Document ID: FRA-2020-0017-0002
Agency: fra
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-Related Railroad Employees
Posted Date: 2022-10-03T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 190 (Monday, October 3, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59749-59769]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-21277]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

49 CFR Part 243

[Docket No. FRA-2020-0017, Notice No. 1]
RIN 2130-AC87

Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-Related 
Railroad Employees

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In response to petitions for rulemaking, FRA proposes amending 
its regulation on Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-
Related Railroad Employees (Training Rule) to codify agency guidance 
and clarify existing requirements.

DATES: Written comments on the proposed rule must be received by 
December 2, 2022. FRA will consider comments received after that date 
to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: 
    Comments: Comments related to Docket No. FRA-2020-0017 may be 
submitted by going to https://www.regulations.gov and following the 
online instructions for submitting comments.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name, docket 
number (FRA-2020-0017), and Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) for 
this rulemaking (2130-AC87). All comments received will be posted 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov; this includes any 
personal information. Please see the Privacy Act Statement heading in 
Section IV of this document for Privacy Act information related to any 
submitted comments or materials.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the 
online instructions for accessing the docket.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert J. Castiglione, Staff Director, 
Safety Partnerships Division, Office of Railroad Safety, FRA, 
telephone: 817-247-3707, email: [email protected]; or Alan H. 
Nagler, Senior Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel, FRA, telephone: 
202-493-6038, email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents for Supplementary Information

I. Executive Summary
II. Background
    A. Petition Requests FRA Proposes Adopting
    B. Petition Requests FRA Does Not Propose Adopting
    C. Summary of FRA Guidance to the Regulated Community
III. Section-by-Section Analysis
IV. Regulatory Impact and Notices
    A. Executive Order 12866
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 13272
    C. Paperwork Reduction Act
    D. Federalism Implications
    E. International Trade Impact Assessment
    F. Environmental Impact
    G. Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice)
    H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    I. Energy Impact

I. Executive Summary

    Purpose of the Regulatory Action and Legal Authority
    In response to the mandate of section 401(a) of the Rail Safety 
Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA),\1\ on November 7, 2014, FRA published a 
final rule (2014 Final Rule) establishing minimum training standards 
for safety-related railroad employees and requiring railroad carriers, 
contractors, and subcontractors to develop and submit certain training 
programs to FRA for approval.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Public Law 110-432, 122 Stat. 4883 (Oct. 16, 2008), codified 
at 49 U.S.C. 20162. The Secretary of Transportation delegated the 
authority to carry out this mandate to the the Federal Railroad 
Administrator. 49 CFR 1.89(b).
    \2\ 79 FR 66459.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 3, 2017, FRA published a final rule which delayed 
implementation dates in the 2014 Final Rule by one year.\3\ The delay 
was necessary to help model training program developers and other 
regulated entities comply with the rule.\4\ On April 27, 2018, FRA 
published a final rule in response to a petition for reconsideration of 
that May 2017 rule by granting the American Short Line and Regional 
Railroad Association's (ASLRRA) request to delay the implementation 
dates by an additional year.\5\ FRA determined that the delay was 
necessary to improve compliance, reduce significant cost impacts 
associated with the rule, and prevent complicating the approval 
process.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 82 FR 20549.
    \4\ 82 FR 20550. In December 2016, FRA completed sharing 
training documents FRA uses to train the agency's personnel on 
Federal rail safety requirements with model program developers and 
made those documents available on FRA's website. However, even after 
FRA produced those documents and performed significant outreach to 
educate the regulated community, one association (considered a major 
model program developer) informed FRA it found certain aspects of 
the rule confusing to implement and difficult for contractors to 
apply in practice.
    \5\ 83 FR 18455.
    \6\ 83 FR 18456.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On June 27 and July 31, 2019, FRA received joint petitions for 
rulemaking filed by ASLRRA and the National Railroad Construction and 
Maintenance Association, Inc. (NRC) (collectively, ``Associations'') 
requesting additional implementation delays and other changes to the 
2014 Final Rule; these petitions were docketed in DOT's Docket 
Management System as FRA-2019-0050. On January 2, 2020, FRA responded 
to the Associations' petitions for rulemaking by issuing a final rule 
delaying the regulation's implementation dates for all contractors,

[[Page 59750]]

and those Class II and III railroads that are not intercity or commuter 
passenger railroads with 400,000 total employee work hours annually or 
more.\7\ Regarding the Associations' remaining requests in the 
petitions for rulemaking, FRA's January 2, 2020, final rule stated that 
FRA was considering addressing the Associations' remaining requests in 
a separate rulemaking.\8\ This proposed rulemaking would address the 
remaining requests in the Associations' 2019 petitions for rulemaking, 
clarify current requirements, and remove regulatory provisions that are 
obsolete.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 85 FR 10 (Jan. 2, 2020).
    \8\ 85 FR 10 (stating FRA's intent to initiate a separate 
rulemaking which would be limited to amending FRA's training 
regulation so that the regulatory text includes the latest guidance 
intended to help small entities and other users of model programs). 
FRA's response to address the Associations' remaining requests in a 
separate rulemaking was consistent with its previous statement on 
the subject. 84 FR 64447, 64449 (Nov. 22, 2019).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Costs and Benefits

    FRA has examined the proposed rulemaking and finds that any 
associated costs and benefits would be de minimis. It is expected that 
the railroad industry and FRA would experience several qualitative 
benefits, which are fully discussed in the Regulatory Impact section of 
this proposed rule. These benefits include: (1) providing clarity to 
the regulated community, thereby facilitating compliance with the 
regulatory requirements; (2) making it easier for FRA to administer the 
Training Rule's requirements; and (3) removing certain regulatory 
provisions that are obsolete.

II. Background

    In the 2014 Final Rule, FRA stated its intention to issue a 
compliance guide with a primary emphasis on assisting small entities, 
but which could also be used by any employer.\9\ FRA anticipated that 
the compliance guide would also help model program developers in 
drafting programs to be adopted by small railroads and contractors. FRA 
issued an interim compliance guide and made it available for immediate 
effectiveness in the 2014 Final Rule docket \10\ on April 21, 2015, but 
provided a comment period in anticipation that the regulated community 
might have additional comments or concerns.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 79 FR 66474.
    \10\ Document number FRA-2009-0033-0031.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 25, 2016, FRA responded to the comments and posted its first 
version of the final compliance guide.\11\ On November 30, 2016, FRA 
posted a second version of the final compliance guide,\12\ largely to 
publish FRA's answers to questions received from the regulated 
community that broad dissemination would benefit. When FRA amended the 
implementation dates by final rules published on May 3, 2017, and April 
27, 2018, FRA made conforming changes to the final compliance guide and 
posted the revised version on FRA's website at https://railroads.dot.gov/divisions/safety-partnerships/training-standards-rule. The same location on FRA's website contains the following 
additional guidance: (1) an ASLRRA Q&A Document, which contains FRA's 
answers to 11 questions concerning part 243 posed by ASLRRA; (2) an On 
the Job Training (OJT) matrix, which shows the minimum type of training 
(i.e., formal training, OJT training, or briefing only) that FRA 
expects to see in a program covering each specific rail safety 
requirement under most circumstances; (3) OJT templates that serve as 
examples of OJT training standards for some types of employees; and (4) 
various resource documents to assist employers with training in the 
areas of equipment maintenance, passenger equipment requirements, brake 
systems, engineering and track maintenance, and signal and train 
control requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Document number FRA-2009-0033-0035.
    \12\ Document number FRA-2009-0033-0036.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This NPRM proposes addressing two of the Associations' overarching 
concerns: first, that FRA provide sufficient certainty as to how the 
agency will apply the requirements of part 243 in the future by 
converting existing guidance applicable to part 243 into regulatory 
text; second, that FRA adopt specific regulatory text changes so as to 
facilitate compliance with the Training Rule.\13\ In this Background 
section, FRA details the petition requests made by the Associations 
that FRA proposes to address and those it does not. Additionally, this 
Background section provides a summary of other guidance FRA has 
provided to the regulated community that is not addressed by the 
petitions for rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ FRA notes that representatives of the Associations met with 
FRA on January 17, 2020, to discuss their requests for greater 
clarity pertaining to the requirements for refresher training, 
program submission, model program adoption, and periodic oversight. 
A follow-up meeting with the Associations was held by phone on 
December 4, 2020, so that FRA could express its continuing interest 
to respond to the petitions for rulemaking and the Associations 
could emphasize concerns of greatest interest to their members.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Petition Requests FRA Proposes Adopting

    Through their petitions for rulemaking and informal discussions 
with FRA, the Associations requested that FRA amend part 243 to codify 
the guidance, thereby providing certainty to the regulated community as 
to how the agency will apply part 243's requirements in the future. In 
making this request, the Associations express concern that agency 
guidance is subject to change without rulemaking. To the extent 
possible, the Associations ask that FRA convert the information in 
guidance documents into regulatory text so that the regulated community 
only needs to consult the regulatory requirements to understand the 
part 243 regulation. FRA agrees with this request and intends this 
proposed rule to convert the guidance into regulatory text, to the 
extent possible.
Definition of Refresher Training
    FRA is proposing to revise the definition of ``refresher training'' 
because the Associations' request for clarification in their petitions 
for rulemaking express confusion and request clarification. FRA 
currently defines ``refresher training'' as meaning periodic retraining 
required by an employer for each safety-related railroad employee to 
remain qualified. Because refresher training is already required in 
other FRA regulations, albeit under different names, FRA believed the 
general meaning of the term was understood throughout the regulated 
railroad community. However, in reviewing FRA's other refresher 
training requirements, and the Associations' and other industry 
members'questions about refresher training, FRA recognizes that 
clarifying the term would be helpful--especially for small entities.

[[Page 59751]]

    Accordingly, FRA proposes to revise the definition of the term 
``refresher training'' in part 243 to, among other things: (1) 
acknowledge that FRA refers to refresher training in its other 
regulations with a variety of terms (e.g., ``recurrent training,'' 
``re-training,'' ``periodic training,'' ``training that occurs 
periodically,'' or ``training that is required within defined 
intervals''); and (2) state that those refresher training programs or 
plans required by FRA's other regulations need not be submitted to FRA 
for review under Sec.  243.103(b).\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ FRA published a chart identifying those already-maintained 
training programs that FRA expects will not be submitted as initial 
or refresher training under part 243. Although FRA does not intend 
to maintain this chart, as FRA is perpetually removing, revising, or 
adding regulatory requirements, the chart published on May 1, 2019, 
in the compliance guide can be found at https://railroads.dot.gov/divisions/safety-partnerships/training-standards-rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FRA's proposed definition of refresher training explains that the 
purpose of this type of training is to improve the job performance of 
existing employees by acquainting them with any problematic issues or 
new skills, methods, and processes. In conjunction with the proposed 
revisions to the definition of ``refresher training,'' FRA is also 
proposing revisions to the refresher training requirements and options 
in Sec.  243.201(e) to clarify what employers need to include, at a 
minimum, to complete acceptable refresher training.
Definition of Training Organizations or Learning Institutions
    FRA is proposing to add a definition of ``training organizations or 
learning institutions'' to address an issue FRA is currently answering 
through guidance. FRA has been asked several times whether certain 
small- and medium-sized businesses that provide training to employers 
are ``training organizations or learning institutions'' for purposes of 
part 243. Because part 243 currently lacks a definition, some 
businesses were confused about their need to comply with the rule. To 
provide clarity, and as explained in more detail in the section-by-
section analysis, FRA is proposing a definition that identifies four 
characteristics of a training organization or learning institution.
Model Program Developer or Employer With an Approved Program Wants To 
Be Treated as a Training Organization or Learning Institution
    FRA has received inquiries from entities with FRA-approved programs 
(either model programs under Sec.  243.105 or employer programs under 
Sec.  243.101) asking whether they need additional FRA-approval to 
provide training services to employers as a training organization or 
learning institution. In conformance with verbal guidance that FRA has 
previously provided, this NPRM would clarify that such entities need 
not resubmit an approved model or employer program to be recognized 
under part 243 as a training organization or learning institution. 
Rather, such entities would only need to submit an informational filing 
for FRA-approval containing the information required Sec.  243.111(c).
Section 243.101 Employer Program Required
    FRA is proposing to revise this section to remove requirements that 
are obsolete and to clarify and incorporate guidance. Among other 
things, FRA is proposing to delete the effective date of January 1, 
2020, as that implementation deadline has already passed and is now 
unnecessary.
    In addition, this NPRM would incorporate guidance that FRA has 
previously provided in response to industry stakeholders' questions 
regarding the ability of employers to classify their safety-related 
railroad employees based on the FRA regulations the employees are 
required to comply with for their work, rather than traditional craft 
terminology. Specifically, this NPRM would clarify that it is 
permissible for an employer to classify its safety-related railroad 
employees by listing the Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, and 
orders that the employee is required to comply with to complete the 
employee's assignments and duties.
    Further, the NPRM would incorporate FRA guidance to employers on 
how training is required to be structured, developed, and delivered. 
Specifically, OJT is required when tasks require neuromuscular 
coordination to learn, unless FRA approves alternative, formal training 
that addresses the need to practice safety-related tasks, with the 
ability to objectively measure task completion proficiency. Examples of 
alternative, formal training could include: training facilities that 
permit students to practice tasks that require neuromuscular 
coordination to learn in a controlled environment with minimal or no 
risk of personal injury; classroom practical exercises; role play; lab 
simulation; or virtual reality (VR) and other emerging technologies.
    In addition, this NPRM would incorporate FRA guidance regarding 
contractor employers. Currently, Sec.  243.101(e) requires a contractor 
that chooses to train its own safety-related railroad employees to 
provide each railroad that utilizes its services with a document 
indicating that the contractor's program of training was approved by 
FRA. However, the existing paragraph does not consider that some 
similar training programs or plans, pursuant to other regulatory 
requirements contained elsewhere in this chapter, are not required to 
be submitted in accordance with this part and, therefore, the 
contractor would not have a document that it could show a railroad 
validating FRA's approval of its program. For this reason, FRA is 
proposing to clarify that the requirement does not apply when the 
contractor is not required to submit a training program to FRA or 
retain a document indicating FRA's approval of the program.
Section 243.103 Training Components Identified in Program
    FRA is proposing three clarifying revisions to the requirements of 
Sec.  243.103. First, existing paragraph (a)(1) requires each 
employer's program to include a unique name and identifier for each 
formal course of study. The proposed revision to this requirement 
clarifies that the types of formal courses needing a unique name and 
identifier include both initial and refresher training. An initial or 
refresher training course that FRA has previously approved would not 
need a new unique name and identifier each time it is revised.
    Second, existing paragraph (a)(2)(v) requires each employer's 
program to include a course outline, and the outline to include the 
anticipated course duration. However, the existing requirement does not 
specify whether the anticipated course duration includes OJT. To 
address that gap, FRA proposes to revise the requirement to state that 
the employer's course outline for each course must include the 
anticipated course duration for all formal training combined, apart 
from OJT. Because OJT is rarely scheduled for a specific time duration, 
FRA proposes that any estimate of OJT duration be excluded from the 
formal training duration estimate.
    Third, as discussed in the definition of Refresher Training section 
above, this NPRM would clarify that similar training programs or plans, 
currently required by other FRA regulations, do not have to be 
submitted to FRA under part 243. As noted in footnote 13 above, FRA has 
published a chart identifying those already-maintained training 
programs that FRA expects will not be submitted as initial or refresher 
training under part 243.

[[Page 59752]]

Additional Changes to Miscellaneous Sections
    As described in the section-by-section analysis below, FRA has 
identified a number of additional requirements that can be eliminated 
as obsolete or revised to add regulatory certainty and clarity. Those 
changes that can be found in the proposed requirements for Training 
Components Identified in Program (Sec.  243.103), Optional Model 
Program Development (Sec.  243.105), Training Program Submission, 
Introductory Information Required (Sec.  243.107), Approval of Programs 
Filed by Training Organizations or Learning Institutions (Sec.  
243.111), Records (Sec.  243.203), and Periodic Oversight (Sec.  
243.205).
    In addition, the Associations' petitions requested that FRA revise 
Sec.  243.113 to allow any employer, not just small employers with less 
than 400,000 total employee work hours annually, to have the option to 
submit a training program by a method other than electronic submission. 
However, during subsequent communications, the Associations retracted 
that request and told FRA that they would not object to FRA proposing 
mandatory submission electronically for all employers through FRA's 
part 243 web portal. Accordingly, this NPRM proposes that change in 
Sec.  243.113, Electronic and Written Program Submission Requirements.

B. Petition Requests FRA Does Not Propose Adopting

    Although FRA is proposing to adopt many of the recommendations the 
Associations suggested in their petitions for rulemaking, there are 
several items that FRA is not.
    FRA is not proposing any additional implementation date delays. The 
implementation dates in the existing rule have come due with the 
exception of those for implementing the refresher training requirements 
(December 31, 2024, for each Class I railroad and each intercity or 
commuter passenger railroad conducting operations subject to this part 
with 400,000 total employee work hours annually or more, or December 
31, 2025, for each employer conducting operations subject to this part 
that is not covered by the earlier implementation date). Thus, the need 
for implementation date delays appears to have passed or is not yet 
ripe for review.
    Neither is FRA proposing a different set of training requirements 
for the Class II and III freight railroads and contractors compared to 
the Class I railroads. Because the work of each safety-related railroad 
employee must comply with the same Federal railroad safety laws, 
regulations, and orders, and the consequences for failing to comply 
with those laws can be just as dangerous regardless of the size or type 
of operation of the employer, it is FRA's position that safety-related 
railroad employees should not be held to different training standards 
based on the size or type of their employer. Instead, FRA's existing 
regulation and the proposed changes in this rulemaking provide for 
differences in employer size or type by allowing employers to draft 
their own programs or use model programs to develop training in ways 
that are tailored to smaller entities, or contract for training 
services from one or more training organizations or learning 
institutions.
    Additionally, for the same reasons, FRA is not proposing relief for 
Class II and III freight railroads and contractors to have a different 
set of qualification requirements versus Class I railroads when an 
employee is qualified by an entity other than the employee's current 
employer and the previous qualification records are unavailable under 
Sec.  243.201(d)(1). Likewise, FRA is not proposing relief for Class II 
and III freight railroads and contractors to have a different refresher 
training period than the three-year period in the existing regulation.
    FRA is also declining the Associations' suggestions to add a 
definition of ``program'' that would mean the written and electronic 
instructional and testing materials, and add a definition of 
``template'' that would mean an outline of the training program, and 
then allow employers to submit either one. However, FRA's approach to a 
training program goes more to the employer describing the methodology 
of determining how safety-related railroad employees are to be trained 
and how the employer can determine that the training is effective. 
Because the Associations' proposed definitions would impair that 
approach, FRA is declining to propose adding these two terms to the 
definitions section of this NPRM.
    The Associations petitioned FRA to propose removing the burden on 
an employer to affirmatively state that it has chosen to use an FRA-
approved model program, contending that the burden is unnecessary. FRA 
declines to propose this revision. Although the Associations 
acknowledge the burden is relatively small on each employer, they state 
that the cumulative burden on small employers is relatively large. 
FRA's decision to decline adopting this revision is based on the 
statutory requirement for the submission of ``training and 
qualification plans to the Secretary for approval, including training 
programs and information deemed necessary by the Secretary to ensure 
that all safety-related railroad employees receive appropriate training 
in a timely manner.'' \15\ It would be difficult for FRA to ensure that 
an employer's safety-related railroad employees were being trained as 
statutorily required without an affirmative submission from the 
employer. Meanwhile, FRA is proposing revisions to Sec.  243.105(b) to 
help employers conceptualize the steps necessary to learn about what 
model programs are available and how they can obtain the model programs 
they need. Thus, this proposed rulemaking is targeted to easing the 
burden raised by the Associations in their petitions for rulemaking, 
even if it does not remove the burden.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 49 U.S.C. 20162(a)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Associations' petitions suggest that FRA propose revising the 
records requirement in Sec.  243.203 to eliminate the specific 
requirements and allow their members to keep whatever records the Class 
II and III railroads and contractors believe are necessary to 
demonstrate compliance with part 243. FRA declines to propose this 
suggestion because it would eliminate objective recordkeeping 
requirements in exchange for an unknown, subjective, and variable 
response.
    The Associations' petitions suggest that FRA propose revising the 
periodic oversight requirements in Sec.  243.205 to require a 
contractor that employs supervisory safety-related railroad employees 
to perform oversight only when those supervisory employees are 
available to perform it. FRA is not proposing this suggestion because 
the Associations' recommendation regarding a contractor's supervisory 
employees would likely render that requirement unenforceable as FRA 
would expect any employer could make a reasonable argument that its 
supervisors were too busy to perform the oversight required.
    Finally, the Associations' petitions suggest that FRA propose to 
exclude Class II and III railroads from the requirement to conduct 
annual reviews. This would be an expansion of the existing exclusion 
which covers a railroad with less than 400,000 total employee work 
hours annually. FRA is not proposing this revision because the 
exclusion was purposely designed to exclude only the smallest Class III 
railroads. A railroad with at least 400,000 total employee work hours 
annually is large enough that it should be expected to have the 
resources to

[[Page 59753]]

effectively evaluate its training programs on a regular basis. Annual 
reviews help ensure that a railroad is updating the program as needed 
and addressing rising systemic safety concerns through targeted 
training program changes.

C. Summary of FRA Guidance to the Regulated Community

    Since the effective date of the 2014 Final Rule, FRA has received 
questions from the regulated community regarding the agency's plans for 
auditing program implementation and enforcement. The following 
background reiterates guidance FRA provided on these subjects in 
response to questions received. Please note that these issues are 
matters of agency discretion, policy, or rules of agency organization, 
procedure, or practice that are exempt from notice and comment 
rulemaking.\16\ Nevertheless, FRA will consider any comments on its 
procedures or practices filed in response to this proposed rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    One question FRA answered in the compliance guide asked what an FRA 
audit will include. FRA understands that each employer, organization, 
or business required to comply with part 243 wants this information so 
that it can best ensure that FRA will continue to find its program, 
records, and activities in compliance. In the compliance guide, FRA 
explained that agency personnel will likely engage in the following 
audit activities: (1) attend classes and observe different types of 
training; (2) review periodic oversight records; (3) review annual 
review records; (4) review employee training records; (5) review 
training evaluation methods; and (6) confirm that each employer is 
complying with its training program. While FRA provided this list of 
standard audit activities to inform the regulated community of the 
general direction of most part 243 audits, the list was not intended to 
be exhaustive, and certainly FRA could conduct additional audit 
activities, including conducting interviews of relevant personnel, and 
conducting site visits, if applicable.
    Also, in the compliance guide, FRA answered a question regarding 
whether the agency would provide a grace period before taking 
enforcement action. FRA's answer in the compliance guide reflected the 
agency's understanding that, as with all new regulations, it will take 
some time for employers to learn how to comply fully with part 243, and 
potentially 12 to 18 months after training program implementation for 
FRA to begin scheduling routine audits. Consequently, FRA's response in 
the compliance guide explained how FRA expects to help employers, 
particularly small entities, comply with part 243, albeit without a 
grace period. In addition, FRA clarified that it reserves the right to 
use its full enforcement authority to ensure compliance, especially in 
cases where gross disregard for compliance is observed.
    In reviewing the guidance in the compliance guide regarding FRA 
enforcement, FRA adds that regulated entities should expect FRA's 
audits will focus on both compliance and performance. If a training 
program is not effective, FRA will address those performance objectives 
with the regulated entity. After all, the purpose of part 243 is to 
ensure safety-related railroad employees are properly trained and 
qualified so as to improve rail safety generally. To achieve that 
purpose, FRA expects each regulated entity to continuously look for and 
consider implementing industry best practices.

III. Section-by-Section Analysis

Subpart A--General

Section 243.1 Purpose and Scope
    Section 243.1 sets forth the purpose and scope of part 243. This 
NPRM proposes to add two new paragraphs, paragraphs (f) and (g), to 
this section to incorporate existing guidance related to railroad 
bridge engineers and non-railroad employees who perform elective audits 
or assessments.
    Proposed paragraph (f) codifies guidance in the compliance guide, 
which explains that part 243 does not apply when the training required 
under FRA's regulations is obtained through earning a college degree or 
certification from an accredited training organization or learning 
institution.\17\ For example, part 243 does not require railroad bridge 
engineers to receive ``in-house'' training when an individual qualifies 
as a bridge engineer under 49 CFR 237.51(b). That section provides that 
an individual may qualify as a bridge engineer based on a degree in 
engineering from an accredited school or organization. Employers are 
not required to provide or duplicate the same types of classes a person 
might need to earn a college degree or certification from a college or 
university. However, if a railroad bridge engineer is conducting a 
bridge inspection as required by 49 CFR part 237, an employer is 
required to provide training on how to conduct a proper bridge 
inspection safely as required by 49 CFR part 214. Not only is it 
unlikely that a college engineering course would cover railroad bridge 
safety rules for inspections, but each railroad is likely to have its 
own unique combination of rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Compliance Guide at 49-50 located at https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/training-qualification-and-oversight-safety-related-railroad-employees-compliance-guide-0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed paragraph (g) codifies guidance in the compliance guide 
clarifying that employers are not required to train non-railroad 
employees who perform audits or assessments that are not required by 
Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, or orders.\18\ FRA is 
proposing this change in response to the Associations' concerns 
specifically pertaining to employees of the Short Line Safety Institute 
(SLSI) who conduct safety audits and provide recommendations to short 
line railroads on ways to improve safety. The Associations assert in 
their petitions that SLSI employees are not conducting ``oversight 
inspections or testing'' and ``do not train railroad employees in 
specific tasks.'' FRA agrees with the Associations' position on this 
issue and notes that, although the Associations suggest in their 
petitions that FRA amend the definition of ``safety-related railroad 
employee'' to exclude these types of non-railroad employees and SLSI 
employees specifically, FRA finds that the exclusion is better placed 
in Sec.  243.1. FRA also finds that specifically excluding SLSI 
employees is unnecessary as SLSI employees clearly fall within the 
revised language as proposed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ Id. at 43.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 243.3 Application and Responsibility for Compliance
    Section 243.3 provides that, with certain exceptions, part 243 
applies to all railroads, contractors of railroads, and training 
organizations or learning institutions that train safety-related 
railroad employees. The section further makes clear that any person, 
including a railroad or a contractor for a railroad, that performs any 
duty covered by part 243 is responsible for performing that duty in 
accordance with part 243. In response to industry's request that a 
parent or holding company be able to submit a part 243 training program 
on behalf of its subsidiaries, FRA has allowed parent and holding 
companies to submit training programs on behalf of their subsidiaries 
as long as the filing thoroughly describes which companies are covered 
by the submission and how each company is covered. The current 
regulation, however, is silent on this issue and FRA has not issued 
guidance on the issue.

[[Page 59754]]

    To address this issue in a clearer, more transparent manner, FRA 
proposes adding paragraph (c) to this section to clarify how a parent 
or holding company may comply with the requirements of this part on 
behalf of one or more subsidiaries. In paragraph (c)(1), FRA proposes a 
requirement that the arrangement be specified and submitted as other 
programs are required in subpart B. Paragraph (c)(1)(i) proposes that 
the arrangement may be used to fulfill all or a portion of a 
subsidiary's responsibility for compliance required by part 243. This 
proposed provision is intended to allow flexibility for each subsidiary 
to opt out of a parent or holding company's program when the 
subsidiary's training needs are different.
    Proposed paragraph (c)(1)(ii) would require that a parent or 
holding company that submits a training program on behalf of one or 
more subsidiaries must initially and continually maintain in its 
submission a list of the subsidiaries covered and the extent to which 
each subsidiary is adopting a parent or holding company's training 
program.
    Recognizing that the efficiencies of a joint filing arrangement 
would be lost if a subsidiary were to duplicate a parent or holding 
company's filing on its behalf, paragraph (c)(2) proposes to prohibit a 
subsidiary from filing a duplicate of any training program a parent or 
holding company submitted on its behalf.
    Proposed paragraph (c)(3) would provide that each railroad, even if 
it is a subsidiary of a parent or holding company, is responsible for 
compliance with the training program submission requirements in subpart 
B. A subsidiary should not presume that the parent or holding company 
will fulfill the program submission requirements without confirming the 
arrangement. FRA reserves the right to take enforcement action against 
each ``person,'' as defined in Sec.  243.5, that fails to comply with 
the program submission requirements of subpart B.
    Proposed paragraph (c)(4) would require that when a parent or 
holding company's training program submission is filed on behalf of the 
parent or holding company's subsidiaries, each subsidiary is required 
to comply with that training program submission unless the subsidiary 
files its own program with FRA. The existing and proposed requirements 
in part 243 are predicated on each employer submitting a training 
program and complying with that training program submission. This 
proposed requirement ensures that a subsidiary understands that it 
would have an obligation to comply with the parent or holding company 
submission unless it takes the affirmative step to file its own 
training program submission.
    FRA's decision to accept programs filed by parent or holding 
companies on behalf of their subsidiaries is based on the recognition 
that companies that are legally related may often share company rules 
or operating practices that make it possible to share a training 
program. Meanwhile, there are legal considerations that parent 
companies, holding companies, and their subsidiary companies must 
consider before filing a program under part 243 and FRA expects that 
all companies involved will discuss and agree to the submission as 
represented to FRA. For instance, there is a legal difference between a 
holding company, which has a passive relationship with its subsidiaries 
because, in general, it does not participate in the daily decision 
making of the subsidiaries and each subsidiary has its own management 
running those day-to-day operations, and a parent company. A parent 
company typically has its own business operations and will choose 
whether to be actively or directly involved in managing its 
subsidiaries. Accordingly, FRA's proposed revisions to this section are 
intended to ensure that all companies covered by a submission are 
legally bound and accept the submission, and that subsidiaries may opt 
out of a parent or holding company's submission, in whole or in part.
Section 243.5 Definitions
    To codify existing guidance and respond to questions from industry, 
FRA is proposing to revise two definitions and add one new definition 
to part 243. Specifically, FRA proposes to revise the existing 
definitions of the terms ``designated instructor'' and ``refresher 
training,'' and add a definition for the term ``training organizations 
or learning institutions.''
    First, FRA proposes to revise the definition of ``designated 
instructor.'' As currently defined, a ``designated instructor'' is ``a 
person designated as such by an employer, training organization, or 
learning institution, who has demonstrated, pursuant to the 
[applicable] training program . . . an adequate knowledge of the 
subject matter under instruction, and where applicable, has the 
necessary experience to effectively provide formal training.'' FRA 
understands that some industry members read this definition to mean 
that to be a ``designated instructor'' a person must be: (1) an 
employee of the employer; and (2) ``qualified'' as that term is used in 
part 243. To clarify these issues, FRA is proposing to add two 
sentences to the existing definition. The first proposed sentence would 
specify that a ``designated instructor'' is not required to be an 
employee of the employer and thus designated instructors can be in-
house employees or outside contractors, such as professional trainers. 
The second proposed sentence would explain that employers are required 
to ensure that employees and non-employees used as designated 
instructors have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to 
provide sound coaching, mentoring, and guidance to new learners. FRA 
notes, however, that ``designated instructors'' are not required to be 
``qualified'' as that term is defined in part 243.
    FRA proposes to revise the definition of ``refresher training'' to 
explain that the purpose of this type of training is to improve the job 
performance of existing employees by acquainting them with any changed 
standards, any relevant problematic issues or new skills, methods, and 
processes, and to ensure no important skills or knowledge have been 
lost due to lack of use. This proposed explanation is intended to 
distinguish refresher training from initial training, which is targeted 
to employees who generally are new to the subject matter. FRA also 
proposes to revise the definition of ``refresher training'' to 
acknowledge that FRA has referred to refresher training in its other 
railroad safety regulations with a variety of terms and that those 
refresher training programs or plans required in its other railroad 
safety regulations need not be submitted for review pursuant to Sec.  
243.103(b). This proposed acknowledgment is intended to be read in 
conjunction with the proposal in Sec.  243.201(e) that refresher 
training be at an interval not to exceed three calendar years from the 
date of an employee's last training event, except where refresher 
training is specifically required more frequently in accordance with 
this chapter. Thus, for example, if FRA requires ``recurrent training'' 
each calendar year in a different FRA rail safety regulation, then that 
more stringent refresher training requirement would not be superseded 
by the more relaxed refresher training requirement of three calendar 
years in Sec.  243.201(e). In addition, FRA is proposing revisions to 
the refresher training requirements and options in Sec.  243.201(e) 
that would clarify what employers need to include, at a minimum, to 
complete acceptable refresher training.
    FRA also proposes to add a definition of ``training organizations 
or learning institutions'' to clarify which businesses

[[Page 59755]]

that provide training to employers are ``training organizations or 
learning institutions.'' FRA's proposed definition identifies four 
characteristics of a training organization or learning institution. 
First, a training organization or learning institution is an entity 
that provides training services for people who are safety-related 
railroad employees or independent students who will rely on the 
training services provided to qualify to become safety-related railroad 
employees, but not employees of the entity providing the training. This 
proposed characteristic is intended to clarify that FRA's training 
organization or learning institution definition does not include an 
employer providing training to its employees. Second, the proposed 
definition identifies the main examples of training organizations and 
learning institutions as businesses that provide formal training, and 
colleges and universities that provide rail safety courses necessary 
for a person to qualify as a safety-related railroad employee. A 
business that performs consulting work or some type of training that 
does not rise to the level of ``formal training,'' as defined in part 
243, would not be considered a training organization or learning 
institution. Third, the proposed definition explains that even though 
an entity may not maintain a fixed training facility, it could still be 
considered a training organization or learning institution as it could 
rent or lease meeting space to deliver training, deliver training at an 
employer's facility, or deliver virtual training. Thus, the proposed 
definition would clarify that a business that goes to an employer's 
property to deliver formal training may be considered a ``training 
organization or learning institution.'' Fourth, while some railroads 
have in-house training for their employees and also train safety-
related railroad employees of other employers, FRA does not consider 
these railroads as training organizations or learning institutions, and 
therefore proposes to clarify that exclusion.

Subpart B--Program Components and Approval Process

Section 243.101 Employer Program Required
    FRA is proposing to delete paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) and state the 
employer requirement to submit, adopt, and comply with a training 
program for its safety-related railroad employees in paragraph (a) 
without implementation dates. Paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) are no longer 
needed as the implementation deadlines specified in those existing 
requirements have already passed and all employers currently must 
comply.
    Paragraph (b) requires that employers commencing operations after 
January 1, 2020, submit, adopt, and comply with a training program 
before commencing operations. As above, paragraph (b) would also be 
revised to remove the implementation date that has passed. Thus, the 
proposed rule would apply any time an employer commences operations.
    In response to the Assocations' request, proposed revisions to 
paragraph (c) clarify that employers may create programs based on 
applicable CFR parts, United States Code sections, or citations to 
orders. Accordingly, FRA is proposing to revise paragraph (c)(1) to 
clarify what it means for an employer to classify its safety-related 
railroad employees by ``other suitable terminology,'' which includes 
references to the applicable part of the CFR, section of the United 
States Code, or citation to an order. Also, FRA proposes to revise 
paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) to exclude an employer that classifies its 
safety-related railroad employees by direct reference to Federal 
railroad safety laws, regulations, and orders because the existing 
requirement would be redundant for an employer who classifies in that 
way.
    FRA proposes to revise paragraph (c)(5) to codify guidance that OJT 
is required when tasks require neuromuscular coordination to learn 
unless FRA approves alternative, formal training that addresses the 
need to practice safety-related tasks with the ability to objectively 
measure task completion proficiency.\19\ As background, some employers 
or training organizations may have access to state-of-the-art indoor/
outdoor training facilities that permit students to practice tasks that 
require neuromuscular coordination to learn in a controlled environment 
with minimal or no risk of personal injury. Other approaches may 
include classroom practical exercises, role play, lab simulation, VR, 
and other emerging technologies. FRA's proposal recognizes that some 
safety-related tasks that require neuromuscular coordination can be 
taught effectively through formal training other than traditional OJT.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ Id. at 15.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Paragraph (e) requires a contractor that chooses to train its own 
safety-related railroad employees to provide each railroad that 
utilizes its services with a document indicating that the contractor's 
training program was approved by FRA. However, paragraph (e) does not 
account for the fact that some similar training programs or plans, 
pursuant to other regulatory requirements contained elsewhere in this 
chapter, are not required to be submitted in accordance with part 243 
and, therefore, the contractor would not have a document that it could 
show a railroad validating FRA's approval of that program. For this 
reason, FRA is proposing to change this requirement. To the extent that 
a contractor chooses to train its own safety-related railroad employees 
with an FRA-approved program under part 243, FRA proposes that the 
contractor provide each railroad utilizing the program with a document 
declaring or proving that its training program was approved by FRA. 
However, as proposed, if a contractor is not required to submit the 
training program or plan as permitted by Sec.  243.103(b), but is 
maintaining the similar training program or plan pursuant to other 
regulatory requirements contained elsewhere in this chapter, then the 
contractor's requirement to provide the railroad with a document is 
limited to declaring or proving that information. For this proposed 
requirement, any FRA approval document will be considered sufficient 
proof and, when that proof is unavailable, a contractor may simply 
declare that the statement in the document is true. FRA is also 
proposing revisions to paragraph (f) that would similarly change the 
type of document a railroad is responsible to retain based on the 
proposed corresponding changes in paragraph (e).
Section 243.103 Training Components Identified in Program
    FRA is proposing four revisions to the requirements in this 
existing section.
    Paragraph (a)(1) requires each employer's program to include a 
unique name and identifier for each formal course of study. The 
proposed revision to this requirement clarifies that the types of 
formal courses needing a unique name and identifier include both 
initial and refresher training courses. An initial or refresher 
training course that FRA has previously approved would not need a new 
unique name and identifier each time it is revised.
    Paragraph (a)(2)(v) requires each employer's program to include a 
course outline, and the outline to include the anticipated course 
duration. However, the existing requirement does not specify whether 
the anticipated course duration includes OJT. Accordingly, FRA proposes 
revising this paragraph to provide that the employer's course outline 
for each course include the anticipated course duration for all

[[Page 59756]]

formal training combined, apart from OJT.
    The proposed revisions to paragraph (b) would clarify which 
``similar training programs or plans'' that FRA requires in its other 
rail safety regulations do not have to be submitted to FRA under part 
243. Additionally, proposed paragraph (b) would clarify that if an 
employer needs to amend any such similar program or plan required by an 
FRA railroad safety regulation, other than part 243, the employer is 
required to amend its program but not submit it to FRA under Sec.  
243.109.
    FRA is proposing to amend paragraph (d) to clarify that an employer 
is not required to submit courseware (i.e., lesson plans, instructor 
guides, participant guides, job aids, practical exercises, tests/
assessments, and other materials used in the delivery of any course) as 
part of a training program submission, although FRA may require an 
employer to provide FRA with such program courseware upon request.
Section 243.105 Optional Model Program Development
    FRA is proposing several revisions to this existing section, which 
permits the optional development of model programs that can be adopted 
by multiple employers. The proposed changes would remove a requirement 
no longer necessary and add information to the regulatory text that was 
previously issued as guidance.
    FRA proposes to remove paragraph (a)(3) as it is no longer needed. 
The existing paragraph provided model program developers with the 
option to file model training programs by May 1, 2019, to guarantee an 
FRA review process of no more than 180 days. The existing requirement 
is no longer needed because the deadline for early filing passed.
    The proposed revisions to paragraph (b) would add information 
intended to help an employer that is planning to use a model program. 
Existing paragraph (b) already specifies that an employer that chooses 
to use an FRA-approved model program must submit only the unique 
identifier associated with the program, and all other information that 
is specific to that employer or deviates from the model program. 
However, proposed paragraph (b) would contain information about how an 
employer can go to FRA's part 243 web portal, obtain contact 
information from a model program developer, and contact that developer 
to access the courseware associated with the model program. Further, 
FRA is proposing to revise paragraph (b) to confirm that an employer 
that submits, adopts, and implements an FRA-approved model program, 
consistent with the operations of that employer, will be considered in 
compliance with the employer program requirements of Sec.  243.101.
    FRA proposes adding paragraph (c) to address how model program 
developers are required to provide notice of any FRA-approved changes 
to authorized users. FRA proposes that sufficient notice of any FRA-
approved changes may depend on whether the model program developer 
loosely allows adoption of the model program by anyone with access to 
the developer's website or more stringently requires an employer to 
obtain explicit authorization to use a model program. In short, FRA 
proposes that the model program developer disseminate its FRA-approved 
updates in at least the same (and no less stringent) manner as it made 
the model program available to employer users.
Section 243.107 Training Program Submission, Introductory Information 
Required
    FRA proposes amending paragraph (a) to remove the requirement that 
an employer that does not provide, but is responsible for, training for 
its safety-related railroad employees must submit a training program. 
FRA also proposes adding a sentence to paragraph (a) notifying 
employers using FRA's part 243 web portal that the web portal will 
prompt the employers to provide the information required in this 
section. Thus, an employer using FRA's part 243 web portal would not 
need to provide this information elsewhere in its submission as the web 
portal itself will prompt the employer to provide the information.
    FRA also proposes amending paragraph (a) to reduce the types of 
information required at the time of filing. The types of information 
paragraphs (a)(4) and (5) require do not directly apply to employers 
that must submit training programs and thus the requirements are 
unnecessary. Accordingly, FRA proposes deleting both requirements, and 
redesignating and revising paragraph (a)(6) as (a)(4).
    Similarly, paragraphs (b) and (c) require a level of detail that is 
unnecessary for FRA to evaluate an employer's training program 
submission. Paragraph (b) requires an employer to provide FRA with 
information about the different methods it will utilize to train its 
various categories of safety-related railroad employees. Paragraph (c) 
requires an employer to provide FRA with information about the training 
organizations or learning institutions it elects to use to train all or 
some of its safety-related railroad employees. FRA recognizes that the 
agency can determine this information during an audit or investigation. 
For this reason, FRA proposes to remove paragraphs (b) and (c) in their 
entirety and would reserve paragraph (b).
Section 243.109 Initial and Refresher Training Program Submission, 
Review, and Approval Process
    FRA is proposing revisions to this section clarifying that 
refresher training programs must be submitted to FRA for review and 
approval in the same manner as an employer's initial training program. 
This proposal includes revising the heading of this section to make 
clear that it addresses the submission, review, and approval process 
for both initial and refresher training programs. Similarly, FRA 
proposes revising the introductory heading in paragraph (a), which 
refers only to initial programs, so that it refers to both initial and 
refresher training programs. Finally, FRA is proposing to revise 
paragraph (a)(2) to reference both initial and refresher programs.
Section 243.111 Approval of Programs Filed by Training Organizations or 
Learning Institutions
    FRA proposes several revisions to this section to remove 
unnecessary requirements and eliminate regulatory ambiguity.
    Paragraph (a) currently requires a training organization or 
learning institution to submit its program to FRA for review and 
approval. Because FRA received inquiries from the Associations, and 
some employers, requesting guidance on whether they would need to 
resubmit a previously approved employer program so they could also be 
recognized under part 243 as a training organization or learning 
institution, FRA proposes new requirements to address the issue. 
Accordingly, when an entity has previously received FRA approval of a 
model program under Sec.  243.105 or an employer program under Sec.  
243.101, under proposed paragraph (a)(1) the program does not need to 
be submitted a second time for FRA's approval. Meanwhile, FRA proposes 
requiring in paragraph (a)(2) that an entity with such a previously 
approved program must submit an informational filing to its previously 
approved program containing the information required in paragraph (c) 
of this section for a training organization or learning institution 
program.
    The proposed revisions to paragraph (c) would remove paragraphs (5)

[[Page 59757]]

through (7), which require programs submitted by training organizations 
and learning institutions to include designated instructors' resumes, a 
list of employer customers, and a summary showing the methodology used 
to develop training programs. FRA proposes deleting these three 
requirements because FRA is not an educational accrediting agency and 
finds that the existing requirements may wrongly suggest FRA would be 
deciding whether each training organization or learning institution is 
suitable to provide such training when that is a decision for each 
employer to make. By deleting these three existing requirements, the 
regulation would make clear that FRA approves training programs and not 
any particular training organization or learning institution. In other 
words, no training organization or learning institution should refer to 
itself as ``FRA-approved'' but it may say that its training program is 
``FRA-approved.''
    FRA proposes revising paragraph (e) to clarify that a training 
organization or learning institution may transfer an approved program 
to another training organization or learning institution, or an 
employer. As proposed, the acquiring entity need only submit an 
informational filing with FRA noting the transfer unless the acquiring 
entity is making substantial additions or revisions to the previously 
approved program. If the acquiring entity is making substantial 
additions or revisions to the previously approved program, then the 
acquiring entity must obtain FRA's approval of those changes pursuant 
to paragraph (f) of this section. FRA is considering an alternative 
requirement that the acquiring entity will need to submit the entire 
previously approved program under the acquiring entity's web portal 
account for administrative reasons.
243.113 Electronic and Written Program Submission Requirements
    FRA proposes several revisions to this section to clarify that when 
FRA refers to electronic program or informational filings submission 
requirements, FRA means submission through FRA's part 243 web portal. 
For example, paragraph (a) would be revised to specifically reference 
FRA's part 243 web portal and to inform electronic submitters that the 
web portal will prompt them to submit all required training program 
information.
    FRA proposes the elimination of the written program submission 
option for an employer with less than 400,000 total employee work hours 
annually. For this reason, FRA proposes deleting that option from 
paragraph (a) and removing existing paragraphs (d) through (f). The 
cost in time and resources to print and mail a submission is likely the 
equivalent to the time and resources needed for a person to go to FRA's 
part 243 web portal, fill out the information required, and upload the 
submission documents. For these reasons, this proposed requirement is 
not expected to increase the costs on an employer with less than 
400,000 total employee work hours annually, while reducing 
administrative and cost burdens for FRA personnel that would need to 
receive the written program, scan it, and upload it to FRA's part 243 
web portal.
    In paragraph (b), FRA proposes to clarify that a submitter will 
need to register for access to the part 243 web portal through a 
website before being granted web portal access.
    In paragraph (c), FRA proposes to clarify that the electronic 
submitters providing consent are the users of FRA's part 243 web 
portal. FRA also proposes adding for clarity the existing paragraph (e) 
requirement that a person that electronically submits documents to FRA 
shall be considered to have provided their consent for FRA to 
electronically store those materials required by this part.

Subpart C--Program Implementation and Oversight Requirements

Section 243.201 Employee Qualification Requirements
    FRA proposes revising this section to provide more direction on 
what must be included in refresher training, and how refresher training 
is distinguished from initial training.
    FRA proposes several revisions and additions to paragraph (a). The 
revisions include the removal of implementation dates that have passed. 
Proposed paragraph (a)(1) includes the existing requirement that each 
employer must only permit employees appropriately trained and qualified 
to perform safety-related service. Proposed paragraph (a)(2) addresses 
the Associations' petitions by permitting an employer to limit a 
safety-related railroad employee's training to only the relevant 
Federal requirements that apply to the safety-related tasks that the 
employer authorizes the employee to perform, in addition to any 
knowledge-based training that is required. FRA proposes to move the 
requirement for designating existing employees by occupational category 
or subcategory in current paragraph (a)(1) to proposed paragraph 
(a)(3)(i).
    FRA also proposes adding paragraph (a)(3)(ii) to address an issue, 
like the one addressed in proposed Sec.  243.101(c), concerning 
employers that prefer to categorize their employees by CFR parts or 
other legal requirements, rather than by occupational category or 
subcategory. Proposed paragraph (a)(3)(ii) addresses employers that do 
not designate employees by department, occupational category, or 
subcategory. For those employers who do not designate employees, 
paragraph (a)(3)(ii) proposes that the employer must retain a record 
for each employee identifying the list of Federal railroad safety laws, 
regulations, and orders that cover the work the person is designated as 
qualified to perform.
    In response to the Assocations' request, FRA proposes to revise 
paragraph (c)(2) to allow an employee, who is not yet qualified, to 
perform tasks during OJT under the direct onsite observation of a 
qualified person and in accordance with certain conditions for the 
qualified person, before the employee has completed all of the formal 
training, including classroom training and OJT. The existing rule 
requires the employee to complete classroom or other formal training, 
before the employer may allow an employee, who is not yet qualified, to 
perform tasks during OJT under the direct onsite observation of a 
qualified person, and under the same specified conditions for the 
qualified person. The proposed change would not be expected to impact 
safety detrimentally as the employee would still be required to perform 
the OJT tasks under the direct onsite observation of a qualified 
person, provided the qualified person has been advised of the 
circumstances and is capable of intervening if an unsafe act or non-
compliance with Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, or orders is 
observed.
    FRA proposes to amend paragraph (d), which addresses how an 
employer can avoid training an employee that was previously trained or 
qualified by an entity other than the current employer. FRA is not 
proposing to amend the existing options in paragraphs (d)(1) and (2). 
Instead, FRA proposes changing ``FRA-approved'' to ``FRA-required,'' 
and ``submitted'' to ``completed'' to coincide with other changes in 
this proposed rule. The rule currently requires that, in order to 
exercise one of the options, the employee's training or qualification 
must have been provided previously ``through participation in a FRA-
approved training program'' that was submitted by an entity other than 
the employee's current employer. Through the proposed changes to Sec.  
243.103(b), FRA is recognizing that an employee could have been 
previously trained or qualified by an entity other

[[Page 59758]]

than the current employer using a similar training program or plan, 
pursuant to other regulatory requirements contained elsewhere in this 
chapter that do not require submission to FRA or FRA-approval.
    In conjunction with the proposed definition of ``refresher 
training,'' FRA proposes revisions to the requirements for refresher 
training in paragraph (e). Specifically, proposed paragraph (e)(3)(i) 
would require as a baseline that the employer ensure that each 
employee's refresher training include notification of changes to any 
rule, practice, or procedure relevant to the employee's assigned 
duties. Proposed paragraph (e)(3)(ii) would clarify that each employer 
must ensure that an employee is not allowed to test out of refresher 
training. Proposed paragraph (e)(3)(iii) would include the sentence in 
existing paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) which is intended to capture that, 
ultimately, the employer is required to ensure that the employee is 
trained and qualified on the application of any Federal railroad safety 
laws, regulations, and orders the person is required to comply with, as 
well as any relevant railroad rules and procedures promulgated to 
implement those Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, and orders. 
That existing requirement is for ensuring that refresher training is 
used to fill any gaps in an employee's knowledge base. FRA recognizes 
that proposed paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) contain ``beginning'' 
implementation dates that may no longer be relevant when a final rule 
is published and will make changes to these paragraphs to remove the 
unnecessary implementation dates that have passed.
    Proposed paragraph (e)(3)(iii) also describes the options available 
to employers for refresher training. For instance, rather than 
repeating initial training, refresher training may be limited and 
carefully tailored to review: (1) all the required steps of a 
complicated safety-related task; (2) existing rules or procedures that 
were initially learned but rarely used; and (3) safety-related tasks 
that address skill gaps that the employer identified in the workforce 
through efficiency testing, periodic oversight, annual reviews, 
accident/incident data, FRA inspection data, or other performance 
measuring metrics.
    FRA is proposing to add paragraph (f) to require an employer to 
consider ways to provide remedial training and retesting of any 
employee who fails to successfully pass any training or testing. 
Additionally, proposed paragraph (f) would make clear that a failure of 
any test or training does not bar the person from successfully 
completing the training or testing later.
Section 243.203 Records
    FRA proposes revisions to paragraph (b)(2) of this section to 
clarify that an employer that designates its employees by ``other 
suitable terminology,'' i.e., other than occupational category or 
subcategory, is required to keep a record of that designation for each 
qualification of each qualified employee. This proposed revision is 
intended to work in tandem with the other proposed requirements, 
Sec. Sec.  243.101(c) and 243.201(a)(2)(ii), which would permit an 
employer to categorize its employees by CFR parts or other Federal 
railroad safety legal requirements, rather than by occupational 
category or subcategory.
    In addition, FRA proposes revising paragraph (b)(6)'s recordkeeping 
information requirement to clarify that the person determining that the 
employee successfully completed all OJT training necessary to be 
considered qualified to perform certain safety-related tasks must be a 
designated instructor. The existing rule does not specify that the 
person making this determination must be a designated instructor, but 
instead only requires that the record identify the person. Proposed 
revisions to paragraph (b)(6) would also add ``other suitable 
terminology'' to the phrase ``occupational categories or 
subcategories.''
    FRA is proposing to revise the recordkeeping requirement for 
records other than individual employee records and annual review 
records, for consistency with part 217 of this chapter. The existing 
requirement in Sec.  243.203(c) requires each employer to maintain 
test, inspection, and other event records that do not demonstrate the 
qualification status of a safety-related railroad employee, for a 
period of three calendar years after the end of the calendar year to 
which the event relates. FRA received feedback from the Associations 
that this recordkeeping requirement is more stringent than FRA's 
requirement for operational tests and inspections under 49 CFR 
217.9(d)(1). As the test and inspection records in the two regulations 
are similar and are required to be kept for similar reasons, FRA 
proposes this change. No change is proposed for the existing annual 
review recordkeeping requirement in Sec.  243.203(c), as 49 CFR 
217.9(f) also has a similar annual review recordkeeping requirement of 
the same length and likewise is required to be retained for similar 
reasons.
Section 243.205 Periodic Oversight
    FRA is generally proposing two changes to Sec.  243.205. Changes to 
proposed paragraphs (a), (c), (d), (e)(1), (g), and (i) would, as 
requested in the Associations' petitions, allow periodic oversight to 
be limited to tests ``or'' inspections, rather than require both tests 
``and'' inspections. In the context of periodic oversight, a ``test'' 
is conducted by a qualified supervisor who changes the work environment 
so that one or more employees would need to act to prevent non-
compliance, while an ``inspection'' involves a qualified supervisor 
observing one or more employees at a job site and determining whether 
the employees are in compliance.\20\ In revisiting the current 
requirement for both tests and inspections, FRA recognizes that tests 
are more difficult to design and execute, while inspections can be 
completed through routine observations. By revisiting this section, FRA 
recognizes that the goal of periodic inspection may be achieved by 
tests or inspections, and that both tests and inspections may have set 
a higher bar than a minimum requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ 79 FR 66487.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FRA also proposes to revise Sec.  243.205(h) to provide railroads 
and contractors the flexibility to decide which entity would be 
responsible for conducting periodic oversight. This proposed revision 
to the periodic oversight requirements would address an issue raised in 
the Associations' petitions, which asked that FRA allow a railroad and 
a contractor to agree to any division of the periodic oversight 
responsibility requirements that the parties desire, rather than be 
bound by the required assigned responsibilities in the regulation. From 
a safety perspective, it does not make a difference whether periodic 
oversight is conducted by a railroad or a contractor. Thus, FRA 
proposes to revise Sec.  243.205(h)(2) to state that, regardless of the 
requirements in Sec.  243.205 that assign specific periodic oversight 
responsibilities to a railroad or contractor, these parties may agree 
to a different periodic oversight responsibility arrangement. This 
proposed revision will allow the regulated entities to decide which 
entity is in the best position to conduct the oversight and to make any 
necessary arrangements to comply with the periodic oversight 
requirements.

[[Page 59759]]

IV. Regulatory Impact and Notices

A. Executive Order 12866

    This proposed rule is a non-significant regulatory action within 
the meaning of Executive Order (E.O.) 12866. FRA made this 
determination by finding that this proposed regulatory action did not 
meet the definition of ``significant regulatory action'' in Section 
3(f) of E.O. 12866.
    FRA is issuing the proposed rulemaking to address issues raised in 
the Associations' petitions for rulemaking, provide clarity to current 
requirements, and remove requirements that are no longer necessary. For 
example, FRA proposes removing certain requirements from Sec.  243.111 
because FRA found some of the information submitted by training 
organizations and learning institutions to be unnecessary. FRA also 
proposes removing implementation dates that have passed. Overall, most 
changes would codify existing regulatory guidance that FRA has issued.
    The proposed rule would provide regulatory clarity and promote 
regulatory compliance by the regulated industry through, among other 
things: (1) clarifying that FRA will accept a training program that 
categorizes employees by legal requirement references rather than 
occupational categories; (2) eliminating certain submissions such as 
similar training programs or plans; (3) requiring that each employer 
under Sec.  243.103(a)(2)(v) exclude the course duration of OJT for an 
employer's estimate of the anticipated course duration for all formal 
training combined; (4) clarifying the use of model programs without 
requiring an entity to refer to guidance or asking FRA for assistance; 
(5) amending requirements for training program submissions and the 
introductory information required in Sec.  243.107 due to FRA's part 
243 web portal; (6) revising Sec.  243.109 to clarify refresher 
training program submission requirements; (7) requiring each training 
organization and learning institution provide less information in its 
submission than required currently by Sec.  243.111; (8) revising the 
refresher training requirements and options, clarifying what employers 
need to include to complete minimum acceptable refresher training; and 
(9) allowing each railroad and contractor the flexibility to decide 
which entity would be responsible for conducting periodic oversight.
    FRA expects the proposed rule would result in several, non-
quantifiable benefits for the regulated industry and FRA, such as: 
permitting training programs that categorize employees by referencing 
the applicable part of the CFR, a statute, or an order, rather than 
occupational categories associated by craft; clarifying that an 
employer need not submit courseware unless FRA requests that additional 
documentation is needed to conduct an adequate review; and clarifying 
what employers need to include to complete minimum acceptable refresher 
training, as well as allow for tests or inspections, instead of 
requiring both. FRA expects these clarifications would provide 
employers an easier means of complying with this regulation, as well as 
save time understanding what needs to be submitted and preparing 
submissions to FRA. By codifying existing regulatory guidance, FRA 
expects that the railroads would have greater regulatory certainty for 
future submissions while complying with training program requirements. 
FRA estimates that there will be no costs associated with this proposed 
rulemaking. FRA requests comments on the benefits and costs related to 
this proposed rule.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 13272

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 \21\ and E.O. 13272 \22\ 
require agency review of proposed and final rules to assess their 
impacts on small entities. An agency must prepare an Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) unless it determines and certifies that a 
rule, if promulgated, would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
    \22\ 67 FR 53461 (Aug. 16, 2002).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This proposed rule directly affects all railroads, of which there 
are approximately 754. FRA estimates that approximately 93 percent of 
these railroads are small entities. This proposed rule also affects 
approximately 300 contractors of railroads and approximately 109 
training organizations or learning institutions, most of which, by 
definition, are considered small entities. Therefore, FRA has 
determined that this proposed rule will have an impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    The requirements of this proposed rule would apply to employers of 
safety-related railroad employees, whether the employers are railroads, 
contractors, or subcontractors. Although a substantial number of small 
entities would be subject to this proposed rule, the proposed rule 
would codify agency guidance, reduce submissions to FRA, and clarify 
existing requirements. Accordingly, the FRA Administrator hereby 
certifies that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. FRA invites comment 
from members of the public who believe there will be a significant 
impact on small railroads.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection requirements in this proposed rule are 
being submitted for approval to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.\23\ The sections that 
contain the proposed and current information collection requirements 
and the estimated time to fulfill each requirement are as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Average time per       Total annual       Total cost
           CFR section \24\                Respondent universe      Total annual responses           responses          burden hours    equivalent \25\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.3(c)--Application and               The estimated paperwork burden for this requirement is covered under 49 CFR 243.101(b).
 responsibility for compliance--A
 parent or holding company that
 submits a training program on behalf
 of one or more subsidiaries must
 initially and continually maintain in
 its written submission a list of the
 legal name of each subsidiary (New
 requirements).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 59760]]

 
243.101(a)(2)--Training program         1,046 railroads/           60 training programs....  250 hours...............          15,000         $1,155,000
 required for each employer not          contractors.
 covered by (a)(1) and subject to this
 part by May 1, 2021 (includes burden
 associated with the usage of FRA's
 part 243 web portal and compliance
 guide.).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(b) Submission by new employers       10 new railroads/          10 training programs....  20 hours................             200             24,000
 commencing operations after Jan. 1,     contractors.
 2020, not covered by (a)(2).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(c) and (d) Employer's                The burden for this requirement is included under Sec.   243.101.
 classification of its safety-related
 railroad employees and on-the-job
 (OJT) training requirements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(e) Contractor's duty to validate     400 railroads/contractors  50 documents............  15 minutes..............            12.5                963
 approved program to a railroad
 (Revised requirement text, no impact
 on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(f) Railroad's duty to retain copies  10 new railroads.........  10 copies...............  2 minutes...............              .3                 23
 of contractor's validation document
 (Revised requirement text, no impact
 on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.103(a) and (c)--Training            The burden requirements for paragraphs (a) and (c) are included under Sec.   243.101(a) and (b). Regarding the
 components identified in program        burden for paragraph (b), FRA estimates that it will receive zero (0) supplementary document.
 (Revised requirement text, no impact
 on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(d) Training components identified    1,155 railroads/           70 modified training      5 hours.................             350             26,950
 in program; modifications to            contractors.               programs.
 components of the training programs
 (Revised requirement text, no impact
 on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.105(a) and (b)--Optional model      The burden requirement for paragraph (a) has been fulfilled. The burden for paragraph (b) is included under Sec.
 program development (Revised              243.101(a)-(b).
 requirement text, no impact on
 burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(c) Optional model program            30 model programs........  10 notifications........  10 minutes..............               2                154
 development; model program revisions:
 notice of FRA-approved changes to
 authorized users (New requirement).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.107(a)--Training program            The burden for this requirement has been fulfilled.
 submission, introductory information
 required (Revised requirement text,
 no impact on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.109(b)--Previously approved         1,155 railroads/           10 informational filings  8 hours.................              80              6,160
 programs requiring an informational     contractors/learning
 filing when modified (Revised           institutions.
 requirement text, no impact on
 burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(c) New portions or substantial       10 railroads/contractors.  10 revised training       16 hours................             160             12,320
 revisions to an approved training                                  programs.
 program.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(c) New portions or substantial       5 railroads/contractors..  5 revised training        8 hours.................              40              3,080
 revisions to an approved training                                  programs.
 program found non-conforming to this
 part by FRA--revisions required.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(d)(1)(i) Copy of additional          10 railroads/contractors.  25 copies...............  10 minutes..............             4.2                323
 submissions, resubmissions, and
 informational filings to labor
 organization presidents.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(d)(1)(ii) Railroad statement         228 railroads/contractors  76 affirming statements.  10 minutes..............            12.7                978
 affirming that a copy of submissions,
 resubmissions, or informational
 filings has been served to labor
 organization presidents.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(d)(2) Labor comments on railroad     228 railroads' labor       1 comment...............  30 minutes..............             0.5                 39
 training program submissions,           organizations.
 resubmissions, or informational
 filings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 59761]]

 
243.111(a) through (f)--Approval of     The burden requirements for paragraphs (a) and (c) are included under Sec.   243.101(a) and (b). The burden
 programs filed by training              requirement for paragraphs (b) and (d) are covered under Sec.   243.103(d). The burden requirement for
 organizations or learning               paragraphs (e) and (f) are covered under Sec.   243.109(b).
 institutions (TO/LI) (Revised
 requirement text, no impact on
 burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(g) Safety-related railroad           109 TO/LI................  5,450 records...........  5 minutes...............           454.2             34,973
 employees instructed by TO/LI --
 Recordkeeping.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(h) TO/LI to provide student's        109 TO/LI................  545 records.............  5 minutes...............            45.4              3,496
 training transcript or training
 record to any employer upon request
 by the student.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.113--Electronic and written         The burden requirement for paragraph (a) has been fulfilled. The burden for paragraph (b) is included under Sec.
 program submission requirements           243.101(a)-(b).
 (Revised requirement text, no impact
 on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.201(a)(2)--Designation of existing  1,039 railroads/           346 designation lists...  15 minutes..............            86.5              6,661
 safety-related railroad employees by    contractors.
 job category (for employers not
 covered by (a)(1) and subject to this
 part by January 1, 2022) (Revised
 requirement text, no impact on
 burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(b) New employers operating after     10 new railroads/          10 designation lists....  15 minutes..............             2.5                193
 January 1, 2020, not covered by         contractors.
 (a)(2), designation of safety-related
 employees by job category--Lists.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(c) Training records of newly hired   4,800 employees..........  4,800 records...........  15 minutes..............           1,200             92,400
 employees or those assigned new
 safety-related duties (Revised
 requirement text, no impact on
 burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(d)(1)(i) Requests for relevant       4,800 employees..........  960 record requests.....  5 minutes...............              80              6,160
 qualification or training record from
 an entity other than current employer
 (Revised requirement text, no impact
 on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.203(a) through (e) Recordkeeping--  1,155 railroads/           1,046 recordkeeping       30 minutes..............             523             40,271
 Systems set up to meet FRA              contractors/TOLI.          systems.
 requirements (Revised requirement
 text, no impact on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(f) Transfer of records to successor  1,155 railroads/           3 records...............  30 minutes..............             1.5                116
 employer.                               contractors/TOLI.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.205(a), (b), (e) and (g)--Periodic  The burden for adopting and complying with a program of periodic oversight under paragraph (a) is included above
 oversight (Revised requirement text,    under the training program requirements in Sec.  Sec.   243.101(a)(2) and 243.109. Furthermore, FRA estimates
 no impact on burden).                   that zero (0) training programs will be changed as the result of the assessments under parts 240 and 242.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(c) Railroad identification of        300 contractors..........  100 identifications.....  5 minutes...............             8.3                639
 supervisory employees who conduct
 periodic oversight tests by category/
 subcategory (Revised requirement
 text, no impact on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(f) Notification by RR of contractor  300 contractors..........  90 employee notices.....  10 minutes..............              15              1,155
 employee non-compliance with Federal
 laws/regulations/orders to employee
 and employee's employer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(f) Notification by RR of contractor  300 contractors..........  270 employer notices....  10 minutes..............              45              3,465
 employee non-compliance with Federal
 laws/regulations/orders to employee
 and employee's employer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(i) and (j) Employer records of       1,046 railroads/           150,000 records.........  5 minutes...............          12,500            962,500
 periodic oversight (Revised             contractors.
 requirement text under paragraph (i),
 no impact on burden).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 59762]]

 
243.207(a)--Written annual review of    22 railroads.............  22 reviews..............  16 hours................             352             27,104
 safety data (Railroads with 400,000
 annual employee work hours or more).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(b) Railroad copy of written annual   22 railroads.............  22 review copies........  5 minutes...............             1.8                139
 review at system headquarters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(e) Railroad notification to          22 railroads.............  2 notifications.........  15 minutes..............              .5                 39
 contractor of relevant training
 program adjustments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243.209(a) and (b)--Railroad            754 railroads............  754 lists...............  30 minutes..............             377             29,029
 maintained list of contractors
 utilized.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--(c) Railroad duty to update list of   754 railroads............  75 updated lists........  15 minutes..............            18.8              1,444
 contractors utilized and retain
 record for at least 3 years showing
 if a contractor was utilized in last
 3 years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.............................  1,155 railroads/           164,832 responses.......  N/A.....................          31,574          2,439,774
                                         contractors/training
                                         organizations/learning
                                         institutions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ FRA will be requesting to revise the previously approved 
OMB control number (OMB No. 2130-0597) corresponding to existing 
part 243.
    \25\ The dollar equivalent cost is derived from the Surface 
Transportation Board's Full Year Wage A&B data series using the 
appropriate employee group hourly wage rate that includes a 75-
percent overhead charge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    All estimates include the time for reviewing instructions; 
searching existing data sources; gathering or maintaining the needed 
data; and reviewing the information. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(B), FRA solicits comments concerning: whether these 
information collection requirements are necessary for the proper 
performance of the functions of FRA, including whether the information 
has practical utility; the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the burden of 
the information collection requirements; the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and whether the burden of 
collection of information on those who are to respond, including 
through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology, may be minimized. For information or a copy of 
the paperwork package submitted to OMB, contact Ms. Hodan Wells, 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, at 202-493-0440.
    Organizations and individuals desiring to submit comments on the 
collection of information requirements should direct them to Ms. Hodan 
Wells via email at [email protected].
    OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collection of 
information requirements contained in this proposed rule between 30 and 
60 days after publication of this document in the Federal Register. 
Therefore, a comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect 
if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. The final rule will 
respond to any OMB or public comments on the information collection 
requirements contained in this proposal.
    FRA is not authorized to impose a penalty on persons for violating 
information collection requirements that do not display a current OMB 
control number, if required. FRA intends to obtain current OMB control 
numbers for any new information collection requirements resulting from 
this rulemaking action prior to the effective date of the final rule. 
The OMB control number, when assigned, will be announced by separate 
notice in the Federal Register.

D. Federalism Implications

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' \26\ requires FRA to develop 
an accountable process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by State 
and local officials in the development of regulatory policies that have 
federalism implications.'' ``Policies that have federalism 
implications'' are defined in the Executive Order to include 
regulations that have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on 
the relationship between the national government and the States, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels 
of government.'' Under Executive Order 13132, the agency may not issue 
a regulation with federalism implications that imposes substantial 
direct compliance costs and that is not required by statute, unless the 
Federal government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct 
compliance costs incurred by State and local governments or the agency 
consults with State and local government officials early in the process 
of developing the regulation. Where a regulation has federalism 
implications and preempts State law, the agency seeks to consult with 
State and local officials in the process of developing the regulation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FRA has analyzed the proposed rule under the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 13132. This proposed rule would 
not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. 
In addition, FRA has determined that the proposed rule would not impose 
substantial direct compliance costs on State and local governments. 
Therefore, the consultation and funding requirements of Executive Order 
13132 would not apply. However, this proposed rule could have 
preemptive effect by operation of law under certain provisions of the 
Federal railroad safety statutes, specifically the former Federal 
Railroad Safety Act of 1970, repealed and recodified at 49 U.S.C. 
20106. Section 20106 provides that States may not adopt or continue in 
effect any law, regulation, or order related to railroad safety or 
security that covers the subject matter of a regulation prescribed or

[[Page 59763]]

order issued by the Secretary of Transportation (with respect to 
railroad safety matters) or the Secretary of Homeland Security (with 
respect to railroad security matters), except when the State law, 
regulation, or order qualifies under the ``essentially local safety or 
security hazard'' exception to section 20106.
    In sum, FRA has analyzed this proposed rule under the principles 
and criteria in Executive Order 13132. As explained above, FRA has 
determined this proposed rule has no federalism implications, other 
than the possible preemption of State laws under Federal railroad 
safety statutes, specifically 49 U.S.C. 20106. Therefore, preparation 
of a federalism summary impact statement for this proposed rule is not 
required.

E. International Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 \27\ prohibits Federal agencies 
from engaging in any standards or related activities that create 
unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States. 
Legitimate domestic objectives, such as safety, are not considered 
unnecessary obstacles. The statute also requires consideration of 
international standards and where appropriate, that they be the basis 
for U.S. standards. This proposed rule is purely domestic in nature and 
is not expected to affect trade opportunities for U.S. firms doing 
business overseas or for foreign firms doing business in the United 
States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ 19 U.S.C. Ch. 13.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

F. Environmental Impact

    FRA has evaluated this proposed rule consistent with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),\28\ the Council on Environmental 
Quality's NEPA implementing regulations,\29\ and FRA's NEPA 
implementing regulations \30\ and determined that it is categorically 
excluded from environmental review and therefore does not require the 
preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact 
statement (EIS). Categorical exclusions (CEs) are actions identified in 
an agency's NEPA implementing regulations that do not normally have a 
significant impact on the environment and therefore do not require 
either an EA or EIS.\31\ Specifically, FRA has determined that this 
proposed rule is categorically excluded from detailed environmental 
review.\32\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.
    \29\ 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508.
    \30\ 23 CFR part 771
    \31\ 40 CFR 1508.4.
    \32\ See 23 CFR 771.116(c)(15) (categorically excluding 
``[p]romulgation of rules, the issuance of policy statements, the 
waiver or modification of existing regulatory requirements, or 
discretionary approvals that do not result in significantly 
increased emissions of air or water pollutants or noise'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The purpose of this rulemaking is to codify agency guidance and 
clarify existing requirements for complying with FRA's regulation on 
the training, qualification, and oversight of safety-related railroad 
employees. This proposed rule does not directly or indirectly impact 
any environmental resources and would not result in significantly 
increased emissions of air or water pollutants or noise. In analyzing 
the applicability of a CE, FRA must also consider whether unusual 
circumstances are present that would warrant a more detailed 
environmental review.\33\ FRA has concluded that no such unusual 
circumstances exist with respect to this proposed regulation and the 
proposal meets the requirements for categorical exclusion.\34\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ 23 CFR 771.116(b).
    \34\ 23 CFR 771.116(c)(15).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 
and its implementing regulations, FRA has determined this undertaking 
has no potential to affect historic properties.\35\ FRA has also 
determined that this rulemaking would not approve a project resulting 
in a use of a resource protected by Section 4(f).\36\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ 54 U.S.C. 306108.
    \36\ Department of Transportation Act of 1966, as amended (Pub. 
L. 89-670, 80 Stat. 931); 49 U.S.C. 303.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

G. Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice)

    Executive Order 12898, ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,'' and DOT 
Order 5610.2C \37\ require DOT agencies to achieve environmental 
justice as part of their mission by identifying and addressing, as 
appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or 
environmental effects, including interrelated social and economic 
effects, of their programs, policies, and activities on minority 
populations and low-income populations. The DOT Order instructs DOT 
agencies to address compliance with Executive Order 12898 and 
requirements within the DOT Order in rulemaking activities, as 
appropriate, and also requires consideration of the benefits of 
transportation programs, policies, and other activities where minority 
populations and low-income populations benefit, at a minimum, to the 
same level as the general population as a whole when determining 
impacts on minority and low-income populations. FRA has evaluated this 
proposed rule under Executive Order 12898 and the DOT Order and has 
determined it would not cause disproportionately high and adverse human 
health and environmental effects on minority populations or low-income 
populations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ Available at: https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/Final-for-OST-C-210312-003-signed.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Under section 201 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 \38\ 
each Federal agency shall, unless otherwise prohibited by law, assess 
the effects of Federal regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments, and the private sector (other than to the extent that such 
regulations incorporate requirements specifically set forth in law). 
Section 202 of the Act \39\ further requires that before promulgating 
any general notice of proposed rulemaking that is likely to result in 
the promulgation of any rule that includes any Federal mandate that may 
result in expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted 
annually for inflation) in any one year, and before promulgating any 
final rule for which a general notice of proposed rulemaking was 
published, the agency shall prepare a statement detailing the effect on 
State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector. This 
proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, and thus 
preparation of such a statement is not required.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ Public Law 104-4, 2 U.S.C. 1531.
    \39\ 2 U.S.C. 1532.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Energy Impact

    Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' requires 
Federal agencies to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for any 
``significant energy action.'' \40\ FRA evaluated this proposed rule 
under Executive Order 13211 and determined that this regulatory action 
is not a ``significant energy action'' within the meaning of Executive 
Order 13211.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ 66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

J. Privacy Act Statement

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the 
public

[[Page 59764]]

to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, 
without edit, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of 
records notice, DOT/ALL-14 FDMS, accessible through https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. To facilitate comment tracking and 
response, we encourage commenters to provide their name, or the name of 
their organization; however, submission of names is completely 
optional. Whether or not commenters identify themselves, all timely 
comments will be fully considered. If you wish to provide comments 
containing proprietary or confidential information, please contact the 
agency for alternate submission instructions.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR part 243

    Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Railroad 
employees, Railroad safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

The Proposed Rule

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, FRA proposes to amend 
part 243 of chapter II, subtitle B of title 49 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations as follows:

PART 243--TRAINING, QUALIFICATION, AND OVERSIGHT FOR SAFETY-RELATED 
RAILROAD EMPLOYEES

0
1. The authority citation for part 243 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20131-20155, 20162, 20301-
20306, 20701-20702, 21301-21304, 21311; 28 U.S.C. 2461, note; and 49 
CFR 1.89.

Subpart A--General

0
2. Section 243.1 is amended by adding paragraphs (f) and (g) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  243.1  Purpose and scope.

* * * * *
    (f) The requirements in this part do not require an employer to 
adopt and comply with a training program when the training required for 
a qualified person is obtained through earning a college degree or 
certification from an accredited training organization or learning 
institution. For example, the requirements in this part do not require 
the training program of an engineering firm that conducts bridge 
inspections to include training of railroad bridge engineers on the 
subjects taught as part of a professional engineering curriculum 
covered by 49 CFR 237.51(b).
    (g) The requirements in this part do not require an employer to 
train contractors who are hired to perform elective audits or 
assessments that are not required by Federal railroad safety laws, 
regulations, or orders.
0
3. Section 243.3 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:

Sec.  243.3   Application and responsibility for compliance.

* * * * *
    (c)(1) A parent or holding company may comply with the requirements 
of this part on behalf of one or more subsidiaries if the arrangement 
is specified and submitted with the relevant training program(s) under 
subpart B of this part.
    (i) The arrangement may be used to fulfill all or a portion of a 
subsidiary's responsibility for compliance with this part.
    (ii) A parent or holding company that submits a training program on 
behalf of one or more subsidiaries must initially and continually 
maintain in its submission a list of the legal name of each subsidiary. 
The submission must reflect which courses each subsidiary is adopting 
if a subsidiary is not adopting the parent or holding company's 
training program in its entirety. The submission must reflect whether 
each subsidiary is adopting all of a parent or holding company's 
training programs or identify which courses each subsidiary is 
adopting.
    (2) A subsidiary must not duplicate a training program submission a 
parent or holding company has made on its behalf.
    (3) A subsidiary must file a training program submission, in 
accordance with the requirements of subpart B of this part, if a parent 
or holding company does not submit one or more training programs on 
behalf of the subsidiary that is intended to fulfill all of the 
subsidiary's responsibilities under this part.
    (4) A subsidiary must comply with a parent or holding company's 
training program submission that is filed on behalf of the parent or 
holding company's subsidiaries unless the subsidiary files its own 
submission, in accordance with the requirements of subpart B of this 
part.
0
4. Section 243.5 is amended by revising the definitions for 
``Designated instructor'' and ``Refresher training'' and adding a 
definition for ``Training organizations or learning institutions,'' to 
read as follows:

Sec.  243.5   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Designated instructor means a person designated as such by an 
employer, training organization, or learning institution, who has 
demonstrated an adequate knowledge of the subject matter under 
instruction and, where applicable, has the necessary experience to 
effectively provide formal training on the subject matter. The 
designated instructor is not required to be an employee of the 
employer. Employers are required to ensure that employees and non-
employees used as designated instructors have the necessary knowledge, 
skills, and abilities to provide sound coaching, mentoring, and 
guidance to new learners.
* * * * *
    Refresher training means periodic retraining required for each 
safety-related railroad employee that is designed to maintain, improve, 
and update the skills and knowledge of existing employees to ensure 
they are sufficiently acquainted with any changed standards, or any 
relevant problematic issues or new skills, methods, and processes, and 
to ensure no important skills or knowledge have been lost due to lack 
of use. Similar training programs or plans required elsewhere in this 
chapter but identified by a term other than refresher training such as 
``recurrent training,'' ``re-training,'' ``periodic training,'' 
``training that occurs periodically,'' or ``training that is required 
within defined intervals,'' are considered refresher training for 
purposes of this subpart although they need not be submitted for review 
pursuant to Sec.  243.103(b).
* * * * *
    Training organizations or learning institutions mean entities that 
provide training services for people who are safety-related railroad 
employees or independent students who will rely on the training 
services provided to qualify to become safety-related railroad 
employees, but not employees of the entities providing the training. 
Training organizations and learning institutions include businesses 
that provide formal training, and colleges and universities that 
provide rail safety courses, necessary for a person to qualify as a 
safety-related railroad employee. Training organizations and learning 
institutions also include entities that do not maintain fixed 
facilities (i.e., do not have a physical location), as they may rent or 
lease meeting space to deliver formal training, deliver formal training 
at an employer's facility, or deliver computer-based training 
virtually. A railroad that trains its own employees and also trains 
safety-related railroad employees of other employers is not a training 
organization or learning institution.

[[Page 59765]]

Subpart B--Program Components and Approval Process

0
5. Section 243.101 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b), (c)(1) 
through (3), (c)(5), (e), and (f) to read as follows:

Sec.  243.101   Employer program required.

    (a) Each employer conducting operations subject to this part shall 
submit, adopt, and comply with a training program for its safety-
related railroad employees.
    (b) Each employer that has not yet commenced operations subject to 
this part shall submit a training program for its safety-related 
railroad employees before commencing operations. Upon commencing 
operations, the employer shall adopt and comply with the training 
program.
    (c) * * *
    (1) Classify its safety-related railroad employees in occupational 
categories or subcategories by craft, class, task, or other suitable 
terminology. Other suitable terminology for classifying safety-related 
railroad employees may include references to the applicable part of the 
Code of Federal Regulations, section of the United States Code, or 
citation to an order as described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section;
    (2) Define the occupational categories or subcategories of safety-
related railroad employees. The definition of each category or 
subcategory shall include a list of the Federal railroad safety laws, 
regulations, and orders that the employee is required to comply with, 
based on the employee's assignments and duties, broken down at a 
minimum to the applicable part of the Code of Federal Regulations, 
section of the United States Code, or citation to an order. The listing 
of the Federal requirements shall contain the descriptive title of each 
law, regulation, or order. An employer that classifies its safety-
related railroad employees by direct reference to the applicable part 
of the Code of Federal Regulations, section of the United States Code, 
or citation to an order as permitted in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section, is not required to define the occupational categories or 
subcategories of its safety-related railroad employees;
    (3) Create tables or utilize other suitable formats which summarize 
the information required in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section, 
separated by major railroad departments (e.g., operations, maintenance-
of-way, maintenance-of-equipment, signal and communications). After 
listing the major departments, the tables or other formats should list 
the categories and subcategories of safety-related railroad employees 
within those departments. An employer that does not have major railroad 
departments and classifies its safety-related railroad employees by 
direct reference to the applicable part of the Code of Federal 
Regulations, section of the United States Code, or citation to an 
order, as permitted in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, is not 
required to summarize the information required in paragraphs (c)(1) and 
(2) of this section;
* * * * *
    (5) Determine how training shall be structured, developed, and 
delivered, including an appropriate combination of classroom, 
simulator, computer-based, correspondence, OJT, or other formal 
training. The curriculum shall be designed to impart knowledge of, and 
ability to comply with, applicable Federal railroad safety laws, 
regulations, and orders, as well as any relevant railroad rules and 
procedures promulgated to implement those applicable Federal railroad 
safety laws, regulations, and orders. OJT is required when tasks 
require neuromuscular coordination to learn, unless FRA approves 
alternative, formal training that addresses the need to practice 
safety-related tasks, with the ability to objectively measure task 
completion proficiency.
* * * * *
    (e) Contractor's responsibility to validate approved program to a 
railroad: A contractor is being utilized by a railroad when any of the 
contractor's employees conduct safety-related duties on behalf of the 
railroad and the railroad does not otherwise qualify those employees of 
the contractor that are allowed to perform those duties. A contractor 
that chooses to train its own safety-related railroad employees shall 
provide each railroad that utilizes it with a document proving or 
stating that:
    (1) The contractor's training program was approved by FRA; or
    (2) The contractor is not required to submit the similar training 
program or plan as required in Sec.  243.103(b) but is maintaining the 
similar training program or plan, pursuant to other regulatory 
requirements contained elsewhere in this chapter.
    (f) Railroad's responsibility to retain contractor's validation of 
program: A railroad that chooses to utilize contractor employees to 
perform safety-related duties and relies on contractor-provided 
training as the basis for those employees' qualification to perform 
those duties shall retain a document from the contractor declaring or 
proving that the contractor's program was approved by FRA, or the 
contractor is not required to submit the similar training program or 
plan as required in Sec.  243.103(b) but is maintaining the similar 
training program or plan, pursuant to other regulatory requirements 
contained elsewhere in this chapter. A copy of the document required in 
paragraph (e) of this section satisfies this requirement.
0
6. Section 243.103 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1) and (2)(v), 
(b), and (d) to read as follows:

Sec.  243.103   Training components identified in program.

    (a) * * *
    (1) A unique name and identifier for each formal initial and 
refresher training course of study;
    (2) * * *
    (v) The anticipated course duration for all formal training 
combined, excluding the course duration of OJT;
* * * * *
    (b) An employer that is required to adopt and comply with similar 
training programs or plans, pursuant to other regulatory requirements 
contained elsewhere in this chapter, is not required to submit those 
similar training programs or plans in accordance with this part. When 
any such similar program or plan, pursuant to other regulatory 
requirements contained elsewhere in this chapter, includes OJT but does 
not include the OJT components specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section and in Sec.  243.101(d), the employer shall supplement its 
program to include the OJT components in accordance with this part. 
Additionally, when any such similar program or plan, pursuant to other 
regulatory requirements contained elsewhere in this chapter, is amended 
for any reason, the employer shall amend its program without submission 
to FRA under Sec.  243.109.
* * * * *
    (d) FRA may require modifications to any programs, including those 
programs referenced in paragraph (b) of this section, if it determines 
essential program components, such as OJT, or arranged practice and 
feedback, are missing or inadequate. Unless requested by FRA, an 
employer is not required to submit courseware (i.e., lesson plans, 
instructor guides, participant guides, job aids, practical exercises, 
tests/assessments, and other materials used in the delivery of any 
course) as part of a training program submission.
0
7. Section 243.105 is amended by removing paragraph (a)(3), revising 
paragraph (b), and adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:

[[Page 59766]]

Sec.  243.105   Optional model program development.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) An employer that chooses to use a model program approved by 
FRA is not required to submit the entire program to FRA. Instead, the 
employer must submit only the unique identifier associated with the 
program, and all other information that is specific to that employer or 
deviates from the model program.
    (2) An employer that chooses to adopt a model program at FRA's part 
243 web portal (https://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/Part243/) will be 
prompted for the required information and find each model program 
developer's contact information if the developer has an FRA-approved 
training program.
    (3) An employer that chooses to adopt and implement a model program 
must contact the model program developer and obtain the associated 
course/training materials necessary for training safety-related 
railroad employees. FRA does not prohibit a model program developer 
from charging an employer a fee for the right to use a model training 
program it developed or requiring each employer obtain its explicit 
authorization before the employer adopts one of its model programs.
    (4) An employer that submits, adopts, and implements an FRA-
approved model program, consistent with the operations of that 
employer, will be considered in compliance with the employer program 
requirements of Sec.  243.101.
    (c)(1) Once a model program is approved by FRA, the developer must 
consider when it is necessary to make revisions in accordance with 
Sec.  243.109. A developer that revises its model program is required 
to provide notice of the FRA-approved changes to its authorized users. 
A model program developer is required to provide notice of any model 
program revisions by engaging in any form of communication that 
positively affirms the developer provided notice to employers likely to 
be impacted by the changes to the program, including posting the 
information at the organization's website, writing letters to the 
employers, and including information in periodic newsletters. Such 
notice must be at least as effective as the notice the developer 
provided to employers when it developed the model program. For example, 
if the developer makes its model program available to anyone with 
access to the developer's website, then posting a notice of any 
revisions to the program on its website will be sufficient. In 
contrast, if a model program developer requires explicit authorization 
to use its model programs, the developer must provide adequate notice 
to those entities that it has specifically authorized in a manner 
consistent with its authorization practices.
    (2) Once notified, an employer that is adopting and complying with 
a model program must:
    (i) Adopt and comply with the revisions to the model program made 
by the developer; or
    (ii) Submit information explaining how the employer's training 
program will deviate from the model program in accordance with Sec.  
243.109.
0
8. Section 243.107 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (a) introductory text and paragraph (a)(4);
0
b. Removing paragraphs (a)(5) and (6);
0
c. Removing and reserving paragraph (b); and
0
d. Removing paragraph (c).

    The revisions read as follows:

Sec.  243.107  Training program submission, introductory information 
required.

    (a) An employer who provides training of safety-related railroad 
employees shall submit its training program to FRA for review and 
approval. For an employer using FRA's part 243 web portal, the web 
portal will prompt the employer to provide the required information in 
this section. Each employer shall state in its submission whether, at 
the time of filing, it:
* * * * *
    (4) Uses any combination of paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this 
section.
    (b) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
9. Section 243.109 is amended by revising the section heading, the 
introductory heading in paragraph (a), and paragraph (a)(2) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  243.109   Initial and refresher training program submission, 
review, and approval process.

    (a) Initial and refresher programs.
* * * * *
    (2) An employer's initial program, as required by Sec.  243.101(a) 
or (b), or an employer's refresher program, as required by Sec.  
243.201(e), must be submitted to the Associate Administrator and is 
considered approved and may be implemented immediately upon submission. 
Following submission, the Associate Administrator will review the 
program and inform the employer as to whether the program conforms to 
this part. If the Associate Administrator determines that all or part 
of the program does not conform, the Associate Administrator will 
inform the employer of the specific deficiencies. The deficient 
portions of the non-conforming program may remain in effect until 
approval of the revised program, unless FRA provides notification 
otherwise. An employer shall resubmit the portion of its program, as 
revised to address specific deficiencies, within 90 days after the date 
of any notice of deficiencies from the Associate Administrator. A 
failure to resubmit the program with the necessary revisions shall be 
considered a failure to implement a program under this part. The 
Associate Administrator may extend this 90-day period upon written 
request.
* * * * *
0
10. Section 243.111 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (c)(3), and 
(e), and removing paragraphs (c)(5) through (7) to read as follows:

Sec.  243.111   Approval of programs filed by training organizations or 
learning institutions.

    (a) A training organization or learning institution that provides 
training services for safety-related railroad employees, including 
providing such training services to independent students who enroll 
with such training organization or learning institution and who will 
rely on the training services provided to qualify to become safety-
related railroad employees, must submit its program to FRA for review 
and approval unless:
    (1) The program is approved as a model program under Sec.  243.105 
or an employer program under Sec.  243.101; and
    (2) The training organization or learning institution submits an 
informational filing to its previously approved program containing the 
information required in paragraph (c) of this section.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) The training organization or learning institution's primary 
telephone number and point of contact; and
* * * * *
    (e) Previously approved programs require an informational filing 
when modified. The training organization or learning institution shall 
review its previously approved training program and modify it 
accordingly when new safety-related Federal railroad laws, regulations, 
or orders are issued, or new safety-related technologies, procedures, 
or equipment are introduced into the workplace and result in new 
knowledge requirements, safety-related tasks, or in modifications of 
existing safety-related duties. A training organization or learning 
institution that modifies its

[[Page 59767]]

training program for these described reasons shall submit an 
informational filing to the Associate Administrator not later than 30 
days after the end of the calendar year in which the modification 
occurred, unless FRA advises otherwise. Programs modified in accordance 
with this paragraph are considered approved upon modification and may 
be implemented immediately. Any program deficiencies noted by the 
Associate Administrator shall be addressed as specified in this 
section. A training organization or learning institution may transfer 
an approved program to another training organization or learning 
institution, or an employer, and that transfer will require the 
acquiring entity to file an informational filing unless the acquiring 
entity is making substantial additions or revisions to the previously 
approved program, which will require FRA review under paragraph (f) of 
this section. The filing shall contain a summary description of 
sufficient detail so that FRA can associate the changes with the 
training organization's or learning institution's previously approved 
program, and shall include:
* * * * *
0
11. Section 243.113 is revised to read as follows:

Sec.  243.113   Electronic and written program submission requirements.

    (a) Each employer, training organization, or learning institution 
to which this part applies is required to file by electronic means at 
FRA's part 243 web portal any program submissions required under this 
part in accordance with the requirements of this section. FRA's part 
243 web portal will prompt users to submit all required training 
program information. Each organization, business, or association that 
develops an optional model program in accordance with Sec.  243.105 is 
required to file by electronic means at FRA's part 243 web portal the 
program in accordance with the requirements of this section.
    (b) Before any person's first program submission electronically at 
FRA's part 243 web portal, the person must register for access at the 
portal, https://safetydata.fra.dot.gov/Part243/. Users must provide the 
following information to complete registration:
    (1) The name of the employer, organization, learning institution, 
business, or association;
    (2) The names of two individuals, including job titles, who will be 
the person's points of contact and will be the only individuals allowed 
access to FRA's secure document submission site;
    (3) The mailing addresses for the person's points of contact;
    (4) The person's system or main headquarters address located in the 
United States;
    (5) The email addresses for the person's points of contact; and
    (6) The daytime telephone numbers for the person's points of 
contact.
    (c) A person that electronically submits an initial program, 
informational filing, or new portions or revisions to an approved 
program required by this part at FRA's part 243 web portal shall be 
considered to have provided their consent for FRA to electronically 
store any materials required by this part and to receive approval or 
disapproval notices from FRA by email.

Subpart C--Program Implementation and Oversight Requirements

0
12. Section 243.201 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b), (c)(2), 
(d) introductory text and (d)(1), and (e)(1) and (2), and adding 
paragraphs (e)(3) and (f) to read as follows:

Sec.  243.201   Employee qualification requirements.

    (a)(1) Each employer must permit only employees appropriately 
trained and qualified to perform safety-related service.
    (2) In addition to any required knowledge-based training, an 
employer may limit a safety-related railroad employee's training to 
only the relevant Federal requirements that apply to the safety-related 
tasks that the employer authorizes the employee to perform.
    (3) Each employer conducting operations subject to this part shall 
either:
    (i) Declare the designation of each of its existing safety-related 
railroad employees by occupational category or subcategory, and only 
permit designated employees to perform safety-related service in that 
occupational category or subcategory; or
    (ii) For an employer that does not designate employees by 
occupational category or subcategory, retain a record for each employee 
identifying the list of Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, and 
orders that cover the work the person is designated as qualified to 
perform.
    (b) An employer commencing operations shall declare the designation 
of each of its existing safety-related railroad employees by 
occupational category or subcategory before beginning operations, and 
only permit designated employees to perform safety-related service in 
that category or subcategory. Any person designated shall have met the 
requirements for newly hired employees or those assigned new safety-
related duties in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) * * *
    (2) If the training curriculum includes OJT, the employee shall 
demonstrate, to the satisfaction of a designated instructor, OJT 
proficiency by successfully completing the safety-related tasks 
necessary to become a qualified member of the occupational category or 
subcategory. However, as part of the OJT process and before completing 
any of the formal training, including classroom training and OJT, and 
passing the field evaluation, a person may perform such tasks under the 
direct onsite observation of any qualified person, provided the 
qualified person has been advised of the circumstances and is capable 
of intervening if an unsafe act or non-compliance with Federal railroad 
safety laws, regulations, or orders is observed. An employee designated 
to provide formal training to other employees, and who is not a 
designated instructor, shall be qualified on the safety-related topics 
or tasks in accordance with the employer's training program and the 
requirements of this part.
    (d) Employees previously trained or qualified, but not by the 
current employer: If an employee has received relevant training or 
qualification for a particular occupational category or subcategory 
through participation in a FRA-required training program completed by 
an entity other than the employee's current employer, that training 
shall satisfy the requirements of this part:
    (1) Provided that:
    (i) A current record of training is obtained from that other 
entity; or
    (ii) When a current record of training is unavailable from that 
other entity, an employer performs testing to ensure the employee has 
the knowledge necessary to be a member of that category or subcategory 
of safety-related railroad employee. Testing shall include an oral or 
written examination, as well as the ability to inspect, identify, and 
initiate corrective action necessary for compliance with Federal 
railroad safety laws, regulations, or orders, as well as any relevant 
railroad rules and procedures promulgated to implement those Federal 
railroad safety laws, regulations, or orders. A designated instructor 
must make the final determination as to whether the employee has the 
knowledge, skills, and abilities to become a member of an occupational 
category; and
* * * * *

[[Page 59768]]

    (e) * * *
    (1) Beginning January 1, 2022, each Class I railroad, and each 
intercity or commuter passenger railroad conducting operations subject 
to this part with 400,000 total employee work hours annually or more, 
shall deliver refresher training at an interval not to exceed three 
calendar years from the date of an employee's last training event, 
except where refresher training is specifically required more 
frequently in accordance with this chapter. If the last training event 
occurs before FRA's approval of the employer's training program, the 
employer shall provide refresher training either within three calendar 
years from that prior training event or no later than December 31, 
2024.
    (2) Beginning May 1, 2023, each employer conducting operations 
subject to this part not covered by paragraph (e)(1) of this section 
shall deliver refresher training at an interval not to exceed three 
calendar years from the date of an employee's last training event, 
except where refresher training is specifically required more 
frequently in accordance with this chapter. If the last training event 
occurs before FRA's approval of the employer's training program, the 
employer shall provide refresher training either within three calendar 
years from that prior training event or no later than December 31, 
2025.
    (3) Each employer shall ensure that, as part of each employee's 
refresher training:
    (i) An employee is advised of changes to any rule, practice, or 
procedure relevant to the employee's assigned duties;
    (ii) An employee must not be allowed to test out of refresher 
training; and
    (iii) The employee is trained and qualified on the application of 
any Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, and orders the person is 
required to comply with, as well as any relevant railroad rules and 
procedures promulgated to implement those Federal railroad safety laws, 
regulations, and orders. An employer must consider developing refresher 
training to address railroad-wide or industry-wide safety concerns, or 
those safety concerns that address an individual employee's weaknesses. 
To ensure an employee is trained and qualified, rather than repeating 
initial training, an employer is permitted to consider refresher 
training as a limited and carefully tailored review of:
    (A) All the required steps of a complicated safety-related task;
    (B) Existing rules or procedures that were initially learned but 
rarely used; and
    (C) Safety-related tasks that address skill gaps that the employer 
identified in the workforce through efficiency testing, periodic 
oversight, annual reviews, accident/incident data, FRA inspection data, 
or other performance measuring metrics.
    (f) An employer must consider ways to provide remedial training and 
retesting of any employee who fails to successfully pass any training 
or testing. Under this part, a failure of any test or training does not 
bar the person from successfully completing the training or testing at 
a later date.
0
13. Section 243.203 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(2) and (6), 
and (c) to read as follows:

Sec.  243.203  Records.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Occupational category or subcategory designations, or other 
suitable designations, for which the employee is deemed qualified;
* * * * *
    (6) The employee's OJT performance, which shall include the unique 
name or identifier of the OJT program component in accordance with 
Sec.  243.103, the date the OJT program component was successfully 
completed, and the identification of the designated instructor(s) 
determining that the employee successfully completed all OJT training 
necessary to be considered qualified to perform the safety-related 
tasks identified with the occupational categories or subcategories, or 
other suitable terminology, for which the employee is designated in 
accordance with the program required by this part;
* * * * *
    (c) Record accessibility for other than individual employee 
records. Except for records demonstrating the qualification status of 
each safety-related railroad employee as described in paragraph (b) of 
this section or otherwise specified in this part, each annual review 
required by this part shall be accessible for three calendar years 
after the end of the calendar year to which the annual review relates, 
and each test, inspection, or other event record required by this part 
shall be accessible for one calendar year after the end of the calendar 
year to which the event relates. Each employer shall make these records 
accessible at one headquarters location within the United States, 
including, but not limited to, a railroad's system headquarters, a 
holding company's headquarters, a joint venture's headquarters, a 
contractor's principal place of business or other headquarters located 
where the contractor is incorporated. This requirement does not 
prohibit an employer with divisions from also maintaining any of these 
records at any division headquarters.
* * * * *
0
14. Section 243.205 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (c) 
introductory text, (d), (e)(1), (g) introductory text, (h), and (i) to 
read as follows:

Sec.  243.205   Periodic oversight.

    (a) General. As part of the program required in accordance with 
this part, an employer shall adopt and comply with a program to conduct 
periodic oversight tests or inspections to determine if safety-related 
railroad employees comply with Federal railroad safety laws, 
regulations, and orders particular to FRA-regulated personal and work 
group safety. The program of periodic oversight shall commence on the 
day the employer files its program with FRA pursuant to Sec.  
243.101(a) or on the day the employer commences operations pursuant to 
Sec.  243.101(b). The data gathered through the testing or inspection 
components of the program shall be used to determine whether systemic 
performance gaps exist, and to determine if modifications to the 
training component of the program are appropriate to close those gaps.
* * * * *
    (c) Railroad oversight. Each railroad shall identify supervisory 
employees, by category or subcategory, responsible for conducting 
periodic oversight tests or inspections for the safety-related railroad 
employees that it authorizes to perform safety-related duties on its 
property, except a railroad is not required to:
* * * * *
    (d) Operational test exception for a railroad. A railroad is not 
required to perform operational tests or inspections of safety-related 
railroad employees employed by a contractor.
    (e) * * *
    (1) When oversight test or inspection sessions are scheduled 
specifically to determine if safety-related employees are in compliance 
with Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, and orders particular 
to FRA-regulated personal and work group safety; or
* * * * *
    (g) Contractor oversight. Each contractor shall conduct periodic 
oversight tests or inspections of its safety-related railroad employees 
provided:
* * * * *

[[Page 59769]]

    (h) Oversight divided by agreement. (1) Notwithstanding the 
requirements of paragraphs (c) and (g) of this section, a railroad and 
a contractor may agree that the contractor will provide the oversight 
by specifying in the program that the railroad has trained the 
contractor employees responsible for training and oversight; or
    (2) Notwithstanding the requirements of this section that assign 
specific periodic oversight responsibilities to a railroad or a 
contractor, a railroad and a contractor may agree to a different 
periodic oversight responsibility arrangement.
    (i) Detailed records required. Each employer that conducts periodic 
oversight in accordance with this section must keep a record of the 
date, time, place, and result of each test or inspection. The records 
shall specify each person administering tests or inspections, and each 
person tested. The record shall also provide a method to record whether 
the employee complied with the monitored duties, and any interventions 
used to remediate non-compliance. Modifications of the program required 
by Sec.  217.9 of this chapter may be used in lieu of this oversight 
program, provided a railroad specifies it has done so in its program 
submitted in accordance with this part.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, under the authority set forth in 49 
CFR 1.89(b).
Amitabha Bose,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2022-21277 Filed 9-30-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P