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Handling Requirements for Submerged Air Brake Equipment and Roller Bearings

09/02/2021

Severe flooding due to Hurricane Ida is causing massive damage throughout many US states.  In case you have freight cars that are affected by the flooding from the hurricane, we have reviewed the current AAR Field Manual (2021 with Change No. 21-1).  The below contains a reference to all Rules that govern submerged equipment:

AAR Field Manual Rule 4 – AIR BRAKES AND PARTS
Section A Wear Limits, Gaging, Cause for Renewal
1. Condemnable at Any Time
c. Submerged (valvular components only)

 

Section E General Information
14. Submerged valvular components must be replaced. Submerged air brake components must be handled in accordance with OEM Instructions, i.e., Leaflet No. 2391, Sup. 1, Repair Track Maintenance – Freight Brake Equipments “AB” Type. Report Job Code 1116 for cleaning.

 

AAR Field Manual Rule 8 – AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTER
Section A Wear Limits, Gaging, Cause For Renewal or Attention
1. Condemnable at any time
d. Submerged

 

As a reminder – per Field Manual Rule 3, Chart A: a Single Car Air Brake Test is required when control valves are replaced or slack adjusters are repaired or replaced.

 

AAR Field Manual Rule 9 – AIR BRAKES CYLINDERS AND PARTS
Section A Cause for Attention
1. At any time
c. Submerged

 

Section E General information
1. Submerged valvular components must be replaced. Submerged brake cylinder housings must be cleaned and pistons replaced. Other submerged air brake components must be handled in accordance with OEM Instructions, i.e., Leaflet No. 2391, Sup. 1, Repair Track Maintenance – Freight Brake Equipments “AB” Type. Report Job Code 1116 for cleaning.

 

AAR Field Manual Rule 36 – ROLLER BEARINGS
Section A Cause for Attention
1. At Any Time
c. Partially or fully submerged.

 

Section E General Information
1. Roller bearings submerged in flood or damaged by fire or from electrical arcing must be replaced before being sent home on own wheels.

 

AAR Field Manual Rule 95 – HANDLING AND/OR DELIVERING LINE RESPONSIBILITY
Section A Handling Line at Any Time
16. Submerged. Responsibility for roller bearings or air brake components is dictated in the applicable rule.

 

AAR Field Manual Rule 99 – CARS ON PRIVATE AND/OR NON-SUBSCRIBER TRACK
1. The non-subscriber or other than railroad subscriber is responsible, including cost of repair, for loss or damage to cars in its possession.
a. Handling line is responsible for ensuring cars received from a nonsubscriber or other than a railroad subscriber meet the Mechanical Requirements for Acceptance of the Field Manual of the AAR Interchange Rules, Rule 88.
b. Handling line will ensure car mark owner receives a no charge car repair data record.

 

APPENDIX A – DEFINITIONS Submerged: When any portion of a component has been under water.

 

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