Action
Final rule; corrections and response to petitions for reconsideration.
Summary
This final rule revises certain requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations to improve the crashworthiness of tank cars and to increase the probability of detecting critical tank car defects. In response to two petitions for reconsideration and other comments, RSPA is allowing an analysis using independent mathematical or computer modeling procedures to verify compliance with the thermal protection standard for certain tank cars. In addition, RSPA is clarifying the head-puncture resistance requirements and thermal protection requirements, and is making other minor editorial and technical changes for clarity. The changes made in this document are intended to ease certain regulatory requirements where there will be no adverse effect on safety.