Freight-rail union calls on FRA to require air brake valve replacement

The SMART Transportation Division freight-rail union is calling on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to issue an emergency order requiring that outdated air brake valves on freight rail cars be replaced immediately.

SMART TD officials estimate that tens of thousands of model DB-10 air brake valves have remained in use beyond their fixed lifespan. In cold weather, the valves can leak air, causing freight-train operators to lose braking capabilities, union officials said in a press release.

"Having the ability to engage emergency brakes on freight locomotives isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said SMART TD President Jeremy Ferguson. "It’s time for the FRA to ensure the valves that enable emergency braking on freight locomotives work properly."

The freight-rail industry is not unaware of the safety issue, union officials said. In 2013, the Association of American Railroads issued a maintenance advisory to replace and repair the malfunctioning valves.

Recommendations were made to carriers about rectifying the situation, but so far, fixes have not been satisfactory, SMART TD officials said.

The union's leaders allege that "too many railroads have been reluctant to replace old parts in a thorough way because of the potential delays it could cause to customers" and now replace the valves a "catch-as-can" basis.

“The FRA and the Association of American Railroads have known about this issue for too long and have done too little to address it in a timely fashion,” Ferguson said. “The safety of the public and all railroaders should never be compromised for the sake of productivity.”

Ferguson's petition to the FRA comes after emergency stopping capability was lost on two different trains in North Dakota because of outdated DB-10 air brake valves, according to SMART TD.

The union is encouraging its members to document and report safety concerns around the valves.