Every railroad company operating engines within any part of this state shall provide each engine cab with a substantial and safe handrail along the top on each side of the cab extending from the front to the rear of the cab. Every engine cab other than one having front windows of not less than 14 inches in width and 42 inches in height shall be provided and equipped with a substantial and safe footboard, of not less than one and one-half inches, projecting outward from each side of the cab level with the floor and extending from the front to the rear of the cab.
Any railroad company, or receiver thereof, which fails to comply with any provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each offense.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any railroad company which issued in writing before July 2, 1921, and maintains in force, an order forbidding the engine or train crew to go from the engine cab to that portion of the engine in front of the cab while the cab is in motion.