49 CFR § 230.70 - Safe condition.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s230.70"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 230.70 - Safe condition."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "230.70"
section_name: "Safe condition."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
part_number: "230"
part_name: "STEAM LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20702; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89."
regulatory_source: "64 FR 62865, Nov. 17, 1999, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "230"
---


# 230.70 Safe condition.

(a) *Pre-departure inspection.* At the beginning of each day the locomotive is used, the steam locomotive operator shall ensure that:

(1) The brakes on the steam locomotive and tender are in safe and suitable condition for service;

(2) The air compressor or compressors are in condition to provide an ample supply of air for the locomotive service intended;

(3) The devices for regulating all pressures are properly performing their functions;

(4) The brake valves work properly in all positions; and

(5) The water has been drained from the air-brake system.

(b) *Brake pipe valve required.* Each steam locomotive shall have a brake pipe valve attached to the front of the tender, the rear of the back cab wall, or adjacent to the exit of a vestibuled cab. The words “Emergency Brake Valve” shall be clearly displayed near the valve.