Eight regional offices employ 400 safety inspectors to carry out its regulatory and inspection responsibilities. Regulation and inspection duties are performed throughout the nation’s railroad system.
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) partners with FRA to observe safety statistics and trends. They offer seminars and thorough training, which include areas such as employee safety and engineer certification. The National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS) works with ASLRRA with the training program.
Railway safety has five primary areas of discipline regarding railroad safety: hazardous materials, motive power and equipment, operating practices, signal and train control, and track structures.
Railroad safety issues are more than just the five disciplines. Other issues include high-voltage distribution of panel equipment, egress or keeping exits and emergency exit points clear, and blue flag safety for employees who work on rail equipment.
Rail companies such as Rail Safety and Resources Inc. train employees of other companies in the area on rail safety. Other companies such as Modoc Railroad Academy offer railroad training and education as well.
