49 CFR §271.103

1. (a)General.
   1. (1)An RRP shall include an integrated, system-wide, and ongoing risk-based HMP that proactively identifies hazards and mitigates the risks resulting from those hazards.
   2. (2)A risk-based HMP shall be fully implemented (i.e., activities initiated) within 36 months after FRA approves a railroad's RRP plan pursuant to § 271.301(d).
2. (b)Risk-based hazard analysis. As part of its risk-based HMP, a railroad shall conduct a risk-based hazard analysis that addresses, at a minimum, the following aspects of a railroad's system: Infrastructure; equipment; employee levels and work schedules; operating rules and practices; management structure; employee training; and other areas impacting railroad safety that are not covered by railroad safety laws or regulations or other Federal laws or regulations. A railroad shall make the results of its risk-based hazard analysis available to FRA upon request. At a minimum, a risk-based hazard analysis shall:
   1. (1)Identify hazards by analyzing:
      1. (i)Aspects of the railroad's system, including any operational changes, system extensions, or system modifications; and
      2. (ii)Accidents/incidents, injuries, fatalities, and other known indicators of hazards;
   2. (2)Calculate risk by determining and analyzing the likelihood and severity of potential events associated with identified risk-based hazards; and
   3. (3)Compare and prioritize the identified risks for mitigation purposes.
3. (c)Mitigation strategies.
   1. (1)As part of its risk-based HMP, a railroad shall design and implement mitigation strategies that improve safety by:
      1. (i)Mitigating or eliminating aspects of a railroad's system that increase risks identified in the risk-based hazard analysis; and
      2. (ii)Enhancing aspects of a railroad's system that decrease risks identified in the risk-based hazard analysis.
   2. (2)A railroad may use pilot projects, including pilot projects conducted by other railroads, to determine whether quantitative data suggests that a particular mitigation strategy has potential to succeed on a full-scale basis.