O*NET Career Intelligence
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
SOC 53-4021.00
Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.
8
Skills
8
Knowledge
2
Job Zone
No
Green
Top Skills 8
Active Listening
3.4
Reading Comprehension
3.2
Monitoring
3.2
Operation Monitoring
3.2
Critical Thinking
3.1
Operation and Control
3.1
Speaking
3.0
Judgment and Decision Making
3.0
Knowledge Areas 8
Transportation
4.0
Customer and Personal Service
3.3
Public Safety and Security
3.3
Mechanical
3.1
English Language
2.9
Education and Training
2.8
Administration and Management
2.8
Law and Government
2.6
Key Tasks
1Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars,
using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
2Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
3Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be
coordinated.
4Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are
securely fastened and functioning properly.
5Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Also Known As
Air Brake Operator
Air Hose Coupler
Brake Holder
Brake Rider
Brakeman
Car Coupler
Car Hopper
Car Rider
Car Runner
Car Shifter
Tools & Equipment
Air pressure gauges
Automatic track switching systems
Buffer stops
Car pullers
Derailers
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