(a) The operating practices inspector is required, at a minimum, to be able to conduct independent inspections for the purpose of determining compliance with all sections of the Federal operating practice regulations (49 CFR parts 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 225 and 228) and the Hours of Service Act (45 U.S.C. 61-64b), to make reports of those inspections, and to recommend the institution of enforcement actions when appropriate to promote compliance.

(b) The operating practices inspector is required at a minimum to have at least four years of recent experience in developing or administering railroad operating rules. Successful completion of the apprentice training program may be substituted for this four year experience requirement.

(c) The operating practices inspector shall demonstrate the following specific qualifications:

(1) A comprehensive knowledge of railroad operating practices, railroad operating rules, duties of railroad employees, and general railroad nomenclature;

(2) The ability to understand and detect deviations from:

(i) Railroad operating rules accepted in the industry; and

(ii) Federal operating practice regulations;

(3) Knowledge of operating practices and rules sufficient to understand the safety significance of deviations; and

(4) Specialized knowledge of the requirements of the Federal operating practices regulations listed in paragraph (a) of this section, including the remedial action required to bring railroad operations into compliance with the regulations.