Understanding Railroad Operations and Safety Regulations

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations

• Comprehensive knowledge of 49 CFR Parts 200-299, specifically focusing on regulations pertaining to railroad operating practices, safety appliances, and accident reporting. This includes detailed interpretations of these regulations and their application in various operational scenarios.
• Understanding the role and authority of the FRA in enforcing safety standards and procedures.
• Understanding specific regulations concerning train handling, switching procedures, and movement of equipment.

Railroad Operating Rules

• Thorough knowledge of the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) or equivalent railroad-specific operating rules. This encompasses understanding the intent and application of each rule in diverse operating conditions.
• Application of rules relating to train movements, including authority, protection, and restrictions.
• Specific rules regarding signals, including interpretation of aspects, indications, and proper response.
• Detailed procedures for handling emergencies, such as derailments, equipment failures, and track obstructions.

Railroad Safety Practices

• Implementation of safety briefings and job safety analysis (JSA) to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and their appropriate use.
• Proper procedures for reporting safety hazards and incidents, and participating in safety investigations.

Train Handling and Air Brake Systems

Air Brake Systems

• In-depth knowledge of air brake systems, including components, operation, and maintenance. This includes understanding the functions of reservoirs, valves, and brake cylinders.
• Detailed understanding of air brake tests, including pre-departure inspections, en-route tests, and terminal air brake tests.
• Troubleshooting common air brake malfunctions, such as leaks, stuck brakes, and emergency brake applications.
• Knowledge of the effects of train length, grade, and speed on air brake performance.

Train Handling Techniques

• Mastery of train handling techniques to ensure smooth and safe train operation. This encompasses understanding the effects of throttle position, braking, and train dynamics on train performance.
• Techniques for starting, stopping, and controlling trains on different grades and track conditions.
• Proper use of dynamic brakes (if equipped) to control train speed and reduce wear on air brakes.
• Strategies for managing slack action to prevent derailments and equipment damage.

Emergency Procedures

• Proper procedures for handling emergency situations, such as undesired emergency brake applications, broken knuckles, and train separation.
• Knowledge of emergency braking techniques to stop trains quickly and safely.
• Procedures for inspecting equipment after an emergency stop and making necessary repairs or adjustments.

Communication and Documentation

Radio Communication

• Effective communication using railroad radio systems, adhering to proper protocols and terminology.
• Procedures for transmitting and receiving train orders, track warrants, and other essential information.
• Understanding the importance of clear, concise, and accurate communication to prevent misunderstandings and errors.

Documentation

• Accurate and complete record-keeping of train movements, inspections, and other relevant activities.
• Proper completion of required forms and reports, such as train sheets, inspection reports, and accident reports.
• Understanding the legal and regulatory requirements for documentation.

Interpersonal Communication

• Effective communication with crew members, dispatchers, and other personnel to ensure safe and efficient train operations.
• Conflict resolution techniques to address disagreements and maintain a positive working environment.
• Professional conduct and etiquette in all interactions with colleagues and the public.

Train Operations and Movement Authority

Train Orders and Track Warrants

• Detailed understanding of train orders and track warrants, including their purpose, content, and execution.
• Procedures for receiving, repeating, and verifying train orders and track warrants.
• Understanding the different types of train orders and track warrants, such as Form A, Form B, and track and time.

Signaling Systems

• In-depth knowledge of railroad signaling systems, including Automatic Block Signal System (ABS), Traffic Control System (TCS), and Centralized Traffic Control (CTC).
• Interpretation of signal aspects and indications, and their corresponding operating requirements.
• Understanding the principles of signal spacing, train protection, and interlocking.

Movement Authority

• Procedures for obtaining and complying with movement authority, whether through train orders, track warrants, or signal indications.
• Understanding the limits of movement authority and the consequences of exceeding those limits.
• Coordination with dispatchers and other personnel to ensure safe and efficient train movements.

Equipment Inspection and Handling

Freight Car Inspection

• Detailed knowledge of freight car components and their functions.
• Proper procedures for inspecting freight cars for defects, such as broken wheels, cracked side frames, and leaking tank cars.
• Understanding of AAR (Association of American Railroads) rules and regulations regarding freight car inspection and repair.

Locomotive Inspection

• Detailed knowledge of locomotive components and their functions.
• Proper procedures for inspecting locomotives for defects, such as air leaks, oil leaks, and worn brake shoes.
• Understanding of FRA regulations regarding locomotive inspection and maintenance.

Handling Defective Equipment

• Procedures for identifying and tagging defective equipment.
• Proper methods for setting out defective equipment at designated locations.
• Coordination with mechanical personnel to arrange for repairs or replacements.