4 CCR 723-14
BASIS, PURPOSE, AND STATUTORY AUTHORITY The basis and purpose of these rules is to establish a system safety program standard for rail fixed guideway systems operating within the State to assist in the development of a system safety program plan for each operator of a rail fixed guideway system. These rules are also intended to establish an oversight program by the Commission for the safety and security of rail fixed guideway systems in accordance with Section 28 of the “Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991”, 49 U.S.C. sec. 5330, and 49 C.F.R. 659, “Rail Fixed Guideway Systems; State Safety Oversight”. (Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation.) The statutory authority for adoption of these rules is § 40-18-101 through § 40-18-105, § 32-9-119(1)(t) and § 40-2-108 C.R.S.
RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-1. APPLICABILITY.
723-14-1.1 These rules apply to all rail fixed guideway systems operating within the State, regulated by the Commission pursuant to Title 40, Article 18, C.R.S. 723-14-1.2 Every rail fixed guideway system operator shall establish and maintain a system safety program plan that complies with the system safety program standard as specified in Rule 3. RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-2. DEFINITIONS.
As used in these rules, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following definitions shall apply: 723-14-2.1 Commission means the Colorado Public Utilities Commission; and 723-14-2.2 FTA means the Federal Transit Administration, an agency within the United States Department of Transportation; and 723-14-2.3 Rail Fixed Guideway System means any light, heavy, or rapid rail system, monorail, inclined plane, funicular, trolley, or automated guideway used to transport passengers that is not regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration. The term Rail Fixed Guideway System does not include funiculars that are passenger tramways as defined in section 25-5-702(4)(c), C.R.S., and are subject to the jurisdiction of the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board created in section 25-5-703, C.R.S.; and 723-14-2.4 System Safety Program Plan (“SSPP”) means a document adopted by a rail fixed guideway operator that details its safety and security policies, objectives, responsibilities, and procedures, as specified in Rule 3; and 723-14-2.5 Rail Fixed Guideway Operator means any person, firm, corporation, or governmental entity that operates a rail fixed guideway system; and 723-14-2.6 System Safety Program Standard (“SSPS”) means a safety standard developed by the Commission in conformance with 49 C.F.R. 659, “Rail Fixed Guideway Systems; State Safety Oversight”. This standard defines the relationship between the Commission and the rail fixed guideway operator and guides the development of the SSPP and details required components of the rail fixed guideway operator's SSPP.
RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-3. SYSTEM SAFETY PROGRAM STANDARD.
723-14-3.1 Introduction. The Introduction section of the SSPP shall contain the following: 723-14-3.1.1 A policy statement supporting the SSPP from the General Manager/Executive Director of the rail fixed guideway operator.
723-14-3.1.2 A statement of the legal authority for the SSPP. 723-14-3.1.3 A description of the purpose and scope of the SSPP. 723-14-3.1.4 Goals and Objectives of the SSPP.
723-14-3.1.5 Specifications of policies in place to support implementation of the safety and security portions of the SSPP.
723-14-3.1.6 Identification of the procedures for updating/modifying the SSPP. 723-14-3.2 System Description. The system description section of the SSPP shall include the following: 723-14-3.2.1 A brief history of the system(s) operated by the rail fixed guideway operator. 723-14-3.2.2 The scope of service the rail fixed guideway operator provides. 723-14-3.2.3 A description of the organizational structure of the rail fixed guideway operator, including organizational diagrams of the rail fixed guideway operator and the system safety unit that identify the lines of communications and define responsibilities within the organization.
723-14-3.2.4 A description of the physical plant including track, signal and communication system, vehicle type and operating characteristics, station facilities and maintenance facilities.
723-14-3.2.5 A description of the process to modify the system. The system modification review and approval process shall include the following:
723-14-3.2.5.2 The inclusion of operating and safety department personnel in the design review process for new equipment and system expansions or modifications. 723-14-3.2.5.3 A sign-off and certification process for verification of operational readiness of new equipment and system expansions or modifications prior to entering revenue service.
723-14-3.2.5.4 Documentation of responsibility and authority for approval of modification exceptions to established design criteria for new equipment and system expansions.
723-14-3.2.5.5 Procurement procedures which preclude the introduction into the rail fixed guideway system of unauthorized hazardous materials and supplies, as well as defective or deficient equipment.
723-14-3.3 System Safety Department Activities of the Rail Fixed Guideway Operator. The system safety department activities of the rail fixed guideway operator section of the SSPP shall contain the following:
723-14-3.3.1 A description of the responsibilities of those in charge of managing the system safety process within the rail fixed guideway operator. 723-14-3.3.2 A methodology for hazard identification and a resolution process. This process shall include the following:
723-14-3.3.3.1 The criteria for determining which accidents/incidents require investigation and who is going to conduct the investigation. 723-14-3.3.3.2 A description of the procedures used for conducting investigations which include the reporting of findings, conclusions, recommended corrective action and follow up to verify corrective action implementation. 723-14-3.3.4 An employee safety program including training and certification, drug and alcohol testing, as well as information about drug and alcohol abuse. The employee certification and training program shall include a description of the training material and documentation of training test scores and dates.
723-14-3.3.5 A process for internal safety inspection of operation and maintenance facilities including audits and review of procedures.
723-14-3.3.6 An emergency plan that includes planning updates, coordination and training. This plan shall include liaison with outside agencies and documentation of emergency drills, which may include assistance from these outside agencies. 723-14-3.3.7 A program to identify and mitigate hazardous materials usage. 723-14-3.3.8 A contractor safety coordination program.
723-14-3.3.9 A matrix of safety related tasks that shows responsibility. 723-14-3.4 Safety-related Activities of Other Departments of the Rail Fixed Guideway Operator. The safety-related activities of other departments of the rail fixed guideway operator section of the 723-14-3.4.1 A process of coordination of safety related tasks with other departments. 723-14-3.4.2 A matrix of safety related tasks that shows department responsibility. 723-14-3.5 System Safety Program Plan Implementation and Maintenance. The system safety program plan implementation and maintenance section of the SSPP shall contain the following: 723-14-3.5.1 Program schedule for implementation and maintenance of the SSPP which shall contain the following:
723-14-3.5.1.2 A detailed description of the SSPP revision process including the identification of the persons responsible for initiating, developing, and approving changes to the SSPP.
723-14-3.5.1.3 A statement that the Commission will be notified of all changes to the SSPP and supplied with a copy of all revised pages.
723-14-3.5.2 A procedure for conducting internal safety audits including the review and modification of the SSPP based upon audit results. This procedure shall contain the following:
723-14-3.5.2.4 An annual audit report, a copy of which must be submitted to the Commission by February 15 each year, which summarizes the results of the internal audits performed during the previous year, including a summary of required corrective actions taken, if any, and provision for follow up to ensure timely implementation and to determine effectiveness.
723-14-3.6 System Safety Program Plan Verification. The system safety program plan verification section of the SSPP shall contain the following:
723-14-3.6.1 A process to ensure that the design and construction of new systems and/or extensions comply with the SSPP.
723-14-3.6.2 A process to ensure compliance of existing operating systems with the SSPP. 723-14-3.6.3 A process to ensure that safety audits and review of the SSPP are conducted including consideration of occupational safety and health, fire protection, safety training, and safety information and reporting.
723-14-3.7 Management of Security Activities. The management of security activities section of the 723-14-3.7.1 A security program that shows the division of security responsibilities. 723-14-3.7.2 A plan for proactive and reactive response. 723-14-3.8 Security Roles and Responsibilities. The security roles and responsibilities section of the 723-14-3.8.1 Security planning activities including proactive and reactive measures. 723-14-3.8.2 Emergency response training, coordination and management both internal and external.
723-14-3.8.3 A process for threat and vulnerability identification, assessment and resolution. 723-14-3.8.4 A process for the collection and analysis of security data. 723-14-3.8.5 A matrix of security related tasks that shows responsibility. 723-14-3.9 Security-related Activities of Other Departments. The security-related activities of other departments section of the SSPP shall contain the following: 723-14-3.9.1 Security related activities of other transit departments. 723-14-3.9.2 A matrix of security related tasks that shows department responsibility. 723-14-3.10 Evaluation of Security Component of the SSPP. The evaluation of security component of the SSPP section of the SSPP shall contain the following:
723-14-3.10.1 An internal review process.
723-14-3.10.2 An external review process.
RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-4. SUBMITTAL AND REVIEW OF THE SYSTEM SAFETY PROGRAM PLAN. 723-14-4.1 On or before November 1 of the first year of operation for new systems and November 10, 1997 for existing systems, and each November 1 thereafter, each rail fixed guideway operator subject to these rules shall file with the Commission its SSPP that complies with Rule 3 as an application for Commission approval. Ten day notice of the filing of the application will be given. 723-14-4.2 On or before December 20th of the year in which the SSPP was received, the Commission shall review and approve each plan that complies with these rules. 723-14-4.3 In the event that the Commission finds that the SSPP does not comply with Rule 3, the Commission shall specify the sections not in compliance, recommend appropriate modifications and/or additions necessary to bring the SSPP into compliance and set a time frame for bringing the SSPP into compliance.
723-14-4.4 On or before January 1, 1998 and every January 1st thereafter, the Commission shall certify to the FTA that each rail fixed guideway system subject to 49 C.F.R. 659 has a SSPP that conforms to the SSPS set forth in Rule 3, or in the alternative, when the rail fixed guideway system will have the SSPP revised and in compliance. Upon receipt of the revised SSPP, the Commission will review the revised SSPP, and, if the revised SSPP is in accordance with these rules, approve the SSPP. The Commission shall then certify to the FTA that the SSPP is in compliance.
RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-5. INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES FOR ACCIDENTS AND HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS.
723-14-5.1 Requirements for Rail Fixed Guideway Operator Reporting of Accidents and Unacceptable Hazardous Conditions As Defined in 49 C.F.R. 659.5: 723-14-5.1.1 Each rail fixed guideway operator shall submit accident and unacceptable hazardous condition reports to the Commission's staff. Reportable accidents are those which exceed the thresholds established in the following paragraphs and which are associated with the revenue service operation of rail transit vehicles. Each rail fixed guideway operator shall notify the Commission's staff of the following classes of reportable accidents and unacceptable hazardous conditions by telephone or FAX as soon as practicable, however, not to exceed 24 hours from the time of occurrence or discovery:
723-14-5.1.1.1 any accident resulting in a fatality or serious injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene of the accident;
723-14-5.1.1.2 any accident, collision, derailment, or fire that causes property damage in excess of $100,000; and 723-14-5.1.1.3 any unacceptable hazardous condition which has been identified by the rail fixed guideway operator and which could cause death or injury to passengers or employees if not immediately corrected.
723-14-5.1.1.4 Each rail fixed guideway operator shall submit written accident and unacceptable hazardous condition reports on Form A, which is Attachment 1 to these Rules. Such written reports shall be submitted within 30 days after the last day of the month in which the accident occurred or the unacceptable hazardous condition was discovered. Written reports shall be filed for all unacceptable hazardous conditions and reportable accidents. 723-14-5.2 Requirements for Investigating Accidents and Unacceptable Hazardous Conditions. 723-14-5.2.1 Each rail fixed guideway operator shall investigate unacceptable hazardous conditions and reportable accidents on behalf of the Commission's staff. The Commission's staff may also perform separate, independent investigations at its own discretion. 723-14-5.2.2 When investigating an accident that resulted in a fatality or serious injury as defined in Rule 5.1, the rail fixed guideway operator shall attempt, when practical, to give prior notice to the Commission's staff when an accident investigation team convenes to conduct interviews, inspections, examinations, or tests to determine the cause of the accident. 723-14-5.2.3 Each rail fixed guideway operator shall investigate each unacceptable hazardous condition identified meeting the criteria set forth in Rule 5.1.1.3 above. The procedure to be used for investigating unacceptable hazardous conditions is the procedure contained in the rail fixed guideway operator's SSPP which has been approved by the Commission. 723-14-5.2.4 The rail fixed guideway operator's investigation shall be documented in a written report that identifies the most probable cause and/or contributing causes of the accident or unacceptable hazardous condition. The report shall also contain or reference a corrective action plan and a schedule for its implementation to prevent a reoccurrence of the accident or to eliminate the unacceptable hazardous condition.
723-14-5.2.5 The rail fixed guideway operator's investigation report and corrective action plan with accompanying implementation schedule shall be submitted to the Commission's staff. 723-14-5.2.6 The Commission may make such order with respect to the rail fixed guideway operator's or Commission staff's investigation as the Commission deems necessary. 723-14-5.2.7 All investigation reports and corrective action plans prepared by a rail fixed guideway operator and filed with the Commission shall be treated by the Commission, its Staff and employees, as confidential under applicable law, including The Colorado Open Records Act, § 24- 72-201, et seq.
723-14-5.3 The Threshold for Commission Investigation of Accidents or Unacceptable Hazardous Condition 723-14-5.3.1 The threshold for the Commission's investigation of accidents is the rail fixed guideway operator's threshold for reporting accidents and unacceptable hazardous conditions to the Commission's staff as specified in Rules 5.1.1.1, 5.1.1.2, and 5.1.1.3 RULE (4 CCR) 723-6. SAFETY REVIEWS.
At least every three years, the Commission shall conduct an on-site safety review of each rail fixed guideway operator's implementation of its SSPP and prepare and issue a report containing findings and recommendations resulting from that review, which at a minimum must include an analysis of the SSPP and a determination of whether it should be updated.
RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-7. FILING OF REPORTS.
All written reports required by these rules shall be filed with the Public Utilities Commission, 1580 Logan Street, Office Level 2, Denver, Colorado 80203.
RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-8. INSPECTION OF RECORDS.
All rail fixed guideway operator records required by these rules shall be made available upon request to authorized personnel of the Public Utilities Commission. RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-9. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE.
References in these rules to 49 C.F.R. 659 are rules issued by the FTA and have been incorporated by reference in these rules. These rules may be found at 49 C.F.R. 659, revised as of October 1, 1996. References to 49 C.F.R. 659 do not include later amendments to, or editions of, this section. References in these rules to standards of the American Public Transit Association are standards contained in its “Manual for the Development of Rail Transit System Safety Program Plans” published on August 20, 1991. References to standards of the American Public Transit Association do not include later amendments to, or editions of, this Manual. A certified copy of all material which has been incorporated by reference is maintained at the offices of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1580 Logan Street, OL- 2, Denver, Colorado 80203 and is available for inspection during normal business hours. Certified copies of the incorporated rules shall be provided at cost upon request. The Director of the Commission, 1580 Logan, Office Level Two, Denver, Colorado 80203, will provide information regarding how 49 C.F.R. 659 dated October 1, 1996, and the “Manual for the Development of Rail Transit System Safety Program Plans,” published on August 20, 1991 may be obtained or examined. This incorporated material may be examined at any state publications depository library.
RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-10. SAFETY DATA ACQUISITION/ANALYSIS. The rail fixed guideway operator shall review and analyze all information and documentation required by these rules. The information or data collected shall be analyzed for potential safety impacts, and identified areas of concern shall be reported to appropriate personnel for investigation and resolution. RULE (4 CCR) 723-14-11. RULE EXEMPTION.
For good cause shown, and as permitted by state and federal law and federal regulation, a rail fixed guideway operator may file a written application for relief from these rules stating the grounds for relief, and the Commission, at its discretion, may set the matter for hearing to determine whether to grant the application.