What are the Association of American Railroad (AAR) specifications?
Laws standards and regulations to ensure railway safety and compliance
With recent headlines of the East Palestine, Ohio train crash that released toxic chemicals, there has been a lot of interest in train and railway safety and compliance. Trains and railroads are regulated by the AAR. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is an organization that regulates the industry in Canada and the US. From cabooses to railroad tracks, to steam trains, the AAR develops technical specifications for various components and equipment used. These specifications are developed through a collaborative process that involves input from manufacturers, railroads, and regulatory agencies.
In addition to specifications for the railway operation, AAR specification addresses tank cars, which are used to transport hazardous materials such as crude oil and ethanol. Trains not only transport people and standard freight but also hazardous material as seen in Ohio. Hazardous materials are extremely dangerous to public health if not transported appropriately.
In recent years, there has been increased concern about the safety of these tank cars, particularly in the wake of several high-profile accidents. To address this concern, the AAR has developed a new set of specifications for tank cars, known as the DOT-117 specification. These new tank cars have thicker shells, improved thermal protection, and more robust valves, among other features, all of which are designed to reduce the risk of a spill or explosion in the event of an accident.
Overall, AAR specifications play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the North American railroad industry. By setting minimum standards for various components and equipment, the AAR helps to ensure that rail transportation remains a safe and reliable mode of transportation for both people and goods. As the industry continues to evolve, the AAR will continue to play an important role in developing and updating these specifications to keep pace with changing technologies and best practices.
If your company is a distributor, manufacturer or importer of train components, Contract Laboratory can help ensure that your products meet the standards and regulations established by the AAR. Submit a Test Request for your train testing on our website.
How Contract Laboratory helps with AAR specifications:
Contract Laboratory has helped train manufacturers and distributors with their testing, as can be seen below:
Landing Leg AAR M-931 Testing
Vehicle Parts Manufacturing Company needs Contract Laboratory for testing landing leg gear of trailer by Association of American Railroads AAR M-931 specifications.
