Which government agency is responsible for regulating the inspection and testing of brake equipment on railroad locomotives and cars?

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is the agency responsible for regulating the inspection and testing of brake equipment on railroad locomotives and cars. The FRA's mission includes ensuring the safety of railroads and the effectiveness of equipment, which encompasses the standards and protocols needed for the proper functioning of braking systems. The FRA sets regulations that outline the technical requirements for braking systems and oversees compliance through inspections and testing.

This focus on rail safety makes the FRA uniquely qualified to handle aspects related to brake inspection and testing, facilitating safe transportation practices across the rail industry. Other agencies mentioned, such as the FAA, OSHA, and NTSB, have different jurisdictions and responsibilities; for instance, the FAA is primarily concerned with aviation safety, OSHA addresses workplace safety across various industries, and the NTSB investigates accidents rather than regulating operational standards.