APPENDIX A
FRA HIGH-LEVEL NUCLEAR WASTE RAIL TRANSPORTATION INSPECTION POLICY
Past rail shipping campaigns of high-level nuclear waste have shown that the nature of the potential hazards associated with radioactive materials elicits a relatively high degree of public awareness and concern in regard to transportation of the material. As a result, the Federal Railroad Administration developed and instituted an inspection policy for rail movements of this type of hazardous material. This policy sets inspection frequency criteria above and beyond that which may normally be necessary and is implemented for all known high-level nuclear waste shipments by rail. # The entire track and signal system will be inspected along the designated route prior to the initial movement. # Track and Signal Inspectors prepare a memorandum describing the condition of the route inspected, including sidings and yard tracks (if applicable), in addition to their routine inspection forms used while making the inspection. # Operating Practices Inspectors conduct routine inspections along the route to be used to assure that train crews are complying with the carrier’s current operating rules. # Motive Power and Equipment Inspectors will conduct an inspection of the locomotives, cask and idler (buffer) cars and the caboose (if used) at the point of origin to assure compliance with the Safety Appliance, Power Brake and Freight Car Standards. # Hazardous Materials Inspectors will conduct an inspection of the cask car or cars to ensure compliance with the applicable Hazardous Materials Regulations concerning placarding, shipping papers, crew notification, train placement and securement requirements. # Followup inspections for track, signal systems and operating practices will be conducted on a six-month basis, unless information is obtained that may dictate that followup inspections be conducted more (or less) frequently. # Unless some type of special circumstances are determined to exist, FRA inspectors will NOT accompany the actual movement of the material (e.g., riding the engine or caboose). PRIOR TO THE FIRST SHIPMENT PRIOR TO THE FIRST SHIPMENT AND EVERY SUBSEQUENT SHIPMENT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
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