Subject: Call Bells (1/07/1988)
[1/7/88] Operational Call Bells - Amtrak has now issued a directive to the carrier railroads and to the private car owners that each car must be equipped with operational call bells at either end, or else be left unlocked. The purpose of this requirement is to allow crew members to summon an attendant, or owner, to unlock the door, at any time that the crew member needs to get through the car. The alternative is, of course, to leave the end doors unlocked at all times. Following is a copy of the regulation, along with some comments which were sent to Mr. Laird, and questions which were raised.
Re: Operational Call Bells Effective: November 2, 1987
Because the crew must be able to get through the entire train during an emergency, all end doors of all cars must remain unlocked while the cars are moving on Amtrak trains carrying passengers. However, the end doors of an office car or private car, when located at either end of the train, may be locked when enroute, if the car is equipped with (1) an operational call bell, and (2) an attendant on duty to promptly respond to the bell when summoned by a crew member.
Questions:
1. Does this apply to baggage cars, mail cars, and horse cars at either end of the train? Answer - yes. 2. Does this apply to dead head cars, not accompanied by an attendant, at either end of the train?
Answer - yes
Comments:
1. If the car has no end door, it is to that extent exempt. 2. If we do not exercise this authority, we may expect the FRA to do it for us. 3. Amtrak freight trains and trains without passengers are exempt.
Paul L. DeVerter II
Comments