Rail switchperson

A rail switchperson

Description

Rail switchpersons assist in the tasks of the traffic controller. They operate switches and signals according to rail traffic control instructions, according to regulations and compliant with safety rules.

The duties of a rail switchperson include, but are not limited to:

  • Operating hand signals to direct train operators, including “flaggers” who work at grade crossings to direct traffic and pedestrians during light rail operations
  • Inspecting tracks and other railroad equipment for defects or damage that could lead to accidents
  • Maintaining records of freight shipments, such as their origin and destination points, time of departure and arrival, weight, contents, and other pertinent information
  • Monitoring radio communications between dispatch centers and trains to ensure that all instructions are followed correctly
  • Assisting with the planning of new routes or schedules to accommodate changes in demand for certain products or services
  • Reporting any safety issues or hazards to railroad officials for further investigation
  • Monitoring freight traffic to ensure that it is being carried out safely and efficiently
  • Reporting problems such as equipment malfunctions, accidents, and other incidents to supervisors
  • Making sure that trains have enough space to maneuver around each other in areas where multiple tracks are present.

Working conditions

Rail switchpersons work outdoors in all kinds of weather, often in remote areas. They are exposed to noise from the locomotives and other equipment, and they may be exposed to hazardous materials. They work on their feet for long periods of time and often have to climb on and off of locomotives and cars.

Rail switchpersons typically work a 40-hour week, but they may be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays. They are on call 24 hours a day and may be called to work at any time.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to rail switchperson:

rail switchman
rail switchwomen
rail pointswoman
railway pointsman
rail switchwoman
railway switchwoman
railway switchman
rail switchmen
rail pointsman
railway pointswoman

Minimum qualifications

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as a rail switchperson.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Rail switchperson is a Skill level 2 occupation.

Rail switchperson career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to rail switchperson.

level crossing signalperson
train dispatcher
shunter
train driver
container crane operator

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of rail switchperson. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of rail switchperson with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

freight inspector
maritime pilot
passport officer
air traffic controller
petroleum pump system operator

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of rail switchperson.

  • 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.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of rail switchperson.

  • Cooperate with colleagues: Cooperate with colleagues in order to ensure that operations run effectively.
  • Follow switching instructions in rail operations: Read and comprehend the instructions on switching rail cars and wagons, and perform switching operations accordingly.
  • Shunt inbound loads: Shunt inbound freight loads to and from railcars for inbound and outbound trains.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • Keep task records: Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.
  • Shunt rolling stock in marshalling yards: Shunt rolling stock to form trains in marshalling yards.
  • Use rigging tools: Employ rigging tools such as cables, ropes, pulleys and winches to safely secure high structures.
  • Use waterway traffic control systems: Operate various systems of waterway traffic control; cooperate with traffic control operators, lockkeepers and bridge keepers.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Operate railway switches: Operate railroad switches to control the direction of trains in order to route them to their destinations.
  • 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.
  • Follow given instructions: Follow instructions to achieve goals and meet deadlines.
  • Operate switching locomotives: Operate locomotives for switching, coupling and uncoupling rail cars for loading and unloading freight.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of rail switchperson. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Level crossing regulations: Know and understand regulations and legal procedures applicable to level crossings. Ensure regulations relating to safety are complied with at all times.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of rail switchperson. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Follow strict level crossing operating procedures: Follow strict procedures for the operation of level crossings such as operating the lights, alarms, and signal devices to prevent accidents. Operate equipment that lift and descend barriers. Stay vigilant during headways.

ISCO group and title

8312 – Railway brake, signal and switch operators


References
  1. Rail switchperson – ESCO
  2. Railroad Switchman Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – ClimbtheLadder
  3. Featured image: By Jack Delano – Public Domain
Last updated on August 20, 2022

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