Railroad Workers

Railroad Workers typically perform the following tasks: • Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives. • Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains. • Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives. • Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs. • Observe tracks to detect obstructions. • Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings. • Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards. • Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations. • Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules. • Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems. • Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment. • Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays. • Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use. • Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.