The final rule does not include the proposed requirement that locomotive compressors be tested for capacity by orifice test during the annual test required by § 229.27. FRA agrees that the requirement for orifice testing of locomotive air compressors was eliminated from part 229 in 1980. See 45 FR 21097. At that time, FRA found that such a test was not useful in detecting a bad compressor and, thus, found no reason to retain the requirement. Although the requirement to perform orifice testing remained in
§ 232.10(c), FRA’s elimination of the requirement from part 229 rendered the provision in part 232 meaningless. As no railroad has performed orifice testing since 1980 and because FRA is not aware of any safety hazard being created due to the elimination of such testing, FRA agrees that there is no justification for reinstating the requirement to perform such testing.

§232.10 General rules; locomotives.
(a) Air brake and hand brake equipment on locomotives including tender must be inspected and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Locomotive Inspection and United States Safety Appliance Acts and related orders and regulations of the Federal Railroad Administrator (FRA).

(b) It must be known that air brake equipment on locomotives is in a safe and suitable condition for service.

(c) Compressor or compressors must be tested for capacity by orifice test as often as conditions require but not less frequently than required by law and orders of the FRA.