Profession rail switchperson
Rail switchpersons assist in the tasks of the traffic controller. They operate switches signals according to rail traffic control instructions, according to regulations and compliant with safety rules.
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Personality Type
- Realistic / Conventional
- Enterprising / Realistic
Knowledge
- Signal box parts
Know and understand the structures located besides railway tracks known as signal boxes, interlocking towers, signal posts, and signal cabins, from which signals, points, and other equipment are controlled.
Skills
- Keep task records
Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.
- Cooperate with colleagues
Cooperate with colleagues in order to ensure that operations run effectively.
- Use handbrake
Use the handbrake as the most effective method to correct high-speed understeering. Use handbrake to diminish danger and increase confidence on uneven roads.
- Shunt outbound loads
Shunt outbound freight loads to and from inbound and outbound trains.
- Operate switching locomotives
Operate locomotives for switching, coupling and uncoupling rail cars for loading and unloading freight.
- Operate railway lever frames
Operate mechanical lever frames housed in signal boxes. Understand different applications of levers such as interlocking or signal receiving; read and comprehend the track diagram and signalling layout mounted above the lever frame. Operate hand-powered interlockings, power frames, mechanical, pneumatic or electric levers.
- Use waterway traffic control systems;
Operate various systems of waterway traffic control; cooperate with traffic control operators, lockkeepers and bridge, keepers.
- Follow given instructions
Follow instructions to achieve goals and meet deadlines.
- Manage rail yard resources
Manage rail yard resources in order to ensure maximum efficiency. Prepare resource usage in advance in order to limit the time trains spend in yards.
- Enforce railway safety regulations
Promote and enforce safety procedures and EU regulations to ensure that railway safety is generally maintained and continuously improved, taking into consideration the development of European legislation.
- Use rigging tools
Employ rigging tools such as cables, ropes, pulleys and winches to safely secure high structures.
- Operate railway switches
Operate railroad switches to control the direction of trains in order to route them to their destinations.
- Follow switching instructions in rail operations
Read and comprehend the instructions on switching rail cars and wagons, and perform switching operations accordingly.
- Shunt rolling stock in marshalling yards
Shunt rolling stock to form trains in marshalling yards.
- Shunt inbound loads
Shunt inbound freight loads to and from railcars for inbound and outbound trains.
- Apply signalling control procedures
Control train movements; operate railway signals and block systems to ensure that trains operate safely, on correct routes, and on time.
- Ensure compliance with railway regulation
Ensure compliance with all railway rules, procedures, and legal regulations relating to safety, operations, and EU frameworks.
- Handle stressful situations
Deal with and manage highly stressful situations in the workplace by following adequate procedures, communicating in a quiet and effective manner, and remaining level-headed when taking decisions.