Defective rail car truck -Cont.

(2) Crossover platforms that are bent, broken, missing, or suffering from metal

deterioration shall be repaired or replaced.

(3) Brake steps and crossover platform renewed shall be of the perforated plate type.

(4) Wood that is broken, decayed, or missing shall be replaced.

(5) Each railcar should have two end platforms with a width of not less than eight

inches and a length not less than 60 inches centered on each end of the car not more than eight

inches above the center sill. Each end platform shall be securely supported by not less than three

metal braces having a minimum cross-sectional area 3/8 inch by 1 1/2 inches or equivalent which

should be securely fastened to the body of car with not less than 1/2 inch bolts or rivets.

(6) Material used for end-platforms and brake steps shall have a tread surface of an

anti-skid design and constructed with sufficient open space to permit the elimination of snow and

ice from the tread surface.

(7) Each boxcar shall have two horizontal end-platform handholds with a minimum

diameter of 5/8 inch steel, a minimum clearance of two inches, and a minimum clear length of 60

inches with supports if necessary. One shall be located on each end of car above end platform.

Outer legs shall not be more than six inches from inner legs of top end handholds. Height above

tread of end platform shall be not less than 48 inches or more than 60 inches. Handholds, sill

steps, and all other safety appliances shall be securely fastened with not less than 1/2 inch bolts

with nuts outside (when possible) and riveted over, or with not less than 1/2 inch rivets.

g. The following are general requirements for tank cars:

(1) Tank cars shall have the following parts properly secured in place and equipped

with chain or other type securing devices: dome covers (chained or hinged); outlet valve

reducers, caps, and cap pipe plugs; heater coil inlet and outlet pipe caps or end plugs.

(2) Tank cars used on Navy installations for the purpose of transporting petroleum

products shall have their tank and pressure relief valve pressure tested every ten years. Test

pressure shall be 60 psi for the tank and a vapor-tight pressure of 28 psi and start--to--discharge

pressure of 35 psi for the safety relief valve. Some tank cars built before 1959 may have lower

pressure relief valves. If this is the case, the vapor tight level is 20 psi and the start--to--

discharge level is 25 psi.

(3) Tanks which show signs of deterioration such as dents, corroded areas, leakage, or

other conditions that indicate weakness which could render the tank unsafe for the transportation

of hazardous materials shall be re-tested.

(4) Tanks damaged in an accident to the extent that may adversely affect its product

retention capability shall be re-tested.

(5) Whenever the leaking condition of a tank car requires the transfer of lading or

makes the tank unfit for reloading, the car shall be stenciled on both sides in letters three inches in

size, adjacent to the car number, "LEAKY TANK- DO NOT LOAD UNTIL REPAIRED."

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