Federal regulation 49 CFR Part 227 governs occupational noise exposure for railroad operating employees, and sets forth many requirements for railroads to follow. Some of these requirements state that railroads must conduct noise monitoring, implement a hearing protection program for employees and monitor and evaluate employee audiograms.

Short line and regional railroads are not exempted from this regulation, as it applies to all railroads except scenic/historic, mass transit railroads, foreign railroads and railroads not connected to the general railroad system (such as in plant lines.)

As part 227 covers many subjects and requires many elements, it may be very difficult for some railroads to comply on their own, whether due to time, size or cost constraints. TOMC was created to act as a consortium service for short line railroads so that we can provide them with regulatory support services that will assis them with compliance much more easily and at a lower cost.

Listed below is a table with more in-depth information on what part 227 requires and how TOMC's services can help your company. Listed are some sections of the regulation, an overview of what that section requires, and how TOMC can help. This page does not list all of the requirements of the regulation, but it does list the main requirements and should give you an idea of what is required and what services we will provide. Please not that TOMC will not be performing or providing the actual hearing tests (audiograms) although we can assist you in finding a clinic or provider who will.