Note: a. The term "bottom of car" as used in § 231.10 is construed to mean "bottom of side-sill or sheathing over side-sill."
b. The term "corner of car" as used in § 231.10 is construed to mean the "line at inner edge of platform formed by the intersection of the side and end of car."
Note: Running boards may be omitted from Caboose Cars with platforms built after June 1, 1970, when each of the following conditions have been met:
Horizontal-Four (4), two (2) upper and two (2) lower.
Vertical-Four (4).
Minimum diameter-One (1) inch wrought iron, steel, or other material of equivalent strength.
Minimum clearance-Four (4), preferably six (6) inches except at brace and fastening locations.
Vertical-One (1) at each corner of car extending from platform end sill to level of lower horizontal safety railing or to suitable bracket at roof.
Horizontal-Upper: Across each end of car near outer edge securely braced with vertical supports not less than 48 nor more than 54 inches above top of platform extending not less than full width of platform excluding hand brake stanchion area.
Horizontal-Lower: Across each end of car near outer edge securely braced with vertical supports not less than 36 nor more than 42 inches above top of platform excluding hand brake stanchion area. An opening may be provided near center. Such opening shall be provided with a secure safety chain(s) not less than 1/4-inch diameter wrought iron, or steel, or other secure suitable closure.
Safety railing shall be securely fastened with 1/2-inch bolts or rivets when possible and securely supported. A weld at connection of vertical and horizontal safety railing and vertical supports is permissible when those appliances are fabricated as a single unit.
Minimum thickness 10-gauge wrought iron, steel or other material of equivalent strength.
Width-Minimum 24 inches.
Height-Minimum 24 inches.
Existing caboose cars with platforms. Running boards may be removed from Caboose Cars with Platforms built or under construction on or before June 1, 1970, when each of the following conditions have been met:
Horizontal upper-Two (2).
Minimum diameter-One (1) inch wrought iron, steel, or other material of equivalent strength.
Minimum clearance-Four (4), preferably six (6) inches except at brace and fastening locations.
Horizontal-Upper: Across each end of car near outer edge securely braced with vertical supports not less than 48 nor more than 54 inches above top of platform extending not less than full width of platform excluding hand brake stanchion area. Ladder tread not more than two (2) inches below level of upper safety railing may serve as a portion of said safety railing.
49 C.F.R. §231.10