20190820Staff Track Changes Recommendations Combined Railroad Saftey Rule.pdf

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IDAPA 31
TITLE 71
CHAPTER 01
RAILROAD SAFETY RULES

000. LEGAL AUTHORITY (RULE 0).
These rules are adopted under the general authority of the Idaho Public Utilities Law, Chapters 1-7, Title 61, Idaho
Code, Chapter 3, Title 62, Idaho Code, and Chapter 12, Title 62, Idaho Code, and specific authority of Sections 61-
110, 61-111, 61-129, 61-302, 61-501, 61-507, 61-510, 61-512, 61-512, 61-515, 61-517, 62-301 through 62-308, and
62-1201 through 62-1207, Idaho Code. (7-1-93)

001. TITLE AND SCOPE (RULE 1).
The title of these rules is “Railroad Clearance Safety Rules.” The scope of these rules is that they determine railroad
clearance standards for all railroad track located in Idaho, and set safety, and accident reporting standards for railroads
operating in Idaho. (7-1-93)

002. WRITTEN INTERPRETATIONS – AGENCY GUIDELINES (RULE 2).
Written interpretations to these rules can be obtained from the Secretary of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and
are available from the office of the Commission Secretary. (6-30-19)T

003. ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS (RULE 3).
There are no administrative appeals under these rules. All requests for exemptions or waivers should be submitted
directly to the Commission in accordance with the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.
(7-1-93)

004. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT COMPLIANCE (RULE 4).
All requests for waivers of these rules are public records subject to inspection, examination and copying under the
Public Records Act. All informal complaints concerning compliance with these rules are investigatory records exempt
from disclosure under the Public Records Act. All formal complaints concerning compliance with these rules are
public records subject to inspection, examination and copying under the Public Records Act. (7-1-93)

005. DEFINITION (RULE 5).
The terms “railroad” has the meaning given to it by statute in Chapter 1, Title 61, Idaho Code, orders of the Idaho
Public Utilities Commission, and decisions of the Supreme Court of Idaho construing these statutes. (7-1-93)

01. Height of a Freight Car. “Height of a freight car” is the distance between the top of rail and the
highest point of the car. (7-1-93)

02. Icing Platform. “Icing platform” includes structures used in performing the service of icing,
cooling, heating, ventilating and servicing of cars used in the handling of commodities requiring these services.
(7-1-93)

03. Overhead Clearance. “Overhead clearance” is that distance measured along a line which is
perpendicular to and joins a horizontal plane passing through the top of the highest rail and the lowest point of the
structure of obstruction overhead. (7-1-93)

04. Side Clearance. “Side clearance” is the shortest distance from centerline of track to a structure or
obstruction at the side of the track. (7-1-93)

05. Track Clearance. “Track clearance” is the shortest horizontal distance between the centerlines of
adjacent tracks. (7-1-93)

06. Width of a Freight Car. “Width of a freight car” is twice the distance from the center line of the

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car to its extreme outside part. (7-1-93)

006. -- 007. (RESERVED)

007. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE – CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (RULE 008).
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is referred to in Rules 103 and 104. The annual volumes of the CFR may be
obtained on the web from the U.S. Government Bookstore, http://bookstore.gpo.gov/ and click on “Code of Federal
Regulations,” or by calling toll-free 866-512-1800. The full text of the CFR is also available in electronic format at
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html. The incorporated CFR Parts are also available for inspection and copying
at the office of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and the Idaho State Law Library. Whenever a federal regulation
is adopted by reference in these rules, subsequent annual recompilations are also adopted by reference, but subsequent
amendments to the CFR are not adopted by reference. (4-7-11)

008. EXEMPTIONS (RULE 8).
Exemptions from any of the requirements of these rules will be considered by the Commission upon proper application
or notice from the carriers, industries, or other interested persons. An application for exemption must be accompanied
by a full statement of the conditions existing and the reasons why the exemption is requested. Any exemption granted
shall will be limited to the particular case covered by the application. (7-1-93)

009. EMERGENCIES (RULE 9).
No restricted clearance in these rules shall applies to falsework, shoo-fly tracks, or other temporary emergency
conditions caused by derailments, wash-outs, slides, or other unavoidable accidents or disasters. No restricted
clearance in these rules shall applies to ballast, track material or construction material unloaded on and adjacent to
tracks for use there or in the immediate vicinity, nor shall it apply to false work or temporary construction necessary
on any construction project. (7-1-93)

010. MODIFICATIONS (RULE 10).
The Commission reserves the right to modify, in accordance with its Rules of Procedure, IDAPA 31.01.01.000 et seq.,
any of the provisions of these rules. (7-1-93)

011. -- 050. (RESERVED)

APPLICABILITY OF CLEARANCES
RULES 51 THROUGH 100

051. OVERHEAD CLEARANCE -- APPLICABILITY (RULE 51).
Overhead clearances authorized in these rules are applicable to tracks on which freight cars having a height from the
top of the rail to the highest point of the car of fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) or less are transported. In the case of cars
or loads exceeding fifteen feet six inches (15’6”), the overhead clearance provisions and excess height provisions of
Rules 501 through 502 and 601 through 607 must be complied with unless the railroad prohibits its personnel from
occupying the top of freight cars in train service. (7-1-93)

052. EXCEPTION TO OVERHEAD CLEARANCE RULES (RULE 52).
Overhead impairments will be granted without application or a hearing upon consent of the operating railroad,
provided that the National Electric Safety Code, as adopted by this Commission at the time in question, is not violated.
Overhead impairments created by the railroad, not violating the National Electrical Safety Code, as adopted by this
Commission at the time in question, will not require a variance from this Commission. Notice of the impairment and
condition must be given to the Commission by letter. (7-1-93)

053. SIDE CLEARANCES (RULE 53).
Side clearances authorized in these rules are applicable to tracks on which freight cars having an overall width not
greater than ten feet ten inches (10’10”) are transported. In the case of cars or loads exceeding ten feet ten inches
(10’10”), Rules 501 through 502 and 601 through 607 must be complied with. (7-1-93)

054. -- 100. (RESERVED)

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SPECIAL PROVISIONS
RULES 101 THROUGH 200

101. FACILITIES EXISTING BEFORE APRIL 1, 1955 (RULE 101).
All structures, operating appurtenances, pole lines, service facilities and track arrangements existing before April 1,
1955, shall be are exempt from these rules except as provided by these rules. (7-1-93)

102. CHANGES IN EXISTING TRACKS (RULE 102).
No change in track location or elevation shall can be made which will reduce existing vertical or horizontal structural
clearance below the minimums specified in these rules. (7-1-93)

103. REPAIRS TO EXISTING STRUCTURES (RULE 103).
No repair or maintenance work shall can be done on structures, facilities or appurtenances adjacent to tracks which
will reduce existing vertical or horizontal structural clearance below the minimum specified in these rules. (7-1-93)

104. EXISTING STRUCTURES NOT COMPLYING WITH THESE RULES (RULE 104).
Where a structure existing before April 1, 1955, does not provide clearance equal to the minimum that is required by
these rules, the portion of the structure producing the impaired clearance may be repaired and maintained by partial
replacements. In no case shall the clearance available after April 1, 1955, be reduced. (7-1-93)

105. REPLACEMENT OF STRUCTURES NOT COMPLYING WITH THESE RULES (RULE 105).
When the owner shall replaces it its entirety the portion of a structure which does not meet the clearance standards of
these rules, the rebuilt portion must meet the full standard clearance of these rules unless otherwise ordered by the
Commission. (7-1-93)

106. EXISTING TRACKS (RULE 106).
Existing tracks of all kinds may be maintained by reballasting, resurfacing and replacing rails and ties. Where existing
yards are completely replaced or are partially replaced as a unit or section of a master plan, the arrangement must meet
the provisions of these rules both as to track centers and clearance to structures and other facilities being built in
connection with and as a part of such plan. Existing structures which are to remain and which do not provide the
minimum clearance with respect to the proposed new tracks must be approved by the Commission for exemption from
the terms of these rules. (7-1-93)

107. EXISTING TRACKS NOT MEETING CLEARANCE STANDARDS (RULE 107).
Tracks laid before April 1, 1955, having less vertical clearance than required by the rules may be maintained, but the
top of rail may not be raised without raising the overhead structure an equal distance to maintain the existing available
clearance. Tracks laid before April 1, 1955, having less horizontal clearance between them than required by these
rules for new construction, or having less horizontal clearance to structures than required by these rules, may be
maintained, but they may not be shifted horizontally to reduce either the existing track centers or the existing structural
clearance. (7-1-93)

108. ENGINE HOUSE AND SHOP FACILITIES (RULE 108).
The clearances provided in these rules shall does not apply to railroad’s engine houses, engine house facilities and
shop buildings. (7-1-93)

109. -- 200. (RESERVED)

OVERHEAD CLEARANCES
RULES 201 THROUGH 300

201. OVERHEAD CLEARANCE IN GENERAL (RULE 201).
The allowable clearances are: (7-1-93)

01. Begun, Installed or Constructed After April 1, 1955. For structures, operating appurtenances,
pole lines, service facilities and track arrangements begun, installed or constructed after April 1, 1955, and before

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September 1, 1980 twenty-two feet six inches (22’6”). (7-1-93)

02. Begun, Installed or Constructed After September 1, 1980. For structures, operating
appurtenances, pole lines, service facilities and track arrangements begun, installed or constructed after September 1,
1980, the vertical clearance required by the owner of the railroad tracks or twenty-two feet six inches (22’6”),
whichever is greater. (4-5-00)

03. Structures on Main Lines. For structures on main lines identified by railroad for possible
electrification: (7-1-93)

a. At twenty-five (25) kilovolts twenty-four feet three inches (24’3”); or (7-1-93)

b. At fifty (50) kilovolts twenty-six (26’) feet. (7-1-93)

202. OVERHEAD CLEARANCE IN BUILDINGS (RULE 202).
The general rule is that side clearances must be at least eighteen (18’) feet. The overhead clearance inside an entirely
enclosed building may be reduced to eighteen (18’) feet, provided that this clearance shall applies only to tracks
terminating within the building or in the immediate plant area if the track extends through the building, and further
provided, that when an overhead clearance in the building is less than twenty-two feet six inches (22’6”), all cars,
locomotives or other equipment shall be brought to a stop before entering the enclosed building. (7-1-93)

203. OVERHEAD CLEARANCE IN TUNNELS AND BRIDGES (RULE 203).
Minimum overhead clearance in tunnels and through bridges may be decreased to the extent defined by the half-
circumference of a circle having a radius of eight (8’) feet and tangent to a horizontal line twenty-two feet six inches
(22’6”) above top of rail at a point directly above the centerline of track. (7-1-93)

204. DECREASES IN OVERHEAD CLEARANCES PRESCRIBED IN RULE 201 (RULE 204).
Minimum overhead clearance as prescribed in Rule 201 may be decreased to the extent defined by the half-
circumference of a circle having a radius of eight feet six inches (8’6”) and tangent to a horizontal line at the height
prescribed by Rule 201 above the top of rail at a point directly over the centerline of track. (7-1-93)

205. -- 300. (RESERVED)

SIDE CLEARANCES
RULES 301 THROUGH 400

301. SIDE CLEARANCE IN GENERAL (RULE 301).
The general rule is that side clearances must be at least eight feet six inches (8’6”). To further reduce operational
hazards, it is recommended that, wherever practicable, all posts, pipes, warning signals and other small obstructions
be given a side clearance of ten (10’) feet. (7-1-93)

302. SIDE CLEARANCE AT PLATFORMS (RULE 302).

01. Eight Inches. Eight (8”) inches or less above top of rail -- four feet eight inches (4’8”). (7-1-93)

02. Four Feet. Four (4’) feet or less above top of rail -- seven feet three inches (7’3”). (7-1-93)

03. Four Feet Six Inches. Four feet six inches (4’6”) or less above top of rail when used principally for
loading or unloading refrigerator cars if constructed after April 1, 1955, but before September 1, 1980 -- eight (8) feet,
if constructed after September 1, 1980 -- eight feet six inches (8’6”). (7-1-93)

04. Platforms. Platforms complying with Subsection 302.01 of this rule may be combined with those
complying with Subsections 302.02 and 302.03, provided that the lower platform presents a level surface from a point
not more than four feet eight inches (4’8”) from centerline of track to the face of the wall of the platform with which
it is combined. No other combinations will be permitted. (7-1-93)

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303. ICING PLATFORMS AND SUPPORTS (RULE 303).
The general rule is that icing platforms and supports must have side clearances of at least six feet eight inches (6’8”).
The dimension of six feet eight inches (6’8”) shall apply to the platform at eave height of car. The supports of this
platform shall provide clearance of eight (8’) feet if constructed after April 1, 1955, but before September 1, 1980,
and eight feet six inches (8’6”) if constructed after September 1, 1980. (7-1-93)

304. PLATFORMS OTHER THAN ABOVE (RULE 304).
The general rule is that platforms not listed in earlier rules must have side clearance of at least eight feet six inches
(8’6”). Retractable platforms, either sliding or hinged, which are attached to a permanent structure must be so
constructed that, when retracted or in nonworking position and firmly secured or anchored, the resulting clearance
shall not be less than the clearances provided in these rules. (7-1-93)

305. EXTENSION OF EXISTING PLATFORMS (RULE 305).
Platforms which were constructed at prevailing clearances or clearances then authorized by this Commission’s rules
may be extended at existing clearances. (7-1-93)

306. SIDE CLEARANCE -- BRIDGES AND TUNNELS (RULE 306).
The general rule is that side clearances for bridges and tunnels must be at least eight (8’) feet. (7-1-93)

307. BRIDGES AND TUNNELS -- UPPER SECTION (RULE 307).
Side clearance in through bridges and tunnels may be decreased to the extent defined by the half circumference of a
circle having a radius of eight (8’) feet and tangent to a horizontal line twenty-two feet six inches (22’6”) above top
of rail directly above centerline of track. See Rule 203. (7-1-93)

308. BRIDGES -- LOWER SECTION AND STRUCTURES FOUR FEET HIGH OR LESS -- GUARDS
AND CATTLE CHUTES -- HAND RAILS ON BRIDGES AND TRESTLES -- OIL COLUMNS -- WATER
BARRELS -- WATER COLUMNS (RULE 308).
Through bridges supporting track affected, hand rails, water barrels and refuge platforms on bridges and trestles, water
columns, oil columns, block signals, cattle guards and cattle chutes, or portions thereof, four (4’) feet or less above
top of rail, may have clearances decreased to the extent defined by a line extending diagonally upward from a point
level with the top of rail and five (5’) feet distance laterally from centerline of track to a point four (4) feet above top
of rail and eight (8’) feet distant laterally from centerline of track: Provided that the minimum clearance for hand rails
and water barrels shall be seven feet six inches (7’6”) and the minimum clearance for fences of cattle guards shall be
five feet nine inches (5’9”). Unless previously approved, the clearances authorized in this rule, except as provided for
hand rails and water barrels, are not permitted on through bridges where the work of trainmen or yardmen requires
them to be upon the decks of such bridges for the purpose of coupling or uncoupling cars in the performance if
switching service on a switching lead. (7-1-93)

309. SIDE CLEARANCE INTERLOCKING MECHANISM SWITCH BOXES, ETC. (RULE 309).
The minimum side clearance for interlocking mechanism switch boxes, etc., is three (3’) feet. Switch boxes, switch
operating mechanism necessary for the control and operation of signals and interlocks projecting four (4”) inches or
less above top of rail. (7-1-93)

310. SIDE CLEARANCE -- MAIL CRANES AND TRAIN ORDER STANDS WHEN NOT IN
OPERATIVE POSITION (RULE 310).
The minimum side clearance for mail cranes and train order stands when not in operative condition is eight feet six
inches (8’6”). (7-1-93)

311. SIDE CLEARANCE -- POLES SUPPORTING TROLLEY CONTACT (RULE 311).
The minimum side clearance for poles with conductors supplying motive power to track affected--of bracket
construction is eight feet three inches (8’3”). (7-1-93)

312. SIDE CLEARANCE -- POLES OTHER THAN TROLLEY POLES (RULE 312).
The minimum side clearance for poles other than trolley poles is eight feet six inches (8’6”). The clearance for poles
other than trolley poles provided in the National Electrical Safety Code, as adopted by this Commission at the time in
question, shall be are governed by the provisions of the Code. (7-1-93)

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313. SIDE CLEARANCE SIGNALS AND SWITCH STANDS THREE FEET HIGH OR LESS ABOVE
THE TOP OF THE RAIL (RULE 313).
The minimum height of signals and switch stands when located between tracks where not practicable to provide
clearances otherwise prescribed in these rules is at least six (6’) feet. (7-1-93)

314. SIDE CLEARANCE -- SIGNALS AND SWITCH STANDS OTHER THAN ABOVE (RULE 314).
The minimum side clearance for signals and switch stands other than above is at least eight (8’) feet. (7-1-93)

315. SIDE CLEARANCE ON CURVED TRACK (RULE 315).
Side clearances on all structures adjacent to curved track shall be increased as necessary to give the equivalent of
tangent track clearances. As a general rule, the side clearance on curved track should be increased one and one-half
inches (1 1/2”) for each degree of curvature. (7-1-93)

316. SIDE CLEARANCES -- MATERIAL OR MERCHANDISE ADJACENT TO TRACKS (RULE 316).
No merchandise, material or other articles shall be placed or stored on the ground or platforms adjacent to any track
at a distance less than eight feet six inches (8’6”) from the centerline of track, except in cases of maintenance or
emergency when such material is to be used within a reasonable period of time or where local conditions make
compliance with this rule impossible. (7-1-93)

317. -- 400. (RESERVED)

TRACK CLEARANCES
RULES 401 THROUGH 500

401. TRACK CLEARANCES -- IN GENERAL (RULE 401).
The minimum distance between the center line of parallel standard gauge railroad tracks, which are used or proposed
to be used for transporting cars, engines, motors or like equipment, shall be fourteen (14’) feet, except as otherwise
prescribed in these rules. (7-1-93)

402. TRACK CLEARANCES -- MAIN AND SUBSIDIARY TRACKS (RULE 402).
The centerline of any standard gauge track, except a main track or a passing track, parallel and adjacent to a main
track or a passing track shall be at least fifteen (15’) feet from the centerline of such main track or passing track;
provided, however, that where a passing track is adjacent to and at least fifteen (15’) feet distant from the main track,
any other track may be constructed adjacent to such passing track width clearance prescribed in Rule 401. (7-1-93)

403. TRACK CLEARANCES -- PARALLEL TEAM, HOUSE OR INDUSTRY TRACKS (RULE 403).
Minimum clearances between centerlines of parallel team, house or industry tracks shall be thirteen (13’) feet.
(7-1-93)

404. TRACK CLEARANCES -- PARALLEL LADDER OR LADDER AND OTHER TRACK (RULE
404).
The centerline of any standard gauge ladder track, constructed parallel to any other track, shall have a clearance of not
less than twenty (20’) feet from the centerline of such other track. (7-1-93)

405. TRACK CLEARANCES -- EXISTING TRACKS (RULE 405).
Existing tracks laid at prevailing clearances then authorized by this Commission’s rules may be extended at these
clearances. (7-1-93)

406. -- 500. (RESERVED)

MARKING OF CARS
RULES 501 THROUGH 600

501. CARS EXCEEDING FIFTEEN FEET SIX INCHES IN HEIGHT (RULE 501).
Each car of a height exceeding fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) from top of rail to the highest point of the car, the

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movement of which is authorized by these rules, shall be marked, stenciled or placarded, and such markings
maintained in a legible condition to read:

This Car
EXCESS
HEIGHT

The words “EXCESS HEIGHT” must occupy the greater portion of a rectangular space seven by ten inches
(7” x 10”) enclosed within a three-quarter inch (3/4”) solid border. The markings required shall be made permanent
on owned cars before their use. Lettering and border of signs shall be of colors contrasting to that of the car body. All
such required marking and placarding shall be placed on the side adjacent to the ladder or handholds near the floor
line of the car at each of the four (4) corners. (7-1-93)

502. CARS EXCEEDING TEN FEET TEN INCHES IN WIDTH (RULE 502).
Each car of a width exceeding ten feet ten inches (10’10”), the movement of which is authorized by these rules, shall
be marked, stenciled or placarded, and such markings maintained in a legible condition to read:

This Car
EXCESS
WIDTH

The words “EXCESS WIDTH” must occupy the greater portion of a rectangular space seven by ten inches
(7” x 10”) enclosed within a three-quarter inch (3/4”) solid border. The markings required shall be made permanent
on owned cars before their use. Lettering and border of signs shall be of colors contrasting to that of the car body. All
such required marking and placarding shall be placed on the side or end adjacent to the ladder or handholds near the
floor line of the car at each of the four (4) corners. (7-1-93)

503. -- 600. (RESERVED)

OPERATIONS OF EXCESS DIMENSION LOADS
RULES 601 THROUGH 700

601. CARS CONTAINING LADING IN EXCESS OF FIFTEEN FEET SIX INCHES HIGH AND/OR
FIVE FEET FIVE INCHES FROM CENTERLINE OF CAR (RULE 601).
Each open-top car containing lading of height exceeding fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) above top of rail, or which
extends laterally more than five feet five inches (5’5”) from the centerline of the car, the movement of which is
authorized by these rules, shall be marked, stenciled or placarded, and such marking maintained in a legible condition
to read:
This car
EXCESS
EXCESS
HEIGHT
and/or
This car
EXCESS
EXCESS
WIDTH

The words “EXCESS HEIGHT” and/or “EXCESS WIDTH” must occupy the greater portion of a space seven
by ten inches (7” x 10”) enclosed within a three-quarter inch (3/4”) solid border. Letters and border shall be of colors
contrasting to the car body. These required markings and placarding shall be placed on the side or end adjacent to the
ladder or handholds near the floor line of the car at each of the four (4) corners where practicable, and in addition one
of these signs shall be placed on each side of the load in a conspicuous position before the car is used. (7-1-93)

602. CARS CONTAINING LADING WHICH EXTENDS LATERALLY IN EXCESS OF FIVE FEET
FIVE INCHES (RULE 602).
The movement of open-top cars containing lading which extends laterally in excess of five feet five inches (5’5”) is
authorized if the lading is of such a nature that it cannot practically be reduced in dimensions. (7-1-93)

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603. MOVEMENT AND NOTICE OF EXCESS HEIGHT AND/OR EXCESS WIDTH CARS AND
LOADS (RULE 603).
The movement of all open-top cars having lading in excess of fifteen feet six (15’6”) inches in height, or which extends
laterally in excess of five feet five inches (5’5”) from centerline of car, will be authorized by written notice to the train
crew stating the total number of such cars, and specifying that no member of the train crew will ride on top of such
high car or the side of any such wide car. (7-1-93)

604. WRITTEN NOTICE OF EXCESS HEIGHT OR EXCESS WIDTH RULE 604).
A written notice shall be delivered to every train containing any car, the lading of which extends laterally in excess of
five feet five inches (5’5”) from the centerline of the car or which is in excess of fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) in
height above top of rails, informing the crew of the train that the train includes such car or cars, stating the total number
of these cars and advising that no member of the train crew will ride on the side of any such wide car or the top of any
such high car. (7-1-93)

605. NOTICE TO YARD SUPERVISORS (RULE 605).
Yard supervisors shall be notified sufficiently in advance of the arrival of such wide loads as described in Rule 603 as
to enable them to take necessary precautions to safeguard employees in yard. (7-1-93)

606. LOADS WHICH CANNOT BE PASSED OVER BY EMPLOYEES (RULE 606).
Open-top cars containing lading having an overall height in excess of fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) above top of rail
or a width which extends laterally in excess of five feet five inches (5’5”), if otherwise in compliance with these
requirements, and the nature of which precludes the possibility of employees passing over the cars, are exempt from
the provisions of Rules 603, 604 and 605, but written notice must be given to all members of the train crew informing
them of the presence of such loads. (7-1-93)

607. EXEMPTIONS (RULE 607).
The common carrier railroads are authorized to move excess height loads and excess width loads, as described in Rule
601, over roads or portions thereof, without complying with the provisions of Rule 6, provided that clearances
equivalent to the minimum prescribed by these rules for cars having a height of fifteen feet six inches (15’6”) and
width of ten feet ten inches (10’10”) are maintained. (7-1-93)

608. -- 699. (RESERVED)

000. LEGAL AUTHORITY (RULE 0).
These rules are adopted under the general authority of the Idaho Public Utilities Law, Chapters 1-7, Title 61, Idaho
Code, and the specific authority of Sections 61-515 and 61-515A, Idaho Code. (3-30-01)

001. TITLE AND SCOPE (RULE 1).

01. Title. The title of these rules is “Railroad Safety and Accident Reporting Rules.” (4-2-08)

02. Scope. The scope of these rules set safety, sanitation, and accident reporting standards that railroads
must meet while operating in Idaho. (4-2-08)

002. WRITTEN INTERPRETATIONS – AGENCY GUIDELINES (RULE 2).
The Public Utilities Commission does not have written interpretations or agency guidelines for these rules. (7-1-93)

003. ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS (RULE 3).
There are no administrative appeals under these rules. (7-1-93)

004. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT COMPLIANCE (RULE 4).
Most documents regarding these rules are public records. Accident investigative reports by the Commission or the
Commission Staff may be investigatory records exempt from disclosure under Section 74-105(1), Idaho Code.
Accident reports required by these rules and the results of further investigations by the Commission are prohibited

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from admission into evidence in any action for damages based on or arising out of the loss of life or injury to the
person or property pursuant to Section 61-517, Idaho Code. (4-2-08)

005. DEFINITION (RULE 5).
The terms “railroad” has the meaning given to it by statute in Chapter 1, Title 61, Idaho Code, orders of the Idaho
Public Utilities Commission, and decisions of the Supreme Curt of Idaho construing these statutes. (7-1-93)

006. -- 007. (RESERVED)

008. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE – CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (RULE 008).
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is referred to in Rules 103 and 104. The annual volumes of the CFR may be
obtained on the web from the U.S. Government Bookstore, http://bookstore.gpo.gov/ and click on “Code of Federal
Regulations,” or by calling toll-free 866-512-1800. The full text of the CFR is also available in electronic format at
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html. The incorporated CFR Parts are also available for inspection and copying
at the office of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and the Idaho State Law Library. Whenever a federal regulation
is adopted by reference in these rules, subsequent annual recompilations are also adopted by reference, but subsequent
amendments to the CFR are not adopted by reference. (4-7-11)

009. -- 100. (RESERVED)

SAFETY, SANITATION CONDITIONS, AND ACCIDENT REPORTING FOR RAILROADS
(RULES 101 THROUGH 200)

101. FIRST AID KIT REQUIRED (RULE 101).

01. First Aid Kit. A First Aid Kit required under Section 61-515A, Idaho Code, will as a minimum
consist of the following or its equivalent: (7-1-93)

a. One (1) package aromatic spirits of ammonia ampoules. (7-1-93)

b. Two (2) triangle bandages. (7-1-93)

c. Four (4) three inch by three inch (3” x 3”) or four inch by four inch (4” x 4”) compresses. (7-1-93)

d. Ten (10) yards of two (2”) inch roller bandage. (7-1-93)

e. One (1) package (minimum sixteen three-fourths inch (16-3/4”) band-aids. (7-1-93)

f. Five (5) yards one-half inch (1/2”) adhesive tape. (7-1-93)

g. One (1) package burn ointment or other burn compound. (7-1-93)

h. First Aid Book. (7-1-93)

02. Removal of First Aid Kit. No person or employee of any railroad company shall remove, carry
away from its proper place or use any emergency first aid kit provided in locomotives or cabooses as required by
Section 61-515A, Idaho Code, except for the purpose of administering first aid in the event of injury to any employee
or other person in an accident. (7-1-93)

102. SANITARY CUPS AND SANITARY DRINKING WATER (RULE 102).

01. Water. An adequate supply of cool, clean, sanitary water, satisfactory for drinking purposes, shall
be made available to all employees. Drinking water shall be obtained only from sources approved by the State
Department of Health, an approved water line, or commercially bottled water. (4-11-19)

Section 000 Page 10 Adams 7/29/19
02. Water Containers. When necessary, this water shall be provided in suitable, clean, sterilized and
sanitary containers conveniently placed for the use of employees, but not in toilet rooms. Each container shall be
equipped with an approved type of fountain, approved faucet, or other approved dispenser. (7-1-93)

03. Cleansed and Sterilized. All containers used to furnish drinking water shall be thoroughly cleansed
and sterilized as often as necessary to assure a clean and sanitary water supply. (7-1-93)

04. Common Drinking Cup Prohibited. The common drinking cup for public use is prohibited; either
single service containers or drinking fountains with sanitary angle head, shall be used in lieu thereof. (7-1-93)

700. TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL BY RAIL (RULE 700).

01. Hazardous Material Defined. “Hazardous material” means a substance or material which has been
determined by the United States Secretary of Transportation to be capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health,
safety, and property when transported in commerce, and which has been so designated by the Secretary of
Transportation. The term includes hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants, elevated temperature
materials as defined in 49 C.F.R. Section 171.8, materials designated as hazardous under the provisions of 49 C.F.R.
Section 172.101, and materials that meet the defining criteria for hazardous classes and divisions in 49 C.F.R. Part
173. (3-30-01)

02. Adoption of Federal Safety Regulations. The Commission hereby adopts by reference 49 C.F.R.
Parts 107, 171, 172, 173, 174, 178, 179, and 180 (October 1, 2014). All customers offering hazardous materials for
shipment by rail and all railroads operating in Idaho that transport hazardous materials listed in, defined by, or
regulated by the adopted federal safety regulations must comply with 49 C.F.R. Parts 107, 171, 172, 173, 174, 178,
179 and 180. (3-25-16)

03. Recognition of Federal Exemptions. Whenever a railroad or shipper has applied to a federal
agency and has been granted an exemption from the transportation or packaging requirements of the federal safety
regulations adopted in Subsection 103.02, the federal exemption will also be recognized under these rules. The
Commission shall not administer a program to duplicate consideration or approval of federal exemptions on a state
level. (3-30-01)

701. REPORTING OF RAILROAD ACCIDENTS (RULE 701).
The Commission incorporates by reference 49 C.F.R. Part 225 (October 1, 2014). Pursuant to 49 C.F.R. 225.1, all
railroads that are required to file a copy of any accident/incident report with the Federal Railroad Administration shall
also file a copy of such report with the Commission Secretary for accidents or incidents occurring in Idaho. Copies of
accident or incident reports shall be mailed to: the Commission Secretary, Idaho Public Utilities Commission, PO Box
83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0074 [phone]). Copies of such reports may also be provided by facsimile at (208)
334-3762 or by electronic mail, [e-mail]. (3-25-16)

702. -- 999. (RESERVED)