Federal Railroad Administration May 2, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs: Addition of Oral Fluid Specimen Testing for Drugs
Document Number: 2023-08041
Type: Rule
Date: 2023-05-02
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Office of the Secretary
This final rule amends the U.S. Department of Transportation's regulated industry drug testing program to include oral fluid testing. This additional methodology for drug testing will give employers a choice that will help combat employee cheating on urine drug tests and provide a less intrusive means of achieving the safety goals of the program. In order for an employer to implement oral fluid testing under the Department's regulation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will need to certify at least two laboratories for oral fluid testing, which has not yet been done. The final rule includes other provisions to update the Department's regulation and to harmonize, as needed, with the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs using Oral Fluid established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, this rule amends the FAA, FMCSA, FRA and FTA regulations to ensure consistency within the Department of Transportation and by removing or adjusting references to the word ``urine'' and/or add references to oral fluid, as well as removing or amending some definitions for conformity and to make other miscellaneous technical changes or corrections.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence
Document Number: 2023-09240
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-05-02
Agency: Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation
This notice details the application requirements and procedures to obtain funding to establish and maintain a Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence. This NOFO solicits applications for the Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence funds made available by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. The opportunity described in this notice is made available under Assistance Listings Number 20.313 Railroad Research and Development.
Safety Advisory 2023-03; Accident Mitigation and Train Length
Document Number: 2023-09239
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-05-02
Agency: Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation
Freight train length has increased in recent years, and while research is ongoing related to operational aspects of long trains, including brake system performance, it is known that the in-train forces longer trains experience are generally stronger and more complex than those in shorter train consists. FRA is issuing this Safety Advisory to ensure railroads and railroad employees are aware of the potential complexities associated with operating longer trains and to ensure they take appropriate measures to address those complexities to ensure the safe operation of such trains. Among other things, this Safety Advisory recommends that railroads review their operating rules and existing locomotive engineer certification programs to address operational complexities of train length, take appropriate action to prevent the loss of communications between end-of-train devices, and mitigate the impacts of long trains on blocked crossings.
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