Subpart E - Track Appliances and Track - Related Devices

§213.201 Scope

This subpart prescribes minimum requirements for track appliances and track-related devices.
 

§213.205 Derails

205(a) Each derail shall be clearly visible.

Guidance. The TSS requires derails to be clearly visible. While the TSS does not specify a color derails are to be painted, they must be visible to railroad employees, and a derail dark in color and obscured by vegetation would not be in compliance.

205(b) When in a locked position, a derail shall be free of lost motion which would prevent it from performing its intended function.

Guidance. Inspectors will need to determine the extent of movement due to worn parts or improper adjustment, if any, and determine if such movement renders the derail ineffective.

205(c) Each derail shall be maintained to function as intended.

Guidance. Derails are of various designs and may be of the following types: switch point, spring switch point, sliding, hinged, and portable.

Derails can be operated by various means: electrical, hand throw, lever, and mechanical rod from a point other than at the derail. They should be installed to derail rolling stock in a direction away from the track or facility to be protected.

In addition to the requirements of this section, a switch point type derail must also comply with the requirements of §213.133 [turnouts generally] and §213.135 [switches].

205(d) Each derail shall be properly installed for the rail to which it is applied. [This paragraph (d) is applicable September 21, 1999.]

Guidance. Derails must be the proper size for the rail to which it is applied. Derails are manufactured to “sizes” based on the rail section to which they are to be applied and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Installation of a derail of incorrect size can make a derail ineffective. Inspectors may use derail manufacturer instructions as a guide to determine if a derail is properly installed (correct size for the rail to which it is applied).

Derails are made by “hand” (right or left) to derail equipment to a specific side of the track. In addition, “universal” derails will derail equipment in either direction. A derail that is installed to derail equipment toward a main track that should otherwise be protected would constitute an improperly installed derail. A “hand” derail placed in the wrong direction would also constitute an improperly installed derail.