NEW RULE LIMITS LOCOMOTIVE CAB NOISE:
Train crews will be less likely to suffer problems with hearing loss as the result of revised federal standards aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of railroad employees by limiting locomotive cab noise, Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman announced Oct.27.
Boardman explained that the final rule will directly affect approximately 80,000 rail employees and amends existing federal noise standards to require that railroads perform routine noise monitoring and provide training to employees in hearing loss prevention. In addition, train crews are required to use hearing protection.
The final rule also requires the integration of noise reduction features into the design, manufacturing and maintenance of locomotives.
[Federal Railroad Administration, 10-27-06]