This appendix summarizes procedures for the submission of an RRP plan, an amendment to an already-approved RRP plan, or a statement by directly affected employees consistent with the requirements of this part.

(a) As provided for in § 271.101(a), each railroad must establish and fully implement an RRP that continually and systematically evaluates railroad safety hazards on its system and manages the resulting risks to reduce the number and rates of railroad accidents, incidents, injuries, and fatalities. The RRP shall be fully implemented and supported by a written RRP plan. Each railroad must submit its RRP plan to FRA for approval as provided for in § 271.301 and RRP plan amendments as provided for in § 271.303.

(b) As provided for in § 271.207(e), if a railroad and its directly affected employees cannot come to agreement on the proposed contents of the railroad's RRP plan, the directly affected employees have 30 days following the railroad's submission of its proposed RRP plan to submit a statement to the FRA Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety and Chief Safety Officer explaining the directly affected employees' views on the plan on which agreement was not reached.

(c) The railroad's and directly affected employees' submissions shall be sent to the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety and Chief Safety Officer, FRA, at [email protected]. When a railroad submits to FRA its RRP plan and consultation statement pursuant to § 271.301 or RRP plan amendment and consultation statement pursuant to § 271.303, it must also simultaneously send a copy of these documents to all individuals identified in the service list pursuant to § 271.207(d)(3) or § 271.303.

(d) Each railroad and directly affected employee is authorized to file by electronic means any submissions required under this part. A railroad that electronically submits an initial RRP plan or an RRP plan amendment pursuant to this part shall be considered to have provided its consent to receive approval or disapproval notices from FRA by email. FRA may electronically store any materials required by this part.