Title 49 — TransportationRelease 119-73not60
§20166 Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus
Title 49 › Subtitle SUBTITLE V— RAIL PROGRAMS › Part A— SAFETY › Chapter 201— GENERAL › Subchapter II— PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF SAFETY › § 20166
Summary
Within 18 months after the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 became law, the Transportation Secretary must make rules. The rules must require rail carriers to provide emergency escape breathing gear that covers the head and neck for all crewmembers in freight locomotive cabs on trains with inhalation hazards, keep the gear stored for quick access and in working order, and train crewmembers to use it.
Full Legal Text
Title 49, §20166
Transportation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, the Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe regulations that require railroad carriers—
(1)to provide emergency escape breathing apparatus suitable to provide head and neck coverage with respiratory protection for all crewmembers in locomotive cabs on freight trains carrying hazardous materials that would pose an inhalation hazard in the event of release;
(2)to provide convenient storage in each freight train locomotive to enable crewmembers to access such apparatus quickly;
(3)to maintain such equipment in proper working condition; and
(4)to provide their crewmembers with appropriate training for using the breathing apparatus.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The date of enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, referred to in text, is the date of enactment of div. A. of Pub. L. 110–432, which was approved Oct. 16, 2008.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
49 U.S.C. § 20166
Title 49 — Transportation
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60