Emergency Order Requiring Face Mask Use in Railroad Operations

SUMMARY:

To help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is issuing this emergency order (E.O.) to require compliance with the mask requirements of the Order of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Requirement for Persons to Wear Masks While on Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs. This E.O. also implements Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel, issued on January 21, 2021, requiring masks to be worn in or on airports, commercial aircraft, and various modes of surface transportation, including trains. Specifically, this E.O. addresses requirements for face mask use with respect to all freight rail operations and portions of each passenger rail operation under FRA's safety jurisdiction.

DATES:

This emergency order is effective March 1, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mark Patterson, Director, Office of Data Analysis and Program Support, at (202) 493-6282 or mark.patterson@dot.gov; Elizabeth Gross, Attorney Adviser, Office of the Chief Counsel, at (202) 493-1342 or elizabeth.gross@dot.gov; or Veronica Chittim, Attorney Adviser, Office of the Chief Counsel, at (202) 493-0273 or veronica.chittim@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

FRA is issuing this E.O. to implement Executive Order 13998, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to take action to require masks to be worn in compliance with CDC guidelines in or on trains.

On January 31, 2021, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued Security Directive (SD) 1582/84-21-01, Security Measures—Face Mask Requirements (TSA SD), to implement Executive Order 13998 and to enforce the CDC Order with respect to conveyances and transportation facilities used in various modes of surface transportation, including passenger rail.

On February 12, 2021, the Secretary of Transportation issued an Action Memorandum to further USDOT's efforts to implement the President's Executive Order 13998. Finding that COVID-19 and its variants continue to present unprecedented challenges to the health of the traveling public in all modes of transportation, and that the wearing of masks on all modes of transportation can mitigate the risk of travelers spreading COVID-19 and can instill safety and confidence in transportation systems, the Secretary directed FRA to take action to support and carry out enforcement of the CDC Order with respect to transportation entities subject to its jurisdiction.

In issuing this E.O., FRA is exercising its emergency railroad safety authority to the extent necessary to require mask wearing in accordance with the CDC Order and implement Executive Order 13998 with respect to freight rail operations and those portions of passenger rail operations not already covered by the TSA SD. FRA is not exercising its authority over any other aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic and does not otherwise intend by this E.O. to affect working conditions for employees and contractors engaged in railroad operations.

Authority

Authority to enforce Federal railroad safety laws has been delegated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to the Administrator of FRA. 49 U.S.C. 103; 49 CFR 1.89(e) and internal delegations. Railroads are subject to FRA's safety jurisdiction under the Federal railroad safety laws. 49 U.S.C. 20101, 20103. FRA is authorized to issue emergency orders where an unsafe condition or practice “causes an emergency situation involving a hazard of death, personal injury, or significant harm to the environment.” 49 U.S.C. 20104. Emergency orders may immediately impose “restrictions and prohibitions . . . that may be necessary to abate the situation.” Id.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and to reduce the spread of COVID-19, President Biden issued Executive Order 13998, Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel, on January 21, 2021, requiring masks to be worn in airports, on commercial aircraft, and in various modes of surface transportation, including rail. To implement Executive Order 13998, to require compliance with the public health standards set forth in the CDC Order, and due to the immediate need to ensure masks are worn appropriately in the railroad industry to prevent the spread of COVID-19, FRA has determined that an emergency situation involving a hazard of death and personal injury exists, and is issuing this E.O. pursuant to the authority of 49 U.S.C. 20101, 20104. FRA is authorized to promote safety in every area of railroad operations. 49 U.S.C. 20101, 20103. The failure to wear masks as required by the CDC Order during railroad operations could impact railroad employees' safety with respect to the risks of COVID-19. Consistent with these mandates and FRA's authority, and after consultation with CDC and TSA, FRA is issuing this E.O. to require freight and passenger railroad carriers to comply with the mask requirements of the CDC Order during railroad operations subject to FRA's railroad safety jurisdiction, except to the extent portions of the passenger railroad carrier's operations are already covered by the TSA SD. For example, this E.O. applies to all persons in or on a freight train, locomotive, high-rail vehicle, crew transportation vehicle, or in a railroad transportation facility, terminal, yard, storage facility, yard office, crew room, maintenance shop, and other areas regularly occupied by railroad personnel. While the CDC Order applies to all persons awaiting, boarding, or alighting a conveyance and while in a transportation hub, this E.O. does not apply to passengers or persons (including railroad carrier personnel) in or on a passenger train or in public areas of passenger railroad transportation hubs or facilities. The mask requirements in TSA SD 1582/84-21-01, Security Measures—Face Mask Requirements, apply to passengers and such persons.

There is currently a pandemic of respiratory disease, COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). As of February 16, 2021, there have been over 108,000,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, resulting in nearly 2,400,000 deaths. As of February 14, 2021, there have been over 27,000,000 cases identified in the United States, and over 482,000 deaths due to the disease.

According to the CDC, multiple new SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged in recent weeks, including at least one with evidence of increased transmissibility. These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. An increase in the number of cases will put more strain on health care resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially lead to more deaths. While the CDC is closely monitoring these new variants to learn more about them, rigorous and increased compliance with public health mitigation strategies, such as the use of masks, is essential to limit the spread of the virus including any new variants. Additionally, controlling the spread of the virus by implementing public health measures such as mask wearing will help prevent new mutations, as viruses will not mutate well if they do not have the opportunity to replicate freely. In short, given these developments, it is more critical than ever that persons wear masks whenever possible to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and the further emergence of new variants. The CDC has also recently published research documenting a decline in COVID-19 hospitalization growth rates associated with statewide mask mandates. For a detailed discussion on how appropriate mask wearing helps reduce COVID-19 transmission, FRA refers readers to the CDC Order.

Lack of Uniformity in Mask Wearing in Railroad Operations

As of February 1, 2021, field observations from FRA's railroad safety inspectors regarding mask use on railroad property indicate that the critical practice of wearing a face mask is not consistent or uniform among railroad personnel. While some railroad carriers require their personnel to wear masks when working in an occupied locomotive cab and in rail facilities and shops, FRA has found this is not a universal requirement. FRA has observed railroad personnel often not wearing a face mask on railroad property, both in situations where social distancing is possible, and situations involving close proximity to others. FRA inspectors have also observed railroad personnel who did not put on a face mask when approached by the inspectors to discuss matters of railroad safety.

Necessity of Issuing This E.O.

Taking into consideration the unique and exigent circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic (particularly the recent emergence of variants with increased transmissibility), as well as the inconsistent use of masks observed by FRA inspectors through FRA inspection and investigation during railroad operations, FRA has determined that the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unsafe condition or practice involving a hazard of death or personal injury—not only to railroad personnel, but also to FRA and participating State rail safety inspectors who interact with railroad personnel during the performance of their essential railroad safety duties. This E.O. is necessary to abate this emergency situation, by FRA requiring face mask use in accordance with the CDC Order, to ensure a minimum level of nationwide compliance, together with the TSA SD. Railroad carriers and their personnel must comply with the mask-wearing requirements set forth in the CDC Order while engaged in railroad operations, including whenever they are in a transportation hub/facility under the railroad carrier's control (regardless of duty status).

America's railroad transportation system is essential—not only for public health, but also for America's economy and other bedrocks of American life. Railroads carry life-saving medical supplies and medical providers into and across the nation to our hospitals, nursing homes, and physicians' offices. Trains bring food and other essentials to our communities and bring America's workforce to their jobs. Requiring mask use on our railroads will protect railroad employees and contractors, as well as FRA and participating State rail safety inspectors who enforce Federal railroad safety laws. Requiring mask use will also help control the spread of the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic, slow the rate of international spread from trains moving across U.S. borders, prevent the emergence of new variants, and more quickly re-open America's economy.

For reasons described in the CDC Order, this E.O. applies to railroad personnel who have received a COVID-19 vaccine and/or who have recovered from COVID-19.

Finding and Order

Based on the foregoing, FRA has determined that the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 creates an emergency situation involving a hazard of death or personal injury. Accordingly, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. 20104, delegated to the Administrator of FRA by the Secretary of Transportation, 49 CFR 1.89, it is hereby ordered that freight railroads, passenger railroads, and any other person whose actions are necessary to effectuate the directives in this E.O., take the following actions, as required:

I. Railroad carriers. (A) Railroad carriers must require their personnel to wear a mask in compliance with the CDC Order while engaged in railroad operations, including whenever in a transportation hub/facility under the railroad carrier's control (regardless of duty status), except as described in Section III (Exceptions and exemptions), below. For the purpose of this E.O., the term “personnel” includes employees, contractors, probationary employees, and volunteers. Railroad carriers must provide their personnel with prominent and adequate notice of the mask requirements to facilitate awareness and compliance. At a minimum, this notice must inform railroad carrier personnel of the following:

1. Federal law requires every individual to wear a mask while engaged in railroad operations unless otherwise exempted and failure to comply may result in removal from service.

2. Refusing to wear a mask is a violation of Federal law and railroad carrier personnel may be subject to FRA enforcement action against them individually.

(B) Railroad carriers must establish written procedures to manage situations with their personnel who refuse to comply with the requirement to wear a mask. At a minimum, for any person who is not exempted from the requirement to wear a mask and who refuses to comply with an instruction given by the railroad carrier with respect to wearing a mask, the railroad carrier must:

1. Remove the person from performing duties in support of railroad operations; and

2. Make best efforts to remove the person from the railroad transportation hub/facility as soon as practicable.

II. Railroad carrier personnel. Railroad carrier personnel must comply with the mask wearing requirements of the CDC Order while engaged in railroad operations, including whenever in a transportation hub/facility under the railroad carrier's control (regardless of duty status), except as described in Section III.D., below. For the purpose of this E.O., the term “personnel” includes employees, contractors, probationary employees, and volunteers.

III. Exceptions and exemptions. (A) While the CDC Order applies to all persons awaiting, boarding, or alighting a conveyance and while in a transportation hub, this E.O. does not apply to passengers or persons (including railroad carrier personnel) in or on a passenger train or in public areas of passenger railroad transportation hubs or facilities. Note: The mask requirements in TSA SD 1582/84-21-01, Security Measures—Face Mask Requirements, apply to passengers and such persons.

(B) The requirement to wear a mask does not apply under the following circumstances:

1. When necessary to temporarily remove the mask for identity verification purposes.

2. For brief periods, while eating, drinking, or taking oral medications. Note: Prolonged periods of mask removal are not permitted for eating or drinking; the mask must be worn between bites and sips.

3. While communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

4. If unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

5. When necessary to temporarily remove the mask to provide a breath or saliva specimen for required alcohol testing under U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations or an employer-mandated substance abuse testing program.

(C) The following persons are exempted from wearing masks:

1. Persons in private conveyances operated solely for personal, non-commercial use.

2. A driver, when operating a commercial motor vehicle, such as a crew transportation van, limo, or taxi, as this term is defined in 49 CFR 390.5, if the driver is the sole occupant of the vehicle.

3. A person who is the sole occupant of an enclosed cab of a locomotive, hi-rail vehicle, roadway maintenance machine, or any other on-track equipment that has an enclosed cab.

(D) This E.O. exempts the following categories of persons from wearing masks:

1. People with disabilities who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

2. People for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or Federal regulations.

Preemption

The requirements in this E.O. do not preempt any State, local, Tribal, or territorial rule, regulation, order, or standard necessary to eliminate or reduce a local safety hazard, which includes public health measures that are the same or more protective of public health than those required in this E.O., if that provision is not incompatible with this E.O.

Relief

Any railroad carrier affected by this E.O. may petition for special approval to take actions not in accordance with this E.O. Petitions must be submitted to the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, who is authorized to act on those requests without amending this E.O. In reviewing any petition for special approval, the Associate Administrator will grant petitions only if the petitioner has clearly articulated an alternative action that will provide, in the Associate Administrator's judgment, at least a level of safety equivalent to that provided by compliance with this E.O.

Civil Penalties

Any violation of this E.O. may subject the person (a railroad carrier) committing the violation to a civil penalty of up to $118,826 for each day the violation continues. 49 U.S.C. 21301 and 86 FR 1751 (Jan. 11, 2021). Any individual (railroad personnel) who willfully violates a provision stated in this order is subject to civil penalties under 49 U.S.C. 21301. In addition, any individual (railroad personnel) whose violation of this order demonstrates the individual's unfitness for safety-sensitive service may be removed from safety-sensitive service on the railroad under 49 U.S.C. 20111. FRA may, through the Attorney General, also seek injunctive relief to enforce this Order. 49 U.S.C. 20112.

Effective Date and Notice to Affected Persons

This E.O. is effective upon issuance and railroad carriers subject to this E.O. must immediately initiate steps to implement this E.O. This E.O. remains in effect until the CDC Order is modified or rescinded based on specific public health or other considerations, until the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services rescinds the determination under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) that a public health emergency exists, or until rescinded by FRA, unless FRA extends its terms by subsequent notice published in the Federal Register.

Review

Opportunity for formal review of this E.O. will be provided under 49 U.S.C. 20104(b) and 5 U.S.C. 554. Administrative procedures governing such review are at 49 CFR part 211.