Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Core Tasks

1. Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
2. Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
3. Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
4. Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
5. Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.
6. Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
7. Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
8. Operate locomotives in emergency situations.
9. Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
10. Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
11. Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
12. Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.
13. Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.
14. Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand.
15. Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.
16. Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
17. Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
18. Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.
19. Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
20. Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.

Technology & Tools

Related Occupations

Compare skills gap with any of these related roles.