Subpart F

F. Inspection

1. Scope

This subpart prescribes minimum requirements for the frequency and manner of inspecting track to detect deviations from the TSR.

• 1.1 All tracks Classes 1 through 5 must be inspected in accordance with the requirements as prescribed herein.
• 1.2 The minimum requirements for the frequency and manner of inspecting track over which movements are operated at speeds in excess of those permitted over Class 5 track must be filed with and approved by the Minister.
• 1.3 If the person making the inspection finds a deviation from the requirements of the TSR, that individual must immediately initiate remedial action.
• 1.4 Unless otherwise specified, the interpretation of designated minimum inspection frequency intervals are as follows:

Designated Inspection Frequency	Designated Inspection Frequency means
Twice weekly	A minimum of two inspections each week (Sunday to Saturday) and: with no more than 3 days between days of inspection in a week, and with no more than 3 days between the day of inspection in one week and the next day of inspection in the following week.
Weekly	A minimum of one inspection each week (Sunday to Saturday) and: with no more than 10 days between days of inspection.
Twice monthly	A minimum of two inspections each month (between the 1st and last day of each month) and: with no more than 20 days between days of inspection in a month, and with no more than 20 days between the day of inspection in one month and the next day of inspection in the following month.
Monthly	A minimum of one inspection each month (between the 1st and the last day of each month) and: with no more than 40 days between days of inspection.
Quarterly	A minimum of one inspection each quarter (January 1st to March 31st , April 1st to June 30th, July 1st to September 30th, October 1st to December 31st) and: with no more than 100 days between days of inspection.
Three times annually	A minimum of one inspection each 4 months (January 1st to April 30th, May 1st to August 31st September 1st to December 31st) and: with no more than 180 days between days of inspection .
Twice annually	A minimum of one inspection each 6 months (January 1st to June 30th, July 1st to December 31st) and: with no more than 225 days between days of inspection.
Annually	One inspection each year (January 1st to December 31st) and: with no more than 400 days between days of inspections.

2. Track – Inspections

• 2.1 General
  A track inspector or track supervisor must undertake track inspections at such frequency and by such a method as to ensure the track is compliant with the TSR and is safe for all movements at the authorized speed.
• 2.2 Special Track Inspections
  In the event of a fire, flood, severe storm or any other occurrence that may have damaged the track structure, a Special Track Inspection must be made of the track involved as soon as possible after the occurrence and, if possible, before the operation of any train and equipment movements.
• 2.3 Inactive Track Inspections
  Inactive tracks must be secured in a manner that must prevent use by movements and must be inspected before being used to ensure the track is compliant and safe for all movements at the authorized speed.
• 2.4 Visual Track Inspections
  1. Unless otherwise specified, each Visual Track Inspection must be made on foot or by riding over the track in a vehicle at a speed that allows the person making the inspection to visually inspect and evaluate the track for compliance to the TSR.
  2. The speed of the vehicle must not be more than 5 mph when traversing railway crossings, turnouts or special trackwork.
  3. Mechanical, electrical and other track inspection devices may be used to supplement Visual Track Inspections.
  4. When inspecting track, an inspector may inspect up to two tracks at one time provided that:
     1. The inspector's visibility remains unobstructed by any cause and that the second track is not centered more than 30 ft (9.144m) from the track upon which the inspector is traversing.
     2. Each track that requires weekly or more frequent inspection must be traversed by the vehicle or inspected on foot at least once every two weeks, and each siding and crossover must be traversed by the vehicle or inspected on foot at least once every month.
  5. (e) All track except yard track and inactive track must be visually inspected at the minimum frequency specified in the following table:

Track

Designated Minimum Visual Track Inspection Frequency Table

Class of Track	Annual Tonnage (MGT)
	< 5	5 – 15	> 15
Class 1	Monthly	Twice Monthly	Weekly
Class 2	Weekly	Twice Weekly	Twice Weekly
Class 3	Weekly	Twice Weekly	Twice Weekly
Class 4 & 5	Twice Weekly	Twice Weekly	Twice Weekly

• And,
  1. In the case of Class 1 track where occupied passenger trains are operated, track must be inspected weekly or before use of an occupied passenger train if the track is used less than once per week.
  2. In the case of Class 2 and 3 track, where occupied passenger trains are operated, track must be inspected at least twice weekly or before the operation of an occupied passenger train.

• 2.5 Walking Track Inspection
  1. A Walking Track Inspection must allow the inspector a clear view of all track components including rail, ties, fasteners and ballast.
  2. Each railway company must develop and adhere to a process to:
     1. Assess and identify lines of track that require walking track inspection, and
     2. Establish and adhere to the walking track inspection requirement for the identified lines of track.
  3. The railway company must provide the process referenced in paragraph (b) to Transport Canada upon request.

• 2.6 Walking Track Inspection – Jointed Tracks
  1. A Walking Track Inspection must be completed on all jointed tracks and must be capable of identifying the following defects:
     1. Cracked or broken joint bars; and
     2. Loose, broken and missing bolts.
  2. If joint bars are inspected electronically, a Walking Track Inspection in jointed track territory is not required. The technology must be capable of identifying the defects listed in (a) above.
  3. A Walking Track Inspection for jointed track must be completed at the minimum frequency specified in the following table:

Track

Designated Minimum Walking Track Inspection Frequency for Jointed Tracks Table

Class of Track	Annual Tonnage (MGT)
	< 5	5 – 15	> 15 – 35	>35	>35 – 80	> 80
Class 1	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Class 2	Every 2nd year	Every 2nd year	Annually	Annually	Annually	Twice Annually
Class 3	Annually	Annually	Annually	Annually	Twice Annually	Three times annually
Class 4 & 5	Annually	Annually	Twice Annually	Twice Annually	Twice Annually	Three times annually

3. Track - Turnouts and Special Trackwork Inspections

• 3.1 General
  A Special Trackwork includes railway crossings at grade, sliding joints, moveable point frogs, lift rail assemblies and other transition devices on moveable span bridges. Types of Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspections are as described below:
• 3.2 Routine Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection
  A Routine Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection is an inspection to assess general condition and identify defects on a Turnout or Special Trackwork each time they are traversed during a Visual Track Inspection.
• 3.3 Walking Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection
  A Walking Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection is an inspection performed on foot to assess the general condition of a Turnout or Special Trackwork and must meet the minimum frequency shown in the following table except that a monthly Walking Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection is not required in any month that a Detailed Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection is completed.

Track

Designated Minimum Walking Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection Frequency Table

Class of Track	Annual Tonnage (MGT)
	< 5	5 – 15	15 – 35	> 35
Class 1	Quarterly	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly
Class 2	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly
Class 3	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly
Class 4 & 5	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly	Twice Monthly

• 3.4 Detailed Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspections
  1. A Detailed Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection is an inspection performed on foot to assess the condition of turnout or special trackwork. Hand operated turnouts must be operated to all positions during this inspection. A Detailed Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection must include the measuring and recording of the following specified items:
     1. Track gauge measurements 5 to 10 feet ahead of switch points, at the heel block, at the mid point of curved closure rail and at intervals throughout the diverging route behind the frog. *
     2. Guard check gauge measurement.
     3. Guard face gauge measurement.
     4. Switch Point Rise where contact is evident (Vertical clearance between the Switch Point and Stock Rail).
     5. Heel Block assembly for surface and check bolts to confirm they are tight.
     6. Cross level measurements at locations 15.5 feet apart on both routes throughout the turnout. *
        * Measurements obtained at required locations with Track Geometry vehicles meet the requirement i.) and vi.).
  2. Each Turnout and Special Trackwork must receive a Detailed Turnout and Special Trackwork Inspection annually.

4. Track - Electronic Geometry Inspections

• 4.1 General
  An Electronic Geometry Inspection Vehicle is an automated track inspection vehicle used to measure, calculate and record geometric parameters of the track. Two types of track geometry inspection vehicles defined below can be used to measure and evaluate track geometry.
  1. Light Geometry Inspection Vehicle (LGIV)
     1. A Light Geometry Inspection Vehicle (LGIV) must be capable of measuring:
        1. Alignment / Curvature
        2. Super elevation / Cross level
        3. Gauge
        4. Railway Track Safety Rule parameters calculated from these measurements
     2. Track measurements obtained with these vehicles are considered static geometry measurements, as the vertical load applied to the track is limited to the weight of the vehicle. Allowances must be made for any condition that could result in a greater measurement when the track is under load.
  2. Heavy Geometry Inspection Vehicle (HGIV)
     1. A Heavy Geometry Inspection Vehicle (HGIV) must have a vertical wheel load of 10,000 pounds and be capable of measuring:
        1. Surface / Longitudinal Profile
        2. Alignment / Curvature
        3. Super elevation / Cross level
        4. Gauge
        5. Railway Track Safety Rule parameters calculated from these measurements
     2. Track measurements obtained with these vehicles are considered dynamic geometry measurements representative of the track in a loaded condition.
• 4.2 An Electronic Geometry Inspection of all track, except yard track and inactive track, must meet the minimum frequency shown in the following table:

Track

Designated Minimum Electronic Geometry Inspection Frequency Table

Class of Track	Annual Tonnage (MGT)
	< 5	5 – 15	> 15 – 35	> 35 – 80	> 80
Class 1	N/A	LGIV – Twice Annually or HGIV –Annually	LGIV – Three times Annually or HGIV –Annually	LGIV – Three times Annually or HGIV – Annually	LGIV – Quarterly or HGIV Twice Annually
Class 2	Twice Annually or HGIV – Annually	LGIV – Three times Annually or HGIV – Annually	LGIV – Three times Annually or HGIV Twice Annually	LGIV – Quarterly or HGIV Twice Annually	LGIV – Quarterly or HGIV Twice Annually
Class 3	HGIV – Annually	HGIV – Annually	HGIV – Twice Annually	HGIV – Three Times Annually	HGIV – Three Times Annually
Class 4	HGIV – Twice Annually	HGIV – Twice Annually	HGIV – Twice Annually	HGIV – Three Times  Annually	HGIV – Three Times Annually
Class 5	HGIV – Twice Annually	HGIV – Twice Annually	HGIV – Twice Annually	HGIV – Three Times Annually	HGIV – Quarterly
Crossovers*	LGIV – Twice Annually or HGIV – Annually	LGIV – Twice Annually or HGIV – Annually	LGIV – Twice Annually or HGIV – Annually	LGIV – Twice Annually or HGIV – Annually	LGIV – Twice Annually or HGIV – Annually

* Track geometry inspection is not required on crossovers where track speed is 30 mph or less.

• 4.3 Missed Segment of Electronic Geometry Inspection
  1. If a portion of track cannot be inspected at the required interval, the railway must, before the expiration of time or tonnage limits:
     1. Inspect that segment of track with a light geometry inspection vehicle and be governed by the results of that inspection or perform an additional visual inspection per week until the required track geometry inspection frequency can be met and, in the case of Class 3 to Class 5 track the next required track geometry inspection must be completed with a heavy geometry inspection vehicle, or
     2. Reduce class of track to bring the track into compliance until such time as a valid track geometry inspection can be made.
  2. If a portion of a crossover cannot be inspected at the required interval, the railway company must, before the expiration of time or tonnage limits perform a detailed inspection of both turnouts and the track between.

• 4.4 Upon request by a Railway Safety Inspector, for the lines of track specified in the request, a railway company must provide, within 14 days, a report that summarizes and highlights the following information:
  1. the number of times the electronic geometry inspection vehicles have inspected the lines of track in the last 365 days or a lesser period of time specified in the request;
  2. the dates and corresponding electronic geometry inspection vehicle identifications for the inspections in the last 365 days or a lesser period of time specified in the request; and
  3. for each specific inspection date, the beginning and end mileages for any segments tested within the specified line of track.

5. Track - Rail Flaw Inspections

• 5.1 General
  A Rail Flaw Inspection is a continuous search for internal rail defects.
• 5.2
  1. A Rail Flaw Inspection must be made of all rails at the minimum frequency shown in the following table except for yard track, inactive track or, in the case of new rail, if within 6 months of installation, it is ultrasonically inspected over its entire length and all defects are removed, the next continuous search for internal defects need not be made until the passage of 100 mgt or three years after the inspection, whichever occurs first.

Track

Designated Minimum Electronic Geometry Inspection Frequency Table

Class of Track	Designated Minimum Rail Flaw Inspection (RFI) Frequency Table
	< 5	5 – 15	> 15 – 35	> 35 – 80	> 80
Class 1	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Class 2	Once every 2 years	Annually	Annually	Twice Annually	Three Times Annually
Class 3	Annually	Annually	Annually	Three Times Annually	Four Times Annually
Class 4	Annually	Twice Annually	Three Times Annually	Four times Annually	Five Times Annually
Class 5	Annually	Twice Annually	Three Times Annually	Four times Annually	Five Times Annually

2. In the case of Class 2 track where Passenger trains are operated, track must be inspected at least annually with a Rail Flaw detector.

3. The maximum interval of days following the previous Rail Flaw Inspections is as follows:

   Frequency	Maximum number of days between inspections	Minimum number of rail flaw inspections in a calendar year	Minimum number of rail flaw inspections in winter periodFootnote 1
   Annually	500	1	N/A
   Twice Annually	300	2	N/A
   Three times Annually	250	3	1
   Four times Annually	200	4	1
   Five times Annually	175	5	2

• 5.3 For Class 2 track carrying 3 to 5 MGT annually, with less than 100 lbs rail weight and authorized car loading 263,000 lbs or greater, the rail must be tested at least annually with a rail flaw detector.
• 5.4 For Class 4 or 5 track, with 100 lbs rail weight and authorized car loading 286,000 lbs or greater, the rail must be tested twice annually with a rail flaw detector.
• 5.5 Rail in sidings and crossovers, where track speed is 25 mph or greater, the rail must be inspected annually.
• 5.6 Inspection equipment must be capable of detecting defects between joint bars in the area enclosed by joint bars.
• 5.7 Each defective rail must be marked and highly visible.
• 5.8 Missed Segment of Rail Flaw Inspection
  1. If the operator assigned to operate the rail defect detection equipment determines that, due to rail surface condition and or other reasons, a valid search for internal defects could not be made over a particular length of track, the test on that particular length of track cannot be considered as a search for internal defects under this section.
  2. If a valid search for internal defects cannot be conducted for reasons described in a), the railway company must, before the expiration of time or tonnage limits
     1. Conduct a valid search for internal defects, or
     2. Reduce class of track to bring the track into compliance until such time as a valid search for internal defects can be made, or
     3. Remove the rail from service.

6. Yard Track - Inspections

• 6.1 General
  1. Maximum track speed on a yard track is 15 mph.
  2. A yard must be designated as classified or unclassified.
  3. Classified yard must be classified into one of the four categories. These categories must be based on frequency of track use, volume of traffic and risk associated with the movement of trains and equipment. Railway companies must classify the category for each track and when requested, must provide a copy to a Railway Safety Inspector. Categories for yard track must be based on the following criteria:
     1. Category 1
        Heavily used tracks including:
        • Through, bypass tracks and core routes.
        • Lead tracks where movements are entering, leaving or travelling through a yard carrying more than 500 cars daily.
     2. Category 2
        • Locomotive main shop lead tracks
        • Main hump lead tracks
        • Switching yard leads
     3. Category 3
        Moderately used tracks including:
        • Industrial leads
        • Switching yard tracks and receiving and departure tracks which are used to yard or depart trains.
        • Tracks carrying more than 100 cars daily.
     4. Category 4
        Lightly used tracks including:
        • Storage Tracks
        • Shop Tracks
        • Service Tracks
        • Industrial Tracks.
• 6.2 Visual Inspections
  1. Unclassified yard track must be inspected monthly
  2. All classified yard track must be visually inspected at the minimum frequency specified in the following table:

Yard Track

Designated Minimum Visual Inspection Frequency Table

Category	Type	Frequency
Category 1	Track	Twice monthly
Category 2	Track	Monthly
Category 3	Track	Quarterly
Category 4	Track	Twice annually

3. Unclassified or classified yard track where occupied passenger trains are operated must be inspected weekly or before the operation of an occupied passenger train.
4. In instances where a yard track cannot be physically traversed, a single track in Category 2, Category 3 or Category 4 may be inspected from a vehicle operated on an adjacent roadway provided the following conditions are met:
   1. The vehicle is operated by a person other than the inspector.
   2. The operating speed must allow the inspector to identify defects.
   3. The inspector's visibility remains unobstructed.
   4. Any portion of track obstructed by equipment must be inspected on foot.
   5. The track being inspected is located within 30 feet (9.144m) from the roadway.
   6. If a track is inspected from an adjacent roadway, next required track inspection must be completed by operating the vehicle on track or by walking.
5. A vehicle, such as an All Terrain Vehicle, straddling the track may be used to inspect yard tracks. This vehicle must be operated on the track being inspected at a speed that allows the inspector to identify defects.

7. Yard Track - Turnout Inspections

Walking Inspections

• 7.1 Walking yard turnouts inspection must meet the minimum frequency shown in the following table:

Yard Track

Designated Minimum Turnout Inspection Frequency Table

Category	Type	Frequency
Category 1	Turnouts	Twice Monthly
Category 2	Turnouts	Monthly
Category 3	Turnouts	Monthly
Category 4	Turnouts	Quarterly

And,

• 7.2 Detailed inspection of all yard track turnouts in yard track of Category 1 must be completed annually.

8. Yard Track - Electronic Geometry Inspections

• 8.1 All tracks in Category 1 must be inspected annually for deviation in gauge and crosslevel using a Light Track Geometry Inspection Vehicle or other such device capable of measuring recording and evaluating these geometry parameters. Track measurements obtained with these vehicles are considered static geometry measurements. Allowances must be made for any condition that could result in a greater measurement when the track is under load.

9. Yard Track - Rail Flaw Inspections

• 9.1 A continuous search for internal rail defects must be completed annually in all rails of Category 1 yard track.
• 9.2 A continuous search for internal rail defects must be completed annually in rail lighter than 100 lbs in leads of Category 2 yard track.
• 9.3 9.3 If an inspection cannot be performed, the maximum speed must be limited to 10 mph.

10. Inspection Records

• 10.1 Each railway company to which these rules apply must keep a record of each inspection required to be performed under this subpart for one year after the inspection. Each railway must keep record of annual tonnage for each subdivision and when requested, provide the previous year's annual tonnage to a Railway Safety Inspector. These records must also be available at the local geographic engineering office in Canada.
• 10.2 Each record of an inspection under Part II, Subpart F sections 2, 3, 6 and 7 must be prepared on the day the inspection is made and signed by the person making the inspection. Records must specify the track or tracks inspected, the date of inspection, location and nature of any deviation from the requirements of TSR, and the remedial action taken by the person making the inspection. In the case of more than one track, track inspection records must indicate all track(s) included in the inspection and indicate which track(s) were traversed by the vehicle or inspected on foot.
• 10.3 Each record of an Inspection under Part II, Subpart F sections 4, 5, 8 and 9 must specify the date of inspection, the location and nature of any defects found, the remedial action taken and the date thereof, and the location of any segments of track not tested per Part II, Subpart F sections 4 and 5. The railway company must retain a rail inspection record for at least two years after the inspection and for one year after the defect is removed.
• 10.4 Notwithstanding TSR Part II Subpart F Subsection 10.2, where a railway company chooses to use electronic joint bar inspection to fulfill the requirements under TSR Part II Subpart F Subsection 2.6, each record of an Inspection must specify the date of inspection, the location and nature of any defects found, the remedial action taken and the date thereof.
• 10.5 For purposes of compliance with the requirements set out in subsections 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4 above, the railway company may retain records in an electronic system provided that:
  1. The electronic system is designed so that the integrity of each electronic record is maintained through the application of security measures, including means, to uniquely identify the person who made the inspection as the author of that record. No two persons must have the same electronic identity;
  2. The electronic storage of each record must be initiated by the person making the inspection by the end of the next day following the completion of that inspection;
  3. The electronic system must ensure that no electronic record can be modified in any way, or replaced, after the record has been transmitted and stored in the electronic system;
  4. Any correction or amendment to an electronic record must be electronically stored and retained apart from the electronic record it corrects or amends. Such correction must only be used to correct a data entry error in the original electronic record. The electronic system must uniquely identify the person who made the correction;
  5. The electronic system must provide for the maintenance of inspection records as originally submitted without corruption or loss of data;
  6. All electronic records must be kept available to the persons who performed the inspections and to persons performing subsequent inspections.

• 10.6 Each railway company required to retain inspection records under this section, when requested by a Railway Safety Inspector, must produce and provide copies of requested inspection records in the format specified, including corrections or amendments to those records as deemed necessary to monitor compliance. Where a railway company receiving such request is unable to provide the records immediately, the railway company must, without delay, take all reasonable measures to provide the records.

11. Inspection Equipment

• 11.1 Each railway company must develop and adhere to procedures ensuring the quality of the measurements collected electronically by inspection systems used to meet the requirements of TSR Part II Subpart F. For each applicable inspection system, the railway company shall at a minimum:
  1. Adhere to documented calibration procedures which specify instrument verification procedures and the required frequency at which they must be performed; and
  2. Maintain the inspection system such that measurements accurately represent field conditions.
• 11.2 The railway company must provide the procedures referenced in Part II subpart F Subsection 11.1 above to Transport Canada upon request.