn e c t e d t o t h e g e n e r al r ail r o a d s y s t e m 

of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n. 

[ 5 4 F R 3 3 2 2 9, A u g. 1 4, 1 9 8 9] 

S u b p art B — R e c or ds a n d R e p orti n g 

§ 2 2 8. 7 H o u r s of d ut y. 

( a) F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, ti m e o n 

d u t y of a n e m pl o y e e a c t u all y e n g a g e d 

i n o r c o n n e c t e d wi t h t h e m o v e m e n t of 

a n y t r ai n, i n cl u di n g a h o s tl e r, b e gi n s 

w h e n h e r e p o r t s f o r d u t y a n d e n d s w h e n 

h e i s fi n all y r el e a s e d f r o m d u t y, a n d i ncl u d e s — 

( 1) Ti m e e n g a g e d i n o r c o n n e c t e d 

wi t h t h e m o v e m e n t of a n y t r ai n; 

( 2) A n y i n t e ri m p e ri o d a v ail a bl e f o r 

r e s t a t a l o c a ti o n t h a t i s n o t a d e si g n a t e d t e r mi n al; 

( 3) A n y i n t e ri m p e ri o d of l e s s t h a n 4 

h o u r s a v ail a bl e f o r r e s t a t a d e si g n a t e d 

t e r mi n al; 

( 4) Ti m e s p e n t i n d e a d h e a d t r a n s p o rt a ti o n e n r o u t e t o a d u t y a s si g n m e n t; 

a n d 

( 5) Ti m e e n g a g e d i n a n y o t h e r s e r vi c e 

f o r t h e c a r ri e r. 

Ti m e s p e n t i n d e a d h e a d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n 

b y a n e m pl o y e e r e t u r ni n g f r o m d u t y t o 

hi s p oi n t of fi n al r el e a s e m a y n o t b e 

c o u n t e d i n c o m p u ti n g ti m e off d u t y o r 

ti m e o n d u t y. 

( b) F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, ti m e o n 

d u t y of a n e m pl o y e e w h o di s p a t c h e s, 

r e p o r t s, t r a n s mi t s, r e c ei v e s, o r d eli v e r s 

o r d e r s p e r t ai ni n g t o t r ai n m o v e m e n t s 

b y u s e of t el e g r a p h, t el e p h o n e, r a di o, 

o r a n y o t h e r el e c t ri c al o r m e c h a ni c al 

d e vi c e i n cl u d e s all ti m e o n d u t y i n 

o t h e r s e r vi c e p e rf o r m e d f o r t h e c o mm o n c a r ri e r d u ri n g t h e 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d 

i n v ol v e d. 

( c) F o r p u r p o s e s of t hi s p a r t, ti m e o n 

d u t y of a n e m pl o y e e w h o i s e n g a g e d i n 

i n s t alli n g, r e p ai ri n g o r m ai n t ai ni n g 

si g n al s y s t e m s i n cl u d e s all ti m e o n 

d u t y i n o t h e r s e r vi c e p e rf o r m e d f o r a 

c o m m o n c a r ri e r d u ri n g t h e 2 4- h o u r p eri o d i n v ol v e d. 

[ 3 7 F R 1 2 2 3 4, J u n e 2 1, 1 9 7 2, a s a m e n d e d a t 4 3 

F R 3 1 2 4, J a n. 2 3, 1 9 7 8] 

§ 2 2 8. 9 R ail r o a d r e c o r d s; g e n e r al. 

( a) R e c o r d s m ai n t ai n e d u n d e r t hi s 

p a r t s h all b e — 

( 1) Si g n e d b y t h e e m pl o y e e w h o s e 

ti m e o n d u t y i s b ei n g r e c o r d e d o r, i n 

t h e c a s e of t r ai n a n d e n gi n e c r e w s, 

si g n e d b y t h e r a n ki n g c r e w m e m b e r; 

( 2) R e t ai n e d f o r 2 y e a r s; a n d 

( 3) A v ail a bl e f o r i n s p e c ti o n a n d c o p yi n g b y t h e A d mi ni s t r a t o r d u ri n g r e gul a r b u si n e s s h o u r s. 

( b) [ R e s e r v e d] 

§ 2 2 8. 1 1 H o u r s of d ut y r e c o r d s. 

( a) E a c h c a r ri e r s h all k e e p a r e c o r d of 

t h e f oll o wi n g i nf o r m a ti o n c o n c e r ni n g 

t h e h o u r s of d u t y of e a c h e m pl o y e e: 

( 1) I d e n tifi c a ti o n of e m pl o y e e. 

( 2) Pl a c e, d a t e, a n d b e gi n ni n g a n d 

e n di n g ti m e s f o r h o u r s of d u t y i n e a c h 

o c c u p a ti o n. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 0
4 0 6 

§ 2 2 8. 1 7 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

I n s t a n c e s i n v ol vi n g t o u r s of d u t y t h a t a r e 

b r o k e n b y f o u r o r m o r e c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s off 

d u t y ti m e a t a d e si g n a t e d t e r mi n al w hi c h d o 

n o t c o n s ti t u t e m o r e t h a n a t o t al of 1 2 h o u r s 

ti m e o n d u t y a r e n o t r e q ui r e d t o b e r e p o r t e d, 

p r o vi d e d s u c h t o u r s of d u t y a r e i m m e di a t el y 

p r e c e d e d b y 8 o r m o r e c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s offd u t y ti m e. I n s t a n c e s i n v ol vi n g t o u r s of d u t y 

t h a t a r e b r o k e n b y l e s s t h a n 8 c o n s e c u ti v e 

h o u r s off d u t y w hi c h c o n s ti t u t e m o r e t h a n a 

t o t al of 1 2 h o u r s ti m e o n d u t y m u s t b e r ep o r t e d. 

( 3) T o t al ti m e o n d u t y i n all o c c u p ati o n s. 

( 4) N u m b e r of c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s off 

d u t y p ri o r t o g oi n g o n d u t y. 

( 5) B e gi n ni n g a n d e n di n g ti m e s of p eri o d s s p e n t i n t r a n s p o r t a ti o n, o t h e r 

t h a n p e r s o n al c o m m u ti n g, t o o r f r o m a 

d u t y a s si g n m e n t a n d m o d e of t r a n s p o rt a ti o n ( t r ai n, t r a c k c a r, c a r ri e r m o t o r 

v e hi cl e, p e r s o n al a u t o m o bil e, e t c.). 

( b) [ R e s e r v e d] 

[ 3 7 F R 1 2 2 3 4, J u n e 2 1, 1 9 7 2, a s a m e n d e d a t 4 3 

F R 3 1 2 4, J a n. 2 3, 1 9 7 8] 

§ 2 2 8. 1 7 Di s p at c h e r’ s r e c o r d of t r ai n 

m o v e m e nt s. 

( a) E a c h c a r ri e r s h all k e e p, f o r e a c h 

di s p a t c hi n g di s t ri c t, a r e c o r d of t r ai n 

m o v e m e n t s m a d e u n d e r t h e di r e c ti o n 

a n d c o n t r ol of a di s p a t c h e r w h o u s e s 

t el e g r a p h, t el e p h o n e, r a di o, o r a n y 

o t h e r el e c t ri c al o r m e c h a ni c al d e vi c e 

t o di s p a t c h, r e p o r t, t r a n s mi t, r e c ei v e, 

o r d eli v e r o r d e r s p e r t ai ni n g t o t r ai n 

m o v e m e n t s. T h e f oll o wi n g i nf o r m a ti o n 

s h all b e i n cl u d e d i n t h e r e c o r d: 

( 1) I d e n tifi c a ti o n of ti m e t a bl e i n eff e c t. 

( 2) L o c a ti o n a n d d a t e. 

( 3) I d e n tifi c a ti o n of di s p a t c h e r s a n d 

t h ei r ti m e s o n d u t y. 

( 4) W e a t h e r c o n di ti o n s a t 6- h o u r i nt e r v al s. 

( 5) I d e n tifi c a ti o n of e n gi n e m e n a n d 

c o n d u c t o r s a n d t h ei r ti m e s o n d u t y. 

( 6) I d e n tifi c a ti o n of t r ai n s a n d e ngi n e s. 

( 7) S t a ti o n n a m e s a n d offi c e d e si g n ati o n s. 

( 8) Di s t a n c e s b e t w e e n s t a ti o n s. 

( 9) Di r e c ti o n of m o v e m e n t a n d t h e 

ti m e e a c h t r ai n p a s s e s all r e p o r ti n g 

s t a ti o n s. 

( 1 0) A r ri v al a n d d e p a r t u r e ti m e s of 

t r ai n s a t all r e p o r ti n g s t a ti o n s. 

( 1 1) U n u s u al e v e n t s aff e c ti n g m o v em e n t of t r ai n s a n d i d e n tifi c a ti o n of 

t r ai n s aff e c t e d. 

( b) [ R e s e r v e d] 

§ 2 2 8. 1 9 M o nt hl y r e p o rt s of e x c e s s 

s e r vi c e. 

( a) E a c h c a r ri e r s h all r e p o r t t o t h e 

A s s o ci a t e A d mi ni s t r a t o r f o r S af e t y, 

( R R S – 1), F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r ati o n, W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 5 9 0, e a c h of t h e 

f oll o wi n g i n s t a n c e s wi t hi n 3 0 d a y s af t e r 

t h e c al e n d a r m o n t h i n w hi c h t h e i ns t a n c e o c c u r s: 

( 1) A m e m b e r of a t r ai n o r e n gi n e 

c r e w o r o t h e r e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n o r 

c o n n e c t e d wi t h t h e m o v e m e n t of a n y 

t r ai n, i n cl u di n g a h o s tl e r, i s o n d u t y 

f o r m o r e t h a n 1 2 c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s. 

( 2) A m e m b e r of a t r ai n o r e n gi n e 

c r e w o r o t h e r e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n o r 

c o n n e c t e d wi t h t h e m o v e m e n t of a n y 

t r ai n, i n cl u di n g a h o s tl e r, r e t u r n s t o 

d u t y af t e r 1 2 h o u r s of c o n ti n u o u s s e r vi c e wi t h o u t a t l e a s t 1 0 c o n s e c u ti v e 

h o u r s off d u t y. 

( 3) A m e m b e r of a t r ai n o r e n gi n e 

c r e w o r o t h e r e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n o r 

c o n n e c t e d wi t h t h e m o v e m e n t of a n y 

t r ai n, i n cl u di n g a h o s tl e r, c o n ti n u e s o n 

d u t y wi t h o u t a t l e a s t 8 c o n s e c u ti v e 

h o u r s off d u t y d u ri n g t h e p r e c e di n g 2 4 

h o u r s.

( 4) A m e m b e r of a t r ai n o r e n gi n e 

c r e w o r o t h e r e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n o r 

c o n n e c t e d wi t h t h e m o v e m e n t of a n y 

t r ai n, i n cl u di n g a h o s tl e r, r e t u r n s t o 

d u t y wi t h o u t a t l e a s t 8 c o n s e c u ti v e 

h o u r s off d u t y d u ri n g t h e p r e c e di n g 2 4 

h o u r s.

( 5) A n e m pl o y e e w h o t r a n s mi t s, r ec ei v e s, o r d eli v e r s o r d e r s aff e c ti n g 

t r ai n m o v e m e n t s i s o n d u t y f o r m o r e 

t h a n 9 h o u r s i n a n y 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d a t 

a n offi c e w h e r e t w o o r m o r e s hif t s a r e 

e m pl o y e d. 

( 6) A n e m pl o y e e w h o t r a n s mi t s, r ec ei v e s, o r d eli v e r s o r d e r s aff e c ti n g 

t r ai n m o v e m e n t s i s o n d u t y f o r m o r e 

t h a n 1 2 h o u r s i n a n y 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d a t 

a n y offi c e w h e r e o n e s hif t i s e m pl o y e d. 

( 7) A n e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n i n s t alli n g, r e p ai ri n g o r m ai n t ai ni n g si g n al 

s y s t e m s i s o n d u t y f o r m o r e t h a n 1 2 

h o u r s i n a t w e n t y-f o u r h o u r p e ri o d. 

( 8) A n e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n i n s t alli n g, r e p ai ri n g o r m ai n t ai ni n g si g n al 

s y s t e m s r e t u r n s t o d u t y af t e r 1 2 h o u r s 

of c o n ti n u o u s s e r vi c e wi t h o u t a t l e a s t 

1 0 c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s off d u t y. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 1
4 0 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 8. 1 0 1 

F o r m m a y b e o b t ai n e d f r o m t h e Offi c e of 

S af e t y, F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n, 

W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 5 9 0. R e p r o d u c ti o n i s a ut h o ri z e d. 

( 9) A n e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n i n s t alli n g, r e p ai ri n g o r m ai n t ai ni n g si g n al 

s y s t e m s c o n ti n u e s o n d u t y wi t h o u t a t 

l e a s t 8 c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s off d u t y d u ri n g t h e p r e c e di n g 2 4 h o u r s. 

( 1 0) A n e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n i n s t alli n g, r e p ai ri n g o r m ai n t ai ni n g si g n al 

s y s t e m s r e t u r n s t o d u t y wi t h o u t a t 

l e a s t 8 c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s off d u t y d u ri n g t h e p r e c e di n g 2 4 h o u r s. 

( b) R e p o r t s r e q ui r e d b y p a r a g r a p h ( a) 

of t hi s s e c ti o n s h all b e fil e d i n w ri ti n g 

o n F R A F o r m F – 6 1 8 0 – 3 wi t h t h e Offi c e 

of S af e t y, F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni st r a ti o n, W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 5 9 0. A s e p ar a t e f o r m s h all b e u s e d f o r e a c h i ns t a n c e r e p o r t e d. 

[ 3 7 F R 1 2 2 3 4, J u n e 2 1, 1 9 7 2, a s a m e n d e d a t 4 3 

F R 3 1 2 4, J a n. 2 3, 1 9 7 8] 

§ 2 2 8. 2 1 Ci vil p e n alt y. 

A n y p e r s o n ( a n e n ti t y of a n y t y p e 

c o v e r e d u n d e r 1 U. S. C. 1, i n cl u di n g b u t 

n o t li mi t e d t o t h e f oll o wi n g: a r ail r o a d; 

a m a n a g e r, s u p e r vi s o r, offi ci al, o r 

o t h e r e m pl o y e e o r a g e n t of a r ail r o a d; 

a n y o w n e r, m a n uf a c t u r e r, l e s s o r, o r 

l e s s e e of r ail r o a d e q ui p m e n t, t r a c k, o r 

f a cili ti e s; a n y i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r 

p r o vi di n g g o o d s o r s e r vi c e s t o a r ailr o a d; a n d a n y e m pl o y e e of s u c h o w n e r, 

m a n uf a c t u r e r, l e s s o r, l e s s e e, o r i n d ep e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r) w h o vi ol a t e s a n y 

r e q ui r e m e n t of t hi s p a r t o r c a u s e s t h e 

vi ol a ti o n of a n y s u c h r e q ui r e m e n t i s 

s u bj e c t t o a ci vil p e n al t y of a t l e a s t 

$ 5 5 0 a n d n o t m o r e t h a n $ 1 1, 0 0 0 p e r vi ol a ti o n, e x c e p t t h a t: P e n al ti e s m a y b e 

a s s e s s e d a g ai n s t i n di vi d u al s o nl y f o r 

willf ul vi ol a ti o n s, a n d, w h e r e a g r o s sl y 

n e gli g e n t vi ol a ti o n o r a p a t t e r n of r ep e a t e d vi ol a ti o n s h a s c r e a t e d a n i m min e n t h a z a r d of d e a t h o r i nj u r y t o p e rs o n s, o r h a s c a u s e d d e a t h o r i nj u r y, a 

p e n al t y n o t t o e x c e e d $ 2 7, 0 0 0 p e r vi ol ati o n m a y b e a s s e s s e d. E a c h d a y a vi ol ati o n c o n ti n u e s s h all c o n s ti t u t e a s e p ar a t e off e n s e. S e e a p p e n di x B t o t hi s 

p a r t f o r a s t a t e m e n t of a g e n c y ci vil 

p e n al t y p oli c y. Vi ol a ti o n s of t h e H o u r s 

of S e r vi c e A c t i t s elf ( e. g., r e q ui ri n g a n 

e m pl o y e e t o w o r k e x c e s si v e h o u r s o r 

b e gi n ni n g c o n s t r u c ti o n of a sl e e pi n g 

q u a r t e r s s u bj e c t t o a p p r o v al u n d e r s u bp a r t C of t hi s p a r t wi t h o u t p ri o r a pp r o v al) a r e s u bj e c t t o p e n al t y u n d e r 

t h a t A c t’ s p e n al t y p r o vi si o n, 4 5 U. S. C. 

6 4 a. 

[ 5 3 F R 5 2 9 3 1, D e c. 2 9, 1 9 8 8, a s a m e n d e d a t 6 3 

F R 1 1 6 2 2, M a r. 1 0, 1 9 9 8; 6 9 F R 3 0 5 9 4, M a y 2 8, 

2 0 0 4] 

F F E C TI V E A T E O T E : A t 7 2 F R 5 1 1 9 7, 

S e p t. 6, 2 0 0 7, § 2 2 8. 2 1 w a s a m e n d e d b y r e m o vi n g t h e n u m e ri c al a m o u n t ‘‘ $ 1 1, 0 0 0’’ a n d a d di n g i n i t s pl a c e t h e n u m e ri c al a m o u n t 

‘‘ $ 1 6, 0 0 0’’, eff e c ti v e O c t o b e r 9, 2 0 0 7. 

§ 2 2 8. 2 3 C ri mi n al p e n alt y. 

A n y p e r s o n w h o k n o wi n gl y a n d willf ull y f al sifi e s a r e p o r t o r r e c o r d r eq ui r e d t o b e k e p t u n d e r t hi s p a r t o r 

o t h e r wi s e k n o wi n gl y a n d willf ull y vi ol a t e s a n y r e q ui r e m e n t of t hi s p a r t m a y 

b e li a bl e f o r c ri mi n al p e n al ti e s of a fi n e 

u p t o $ 5, 0 0 0, i m p ri s o n m e n t f o r u p t o 

t w o y e a r s, o r b o t h, i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

4 5 U. S. C. 4 3 8( e). 

[ 5 3 F R 5 2 9 3 1, D e c. 2 9, 1 9 8 8] 

S u b p art C — C o nstr u cti o n of 

E m pl o y e e Sl e e pi n g Q u art ers 

O U R C E : 4 3 F R 3 1 0 1 2, J ul y 1 9, 1 9 7 8, u nl e s s 

o t h e r wi s e n o t e d. 

§ 2 2 8. 1 0 1 Di st a n c e r e q ui r e m e nt; d efi niti o n s. 

( a) T h e H o u r s of S e r vi c e A c t, a s 

a m e n d e d ( 4 5 U. S. C. 6 1 – 6 4 b), m a k e s i t 

u nl a wf ul f o r a n y c o m m o n c a r ri e r e ng a g e d i n i n t e r s t a t e o r f o r ei g n c o mm e r c e b y r ail r o a d t o b e gi n, o n o r af t e r 

J ul y 8, 1 9 7 6, t h e c o n s t r u c ti o n o r r e c o ns t r u c ti o n of sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s f o r e mpl o y e e s w h o p e rf o r m d u ti e s c o v e r e d b y 

t h e a c t ‘‘ wi t hi n o r i n t h e i m m e di a t e vici ni t y ( a s d e t e r mi n e d i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h r ul e s p r e s c ri b e d b y t h e S e c r e t a r y 

of T r a n s p o r t a ti o n) of a n y a r e a w h e r e 

r ail r o a d s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e ra ti o n s a r e p e rf o r m e d.’’ 4 5 U. S. C. 

6 2( a)( 4). T hi s s u b p a r t s e t s f o r t h ( 1) a 

g e n e r al d efi ni ti o n of ‘‘i m m e di a t e vi ci ni t y’’ (§ 2 2 8. 1 0 1( b)), ( 2) p r o c e d u r e s u n d e r 

w hi c h a c a r ri e r m a y r e q u e s t a d e t e rmi n a ti o n b y t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d A dmi ni s t r a ti o n t h a t a p a r ti c ul a r p r o p o s e d 

si t e i s n o t wi t hi n t h e ‘‘i m m e di a t e vici ni t y’’ of r ail r o a d s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s (§§ 2 2 8. 1 0 3 a n d 2 2 8. 1 0 5), 

a n d ( 3) t h e b a si c c ri t e ri a u tili z e d i n 

e v al u a ti n g p r o p o s e d si t e s (§ 2 2 8. 1 0 7). 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 2
4 0 8 

§ 2 2 8. 1 0 3 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

( b) E x c e p t a s d e t e r mi n e d i n a c c o r da n c e wi t h t h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s s u bp a r t. ‘‘ T h e i m m e di a t e vi ci ni t y’’ s h all 

m e a n t h e a r e a wi t hi n o n e- h alf mil e 

( 2, 6 4 0 f e e t) ( 8 0 4 m e t e r s) of s wi t c hi n g o r 

h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s a s m e a s u r e d f r o m 

t h e n e a r e s t r ail of t h e n e a r e s t t r a c k a g e 

w h e r e s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s 

a r e p e rf o r m e d t o t h e p oi n t o n t h e si t e 

w h e r e t h e c a r ri e r p r o p o s e s t o c o n s t r u c t 

o r r e c o n s t r u c t t h e e x t e ri o r w all of t h e 

s t r u c t u r e, o r p o r ti o n of s u c h w all, 

w hi c h i s cl o s e s t t o s u c h o p e r a ti o n s. 

( c) A s u s e d i n t hi s s u b p a r t — 

( 1) C o nstr u cti o n s h all r ef e r t o t h e — 

(i) C r e a ti o n of a n e w f a cili t y; 

(ii) E x p a n si o n of a n e xi s ti n g f a cili t y; 

(iii) Pl a c e m e n t of a m o bil e o r m o dul a r f a cili t y; o r 

(i v) A c q ui si ti o n a n d u s e of a n e xi s ti n g b uil di n g. 

( 2) R e c o nstr u cti o n s h all r ef e r t o t h e — 

(i) R e pl a c e m e n t of a n e xi s ti n g f a cili t y wi t h a n e w f a cili t y o n t h e s a m e 

si t e; o r 

(ii) R e h a bili t a ti o n o r i m p r o v e m e n t of 

a n e xi s ti n g f a cili t y ( n o r m al p e ri o di c 

m ai n t e n a n c e e x c e p t e d) i n v ol vi n g t h e 

e x p e n di t u r e of a n a m o u n t r e p r e s e n ti n g 

m o r e t h a n 5 0 p e r c e n t of t h e c o s t of r epl a ci n g s u c h f a cili t y o n t h e s a m e si t e 

a t t h e ti m e t h e w o r k of r e h a bili t a ti o n 

o r i m p r o v e m e n t b e g a n, t h e r e pl a c em e n t c o s t t o b e e s ti m a t e d o n t h e b a si s 

of c o n t e m p o r a r y c o n s t r u c ti o n m e t h o d s 

a n d m a t e ri al s. 

( 3) S wit c hi n g or h u m pi n g o p er ati o ns i ncl u d e s t h e cl a s sifi c a ti o n of pl a c a r d e d 

r ail r o a d c a r s a c c o r di n g t o c o m m o di t y 

o r d e s ti n a ti o n, a s s e m bli n g of pl a c a r d e d 

c a r s f o r t r ai n m o v e m e n t s, c h a n gi n g t h e 

p o si ti o n of pl a c a r d e d c a r s f o r p u r p o s e s 

of l o a di n g, u nl o a di n g, o r w ei g hi n g, a n d 

t h e pl a ci n g of pl a c a r d e d c a r s f o r r e p ai r. 

H o w e v e r, t h e t e r m d o e s n o t i n cl u d e t h e 

m o vi n g of r ail e q ui p m e n t i n c o n n e c ti o n 

wi t h w o r k s e r vi c e, t h e m o vi n g of a 

t r ai n o r p a r t of a t r ai n wi t hi n y a r d 

li mi t s b y a r o a d l o c o m o ti v e o r pl a ci n g 

l o c o m o ti v e s o r c a r s i n a t r ai n o r r em o vi n g t h e m f r o m a t r ai n b y a r o a d l oc o m o ti v e w hil e e n r o u t e t o t h e t r ai n’ s 

d e s ti n a ti o n. T h e t e r m d o e s i n cl u d e o pe r a ti o n s wi t hi n t hi s d efi ni ti o n w hi c h 

a r e c o n d u c t e d b y a n y r ail r o a d; i t i s n o t 

li mi t e d t o t h e o p e r a ti o n s of t h e c a r ri e r 

c o n t e m pl a ti n g c o n s t r u c ti o n o r r e c o ns t r u c ti o n of r ail r o a d e m pl o y e e sl e e pi n g 

q u a r t e r s. 

( 4) Pl a c ar d e d c ar s h all m e a n a r ailr o a d c a r r e q ui r e d t o b e pl a c a r d e d b y 

t h e D e p a r t m e n t of T r a n s p o r t a ti o n h a za r d o u s m a t e ri al s r e g ul a ti o n s ( 4 9 C F R 

1 7 2. 5 0 4). 

( 5) T h e t e r m L e q ( 8) s h all m e a n t h e 

e q ui v al e n t s t e a d y s t a t e s o u n d l e v el 

w hi c h i n 8 h o u r s w o ul d c o n t ai n t h e 

s a m e a c o u s ti c e n e r g y a s t h e ti m e- v a r yi n g s o u n d l e v el d u ri n g t h e s a m e ti m e 

p e ri o d. 

§ 2 2 8. 1 0 3 A p p r o v al p r o c e d u r e: c o nst r u cti o n wit hi n o n e- h alf mil e ( 2, 6 4 0 

f e et) ( 8 0 4 m et e r s). 

( a) A c o m m o n c a r ri e r t h a t h a s d e v elo p e d pl a n s f o r t h e c o n s t r u c ti o n o r r ec o n s t r u c ti o n of sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s s u bj e c t t o t hi s s u b p a r t a n d w hi c h i s c o nsi d e ri n g a si t e l e s s t h a n o n e- h alf mil e 

( 2, 6 4 0 f e e t) ( 8 0 4 m e t e r s) f r o m a n y a r e a 

w h e r e s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s 

a r e p e rf o r m e d, m e a s u r e d f r o m t h e 

n e a r e s t r ail of t h e n e a r e s t t r a c k a g e 

u tili z e d o n a r e g ul a r o r i n t e r mi t t e n t 

b a si s f o r s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e ra ti o n s t o t h e p oi n t o n t h e si t e w h e r e 

t h e c a r ri e r p r o p o s e s t o c o n s t r u c t o r r ec o n s t r u c t t h e e x t e ri o r w all of t h e 

s t r u c t u r e, o r p o r ti o n of s u c h w all, 

w hi c h i s cl o s e s t t o s u c h o p e r a ti o n s, 

m u s t o b t ai n t h e a p p r o v al of t h e F e de r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n b ef o r e 

c o m m e n ci n g c o n s t r u c ti o n o r r e c o ns t r u c ti o n o n t h a t si t e. A p p r o v al m a y 

b e r e q u e s t e d b y fili n g a p e ti ti o n c o nf o r mi n g t o t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of t hi s 

s u b p a r t. 

( b) A c a r ri e r i s d e e m e d t o h a v e c o nd u c t e d s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e ra ti o n s o n p a r ti c ul a r t r a c k a g e wi t hi n 

t h e m e a ni n g of t hi s s u b p a r t if pl a ca r d e d c a r s a r e s u bj e c t e d t o t h e o p e ra ti o n s d e s c ri b e d i n § 2 2 8. 1 0 1( c)( 3) wi t hi n 

t h e 3 6 5- d a y p e ri o d i m m e di a t el y p r ec e di n g t h e d a t e c o n s t r u c ti o n o r r e c o ns t r u c ti o n i s c o m m e n c e d o r if s u c h o p e ra ti o n s a r e t o b e p e r mi t t e d o n s u c h 

t r a c k a g e af t e r s u c h d a t e. If t h e c a r ri e r 

d o e s n o t h a v e r eli a bl e r e c o r d s c o nc e r ni n g t h e t r affi c h a n dl e d o n t h e 

t r a c k a g e wi t hi n t h e s p e cifi e d p e ri o d, i t 

s h all b e p r e s u m e d t h a t s wi t c hi n g of 

pl a c a r d e d c a r s i s c o n d u c t e d a t t h e l o c ati o n a n d c o n s t r u c ti o n o r r e c o n s t r u cti o n of sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s wi t hi n o n eh alf mil e s h all b e s u bj e c t t o t h e a pp r o v al p r o c e d u r e s of t hi s s u b p a r t. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 3
4 0 9 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 8. 1 0 5 

( c) A p e ti ti o n s h all b e fil e d i n t ri pli c a t e wi t h t h e S e c r e t a r y, R ail r o a d 

S af e t y B o a r d, F e d e r al R ail r o a d A d mi ni s t r a ti o n, W a s hi n g t o n, D C 2 0 5 9 0 a n d 

s h all c o n t ai n t h e f oll o wi n g: 

( 1) A b ri ef d e s c ri p ti o n of t h e t y p e of 

c o n s t r u c ti o n pl a n n e d, i n cl u di n g m a t eri al s t o b e e m pl o y e d, m e a n s of e g r e s s 

f r o m t h e q u a r t e r s, a n d a c t u al a n d p r oj e c t e d e x t e ri o r n oi s e l e v el s a n d p r oj e c t e d i n t e ri o r n oi s e l e v el s; 

( 2) T h e n u m b e r of e m pl o y e e s e xp e c t e d t o u tili z e t h e q u a r t e r s a t f ull c ap a ci t y; 

( 3) A b ri ef d e s c ri p ti o n of t h e si t e, i ncl u di n g: 

(i) Di s t a n c e f r o m t r a c k a g e w h e r e 

s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s a r e 

p e rf o r m e d, s p e cif yi n g di s t a n c e s f r o m 

p a r ti c ul a r f u n c ti o n s s u c h a s cl a s sifi c ati o n, r e p ai r, a s s e m bli n g of t r ai n s f r o m 

l a r g e g r o u p s of c a r s, e t c. c e t e r a; 

(ii) T o p o g r a p h y wi t hi n a g e n e r al a r e a 

c o n si s ti n g of t h e si t e a n d all of t h e r ail 

f a cili ti e s cl o s e t o t h e si t e; 

(iii) L o c a ti o n of o t h e r p h y si c al i mp r o v e m e n t s si t u a t e d b e t w e e n t h e si t e 

a n d a r e a s w h e r e r ail r o a d o p e r a ti o n s a r e 

c o n d u c t e d; 

( 4) A bl u e p ri n t o r o t h e r d r a wi n g 

s h o wi n g t h e r el a ti o n s hi p of t h e si t e t o 

t r a c k a g e a n d o t h e r pl a n n e d a n d e xi s ti n g f a cili ti e s; 

( 5) T h e p r o p o s e d o r e s ti m a t e d d a t e 

f o r c o m m e n c e m e n t of c o n s t r u c ti o n; 

( 6) A d e s c ri p ti o n of t h e a v e r a g e n u mb e r a n d v a ri e t y of r ail o p e r a ti o n s i n 

t h e a r e a s wi t hi n o n e- h alf mil e ( 2, 6 4 0 

f e e t) ( 8 0 4 m e t e r s) of t h e si t e ( e. g., n u mb e r of c a r s cl a s sifi e d i n 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d; 

n u m b e r of t r ai n m o v e m e n t s); 

( 7) A n e s ti m a t e of t h e a v e r a g e d ail y 

n u m b e r of pl a c a r d e d r ail c a r s t r a n sp o r ti n g h a z a r d o u s m a t e ri al s t h r o u g h 

t h e r ail r o a d f a cili t y ( w h e r e p r a cti c a bl e, b a s e d o n a 3 6 5- d a y p e ri o d s a mpl e, t h a t p e ri o d n o t h a vi n g e n d e d m o r e 

t h a n 1 2 0 d a y s p ri o r t o t h e d a t e of fili n g 

t h e p e ti ti o n), s p e cif yi n g t h e — 

(i) N u m b e r of s u c h c a r s t r a n s p o r ti n g 

cl a s s A e x pl o si v e s a n d p oi s o n g a s e s; 

a n d 

(ii) N u m b e r of D O T S p e cifi c a ti o n 

1 1 2 A a n d 1 1 4 A t a n k c a r s t r a n s p o r ti n g 

fl a m m a bl e g a s s u bj e c t t o F R A e m e rg e n c y o r d e r N o. 5; 

( 8) A s t a t e m e n t c e r tifi e d b y a c o rp o r a t e offi c e r of t h e c a r ri e r p o s s e s si n g 

a u t h o ri t y o v e r t h e s u bj e c t m a t t e r e xpl ai ni n g a n y pl a n s of t h a t c a r ri e r f o r 

u tili z a ti o n of e xi s ti n g t r a c k a g e, o r f o r 

t h e c o n s t r u c ti o n of n e w t r a c k a g e, 

w hi c h m a y i m p a c t o n t h e l o c a ti o n of 

s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s wi t hi n o n e- h alf mil e of t h e p r o p o s e d si t e (if 

t h e r e a r e n o pl a n s, t h e c a r ri e r offi ci al 

m u s t s o c e r tif y); a n d 

( 9) A n y f u r t h e r i nf o r m a ti o n w hi c h i s 

n e c e s s a r y f o r e v al u a ti o n of t h e si t e. 

( d) A p e ti ti o n fil e d u n d e r t hi s s e c ti o n 

m u s t c o n t ai n a s t a t e m e n t t h a t t h e p eti ti o n h a s b e e n s e r v e d o n t h e r e c o gni z e d r e p r e s e n t a ti v e s of t h e r ail r o a d 

e m pl o y e e s w h o will b e u tili zi n g t h e 

p r o p o s e d sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s, t o g e t h e r 

wi t h a li s t of t h e e m pl o y e e r e p r e s e n t ati v e s s e r v e d. 

§ 2 2 8. 1 0 5 A d diti o n al r e q ui r e m e nt s; 

c o n st r u cti o n wit hi n o n e-t hi r d mil e 

( 1, 7 6 0 f e et) ( 5 3 6 m et e r s) of c e rt ai n 

s wit c hi n g. 

( a) I n a d di ti o n t o p r o vi di n g t h e i nf o rm a ti o n s p e cifi e d b y § 2 2 8. 1 0 3, a c a r ri e r 

s e e ki n g a p p r o v al of a si t e l o c a t e d wi t hi n o n e- t hi r d mil e ( 1, 7 6 0 f e e t) ( 5 3 6 m et e r s) of a n y a r e a w h e r e r ail r o a d s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s a r e p e rf o r m e d i n v ol vi n g a n y c a r s r e q ui r e d t o 

b e pl a c a r d e d ‘‘ E X P L O SI V E S A’’ o r 

‘‘ P OI S O N G A S’’ o r a n y D O T S p e cifi c ati o n 1 1 2 A o r 1 1 4 A t a n k c a r s t r a n sp o r ti n g fl a m m a bl e g a s s u bj e c t t o F R A 

e m e r g e n c y o r d e r N o. 5 s h all e s t a bli s h 

b y a s u p pl e m e n t a r y s t a t e m e n t c e r tifi e d 

b y a c o r p o r a t e offi c e r p o s s e s si n g a ut h o ri t y o v e r t h e s u bj e c t m a t t e r t h a t — 

( 1) N o f e a si bl e al t e r n a t e si t e l o c a t e d 

a t o r b e y o n d o n e- t hi r d mil e f r o m 

s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s i s eit h e r p r e s e n tl y a v ail a bl e t o t h e r ail r o a d 

o r i s o b t ai n a bl e wi t hi n 3 mil e s ( 1 5, 8 4 0 

f e e t) ( 4, 8 2 7 m e t e r s) of t h e r e p o r ti n g 

p oi n t f o r t h e e m pl o y e e s w h o a r e t o b e 

h o u s e d i n t h e sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s; 

( 2) N a t u r al o r o t h e r b a r ri e r s e xi s t o r 

will b e c r e a t e d p ri o r t o o c c u p a n c y of 

t h e p r o p o s e d f a cili t y b e t w e e n t h e p r op o s e d si t e a n d a n y a r e a s i n w hi c h 

s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s a r e 

p e rf o r m e d w hi c h will b e a d e q u a t e t o 

s hi el d t h e f a cili t y f r o m t h e di r e c t a n d 

s e v e r e eff e c t s of a h a z a r d o u s m a t e ri al s 

a c ci d e n t/i n ci d e n t a ri si n g i n a n a r e a of 

s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e r a ti o n s; 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 1 9 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 4
4 1 0 

§ 2 2 8. 1 0 7 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

( 3) T h e t o p o g r a p h y of t h e p r o p e r t y i s 

s u c h a s m o s t li k el y t o c a u s e a n y h a za r d o u s m a t e ri al s u ni n t e n ti o n all y r el e a s e d d u ri n g s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g t o 

fl o w a w a y f r o m t h e p r o p o s e d si t e; a n d 

( 4) P r e c a u ti o n s f o r e n s u ri n g e mpl o y e e s af e t y f r o m t o xi c g a s e s o r e x pl osi o n s s u c h a s e m pl o y e e t r ai ni n g a n d 

e v a c u a ti o n pl a n s, a v ail a bili t y of a p p r op ri a t e r e s pi r a t o r y p r o t e c ti o n, a n d 

m e a s u r e s f o r fi r e p r o t e c ti o n, h a v e b e e n 

c o n si d e r e d. 

( b) I n t h e a b s e n c e of r eli a bl e r e c o r d s 

c o n c e r ni n g t r affi c h a n dl e d o n t r a c k a g e 

wi t hi n t h e o n e- t hi r d mil e a r e a, i t s h all 

b e p r e s u m e d t h a t t h e t y p e s of c a r s e n um e r a t e d i n p a r a g r a p h ( a) of t hi s s e cti o n a r e s wi t c h e d o n t h a t t r a c k a g e; a n d 

t h e a d di ti o n al r e q ui r e m e n t s of t hi s s e cti o n s h all b e m e t b y t h e p e ti ti o ni n g 

c a r ri e r, u nl e s s t h e c a r ri e r e s t a bli s h e s 

t h a t t h e s wi t c hi n g of t h e e n u m e r a t e d 

c a r s will b e eff e c ti v el y b a r r e d f r o m t h e 

t r a c k a g e if t h e p e ti ti o n i s a p p r o v e d. 

§ 2 2 8. 1 0 7 A cti o n o n p etiti o n. 

( a) E a c h p e ti ti o n f o r a p p r o v al fil e d 

u n d e r § 2 2 8. 1 0 3 i s r ef e r r e d t o t h e R ailr o a d S af e t y B o a r d f o r a c ti o n i n a c c o r da n c e wi t h t h e p r o vi si o n s of p a r t 2 1 1, 

ti tl e 4 9, C F R, c o n c e r ni n g t h e p r o ce s si n g of r e q u e s t s f o r s p e ci al a p p r o v al s. 

( b) I n c o n si d e ri n g a p e ti ti o n f o r a pp r o v al fil e d u n d e r t hi s s u b p a r t, t h e 

R ail r o a d S af e t y B o a r d e v al u a t e s t h e 

m a t e ri al f a c t o r s b e a ri n g o n — 

( 1) T h e s af e t y of e m pl o y e e s u tili zi n g 

t h e p r o p o s e d f a cili t y i n t h e e v e n t of a 

h a z a r d o u s m a t e ri al s a c ci d e n t/i n ci d e n t 

a n d i n li g h t of o t h e r r el e v a n t s af e t y 

f a c t o r s; a n d 

( 2) I n t e ri o r n oi s e l e v el s i n t h e f a cili t y. 

( c) T h e R ail r o a d S af e t y B o a r d will 

n o t a p p r o v e a n a p pli c a ti o n s u b mi t t e d 

u n d e r t hi s s u b p a r t if i t a p p e a r s f r o m 

t h e a v ail a bl e i nf o r m a ti o n t h a t t h e p r op o s e d sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s will b e s o si t ua t e d a n d c o n s t r u c t e d a s t o p e r mi t i n t eri o r n oi s e l e v el s d u e t o n oi s e u n d e r t h e 

c o n t r ol of t h e r ail r o a d t o e x c e e d a n 

e q( 8) v al u e of 5 5 d B( A). If i n di vi d u al ai r 

c o n di ti o ni n g a n d h e a ti n g s y s t e m s a r e 

t o b e u tili z e d, p r oj e c ti o n s m a y r el a t e 

t o n oi s e l e v el s wi t h s u c h u ni t s t u r n e d 

off. 

( d) A p p r o v al of a p e ti ti o n fil e d u n d e r 

t hi s s u b p a r t m a y b e wi t h d r a w n o r 

m o difi e d a t a n y ti m e if i t i s 

a s c e r t ai n e d, af t e r o p p o r t u ni t y f o r a 

h e a ri n g, t h a t a n y r e p r e s e n t a ti o n of 

f a c t o r i n t e n t m a d e b y a c a r ri e r i n m at e ri al s s u b mi t t e d i n s u p p o r t of a p e titi o n w a s n o t a c c u r a t e o r t r u t hf ul a t 

t h e ti m e s u c h r e p r e s e n t a ti o n w a s 

m a d e. 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 2 8 — R E Q UI R E

M E N T S O F T H E O U R S O F E R VI C E

C T : ST A T E M E N T O F G E N C Y O LI C Y

A N D N T E R P R E T A TI O N

Fi r s t e n a c t e d i n 1 9 0 7, t h e H o u r s of S e r vi c e 

A c t w a s s u b s t a n ti all y r e vi s e d i n 1 9 6 9 b y P u bli c L a w 9 1 – 1 6 9. F u r t h e r a m e n d m e n t s w e r e e na c t e d a s p a r t of t h e F e d e r al R ail r o a d S af e t y 

A u t h o ri z a ti o n A c t of 1 9 7 6, P u bli c L a w 9 4 – 3 4 8 

a n d b y t h e R ail S af e t y I m p r o v e m e n t A c t of 

1 9 8 8, P u bli c L a w 1 0 0 – 3 4 2. T h e p u r p o s e of t h e 

l a w i s ‘‘ t o p r o m o t e t h e s af e t y of e m pl o y e e s 

a n d t r a v el e r s u p o n r ail r o a d s b y li mi ti n g t h e 

h o u r s of s e r vi c e of e m pl o y e e s * * *.’’ T hi s a pp e n di x i s d e si g n e d t o e x pl ai n t h e eff e c t of t h e 

l a w i n c o m m o nl y- e n c o u n t e r e d si t u a ti o n s. 

T h e A c t g o v e r n s t h e m a xi m u m w o r k h o u r s 

of e m pl o y e e s e n g a g e d i n o n e o r m o r e of t h e 

b a si c c a t e g o ri e s of c o v e r e d s e r vi c e t r e a t e d 

b el o w. If a n i n di vi d u al p e rf o r m s m o r e t h a n 

o n e ki n d of c o v e r e d s e r vi c e d u ri n g a t o u r of 

d u t y, t h e n t h e m o s t r e s t ri c ti v e of t h e a p plic a bl e li mi t a ti o n s c o n t r ol. 

T h e a c t a p pli e s t o a n y r ail r o a d, a s t h a t 

t e r m i s d efi n e d i n 4 5 U. S. C. 4 3 1( e). I t g o v e r n s 

t h e c a r ri e r’ s o p e r a ti o n s o v e r i t s o w n r ail r o a d 

a n d all li n e s of r o a d w hi c h i t u s e s. 

T R AI N A N D E N GI N E S E R VI C E

C o v er e d S er vi c e. T r ai n o r e n gi n e s e r vi c e r ef e r s t o t h e a c t u al a s s e m bli n g o r o p e r a ti o n of 

t r ai n s. E m pl o y e e s w h o p e rf o r m t hi s t y p e of 

s e r vi c e c o m m o nl y i n cl u d e l o c o m o ti v e e n gin e e r s, fi r e m e n, c o n d u c t o r s, t r ai n m e n, 

s wi t c h m e n, s wi t c h t e n d e r s ( u nl e s s t h ei r d uti e s c o m e u n d e r t h e p r o vi si o n s of s e c ti o n 3) 

a n d h o s tl e r s. Wi t h t h e p a s s a g e of t h e 1 9 7 6 

a m e n d m e n t s, b o t h i n si d e a n d o u t si d e h o stl e r s a r e c o n si d e r e d t o b e c o n n e c t e d wi t h t h e 

m o v e m e n t of t r ai n s. P r e vi o u sl y, o nl y o u t si d e 

h o s tl e r s w e r e c o v e r e d. A n y o t h e r e m pl o y e e 

w h o i s a c t u all y e n g a g e d i n o r c o n n e c t e d wi t h 

t h e m o v e m e n t of a n y t r ai n i s al s o c o v e r e d, 

r e g a r dl e s s of hi s j o b ti tl e. 

Li mit ati o ns o n H o urs. T h e A c t e s t a bli s h e s 

t w o li mi t a ti o n s o n h o u r s of s e r vi c e. Fi r s t, n o 

e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n t r ai n o r e n gi n e s e r vi c e 

m a y b e r e q ui r e d o r p e r mi t t e d t o w o r k i n e xc e s s of t w el v e c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s. Af t e r w o r ki n g a f ull t w el v e c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s, a n e mpl o y e e m u s t b e gi v e n a t l e a s t t e n c o n s e c uti v e h o u r s off d u t y b ef o r e b ei n g p e r mi t t e d t o 

r e t u r n t o w o r k. 

S e c o n d, n o e m pl o y e e e n g a g e d i n t r ai n o r 

e n gi n e s e r vi c e m a y b e r e q ui r e d o r p e r mi t t e d 

t o c o n ti n u e o n d u t y o r g o o n d u t y u nl e s s h e 

h a s h a d a t l e a s t ei g h t c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s off 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 2 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 5
4 1 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 8, A p p. A 

d u t y wi t hi n t h e p r e c e di n g t w e n t y-f o u r h o u r s. 

T hi s l a t t e r li mi t a ti o n, w h e n r e a d i n c o nj u n cti o n wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s wi t h r e s p e c t t o 

c o m p u t a ti o n of d u t y ti m e ( di s c u s s e d b el o w) 

r e s ul t s i n s e v e r al c o n cl u si o n s: 

( 1) W h e n a n e m pl o y e e’ s w o r k t o u r i s b r ok e n o r i n t e r r u p t e d b y a v ali d p e ri o d of i nt e ri m r el e a s e ( 4 h o u r s o r m o r e a t a d e si g n a t e d t e r mi n al), h e m a y r e t u r n t o d u t y f o r 

t h e b al a n c e of t h e t o t al 1 2- h o u r w o r k t o u r 

d u ri n g a 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d. 

( 2) Af t e r c o m pl e ti n g t h e 1 2 h o u r s of b r o k e n 

d u t y, o r a t t h e e n d of t h e 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d, 

w hi c h e v e r o c c u r s fi r s t, t h e e m pl o y e e m a y 

n o t b e r e q ui r e d o r p e r mi t t e d t o c o n ti n u e o n 

d u t y o r t o g o o n d u t y u n til h e h a s h a d a t 

l e a s t 8 c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s off d u t y. 

( 3) T h e 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d r ef e r r e d t o i n p a r ag r a p h s 1 a n d 2 a b o v e s h all b e gi n u p o n t h e 

c o m m e n c e m e n t of a w o r k t o u r b y t h e e mpl o y e e i m m e di a t el y af t e r hi s h a vi n g r e c ei v e d 

a s t a t u t o r y off- d u t y p e ri o d of 8 o r 1 0 h o u r s a s 

a p p r o p ri a t e. 

D ut y ti m e a n d eff e cti v e p eri o ds of r el e as e. O nd u t y ti m e c o m m e n c e s w h e n a n e m pl o y e e r ep o r t s a t t h e ti m e a n d pl a c e s p e cifi e d b y t h e 

r ail r o a d a n d t e r mi n a t e s w h e n t h e e m pl o y e e 

i s fi n all y r el e a s e d of all r e s p o n si bili ti e s. 

( Ti m e s p e n t i n d e a d h e a d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n t o a 

d u t y a s si g n m e n t i s al s o c o u n t e d a s ti m e o n 

d u t y. S e e di s c u s si o n b el o w.) A n y p e ri o d 

a v ail a bl e f o r r e s t t h a t i s of f o u r o r m o r e 

h o u r s a n d i s a t a d e si g n a t e d t e r mi n al i s offd u t y ti m e. All o t h e r p e ri o d s a v ail a bl e f o r 

r e s t m u s t b e c o u n t e d a s ti m e o n d u t y u n d e r 

t h e l a w, r e g a r dl e s s of t h ei r d u r a ti o n. 

T h e t e r m ‘‘ d e si g n a t e d t e r mi n al’’ m e a n s a 

t e r mi n al ( 1) w hi c h i s d e si g n a t e d i n o r u n d e r 

a c oll e c ti v e b a r g ai ni n g a g r e e m e n t a s t h e 

‘‘ h o m e’’ o r ‘‘ a w a y-f r o m- h o m e’’ t e r mi n al f o r a 

p a r ti c ul a r c r e w a s si g n m e n t a n d ( 2) w hi c h h a s 

s ui t a bl e f a cili ti e s f o r f o o d a n d l o d gi n g. C a rri e r a n d u ni o n r e p r e s e n t a ti v e s m a y a g r e e t o 

e s t a bli s h a d di ti o n al d e si g n a t e d t e r mi n al s 

h a vi n g s u c h f a cili ti e s a s p oi n t s of eff e c ti v e 

r el e a s e u n d e r t h e A c t. A g r e e m e n t s t o d e si g n a t e a d di ti o n al t e r mi n al s f o r p u r p o s e s of 

r el e a s e u n d e r t h e A c t s h o ul d b e r e d u c e d t o 

w ri ti n g a n d s h o ul d m a k e r ef e r e n c e t o t h e 

p a r ti c ul a r a s si g n m e n t s aff e c t e d a n d t o t h e 

H o u r s of S e r vi c e A c t. T h e f oll o wi n g a r e c o mm o n si t u a ti o n s ill u s t r a ti n g t h e d e si g n a t e d 

t e r mi n al c o n c e p t: 

( 1) A f r ei g h t o r p a s s e n g e r r o a d c r e w o p e ra t e s a t r ai n f r o m h o m e t e r mi n al ‘‘ A’’ t o 

a w a y-f r o m- h o m e t e r mi n al ‘‘ B’’ ( o r t h e r ev e r s e). T e r mi n al s ‘‘ A’’ a n d ‘‘ B’’ w o ul d n o rm all y b e t h e d e si g n a t e d t e r mi n al s f o r t hi s 

s p e cifi c c r e w a s si g n m e n t. H o w e v e r, c a r ri e r 

a n d e m pl o y e e r e p r e s e n t a ti v e s m a y a g r e e t o 

d e si g n a t e a d di ti o n al t e r mi n al s h a vi n g s ui ta bl e f a cili ti e s f o r f o o d a n d l o d gi n g a s a p p r op ri a t e p oi n t s of r el e a s e u n d e r t h e H o u r s of 

S e r vi c e A c t. 

( 2) A r o a d c r e w o p e r a t e s a t r ai n i n t u r na r o u n d s e r vi c e f r o m h o m e t e r mi n al ‘‘ A’’ t o 

t u r n- a r o u n d p oi n t ‘‘ B’’ a n d b a c k t o ‘‘ A’’. T e rmi n al ‘‘ A’’ i s t h e o nl y d e si g n a t e d t e r mi n al 

f o r t hi s s p e cifi c c r e w a s si g n m e n t, u nl e s s c a rri e r a n d e m pl o y e e r e p r e s e n t a ti v e s h a v e 

a g r e e d t o d e si g n a t e a d di ti o n al t e r mi n al s 

h a vi n g s ui t a bl e f a cili ti e s f o r f o o d a n d l o d gi n g. 

( 3) A c r e w i s a s si g n e d t o o p e r a t e a m ai n t en a n c e- of- w a y w o r k t r ai n f r o m h o m e t e rmi n al ‘‘ A’’, w o r k o n li n e of r o a d a n d ti e u p 

f o r r e s t al o n g t h e li n e of r o a d a t p oi n t ‘‘ B’’. 

H o m e t e r mi n al ‘‘ A’’ a n d ti e- u p p oi n t ‘‘ B’’ 

b o t h q u alif y a s d e si g n a t e d t e r mi n al s f o r t hi s 

s p e cifi c w o r k t r ai n c r e w a s si g n m e n t. Of 

c o u r s e, s ui t a bl e f a cili ti e s f o r f o o d a n d l o d gi n g m u s t b e a v ail a bl e a t ti e- u p p oi n t ‘‘ B’’. 

D e a d h e a di n g. U n d e r t h e A c t ti m e s p e n t i n 

d e a d h e a d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n r e c ei v e s s p e ci al 

t r e a t m e n t. Ti m e s p e n t i n d e a d h e a d t r a n s p o rt a ti o n t o a d u t y a s si g n m e n t b y a t r ai n o r e ngi n e s e r vi c e e m pl o y e e i s c o n si d e r e d o n- d u t y 

ti m e. Ti m e s p e n t i n d e a d h e a d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n 

f r o m t h e fi n al d u t y a s si g n m e n t of t h e w o r k 

t o u r t o t h e p oi n t of fi n al r el e a s e i s n o t c o mp u t e d a s ei t h e r ti m e o n d u t y o r ti m e off 

d u t y. T h u s, t h e p e ri o d of d e a d h e a d t r a n s p o rt a ti o n t o p oi n t of fi n al r el e a s e m a y n o t b e 

i n cl u d e d i n t h e r e q ui r e d 8- o r 1 0- h o u r offd u t y p e ri o d. Ti m e s p e n t i n d e a d h e a d t r a n sp o r t a ti o n t o a d u t y a s si g n m e n t i s c al c ul a t e d 

f r o m t h e ti m e t h e e m pl o y e e r e p o r t s f o r 

d e a d h e a d u n til h e r e a c h e s hi s d u t y a s si g nm e n t. 

All ti m e s p e n t a w ai ti n g t h e a r ri v al of a 

d e a d h e a d v e hi cl e f o r t r a n s p o r t a ti o n f r o m t h e 

fi n al d u t y a s si g n m e n t of t h e w o r k t o u r t o 

t h e p oi n t of fi n al r el e a s e i s c o n si d e r e d li m b o 

ti m e, i. e., n ei t h e r ti m e o n d u t y n o r ti m e off 

d u t y, p r o vi d e d t h a t t h e e m pl o y e e i s gi v e n n o 

s p e cifi c r e s p o n si bili ti e s t o p e rf o r m d u ri n g 

t hi s ti m e. H o w e v e r, if a n e m pl o y e e i s r eq ui r e d t o p e rf o r m s e r vi c e of a n y ki n d d u ri n g 

t h a t p e ri o d ( e. g., p r o t e c ti n g t h e t r ai n a g ai n s t 

v a n d ali s m, o b s e r vi n g p a s si n g t r ai n s f o r a n y 

d ef e c t s o r u n s af e c o n di ti o n s, fl a g gi n g, s h u tti n g d o w n l o c o m o ti v e s, c h e c ki n g fl ui d l e v el s, 

o r c o m m u ni c a ti n g t r ai n c o n si s t i nf o r m a ti o n 

vi a r a di o), h e o r s h e will b e c o n si d e r e d a s o n 

d u t y u n til all s u c h s e r vi c e i s c o m pl e t e d. Of 

c o u r s e, w h e r e a r ail r o a d c a r ri e r’ s o p e r a ti n g 

r ul e s cl e a rl y r eli e v e t h e e m pl o y e e of all d uti e s d u ri n g t h e w ai ti n g p e ri o d a n d n o d u ti e s 

a r e s p e cifi c all y a s si g n e d, t h e w ai ti n g ti m e i s 

n o t c o m p u t e d a s ei t h e r ti m e o n d u t y o r ti m e 

off d u t y. 

T r a n si t ti m e f r o m t h e e m pl o y e e’ s r e sid e n c e t o hi s r e g ul a r r e p o r ti n g p oi n t i s n o t 

c o n si d e r e d d e a d h e a d ti m e. 

If a n e m pl o y e e u tili z e s p e r s o n al a u t om o bil e t r a n s p o r t a ti o n t o a p oi n t of d u t y a ssi g n m e n t o t h e r t h a n t h e r e g ul a r r e p o r ti n g 

p oi n t i n li e u of d e a d h e a d t r a n s p o r t a ti o n p r ovi d e d b y t h e c a r ri e r, s u c h a c t u al t r a v el ti m e 

i s c o n si d e r e d a s d e a d h e a di n g ti m e. H o w e v e r, 

if t h e a c t u al t r a v el ti m e f r o m hi s h o m e t o 

t h e p oi n t of d u t y a s si g n m e n t e x c e e d s a r e as o n a bl e t r a v el ti m e f r o m t h e r e g ul a r r e p o r ti n g p oi n t t o t h e p oi n t of d u t y a s si g n m e n t, 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 2 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 6
4 1 2 

Pt. 2 2 8, A p p. A 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

t h e n o nl y t h e l a t t e r p e ri o d i s c o u n t e d. Of 

c o u r s e, a c t u al t r a v el ti m e m u s t b e r e a s o na bl e a n d m u s t n o t i n cl u d e di v e r si o n s f o r p e rs o n al r e a s o n s. 

E x a m pl e: E m pl o y e e A r e c ei v e s a n a s si g nm e n t f r o m a n ‘‘ e x t r a b o a r d’’ l o c a t e d a t hi s 

h o m e t e r mi n al t o p r o t e c t a j o b o n e h o u r’ s 

d ri v e f r o m t h e h o m e t e r mi n al. I n li e u of 

t r a n s p o r ti n g t h e e m pl o y e e b y c a r ri e r c o nv e y a n c e, t h e r ail r o a d p a y s t h e e m pl o y e e a 

fi x e d a m o u n t t o p r o vi d e hi s o w n t r a n s p o rt a ti o n t o a n d f r o m t h e o u tl yi n g p oi n t. T h e 

e m pl o y e e i s p e r mi t t e d t o g o di r e c tl y f r o m 

hi s h o m e t o t h e o u tl yi n g p oi n t, a d ri v e w hi c h 

t a k e s 4 0 mi n u t e s. T h e n o r m al d ri vi n g ti m e 

b e t w e e n hi s r e g ul a r r e p o r ti n g p oi n t a t hi s 

h o m e t e r mi n al a n d t h e o u tl yi n g p oi n t i s 6 0 

mi n u t e s. T h e a c t u al d ri vi n g ti m e, 4 0 mi n u t e s 

i s c o n si d e r e d d e a d h e a d ti m e a n d i s c o u n t e d 

a s ti m e o n d u t y u n d e r t h e A c t. 

E m pl o y e e A p e rf o r m s l o c al s wi t c hi n g s e r vi c e a t t h e o u tl yi n g p oi n t. W h e n t h e e m pl o y e e 

r e t u r n s f r o m t h e o u tl yi n g p oi n t t h a t 

e v e ni n g, a n d r e c ei v e s a n ‘‘ a r bi t r a r y’’ p a ym e n t f o r hi s m a ki n g t h e r e t u r n t ri p b y p riv a t e a u t o m o bil e, 4 0 mi n u t e s of hi s ti m e i n 

t r a n s p o r t a ti o n h o m e i s c o n si d e r e d 

d e a d h e a di n g t o p oi n t of fi n al r el e a s e a n d i s 

n o t c o u n t e d a s ei t h e r ti m e o n d u t y o r ti m e 

off d u t y. 

Wr e c k a n d r eli ef tr ai ns. P ri o r t o t h e 1 9 7 6 

a m e n d m e n t s, c r e w s of w r e c k a n d r eli ef 

t r ai n s w e r e e x e m p t e d e n ti r el y f r o m t h e li mit a ti o n s o n h o u r s of s e r vi c e. U n d e r p r e s e n t 

l a w t h a t i s n o l o n g e r t h e c a s e. T h e c r e w of a 

w r e c k o r r eli ef t r ai n m a y b e p e r mi t t e d t o b e 

o n d u t y f o r n o t t o e x c e e d 4 a d di ti o n al h o u r s 

i n a n y p e ri o d of 2 4 c o n s e c u ti v e h o u r s w h e ne v e r a n a c t u al e m e r g e n c y e xi s t s a n d t h e 

w o r k of t h e c r e w i s r el a t e d t o t h a t e m e rg e n c y. T h u s, a c r e w c o ul d w o r k u p t o 1 6 

h o u r s, r a t h e r t h a n 1 2. T h e A c t s p e cifi e s t h a t 

a n e m e r g e n c y c e a s e s t o e xi s t f o r p u r p o s e s of 

t hi s p r o vi si o n w h e n t h e t r a c k i s cl e a r e d a n d 

t h e li n e i s o p e n f o r t r affi c. A n ‘‘ e m e r g e n c y’’ 

f o r p u r p o s e s of w r e c k o r r eli ef s e r vi c e m a y b e 

a l e s s e x t r a o r di n a r y o r c a t a s t r o p hi c e v e n t 

t h a n a n ‘‘ u n a v oi d a bl e a c ci d e n t o r A c t of 

G o d’’ u n d e r s e c ti o n 5( d) of t h e A c t. 

E x a m pl e: T h e c r e w of a w r e c k t r ai n i s di sp a t c h e d t o cl e a r t h e si t e of a d e r ail m e n t 

w hi c h h a s j u s t o c c u r r e d o n a m ai n li n e. T h e 

w r e c k c r e w r e- r ail s o r cl e a r s t h e l a s t c a r a n d 

t h e m ai n t e n a n c e of w a y d e p a r t m e n t r el e a s e s 

t h e t r a c k t o t h e o p e r a ti n g d e p a r t m e n t 1 4 

h o u r s a n d 3 0 mi n u t e s i n t o t h e d u t y t o u r. 

Si n c e t h e li n e i s n o t cl e a r u n til t h e w r e c k 

t r ai n i s i t s elf o u t of t h e w a y, t h e c r e w m a y 

o p e r a t e t h e w r e c k t r ai n t o i t s t e r mi n al, p r ovi d e d t hi s c a n b e a c c o m pli s h e d wi t hi n t h e 

t o t al of 1 6 h o u r s o n d u t y. 

E m er g e n ci es. T h e A c t c o n t ai n s n o g e n e r al 

e x c e p ti o n u si n g t h e t e r m ‘‘ e m e r g e n c y’’ wi t h 

r e s p e c t t o t r ai n o r e n gi n e s e r vi c e o r r el a t e d 

w o r k. S e e ‘‘ c a s u al ti e s,’’ e t c., u n d e r ‘‘ G e n e r al 

P r o vi si o n s’’. 

C O M M U NI C A TI O N O F T R AI N O R D E R S

C o v er e d S er vi c e. T h e h a n dli n g of o r d e r s g o ve r ni n g t h e m o v e m e n t of t r ai n s i s t h e s e c o n d 

t y p e of c o v e r e d s e r vi c e. T hi s p r o vi si o n of t h e 

A c t a p pli e s t o a n y o p e r a t o r, t r ai n di s p a t c h e r 

o r o t h e r e m pl o y e e w h o b y t h e u s e of t h e t el eg r a p h, t el e p h o n e, r a di o, o r a n y o t h e r 

el e c ti c al o r m e c h a ni c al d e vi c e di s p a t c h e s, 

r e p o r t s, t r a n s mi t s, r e c ei v e s, o r d eli v e r s o rd e r s p e r t ai ni n g t o o r aff e c ti n g t r ai n m o v em e n t s. 

T h e a p p r o a c h of t h e l a w i s f u n c ti o n al. 

T h u s, t h o u g h a y a r d m a s t e r n o r m all y i s n o t 

c o v e r e d b y t hi s p r o vi si o n, a y a r d m a s t e r o r 

o t h e r e m pl o y e e w h o p e rf o r m s a n y of t h e 

s p e cifi e d s e r vi c e d u ri n g a d u t y t o u r i s s u bj e c t t o t h e li mi t a ti o n s o n s e r vi c e f o r t h a t e nti r e t o u r. 

Li mit ati o ns o n h o urs. N o e m pl o y e e w h o p e rf o r m s c o v e r e d s e r vi c e i n v ol vi n g c o m m u ni c ati o n of t r ai n o r d e r s m a y b e r e q ui r e d o r p e rmi t t e d t o r e m ai n o n d u t y f o r m o r e t h a n ni n e 

h o u r s, w h e t h e r c o n s e c u ti v e o r i n t h e a g g r eg a t e, i n a n y 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d i n a n y offi c e, 

t o w e r, s t a ti o n o r pl a c e w h e r e t w o o r m o r e 

s hif t s a r e e m pl o y e d. W h e r e o nl y o n e s hif t i s 

e m pl o y e d, t h e e m pl o y e e i s r e s t ri c t e d t o 1 2 

h o u r s c o n s e c u ti v el y o r i n t h e a g g r e g a t e d u ri n g a n y 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d. 

T h e p r o vi si o n o n e m e r g e n ci e s, di s c u s s e d 

b el o w, m a y e x t e n d t h e p e r mi s si bl e h o u r s of 

e m pl o y e e s p e rf o r mi n g t hi s t y p e of s e r vi c e. 

S hifts. T h e t e r m ‘‘ s hif t’’ i s n o t d efi n e d b y 

t h e A c t, b u t t h e l e gi sl a ti v e hi s t o r y of t h e 

1 9 6 9 a m e n d m e n t s i n di c a t e s t h a t i t m e a n s a 

t o u r of d u t y c o n s ti t u ti n g a d a y’ s w o r k f o r 

o n e o r m o r e e m pl o y e e p e rf o r mi n g t h e s a m e 

cl a s s of w o r k a t t h e s a m e s t a ti o n w h o a r e 

s c h e d ul e d t o b e gi n a n d e n d w o r k a t t h e s a m e 

ti m e. T h e f oll o wi n g a r e e x a m pl e s of t hi s 

p ri n ci pl e: 

S c h e d ul e d H o ur s Cl a s sifi c ati o n 

7 a. m. t o 3 p. m ........................................... 1 s hift. 

7 a. m. t o 1 2: 3 0 p. m. 1: 3 0 p. m. t o 8 p. m. 

( S c h e d ul e f or o n e e m pl o y e e i n cl u di n g 

o n e h o ur l u n c h p eri o d).

D o. 

7 a. m. t o 3 p. m. 7 a. m. t o 3 p. m. ( T w o 

e m pl o y e e s s c h e d ul e d).

D o. 

7 a. m. t o 3 p. m. 8 a. m. t o 4 p. m. ( T w o 

e m pl o y e e s s c h e d ul e d).

2 s hift s. 

D ut y ti m e a n d eff e cti v e p eri o ds of r el e as e. If, 

af t e r r e p o r ti n g t o hi s pl a c e of d u t y, a n e mpl o y e e i s r e q ui r e d t o p e rf o r m d u ti e s a t o t h e r 

pl a c e s d u ri n g t hi s s a m e t o u r of d u t y, t h e 

ti m e s p e n t t r a v eli n g b e t w e e n s u c h pl a c e s i s 

c o n si d e r e d a s ti m e o n d u t y. U n d e r t h e t r a diti o n al a d mi ni s t r a ti v e i n t e r p r e t a ti o n of s e cti o n 3, o t h e r p e ri o d s of t r a n s p o r t a ti o n a r e 

vi e w e d a s p e r s o n al c o m m u ti n g a n d, t h u s, offd u t y ti m e. 

A r el e a s e p e ri o d i s c o n si d e r e d off- d u t y 

ti m e if i t p r o vi d e s a m e a ni n gf ul p e ri o d of r el a x a ti o n a n d if t h e e m pl o y e e i s f r e e of all r es p o n si bili ti e s t o t h e c a r ri e r. O n e h o u r i s t h e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 2 2 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 7
4 1 3 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 8, A p p. A 

mi ni m u m a c c e p t a bl e r el e a s e p e ri o d f o r t hi s 

t y p e of c o v e r e d s e r vi c e. 

E m er g e n ci es. T h e s e c ti o n of t h e A c t d e ali n g 

wi t h di s p a t c h e r s, o p e r a t o r s, a n d o t h e r s w h o 

t r a n s mi t o r r e c ei v e t r ai n o r d e r s c o n t ai n s i t s 

o w n e m e r g e n c y p r o vi si o n. I n c a s e of e m e rg e n c y, a n e m pl o y e e s u bj e c t t o t h e 9 o r 1 2- 

h o u r li mi t a ti o n i s p e r mi t t e d t o w o r k a n a ddi ti o n al f o u r h o u r s i n a n y 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d, b u t 

o nl y f o r a m a xi m u m of t h r e e d a y s i n a n y p eri o d of s e v e n c o n s e c u ti v e d a y s. H o w e v e r, 

e v e n i n a n e m e r g e n c y si t u a ti o n t h e c a r ri e r 

m u s t m a k e r e a s o n a bl e eff o r t s t o r eli e v e t h e 

e m pl o y e e. 

E N E R A L R O VI SI O N S

A P P LI C A B L E T O A L L C O V E R E D S E R VI C E ) 

C o m mi n gl e d S er vi c e. All d u t y ti m e f o r a 

r ail r o a d e v e n t h o u g h n o t o t h e r wi s e s u bj e c t 

t o t h e A c t m u s t b e i n cl u d e d w h e n c o m p u ti n g 

t o t al o n- d u t y ti m e of a n i n di vi d u al w h o p e rf o r m s o n e o r m o r e of t h e t y p e of s e r vi c e c o ve r e d b y t h e A c t. T hi s i s k n o w n a s t h e p ri nci pl e of ‘‘ c o m mi n gl e d s e r vi c e’’. 

F o r e x a m pl e, if a n e m pl o y e e p e rf o r m s d u t y 

f o r 8 h o u r s a s a t r ai n m a n a n d t h e n i s u s e d a s 

a t r a c k m a n ( n o t c o v e r e d b y t h e l a w) i n t h e 

s a m e 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d, t o t al o n- d u t y ti m e i s 

d e t e r mi n e d b y a d di n g t h e d u t y ti m e a s 

t r a c k m a n t o t h a t a s t r ai n m a n. T h e l a w d o e s 

n o t di s ti n g ui s h t r e a t m e n t of si t u a ti o n s i n 

w hi c h n o n- c o v e r e d s e r vi c e f oll o w s, r a t h e r 

t h a n p r e c e d e s, c o v e r e d s e r vi c e. T h e li mi t ati o n s o n t o t al h o u r s a p pl y o n b o t h c a s e s. I t 

s h o ul d b e r e m e m b e r e d t h a t a t t e n d a n c e a t r eq ui r e d r ul e s cl a s s e s i s d u t y ti m e s u bj e c t t o 

t h e p r o vi si o n s o n ‘‘ c o m mi n gli n g’’. Si mil a rl y, 

w h e r e a c a r ri e r c o m p el s a t t e n d a n c e a t a di sci pli n a r y p r o c e e di n g, ti m e s p e n t i n a t t e n da n c e i s s u bj e c t t o t h e p r o vi si o n s o n c o m mi ngli n g. 

W h e n a n e m pl o y e e p e rf o r m s s e r vi c e c o ve r e d b y m o r e t h a n o n e r e s t ri c ti v e p r o vi si o n, 

t h e m o s t r e s t ri c ti v e p r o vi si o n d e t e r mi n e s 

t h e t o t al l a wf ul o n- d u t y ti m e. T h u s, w h e n a n 

e m pl o y e e p e rf o r m s d u t y i n t r ai n o r e n gi n e 

s e r vi c e a n d al s o a s a n o p e r a t o r, t h e p r o visi o n s of t h e l a w a p pli c a bl e t o o p e r a t o r s a p pl y 

t o all o n- d u t y a n d off- d u t y p e ri o d s d u ri n g 

s u c h a g g r e g a t e ti m e. H o w e v e r, a n e m pl o y e e 

s u bj e c t t o t h e 1 2 h o u r p r o vi si o n of s e c ti o n 2 

of t h e l a w d o e s n o t b e c o m e s u bj e c t t o t h e 9 

o r 1 2- h o u r p r o vi si o n s of s e c ti o n 3 m e r el y b ec a u s e h e r e c ei v e s, t r a n s mi t s o r d eli v e r s o rd e r s p e r t ai ni n g t o o r aff e c ti n g t h e m o v e m e n t 

of hi s t r ai n i n t h e c o u r s e of hi s d u ti e s a s a 

t r ai n m a n. 

C as u alti es, U n a v oi d a bl e A c ci d e nts, A cts of 

G o d. S e c ti o n 5( d) of t h e A c t s t a t e s t h e f oll o wi n g: ‘‘ T h e p r o vi si o n s of t hi s A c t s h all n o t 

a p pl y i n a n y c a s e of c a s u al t y o r u n a v oi d a bl e 

a c ci d e n t o r t h e A c t of G o d; n o r w h e r e t h e 

d el a y w a s t h e r e s ul t of a c a u s e n o t k n o w n t o 

t h e c a r ri e r o r i t s offi c e r o r a g e n t i n c h a r g e of 

t h e e m pl o y e e a t t h e ti m e s ai d e m pl o y e e l ef t 

a t e r mi n al, a n d w hi c h c o ul d n o t h a v e b e e n 

f o r e s e e n.’’ T hi s p a s s a g e i s c o m m o nl y r ef e r r e d t o a s t h e ‘‘ e m e r g e n c y p r o vi si o n’’. J udi ci al c o n s t r u c ti o n of t hi s s e n t e n c e h a s li mi t e d t h e r eli ef w hi c h i t g r a n t s t o si t u a ti o n s 

w hi c h a r e t r ul y u n u s u al a n d e x c e p ti o n al. 

T h e c o u r t s h a v e r e c o g ni z e d t h a t d el a y s a n d 

o p e r a ti o n al diffi c ul ti e s a r e c o m m o n i n t h e 

i n d u s t r y a n d m u s t b e r e g a r d e d a s e n ti r el y 

f o r e s e e a bl e; o t h e r wi s e, t h e A c t will p r o vi d e 

n o p r o t e c ti o n w h a t s o e v e r. C o m m o n o p e ra ti o n al diffi c ul ti e s w hi c h d o n o t p r o vi d e r eli ef f r o m t h e A c t i n cl u d e, b u t a r e n o t li mi t e d 

t o, b r o k e n d r a w b a r s, l o c o m o ti v e m alf u n cti o n s, e q ui p m e n t f ail u r e s, b r a k e s y s t e m f ailu r e s, h o t b o x e s, u n e x p e c t e d s wi t c hi n g, d o ubli n g hill s a n d m e e ti n g t r ai n s. N o r d o e s t h e 

n e e d t o cl e a r a m ai n li n e o r c u t a c r o s si n g 

j u s tif y di s r e g a r d of t h e li mi t a ti o n s of t h e 

A c t. S u c h c o n ti n g e n ci e s m u s t n o r m all y b e 

a n ti ci p a t e d a n d m e t wi t hi n t h e 1 2 h o u r s. 

E v e n w h e r e a n e x t r a o r di n a r y e v e n t o r c o mbi n a ti o n of e v e n t s o c c u r s w hi c h, b y i t s elf, 

w o ul d b e s uffi ci e n t t o p e r mi t e x c e s s s e r vi c e, 

t h e c a r ri e r m u s t s till e m pl o y d u e dili g e n c e 

t o a v oi d o r li mi t s u c h e x c e s s s e r vi c e. T h e 

b u r d e n of p r o of r e s t s wi t h t h e c a r ri e r t o e st a bli s h t h a t e x c e s s s e r vi c e c o ul d n o t h a v e 

b e e n a v oi d e d. 

Sl e e pi n g Q u art ers. U n d e r t h e 1 9 7 6 a m e n dm e n t s t o t h e A c t i t i s u nl a wf ul f o r a n y c o mm o n c a r ri e r t o p r o vi d e sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s f o r 

p e r s o n s c o v e r e d b y t h e H o u r s of S e r vi c e A c t 

w hi c h d o n o t aff o r d s u c h p e r s o n s a n o p p o rt u ni t y f o r r e s t, f r e e f r o m i n t e r r u p ti o n s 

c a u s e d b y n oi s e u n d e r t h e c o n t r ol of t h e r ailr o a d, i n cl e a n, s af e, a n d s a ni t a r y q u a r t e r s. 

S u c h sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s i n cl u d e c r e w q u a rt e r s, c a m p o r b u n k c a r s, a n d t r ail e r s. 

Sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s a r e n o t c o n si d e r e d t o b e 

‘‘f r e e f r o m i n t e r r u p ti o n s c a u s e d b y n oi s e 

u n d e r t h e c o n t r ol of t h e r ail r o a d’’ if n oi s e 

l e v el s a t t ri b u t a bl e t o n oi s e s o u r c e s u n d e r t h e 

c o n t r ol of t h e r ail r o a d e x c e e d a n L e q( 8) v al u e 

of 5 5 d B( A). 

F R A r e c o g ni z e s t h a t c a m p c a r s, ei t h e r b ec a u s e of e x p r e s s li mi t a ti o n s of l o c al c o d e s o r 

b y vi r t u e of t h ei r p h y si c al m o bili t y, c a n n o t, 

f o r p r a c ti c al p u r p o s e s, b e s u bj e c t t o s t a t e o r 

l o c al h o u si n g, s a ni t a ti o n, h e al t h, el e c t ri c al, 

o r fi r e c o d e s. T h e r ef o r e, F R A i s u n a bl e t o 

r el y u p o n s t a t e o r l o c al a u t h o ri ti e s t o e n s u r e 

t h a t p e r s o n s c o v e r e d b y t h e A c t w h o r e si d e 

i n r ail r o a d- p r o vi d e d c a m p c a r s a r e aff o r d e d 

a n o p p o r t u ni t y f o r r e s t i n ‘‘ cl e a n, s af e, a n d 

s a ni t a r y’’ c o n di ti o n s. A c c o r di n gl y, t h e 

g ui d eli n e s i n a p p e n di x C t o t hi s p a r t 2 2 8 will 

b e c o n si d e r e d b y F R A a s f a c t o r s t o b e u s e d i n 

a p pl yi n g t h e c o n c e p t s of ‘‘ cl e a n,’’ ‘‘ s af e,’’ a n d 

‘‘ s a ni t a r y’’ t o c a m p c a r s p r o vi d e d b y r ailr o a d s f o r t h e u s e of e m pl o y e e s c o v e r e d b y 

s e c ti o n 2( a)( 3) of t h e A c t. F ail u r e t o a d h e r e 

t o t h e s e g ui d eli n e s mi g h t i n t e rf e r e wi t h t h e 

o r di n a r y p e r s o n’ s a bili t y t o r e s t. 

C oll e cti v e B ar g ai ni n g. T h e H o u r s of S e r vi c e 

A c t p r e s c ri b e s t h e m a xi m u m p e r mi s si bl e 

h o u r s of s e r vi c e c o n si s t e n t wi t h s af e t y. H o we v e r, t h e A c t d o e s n o t p r o hi bi t c oll e c ti v e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 2 3 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 8
4 1 4 

Pt. 2 2 8, A p p. B 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

b a r g ai ni n g f o r s h o r t e r h o u r s of s e r vi c e a n d 

ti m e o n d u t y. 

P e n alt y. A s a m e n d e d b y t h e R ail S af e t y 

I m p r o v e m e n t A c t of 1 9 8 8 a n d t h e R ail S af e t y 

E nf o r c e m e n t a n d R e vi e w A c t of 1 9 9 2, t h e 

p e n al t y p r o vi si o n s of t h e l a w a p pl y t o a n y 

p e r s o n ( a n e n ti t y of a n y t y p e c o v e r e d u n d e r 

1 U. S. C. 1, i n cl u di n g b u t n o t li mi t e d t o t h e 

f oll o wi n g: a r ail r o a d; a m a n a g e r, s u p e r vi s o r, 

offi ci al, o r o t h e r e m pl o y e e o r a g e n t of a r ailr o a d; a n y o w n e r, m a n uf a c t u r e r, l e s s o r, o r 

l e s s e e of r ail r o a d e q ui p m e n t, t r a c k, o r f a ciliti e s; a n y i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r p r o vi di n g 

g o o d s o r s e r vi c e s t o a r ail r o a d; a n d a n y e mpl o y e e of s u c h o w n e r, m a n uf a c t u r e r, l e s s o r, 

l e s s e e, o r i n d e p e n d e n t c o n t r a c t o r), e x c e p t 

t h a t a p e n al t y m a y b e a s s e s s e d a g ai n s t a n 

i n di vi d u al o nl y f o r a willf ul vi ol a ti o n. S e e 

a p p e n di x A t o 4 9 C F R p a r t 2 0 9. F o r vi ol a ti o n s 

t h a t o c c u r r e d o n S e p t e m b e r 3, 1 9 9 2, a p e r s o n 

w h o vi ol a t e s t h e A c t i s li a bl e f o r a ci vil p e nal t y, a s t h e S e c r e t a r y of T r a n s p o r t a ti o n 

d e e m s r e a s o n a bl e, i n a n a m o u n t n o t l e s s 

t h a n $ 5 0 0 n o r m o r e t h a n $ 1 1, 0 0 0, e x c e p t t h a t 

w h e r e a g r o s sl y n e gli g e n t vi ol a ti o n o r a p a tt e r n of r e p e a t e d vi ol a ti o n s h a s c r e a t e d a n 

i m mi n e n t h a z a r d of d e a t h o r i nj u r y t o p e rs o n s, o r h a s c a u s e d d e a t h o r i nj u r y, a p e n al t y 

n o t t o e x c e e d $ 2 2, 0 0 0 m a y b e a s s e s s e d. T h e 

F e d e r al Ci vil P e n al ti e s I nfl a ti o n A dj u s t m e n t 

A c t of 1 9 9 0 a s a m e n d e d b y t h e D e b t C oll e cti o n I m p r o v e m e n t A c t of 1 9 9 6 r e q ui r e d a g e nci e s t o i n c r e a s e t h e m a xi m u m ci vil m o n et a r y p e n al t y f o r i nfl a ti o n. T h e a m o u n t s i nc r e a s e d f r o m $ 1 0, 0 0 0 t o $ 1 1, 0 0 0 a n d f r o m 

$ 2 0, 0 0 0 t o $ 2 2, 0 0 0 r e s p e c ti v el y. A c c o r di n g t o 

t h e s a m e l a w, i n 2 0 0 4, t h e mi ni m u m p e n al t y 

of $ 5 0 0 w a s r ai s e d t o $ 5 5 0, a n d t h e m a xi m u m 

p e n al t y f o r a g r o s sl y n e gli g e n t vi ol a ti o n o r a 

p a t t e r n of r e p e a t e d vi ol a ti o n s t h a t h a s 

c a u s e d a n i m mi n e n t h a z a r d of d e a t h o r i nj u r y t o i n di vi d u al s o r h a s c a u s e d d e a t h o r i nj u r y, w a s i n c r e a s e d f r o m $ 2 2, 0 0 0 t o $ 2 7, 0 0 0. 

T h e $ 1 1, 0 0 0 m a xi m u m p e n al t y w a s n o t a dj u s t e d. 

E a c h e m pl o y e e w h o i s r e q ui r e d o r p e rmi t t e d t o b e o n d u t y f o r a l o n g e r p e ri o d t h a n 

p r e s c ri b e d b y l a w o r w h o d o e s n o t r e c ei v e a 

r e q ui r e d p e ri o d of r e s t r e p r e s e n t s a s e p a r a t e 

a n d di s ti n c t vi ol a ti o n a n d s u bj e c t s t h e r ailr o a d t o a s e p a r a t e ci vil p e n al t y. I n t h e c a s e 

of a vi ol a ti o n of s e c ti o n 2( a)( 3) o r ( a)( 4) of t h e 

A c t, e a c h d a y a f a cili t y i s i n n o n c o m pli a n c e 

c o n s ti t u t e s a s e p a r a t e off e n s e a n d s u bj e c t s 

t h e r ail r o a d t o a s e p a r a t e ci vil p e n al t y. 

I n c o m p r o mi si n g a ci vil p e n al t y a s s e s s e d 

u n d e r t h e A c t, F R A t a k e s i n t o a c c o u n t t h e 

n a t u r e, ci r c u m s t a n c e s, e x t e n t, a n d g r a vi t y of 

t h e vi ol a ti o n c o m mi t t e d, a n d, wi t h r e s p e c t 

t o t h e p e r s o n f o u n d t o h a v e c o m mi t t e d s u c h 

vi ol a ti o n, t h e d e g r e e of c ul p a bili t y, a n y hi st o r y of p ri o r o r s u b s e q u e n t off e n s e s, a bili t y 

t o p a y, eff e c t o n a bili t y t o c o n ti n u e t o d o 

b u si n e s s a n d s u c h o t h e r m a t t e r s a s j u s ti c e 

m a y r e q ui r e. 

St at ut e of li mit ati o ns. N o s ui t m a y b e 

b r o u g h t af t e r t h e e x pi r a ti o n of t w o y e a r s 

f r o m t h e d a t e of vi ol a ti o n u nl e s s a d mi ni s t r ati v e n o tifi c a ti o n of t h e vi ol a ti o n h a s b e e n 

p r o vi d e d t o t h e p e r s o n t o b e c h a r g e d wi t hi n 

t h a t t w o y e a r p e ri o d. I n n o e v e n t m a y a s ui t 

b e b r o u g h t af t e r e x pi r a ti o n of t h e p e ri o d 

s p e cifi e d i n 2 8 U. S. C. 2 4 6 2. 

E x e m pti o ns. A r ail r o a d w hi c h e m pl o y s n o t 

m o r e t h a n 1 5 p e r s o n s c o v e r e d b y t h e H o u r s of 

S e r vi c e A c t (i n cl u di n g si g n al m e n a n d h o stl e r s) m a y b e e x e m p t e d f r o m t h e l a w’ s r eq ui r e m e n t s b y t h e F R A af t e r h e a ri n g a n d f o r 

g o o d c a u s e s h o w n. T h e e x e m p ti o n m u s t b e 

s u p p o r t e d b y a fi n di n g t h a t i t i s i n t h e p u bli c 

i n t e r e s t a n d will n o t a d v e r s el y aff e c t s af e t y. 

T h e e x e m p ti o n n e e d n o t r el a t e t o all c a r ri e r 

e m pl o y e e s. I n n o e v e n t m a y a n y e m pl o y e e of 

a n e x e m p t r ail r o a d b e r e q ui r e d o r p e r mi t t e d 

t o w o r k b e y o n d 1 6 h o u r s c o n ti n u o u sl y o r i n 

t h e a g g r e g a t e wi t hi n a n y 2 4- h o u r p e ri o d. A n y 

e x e m p ti o n i s s u bj e c t t o r e vi e w a t l e a s t a n n uall y. 

[ 4 2 F R 2 7 5 9 6, M a y 3 1, 1 9 7 7, a s a m e n d e d a t 4 3 

F R 3 0 8 0 4, J ul y 1 8, 1 9 7 8; 5 3 F R 2 8 6 0 1, J ul y 2 8, 

1 9 8 8; 5 5 F R 3 0 8 9 3, J ul y 2 7, 1 9 9 0; 5 8 F R 1 8 1 6 5, 

A p r. 8, 1 9 9 3; 6 1 F R 2 0 4 9 5, M a y 7, 1 9 9 6; 6 3 F R 

1 1 6 2 2, M a r. 1 0, 1 9 9 8; 6 9 F R 3 0 5 9 4, M a y 2 8, 2 0 0 4] 

F F E C TI V E A T E O T E : A t 7 2 F R 5 1 1 9 7, 

S e p t. 6, 2 0 0 7, t h e ni n t h p a r a g r a p h b el o w t h e 

h e a di n g ‘‘ G e n e r al P r o vi si o n s,’’ w hi c h i s e n titl e d ‘‘ P e n al t y’’ i n a p p e n di x A t o p a r t 2 2 8 w a s 

a m e n d e d a d di n g a s e n t e n c e t o e n d, eff e c ti v e 

O c t o b e r 9, 2 0 0 7. F o r t h e c o n v e ni e n c e of t h e 

u s e r, t h e a d d e d t e x t i s s e t f o r t h a s f oll o w s: 

P P E N DI X A T O A R T 2 2 8 — R E Q UI R E

M E N T S O F T H E O U R S O F E R VI C E

C T : ST A T E M E N T O F G E N C Y O LI C Y

A N D N T E R P R E T A TI O N

* * * * * 

P e n al t y. * * * Eff e c ti v e O c t o b e r 9, 2 0 0 7, t h e 

o r di n a r y m a xi m u m p e n al t y of $ 1 1, 0 0 0 w a s 

r ai s e d t o $ 1 6, 0 0 0 a s r e q ui r e d u n d e r t h e l a w; 

h o w e v e r, t h e mi ni m u m p e n al t y a n d t h e m a xi m u m p e n al t y f o r a g r o s sl y n e gli g e n t vi ol ati o n di d n o t n e e d t o b e a dj u s t e d. 

P P E N DI X B T O A R T 2 2 8 — S C H E D U L E O F

I VI L E N A L TI E S

S e cti o n Vi ol ati o n Willf ul vi ol a- ti o n 

S u b p art B — R e c or d s a n d R ep orti n g: 

2 2 8. 9 R ailr o a d r e c or d s $ 5 0 0 $ 1, 0 0 0 

2 2 8. 1 1 H o ur s of d ut y 

r e c or d s ..................... 5 0 0 1, 0 0 0 

2 2 8. 1 7 Di s p at c h er’ s 

r e c or d ...................... 5 0 0 1, 0 0 0 

2 2 8. 1 9 M o nt hl y r e p ort s 

of e x c e s s s er vi c e ..... 1, 0 0 0 2, 0 0 0 

A p e n alt y m a y b e a s s e s s e d a g ai n st a n i n di vi d u al o nl y f or 

a willf ul vi ol ati o n. T h e A d mi ni str at or r e s er v e s t h e ri g ht t o a ss e s s a p e n alt y of u p t o $ 2 7, 0 0 0 f or a n y vi ol ati o n w h er e circ u m st a n c e s w arr a nt. S e e 4 9 C F R p art 2 0 9, a p p e n di x A. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 2 4 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 5 9
4 1 5 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 8, A p p. C 

[ 5 3 F R 5 2 9 3 1, D e c. 2 9, 1 9 8 8, a s a m e n d e d a t 6 9 

F R 3 0 5 9 4, M a y 2 8, 2 0 0 4] 

P P E N DI X C T O A R T 2 2 8 — G UI D E LI N E S

F O R L E A N , SA F E , A N D A NI T A R Y

AI L R O A D R O VI D E D A M P A R S

1. D efi niti o ns a p pli c a bl e t o t h es e G ui d eli n es. 

( a) C a m p C ars m e a n t r ail e r s a n d o n- t r a c k 

v e hi cl e s, i n cl u di n g o u tfi t, c a m p, o r b u n k 

c a r s o r m o d ul a r h o m e s m o u n t e d o n fl a t c a r s, 

u s e d t o h o u s e o r a c c o m m o d a t e r ail r o a d e mpl o y e e s. W r e c k t r ai n s a r e n o t i n cl u d e d. 

( b) E m pl o y e e m e a n s a n y w o r k e r w h o s e s e r vi c e i s c o v e r e d b y t h e H o u r s of S e r vi c e A c t o r 

w h o i s d efi n e d a s a n e m pl o y e e f o r p u r p o s e s of 

s e c ti o n 2( a)( 3) of t h a t A c t. 

( c) L a v at or y m e a n s a b a si n o r si mil a r v e ss el u s e d p ri m a ril y f o r w a s hi n g of t h e h a n d s, 

a r m s, f a c e, a n d h e a d. 

( d) N o n w at er c arri a g e t oil et f a cilit y m e a n s a 

t oil e t f a cili t y n o t c o n n e c t e d t o a s e w e r. 

( e) N u m b er of e m pl o y e es m e a n s t h e n u m b e r 

of e m pl o y e e s a s si g n e d t o o c c u p y t h e c a m p 

c a r s. 

(f) P ers o n al s er vi c e r o o m m e a n s a r o o m u s e d 

f o r a c ti vi ti e s n o t di r e c tl y c o n n e c t e d wi t h t h e 

p r o d u c ti o n o r s e r vi c e f u n c ti o n p e rf o r m e d b y 

t h e c a r ri e r e s t a bli s h m e n t. S u c h a c ti vi ti e s i ncl u d e, b u t a r e n o t li mi t e d t o, fi r s t- ai d, m e di c al s e r vi c e s, d r e s si n g, s h o w e ri n g, t oil e t u s e, 

w a s hi n g, a n d e a ti n g. 

( g) P ot a bl e w at er m e a n s w a t e r t h a t m e e t s 

t h e q u ali t y s t a n d a r d s p r e s c ri b e d i n t h e U. S. 

P u bli c H e al t h S e r vi c e D ri n ki n g W a t e r 

S t a n d a r d s, p u bli s h e d a t 4 2 C F R p a r t 7 2, o r i s 

a p p r o v e d f o r d ri n ki n g p u r p o s e s b y t h e S t a t e 

o r l o c al a u t h o ri t y h a vi n g j u ri s di c ti o n. 

( h) T oil et f a cilit y m e a n s a fi x t u r e m ai nt ai n e d wi t hi n a t oil e t r o o m f o r t h e p u r p o s e 

of d ef e c a ti o n o r u ri n a ti o n, o r b o t h. 

(i) T oil et r o o m m e a n s a r o o m m ai n t ai n e d 

wi t hi n o r o n t h e p r e mi s e s c o n t ai ni n g t oil e t 

f a cili ti e s f o r u s e b y e m pl o y e e s. 

(j) T o xi c m at eri al m e a n s a m a t e ri al i n c o nc e n t r a ti o n o r a m o u n t of s u c h t o xi ci t y a s t o 

c o n s ti t u t e a r e c o g ni z e d h a z a r d t h a t i s c a u si n g o r i s li k el y t o c a u s e d e a t h o r s e ri o u s 

p h y si c al h a r m. 

( k) Uri n al m e a n s a t oil e t f a cili t y m ai nt ai n e d wi t hi n a t oil e t r o o m f o r t h e s ol e p u rp o s e of u ri n a ti o n. 

(l) W at er cl os et m e a n s a t oil e t f a cili t y 

m ai n t ai n e d wi t hi n a t oil e t r o o m f o r t h e p u rp o s e of b o t h d ef e c a ti o n a n d u ri n a ti o n a n d 

w hi c h i s fl u s h e d wi t h w a t e r. 

( m) L e q ( 8) m e a n s t h e e q ui v al e n t s t e a d y 

s o u n d l e v el w hi c h i n 8 h o u r s w o ul d c o n t ai n 

t h e s a m e a c o u s ti c e n e r g y a s t h e ti m e- v a r yi n g s o u n d l e v el d u ri n g t h e s a m e ti m e p e ri o d. 

2. H o us e k e e pi n g. 

( a) All c a m p c a r s s h o ul d b e k e p t cl e a n t o 

t h e e x t e n t t h a t t h e n a t u r e of t h e w o r k all o w s. 

( b) T o f a cili t a t e cl e a ni n g, e v e r y fl o o r, 

w o r ki n g pl a c e, a n d p a s s a g e w a y s h o ul d b e 

k e p t f r e e f r o m p r o t r u di n g n ail s, s pli n t e r s, 

l o o s e b o a r d s, a n d u n n e c e s s a r y h ol e s a n d 

o p e ni n g s. 

3. W ast e Dis p os al. 

( a) A n y e x t e ri o r r e c e p t a cl e u s e d f o r p u t r e sci bl e s oli d o r li q ui d w a s t e o r r ef u s e s h o ul d b e 

s o c o n s t r u c t e d t h a t i t d o e s n o t l e a k a n d m a y 

b e t h o r o u g hl y cl e a n e d a n d m ai n t ai n e d i n a 

s a ni t a r y c o n di ti o n. S u c h a r e c e p t a cl e s h o ul d 

b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a s oli d ti g h t-fi t ti n g c o v e r, 

u nl e s s i t c a n b e m ai n t ai n e d i n a s a ni t a r y 

c o n di ti o n wi t h o u t a c o v e r. T hi s r e q ui r e m e n t 

d o e s n o t p r o hi bi t t h e u s e of r e c e p t a cl e s d esi g n e d t o p e r mi t t h e m ai n t e n a n c e of a s a nit a r y c o n di ti o n wi t h o u t r e g a r d t o t h e af o r em e n ti o n e d r e q ui r e m e n t s. 

( b) All s w e e pi n g s, s oli d o r li q ui d w a s t e s, 

r ef u s e, a n d g a r b a g e s h o ul d b e r e m o v e d i n 

s u c h a m a n n e r a s t o a v oi d c r e a ti n g a m e n a c e 

t o h e al t h a n d a s of t e n a s n e c e s s a r y o r a p p r op ri a t e t o m ai n t ai n a s a ni t a r y c o n di ti o n. 

4. V er mi n C o ntr ol. 

( a) C a m p c a r s s h o ul d b e s o c o n s t r u c t e d, 

e q ui p p e d, a n d m ai n t ai n e d, s o f a r a s r e a s o na bl y p r a c ti c a bl e, a s t o p r e v e n t t h e e n t r a n c e 

o r h a r b o r a g e of r o d e n t s, i n s e c t s, o r o t h e r 

v e r mi n. A c o n ti n ui n g a n d eff e c ti v e e x t e r min a ti o n p r o g r a m s h o ul d b e i n s ti t u t e d w h e r e 

t h ei r p r e s e n c e i s d e t e c t e d. 

5. W at er S u p pl y. 

( a) P o t a bl e w a t e r. ( 1) P o t a bl e w a t e r s h o ul d 

b e a d e q u a t el y a n d c o n v e ni e n tl y p r o vi d e d t o 

all e m pl o y e e s i n c a m p c a r s f o r d ri n ki n g, 

w a s hi n g of t h e p e r s o n, c o o ki n g, w a s hi n g of 

f o o d s, w a s hi n g of c o o ki n g o r e a ti n g u t e n sil s, 

w a s hi n g of f o o d p r e p a r a ti o n o r p r o c e s si n g 

p r e mi s e s, a n d p e r s o n al s e r vi c e r o o m s w h e r e 

s u c h f a cili ti e s a r e p r o vi d e d. 

( 2) P o t a bl e d ri n ki n g w a t e r di s p e n s e r s 

s h o ul d b e d e si g n e d, c o n s t r u c t e d, a n d s e r vi c e d 

s o t h a t s a ni t a r y c o n di ti o n s a r e m ai n t ai n e d, 

s h o ul d b e c a p a bl e of b ei n g cl o s e d, a n d s h o ul d 

b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a t a p. 

( 3) O p e n c o n t ai n e r s s u c h a s b a r r el s, p ail s, 

o r t a n k s f o r d ri n ki n g w a t e r f r o m w hi c h t h e 

w a t e r m u s t b e di p p e d o r p o u r e d, w h e t h e r o r 

n o t t h e y a r e fi t t e d wi t h a c o v e r, s h o ul d n o t 

b e u s e d. 

( 4) A c o m m o n d ri n ki n g c u p a n d o t h e r c o mm o n u t e n sil s s h o ul d n o t b e u s e d. 

( b) T h e di s t ri b u ti o n li n e s s h o ul d b e c a p a bl e 

of s u p pl yi n g w a t e r a t s uffi ci e n t o p e r a ti n g 

p r e s s u r e s t o all t a p s f o r n o r m al si m ul t an e o u s o p e r a ti o n. 

6. T oil et f a ciliti es. 

( a) T oil e t f a cili ti e s. ( 1) T oil e t f a cili ti e s 

a d e q u a t e f o r t h e n u m b e r of e m pl o y e e s 

h o u s e d i n t h e c a m p c a r s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d i n 

c o n v e ni e n t a n d s af e l o c a ti o n( s), a n d s e p a r a t e 

t oil e t r o o m s f o r e a c h s e x s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d 

i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t a bl e l of t hi s p a r a g r a p h. 

T h e n u m b e r of f a cili ti e s t o b e p r o vi d e d f o r 

e a c h s e x s h o ul d b e b a s e d o n t h e n u m b e r of 

e m pl o y e e s of t h a t s e x f o r w h o m t h e f a cili ti e s 

a r e f u r ni s h e d. W h e r e t oil e t r o o m s will b e o cc u pi e d b y n o m o r e t h a n o n e p e r s o n a t a ti m e, 

c a n b e l o c k e d f r o m t h e i n si d e, a n d c o n t ai n a t 

l e a s t o n e w a t e r cl o s e t o r n o n w a t e r c a r ri a g e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 2 5 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 6 0
4 1 6 

Pt. 2 2 8, A p p. C 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

t oil e t f a cili t y, s e p a r a t e t oil e t r o o m s f o r e a c h 

s e x n e e d n o t b e p r o vi d e d. W h e r e s u c h si n gl eo c c u p a n c y r o o m s h a v e m o r e t h a n o n e t oil e t 

f a cili t y, o nl y o n e s u c h f a cili t y i n e a c h t oil e t 

r o o m s h o ul d b e c o u n t e d f o r t h e p u r p o s e of 

t a bl e 1. 

A B L E 1 

N o. of e m pl o y e e s 

Mi ni m u m 

N o. of t oil et f a ciliti e s

1 t o 1 0 ................................................................... 1 

1 1 t o 2 5 ................................................................. 2 

2 6 t o 4 9 ................................................................. 3 

5 0 t o 1 0 0 ............................................................... 5 

O v er 1 0 0 ................................................................

W h er e t oil et f a ciliti e s will n ot b e u s e d b y w o m e n, uri n al s 

m a y b e pr o vi d e d i n st e a d of w at er cl o s et s or n o n w at er c arri a g e t oil et f a ciliti e s, e x c e pt t h at t h e n u m b er of w at er cl o s et s 

or f a ciliti e s i n s u c h c a s e s s h o ul d n ot b e r e d u c e d t o l e s s t h a n 

of t h e mi ni m u m s p e cifi e d. 

O n e a d diti o n al fi xt ur e f or e a c h a d diti o n al 2 5 e m pl o y e e s. 

( 2) W h e n t oil e t f a cili ti e s a r e p r o vi d e d i n 

s e p a r a t e c a r s, t oil e t r o o m s s h o ul d h a v e a 

wi n d o w s p a c e of n o t l e s s t h a n 6 s q u a r e f e e t 

i n a r e a o p e ni n g di r e c tl y t o t h e o u t si d e a r e a 

o r o t h e r wi s e b e s a ti sf a c t o ril y v e n til a t e d. All 

o u t si d e o p e ni n g s s h o ul d b e s c r e e n e d wi t h 

m a t e ri al t h a t i s e q ui v al e n t t o o r b e t t e r t h a n 

1 6- m e s h. N o fi x t u r e, w a t e r cl o s e t, n o n w a t e r 

c a r ri a g e t oil e t f a cili t y o r u ri n al s h o ul d b e l oc a t e d i n a c o m p a r t m e n t u s e d f o r o t h e r t h a n 

t oil e t p u r p o s e s. 

( 3) T h e s e w a g e di s p o s al m e t h o d s h o ul d n o t 

e n d a n g e r t h e h e al t h of e m pl o y e e s. 

( b) C o nstr u cti o n of t oil et r o o ms. ( 1) E a c h 

w a t e r cl o s e t s h o ul d o c c u p y a s e p a r a t e c o mp a r t m e n t wi t h a d o o r a n d w all s o r p a r ti ti o n s 

b e t w e e n fi x t u r e s s uffi ci e n tl y hi g h t o a s s u r e 

p ri v a c y. 

( 2) N o n w a t e r c a r ri a g e t oil e t f a cili ti e s 

s h o ul d b e l o c a t e d wi t hi n 5 0 f e e t, b u t a s f a r a s 

p r a c ti c al o n t h e s a m e si d e of t h e t r a c k o n 

w hi c h c a m p c a r s a r e si t e d. 

( 3) E a c h t oil e t f a cili t y s h o ul d b e li g h t e d 

n a t u r all y, o r a r tifi ci all y b y a s af e t y p e of 

li g h ti n g a v ail a bl e a t all h o u r s of t h e d a y a n d 

ni g h t. Fl a s hli g h t s c a n b e s u b s ti t u t e d b y t h e 

r ail r o a d w h e n n o n w a t e r c a r ri a g e t oil e t f acili ti e s a r e u s e d. 

( 4) A n a d e q u a t e s u p pl y of t oil e t p a p e r 

s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d i n e a c h w a t e r cl o s e t, o r 

n o n w a t e r c a r ri a g e t oil e t f a cili t y, u nl e s s p r ovi d e d t o t h e e m pl o y e e s i n di vi d u all y. 

( 5) T oil e t f a cili ti e s s h o ul d b e k e p t i n a 

cl e a n a n d s a ni t a r y c o n di ti o n. T h e y s h o ul d b e 

cl e a n e d r e g ul a rl y w h e n o c c u pi e d. I n t h e c a s e 

of n o n w a t e r c a r ri a g e t oil e t f a cili ti e s, t h e y 

s h o ul d b e cl e a n e d a n d c h a n g e d r e g ul a rl y. 

7. L a v at ori es. 

( a) L a v a t o ri e s s h o ul d b e m a d e a v ail a bl e t o 

all r ail e m pl o y e e s h o u s e d i n c a m p c a r s. 

( b) E a c h l a v a t o r y s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d wi t h 

ei t h e r h o t a n d c ol d r u n ni n g w a t e r o r t e pi d 

r u n ni n g w a t e r. 

( c) U nl e s s o t h e r wi s e p r o vi d e d b y a g r e em e n t, h a n d s o a p o r si mil a r cl e a n si n g a g e n t s 

s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d. 

( d) U nl e s s o t h e r wi s e p r o vi d e d b y a g r e em e n t, i n di vi d u al h a n d t o w el s o r s e c ti o n s 

t h e r e of, of cl o t h o r p a p e r, w a r m ai r bl o w e r s 

o r cl e a n i n di vi d u al s e c ti o n s of c o n ti n u o u s 

cl o t h t o w eli n g, c o n v e ni e n t t o t h e l a v a t o ri e s, 

s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d. 

( e) O n e l a v a t o r y b a si n p e r si x e m pl o y e e s 

s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d i n s h a r e d f a cili ti e s. 

8. S h o w eri n g f a ciliti es. 

( a) S h o w e ri n g f a cili ti e s s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d 

i n t h e f oll o wi n g r a ti o: o n e s h o w e r s h o ul d b e 

p r o vi d e d f o r e a c h 1 0 e m pl o y e e s of e a c h s e x, 

o r n u m e ri c al f r a c ti o n t h e r e of, w h o a r e r eq ui r e d t o s h o w e r d u ri n g t h e s a m e s hif t. 

( b) S h o w e r fl o o r s s h o ul d b e c o n s t r u c t e d of 

n o n- sli p p e r y m a t e ri al s. Fl o o r d r ai n s s h o ul d 

b e p r o vi d e d i n all s h o w e r b a t h s a n d s h o w e r 

r o o m s t o r e m o v e w a s t e w a t e r a n d f a cili t a t e 

cl e a ni n g. All j u n c ti o n s of t h e c u r bi n g a n d 

t h e fl o o r s h o ul d b e s e al e d. T h e w all s a n d p a rti ti o n s of s h o w e r r o o m s s h o ul d b e s m o o t h 

a n d i m p e r vi o u s t o t h e h ei g h t of s pl a s h. 

( c) A n a d e q u a t e s u p pl y of h o t a n d c ol d r u nni n g w a t e r s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d f o r s h o w e ri n g 

p u r p o s e s. F a cili ti e s f o r h e a ti n g w a t e r s h o ul d 

b e p r o vi d e d. 

( d) S h o w ers. 1. U nl e s s o t h e r wi s e p r o vi d e d 

b y a g r e e m e n t, b o d y s o a p o r o t h e r a p p r op ri a t e cl e a n si n g a g e n t c o n v e ni e n t t o t h e 

s h o w e r s s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d. 

2. S h o w e r s s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d wi t h h o t a n d 

c ol d w a t e r f e e di n g a c o m m o n di s c h a r g e li n e. 

3. U nl e s s o t h e r wi s e p r o vi d e d b y a g r e e m e n t, 

e m pl o y e e s w h o u s e s h o w e r s s h o ul d b e p r ovi d e d wi t h i n di vi d u al cl e a n t o w el s. 

9. Kit c h e ns, di ni n g h all a n d f e e di n g f a ciliti es. 

( a) I n all c a m p c a r s w h e r e c e n t r al di ni n g 

o p e r a ti o n s a r e p r o vi d e d, t h e f o o d h a n dli n g 

f a cili ti e s s h o ul d b e cl e a n a n d s a ni t a r y. 

( b) W h e n s e p a r a t e ki t c h e n a n d di ni n g h all 

c a r s a r e p r o vi d e d, t h e r e s h o ul d b e a cl o s a bl e 

d o o r b e t w e e n t h e li vi n g o r sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s 

i n t o a ki t c h e n o r di ni n g h all c a r. 

1 0. C o ns u m pti o n of f o o d a n d b e v er a g es o n t h e 

pr e mis es. 

( a) A p pli c ati o n. T hi s p a r a g r a p h s h o ul d 

a p pl y o nl y w h e r e e m pl o y e e s a r e p e r mi t t e d t o 

c o n s u m e f o o d o r b e v e r a g e s, o r b o t h, o n t h e 

p r e mi s e s. 

( b) E ati n g a n d dri n ki n g ar e as. N o e m pl o y e e 

s h o ul d b e all o w e d t o c o n s u m e f o o d o r b e ve r a g e s i n a t oil e t r o o m o r i n a n y a r e a e xp o s e d t o a t o xi c m a t e ri al. 

( c) S e w a g e dis p os al f a ciliti es. All s e w e r li n e s 

a n d fl o o r d r ai n s f r o m c a m p c a r s s h o ul d b e 

c o n n e c t e d t o p u bli c s e w e r s w h e r e a v ail a bl e 

a n d p r a c ti c al, u nl e s s t h e c a r s a r e e q ui p p e d 

wi t h h ol di n g t a n k s t h a t a r e e m p ti e d i n a 

s a ni t a r y m a n n e r. 

( d) W ast e dis p os al c o nt ai n ers pr o vi d e d f or t h e 

i nt eri or of c a m p c ars. A n a d e q u a t e n u m b e r of 

r e c e p t a cl e s c o n s t r u c t e d of s m o o t h, c o r r o si o n 

r e si s t a n t, e a sil y cl e a n a bl e, o r di s p o s a bl e m at e ri al s, s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d a n d u s e d f o r t h e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 2 6 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 6 1
4 1 7 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT Pt. 2 2 8, A p p. C 

di s p o s al of w a s t e f o o d. R e c e p t a cl e s s h o ul d b e 

p r o vi d e d wi t h a s oli d ti g h tfi t ti n g c o v e r u nl e s s s a ni t a r y c o n di ti o n s c a n b e m ai n t ai n e d 

wi t h o u t u s e of a c o v e r. T h e n u m b e r, si z e a n d 

l o c a ti o n of s u c h r e c e p t a cl e s s h o ul d e n c o u ra g e t h ei r u s e a n d n o t r e s ul t i n o v e rfilli n g. 

T h e y s h o ul d b e e m p ti e d r e g ul a rl y a n d m ai nt ai n e d i n a cl e a n a n d s a ni t a r y c o n di ti o n. 

( e) S a nit ar y st or a g e. N o f o o d o r b e v e r a g e s 

s h o ul d b e s t o r e d i n t oil e t r o o m s o r i n a n a r e a 

e x p o s e d t o a t o xi c m a t e ri al. 

(f) F o o d h a n dli n g. ( 1) All e m pl o y e e f o o d 

s e r vi c e f a cili ti e s a n d o p e r a ti o n s s h o ul d b e 

c a r ri e d o u t i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h s o u n d h y gi e ni c p ri n ci pl e s. I n all pl a c e s of e m pl o y m e n t 

w h e r e all o r p a r t of t h e f o o d s e r vi c e i s p r ovi d e d, t h e f o o d di s p e n s e d s h o ul d b e w h ol es o m e, f r e e f r o m s p oil a g e, a n d s h o ul d b e p r o ce s s e d, p r e p a r e d, h a n dl e d, a n d s t o r e d i n s u c h 

a m a n n e r a s t o b e p r o t e c t e d a g ai n s t c o nt a mi n a ti o n. 

( 2) N o p e r s o n wi t h a n y di s e a s e c o m m uni c a bl e t h r o u g h c o n t a c t wi t h f o o d o r f o o d 

p r e p a r a ti o n i t e m s s h o ul d b e e m pl o y e d o r 

p e r mi t t e d t o w o r k i n t h e p r e p a r a ti o n, c o o ki n g, s e r vi n g, o r o t h e r h a n dli n g of f o o d, f o o ds t uff s, o r m a t e ri al s u s e d t h e r ei n, i n a ki t c he n o r di ni n g f a cili t y o p e r a t e d i n o r i n c o nn e c ti o n wi t h c a m p c a r s. 

1 1. Li g hti n g. E a c h h a bi t a bl e r o o m i n a 

c a m p c a r s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d wi t h a d e q u a t e 

li g h ti n g. 

1 2. First Ai d. A d e q u a t e fi r s t ai d ki t s s h o ul d 

b e m ai n t ai n e d a n d m a d e a v ail a bl e f o r r ailw a y e m pl o y e e s h o u s e d i n c a m p c a r s f o r t h e 

e m e r g e n c y t r e a t m e n t of i nj u r e d p e r s o n s. 

1 3. S h elt er. 

( a) E v e r y c a m p c a r s h o ul d b e c o n s t r u c t e d 

i n a m a n n e r t h a t will p r o vi d e p r o t e c ti o n 

a g ai n s t t h e el e m e n t s. 

( b) All s t e p s, e n t r y w a y s, p a s s a g e w a y s a n d 

c o r ri d o r s p r o vi di n g n o r m al e n t r y t o o r b et w e e n c a m p c a r s s h o ul d b e c o n s t r u c t e d of d ur a bl e w e a t h e r r e si s t a n t m a t e ri al a n d p r o pe rl y m ai n t ai n e d. A n y b r o k e n o r u n s af e fi xt u r e s o r c o m p o n e n t s i n n e e d of r e p ai r s h o ul d 

b e r e p ai r e d o r r e pl a c e d p r o m p tl y. 

( c) E a c h c a m p c a r u s e d f o r sl e e pi n g p u rp o s e s s h o ul d c o n t ai n a t l e a s t 4 8 s q u a r e f e e t 

of fl o o r s p a c e f o r e a c h o c c u p a n t. A t l e a s t a 7- 

f o o t c eili n g m e a s u r e d a t t h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e 

c a r s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d. 

( d) B e d s, c o t s, o r b u n k s a n d s ui t a bl e s t o ra g e f a cili ti e s s u c h a s w all l o c k e r s o r s p a c e 

f o r f o o t l o c k e r s f o r cl o t hi n g a n d p e r s o n al a rti cl e s s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d i n e v e r y r o o m u s e d 

f o r sl e e pi n g p u r p o s e s. E x c e p t w h e r e p a r titi o n s a r e p r o vi d e d, s u c h b e d s o r si mil a r f acili ti e s s h o ul d b e s p a c e d n o t cl o s e r t h a n 3 6 

i n c h e s l a t e r all y ( e x c e p t i n m o d ul a r u ni t s 

w hi c h c a n n o t b e s p a c e d cl o s e r t h a n 3 0 

i n c h e s) a n d 3 0 i n c h e s e n d t o e n d, a n d s h o ul d 

b e el e v a t e d a t l e a s t 1 2 i n c h e s f r o m t h e fl o o r. 

If d o u bl e- d e c k b u n k s a r e u s e d, t h e y s h o ul d 

b e s p a c e d n o t l e s s t h a n 4 8 i n c h e s b o t h l a te r all y a n d e n d t o e n d. T h e mi ni m u m cl e a r 

s p a c e b e t w e e n t h e l o w e r a n d u p p e r b u n k 

s h o ul d b e n o t l e s s t h a n 2 7 i n c h e s. T ri pl e- d e c k 

b u n k s s h o ul d n o t b e u s e d. 

( e) Fl o o r s s h o ul d b e of s m o o t h a n d ti g h t 

c o n s t r u c ti o n a n d s h o ul d b e k e p t i n g o o d r ep ai r. 

(f) All li vi n g q u a r t e r s s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d 

wi t h wi n d o w s t h e t o t al of w hi c h s h o ul d b e 

n o t l e s s t h a n 1 0 p e r c e n t of t h e fl o o r a r e a. A t 

l e a s t o n e- h alf of e a c h wi n d o w d e si g n e d t o b e 

o p e n e d s h o ul d b e s o c o n s t r u c t e d t h a t i t c a n 

b e o p e n e d f o r p u r p o s e s of v e n til a ti o n. D u r abl e o p a q u e wi n d o w c o v e ri n g s s h o ul d b e p r ovi d e d t o r e d u c e t h e e n t r a n c e of li g h t d u ri n g 

sl e e pi n g h o u r s. 

( g) All e x t e ri o r o p e ni n g s s h o ul d b e eff e cti v el y s c r e e n e d wi t h 1 6- m e s h m a t e ri al. All 

s c r e e n d o o r s s h o ul d b e e q ui p p e d wi t h s elfcl o si n g d e vi c e s. 

( h) I n a f a cili t y w h e r e w o r k e r s c o o k, li v e, 

a n d sl e e p, a mi ni m u m of 9 0 s q u a r e f e e t p e r 

p e r s o n s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d. S a ni t a r y f a ciliti e s s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d f o r s t o ri n g a n d p r ep a ri n g f o o d. 

(i) I n c a m p c a r s w h e r e m e al s a r e p r o vi d e d, 

a d e q u a t e f a cili ti e s t o f e e d e m pl o y e e s wi t hi n 

a 6 0- mi n u t e p e ri o d s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d. 

(j) All h e a ti n g, c o o ki n g, v e n til a ti o n, ai r 

c o n di ti o ni n g a n d w a t e r h e a ti n g e q ui p m e n t 

s h o ul d b e i n s t all e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h a p plic a bl e l o c al r e g ul a ti o n s g o v e r ni n g s u c h i ns t all a ti o n s. 

( k) E v e r y c a m p c a r s h o ul d b e p r o vi d e d wi t h 

e q ui p m e n t c a p a bl e of m ai n t ai ni n g a t e mp e r a t u r e of a t l e a s t 6 8 d e g r e e s F. d u ri n g n o rm al c ol d w e a t h e r a n d n o g r e a t e r t h a n 7 8 d eg r e e s F., o r 2 0 d e g r e e s b el o w a m bi e n t, w hi c he v e r i s w a r m e r, d u ri n g n o r m al h o t w e a t h e r. 

(l) E xi s ti n g c a m p c a r s m a y b e g r a n df a t h e r e d s o a s t o o nl y b e s u bj e c t t o s u b p a r ag r a p h s ( c), ( d), (f), ( h), a n d ( k), i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h t h e f oll o wi n g a s r e c o m m e n d e d m a xim u m s: 

1 3 ( c), ( d), a n d ( h) — b y J a n u a r y 1, 1 9 9 4. 

1 3(f) —I n d efi ni t el y i n s of a r a s t h e t e n p e r c e n t 

( 1 0 %) r e q ui r e m e n t f o r wi n d o w s p a ci n g i s 

c o n c e r n e d. 

1 3( k) — b y J a n u a r y 1, 1 9 9 2. 

1 4. L o c ati o n. C a m p c a r s o c c u pi e d e x cl usi v el y b y i n di vi d u al s e m pl o y e d f o r t h e p u rp o s e of m ai n t ai ni n g t h e ri g h t- of- w a y of a 

r ail r o a d s h o ul d b e l o c a t e d a s f a r a s p r a c ti c al 

f r o m w h e r e ‘‘ s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o p e ra ti o n s’’ of ‘‘ pl a c a r d e d c a r s’’ o c c u r, a s d efi n e d 

i n 4 9 C F R 2 2 8. 1 0 1 ( c)( 3) a n d ( c)( 4), r e s p e cti v el y. E v e r y r e a s o n a bl e eff o r t s h o ul d b e 

m a d e t o l o c a t e t h e s e c a m p c a r s a t l e a s t o n eh alf mil e ( 2, 6 4 0 f e e t) f r o m w h e r e s u c h s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g o c c u r s. I n t h e e v e n t e m pl o ye e s h o u s e d i n c a m p c a r s l o c a t e d cl o s e r t h a n 

o n e- h alf mil e ( 2, 6 4 0 f e e t) f r o m w h e r e s u c h 

s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g of c a r s t a k e s pl a c e a r e 

e x p o s e d t o a n u n u s u al h a z a r d a t s u c h l o c ati o n, t h e e m pl o y e e s i n v ol v e d s h o ul d b e 

h o u s e d i n o t h e r s ui t a bl e a c c o m m o d a ti o n s. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 2 7 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 0 2 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 8

2 6 2
4 1 8 

Pt. 2 2 9 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

A n u n u s u al h a z a r d m e a n s a n u n s af e c o n diti o n c r e a t e d b y a n o c c u r r e n c e o t h e r t h a n 

n o r m al s wi t c hi n g o r h u m pi n g. 

1 5. G e n er al pr o visi o ns. ( a) Sl e e pi n g q u a r t e r s 

a r e n o t c o n si d e r e d t o b e ‘‘f r e e of i n t e r r u pti o n s c a u s e d b y n oi s e u n d e r t h e c o n t r ol of 

t h e r ail r o a d’’ if n oi s e l e v el s a t t ri b u t a bl e t o 

n oi s e s o u r c e s u n d e r t h e c o n t r ol of t h e r ailr o a d e x c e e d a n L e q ( 8) v al u e of 5 5 d B( A), wi t h 

wi n d o w s cl o s e d a n d e x cl u si v e of c o oli n g, 

h e a ti n g, a n d v e n til a ti n g e q ui p m e n t. 

( b) A r ail r o a d s h o ul d, wi t hi n 4 8 h o u r s af t e r 

n o ti c e of n o n c o m pli a n c e wi t h t h e s e r e co m m e n d a ti o n s, fi x t h e d efi ci e n t c o n di ti o n( s). 

W h e r e h oli d a y s o r w e e k e n d s i n t e r v e n e, t h e 

r ail r o a d s h o ul d fi x t h e c o n di ti o n wi t hi n 8 

h o u r s af t e r t h e e m pl o y e e s r e t u r n t o w o r k. I n 

t h e e v e n t s u c h c o n di ti o n( s) aff e c t s t h e s af e t y 

o r h e al t h of t h e e m pl o y e e s, s u c h a s w a t e r, 

c o oli n g, h e a ti n g o r e a ti n g f a cili ti e s, t h e r ailr o a d s h o ul d p r o vi d e al t e r n a ti v e a r r a n g em e n t s f o r h o u si n g a n d e a ti n g u n til t h e n o nc o m pl yi n g c o n di ti o n i s fi x e d. 

[ 5 5 F R 3 0 8 9 3, J ul y 2 7, 1 9 9 0] 

P A RT 2 2 9 — R AIL R O A D 

L O C O M OTI V E S A F ET Y ST A N D A R D S 

S u b p art A — G e n er al 

S e c. 

2 2 9. 1 S c o p e. 

2 2 9. 3 A p pli c a bili t y. 

2 2 9. 4 I nf o r m a ti o n c oll e c ti o n. 

2 2 9. 5 D efi ni ti o n s. 

2 2 9. 7 P r o hi bi t e d a c t s. 

2 2 9. 9 M o v e m e n t of n o n- c o m pl yi n g l o c om o ti v e s. 

2 2 9. 1 1 L o c o m o ti v e i d e n tifi c a ti o n. 

2 2 9. 1 3 C o n t r ol of l o c o m o ti v e s. 

2 2 9. 1 4 N o n- M U c o n t r ol c a b l o c o m o ti v e s. 

2 2 9. 1 7 A c ci d e n t r e p o r t s. 

2 2 9. 1 9 P ri o r w ai v e r s. 

S u b p art B —I ns p e cti o ns a n d T ests 

2 2 9. 2 1 D ail y i n s p e c ti o n. 

2 2 9. 2 3 P e ri o di c i n s p e c ti o n: G e n e r al. 

2 2 9. 2 5 T e s t s: E v e r y p e ri o di c i n s p e c ti o n. 

2 2 9. 2 7 A n n u al t e s t s. 

2 2 9. 2 9 Bi e n ni al t e s t s. 

2 2 9. 3 1 M ai n r e s e r v oi r t e s t s. 

2 2 9. 3 3 O u t- of- u s e c r e di t. 

S u b p art C — S af et y R e q uir e m e nts 

E N E R A L E Q UI R E M E N T S

2 2 9. 4 1 P r o t e c ti o n a g ai n s t p e r s o n al i nj u r y. 

2 2 9. 4 3 E x h a u s t a n d b a t t e r y g a s e s. 

2 2 9. 4 5 G e n e r al c o n di ti o n. 

R A K E Y S T E M

2 2 9. 4 6 B r a k e s: G e n e r al. 

2 2 9. 4 7 E m e r g e n c y b r a k e v al v e. 

2 2 9. 4 9 M ai n r e s e r v oi r s y s t e m. 

2 2 9. 5 1 Al u mi n u m m ai n r e s e r v oi r s. 

2 2 9. 5 3 B r a k e g a u g e s. 

2 2 9. 5 5 Pi s t o n t r a v el. 

2 2 9. 5 7 F o u n d a ti o n b r a k e g e a r. 

2 2 9. 5 9 L e a k a g e. 

R A F T Y S T E M

2 2 9. 6 1 D r af t s y s t e m. 

U S P E N SI O N Y S T E M

2 2 9. 6 3 L a t e r al m o ti o n. 

2 2 9. 6 4 Pl ai n b e a ri n g s. 

2 2 9. 6 5 S p ri n g ri g gi n g. 

2 2 9. 6 7 T r u c k s. 

2 2 9. 6 9 Si d e b e a ri n g s. 

2 2 9. 7 1 Cl e a r a n c e a b o v e t o p of r ail. 

2 2 9. 7 3 W h e el s e t s. 

2 2 9. 7 5 W h e el a n d ti r e d ef e c t s. 

L E C T RI C A L Y S T E M

2 2 9. 7 7 C u r r e n t c oll e c t o r s. 

2 2 9. 7 9 T hi r d r ail s h o e s. 

2 2 9. 8 1 E m e r g e n c y p ol e; s h o e i n s ul a ti o n. 

2 2 9. 8 3 I n s ul a ti o n o r g r o u n di n g of m e t al 

p a r t s. 

2 2 9. 8 5 D o o r s a n d c o v e r pl a t e s m a r k e d 

‘‘ D a n g e r’’. 

2 2 9. 8 7 H a n d- o p e r a t e d s wi t c h e s. 

2 2 9. 8 9 J u m p e r s; c a bl e c o n n e c ti o n s. 

2 2 9. 9 1 M o t o r s a n d g e n e r a t o r s. 

N T E R N A L O M B U S TI O N Q UI P M E N T

2 2 9. 9 3 S af e t y c u t- off d e vi c e. 

2 2 9. 9 5 V e n ti n g. 

2 2 9. 9 7 G r o u n di n g f u el t a n k s. 

2 2 9. 9 9 S af e t y h a n g e r s. 

2 2 9. 1 0 1 E n gi n e s. 

T E A M E N E R A T O R S

2 2 9. 1 0 3 S af e w o r ki n g p r e s s u r e; f a c t o r of 

s af e t y. 

2 2 9. 1 0 5 S t e a m g e n e r a t o r n u m b e r. 

2 2 9. 1 0 7 P r e s s u r e g a u g e. 

2 2 9. 1 0 9 S af e t y v al v e s. 

2 2 9. 1 1 1 W a t e r-fl o w i n di c a t o r. 

2 2 9. 1 1 3 W a r ni n g n o ti c e. 

A B S A N D A B Q UI P M E N T

2 2 9. 1 1 5 Sli p/ sli d e al a r m s. 

2 2 9. 1 1 7 S p e e d i n di c a t o r s. 

2 2 9. 1 1 9 C a b s, fl o o r s, a n d p a s s a g e w a y s. 

2 2 9. 1 2 1 L o c o m o ti v e c a b n oi s e. 

2 2 9. 1 2 3 Pil o t s, s n o w pl o w s, e n d pl a t e s. 

2 2 9. 1 2 5 H e a dli g h t s a n d a u xili a r y li g h t s. 

2 2 9. 1 2 7 C a b li g h t s. 

2 2 9. 1 2 9 L o c o m o ti v e h o r n. 

2 2 9. 1 3 1 S a n d e r s. 

2 2 9. 1 3 3 I n t e ri m l o c o m o ti v e c o n s pi c ui t y 

m e a s u r e s — a u xili a r y e x t e r n al li g h t s. 

2 2 9. 1 3 5 E v e n t r e c o r d e r s. 

2 2 9. 1 3 7 S a ni t a ti o n, g e n e r al r e q ui r e m e n t s. 

2 2 9. 1 3 9 S a ni t a ti o n, s e r vi ci n g r e q ui r e m e n t s. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 2 8 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9

2 6 3
4 4 0 

§ 2 2 9. 1 2 7 4 9 C F R C h. II ( 1 0 – 1 – 0 7 E diti o n) 

t h e n e x t pl a c e w h e r e r e p ai r s c a n b e 

m a d e. T hi s m o v e m e n t m u s t b e c o nsi s t e n t wi t h § 2 2 9. 9. 

( h) A n y l o c o m o ti v e s u bj e c t t o P a r t 

2 2 9, t h a t w a s b uil t b ef o r e D e c e m b e r 3 1, 

1 9 4 8, a n d t h a t i s n o t u s e d r e g ul a rl y i n 

c o m m u t e r o r i n t e r ci t y p a s s e n g e r s e r vi c e, s h all b e c o n si d e r e d hi s t o ri c e q ui pm e n t a n d e x c e p t e d f r o m t h e r e q ui r em e n t s of p a r a g r a p h s ( d) t h r o u g h ( h) of 

t hi s s e c ti o n. 

[ 4 5 F R 2 1 1 0 9, M a r. 3 1, 1 9 8 0, a s a m e n d e d a t 6 1 

F R 8 8 8 7, M a r. 6, 1 9 9 6; 6 8 F R 4 9 7 1 7, A u g. 1 9, 

2 0 0 3; 6 9 F R 1 2 5 3 7, M a r. 1 6, 2 0 0 4] 

§ 2 2 9. 1 2 7 C a b li g ht s. 

( a) E a c h l o c o m o ti v e s h all h a v e c a b 

li g h t s w hi c h will p r o vi d e s uffi ci e n t ill u mi n a ti o n f o r t h e c o n t r ol i n s t r um e n t s, m e t e r s, a n d g a u g e s t o e n a bl e 

t h e e n gi n e c r e w t o m a k e a c c u r a t e r e a di n g s f r o m t h ei r n o r m al p o si ti o n s i n t h e 

c a b. T h e s e li g h t s s h all b e l o c a t e d, c o ns t r u c t e d, a n d m ai n t ai n e d s o t h a t li g h t 

s hi n e s o nl y o n t h o s e p a r t s r e q ui ri n g ill u mi n a ti o n a n d d o e s n o t i n t e rf e r e wi t h 

t h e c r e w’ s vi si o n of t h e t r a c k a n d si gn al s. E a c h c o n t r olli n g l o c o m o ti v e s h all 

al s o h a v e a c o n v e ni e n tl y l o c a t e d li g h t 

t h a t c a n b e r e a dil y t u r n e d o n a n d off 

b y t h e p e r s o n s o p e r a ti n g t h e l o c om o ti v e a n d t h a t p r o vi d e s s uffi ci e n t ill u mi n a ti o n f o r t h e m t o r e a d t r ai n o rd e r s a n d ti m e t a bl e s. 

( b) C a b p a s s a g e w a y s a n d c o m p a r tm e n t s s h all h a v e a d e q u a t e ill u mi n ati o n. 

§ 2 2 9. 1 2 9 L o c o m oti v e h o r n. 

( a) E a c h l e a d l o c o m o ti v e s h all b e 

e q ui p p e d wi t h a l o c o m o ti v e h o r n t h a t 

p r o d u c e s a mi ni m u m s o u n d l e v el of 9 6 

d B( A) a n d a m a xi m u m s o u n d l e v el of 

1 1 0 d B( A) a t 1 0 0 f e e t f o r w a r d of t h e l oc o m o ti v e i n i t s di r e c ti o n of t r a v el. T h e 

l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s h all b e a r r a n g e d s o 

t h a t i t c a n b e c o n v e ni e n tl y o p e r a t e d 

f r o m t h e e n gi n e e r’ s u s u al p o si ti o n d u ri n g o p e r a ti o n of t h e l o c o m o ti v e. 

( b)( 1) E a c h l o c o m o ti v e b uil t o n o r 

af t e r S e p t e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 6 s h all b e t e s t e d 

i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t hi s s e c ti o n t o e ns u r e t h a t t h e h o r n i n s t all e d o n s u c h l oc o m o ti v e i s i n c o m pli a n c e wi t h p a r ag r a p h ( a) of t hi s s e c ti o n. L o c o m o ti v e s 

b uil t o n o r af t e r S e p t e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 6 

m a y, h o w e v e r, b e t e s t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e 

wi t h a n a c c e p t a n c e s a m pli n g s c h e m e 

s u c h t h a t t h e r e i s a p r o b a bili t y of . 0 5 

o r l e s s of r ej e c ti n g a l o t wi t h a p r o p o rti o n of d ef e c ti v e s e q u al t o a n A Q L of 

1 % o r l e s s, a s s e t f o r t h i n 7 C F R p a r t 

4 3. 

( 2) E a c h l o c o m o ti v e b uil t b ef o r e S e pt e m b e r 1 8, 2 0 0 6 s h all b e t e s t e d i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h t hi s s e c ti o n b ef o r e J u n e 

2 4, 2 0 1 0 t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e h o r n i ns t all e d o n s u c h l o c o m o ti v e i s i n c o mpli a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( a) of t hi s s e cti o n. 

( 3) E a c h r e m a n uf a c t u r e d l o c o m o ti v e, 

a s d e t e r mi n e d p u r s u a n t t o § 2 2 9. 5 of t hi s 

p a r t, s h all b e t e s t e d i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

t hi s s e c ti o n t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e h o r n i ns t all e d o n s u c h l o c o m o ti v e i s i n c o mpli a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( a). 

( 4)(i) E x c e p t a s p r o vi d e d i n p a r a g r a p h 

( b)( 4)(ii) of t hi s s e c ti o n, e a c h l o c om o ti v e e q ui p p e d wi t h a r e pl a c e m e n t l oc o m o ti v e h o r n s h all b e t e s t e d, i n a cc o r d a n c e wi t h p a r a g r a p h ( c) of t hi s s e cti o n, b ef o r e t h e n e x t t w o a n n u al t e s t s 

r e q ui r e d b y § 2 2 9. 2 7 of t hi s p a r t a r e 

c o m pl e t e d. 

(ii) L o c o m o ti v e s t h a t h a v e al r e a d y 

b e e n t e s t e d i n di vi d u all y o r t h r o u g h a cc e p t a n c e s a m pli n g, i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

p a r a g r a p h s ( b)( 1), ( b)( 2), o r ( b)( 3) of t hi s 

s e c ti o n, s h all n o t b e r e q ui r e d t o u n d e rg o s o u n d l e v el t e s ti n g w h e n e q ui p p e d 

wi t h a r e pl a c e m e n t l o c o m o ti v e h o r n, 

p r o vi d e d t h e r e pl a c e m e n t l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n i s of t h e s a m e m o d el a s t h e l o c om o ti v e h o r n t h a t w a s r e pl a c e d a n d t h e 

m o u n ti n g l o c a ti o n a n d t y p e of m o u n ti n g a r e t h e s a m e. 

( c) T e s ti n g of t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n 

s o u n d l e v el s h all b e i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h 

t h e f oll o wi n g r e q ui r e m e n t s: 

( 1) A p r o p e rl y c ali b r a t e d s o u n d l e v el 

m e t e r s h all b e u s e d t h a t, a t a mi ni m u m, c o m pli e s wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s 

of I n t e r n a ti o n al El e c t r o t e c h ni c al C o mmi s si o n (I E C) S t a n d a r d 6 1 6 7 2 – 1 ( 2 0 0 2 – 0 5) 

f o r a Cl a s s 2 i n s t r u m e n t. 

( 2) A n a c o u s ti c c ali b r a t o r s h all b e 

u s e d t h a t, a t a mi ni m u m, c o m pli e s 

wi t h t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s of I E C s t a n d a r d 

6 0 9 4 2 ( 1 9 9 7 – 1 1) f o r a Cl a s s 2 i n s t r u m e n t. 

( 3) T h e m a n uf a c t u r e r’ s i n s t r u c ti o n s 

p e r t ai ni n g t o m o u n ti n g a n d o ri e n ti n g 

t h e mi c r o p h o n e; p o si ti o ni n g of t h e o bs e r v e r; a n d p e ri o di c f a c t o r y r e c ali b r ati o n s h all b e f oll o w e d. 

( 4) A mi c r o p h o n e wi n d s c r e e n s h all b e 

u s e d a n d t ri p o d s o r si mil a r mi c r o p h o n e 

m o u n ti n g s s h all b e u s e d t h a t mi ni mi z e 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 5 0 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9

2 6 4
4 4 1 

F e d er al R ailr o a d A d mi nistr ati o n, D OT § 2 2 9. 1 3 3 

i n t e rf e r e n c e wi t h t h e s o u n d b ei n g 

m e a s u r e d. 

( 5) T h e t e s t si t e s h all b e f r e e of l a r g e 

r efl e c ti v e s t r u c t u r e s, s u c h a s b a r ri e r s, 

hill s, bill b o a r d s, t r a c t o r t r ail e r s o r 

o t h e r l a r g e v e hi cl e s, l o c o m o ti v e s o r 

r ail c a r s o n a dj a c e n t t r a c k s, b ri d g e s o r 

b uil di n g s, wi t hi n 2 0 0 f e e t t o t h e f r o n t 

a n d si d e s of t h e l o c o m o ti v e. T h e l o c om o ti v e s h all b e p o si ti o n e d o n s t r ai g h t, 

l e v el t r a c k. 

( 6) M e a s u r e m e n t s s h all b e t a k e n o nl y 

w h e n a m bi e n t ai r t e m p e r a t u r e i s b et w e e n 3 2 d e g r e e s a n d 1 0 4 d e g r e e s F a h re n h ei t i n cl u si v el y; r el a ti v e h u mi di t y i s 

b e t w e e n 2 0 p e r c e n t a n d 9 5 p e r c e n t i ncl u si v el y; wi n d v el o ci t y i s n o t m o r e 

t h a n 1 2 mil e s p e r h o u r a n d t h e r e i s n o 

p r e ci pi t a ti o n. 

( 7) Wi t h t h e e x c e p ti o n of c a b- m o u n te d o r l o w- m o u n t e d h o r n s, t h e mi c r op h o n e s h all b e l o c a t e d 1 0 0 f e e t f o r w a r d 

of t h e f r o n t k n u c kl e of t h e l o c o m o ti v e, 

1 5 f e e t a b o v e t h e t o p of t h e r ail, a t a n 

a n gl e n o g r e a t e r t h a n 2 0 d e g r e e s f r o m 

t h e c e n t e r li n e of t h e t r a c k, a n d o rie n t e d wi t h r e s p e c t t o t h e s o u n d s o u r c e 

a c c o r di n g t o t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r’ s r e co m m e n d a ti o n s. F o r c a b- m o u n t e d a n d 

l o w- m o u n t e d h o r n s, t h e mi c r o p h o n e 

s h all b e l o c a t e d 1 0 0 f e e t f o r w a r d of t h e 

f r o n t k n u c kl e of t h e l o c o m o ti v e, f o u r 

f e e t a b o v e t h e t o p of t h e r ail, a t a n 

a n gl e n o g r e a t e r t h a n 2 0 d e g r e e s f r o m 

t h e c e n t e r li n e of t h e t r a c k, a n d o rie n t e d wi t h r e s p e c t t o t h e s o u n d s o u r c e 

a c c o r di n g t o t h e m a n uf a c t u r e r’ s r e co m m e n d a ti o n s. T h e o b s e r v e r s h all n o t 

s t a n d b e t w e e n t h e mi c r o p h o n e a n d t h e 

h o r n. 

( 8) B a c k g r o u n d n oi s e s h all b e mi nim al: t h e s o u n d l e v el a t t h e t e s t si t e i mm e di a t el y b ef o r e a n d af t e r e a c h h o r n 

s o u n di n g e v e n t s h all b e a t l e a s t 1 0 

d B( A) b el o w t h e l e v el m e a s u r e d d u ri n g 

t h e h o r n s o u n di n g. 

( 9) M e as ur e m e nt pr o c e d ur es. T h e s o u n d 

l e v el m e t e r s h all b e s e t f o r A- w ei g h ti n g 

wi t h sl o w e x p o n e n ti al r e s p o n s e a n d 

s h all b e c ali b r a t e d wi t h t h e a c o u s ti c 

c ali b r a t o r i m m e di a t el y b ef o r e a n d 

af t e r c o m pli a n c e t e s t s. A n y c h a n g e i n 

t h e b ef o r e a n d af t e r c ali b r a ti o n l e v el s 

s h all b e l e s s t h a n 0. 5 d B. Af t e r t h e o u tp u t f r o m t h e l o c o m o ti v e h o r n s y s t e m 

h a s r e a c h e d a s t a bl e l e v el, t h e Aw ei g h t e d e q ui v al e n t s o u n d l e v el ( sl o w 

r e s p o n s e) f o r a 1 0- s e c o n d d u r a ti o n 

( L A e q, 1 0 s) s h all b e o b t ai n e d ei t h e r dir e c tl y u si n g a n i n t e g r a ti n g- a v e r a gi n g 

s o u n d l e v el m e t e r, o r r e c o r d e d o n c e p e r 

s e c o n d a n d c al c ul a t e d i n di r e c tl y. T h e 

a ri t h m e ti c- a v e r a g e of a s e ri e s of a t 

l e a s t si x s u c h 1 0- s e c o n d d u r a ti o n r e a di n g s s h all b e u s e d t o d e t e r mi n e c o m plia n c e. T h e s t a n d a r d d e vi a ti o n of t h e 

r e a di n g s s h all b e l e s s t h a n 1. 5 d B. 

( 1 0) W ri t t e n r e p o r t s of l o c o m o ti v e 

h o r n t e s ti n g r e q ui r e d b y t hi s p a r t s h all 

b e m a d e a n d s h all r efl e c t h o r n t y p e; 

t h e d a t e, pl a c e, a n d m a n n e r of t e s ti n g; 

a n d s o u n d l e v el m e a s u r e m e n t s. T h e s e 

r e p o r t s, w hi c h s h all b e si g n e d b y t h e 

p e r s o n w h o p e rf o r m s t h e t e s t, s h all b e 

r e t ai n e d b y t h e r ail r o a d, a t a l o c a ti o n 

of i t s c h oi c e, u n til a s u b s e q u e n t l o c om o ti v e h o r n t e s t i s c o m pl e t e d a n d s h all 

b e m a d e a v ail a bl e, u p o n r e q u e s t, t o 

F R A a s p r o vi d e d b y 4 9 U. S. C. 2 0 1 0 7. 

( d) T hi s s e c ti o n d o e s n o t a p pl y t o l oc o m o ti v e s of r a pi d t r a n si t o p e r a ti o n s 

w hi c h a r e o t h e r wi s e s u bj e c t t o t hi s 

p a r t. 

[ 7 1 F R 4 7 6 6 6, A u g. 1 7, 2 0 0 6] 

§ 2 2 9. 1 3 1 S a n d e r s. 

E x c e p t f o r M U l o c o m o ti v e s, e a c h l oc o m o ti v e s h all b e e q ui p p e d wi t h o p e ra bl e s a n d e r s t h a t d e p o si t s a n d o n e a c h 

r ail i n f r o n t of t h e fi r s t p o w e r o p e r a t e d 

w h e el s e t i n t h e di r e c ti o n of m o v em e n t. 

§ 2 2 9. 1 3 3 I nt e ri m l o c o m oti v e c o ns pi c uit y m e a s u r e s — a u xili a r y e xt e rn al li g ht s. 

( a) A l o c o m o ti v e a t t h e h e a d of a 

t r ai n o r o t h e r m o v e m e n t i s a u t h o ri z e d 

t o b e e q ui p p e d wi t h a u xili a r y e x t e r n al 

li g h t s, a d di ti o n al t o t h e h e a dli g h t r eq ui r e d b y § 2 2 9. 1 2 5, f o r t h e p u r p o s e of 

i m p r o v e d c o n s pi c ui t y. A l o c o m o ti v e 

t h a t i s e q ui p p e d wi t h a u xili a r y e x t e rn al li g h t s i n c o nf o r m a n c e wi t h t h e 

s p e cifi c a ti o n s o r p e rf o r m a n c e s t a n da r d s s e t f o r t h i n p a r a g r a p h ( b) of t hi s 

s e c ti o n o n t h e d a t e of i s s u a n c e of a 

fi n al r ul e t h a t r e q ui r e s a d di ti o n al o r 

o t h e r e x t e r n al li g h t s o n l o c o m o ti v e s 

f o r i m p r o v e d c o n s pi c ui t y, a s r e q ui r e d 

b y s e c ti o n 2 0 2( u) of t h e F e d e r al R ailr o a d S af e t y A c t of 1 9 7 0, s h all b e 

d e e m e d t o c o nf o r m t o t h e r e q ui r e m e n t s 

of t h e fi n al r ul e f o r f o u r y e a r s f oll o wi n g t h e d a t e of i s s u a n c e of t h a t 

fi n al r ul e. 

V er D at e A u g < 3 1 > 2 0 0 5 0 8: 1 1 N o v 3 0, 2 0 0 7 J kt 2 1 1 2 1 2 P O 0 0 0 0 0 Fr m 0 0 4 5 1 F mt 8 0 1 0 Sf mt 8 0 1 0 Y:\ S G M L\ 2 1 1 2 1 2. X X X 2 1 1 2 1 2

H a n d b o ok of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt

A p pe n dix D - R ailr o a d N oise Re g ul ati o ns 

4 9 C F R P art 2 2 9

2 6 5
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix E - Refere n ces

2 6 6 

A p pe n di x E : Refere nces 

1 . St us nic k, E., M o ntr oll, M., Pl ot ki n, K., a n d K o hli, V. Ha n d b o o k f or t he Meas ure me nt, A nal ysis, a n d A bate me nt 

of Railr oa d N oise. F R A Re p ort N o. D O T/ F R A/ O R D -8 2/ 0 2 -H. Arli n gt o n, V A: W yle La b orat ories/ W yle Researc h, 

J a n uar y 1 9 8 2. 

2. Tra nsit N oise a n d Vi brati o n I m pact Assess me nt. F T A Re p ort N o. F T A -V A -9 0 -1 0 0 3 -0 6. B urli n gt o n, M A: 

Harris, Miller, Miller, a n d Ha ns o n I nc., Ma y 2 0 0 6. 

3 . Hi g h -S pee d Gr o u n d Tra ns p ortati o n N oise a n d Vi brati o n I m pact Assess me nt. H M M H Re p ort N o. 2 9 3 6 3 0 -4. 

B urli n gt o n, M A: Harris Miller Miller & Ha ns o n I nc., Oct o ber 2 0 0 5. 

4 . N oise C o ntr ol Act of 1 9 7 2: 4 2 U. S. C. 4 9 0 1 

5 . “N oise E missi o n Sta n dar ds f or Tra ns p ortati o n E q ui p me nt; I nterstate Rail Carriers. ” Fe deral Re gister. 

E n vir o n me ntal Pr otecti o n A ge nc y , C o de of Fe deral Re g ulati o ns, Title 4 0, C ha pter 1, P art 2 0 1 . J ul y 2 0 0 6. 

6 . “ Railr oa d N oise E missi o n C o m plia nce Re g ulati o ns.” Fe deral Re gister. U. S. De part me nt of Tra ns p ortati o n, 

Fe deral Railr oa d A d mi nistrati o n, C o de of Fe deral Re g ulati o ns, Title 4 9, C h a pter 2, P art 2 1 0. Oct o ber 2 0 0 7. 

7 . “ Use of L oc o m oti ve H or ns at P u blic Hi g h wa y -Rail Gra de Cr ossi n gs.” Fe deral Re gister. U. S. De part me nt of 

Tra ns p ortati o n, Fe deral Railr oa d A d mi nistrati o n, C o de of Fe deral Re g ulati o ns, Title 4 9, C ha pter 2, P art 2 2 2. 

A u g ust 2 0 0 6. 

8 . “ Occ u pati o nal N oise E x p os ure.” Fe deral Re gister. U. S. De part me nt of Tra ns p ortati o n, F e deral Railr oa d 

A d mi nistrati o n, C o de of Fe deral Re g ulati o ns, Title 4 9, C ha pter 2, P art 2 2 7. Oct o ber 2 0 0 7. 

9 . “ H o urs of Ser vice of Railr oa d E m pl o yees.” Fe deral Re gister. U. S. De part me nt of Tra ns p ortati o n, Fe deral 

Railr oa d A d mi nistrati o n, C o de of Fe deral Re g ulati o ns, Title 4 9, C ha pter 2, P art 2 2 8. Oct o ber 2 0 0 7. 

1 0 . “ Railr oa d L oc o m oti ve Safet y Sta n dar ds.” Fe deral Re gister. U. S. De part me nt of Tra ns p ortati o n, Fe deral 

Railr oa d A d mi nistrati o n, C o de of Fe deral Re g ulati o ns, Title 4 9, C ha pter 2, P art 2 2 9. Oct o ber 2 0 0 7. 

1 1 . “ S pecificati o n f or Octa ve -B a n d a n d Fracti o nal -Octa ve -B a n d A nal o g a n d Di gital Filters. ” A merica n Nati o nal 

Sta n dar d, A N SI Sta n dar d S 1. 1 1 -1 9 8 6 (r 2 0 0 4). Ne w Y or k, N Y: A merica n Nati o nal Sta n dar ds I nstit ute, 2 0 0 4. 

1 2 . Lee, C. S. a n d Fle mi n g, G. G. Meas ure me nt of Hi g h wa y -R elate d N oise. J o h n A. V ol pe Nati o nal Tra ns p ortati o n 

S yste ms Ce nter Re p ort N o. F H W A -P D -9 6 -0 4 6. Ca m bri d ge, M A: U. S. De p art me nt of Tra ns p ortati o n, J o h n A. 

V ol pe Nati o nal Tra ns p ortati o n S yste ms Ce nter, Ma y 1 9 9 6. 

1 3 . “ S pecificati o n f or S o u n d Le vel Meters.” A merica n Nati o nal Sta n dar d, A N SI Sta n dar d S 1. 4 0-1 9 8 3 (r 2 0 0 1). 

Ne w Y or k, N Y: A merica n Nati o nal Sta n dar ds I nstit ute, 2 0 0 4. 

1 4 . “ S pecificati o ns f or I nte grati n g-A vera gi n g S o u n d Le vel M eters.” A merica n Nati o nal Sta n dar d, A N SI Sta n dar d 

S 1. 4 3 -1 9 9 7 (r 2 0 0 2). Ne w Y or k, N Y: A merica n Nati o nal St a n dar ds I nstit ute, 2 0 0 2. 
H a n d b o o k of R ailr o a d N oise Me as ure me nt A p p e n dix E - Refere n ces

2 6 7 

1 5 . “ Electr oac o ustics – S o u n d Le vel Meters – P art 1: S peci ficati o ns” I nter nati o nal Electr otec h nical C o m missi o n, 

I nter nati o nal Sta n dar d I E C 6 1 6 7 2-1, E d. 1 ( 2 0 0 2). S witzerla n d: I nter nati o nal Electr otec h nical C o m missi o n, 2 0 0 2. 

1 6 . “ S pecificati o n f or P ers o nal N oise D osi meters.” A merica n Nati o nal Sta n dar d, A N SI St a n dar d S 1. 2 5 -1 9 9 1 

(r 2 0 0 2). Ne w Y or k, N Y: A merica n Nati o nal Sta n dar ds I nstit ute, 2 0 0 2. 

1 7 . O S H A T ec h nical Ma n ual . Directi ve N o. R E D 1-0. 1 5 A. W as hi n gt o n D. C.: Office of S cie nce a n d T ec h n ol o g y 

Assess me nt, J a n uar y 1 9 9 9. 

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